Twilight Cloud was woken abruptly, as the rays of sun slammed into her face. She groaned, rolled over, and buried herself beneath her pillow. To say that she was not a morning pony would be the understatement of the decade. On the brink of sleep once again, she was disturbed by a light blue devil in disguise.
“TWI!, It's time to get up dearest sister. It’s a bright new day.”
Receiving naught but a muffled groan in reply, Moonbeam Sparkle tried a new strategy. Grabbing both the pillow on Twi’s face, and the one beneath her head, in her magic, she yanked them free. Twilight’s head fell back against the mattress with a dull thump.
“Ouch.”
“Wakey wakey sister, breakfast awaits”, Moonbeam sing songed.
“Please let me sleep in, Moonie.” Twilight pleaded. Moonbeam let out a gasp of shock.
“And deny myself time with my favorite sister?”
Twilight gave her sister a deadpan expression; “Last I checked, I'm your only sister.”
Unphased by the sudden use of logic, Moonbeam continued the morning ritual; “Thus, my favorite, now come on. I even cooked you breakfast.”
Twilight rolled her eyes, and grunted one more time, before extricating herself from the covers. Smiling in victory, Moonbeam bounced out of the room, while Twilight limped to the bathroom. Splashing water on herself, she immediately felt more awake, and consulted the mirror on her appearance. Her pink mane was a mess, and her white coat was clearly in need of a good brushing.
She looked at her wings. The chaos she saw left her daunted by the prospect of preening them. While not much to look at in the current state, she would admit to being attractive, not at all bad looking for a pegasus in her early twenties. Deciding she’d groom later, she headed to the kitchen, where breakfast and her sister awaited.
Moonbeam was already situated at the table, a spoon in one hoof and a paper floating in front of her. Moonbeam was as much alike her twin sister, as she was not. Like her sister, she was a good looking mare, who carried herself with grace. That’s where the similarities ended.
Her coat was light blue, with an even lighter blue mane. Her parents had given her the name Moonbeam, as she appeared the same shade as darkness pierced by moonlight. Twilight, on the otherhoof, had a mane the same pink as the setting sun. Being Twilight Sparkles descendants, their parents had a fondness for the night and its themes. But that was not the thing that made the sisters so close.
As much as they get on each others nerves, Moonbeam more often than not grating on Twilight, they had one thing that grew them close; they were in their early twenties, but neither had gotten their cutie mark. It was the strangest thing anypony ever saw; adult ponies without a cutie mark. The sisters tried everything, and even the international Cutie Mark Crusaders couldn't help them. Doctors, Zebrican medicine mares and voodoo witches, none held any answers. Thus despite their beauty, they had no suitors. They weren't depressed about it though, they had each other. Twilight took a seat, and looked over at her sister, asking a question before chowing down.
“So, what does the paper talk about today, Moonie?”
“Well, there’s still rising tension between the tribes, fueled by that tribalist United Unicorn Front group, who are unfortunately gaining more power.” Moonbeam sighed before continuing. “It's times like these I wish the Princesses were still around.” Twilight nodded silently.
It was almost a thousand years ago, that a great evil came upon Equestria. The Royal Guard, the Wonderbolts, even Discord fell before its might. Cities burned for days, as the unknown evil spread like wild fire. Soon, the only thing left standing between Equestria, and Annihilation, the the four Alicorn Princesses.
The evil struck out against them, and the ensuing battle above Canterlot could be seen as far as the Griffon kingdom. The fight lasted a full day, but when the lights faded, and the dust settled, no one could’ve predicted the outcome.
The city of Canterlot itself lay ruined, at the base of Mt Canterhorn. The city’s foundations, and a small chunk of the mountain, had come loose during the fight, leaving a jumble of towers, buildings and rocks in the lowlands below - a mass grave for those unlucky enough not to be able to flee in time.
But the harshest reality of all, was the lose of the Diarchs, and the Princess of Friendship. While the evil was defeated that day, only Princess Cadance survived. With the ruling ponies now either dead or scattered, it fell to Prince Dusk Sentry, 1st Child of Princess Twilight, to take the reigns of Equestria.
Ponyville, home to Prince Dusk Sentry, soon became the political capital of Equestria, the Harmony Castle now housing the government bodies. With the help of Princess Cadance, Equestria pulled itself out of the ashes, to rise again.
Now, Princess Cadance has long since withdrawn herself to the Crystal Empire, and over 800 years has past. Dusk Sentry, like all of Princess Sparkles children, was not an Alicorn, but he managed to lead a full life up to the age of 91. Now, it is the latest in his royal bloodline, Velvet Sparkle, who holds the seat of power in Equestria.
The last century had seen a marked rise is civil unrest, sparked mainly by the royal lineage. For the last 800 years, Equestria has been ruled over by Unicorns of the Sparkle bloodline. Many Unicorns see this as a legitimate proof that they are the dominant tribe, and that the other are subservient to them. Many Earth pony sects believe that they are poorly represented, if not outright ignored, and are pushing for a shift away from a monarchy. Many Pegasi believe that they would be better off without the other two, and have threatened to secede from Equestria proper.
But before her withdrawal, Princess Cadance had been conducting a nationwide tour, rallying the citizens, and reminding them what true Harmony was. However, during a leg of her journey, the train she was riding on suffered from a bombing. No group claimed responsibility, but the official report states that Cadance was injured, and withdrew to the Empire for security reasons. Theorists claim, that because no one has seen her since, and that she actually died that day. Since then, the tribes have been growing ever more distant, with relations growing more strained by the day.
“The latest idea they had was to rebuild old Canterlot.” Moonbeam continued. “As if that was a great idea. Canterlot lost it's importance with the fall of the Diarchs. Rebuilding it isn’t going to grant anyone power. Ponyville is the capital, end of story.”
“The problem for the tribalists though, is that Ponyville is a town embraced by all of tribes, especially after the place became home to the Element Bearers. Old Canterlot was dominated by unicorns, so it’s no wonder that the UUF want that old glory back. But it is far to early for politics, sister; how was your night?”
“It was nothing special Twi. I started out down at the Luna Memorial Observatory, and helped raise the moon as normal. After that, I hit the nightclubs downtown, and chilled of with some painting in the early hours. Oh, and of course, ended it by helping to lower the moon again.”
Twilight Sparkle's Memorial Library held many great tomes. Amongst its collection is a book detailing how unicorns can join together to raise and lower the sun and moon. In the aftermath of the conflict that killed the Diarchs, Princess Cadance had taken over the movement of the celestial bodies. However, it soon proved too taxing, and with the aid of the top unicorns of that era, rediscovered the talent for unicorns to do it themselves .
“Oh, and they discovered another changeling in town. Peach Tree, I believe. Honestly, I know the expression is a bit cliche, but it really is the people you least expect.”
“Well I hope she's was just another rogue. The last thing we need right now is the fear of another changeling invasion.”
Moonbeam nodded her agreement, before bidding her sister farewell, and heading to bed. Twilight briefly envied her sister, being able to go to bed. That was, until she remembered Moonie had the ‘nightshift’. Yeah, she could keep that. But it was time for Twilight to begin her day in earnest.
Whilst neither sister had there cutie mark, or knew their ‘special talent’, it didn’t mean they had no talent whatsoever. Twilight was actually rather good with all things weather, and held a position on the local weather team. After finishing up her breakfast, she returned to her bathroom, and got ready for the day.
The weather around Ponyville was run from its offices in the Dash Weather Station, which was once the home to it’s namesake. While it had been expanded in the last millennium, it still retained its outright shape, and gaudy exterior. Flying there from her bedroom balcony, Twilight was afforded an almost panoramic view of Ponyville.
It was still called Ponyville, But if Twilight Sparkle and her friends were still alive they would not recognize the town. The thatch homes have been replaced by those seen in Manehatten though not yet as tall. The main street had two clusters of statues, one of the Element Bearers, the other the Royal Sisters to celebrate their successes and how they served Equestria. The difference here was that most buildings around the original town centre were forbidden to be above 2 stories tall, but still had the box, uniform look large cities tended to acquire. But standing out against the dull grey, were some of the most iconic landmarks Ponyville had to offer.
Carousel Boutique; the building was the same shape as before, but almost three times larger. Rather than just a simple fashion shop, it has become a small fashion mall, with three levels of shopping inside, and it even included a small spa.
Sugarcube corner still had the same store front, but extending from the back was a well concealed factory. The front served the locals as it always had, but the factory distributed their wares all across Equestria.
Fluttershy’s Everfree Forest Veterinary and Health Research Centre was still on the outskirts of the town, on the site of the once quiet cottage. The forest prevented expansion in that direction, but it provided ample areas for research into animals, fauna and flora.
Sweet Apple Acres was now Sweet Apple Estates. Ponyville has an impressive size when just looking at the City borders, but SAE’s was almost twice that size, and employed almost a third of the townsfolk in either it’s fields, kitchens or distilleries. The operation is so large, if you were to buy an apple anywhere on Equus (including Griffonia, Minotauria and out in the Badlands), then you had a 50/50 chance it was from SAE.
And the last of the icons would be that of Even Golden Oaks was regrown but due to Ponyville's size it was no longer suitable to act as a library but it was used as a museum dedicated to the exploits of the Elements Bearers and the late Diarchs with an actor posing as the pre alicorn Twilight Sparkle.
Whilst all of this was impressive to newcomers, this was just ‘the view from my window’, according to Twilight, and she had more pressing matters at hoof; like not being late for work.
Reaching her destination, Twilight landed on the main balcony of the Dash Weather Station, and greeted her fellow weather ponies.
Weather teams, as the Wonderbolts before them, were now an extension of the Equestrian Military. While the Wonderbolts were more actual soldiers, the weather teams acted akin to a territorial, or reserve army. They were given basic combat training, and low ranks, only to be called up in the event of an emergency.
After visiting the barracks, and depositing her belongs, Twilight proceeded to the briefing room. Ever punctual, Twilight arrived a few minutes before she needed to, and was greeted by the only other pony in the room, her current CO, Group Captain Dash. Standing at attention, she threw a salute. Her boss, Captain Spectrum Dash, swiftly returned it.
“Morning Captain Dash, Sir.”
“At Ease, Miss Cloud.”
While protocol is often followed, the weather teams remain built up from the local ponies, who know each other outside of work. Due to this, they only stand on ceremony at the start or end of the day, and quickly devolve back into a good neighborly atmosphere.
“So, Spec, how's the family?”
“They're good, thank you. Little Rainbow had her first flight late last night. She just got up from the dinner table, and zipped out of the room.”
“Congrats, but what caused her to bolt like that?”
“Apparently, she really really really needed to use the little fillies’ room.” They both shared a laugh at Rainbows expense. “But if her speed last night is anything to go by, she is shaping up to be be as good as her legendary namesake.” You could almost see the pride behind her eyes when she said that.
The conversation died off as the rest of the team began to filter into the room. Once everyone was settled, Captain Spectrum began handing out the day's’ assignments. The schedule called from a clear sunny day throughout, and Twilight herself was assigned to sector 47, near the Everfree. With all the pegasi assigned, everypony started moving towards the exit.
Clearing her throat, the captain addressed the group; “Now that that is over with, I need to ask a favour. Myself and Firefly (her 2nd, and right hoof mare, Wing Commander Firefly) are being forced to attend an impromptu meeting with Her Highness Princess Velvet later today. As such, neither of us will be able to run the Flying Foals club tonight, and I would really appreciate it if one of you could volunteer for today?”
Twilight mentally went through her schedule, checking her plans for the evening. While Moonbeam was by far better around foals than she was, she knew that the education for proper flying was really important early on in a pegasus’ life. Or, to put it bluntly, she liked teaching others. With no objections in her day plan, and no other ponies seeming interested, Twilight raised her hoof.
“Thank you Twilight. It starts at 4:30, at the CMC center.”
“No problem Cap. Just try and enjoy your meeting.” Spectrum gave her a deadpan glare, to which Twilight laughed, and headed out.
* * * * * *
Twilight loved working the sections near the Everfree. While most ponies got a scary vibe from the place, she only had one of deep belonging. She couldn’t explain it, but it felt right to be near it. The unpredictable weather it could throw off at random, helped to keep her mind from wandering, and made her work shifts less boring.
But of late, there had begun to be a new feeling, like somepony had tried a string to her, and was giving it the faintest of pulls. She noticed more than once, that her gaze was being drawn towards the center of the forest, to the ruins of the Castle of the Twin Sisters. She never acted on the feeling though, going into the Everfree unescorted was just silly, even if it hadn’t been made illegal to go with 5 miles of the ruins.
The place had been sanctioned as ‘Hallowed Ground’, and nopony is allowed to venture to it. It even has scary stories, some going as far as saying that the spirits of the sisters themselves haunt the castle, one during the day, and one at night. Foalish tales to scare the young for sure.
Getting her mind back to her job, the day passed fairly quickly. After clocking out from work, Twilight killed a few hours with some light reading (which by Twi’s standard is 2-3 books, cover to cover), before it was almost 4:30. Finding her way to the CMC center, she was greeted by 20 something foals, and the other 2 adult supervisors.
“HEY MISS CLOUD!” shouted the foals, bring a smile to her face.
“Hey little ones, it’s lovely to see you all again.”
After quickly talking to the other 2 adults, they split up into three groups, based on flight capability. Twilight got the middle group, foals that could fly for a few minutes at a time, but had no finesse or technique. She recognised one of the fillies as Evening Shy, a member of Fluttershys’ lineage, who she had foal-sat a few times. Today, she ran them through landing techniques, and with the help of a cloud cushion, had them practice emergency landings. Watching the foal with a smile, she was glad to see that all of them were able to make a quick, safe landing, and they had got steadily better throughout the session.
The lesson only lasted an hour, and soon she was waiving goodbye to the group. As she was about to go, the stallion who had been teaching the advanced group caught up with her, and passed her a note;
---‘Thanks for standing in for me today Twi. No good deed should go unrewarded. Head over to Sugar Cube Corner, and hand them the attached coupon - it should be good for one whole cake. Thanks again - Spec’---
Salivating merely at the prospect of cake, she soon found herself at her guilty pleasure - Sugar Cube Corner. Walking in, she was greeted by Cherry Pie in the foyer, and Chocolate Cake behind the counter; Cream Pie was likely in the back. She used the coupon for her favorite item, and Banana & Chocolate Cake. Seating herself in a booth, she waited for her order. Eyes wandering, she saw old photos on the wall, some of celebrities who had come by, some political figures. But the most prominent photo was that of 3 ponies; Mr & Mrs Cake, the original founders, being hugged by THE PINK MENCE herself, Pinkie Pie. The photos surround it were all family related too, and it clearly showed how the following generations finally merged the two families by blood, rather than just by spirit.
She was broken from her musing by the arrival of the yellow and black killer of waistlines, her delicious Banana & Chocolate Cake. “My Precious…” Twilight drooled. Needless to say, it did not last long.
* * * * * *
The sun was soon to set by the time she got home. For herself, she made some hayburgers and fries with some apple cider. For her sister, she made the same, but with an energy drink, this was her breakfast after all. No sooner had the oven timer sounded, the doors to the kitchen burst open;
“FOOD!, I DEMAND FOOD!” Moonbeam bellowed into the small room. Taking a few moments to recover her senses from the auditory sucker punch, Twilight gave her twin sister a mischievous look.
“What do you say first?”
“I'll send you to the moon if you don't HAVE IT!” Moonbeams turquoise eyes blazed with fury. Twilight just laughed.
“I suppose that works. Take a seat dear sister, they are about done.” Moonbeam calmed down, and took a seat across the table. As soon as the food was on the plate, she snatched it in her magic, and brought it across the room to her snout. The way she chowed down would put a starving stallion to shame, much to the amusement of her sister. “Well if you can hear me over your mass fries genocide..” Twilight ducks her head sideways, as a bundle of fries flies through the the space it can just occupied. “My day was good, I got Everfree duty again, and then filled in for Spectrum at the Flying Foals club. I even got a cake out of it, from Sugar Cube Corner no less.”
“You and your cakes, I'm surprised that your flank isn't larger than it is.” Twilight pouted at the remark.
“Hey I work hard, my job takes actual labor.” Moonbeam just snorted in reply, both falling into relative silence while dinner was eaten / inhaled.
Not long after, Moonbeam went to work. Meeting up with the rest of the Moon Movers (the name they had taken to calling themselves) at the Luna Observatory, they set about their task of moving the moon to replace the sun in the sky. The Solar Sect (Seriously, while the jobs they do are important, the ponies involved are so pretentious) lowered the Sun on time, as always, so the Moon was free to rise. The whole process took less than ten minutes, but is left those involved feeling like they had run a marathon. With her first task done, Moonbeam was free to go home until being needed again at 5:55am.
Once home, she found Twilight in the small art studio Moonbeam used for her art. Twilight loved observing her sister paint. It was the usual motif for her, the grandness of the night sky, something she had seen painted many times before, but she loved watching her sister work on it, the way she made the moon appear luminescent, yet not overshadow the stars. Tonight, though, Twilight noticed the moon was different. There was a dark patch on her painting. On closer inspection, it was clearly the form of a mare in black.
“Mare in the Moon, that's interesting choice sister.” Twilight commented.
“It just called to me. You have to admit the story of Nightmare Moon has a certain tragic romance to it. Two sisters that once loved each other, yet driven apart by jealousy, and culminating in a fight that sees one banished to the moon. For a thousand years they were separated, and yet a desperate gamble by a loving sister, and the forces of Harmony incarnate saw them reunited.” Moonbeam looks back at Twilight with a smile.
“Don’t get any funny ideas, If I wake up on the moon no force of harmony is going to save your sorry hide. Just be glad we don’t fight like that.”
“Couldn't agree with you more sister. I couldn't imagine life without you around. Even if you drive me crazy at times.”
“It's only fair I return the favor, sister.” Laughing it off, and with a quick but firm hug, Moonbeam resumes her painting. Twilight continued to watch her, before a spot of ‘light’ reading, and heading to bed around 11.
Thus drawing a closer to another average day.
Author's Note
It seems a broke a rule when i wanted a rewrite have a fresh start so I'm force to use the vote count for the old version on the new.
Moonbeam walked out of the house after another nice meal with her sister Twilight and headed for the Raising Houses it was time for the sun to lower; or as far as Moonbeam was concerned, it was time for the moon to once again rise. The Raising Houses, the complex made up of the Luna Memorial Observatory, and the Celestia Solarium. She reached the building early, and greeted those who were already there, then sat by a window watching the twilight sky with a smile gracing her face.
That was, until she was approached from behind, where a light cough caught her attention. Turning around, she found none other than Solar Glory, and her face dropped immediately. While she had nothing against him on a personal level, he was what is known as very Bluebloodian; the very worst of the noble breed. Rumours had also circulated that he had a personal dislike of Moonbeam and her sister, saying that they were a waste of a title (which is technically true; their lineage goes all the way back to Princess Twilight, and as such they hold titles and a place amongst the nobility). The sisters had long since stopped caring for their inherited position, choosing to live in a modest house, and never exercise their power.
“Moonbeam my dear, it is wonderful to see you again, as always. I apologise for interrupting your time of inner reflection, but I wanted to let you know I am hosting an important meeting in the Diarch hall, once the Celestial Trade is complete, and I would like you to be there to see it. A meal will be provided since all of us in the crews need a pick me up after the Trade is complete.”
Moonbeam considered it. It would be rude not to accept, and she considered that staying in touch with the local climate could prove advantageous. Her answer had nothing to do with the promise of free food. Absolutely nothing.
“Ok, I’ll come and listen in” she replied as casually as she could.
"That’s marvellous, I look forward to seeing you there. Now, I must join the rest of my team in the Solarium. Till then!”
He nodded his head, and made his way out and across the courtyard. Moonbeam swore she could actually she him smiling. She wasn’t sure what to make of that. She shook that thought away, it was time for her to do her job.
She met up with the rest of her team in the heart of the observatory building, and they positioned themselves around the casting circle. In the centre was an obelisk, covered in runes, which stood about 3 legs high. A bell rang out, and as one, the Moon Crew charged their horns, tendrils of coloured magic drawing from each, connecting with the obelisk. At first, she felt the moon, a presence in her mind like the comfort felt around an old friend. Then, as the power in the obelisk grew, the resistance became palpable, until finally they overcame it, and the moon began to slide up from the horizon. Simultaneously, the sun became lost on the opposite horizon, signalling that the team in the Solarium were just as successful.
As they released their charge, all of the team fell, either to their knees, or flat to the floor. Moving celestial objects is no mean feat, even for a group this size, and doing so has the same effect as running a marathon. As such, a team of cares and masseurs entered the room immediately, as began tending to the exhausted. Moonbeam, however, was only winded; she always recovered first, and she put it down to her youth, and exercise ethic. The team would just about be rested enough to lower it again in the early hours of the morning.
After a quick shower, she headed to the Diarch Hall, on the far side of the complex. The spread of food Solar Glory had provided was actually rather modest, it wasn’t a five star affair by any means, but it was certainly better than a school meal. And it went down well all the same. It wasn’t until most of the food had gone, that Solar decided it was time to stand up, and address those assembled.
“Thank you all for coming here, I trust everypony has had their fill?” He received a round of nods, and murmurs of assent. “Good. Now, the reason I brought you all here, is that I want your help. Our once great nation is now nothing but a shadow of its former self.” A wave of assent ran through those assembled. Even Moonbeam nodded along with the rest. “Equestria has survived since the fall of the Princesses; but that is all it has done – survive. Now it needs to remove the shackles of despair, and do away with those who hold us back. We have a Unicorn on the throne, but, IT IS NOT ENOUGH!”
Another wave ran through the crowd, cries of ‘yeah’ could be heard, along with raised hooves. Moonbeams, however, was staring at Solar Glory, as if he had just sprouted another head.
“We must stand united, a united front to secure our right and ability to rule. Here, in this very room, is the power to do just that. Without us, the sun does not rise. Without us, the day does not begin. Without, the other tribes are nothing!”
But before the cheers could start again, a loud ‘crack’ was heard. The crowd stood in bewilderment, looking towards Moonbeam who had stomped both forehooves hard enough to break the table in front of her.
“What a waste of time this has been!” Moonbeam yelled.
Solar Glory gave her an irritated scowl. “Miss Sparkle please, this is an important…”
“The buck it is. It’s the same thing over and over; ‘We’re better than the other tribes blah blah blah. That’s HORSEAPPLES. Think about where we are now – Ponyville. It became the capital so quickly after the fall because it embraced all three equally. You and others like you keep going on about they glory days of unicorn rule. Well guess what? It wasn't that great. What are the ages ponies remember? Discord, The Diarchy, The Solar Era, and finally Harmony. What's the common factor for most of these eras? Alicorns – literal incarnations of ALL THREE tribes. Ponies like you want to rebuilt Canterlot. Well that place was badly located to begin with. The Side of the mountain. Sure it looked cool but when things got tough the support failed and how many ponies died that would not have if it was built like any other city or even in the mountain rather then attached to it."
"The very idea that I should look down on my own sister, just because she was born with wings instead of a horn just makes me sick, and I will have no further part in this. If anypony else in here has two brain cells to rub together, they’ll follow my example.” With that, she stormed off, leaving a flabbergasted Solar Glory, who stood opening and closing his mouth, somewhat reminiscent of a fish.
The foul mood followed Moonbeam home, to the point she didn’t even acknowledge anypony on the way. Her mind was on her sister, thinking about how to broach the new to her, until she remembered she should be asleep right now. Finding the house dark, she used a spell to muffle her movement, and went to check on her.
When Moonbeam opened the door, the sight before her brought a smile to her face. Twilight was fast asleep, curled up on her bed, snuggling with ‘the best plushie in the world ever’, as Twi called it. The plushie in question was that of a large cake; Moonbeam couldn’t quite see the appeal herself, but it always helped bring a smile to Twi’s face. Sneaking up to her, she left a light kiss upon her forehead.
“Sleep well dear sister.” Retreating from the room, Moonbeam headed to her study/gallery. She couldn’t help but think over Solar Glory’s words again. Just thinking about it caused her coat to bristle, and rage attempt to take over. She could never look down on other just because of what they are, especially her sister, a known pillar in the local community. Realising her temper was getting the better of her, she moved her almost complete ‘Mare in the Moon’ painting to the side, and mounted a blank canvas on the easel. She would take her anger and channel it through her paint brushes.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Twilight awoke with a start, surprised. What had caused her to wake so suddenly wasn’t a surprise in the traditional sense, but more of a surprise at the lack of a surprise. Her sister, for the first time in living memory, wasn’t trying to wake her up. Scrap that, wasn’t even in the room. That was … odd. Twilight looked out the window. The sun wasn’t too far from the horizon, indicating that it was roughly 7am. Moonie should’ve been home since about 5:30am.
Twilight rolled out of bed and stretched, before setting out on a marehunt. She wasn’t in the kitchen, the living room or even in the bathroom. When she finally checked the study, she was rewarded with the sight of her sister. But then she stopped. Her sister was focusing on her work harder than usual, and she could swear she seemed…off? Her coat looked a few shades darker than usual.
“Moonie?” She squeaked out in concern. Her sister whipped her head round and glared at her, startling Twilight. Her eyes were turquoise, and her pupils slitted like a cats. Twi blinked, and rubbed her eyes. Looking at her sister again, she was now normal, except covered in splatterings of paint. Dismissing it as her sleep addled mind seeing things, she quickly forgot about it as her sister tackled her with a hug, the joy in her eyes unrivalled. They both nuzzled each other, twilight secretly happy that she hadn’t showered yet, she was now getting covered in paint.
“Twilight, my dear sister. I love you.”
“Okay, what’s wrong? You aren’t annoying me, and I was woken up by the sun. Who are you, and what have you done with my sister?”
“Wait, the sun?” Moonie looked out the window, and her eyes went as wide as sauces. Oh no no no no no, by the moon, I missed the trade!”
“YOU WHAT?!” Twilight yelled. But before either of them had the chance to say anything else, there was a loud banging on the front door. The girls raced each other there, Moonie winning by a horn. Pulling the door open revealed Starlight Shimmer, a.k.a Moonbeam’s boss.
Moonbeam sat on her haunches and lowered her head, ears flopping down it defeated. “I’m sorry Miss Shimmer, I didn’t mean to miss the trade… I just seem to have been zoned out all night.”
Starlight placed a hoof on Moonies shoulder. “Hey, don’t be so hard on yourself there. Several members came to my office today and explained what Solar Glory did last night. I’m not surprised that after that you couldn’t keep your head straight. That being said, you better be present at sundown, your absence forced everyone else to work harder. It seems your input is far greater than most, so it wore everypony else out, so expect some short tempers later.
“Yes ma’am, thank you ma’am, I will ma’am.
It wasn’t until then that Moonbeams state became obvious to Starlight. She looked her up and down, noticing the paint, and the generally dishevelled look. She looked over to Twilight: “Make sure she gets to bed soon please.”
Twilight grinned manically. “Don’t worry, I’d never pass up the chance to take care of my big sister.” Moonbeam squawked at that and Starlight left them in peace, and Twilight turned to Moonie “Now, you sit yourself down and explained to me what’s got your riled up this bad.
* * * * * * * * * * *
An hour later, Moonbeam had been fed, and put to bed, and Twilight was getting ready for work. As she passed by the study, her attention was caught by the painting on the easel. It wasn’t the Mare in the Moon; that lay discarded to the side of the room.
The new painting depicted a dark alicorn, wearing steel blue armour. She had a mane and tail of the richest purple, both blowing in a non-existent breeze, set against the moonlight. But the most disturbing thing about the image was the face. Staring at her with slitted turquoise eyes, the face was set in a deep hatred. For some reason, this image filled her with fear, regret and guilt.
“Why would you paint something like this Moonie?” Twilight left, and went about her day. But nothing she did could take that image out of her head.
Night had fallen, and the sisters prepared themselves for a royal ball. Being related to the Princess; they had to make appearances, and go to one of these every once and a while. Twilight helped adjust her sister's dress. It was a replica of a dress first made by the legendary Rarity, made as the headlining gown when she opened her second shop in Canterlot. The design survived the fall, and was considered a family treasure.
“There you are, all set now Moonie.” Twilight said, patting down the last wrinkle with a hoof.
“Thanks Twi, you look rather ‘dashing’ yourself!” Moonbeams snorted. Twilight was wearing a dress that was roughly based off the ‘Elements Collection’, specifically one worn by Rainbow Dash. Twilight rolled her eyes, but responded in kind;
“Well to quote my boss; it makes me twenty percent prettier.” They both shared a laugh, but Moonbeam soon turned it into a sigh.
“I wish we weren't expected to show up at these functions. I only raised the bucking moon two hours ago, so I’m still rather dead on my hooves. I’d much rather spend the quiet night in with you. Not with these annoying nobles who just want us for our connections.” She looked over to her sister and pointed a hoof at her. “Twi, I bet we both will have ten ponies, of either gender, proposing before the end of the night.”
“Not taking that bet - it's far too likely to happen.” They both rolled their eyes to the idea. “But seriously Moonie, our aunt needs our support. If Solar Glory was any indication, things are worse then we thought.”
“Fine. FINE! We'll go to this bucking party, and be bored to tears throughout.”
Soon after, they head out, and Moonbeam locks the door to their cottage. They walk the streets of Ponyville until they can easily see the castle. Moonbeam could normal teleport the pair of them from home, but having not long finished work, her reserves were still refilling. Now much closer, Moonbeam was able to spool up her remaining magic, and teleported the pair of them to one of the upper balconies.
Being part of the royalty; Moonbeams magical signature was recognized by the wards that surrounded the castle. She was able to complete the teleport that would normally have been prevented. The wards did, however, alert a nearby guard, who arrived to check on them before clearing them. As they headed for the ballroom, Moonbeam looked around at the décor. She felt that the Late Princess Twilight Sparkle would probably still recognize her old home. The feel of a comfy home was carefully preserved by the royal family that lived there, despite attempts by some to make it regal. But the family thought the place was regal enough, being made of stylized crystal. The only major changes were the occasional bust of some family member or pony of note, added over the last few hundred years.
They entered the ballroom, finding that it was filled with ponies of all tribes; Nobility had slowly but surely become a more diverse bunch, mush to the ire of the Unicorns. Regardless of the race, the sisters could practically smell the snobbery present. They maneuvered through the crowd, smiling, waving, and giving non-committal answers until they heard a voice cry out.
“Twilight! Moonbeam!” The girls looked and saw Velvet Sparkle waving at them before rushing over. Velvet Sparkle was large for a unicorn. She was nearly two ponies high, with a lush gold coat, and a mane and tail pair in pink with a blue and purple stripes. She had a giant smile on her face and she gave the sisters a big hug. “I am so pleased to see you my nieces. Come, sit with me, and help me endure this ball.” Moonbeam gave her sister an 'I told you so' look, to which Twilight rolled her eyes.
“We would be happy to accompany you aunty.” Twilight lied through her smile, and Moonbeam gave a curt nod of acceptance.
“Well come on then girls. Oh waiter! Waiter! Please get miss Moonbeam some food – she looks positively famished.” Velvet looked down at Moonbeam. “Bet you're hungry after your daily duty?” Velvet got an eager nod, causing both Velvet and Twilight to chuckle.
Velvet lead them over to a temporary throne, and the girls sat at her side. They helped welcome guests, and engaged in light conversation in the lulls between. It soon became apparent that Twilight’s answers we becoming more distance. Moonbeam and Velvet gave each other a worried look, before looking to Twilight. They found her staring off to one side, and a quick glance in that direction revealed a rather large cake on a nearby table. Both Moonbeam and Velvet were washed with relief, but sharing a knowing chuckle.
* * * * * *
A few hours later, and after a few failed attempts by possible suitors, the boredom was finally getting through to Twilight. This lead to her taking an active role of scanning the fellow attendees. She noticed quite a few ponies she knew, she had seen her parents earlier and said hello; but many who were connected to Solar Glory and other high up unicorn families were not present. It was odd for them to snub the princess like this. Was the dissent really that bad? Twilight was grabbing a bit of food when she heard an explosion.
“What in Equestria?” Twilight said aloud, dashing to the closest window. Looking out, Twilight saw flames slowly falling out of the sky, attached to clumps of white, roughly where the Dash Weather Station was normally floating.
It wasn't floating there anymore.
Before she could fully register what she was looking at, another explosion shook the castle, this time from the direction of Fort Apple. Fort Apple was the main base of the local ground bound military.
They were under attack.
Before she could think further, a guard in the old style gold armor approached her.
“Ma'am, I am to escort you to the map room by order of the princess.” All Twilight could do was nod. This was very serious, especially if Princess Velvet wanted her in one of the most hardened and secure areas of the castle. She followed the guard out of the ballroom and through the stairs to the center of the trunk of the castle, before entering the legendary map room. She had only been in once or twice before, but it still inspired awe.
The first thing ponies notice is the chandelier, made from the roots of the original Golden Oaks Library. It illuminated the room with the crystals that hung from the limbs. Each crystal contained pictures of the memories her ancestor had made with her friends. The seven thrones still were in place, though nopony but a filly would be able to sit in Noble Spike's throne. The others were occupied by Velvet and her advisers. While Velvet sat in Twilight's throne, her advisers sat on the thrones that matched up with the cutie marks they represented. Economy for Rarity/Generosity – Military for Rainbow Dash/Loyalty – Courts and Law for Applejack/Honesty – Media and Public Relations for Pinkie Pie/Laughter – and Home Affairs for Fluttershy/Kindness. Twilight noticed her sister, and sat next to her as they both joined most of the ponies looking at the Cutie Map.
The Map hasn't fully worked since Twilight's passing. It still displayed Equestria, but no friendship missions have since shown. However, they had managed to repurpose the map to show events happening in Equestria. Right now Twilight saw a lot of red and she started hearing the conversation.
“Princess, we haven't been able to get any survivors from the DWS and communication with Fort Apple is cut off. Sporadic signals we have gotten suggest an attacking force of unicorns.” A staff member said before another jumped in.
“We are getting reports from all over Equestria of attacks on either government structures or military bases. Those that have been able to contact us report of unicorn forces attacking. Several bases are holding for now. Camp Scootaloo has recently gone dark after a request for reinforcements. Rainbow Falls has also requested help, and the Airship HRPs Spitfire has already changed course to assist.”
“What are your orders your highness?” Asked Marshal Windfire, the current head of Equestria's military. Velvet looked at the map for a minute before she finally spoke.
“They have done it. They have crossed a line. This is the United Unicorn Front's doing. Their patience has ended so now they revert to force to get their way. Marshal, have Cloudsdale move to us in Ponyville. We must secure the capital if we have any hope of ending this rebellion. Mister Pants, let it be known that the UUF is now considered a terrorist organization and any member will be treated as such. The country is now in a state of emergency. The United Unicorn Front has declared war on Equestria and we shall meet the challenge.” Twilight saw a cold fire unlike any she had ever seen in her aunt's eyes. Princess Velvet Sparkle was going to protect her nation.
Or die trying.
