By Definition

by BlaappyMLP

Rating: teen
Tags: Adventure, Dark, Main 6, Lyra, Drama, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Cutie Mark Crusaders
Length: 6810

Sweetie Belle struggles to define herself and the role she plays as Equestria crumbles before a new and malevolent evil.

With Princess Celestia and Princess Luna out of commission, a new rule must be established. Unfortunately, the princesses failed to leave instruction on how to appoint a new leader in case of their untimely disappearance. Confusion ensues as ponies debate over who to designate as the new ruler of Equestria.

Tensions rise as two main factions develop. Ponies are forced pledge allegiance to Twilight Sparkle and her friends, who believe that Twilight is the new monarch by divine right, or to Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, who claims political priority. The arguing pushes Equestria to its breaking point, causing conflict to explode between the two divisions.

Amidst the fighting, Sweetie Belle finds herself being dragged into the world of espionage and secrecy. Her relationships are strained as she struggles to define where her alliance lies, who her friends are, and who she is.

Picture drawn by me!

Published 2015-11-29 04:50:01 UTC
Last updated 2015-12-11 02:24:55 UTC

Chapter 1: Followed

Princess Luna concentrated on her breathing as she silently navigated the empty hallways of the royal palace. Her steps were slow, deliberate, and every breath she took was carefully thought out. She was utterly quiet as she listened to the night, her ears twitching at the slightest of noises. Moonlight lazily waded through the rich crimson curtains that adorned the immense windows lining the walls, casting long shadows that stretched up to the ceiling. Luna took special care to avoid stepping out of the shadows, not wanting to reveal herself to her moon, despite its allure.

Normally, members of Luna's Night Guard would be positioned at every corner, stoic and impassive, keeping watch over the palace. However, despite this regularity, the corridors were devoid of protection this particular night. Luna had meticulously revised every guard's schedule, making sure that none of the Night Guard would be patrolling near her destination when she arrived.

As Luna approached the end of the moonlit hallway, a small, almost imperceptible, noise floated from the opposite end of the aisle, whispering in her ears. She immediately stopped. Spinning around, Luna peered intently down the dark passageway. The shadows seemed to shiver in the moonlight, shying away from Luna's gaze. Her eyes narrowed as she waited, watching, listening. After several agonizing minutes, the hallway remained quiet. Luna frowned and slowly turned around to resume walking, pondering the strange noise. It had sounded similar to a hoofstep. Was somepony following her? Luna shook her head. Impossible. Beside the fact that she was exercising extreme caution, her Night Guard would've detained any suspicious pony at the entrance to the palace. Furthermore, there existed the possibility that the noise had been her imagination. Luna scowled inwardly at her paranoia. This was HER night. What cause did she have to be afraid? She pushed her self-doubt to the back of her mind, and continued around the corner of the hallway.

Eventually, after several more quiet minutes, Luna approached an intersection. She paused a moment to consider the different paths. The path in front of her was lined by regal displays of guards' armour from Equestria's past. Luna cringed slightly as she recognized the armour used by guards during her infamous rebellion against her sister, Princess Celestia. She knew its design well. The stern, alabaster breastplate was emblazoned with a blazing sun that radiated honour and bravery. The helmet was composed of a noble gold and sported a big white feather near the back of the helmet. It was designed to hug a pony's head while not obscuring their field of vision. There were thin gold bands that clasped onto each of the guard's legs. In addition, the suit also included saddlebags made of a tough leather that were dyed white. The saddlebags allowed for the transport of weapons and supplies. The overall grandeur of the armour summoned unwanted memories into Luna's mind, which she quickly suppressed. She then considered the hallway to her left. It led to the royal kitchen. Finally, the passage to her right was shrouded in darkness. Luna promptly turned right.

Presently, Luna approached a dead end. The wall in front of her was decorated with an elaborate painting of her sister raising the sun and smiling warmly at her subjects. The painting seemed to mock her, condemning her betrayal of Equestria's beloved ruler and her sister. Luna signed. Even though she had returned over three years ago and been accepted by the general populous, she still had to work hard to repress her feelings of inferiority.

Luna turned away from the painting and approached the wall to her right. To any normal pony, the nondescript wall appeared to be just that; a nondescript wall. However, Luna was not a normal pony. She scanned the wall intensely before she found a small, circular indent situated about twelve feet off the ground, which was a little higher than Celestia's head. The indent was nearly invisible; it was less than an inch in diameter. Despite herself, Luna glanced around to make sure nopony was around. Once again, only quiet answered her careful inspection. Satisfied, Luna turned back to the indent and began to prepare to cast her spell. While she focused, a dim blue light began to envelop her horn. As energy coursed through her horn, the light began to brighten. Suddenly, the light migrated to the peak of her horn, following the flow of energy. When the light hit the tip, it separated into several wispy strands that extended past her horn, reaching for the indent. The strands of light pooled into the small cavity and began to flash brightly, bathing the hall in a soft blue glow. A low rumble emanated from the wall as blue light continued to pour out of Luna's horn. The rumbling grew louder, and the blue light began to spread out from the depression, following invisible paths and forming strange and elaborate patterns on the wall. The light quickly formed an outlines of a sun and a moon inside of a thin door. The rumbling climaxed as a door began to take shape within the patterns, pushing itself out of the wall. After the door had completely formed, the rumbling subsided and the light dispersed.

Luna observed the newly revealed door. Its frame was a deep bronze with a pattern of alternating suns and moons engraved within the margins. The door itself was not very wide, and it was constructed of polished wood painted white. Celestia's sun and Luna's moon were painted in the middle of the door. There was no apparent way to open the door; it lacked a knob and hinges. Luna leaned forward and activated her spell again, covering the painted moon in her blue light. She leaned forward until her muzzle nearly graced the door before speaking softly to her moon.

"In nocte: Reserare door. Reserare oculos meos. Reserare mentis meae."

For a moment, nothing happened. Then, the painted moon lit up with a white light and began to rotate on the door. A whirring sound came from behind the door, followed by a click. The moon abruptly stopped rotating. The door groaned and began to rise up, accompanied by a symphony of grinding gears. Luna waited until the door had fully risen. Past the door was a dim stone hallway with occasional torches adorning the walls. Taking a deep breath, Luna started toward the opening. Suddenly, another barely noticeable sound skirted from around the corner. Luna whipped her head to the right, sure it had been another hoofstep. As she turned her head, Luna caught a glimpse of a retreating shadow. She wasn't able to identify who or what had cast the shadow; it had all happened so fast, and the shadow had been distorted by the wavering moonlight and other shadows. Luna quickly but quietly galloped back to the intersection. She stopped in the middle of the intersection and looked down each path individually, eyes straining for the slightest of movements. Each hallway appeared to have remained unchanged. A deafening silence pressed on Luna's ears. After several elongated moments of silence, the Princess of the Night was forced to concede that it might have been her mind playing tricks on her again. Casting furtive glances back at the intersection, Luna returned to the doorway.

Luna took a second to calm her startled heart before she entered the dank corridor. As she passed under the doorway, the gears sounded again. The door gradually descended down and sealed Luna into the wall. After the door had closed, the rumbling resumed, and the door began to merge with the wall as the outlines disappeared. The rumbling ceased, and it was it there had never been a door in the first place.

The wall was quiet. All was still.

Back in the hallway with the displays of Equestrian armour, an alabaster breastplate sporting a sun shifted on its stand, sending an ominous creak throughout the empty hallways.

Luna stepped out of the dark, slanted hallway into a small, well-lit room. It was compact, featuring only two modestly sized chairs with cushions and a squat wooden table. A tarnished chandelier hung from a low ceiling. Though Luna had only been in this room once before, she remembered the room exactly. She recognized even the most minuscule of details. Two small cups of tea sat steaming at each end of the table. One chair was occupied.

"Welcome, sister," Princess Celestia's voice was warm and soothing. "I trust you found your way her without much trouble? You didn't get lost?"

"Ha, ha," Luna's voice dripped with sarcasm, "even with the passing of a thousand and three years, you have not lost your sense of humor."

Celestia laughed softly. "Oh, Luna, I've missed you so..." The princess's colorful mane flowed quietly in a silent breeze.

"Enough with the pleasantries!" Luna snapped, "you've summoned me here for a reason."

Celestia nodded. "Yes, of course." She gestured to the other chair. "Please, take a seat. We have much to discuss..."

«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»

Sweetie Belle glared at the stubby pencil, frustration etched into her face. How could that little pencil be so deceptively heavy? Huffing stubbornly, she focused on the pencil again. She was going to levitate that pencil if it killed her. It seemed easy enough in her head; why was it so hard in practice? Sweetie Belle took a second to compose herself before she began her next attempt. She pictured the pencil floating in her mind, encompassed by her green aura. With her goal in mind, she started the spell. Magic moved through her horn. Though it was excruciatingly difficult, Sweetie relished the feeling of the magic in her body and horn. It gave her a feeling of power, of optimism. When she felt its energy, it gave her hope that she could one day be as potent as Rarity or Twilight. Then, when she had mastered magic, she could become a famous scientist, or a scholar, or an inventor... the possibilities were endless!

Sweetie Belle returned her attention to the pencil. She grunted as her light green aura began to surround the pencil. Beads of sweat clustered in Sweetie's forehead. She wiped them away and continued to pour more energy into the spell. The pencil rested, completely still. Sweetie kept at it, pushing herself to her limit. Suddenly, the pencil started to vibrate. Sweetie's emerald-green eyes widened. This had never happened before! Adrenaline pumping through her veins, she gripped her desk tightly, willing the pencil to move. Sweetie shook; she had never tried this hard before. Her head began to ache and sweat continued to drench her forehead. The pencil vibrated harder. Finally, it was too much. Sweetie let go of the pencil and slumped in her seat, exhausted. The pencil rolled down her desk and landed in her lap, reminding her in a cruel gesture of her failure. Sweetie groaned and plopped her face onto her desk.

At the front of the classroom, Miss Cheerilee signed and shook her head behind her rustic mahogany desk. Sweetie Belle was such a smart little filly, yet she failed to apply herself in school. Cheerilee knew that Sweetie wanted to study science and magic for her career, yet Cheerilee often saw Sweetie daydreaming or trying to practice magic. Cheerilee decided to call on Sweetie to answer a question, in order to remind the filly that she was in school.

"Sweetie Belle?"

Sweetie Belle's head shot off her desk and looked around, confused, before locking eyes with Cheerilee. "Huh?"

Cheerilee smiled. "I trust you've been listening to my lecture on the history of the Royal Guard, Sweetie Belle?" she asked.

Sweetie Belle gulped nervously. "Y-yeah..." she stammered nervously, "I have... I think..."

Cheerilee nodded her head. "Good! Then perhaps you wouldn't mind telling me what the purpose of the breastplate used by Celestia's Royal Guard during The Rift between Celestia and Luna was?"

"Uh... I-it..." Sweetie Belle stumbled, mind racing, "it was used... to... serve the guards' dinner on...?" Sweetie's answer was met with awkward silence. Stifled giggles and laughter permeated the classroom. Sweetie Belle's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and she shrunk in her seat. "I... I mean..." Sweetie trailed off, ears flat against her skull.

Cheerilee grimaced. That answer hadn't even made sense. "Class... class!" Cheerilee warned sternly, "please don't laugh at your fellow students. It's not polite." The snickering died down, although many fillies still wore looks of childish amusement. Sighing, the magenta schoolteacher turned to the embarrassed student. "Sweetie Belle?" she spoke softly.

Sweetie Belle looked up, on the verge of tears. "Yes, Miss Cheerilee?" her voice wavered.

"I know it can be hard to pay attention in school, but you need to start participating in the classroom if you want to improve yourself. I know you're a smart filly. You just need to use that intelligence in the classroom," Cheerilee chided lovingly. Then, she added: "I'll let you off with just a warning this time, Sweetie Belle, but next time I'll have to ask you to stay after school, ok?"

The pure white filly nodded, sniffling. "Thank you, Miss Cheerilee."

"Good," Cheerilee smiled, "now, if that's done, I'd like the class to take out their his-" A loud ring interrupted the teacher, heralding the end of the school week. Wooden chairs squealed in protest as the class jumped up to leave. "Make sure you read pages 43 through 60 in your history books over the weekend!" Cheerilee shouted over the excited chattering of stampeding students exiting the classroom, "there's going to be a quiz on the Royal Guard on Monday!"

«»«»«»«»«»

"Hey! That could've been the right answer!" Sweetie replied indignantly.

Scootaloo and Apple Bloom looked at each other for a second before breaking out into laughter again, collapsing on the ground.

Apple Bloom adjusted her trademark pink bow and snickered. "Are yah kiddin' me? Dinner? How does that make any sense at all?" Her country accent was thick with mirth. "Sweetie Belle, you need ta get more sleep. You're actin' crazier than the my family durin' Zap Apple season!"

"Yeah, Apple Bloom's right, Sweetie Belle." The orange pegasus wiped a tear from her eye. "Seriously, where did you come up with dinner?!" Scootaloo smiled. "I haven't laughed that hard in a while!"

"Well, it had the word plate in it!" Sweetie Belle retorted, "and you put food on a plate!"

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo laughed again. "Sure, sure. Whatever yah say..." Apple Bloom chuckled. "Ah believe yah..."

"Hmph!" Sweetie Belle grumbled indignantly, letting her lavender and pink mane fall over her eyes.

Scootaloo gave Sweetie Belle a playful punch on the shoulder. "Hey, c'mon, Sweetie Belle. We were only joshing with you. We know it was just a mistake."

"Yeah," agreed Apple Bloom, "'sides, I've messed up in school plenty of times before as well!"

Scootaloo snorted. "That's for sure."

Apple Bloom rolled her eyes. "What we're tryin' ta say is that it's natural to mess up. Yer gonna be fine. Plus, we're yer friends. We don't care if yah screw up!"

Sweetie Belle sighed, defeated. "I know, I know. Thanks for trying to cheer me up." She looked at her friends gratefully. "I've just been so distracted lately! I really want to do better in school, but I feel like I can't do that until I've leaned how to use magic! But Rarity's been too busy lately to teach me, and Twilight had important princess business to attend to. She can't make time for me!" Sweetie groaned. "Everypony tells me that I have so much potential, but I don't have an outlet for it! It's so frustrating! I feel like I'm just a useless unicorn." Sweetie hoofed at a stone on the ground.

"Hey," Scootaloo put a hoof on Sweetie's shoulder, "it's all right. We know how you feel. Need I remind you of our blank flanks?" She motioned to her featureless rump. Then Scootaloo buzzed her underdeveloped wings for emphasis. "We might not know exactly what we want to be right now, but I know that we'll eventually discover our true selves. And when we do, I know we're gonna be awesome!" Scootaloo raised her hoof in the air. The other two raised their hooves up and clopped them against Scootaloo's. "Yeah!" The three friends cheered loudly.

"Thanks again for helping me feel better, girls," said Sweetie Belle.

"It was our pleasure!" Scootaloo said, smirking.

"For sure," Apple Bloom affirmed, before giving Scootaloo an odd look. "Wait a minute... since when did you start gettin' all gushy 'bout friendship and destiny and stuff?"

"Hey! Just because I'm the most awesome pony in town after Rainbow Dash, doesn't mean I don't have feelings!" Scootaloo answered.

Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom started at Scootaloo. "What?" Scootaloo said. "What's wrong?" Sweetie Belle giggled. "Oh, nothing... it's just strange to see you so... sentimental."

Apple Bloom laughed. "Yeah, Ah didn't know you were such a sweetheart!" the light yellow filly agreed.

Scootaloo blushed. "I am not a sweetheart," she grumbled.

As the group of friends came upon the town square, Apple Bloom spoke up. "...Anyhow, I'd better get going back to th' farm," said Apple Bloom, "Ah've got chores a'plenty." Scootaloo nodded. "Yeah, I gotta go too."

Sweetie Belle grinned. "It's ok," she said, "I've got to read that history chapter anyway." Sweetie Belle waved emphatically. "I'll see you girls later!" The two friends waved back. "Likewise!" shouted Apple Bloom. "Bye!" yelled Scootaloo. Sweetie smiled as they all went their separate ways. She was lucky to have such good friends.

«»«»«»«»«»

"Oh, Sweetie Belle! There you are!"

Sweetie Belle paused in the doorway to Carousel Boutique. "Huh? Rarity? What's up?"

Rarity trotted out of the kitchen, positively beaming. "I've been waiting for you to get home all day!" Sweetie's pristine older sister gushed, "I've got a surprise for you!"

Sweetie Belle gasped. "Really? A surprise? For me?" She squeed with delight, jumping up and down in anticipation. "What is it? A new dress? Is it a new brush? Or a vacation to Canterlot?!" Sweetie Belle threw herself at the hooves of her sister. "Tell me what it is! I can't wait any longer!"

Rarity laughed and pushed Sweetie off of her forelegs. "Calm down, darling, calm down!" Rarity winked at the excited filly. "I know how much you've wanted to learn magic. And I know that I've been terribly busy as of late. So... I've hired Lyra Heartstrings as your magic tutor!"

For a minute, there was no reaction. Sweetie's jaw worked, but no sound came out. Her eyes widened and she began to shake.

"Sweetie? Dear?" Rarity asked, perplexed. "Are you ok? Don't you like the surprise?"

"I'M GOING TO LEARN MAGIC!" Sweetie Belle's scream of delight veritably shook the windows. "Omigoshomigoshomigosh!" She pranced ecstatically around her older sister.

"So I take it you like it?" the elegant mare flipped her curly violet mane confidently.

Sweetie drew Rarity into a bone-crushing hug. "This is the best surprise ever! You're the most amazing sister in all of Equestria!" She then bounded away upstairs, green sparks popping on her horn.

Rarity smiled and shook her head. "Enthusiasm, thy name is Sweetie Belle."

«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»

The cloaked figure seemed to glide across the ground. There was a sinister air to the mysterious figure, it's pitch-black cloak seemed to negate any light around it, obscuring the shape of the individual wearing it and successfully hiding any distinguishing features.

The two Night Guards stood still at their assigned positions, watching intently for any disturbances. Suddenly, the guard on the left, a new recruit, squinted into the darkness of the hallway. The new guard turned to his new partner, an experienced corporal. "Do you see something, corporal? Down at the end of the hallway? I thought I saw something move."

The corporal looked in the direction the rookie had pointed. Everything was painfully still and quiet. Nothing seemed to be out of place, though it was oddly darker than usual, as if the moonlight had been sucked out of the room. After a while, the corporal shook his head. "Sorry, soldier, but I don't think there's anything amiss. It was probably just your first-day jitters acting up."

The new guard shifted uncomfortably, but decided against pushing the issue. "Whatever you say, sir..."

Suddenly, without warning, a bright red flash originating opposite the guards momentarily blinded the two soldiers. When their eyes cleared, the corporal glanced back down the hallway, and started a little when he spotted a menacing figure shrouded by a black cloak floating towards them. It's only visible feature was a single glowing red light where one of the creature's eyes were presumably located.

The corporal motioned to the rookie, who dutifully followed him as he advanced on the unknown figure. He brandished his spear, and the rookie did the same.

"Halt!" the corporal shouted, "who goes there? State your business!"

The cloak stopped and hovered in the middle of the hallway, as if it were considering the two guards. Then, the same red glow from earlier started to form around the creature's head. For one second, nothing. The corporal wiped his brow. He was sweating profusely. Was it getting hotter? The room began to swelter and shimmer with heat. Sweat cascaded down the guards' bodies. The air started to swim with heat.

"Hey!" shouted the corporal, beginning to feel faint. "What are you...?"

"Corporal! Watch out!" screamed the rookie, who had suddenly realized their fate, "it's going to -"

The guard never finished the sentence as the boom continued to boil to the point where the guards' flesh began to pop and boil. Both guards tried to scream, but the pain was too powerful. Their skin was literally melting. The creature lowered its head to the ground, touching the floor with its blood-red magical aura, sending a tidal wave of heat crashing onto the helpless guards. The guards melted almost instantaneously, and they knew no more.

«»«»«»«»«»

"In nocte: Reserare door. Reserare oculos meos. Reserare mentis meae."

Perfect. Luna had played her part to perfection. If the cloaked being could smile crazily, it would. It was almost too easy now. Both of its targets were trapped like cornered mice in the same room.

The secretive figure's leg suddenly brushed against the corner of the wall, sending a small noise bouncing through the walls.

The cloaked entity was already melting into the display of the Royal Guard's armour during The Rift when Luna came racing back down the hall. After several minutes of searching, Luna finally gave up and walked back to the secret entrance.

The cloaked figure shifted in the display, causing the breastplate to shift ever so slightly. The figure once again thought about smiling. It wouldn't be too long, now. Soon, it would fulfill its purpose, the Master would be pleased, and Equestria would crumble.

Author's Note

This is my first attempt at a story bigger than a one-shot. So please, by all means, tell me what you think. I appreciate all criticisms and suggestions. Thanks for reading!

Chapter 2: Magic Trick

Sweetie Belle stared up at the simple wooden door, suddenly nervous. It was fairly new, and it was painted a pleasing shade of light blue. A small wreath hung cheerfully from the door.

Rarity nodded her head towards the door. "Go on, Sweetie Belle," she encouraged, "knock on the door."

"I don't know..." Sweetie said, clearly feeling uncomfortable.

Rarity raised a delicate eyebrow. "Whatever is the matter, dear?"

"It's just..." the anxious filly shifted in place. She looked up at her sister. "I just don't know if I'm ready for this. I barely know Lyra. What if she's super strict? What if I can't learn magic? Will she get super mad at me if I can't perform a spell?" Sweetie Belle gasped. "What if she bans me from using magic?!"

Rarity smiled reassuringly. "It's ok, Sweetie. You'll like Lyra. In fact, she almost reminds me of you..."

Sweetie tilted her head. "Really?"

"She's a very kind and..." Rarity paused, "oh, how to put this... enthusiastic pony. She's a very talented mare, to say the least. In Ponyville, I'd go as far as to say that she's really the only other unicorn besides Twilight who is interested in magic itself. She was sort of the unofficial Twilight before Twilight arrived, if you will."

At this, Sweetie visibly relaxed. "Ok, Rarity. I guess if you like her, it won't be so bad."

Rarity patted her little sister on the head. "That's the spirit. Now go ahead and knock on the door, all right? I need to get back to the boutique."

Despite her sister's support, Sweetie gulped as she trotted up to the door. She breathed and quickly rapped on the door. Almost immediately, Sweetie whipped around and shrugged. "Oh well... I guess nopony's ho-"

"I'll be right there!" called a cheerful voice from somewhere in the house. Muffled hoofsteps could be heard hurrying toward the door. The door swung open, revealing a cream-coloured earth pony with large curls bouncing in her blue and fuchsia mane. Three candies decorated her flank. Sweetie Belle recognized her as Ponyville's resident pastry connoisseur. She ran her own candy shop across town from Sugarcube Corner. What was her name?

"Bon Bon!" Rarity exclaimed. "Oh, it's been ages! I feel like I haven't seen you in forever! I mean, I've seen you around, but I just haven't had the time... it's been very busy at the boutique lately," the fashionista explained, "what with Princess Celestia visiting tomorrow."

Bon Bon said it was all right before doing a double take. "Wait. The Princess is coming... here? Tomorrow?"

Rarity gasped dramatically. "You mean to say you don't know? Foalhardy is hosting a once-in-a-lifetime concert here in Ponyville, and Celestia is coming to watch! They even hired me to design their costumes for the performance!"

Bon Bon gasped. "Wow! They're actually performing here, of all places? That's amazing, Rarity!" Rarity and Bon Bon squealed and hugged each other, prancing excitedly. Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes.

Bon Bon pulled herself away, suddenly lost in thought. "Huh. I didn't know the Princess was a fan of rock. I always assumed she was into classical music and the like, you know? I figured she would go to one of Octavia's performances," the mare shrugged. "Learn something new every day, I guess."

Rarity sighed dreamily, eyes half-lidded. "I wouldn't be surprised if she were going to see the lead singer, Bass Clef. He's just so handsome and... and rugged. And his singing! He has the most passionate voice I've ever heard. I would shirk my royal duties to see him."

Sweetie and Bon Bon started. Rarity blushed, coughing into her hoof. "Ahem. Sorry, I didn't mean to get so worked up. You know how I am." The dress designer flipped her mane. "Anyways, where was I...? Oh, yes. Sweetie Belle?" Rarity looked around. She spotted her little sister hiding behind her. "Do come out from behind me and say hello to Bon Bon, please." Rarity turned back to Bon Bon. "My apologies. My sister is a bit nervous about her magic lessons."

Sweetie Belle edged out from behind Rarity and mumbled a hello.

"Oh, so that's why you're here," Bon Bon realized, "yes, I believe Lyra mentioned that to me." She smiled warmly at Sweetie and motioned for her to come inside. "It's all right, Sweetie," Bon Bon laughed, "I won't bite; come on in." She then hugged Rarity again. "It was lovely to catch up, Rarity. We'll have to do it again sometime."

"Oh, let's," Rarity agreed, "I know this lovely restaurant just down the street called-"

Sweetie Belle cleared her throat before speaking up. "Uh, Rarity? Aren't you supposed to get the costumes ready?"

Rarity's eyes widened. "Oh, my goodness, I totally forgot! I've got to hurry!" The fashion-centric pony gave her sister a flustered hug. "Good-bye, Sweetie Belle. Be good!" The panicked mare turned and ran off towards the boutique, screaming about deadlines and time constraints.

Bon Bon chuckled. "Classic Rarity." She noticed Sweetie Belle was still standing uncomfortably outside the house. "Don't be shy, Sweetie. Lyra's excited to teach you."

Sweetie reluctantly stepped into the house. Looking around, Sweetie took in the homely feel of the abode. She was standing in a small entryway with a squat coat hanger next to the door, decorated with several brimmed hats for the summer season. The entryway opened up into a pleasant sitting room, which was painted a relaxing yellow. A attractive aureate table with rounded edges was the focal point of the room, surrounded by several chairs sporting intricate designs in their fabric. At the far end of the room a tarnished lyre stood proudly on a custom stand next to a sparkling harp that gleamed vividly with the sun's rays. There was a carpeted staircase situated next to the stands. A door opposite the stairs appeared to lead to a small kitchen. A simple dining room blended into the kitchen. The house smelled of candy and sweets.

"Make yourself at home in the living room, Sweetie, and I'll fetch some tea for you," Bon Bon trotted toward the kitchen, humming a tune. "Afterward, I'll track down Lyra." The sound of a teapot being set on the oven chimed in Sweetie's ears.

Sweetie took this lull in activity to imagine her tutor. Like Bon Bon, she had noticed Lyra around town before, but she had never really bothered to get friendly. She knew that Lyra had intelligent golden-brown eyes, and was pretty slim as mares went. Her cyan mane was littered with streaks of white, and her well-kept coat was a memorable aquamarine. Sweetie Belle recalled another distinguishing feature about her future mentor that wasn't related to physical appearance. Thinking, Sweetie remembered that whenever she saw Lyra, Bon Bon seemed to accompany her. In fact, as hard as she tried, Sweetie couldn't recall ever seeing the two apart. She gasped as something clicked in her head. What if Lyra and Bon Bon were in lo-?

"Hey, Sweetie Belle! What's up?"

Sweetie Belle yelped, jumping in her seat. She whirled around to find Lyra standing behind her, grinning from ear to ear. Sweetie Belle blushed furiously, partly from guilt and partly from embarrassment. Lyra laughed good-naturedly. "Gotcha! You shoulda seen the look on your face! Priceless!"

"Lyra! What did I say about treating guests respectfully?" Bon Bon walked in from the kitchen, holding a tray with a steaming teapot and several cups. Setting it down on the table, she shot Lyra an exasperated look.

Lyra walked around the table and sat in a chair across from Sweetie. She assumed her unique position on the chair, back legs dangling idly over the edge, and pouted. "Aww, but Bonnie..." whined the unicorn melodramatically. "You know I like to keep things interesting. You don't want our visitors getting bored and leaving, do you?"

Bon Bon sighed, defeated. This was clearly a common occurrence. "What am I going to do with you, Lyra?"

Lyra's eyes gleamed wickedly. "How about you give me a kis-"

"LYRA!" Bon Bon screeched, voice shifting an octave higher, "please! Not now!" The mare's cheeks were a brilliant shade of red. "You need to make a good first impression for your student and a young filly! You need to act your age!"

Lyra winked conspiratorially at Sweetie Belle. "She loves it when I tease her like that."

"I do not," Bon Bon retorted self-consciously, her deep blush belying her denial. Lyra raised a doubtful eyebrow. "I- I have to a- attend to something in the kitchen. I forgot the... the tea on the oven. I'll be right back, Sweetie," the embarrassed mare stuttered, turning and hurrying into the kitchen, temporarily forgetting that she had just set said tea on the table.

Sweetie Belle sat awkwardly through the exchange between the two possible lovers, wondering if these magic lessons were actually a good idea.

When Bon Bon had left the room, Lyra looked at Sweetie Belle eagerly. "So? Are you ready to learn magic?"

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Celestia took hold of her own cup with her soft yellow aura and levitated it in front of her muzzle, inhaling its warmth. Tipping the cup and closing her eyes, Celestia partook in a long, slow sip, relishing in the bitter taste. After she drank, she carefully set the cup back on the table before looking at her sister.

Luna stared forlornly at her tea, it's warm steam juxtaposing the demigoddess' icy demeanor.

Celestia sighed. "Luna, what's wrong?"

Luna glanced up from her drink, briefly making eye contact. Looking away, Luna spoke. "I apologize, sister. I have just been deprived of sleep these past couple weeks, and I grow tired of being tired." The deep blue alicorn closed her eyes, breathing slowly. "You understand, sister."

Celestia studied her sister closely for a moment, noting the bags under her eyes before replying, "No, Luna, I'm afraid I do not understand. You are the Keeper of Dreams, Mistress of the Night. What could hinder you from your slumber? I daresay it would take considerable power to wake you unwillingly. You are hiding something from me, Luna."

Luna cringed. "You see right through me, sister," she relented, messaging her temples. "I will admit, I have been experiencing the most terrible visions, and they have been troubling me."

The Ruler of the Sun nodded. "Would you mind describing these dreams that ail your conscience? I feel that they may relate to our discussion."

Luna thought for a moment. "Very well. I will tell you." She paused to drink from her cup. Inhaling deeply, she looked directly at her sister, face grim and mouth drawn. "I'm afraid that a certain body has been present in all of my dreams for three weeks now. One creature I hoped I would never see again."

"Dominus de Peccatum."

"The very same. Every time I close my eyes, I see him lurking in my dreams, darkening the fringes, the edges of my visions are dark, blurry." Luna shivered. "I fear he may be close to breaking free from his prison in Tartarus."

"You worries are not unfounded, Luna. He has been gathering strength and power, and continues to become stronger as we speak. He may have already resurrected one of his sins."

"Are you quite sure, Celestia?" Luna asked nervously, "how could he already be powerful enough to bring one of his sins back?"

Celestia shook her head. "I am sure of it. The Light of Peace had been thrown off-balance by the rising of his child. The solar chains must have weakened, allowing him to regain some degree of strength."

"But how? How could he weaken the restraints you forged in the Sun?"

Frowning, the Princess of the Sun pondered the question. "Well, there are several possibilities. One, something is influencing our subjects in a negative manner, and he has been feeding off of the negative thoughts and feelings. Two, something, or someone, has made a deal with Dominus, agreeing to free him in exchange for something else. Three, the Tome of Tartarus has been unearthed by somepony, who may have accidentally released a Sin."

"All of those seem highly unlikely." Luna commented.

"I agree, but something had awakened him, and it is imperative that we find out what it was."

Luna sagged, the chandelier on the ceiling casting tired shadows on her eyes. "You are right. I do not believe we can afford to let out guard down. But, regrettably, I do not think I will be any help, sister. I am exhausted, and my power is drained due to my lack of sleep." she sighed. "As usual, I am more akin to a hindrance than a help."

"Nonsense," Celestia's voice carried authority, "you are the Princess of the Night, and my sister. You are a valuable asset and trusted friend, Luna. I will not tolerate self-loathing from a goddess." Hey voice rang with regal finality.

Luna smiled half-heartedly. "Thank you, sister. I will help in any way I can."

"Excellent. I would expect no less. Now, I will need to journey to Tartarus to confront Dominus. I might be able to reinforce his bonds. I need you to contact Twilight and her friends. Tell them they are needed at in Canterlot immediately."

Luna pushed away from the table and stood up. "It shall be done."

Celestia followed suit, beginning to walk back towards the hallway. "Thank you, Luna. We need to be quick. I am leaving immediately, and I will be occupied in Tartarus for about a week. You will act as ruler during my absence. I will also notify Cadence to come and assist you."

"Of course." Luna said, trailing her sister. "And thank you, Celestia. For giving me a chance."

Celestia smiled. "Anything for my little sis. Try not to let the power go to your head." Their hoofsteps echoed quietly off of the stone walls as they reached the door.

Luna smirked at Celestia's jab. "And I hope you don't get too hot down in Tartaru-"

The door exploded.

Celestia, reacting quickly, leaped forward and whipped her wings forward with a powerful flap, pushing back some of the heat and repelling some of the resulting shrapnel. She also cast a shield spell that enveloped herself and Luna. After the initial blast subsided, Celestia cancelled her shield and glanced back at Luna. "Are you all right, Luna?"

Luna nodded. "Yes, I am fine. But what of the door?"

Celestia turned back to the wall, a smoldering hole occupying the space where the door had been. The jagged edges of the wall near the hole glowed dangerously, simmering with heat. Smoke billowed through the doorway, obscuring the hallway behind it. Luna trotted to her sister's side. "What could've done this?"

Suddenly, a wavering figure, about the size of a pony, materialized in the smoke.

Celestia held her hoof out protectively, warning her sister to stay back.

The smoky character stood still in the hole. It was deathly quiet for several seemingly endless minutes. Finally, the smoke cleared, revealing a cloaked figure standing menacingly in the aftermath of the explosion.

Luna and Celestia assumed defensive positions, horns flaring with magic. "I will give you one warning," Celestia's voice was quiet, but laden with power. "Reveal yourself, and do not attempt any sort of trickery. I will not hesitate to engage."

A small laugh sounded, coming from everywhere and nowhere.

"Hello, Celestia."

Celestia's eyes narrowed. "Ira."

The shrouded figure wavered, and the cloak melted from existence. Luna gasped. The creature before her was a pony, but at the same time it wasn't. It was the about the same size, maybe a little bigger. It's form resembled that of a unicorn's. The creature's body wavered unnaturally, making the creature appear as a liquid, constantly flowing and transforming. Its coat was blacker than the Night itself. Its mane and tail held the appearance of molten lava, sizzling, popping with vibrant heat. Remarkably, through some arcane power, the mane and tail only flowed within a certain boundary, allowing it to hold the shape of a neat, close-cut mane. The eyes, equal in size and shape to an average pony's, were perhaps the most frightening feature. The pupils glowed a deep, bloody red, and were filled with such intense hate, such utter wrath, that Luna was hard-pressed to look away. The creature had no mouth.

"Miss me, Celestia?" Ira spoke, or, rather, thought. Her distinctly feminine voice seemed to speak directly into their minds. "Because I sure as hell didn't miss you." Ira's voice dripped with hatred. "I've been waiting for this moment for a while now. Almost four thousand years, in fact. It's very boring down in Tartarus." Her eyes narrowed and she pointed an accusatory hoof at Celestia. "And I look forward to exacting my revenge. And, as a plus, I'll make Father proud in the process." Ira lowered her head and a red light began to coalesce on her horn.

Celestia turned back to her sister. "Flee, Luna. Get Twilight. I will hold Ira off." she whispered.

Luna's eyes widened. "No, sister. I must stay and fight-"

"Go." There was no argument.

Luna nodded reluctantly, eyes still wide. She disappeared in a bright flash of blue light.

Celestia turned back to the angry demon. "I'm sorry, Ira, but you will not be enjoying your freedom for long. You cannot be allowed to roam free." Her horn charged with a intense yellow aura.

Ira roared incoherently, and she burst into a sprint towards Celestia, horn flashing a gory red. The Sun Goddess flapped her wings powerfully, propelling her toward Ira at incredible speed. Magic enveloped Celestia's horn as she closed the distance between her and the raging demon. Like two angry stars, they collided.