Disclaimer: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic is the property of Hasbro and all characters credited to Lauren Faust and the design team at DHX Studios

Nightmare and Coronation

The darkness was thick around her, and oh how she feared it? Why should she fear darkness? It was part of her night. No, this was not her darkness! Not her beautiful night! This was the primordial darkness the other ponies feared. Never had the Night Princess been so afraid of her natural element before. This was darkness she couldn’t control and that was why she feared it.

“Princess? Luna? Where are you?” A voice echoed out of the darkness.

She spun around, her mane moving wildly, swirling up to be lost in the starless sky.

“My Princess?” Despite the fear that now tinged it, Luna finally recognised the voice.

“Sombra?” She called, her own voice seeming lost in the vast void of darkness. “Where are you?”

“Here.” He called, sounding nearer.

Luna turned and Sombra was behind her, holding out his hoof.

She reached out to take it, but he was pulled backwards suddenly, and he was sinking into the darkness beneath them. He was struggling as if trying to get out of a mire that was claiming him fast. Luna tried to move but she couldn’t do anything, merely watch helplessly as the shadows swirled up around him to pull him down all that sooner and he let out a strangled scream.

“No!” Luna cried out as the scream continued.

The scream slowly turned into a dark chuckle as the darkness evaporated and Sombra stood there, taller then he usually was. The telltale sickly green aura of dark magic cascaded from his eyes, tinged at the edges with roiling purple and black. So much magic barely contained, and ready to be used at a moment’s notice. His black mane that usually flopped into his eyes was now swept back into a crest on top of his head, held in place by a dark crown. His beautiful unicorn horn was now some strange twisted thing tinged with red. He wore royal robes and armour as he stared haughtily down from the dark crystal rock upon which he now stood.

“Bow before your king.” Sombra growled.

“Never!” Luna cried and she let out a blast of her light blue magic.

It lanced through the apparition and it vanished. That’s all it was an illusion.

There was a throaty chuckle that echoed through the darkness, it turned into a full belly laugh as if somepony was having fun.

“Oh poor little Moon Princess who nopony loves.” The voice taunted, she did not recognise this voice but it felt familiar in a way she could not describe. “Crying on the shoulder of the first colt to show her affection.”

“THOU WOULD BE WISE TO SHOW THYSELF OR FACE THE WRATH OF THE PRINCESS OF THE NIGHT!” Luna bellowed as lightening began to illuminate the dark landscape.

“Temper, temper dear Princess. It might get you into trouble one day. And I should know, I have seen the future and it’s gloriously chaotic.” The voice chuckled again as screams and noises of destruction echoed around her.

“Who are you?” She demanded.

“I don’t really know yet.” Th voice chortled. “I’m still trying to make up my mind, there’s so many names I could choose. It’s just so difficult.”

Discord! Discord! Discord! The word echoed around the dream as if many ponies were whispering it all at once.

The voice that had been talking to her laughed out loud as the dream around her began to collapse, Equestria falling with it into chaos...

Luna sat up quickly with a gasp. That dream had been terrifying. She almost wished somepony else could guard dreams so she would never have to face that horror again. She clambered out of bed, almost tripping over the sheets that had wrapped themselves about her legs. She used her wings to steady herself as she kicked the sheets away.

She stepped into her bathroom and patted her face with a damp flannel. She heard a knock on the outer door of her rooms. She quickly trotted out into the study, the servants were yet to arrive, that meant she was up too early. She was not ready to go back to sleep, not after that dream.

She used her magic to open the door when she was half way across the room. Knight Sombra was on the other side, and Luna froze. But no, this was not the apparition from her dream. He wore armour yes, but it was the white iron of her night guards, his horn was just a unicorn horn and his dark hair fell into his magenta eyes because he wasn’t wearing his helmet. Luna felt so relieved that it was the real Sombra that without thinking she glided across the room and threw her hooves about his neck, hugging him as tightly as she could.

Sombra was caught off-guard; Luna was never one to express her emotions so physically. He lifted his hoof and patted her shoulder gingerly, unsure if he should return the embrace.

“It is you my good knight.” Luna whispered in his ear. “My faithful Sombra, you would never turn on me. Would never demand I bow to you.”

“Of course not.” Sombra said with a frown as he now returned her hug. “Why would you think that?”

“I…” Luna sniffed and pulled out of the embrace, moving away from him, over to her table.

Sombra stepped further inside and Luna closed the door.

“It was only a dream.” She whispered. “I know them to be mere illusion, but it felt real. I thought I had lost you for good. I…”

“You will never lose me.” Sombra said faithfully.

“Do you promise?” Luna asked softly.

“I swear that I will always be faithful to you Night Princess. If I ever betray you let divine powers strike me down and cast me in shadow.” He said, bending his knee as he made his vow. “On my word as a Knight of Equestria, and on my word as your most ardent admirer.”

“A-Admirer?” Luna stammered.

“Are princesses not supposed to be admired?” Sombra asked as he rose back to his hooves.

“Of course we are, but… How thou speaketh good sir it makes thine princess thinks perhaps thou talk of…of…” She stammered with uncertainty.

“Of love?” Sombra asked.

“Yes.” Luna replied.

“I do not presume to love a princess beyond what is permitted of a lowly squire such as myself.” Sombra said, bowing his head.

“Yet you are not a lowly squire.” Luna whispered. “You are a Knight of Equestria and you were raised as my equal.”

“Only because the late Queen took pity on a poor wretched orphan, but I am nothing and I would not presume to have a place in your heart beyond dutiful affection.” Sombra stated, his head still bowed and he did not witness the scowl that crossed the face of the princess.

“How dare you presume to know my affections?” Luna snapped. “If we were to take your view my sister and I would never marry for nopony is worthy of us. Unless you count old Starswirl of course, but as thou said, he is an old stallion past his prime. I doubt he has the stamina left to make an ideal husband. Now leave my presence.” She said, turning her back to him.

“What do you want from me?” Sombra demanded, and Luna turned back to him in curiosity, he had never used such a tone with her before.

“I have no idea.” Sombra continued. “I step forward and you accuse me of overstepping my bounds. I stay cautious and you accuse me of presumption. If only I knew your thoughts and affections then perhaps we could both be happy, but I do not. I am nothing but a humble unicorn and you a magnificent, regal alicorn, why should you hold any affection for me? I am nothing.”

“It is difficult.” Luna said turning away from him in sadness. “I do not see you as a lowly unicorn, if anything I am unworthy of an honourable knight such as thee. I do not deserve your friendship for the constant torment I put you through. If you were wise you would stay away from me and only interact when duty permits it.”

“And if I’m unwise?” He asked, placing his hoof beneath her muzzle to guide her to look at him.

“Then I would be happy.” Luna whispered, looking into his magenta eyes and seeing nothing but love and kindness there.

Luna leant closer to him as he leant closer to her. Luna closed her eyes to better capture the moment of what was looking to be her first kiss. Their breaths mingled, their lips a hair’s breadth away.

There was a knock at the door and they quickly jumped apart as the pony opened the door and came in without invitation. Luna looked down at her hooves, unable to look Sombra in the eye after their encounter.

“Will you go and see how proceedings are…proceeding Knight Sombra?” She asked, searching for a plausible excuse.

“As you command Night Princess.” Sombra said with a sharp bow before leaving.

Luna watched him from the corner of her eye as he passed Celestia on her way into the room. The pale alicorn stopped and watched him out the door with her eyes as a smile slowly crept across her face. It grew when she saw her sister’s shy demeanour.

“And what were you two conspiring about?” She asked with a wink.

“Nothing that concerns thee.” Luna said flatly.

“Come Luna, please don’t let me find out from all the court gossips, you know how they love to twist tales.”

“Nothing happened.” Luna said firmly. “We were disturbed.”

“Then I apologise.” Celestia said solemnly.

“Perhaps it was for the best. I was allowing my heart to run away with me. I should listen to my head.” Luna murmured.

“Sometimes the head is wisest, but when it comes to love you should at least allow your heart to have a say.” Celestia advised with a smile.

“And how many stallions have you loved?” Luna asked grumpily.

“You’d be surprised.” Celestia said with a grin. “Your much older sister is not as boring as you think her to be.”

Luna gave her an unimpressed look.

“Very well, I will stop my teasing, but you should not let your head enter into this matter. Why should we not choose the stallion we wish to marry? I for one have no objections to Sombra becoming my brother-in-law. I know he is not very fond of me, but I know he is loyal to you, he always has been. Even when you were foals together.”

“No. He did not like me then, he always teased me.” Luna said with a dismissive laugh.

“As young colts often do when faced with a filly they cannot admit they like.” Celestia said lightly. “Luna, you have known him all your life, I have watched the affection between you grow. However you wish to proceed with him I will not object, although I would advise discretion until you are ready for the gossips to dissect every aspect of your relationship. But do not allow them to discourage you from forming a true connection with Sombra, and perhaps the next ceremony we hold will be a wedding.”

Luna giggled as she looked away blushing.

“You would have me wed and with child before I have even kissed him.” She observed.

“Then I won’t mention it again until you are ready.” Celestia said with a smile as she nuzzled her sister’s cheek. “Now come. You’re not ready. We’re due at the chapel in half an hour.”

“Half an hour?” Luna gasped. “Why did the servants not wake me?”

“Never mind, we will find out later.” Celestia said, for there was no time to worry about such things. “Allow me to help you with your dress.”

It was only now that Luna noticed that Celestia was wearing her gown of palest pink silk, it was a simple cut but embroidered with gold thread and a copy of her blazing sun cutie mark on each flank. Luna went into her bedroom where her own gown of midnight blue silk decorated in silver embroidery and bore her crescent moon cutie mark was placed ready on a dummy-mare. She allowed Celestia to help her pull it on and fasten it into place.

The sisters then stood side by side as they looked into Luna’s mirror.

“I think we are ready.” Celestia whispered.

Luna nodded and the royal sisters made their procession to the chapel where Starswirl would be crowned. They had to enter the side room where Starswirl was waiting. He was sweating a little, and kept scratching at various parts of his body. He hated these royal robes; they did not suit him at all.

“Your Majesty.” The sisters said in unison as they bowed to him.

“How come you two look like royalty and I just look like some Hearth’s Warming ornament gone wrong?” He grumbled.

“You look very regal Master Starswirl.” Celestia assured him.

“If you would stop scratching.” Luna added.

“Ever so truthful Luna dear.” Starswirl said with a sarcastic edge, but Luna decided to take it as a compliment, she’d always prided herself on her honesty.

There was a knock at the door.

“Come in.” Starswirl yelled.

A guard opened the door.

“The ceremony will commence when you are ready.” He said.

“Well.” Starswirl said, straightening out his robes. “Let’s get this over with.”

Starswirl stepped out into the corridor and the sisters stepped out behind him. They used their magic to raise the long train of the royal robes. Starswirl took another deep breath and then nodded to the unicorn guards at the door. They used their magic to open the doors and a fanfare began.

Starswirl began walking up the long aisle, past ponies of different ranks, and dignitaries of many shapes and sizes, be they horses, griffons or zebras. There were dogs who horded gems, and even a crystal pony or two. There was even an earth dragon hunched up in one corner, she had proved to be a friend to Equestria and not as gruff or outright nasty as the sky dragons. The black dress she was wearing went well with her purple scales and green spines.

At the end of the aisle the noble ponies of Equestria stood in order of rank. They formed two lines that led to the throne, which had been moved to the chapel for the crowning ceremony. In front of the throne stood a stern looking unicorn, the Master of Ceremonies and the only one eligible to crown the new monarch, a tradition that had carried over from the royal unicorn family when they conceded rule to Queen Faust.

Starswirl stopped at the bottom of the steps and bowed to the Master of Ceremonies.

“Art thou the unicorn mage known as Starswirl the Bearded?” He asked in a booming voice that carried to the ponies at the back of the chapel.

“I am he.” Starswirl replied.

“Then venture forth in good will.”

The Master of Ceremonies stood out of the way and allowed Starswirl to climb the steps; the princesses lowered his robe then took up their positions either side of the throne. Starswirl stood in front of the throne waiting patiently.

The Master of Ceremonies went through the various tasks of anointing Starswirl with the sacred oils and giving to him the sceptre and orb of office. The Master of Ceremonies took the crown up in his magic and held it over Starswirl’s head.

“Dost thou solemnly promise to govern all the ponies of the Kingdom of Equestria and Principality of Trottingham, the Province of Muleton and Stronghold of Cloudsdale, and of your Possessions and other Territories to any of them belonging or pertaining, according to their respective laws and customs?”

“I solemnly promise so to do.” Starswirl replied.

“Woulds thou to thine power cause Law and Justice, in Mercy, be executed in all thine judgements?”

“I will.”

“Woulds thou, to the utmost of thine power, maintain the Balance of Harmony and see that Harmony should continue and be preserved throughout the kingdom of Equestria? That thou woulds to the best of thine ability encourage harmony among unicorns, pegasi and earth ponies alike?”

“All this I promise to do.” Starswirl stated.

“Then in the name of Harmony and the customs of Equestria I crown thee King Starswirl the Bearded, first of his name.”

The Master of Ceremonies lowered the crown onto Starswirl’s head. The old mage gave a sigh of relief as he sat in the throne and became king. A cheer went up from the congregation while Starswirl sat a few moments longer. He then placed the orb and sceptre back onto the ceremonial cushion. He stood and there was another cheer.

“If everypony would care to make their way over to the main hall, the feasting will begin in half an hour.” He announced.

There was muttering between the dignitaries, they wanted to speak with the new king now, but Starswirl wanted nothing more than to don his comfy wizarding robes once more.

“I will see you all later.” He said with a salute before teleporting away in a twinkle of white light.

Celestia regarded the scene curiously, she had seen Starswirl teleport many times before, and he had always disappeared in a flare of light blue magic, the colour of his aura. She didn’t have time to ponder on this for long because the Duke of Muleton was already demanding attention.

“What is the meaning of this?” He demanded.

“Did I not say you would have chance to speak with him after the ceremony?” Celestia asked. “You will have that chance at the feast.”

“This is unacceptable, how dare you mess us around like this!” The mule snapped.

“THOU UNGRATEFUL WHELP HOW DARE THEE ADRESS OUR SISTER IN THAT WAY? THOU SHOULD COUNT THINE SELF LUCKY THOU WERE GIVEN AN INVITE TO ATTEND, LET ALONE HAVE AUDIENCE WITH THE KING!” Luna thundered.

“I…wh…I’ll have you know I’m a Duke.” The mule said haughtily.

“THOU ART NOTHING MORE THAN A SELF PROCLAIMED CHARLETON. SHOULD THOU CONTINUE IN THINE HARRASSMENT OF OUR SISTER WE WILL SEE TO IT THAT THOU WOULDS BE BARRED FROM CONVERSING WITH THE KING, FOREVER!!!!”

“Are you going to stand there and let her speak to me that way?” The Duke demanded of Celestia.

“OUR SISTER IS FOND OF THE ROYAL CANTERLOT VOICE AND WE ARE NOT ABOUT TO CORRECT HER FOR STATING A FACT.” Celestia replied, before clearing her throat. “Now please, if you would all care to make your way to the great hall the ceremony will continue.”

Before anypony else could protest Celestia caught Luna’s eye and they both teleported from the chapel. Luna followed Celestia’s magic trail and found herself in Starswirl’s study.

The new king was trying to pull the royal robes off over his head without unfastening them first.

“Allow us to help thee.” Luna said, using her magic to unfasten the string.

“Did I hear the Royal Canterlot Voice?” Starswirl asked as he extricated himself from his robes.

“That rabid little mule who calls himself ‘duke’ spoke dishonourably to my sister.” Luna said firmly.

“Ooh, I wish I could have been there to see the look on his face.” Starswirl said with a gleeful chuckle that caused the sisters to exchange a glance.

Starswirl pulled on his wizard robes and gave a sigh of relief as he placed his hat on his head also.

“They will require you to wear your crown.” Celestia stated.

Starswirl grumbled, but instead of removing his hat he placed the crown over the top of it.

“They cannot say you do not wear it.” Luna said with a shrug.

“Quite.” Starswirl said, raising his bushy eyebrows. “Now tell me my dears, was there something else you wanted?”

“We have thought up something to entertain the masses.” Celestia said.

“We have?” Luna asked with a frown.

“Indeed we have.” Celestia insisted. “Sunset is in half an hour, perhaps we should make a show of the occasion.”

“How?” Starswirl asked.

“As I lower the sun, Luna can raise the moon. As they pass in the sky you teleport between us to make your grand entrance to the feast.” Celestia explained.

“Sounds good, but where would we do it?” Starswirl asked.

“The grand balcony faces the direction of the sunset and the moonrise this evening.” Luna said.

“Very well.” Starswirl agreed. “I’ll wait in the room above and teleport in when the time is right.”

“We will go and inform the guards so that the balcony might be prepared.” Celestia stated. “Come Luna.”

The princesses teleported from Starswirl’s library to where the Captain of the Day Guard was stationed. The white unicorn bowed to the alicorns when they appeared. Celestia explained their plan to him and he immediately set out to prepare everything.

Five minuets before the setting of the sun the princesses called the congregation into the great hall. The doors of the grand balcony were open and there was a stand set up with two brass signs, one representing the sun, the other representing the moon. The sisters stood in front of their respective discs while the dignitaries and others clustered around the doors curiously.

“Our friends and dignitaries, lords and ladies, fillies and gentle colts, all our faithful subjects.” Celestia began.

“WE INVITE THEE TO JOIN IN OUR MERIMENT TO MARK THIS WONDEROUS OCCASION, TO WHIT THE ASCENSION OF STARSWIRL THE BEARDED TO KING.” Luna bellowed.

The Royal Canterlot Voice had been drilled into Luna when she was a filly by the Dowager Duchess of Canterlot, Princess Platinum. The old duchess had taught the alicorns deportment and proper conduct as foals. Luna had taken every lesson the old unicorn had taught them to heart and found it difficult now not to use her lessons. Even when ponies complained or heckled sarcastically that she should speak up.

“The feast shall begin at the day’s end.” Celestia announced.

“LET THE REVERLY COMMENCE.” Luna finished.

Both Sisters prepared their magic. Celestia rose into the air, her wings outstretched, her front hooves raised as Luna bowed her head. Celestia slowly descended to the balcony, dragging the sun with her, as Luna rose into the air, bringing the moon into view. As the two celestial bodies passed each other in the sky there was a flash of blue magic, a burst of fire works and Starswirl appeared between the two sisters, his robes and beard flowing dramatically as he struck a pose against the sunset. The sun disappeared and the moon stopped to float above, the stars twinkling into being. The jewels on Starswirl’s crown glittered against the deep blue of his wizard hat. He’d found a way to be both king and mage.

He paused for a moment between the two sisters, then together the three royals made their way to the golden throne. Starswirl sat in the throne while the sisters stood either side of him.

“Well? What are you all waiting for, get on with the party.” Starswirl commanded.

“They are waiting for you to address them Your Majesty.” Celestia whispered.

“Well, you’re all my faithful subjects, thanks for attending, now party to your hearts content.” Starswirl said.

The sisters looked at each other.

“HAST THOU ALL LOST THINE SENSE OF HEARING? THE KING HAS SPOKEN, MERRIMENT IS AT HOOF. WHY ART THOU NOT ALREADY ENGAGED IN ACTIVITIES OF GREAT JOY?” Luna declared as she rose into the air on her great wings and glided over to the royal musicians. “COME NOW FILLIES AND GENTLE COLTS, WE REQUIRE MUSIC, MUCH REJOICING IS TO TAKE PLACE THIS NIGHT. WE SHOULD KNOW FOR WE ARE THE PRINCESS OF THE NIGHT.”

Those assembled laughed but were still unsure of what to do even after the band had started playing one of the many traditional quick steps for a lively start to the evening. Luna glided back to the throne and bowed before it, her intention had been to ask Starswirl, but from the glower he gave her she knew he would not dance, even at his own coronation.

“SISTER IT LOOKS AS IF WE MUST SCHOOL THESE PONIES IN HOW TO CONDUCT ONESELF AT A PARTY.” She declared.

“INDEED.” Celestia replied, before bowing to Luna in return and the two alicorns made their way to the centre of the room. “Would the minstrels kindly play Eternal Harmony?”

The music changed into something more akin to a waltz and the sisters bowed to each other once more, before they began circling. Slowly at first with the odd little canter or jump, a change of direction now and again, but soon they left the floor, twisting and spiralling around each other in perfect synch. It was a display in dancing of the cycle the sisters ensured continued in the heavens. They landed with the last flutter of music and bowed to each other once more.

With the ice broken and the minstrels beginning another number, ponies took to the floor in order to dance. Celestia and Luna remained dancing near each other for a while longer, but Celestia gave Luna a small smile before feigning a sigh of exhaustion.

“I think I will sit this dance out.” She stated.

“But you like dancing.” Luna protested.

“I do, but I think perhaps somepony else would like to dance.” Celestia said as she nodded her head over Luna’s shoulder.

Luna turned her head to see to whom Celestia referred, it was Sombra. He was wearing his dress uniform because he wasn’t on duty tonight. As a Knight of Equestria he’d had an invitation to the coronation and following celebration. He was standing with a group of ponies but looked bored with their conversation. She looked back to Celestia who motioned for to go ahead before bowing once more to Luna and leaving the dance floor.

Luna took a breath to steel her nerves; she was unsure how Sombra would react when she asked him to dance. She turned around and began to walk toward him. She caught his eye and he watched her curiously. Luna smiled and he returned it, shifting his weight to make a move.

“Your Majesty.” Somepony said as they stepped into her path.

She looked down to find that the Duke of Muleton was bowing low before her.

“We are a princess, therefore thou should address us as Highness and not Majesty.” Luna said tersely.

“Forgive me Your Highness.” The mule said in a syrupy voice. “I admired your dancing, I’m quite the mover myself and since your sister has decided to sit this dance out, may I…”

“I…” Luna began, but the Duke had placed a hoof on her shoulder and began leading her in a dance. “Why wouldst thou dance with us when we insulted thee before?”

“Oh, you are so graceful, and what can I say. I love a mare with spirit.” He said with a wide grin. “Much more of a challenge.”

“Challenge?” Luna asked.

“To tame of course. Can’t have my wife talking out of turn.” He said cheerfully.

“Then we fear for thine wife.” Luna said dryly.

“Oh, but there’s no need to be afraid.” The Duke crooned.

“Why would we be afraid? We are the Princess of the Night, we fear nothing.” Luna said dismissively.

“Then you won’t fear for my wife.” The Duke said almost gleefully.

“Excuse me?” Luna demanded.

“All I need is to finalise things with the King and your sister…”

Luna shook her head and felt rage build within her. In a blast of magic, she teleported away from the Duke, and reappeared on the highest balcony from where she usually watched her night.

Celestia watched as Luna quickly teleported away from the Duke. She looked to Starswirl and he appeared to be thinking hard about something. She stepped closer to whisper to him.

“Starswirl, the Duke of Muleton has upset Luna. I should go and…”

Starswirl held out his hoof to stop Celestia and shook his head before pointing to Sombra who was attempting to leave the hall unnoticed. Celestia understood, allow Sombra to comfort Luna, give them the opportunity to allow their relationship to grow. It was something Celestia had discussed with Starswirl some time ago when she realised they held an attraction to each other. She wished to know whether to intervene and point out that they held a flame for each other, but Starswirl had advised her to give them space to come to the conclusion themselves. Then something occurred to Celestia, Starswirl’s hoof felt different…

She glanced down to find an eagle claw resting against her front leg. She gasped and looked up at the king. He frowned for a moment until Celestia dropped her eyes. He looked down and gasped himself, quickly pulling the claw back inside his robes. He closed his eyes for a moment then placed his hoof down on the ground.

“Are you well Master Starswirl?” Celestia asked in concern.

“It’s nothing, just the stress of the day.” Starswirl assured her. “A little random magic but I’ll soon have it under control.”

“If you are sure.” Celestia said, still feeling concern.

“I believe the Duke wants a word with you.” Starswirl said to change the subject.

Celestia looked back toward the dance floor to see that this was true. The Duke was heading purposefully toward the throne.

“We must show kindness to all creatures of this world.” Celestia whispered under her breath, remembering her mother’s teachings before lifting her head to greet the Duke with a smile. “Is Your Grace enjoying this evening?” She asked.

“Yes.” The Duke replied. “Now that I finally get to speak with the King.”

“What do you want?” Starswirl growled, and Celestia tried not to show alarm at his tone as the incautious mule stepped forward.

“To offer you my fealty Your Highness.” The Duke said with a low bow.

“Majesty.” Celestia whispered in the Duke’s ear.

“Majesty?” He asked.

“You address the King as Your Majesty.” She explained.

“Your….”

The Duke was cut off when a mare across the room screamed.

“The punch…it’s chocolate milk?” She exclaimed.

“What’s wrong with that?” A little filly next to her asked and jumped up on the table to lap it straight from the bowl.

“I’m lactose intolerant. If all the punch has changed to milk….” She trailed off, her face turning green as she clutched at her stomach.

Slowly the mare began to inflate like a balloon, floating slowly up to the ceiling to bounce against it. She looked aghast, flailing her hooves about wildly, but they were nothing but sticks attached to a balloon. Celestia looked to Starswirl, as Grand High Mage it was his duty to dispel such things, but he was looking up at the mare, chuckling. Celestia sent out her magic and brought the pony back down to the ground where a medic pony was waiting to escort her to the first aid post.

“If chocolate milk in the punch wasn’t bad enough, just look at the ice sculpture.” A stallion sneered to his mare friend.

“Is that jelly?” She asked, scrunching up her nose.

“Yippee!” The same white filly that had gorged on chocolate milk yelled as she leapt into the jelly and bounced for a moment before sinking into the gloopy goodness and devoured it from within.

“Who let this filly in here?” The stallion demanded.

“Filly?” The filly squeaked as she poked her head out of the jelly, “HOW DARE THEE YOUNG COLT, WE ARE THE DOWEGER DUCHESS OF CANTERLOT!” She yelled in the Royal Canterlot Voice, but it did not have the same effect as when the princesses applied it.

At the same instant another group of ponies had noticed the new confectionary added to the buffet table.

“Chocolate milk? Jelly? How common!” Prince Gold Crown of the royal unicorn family said haughtily, “Whatever next? Piñatas and party hats?”

There was a flash of white light and suddenly everypony was wearing a party hat, they all had clashing colours, and there were many piñatas around. Starswirl chuckled gleefully, sitting up in his throne to get a better view over the head of the Duke.

“Your Majesty, I offer you my fealty. I will serve you as long as you require me.” The mule promised, ignoring the commotion behind him.

“Is that so?” Starswirl asked. “You will serve me? Forever?” He let out a belly laugh that shocked those close enough to hear, Starswirl had never laughed like that. They were certain the old mage didn’t know how to laugh. The assembled ponies were beginning to feel uneasy.

No matter how she tried, Princess Luna could not calm her mind. She was angered by what the stupid Duke had said. She knew his words were a lie; Celestia would never sell her off to some…some…obnoxious cretin who was only nobility because he claimed his farm a new country and himself duke. Mother should not have humoured him.

“Night Princess, may I join you?” Sombra asked.

“Please.” Luna replied.

Sombra walked out onto the balcony and stopped beside her, looking down at the many courtyards, all ablaze with light this evening.

“What did that obnoxious mule say? Must I protect the honour of my Princess?” Sombra asked, and Luna realised it was one of those rare instances Sombra was attempting to use humour to counter her mood.

Luna laughed and stepped closer to the stallion, but still resisted the urge to enfold him in her wing.

“He is merely stupid, what can we do about that?” She asked.

“He still upset you.” Sombra said with concern.

“I allowed him to upset me.” Luna said with frustration. “He said he had designs to marry me and only had need to finalise the arrangements with Princess Celestia and King Starswirl. I know they would not do such a thing to me, especially after my sister’s words this evening.”

“May I ask what those words were?” Sombra inquired.

“Celestia stated that she has no objections should we wish to… That as long as we conduct ourselves accordingly… That as long as we are wary not to feed the court gossips… That should we…”

“We?” Sombra asked, unsure of whether Luna was slipping into her Royal Canterlot Voice.

“You and I.” Luna clarified.

“She has no objection to me?” Sombra asked doubtfully.

“She cares not if you hate her, as long as you are loyal to me.” Luna explained.

“She said that?” Sombra asked in disbelief.

“Yes. My sister is not the difficult mare you think her to be. She is kind and generous, if only you would allow yourself to know this.” Luna chided.

“If it is your wish then I will do my best to alter my view of Celestia.” Sombra promised.

“Thank you.” Luna said with a smile, but then she frowned. “We must return to the great hall immediately.”

“Why?” Sombra asked.

“I have no idea, but Celestia feels worry for something, we may be needed.” Luna stated.

When Luna and Sombra returned to the great hall it was utter pandemonium. Ponies were running around the great hall in a panic. Colourful party hats were crumpled underhoof as multicoloured fruit bats flew in rainbow formations across the ceiling. In various places were heaps of rotten fruit combined with what may have been the remains of piñatas.

Luna rushed over to Celestia as the latter was trying to bring order. She shook her head to Luna; the ponies were in too much of a blind panic. Luna took a deep breath and gathered the night shadows around her to give more power to her voice.

“BE STILL!!!” She bellowed and lightning crackled through the hall.

It didn’t quell the ponies’ fears, but it was enough to make them cower on the floor and not run about blindly, making matters worse.

Starswirl had been watching the utter chaos and giggling the whole time. He was chuckling now as everypony cowered away from the dying storm. Luna landed next to her sister, giving her a questioning look. Celestia was uncertain herself, but she knew that Starswirl should be retired for the night before anything else went wrong.

“King Starswirl is a monster!” The Duke, who still stood next to the throne, yelled into the midst of the sudden silence.

“No I’m not.” Starswirl said in a low dangerous voice.

“Look at his eyes! They’re yellow and red!” The Duke yelled, pointing a hoof at the King.

“Many ponies have yellow and red eyes.” Starswirl replied in a soothing voice.

“Not like that.” The Duke yelled and the sisters saw it too, that Starswirl’s eyes were now mostly yellow with red pupils that were different sizes.

It was the look of concerned horror on the faces of his former students that snapped Starswirl out of his happy haze and he realised that everypony was looking at him in horror as they still cowered on the floor. The great hall was a mess.

“There’s nothing to be afraid of.” Starswirl said in a calming voice, lifting his hooves to encourage peace, but it made matters worse.

Starswirl’s hooves were now a lion’s paw and an eagle’s claw. He closed his eyes to concentrate, forcing himself back into his usual shape. He managed it, but it was too late, the Royal Guard already thought he was an impostor and were moving in to arrest him.

Starswirl closed his eyes, and without thinking teleported as far away from Canterlot Castle as he could.

The ponies were in panic once more, but Celestia slumped down onto her rump as she looked at the place Starswirl had been.

“What…happened to you?” She whispered.

“Sister?” Luna asked softly.

“Oh Luna, what has happened?” Celestia asked as she placed her hooves about her sister and gave her a hug. “What is to become of Equestria without a ruler…”

Luna bit her lip on her reply, the sisters would have no choice but to take their mother’s place, it would not help at the moment. Celestia’s question was rhetorical, the shock was still raw, but soon they would need answers…

Author's Note

Well what were you all expecting?

Just to note it is mostly based off the frozen storyline the mule was not something I liked but it kinda works.

Big thanks to Gempire for making my fanfic look more awesome than it would be.