Assaulted

by Moonlit Path

Rating: mature
Tags: Sunset Shimmer, Horror, Queen Chrysalis, Princess Celestia, Slice of Life, Main 6, Princess Luna, Drama, Gore, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark, Mystery
Length: 21354

After Celestia finds two of her former students beaten and bloody, she must find out what happened, before history is forced to repeat itself.

After Celestia finds two of her former students beaten and bloody, she must find out what happened, before history is forced to repeat itself.

Warning: this is going to get very dark, and some swearing involved.

huge thanks to Mocha Star for editing it, and being able to bring it to a entirely new level. No, he didn't edit the first chapter. :twilightblush: Sorry about that, but the rest is good :pinkiecrazy:

Published 2016-06-25 22:00:01 UTC
Last updated 2017-03-22 17:27:35 UTC

Lost and Found

"Any word yet?”

“No Princess. It’s been a week since young Twilight Sparkle disappeared.”

“Yes, I am aware.” Celestia sighed, getting up from her throne, and walking over to the window. “If this were any other mare though, not a alicorn……...”

“My apologies, but we need to start preparing for the worst case scenario. Twilight isn’t immortal, like you and Princess Luna are, your highness.” He held his breath, preparing himself for what he was about to do. “Permission to speak freely?”

“Of course Captain Dusk.”

“My apologies in advance.”

“YOU NEED TO TAKE A BUCKING BREAK ALREADY!!!!!!”

He took a step back at the shocked expression from the tall mare in front of him, but refused to stand down. “You have not slept since Twilight was reported missing, and you haven’t eaten in days. I know you're worried about Twilight. We all are.” He took a couple deep breaths to steady himself. “If Twilight Sparkle is still alive out there, she is most likely going to need help. She is going to need all of us . More importantly, she is going to need YOU.”

Noticing Celestia swaying slightly as she attempted to keep her composure, he walked up to the troubled mare and offered her his shoulder. Not as a guard, but as a friend that he knew she needed.

“Please Princess.” He started again, in a calming whisper. “You aren’t just a princess, you're a mother and friend to everypony here. We trust you with our lives, and right now you need to trust us. We're all extremely worried, and working nonstop to find her. However,  we need to keep our strength up. Everypony is extremely worried about you.”

“Thank you Dusk........ I think that's exactly what I needed to hear. Can you please ask the kitchen to send some food to my room? Then take the rest of the night off. I know you have been working two days straight. I'll be in my room in a few, right now……… I just want some alone time. Where no pony can find me.” Normally Celestia wouldn’t tell anypony she was purposely hiding, but while security was high, she didn’t want them worrying she had gone missing also.

“Do you want me to bring the food to your hiding spot?” Celestia opened her mouth to question the guard, but was quickly cut off.

"You keep a lounger, stack of books, sketching set with easel, and extra office supplies in a prison cell that hasn’t been used in years. It’s kind of obvious that you hide in there. Don’t worry, only the handful of guards permitted down there know. Rest assured that your secret is safe with us.” As he finished explaining, an involuntary grin appeared on his muzzle.

Celestia walked over and gave her Captain a second hug, carefully wrapping her hoof around his neck, whispering thank you making him turn red.

“Captain Dusk?”

“Yes Princess?”

“This conversation never happened.”

“What conversation?”

Rolling her eyes as he gave the most cliché answer he could have given, she headed out the door. Waiting for the door to shut, Dusk jumped up and down like a young colt.

“I got TWO hugs from Celestia! After yelling at her!”

    As Celestia walked down the halls, she would purposely go down the less busy hallways until she reached her destination, to avoid as many ponies as possible. Walking up to the prison entry, she stopped. Something was off.  She could feel the barrier holding  something inside.

“No pony is supposed to be down here.” She murmured. “Especially not a unicorn strong enough for the barrier to turn on, without a pegasus guard.” Having a bad feeling, and knowing she would be powerless as soon as she went through the door, she grabbed a spear from the guards storage room, then carefully went inside.

  Looking around she was bewildered to see scorch marks all around the prison. Walls, floor, ceiling, even some of the gates were blown off their hinges. “What in Tartarus happened here?” Slowly she continued walking, only to notice one cell locked, with a trail of blood seeping out from under the gate. Spear at ready, she made her way to the cell. Her purple eyes went wide in horror. Laying on the cell floor, she saw Twilight Sparkle and Sunset Shimmer, unconscious.  Both mares were pale and covered horn to hoof in injures. Running inside, she quickly put her ear to their chests, relieved to discover they were still alive.

      “Princess!”

Celestia didn’t even bother turning around as the Captain ran inside, dropping the tray of food. “Are you alright? What happened………..” he trailed off noticing the mares, and ran to their aid.

   “We need to get them to the hospital wing.”

“Yes your highness. Let me get two stretchers and some extra guards.” Dusk explained, flying away as fast as his wings would take him. He returned two minutes later with help, only to find Celestia doing CPR on Sunset Shimmer.

“Let us in Princess.” The captain shouted, flying across the room.

Two guards put Twilight on one of the stretchers and left, while Dusk and other guard set up  a oxygen mask  over Sunsets muzzle before taking her.

In the hospital wing, the doctors and nurses immediately got to works stabilizing them.

    “I need to send word to the search party, telling them that Twilight is at the castle.”

    “I can assure you she is in good hands, your highness.”

    “I know, thank you doctor. I'll be back soon.” Celestia reluctantly left, closing the door as the doctor called for more blood.

Luna,

Twilight Sparkle has been found, and she is here at the castle. Tell everypony the good news, but I need to see you, and her friends here as soon as possible. Find them first, but do not start a panic. Be discreet. Spike is not to come. As far as anypony needs to know, everything is fine.

-Celestia

“Princess Celestia?” The alicorn turned around to see a familiar face.

“Captain, did something happen since I left?”

“They are stabilized, but critical. Due to their injuries, they are going to be out for a while. The doctor had asked me to tell you that he would recommend coming back in the morning, then for all of us to get some rest.” He walked over carrying a neither tray of food, that she somehow  didn’t notice right away. “They're safe now."

“I know.” She sighed. “Can you please go get pictures of the prison please, and then of their injuries for the records? I am going to send word to Shining Armor asking him to come. If there is something strong enough to take out the element of magic, we are going to need all the help possible.”

“Of course. We will also get his old armor ready in case he needs it.”

“Thank you.”

Dear Shining Armor,

    Twilight has been found, and is here at the castle. I do need you here right away, but do not allow Cadence to come. I will explain everything when you get here. Tell her about Twilight, and that you are coming to see your sister, and that you will be gone for a while. If she tries to go, tell her that  I said for her to stay.  She will respect my wishes.

See you soon,

  Celestia.

Celestia finally ate her meal while she waited patiently for Captain Dusk to come back with the pictures.

“Thank you very much. Tell the solar guards to retire for the night. That includes you. The lunar guards will take over their positions. Please ask Lt. Owl can inform them. When the girls from Ponyville and my sister get back, tell them to just get some rest. We'll discuss everything in the morning. Everypony is tired from searching, ad we can’t afford to miss anything, or make a mistake.”

“Yes Princess. Do you want me to wake you a little earlier?”

“Yes please. I want to go over everything personally before I have to explain it to the others.” With a salute, the guard left, leaving Celestia alone.

    The mare walked over and laid down on her bed, but unable to sleep. The images of her former students spread out on the cell floor kept coming up. The mere fact of knowing that they both might be dead if she had not found them when she did. Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on her door. Groaning she rolled over and secretly wished that however it was would just go away.

    “Tia, it’s me.”

    Too exhausted to try and use her magic, she walked over and opened her bedroom door. On the other side, a extreamly concerned looking Luna. “Where is she? Is she ok? When….”

    “Luna.” The younger alicorn knew something was wrong, as her elder sisters voice quivered. “We need to talk. I’m not telling the others until morning, but you need to know. Celestia handed her sister the pictures, while attempting to fight back the tears. “This is where she was found.”

    Luna went through the pictures, not even able to comprehend the extent of what she was looking at. She looked up to see Celestia holding two more pictures.

“She wasn’t alone.” The elder mare whimpered, handing over the pictures. Luna instantly felt outside of herself, not believing what she was seeing. Without a word, she dropped the pictures and wrapped her wings around her sister, as Celestia finally broke down.”

“I…...I almost lost them. I doubt I could ever forgive myself if anything had……. If anything……..”

Luna cooed soothing words as her sister cried into her shoulder. After a while, she noticed her elder sister had finally cried herself to sleep, a week of sleep deprivation finally catching up to her. Carefully she got her into bed, singing a soft lullaby spell to prevent any nightmares. Normally Luna hated using such magic, but she could make an exception this one time.

Laying down on the soft padded rug used for reading, she knew she would be unable to sleep. Carefully picking out one of her favorite books, she began reading by the light of her horn. Of course she knew that there was plenty of work to be done, but she decided against it. It killed her, but she wasn’t going to leave her sister like this. Not tonight.

“It will be ok Tia. I promise.”

      “Good morning girls.” Shining Armor yelled, scaring all of them. He had been hiding behind the door waiting for them.

        “Hiya Shining. The Princess call ya in also?” Applejack asked, looking around the room. No matter how many times she was in there, it still amazed her.

        “Yeah. It sounded urgent, but she didn’t want Cadence here. So I have no idea what’s going on.”

        “Hello everypony.” Everyone turned around to see Luna coming into the throne room. “My apologies, but we are needed in my sisters study. As safe as this room is…….there are too many ponies around.”

        “No problem Princess.” Rainbow Dash decided to start flying ahead, leaving the others behind.

        “Should somepony tell her she’s going in the wrong direction?”

        “She’ll figure it out soon enough, now please follow me. Wait……..Pinkie Pie. How did you know she went the wrong way? You girls have never been to that wing of the castle before.”

         “Can’t tell you. It’s a secret.” She giggled before jumping down the hall.

        “Alright then.” Perplexed, Luna decided to drop the subject for now. There were much more important matters to attend to at the moment. After walking for a couple of minutes, they came across a door with Celestial's cutie mark on it.

“Tia. It’s me.”

“Come in.”

As everypony gathered inside, they were amazed at the sheer size of it. It was easily as large as the Carousel Boutique. Taking a seat around the reading area, everypony noticed the unusual grave expression Celestia bore, and started realizing that something horrible must have happened.

“Is this about Twiley?” Shining Armor finally asked, breaking the awkward silence.

I thought they found her safe and sound.”

        “Yes, she was found and is safe now” Luna took a deep breath to steady herself. “She had been critically injured when we found her. Along with Sunset Shimmer.”

“SUNSET SHIMMER?” The girls chorused in disbelief.

        “Who’s Sunset Shimmer?”

       “I’m sorry Shining Armor, but that has to be a story for a different day. I have called you here because I fear for your safety.” Celestia sighed. She hated when she felt like she had failed, and having to admit that means she felt she can’t keep her subjects safe. “Something managed to nearly kill two very powerful mares, and not even Tirek could manage to do that.”

        Everypony visibly flinched at the mention of his name.

        “Because of this, my sister and I have decided to separate you. If you are in different places, then it would be a lot harder to get to you all. Rainbow Dash and Shining Armor you will  stay here. Now that you are a Wonderbolt  Rainbow Dash, on top of being the element of loyalty, you two would be good to have around for security. If that is alright with you, of course.”

        “Twilight is in the hospital. Buck yeah am I going to stay. You can’t get rid of me that easily.” Shining nodded his head in agreement.

        “Now Fluttershy and Applejack will stay in Ponyville. Fluttershy you have your animals to take care of, and Applejack the farm. Yes, I am aware that it will be easy to find both of you, but I will have three guards assigned to each of you. They will be in disguise of course. Lastly Rarity and Pinkie Pie, in Shining Armors absence I am hoping that you would help Cadence. You don’t have to do paperwork or anything like that, but with her pregnant, and both of you having experience with pregnant mares and foals, then I trust she will be in good hooves.”

        “Of course Princess. We will be more then happy to help her.” Rarity exclaimed, a little too enthusiastically.

        “I have one question.” The stallion turned around to the younger alicorn. “Luna, may I see the pictures of where they were found, please? I trust that pictures were taken.”

        “I have them right over here.” She gestured for him to follow her. “I must warn you, this pictures are rather………..gruesome.”

        “I’ve seen my fair share of crime scenes. I’ll be okay..” He trotted to the other side of the room.

“You may not repeat what you are about to see.”

Taking the pictures in his aura, he started looking through them carefully.  For most of them, his expression had been indifferent as he carefully  studied them. The he saw the picture of Twilight. Dropping the pictures, he ran out of the room with Luna running after him.

“I was afraid that might happen.” Celestia sighed. “Your train leaves tonight. Until then, feel free to roam around the castle. We can talk about this more after lunch, after you had time to process this. Please remember, as of right now you are in protective custody, but you are all safe.”

“Mighty kind of you Princess. Any chance we can at least see Twi, fore’ we leave? The farmer asked with a glimmer of hope.

“Perhaps later on tonight, but not at the moment.” everypony started going over everything that they had just heard, in their heads, as they left. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity went back to their rooms, and Pinkie Pie started heading towards the kitchen.

“Princess?”

“Yes Fluttershy?”

“If Sunset Shimmer is here, then would it be alright if I had Spike tell our counterparts from Canterlot High that she is over here and safe? They must be awfully worried about her.”

“That is a wonderful idea. Please tell him, to also have one of them try to find her book. I know where Twilight keeps hers, so we can keep in touch. If you wish you may go with him, in Twilight’s place. Just please be careful.”

“Yes Princess, and I think Spike can handle it. Thank you for giving me the opportunity though.” She added meekly before running out. No doubt heading towards the gardens.

“That takes care of a couple more things.’ Celestia sighed again. The alicorn took her favorite seat next to the window, before allowing  the tears to start falling again. “I’ll find out what happened. I promise.”

The rest of the day just seemed to blur together. The two mares laying in the hospital was all she could think about for obvious reasons. The next thing she could remember, had been saying goodbye to everypony at the train station.

Not even a minute after she arrived back at the castle she heard a familiar voice calling her.

“Princess!”

“Captain Dusk, what is it?”

“You’re needed in the hospital wind. NOW.”

Teleporting herself to the hospital, she couldn't help but stand there for a moment shocked at the scene. Sunset was on the floor with new injuries, the doctor and nurse in front of her to guard her. On the other side of the room Shining Armor and Luna were holding Twilight in a anti-magic containment barrier.

Twilight had turned a shade grayer, her eyes were pitch black, and she was shaking rapidly as if having a seizure. Without even giving it a second thought, she rushed over to aid in keeping Twilight contained.

“What’s going on?” Celestia whispered, bewildered.

“She started having a large magic surge. When we tried to get it under control, she went crazy. I’ve never seen anything like it.” The doctor explained, his voice noticeably wavering as he attempted to stay calm. A couple minutes later the mare returned to her normal colors. once again unconscious.

“Shining Armor, find me a limiter. I’m going to enchant it to control her magic.” The former guard knew exactly where they were, and handed one to Luna. The doctors and nurses had managed to get Twilight back into bed, but with one change. They added restraints. Luna carefully placed the limiter over Twilight’s horn, and strapped it into place.

“Thank you so much.” The doctor bowed, still catching his breath. “I highly doubt we could have handled her by ourselves..”

“You don’t have to thank us. We should have prepared for a magic surge from the start. Luna, you and Shining go get some rest. You’ve earned it."

"What about you Tia?"

"I’m staying here, just to be safe.”

“Let us know if you need anything.”

“I will.”

As they turned to leave, Luna felt a very familiar feeling. Once she hadn’t known in years. Looking over his shoulder, Shining noticed the alicorn holding her head.

“Are you alright? You weren’t hurt, were you?”

“No, I am alright. I need to do a couple of things before I retire to bed. I trust you remember where your room is.”

“Nope, I have no idea.” He teased, turning down a hallway.

“It can't be. It was destroyed. Nevertheless  I need to work fast. I won’t let it take over again.”

Nightmare

        “Where……...where am I?”

        “Sunset! You’re awake.” Celestia ran over giving her former student a hug.

        Sunset’s breathing quickly started to increase “Princess? How did I get here?”

        “You don’t remember?”

        Hearing their voices, the doctor came and noticeably brightened up. “You gave all of us quite a scare. How are you feeling?” He asked as calmly as he could manage, while looking her over.

        “Why can’t I remember what happened?”

 “It’s most likely the head injury. Traumatic amnesia is very common with they type of injuries you had sustained.” Writing a few things on his clipboard, he turned around to leave. “Your highness, may I have a word?”

        “Of course.” Celestia wrapped a hoof around Sunset again, relieved that she was finally awake. “I’ll be right back. Get some rest now, you need to save your strength.” Satisfied that Sunset was still half asleep the mare left, closing the door quietly. “What do you need to talk to me about?”

        He started to pace in thought. “I fear what will happen if she remembers. While it would be beneficial for us to know, there is no telling if she is mentally stable enough to handle it.” He sighed, stopping in front of the large alicorn “Please, I implore you, do not try to have her remember. I would also highly recommend not telling her about Twilight Sparkle, as it might trigger a similar effect.’

“I agree. Sunset waking up here, especially with me next to her her is stressful enough as it is.”

Looking through the window at the sleeping unicorn, he was relieved to hear Celestia agree. “Thank you, now if you would please excuse me. I need to go check on Twilight. Would you be so kind as to stay with Sunset?”

        “I wouldn’t dream of leaving her right now. My sister should still be with Twilight. Would you mind telling her the good news?”

        “Of course. I know Princess Luna will be pleased to hear about her waking up.”

        Walking into the next room the doctor was interested to see Luna whispering comforting words as Twilight tossed and turned, as though having a nightmare.

        “Did she wake up?”

        “No, she started to but then she started acting like this.”

        “Princess Luna, I really hate to ask this, but we need to calm her down before she hurts herself further.” He explained holding gauze to her arm in order to stop the bleeding from where  the I.V was ripped out of her arm.

        “What do you suggest, Doctor?”

        “I’m not sure. Can you help her in the dream realm.”

        With a nod, Luna sat down on the floor next to the hospital bed and started to charge her horn. “If anything happens while I’m working, all you need to do is shake me.” A moment later, she closed her eyes and the aura around her horn dulled.

        The night has quiet and calm as a silhouette of an alicorn descended from the moon.

Looking around, Luna surveyed her surroundings. It was a plain dessert with a couple of underground caves, in a valley created by mountains.  “Twilight Spar-” Without warning, Luna found herself pulled into one of the caves by magical force.

“What are you doing here?” Twilight whispered with a look of terror on her face.

“I came here to talk to you,” It didn’t escape her notice that Twilight was looking around as if waiting for something, “everypony is concerned about you.”

“I can’t explain right now…  I know this is a dream, have Celestia cast a memory spell, starting the day I was,” young alicorn whimpered, “taken; It was Monday if I remember correctly. Please...”

“Taken?”

Before she Twilight could give a  answer, a shadowed creature blurred by and struck in attack, tearing the wings from Twilight.  The only thing that could be heard was the sound of bones breaking, as blood drenched both mares, and a sudden gasp from Twilight at the pain she felt.

 “Get out!” Twilight commanded as Luna began falling to the floor in shock.

The blurred creature returned, this time breaking Twilight’s horn off like it were a mere twig off a dead branch. Luna shot up and began to gallop for the cave entrance. Once in the moonlight she hoped to escape the dream.  Then she stumbled as one of her legs was torn, nearly off, but left hanging by some flesh, causing her to stumble as blood poured from her body onto the cave floor.

The creature noticed Twilight galloping over to help her friend and ripped the left leg off of her before smashing Luna over the head with it, sending her tumbling and striking the cave wall.

Looking back, through mind numbing pain, Luna galloped for her life; using her magic to heal her leg enough to move with. The gravity seemed to get heavier, preventing her from accelerating. Luna knew that she was no match for that creature, even in the dream realm, so she had to come up with a plan and fast.

“I have to get back to Twilight,” she whispered, hoping that the creature would follow her. Her wish was granted as the unidentified creature engulfed Luna with it’s shadow and broke her neck with a pressured strike to her vertebrae, followed by a slow twisting motion as it pulled and ripped her head from her body, decapitating her.  Her head was dropped, landing so she could watch the carnage to come from an angle against the wall.

Luna couldn’t help but watch in horror as the shadow moved over to Twilight’s gasping and bloody body.  The purple leg resting between the mares.  She looked in disgust as the shadow formed claws from itself and began to tear open Twilight’s head, digging her horn out as though it were a dentist performing a root canal and flicking grey matter away as though it were boogers.

Twilight spasmed on the floor as it kept working, tearing at the flesh on her and cracking her skull open.  Twilight’s gurgling screams would have sent chills through Luna’s body, if she’d still had it.

The shadow then rolled Twilight onto her back and used a razor sharp talon to slice open the young alicorns chest from her collarbone to her belly.  With another sickening ripping sound the peach flesh was torn asunder and the creature wasted no time digging through the spasming organs that lay bare before it.

Organs flew from Twilight’s body as it dug like a hungry fox searching for it’s hidden food.  Suddenly it stopped and waited.  The longest eight seconds in Luna’s life passed as she watched the creature’s claws and talons hover in place.

It carefully reached down and cracked Twilight’s ribs open, then cradled her lungs gently, most of its claws turning into fingers attached to giant hands.

With a tug and popping sound it removed the lungs that let one last exhale from Twilight’s body as they were laid carefully in her own empty bowels.  With a motion; all the internal organs floated up and began to stuff themselves into the deflated lungs.  Blood began to float into the air and stuffed the lungs creating giant meaty bags of blood stuffed with meat.

A mouth full of spinning, razor sharp teeth formed and Twilight’s heart float into it’s mouth; being grinded into paste as a chuckling sound filled the cavern.

Lunas vision started to swim in pain, as she saw the mutilated remains of what used to be her friend and her sisters pupil.  The creature moved Luna’s body swiftly beside the seemingly dead remains of Twilight and began the same operation to the headless mare’s body.  The only difference is the creature used Luna’s stomach as the stuffing bag before eating her heart.

        The last thing it did was traded the internal organs between the mares, sewed their bodies shut with tendons torn from each other their legs, then hung them from the ceiling by their own intestines that were removed inside out from their anuses.

Luna would have vomited if she could have, seeing their bodies defiled in such a way… then with a clicking sound a fire appeared, small and crackling, beneath both mares.  Slowly, over the next hour, Luna watched as their bodies were slowly roasted.  Luna watched as the ground moved from her vision; she was being lifted somewhere.

A sharp pain stung her forehead as the horror struck her that she could still feel everything that was happening and what she must be doing in the real world.  She saw her horn held before her face and, with two quick jabs, her eyes were stabbed out.

Then a sudden warm sensation came over her.

        As Luna came falling back into the waking world she felt petrified.  She was lying on her side, and only after a couple moments did she notice Celestia and Shining Armor were holding her down while four guards holding Twilight.  A guard was yelling in the background indistinctly

        “Luna, what happened?” Shining asked, very concerned.

        “Fire, cave, brains…”

        Noticing her starting to hyperventilate a nurse ran over. “Here, put this on.” She said in a firm, commanding voice that screamed of experience.  She began holding an oxygen mask over Luna’s muzzle.

Celestia covered Luna with one of her wings, while still trying to hold her down. “You’re okay now.”

        “I-I need to go back. Twilight is-”

        “Dreaming,” her elder sister interrupted, “and you are not  going back in there. It’s too dangerous.”

        Before she could say anything, Twilight started seizing again. Feeling a sharp, familiar pain, Luna finally surrendered and fell asleep.

Talk

“Princess!”

Celestia stopped and listened to the room she was quickly passing as she went to see her sister in her own hospital room.  Her mind was still distracted over what had happened few moments before.

“Princess Celestia?” Sunset called.

Rubbing her head below her horn she turned and walked into the room. “Yes Sunset?”

“What happened? I heard, what I am assuming, was a fight: and then saw them taking Princess Luna into another room on a gurney,” she explained with unease.

“We had a little incident, but it’s taken care of.  Another patient had a magic surge.”

Sunset started unconsciously rubbing the base of her horn. “I hate those,” she said before she laughed a little, remembering the last time she had a massive magic surge, while still Celestia’s student, and how she ended up turning Celestia Pink.

“Sunset...” Celestia let out a small sigh, knowing that this wasn’t going to be easy. “May I have a word?”

“Why? I already know what you’re going to say.”

“Is that so?”

“You’re going to tell me that I’m in huge trouble, and that after I’m released from the hospital you are going to banish me before I can run away, again.”

Celestia couldn’t help but smile.  Her two students were so different, but their similarities were so similar that it was laughable. “And what would make you think that?”

“Gee, I don’t know,” Sunset snarled, “maybe because I was banned from the castle, but yet, here I am. I yelled at you and tried to hit you with a stun spell... Not to mention how I had abandoned everypony, along with committing assault, treason, and possible terrorism. I conspired to become a dictator over Equestria and I know you’re still upset with me for running away the other side of the mirror.  So, yes, I know you will banish me.”

Sunset turned away from Celestia and started stroking her tail, trying to calm herself down. “I’ll leave forever, that way,” she sniffled, “you won’t have to see me again.”

“Is that really what you think I would say?” Celestia asked, concerned at her former students current mental state and thoughts.

“I know it is. You gave me everything I could ever hope for. Then I went and acted like an arrogant, selfish, hate filled little foal.”

Celestia bend down and nuzzled Sunset. “I’m sorry.”

“I’ll just pack my… wait,” Sunset’s eyes widened, “y-you’re sorry?” The fiery haired mare asked very confused as she looked into the face of her former mentor. “I was the one who did all of that stuff, the bad stuff.  I was evil, I should be apologizing to you.”

“Sunset.” Celestia took a deep breath and leaned her forelegs against the edge of the bed. “I’m sorry, because I fed you false hope. You were everything that this cruel world needed more of. Gentle and kind, but still hard headed and stubborn. I had believed that it was your destiny to become an alicorn one day.  But, before I could tell you and begin your training you had started changing.”

Looking out the window, the memories started coming back. “You had started to become

rude and arrogant. Thought that you knew everything that you needed to know, and that nopony could touch you, you were my student after all. You then started bullying, and even got into a couple magic battles that weren’t evenly matched. Not to mention a couple actual hoof fights. I doubt any of that would have happened if I hadn’t begun to press upon you the importance of your tutelage.”

        Putting her hoof over Celestia's, they sat there for a moment, taking in what was just said.

“It wasn’t your fault, Princess, it was mine.” Sunset rolled away, tears streaming down her cheeks.

        The mare started trembling, as she attempted to keep her voice from cracking further. “The other students reported me for bullying because I wouldn’t stand down, and I was terrified that they would get me kicked out of the school, thrown aside by you.  I had confronted them on it. I told them that whatever they had against me was none of their business, and to…” Sunset trailed off, then felt a hoof on her shoulder. Looking up, she saw the same comforting smile she loved as a foal.

        “I told them to do what they wanted to me,” Sunset continued, “and I began to challenge them with the skills you taught me, but on the condition that as long as I won they wouldn’t interfere with my schooling.  They had no right, and there had been a chance that they could ruin my future.  After that they had started beating me up, battling me as a group.  I finally broke. I started fighting back at a real level.

“Afterwards, everything started going downhill.”

        Walking around to face the young mare, Celestia tried to process what Sunset had just confessed. “Oh, Sunset, why didn’t you tell me all of this before?”

        “I thought that I finally had everything under control.  Then part of me realized that if everypony was scared of me, they’d respect me; then no one could hurt me anymore. I guess I let the power get to my head. Then I get a second chance, and I have to go and make the same mistake again!” she yelled to herself through clenched eyes, tears soaking into her pillow.

        Celestia shook her head in disbelief. “You should have never had to go through any of that.  I’m so sorry, Sunset, I should have seen it. If I had any idea…”

“Then it would have only made it worse,” Sunset interrupted, turning her face into her pillow.

“You don’t know that.”

“It’s the way it always works out.

Celestia knew what to say but chose to say nothing.  This was a time a foal needed comforting, not knowledge.  With a slight tug with her magic, Sunset was pulled into an embrace with Celestia.  An embrace the young mare needed more than she knew.  Floodgates were opened and for the next several minutes, Sunset Shimmer cried for all her mistakes and regrets.

        “I thought that you didn’t want me anymore,” Sunset whimpered when she’d calmed down, “I wanted to turn around and go back to you.  To Equestria so badly. I kept telling myself that I wasn’t welcome here anymore. That I couldn’t go back.”

        “I guess we both made mistakes.” Celestia sighed, only for Sunset to start laughing.

        “Some more than others.”

        “Very true,” Celestia chuckled softly.

        “Twilight was explaining to me about how she used to do reports on what she learned about friendship.”

        “That is correct.  After she moved to Ponyville I had her do the reports to finish her schooling.  But between the two of us, I knew she’d be so busy learning about friendship and comparing the living standards between Canterlot and Ponyville, that I’d never have heard from her otherwise.”

        Sunset nudged the alicorn with her shoulder softly as she lay back; the fur on her face matted from tears. “Just like an overprotective mother.  Is living in Ponyville really that much different than Canterlot?”

        “I am assuming that you have never been to Ponyville.”

        “No.  I never had a reason too.”

        “After you get out of the hospital I’ll take you there. As you know that is where Twilight and the other girls, the elements of harmony… well former,” she tittered, “live, so I’m sure they would all be more then happy to show you around.”

        Celestia started to giggle as Sunsets face paled. “I’m scared to ask.  Just, tell Pinkie that I want no party, please. If she is anything like her human counterpart...” She let out a small shiver, and both of them giggled. “And since we're talking about learning… I was wondering if it would be possible to write to you about what I learn. I mean, I’m already writing to Twilight and I am having fun annoying her, but you’re…”

        “I think that is a wonderful idea, my dear student.”

“Former student,” Sunset corrected.

“If you wish, I would be honored to be your teacher again. Finish school over there, then when you graduate, come back here. It’s entirely up to you, though.”

“I’d like that, but after everything I did…”

“No charges were pressed against you. There aren’t any on your record in all of Equestria.”

“Thank you, Princess.” Sunset wrapped a foreleg around her teacher as far as she could manage. “Thank you.”

“Want to start now?”

“What do you mean?”

“What did you learn about friendship since you left?”

“Can you get me  scroll and quill please?” Sunset asked.  Releasing her student, she levitated a blank scroll and inked quill over; Sunset gratefully took them. “Thank you.”

Dear Princess Celestia,

        I have learned something very importeant.  I have learned that even if you turn into a evil she-demon bent on world domination, true friends will always be there to kick your ass to tartarus and back with a rainbow superlaser. Then they help you through the days afterwards, and show you that there is a new way of doing things, that doesn’t risk people's lives, and blow up a school.

        -S.S.

Sunset rolled the scroll up and passed it to her teacher. “My first official report.”

Reading the letter, Celestia couldn’t help but smile. “This is exactly the kind of report I’d expect from you. Although you misspelled important..”

         “Here, I’ll fix it.”

        “You know the rules. Not taking back your work after you already turned it it.”

        “Yeah, I forgot.” She smiled sheepishly. “Um, Princess?”

        “Yes?”

        “Now can you tell me why I’m in the hospital, in Equestria?”

        “Trust me when I say... that it’s best for you to not know at this time.”

        Sunset huffed and pouted before sighing in defeat. “Alright, I trust you. Can I at least talk to Twilight?  I’m sure she would appreciate knowing that I’m here.”

        “She’s a little tied up right now, but I will be sure to let her know.”

        “Okay, thank you,” it was obvious that Sunset was upset she couldn’t see Twilight for herself, but Celestia knew how to get her mind off it. Pulling two cups from a tray a nurse had brought with her magic, Celestia poured them both some tea.

        “Why don’t you tell me what happened after you left for the human world? What did you do?”

        “After I arrived I had no idea what I was going to do, much less how to walk,” she giggled in memory of crawling in her knees and elbows at first, ”after a few days of living in a park a police officer had found me.  I pretended to have amnesia and that I only knew my name.  When they found the me from that world I passed myself off as her twin sister and got settled in.

“It took a couple days for me to convince the family that I was a long lost member of their clan, but they welcomed me.  When I got settled in, they helped me with the paperwork I needed, and I was able to get a I.D and, shortly after, a small room of my own in their house.

        “After my new life was finalized I went to a different school from their Sunset Shimmer and then I made a plan to take over the world…

        “There is a little more, but that is the gist of it.”

        Celestia sipped her tea, she took a deep breath, taking in the warm aroma. “Sounds like you had a very eventful time.”

        “It was. I learned so much more about being a teenager and adult, and growing up over there, then I think I would have over here. Over here, I had an escape in you, over there I had to actually fend for myself.  I couldn’t rely on anypony.  I will admit that I still feel very guilty about what I did at school.  I was a monster.”

        Celestia lifted Sunset’s chin with a gentle hoof, until they made eye contact. “Keyword there is ‘was’.  Sunset, I am so proud of you. Everything that you have accomplished has left you wise beyond your years.  Even the mistakes you made, you still turned into lessons, and that made you a better and stronger pony. Or human, as you would now call it.”  Taking the cups in her magic, Sunset put them on the tray next to her bed.

        Knowing that their talk was finished, Celestia decided to just hold her student again. Both mares were quiet, just enjoying each others company. After a little while, Sunset had fallen asleep.

Carefully, Celestia laid Sunset back down and covered her with the blanket.

        “I’m still so sorry, Sunset,” she whispered before kissing her students forehead.

        “I love you, mom,” Sunset mumbled in her sleep.

        “I love you too.”

Darkness Part 1

“TWILIGHT?!”

“Shhh, it’s okay, Lulu,” Celestia cooed, holding her sister tightly out of concern that she would injure herself further.

“Is Twilight alright?”  Luna whispered, as she tried to slow her breathing.

“Yes, you don’t need to worry about her.  She’s sleeping and resting comfortably, as we speak.”

“No more nightmares?”  Luna asked with a glimmer of hope.

Sighing, Celestia let go of her sister.  “She’s had a couple,” the elder sister reluctantly admitted.

Luna tried getting up, to no avail. “I need to go help her.”

“Luna, I’m sorry but, you can’t.”

Luna knew she was in no condition to help anypony, but she still growled before asking. “What happened when I was in the dream realm?”

Looking down at the floor, Celestia tried to think of the best way to explain the course of events.  “We’re not exactly sure. You had started breathing rapidly, then a moment later you and Twilight had started violently spasming.  Before we could get you back into the real world, both of you started having magic surges.”

Now looking her sister in the eye, she could see the terrified look that her younger sister attempted to hide as she continued.  “We tried to get both of you under control, then you started screaming, as Twilight became extremely violent in her thrashing.

Taking a deep breath, Celestia used her hoof to gently lift her sisters chin, so that they were looking at each other.  “What happened to you two?”

        Pulling away from her sister, Luna looked around the hospital room she and Celestia were in, buying time as she tried to figure out how to summarize her ordeal.  “A shadowy creature had scavenged, shredded, and violated our bodies; desecrating them before roasting them over a fire and…” she paused and shuddered, bile rising up her throat as the events replayed. “Please don’t ask for any further details, Tia.  I will tell you, in time.”

        Celestia carefully sat down in a chair next to the bed feeling lightheaded as a sudden wave of nausea washed over her.  The thought of her sister dying was a terrible one, but for one to live through such an ordeal...

        “There is one thing that is bugging me though,” Luna continued, “something had seemed off about the nightmare.  It felt familiar and more lifelike than I am accustomed to with a typical nightmare or even night terror.  I couldn’t put my hoof on it though.”

        “Strange.  Did Twilight say anything?”

        Luna had thought back to her encounter.  “When I had first found her, she was completely petrified. She told me that she couldn’t explain what happened, but wanted you to cast a memory spell, starting the day she went missing.”

        “That would be Sunday, if I recall correctly.”  Luna nodded her head in agreement.

“Do you think you could handle knowing what happened?”

Celestia walked over and wrapped her wings around her younger sister.  “I have to. She isn’t just a fellow princess, or my personal protege. She is my family, as you are.”

“I understand, and I am sorry, but I doubt I have the energy to pull you out if anything shall happen.  As much as I hate to have to put both of you through that, I would appreciate it if you would wait for me. Her physical body is safe and this way it would be safer for everypony,” the younger alicorn implored

“Oh Luna, I’m so sorry,” Celestia sighed, turning her head to look out the window a bird flying by, “this is the first time since they were found that we might have a actual lead. The investigators looked over every inch of the prison and couldn’t find anything helpful. Now that I know I have permission to cast the memory spell we must continue as soon as possible.”

“I do not understand why you had to wait for permission!” Luna finally snapped in frustration.

“I require permission, because it can possibly remove memories from somepony if done incorrectly,”  Celestia groaned.

With a sigh, Luna slowly rolled and stood up from the hospital bed, her legs buckled slightly and she nearly fell until she felt her sister supporting her. “Thank you, Tia.  If you are performing the spell, then I need to be there.”

        “I swear you are more stubborn then Blueblood sometimes, Lulu.”  Carefully, they managed to get to Twilight’s room with Luna only stumbling once. The doctor was checking Twilight’s vitals when they arrived.

        “Princess Luna, how are you feeling?” The doctor asked as he and Celestia helped her lay on a plush pillow.

        “Better.”

        “Good,” the doctor said, almost automatically, while shining a bright light into her eyes. ”You shouldn’t be out of bed yet. You are still very weak.”

        “She is here for me.” Celestia interrupted with a gentle smile. “I am going to cast a memory spell on Twilight.  She had given me permission in the dream realm.

        The doctor walked up to the alicorn, concern clearly visible in his eyes.  “Are you sure about this, Princess?”

        Walking over as gracefully as she ever had and placing a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder, she bent down.  “Yes, I’m positive.”

Charging her magic, she bent down and touched her horn to the Twilight’s. The doctor guided her into a seating position as both alicorn's eyes turned white.

        “Another awesome party, Pinkie.”  Twilight slightly stumbled, having a little more hard cider then she was used to. Looking over she saw Rainbow Dash attempting to fly, and falling on her face. “Rainbow, do you want to stay at my place?”

        “What’s that sup’posed to mean? Don’t think I can, I can handle myself?  Hmmm?!   Egghead.” Rainbow stumbled over her hooves, trying to regain her balance as Fluttershy ran up to support her intoxicated friend.

        “Don’t worry Twilight, Rainbow is staying the night at the cottage with me. I’ll take good care of her,” Fluttershy assured her friend, only for Pinkie Pie to start laughing.

        “Cause you can only have fun with Rainbow when she’s had too much cider. Right?”

        “Pinkie, that’s horrible! How could you even suggest such a thing?” Twilight asked bewildered.

        “It’s simple silly, because Rainbow loves it!”

        Looking over to her two pegasus friends hiding behind their wings, one out of embarrassment, and one trying not to loose her dinner, she realized how oblivious she could be sometimes.

 “O-kay... I’m just going to go home and wash my face,” Twilight mumbled as she turned back to her own home.

        “I thought you were the Princess of Friendship!” Rainbow laughed, falling over her own hooves, and not even bothering to get up this time after she chest planted, her rump facing a shocked Fluttershy who whimpered then averted her eyes from what she saw beneath the rainbow colored tail.

        “Yeah, the princess of Friendship; not love. That’s Cadence!”

        Twilight was halfway home as a green smoke engulfed the surprised alicorn. Choking on the strange gas, she noticed herself becoming increasingly tired and her vision began to swim.

Poison gas?!  Attempting to get out of the gas, she galloped what little distance she could, her senses quickly leaving her until the world went numb and black.

        “Welcome back, sleepyhead,” a voice cooed in the darkness.

Darkness Part 2

Twilight started opening her eyes only to immediately close them again as she felt a sharp pain radiating from her wings down through her entire body.  Daring to look behind her she was able to make out some kind of metal shackles around her pinion joints as well as a chain around her neck and all four hooves were clamped in irons near totally immobilizing her.

“Who, who are you?” Twilight eventually croaked, still incredibly lightheaded and parched.

“My dear Twilight, you don’t recognize me?” A voice said softly in the dimly lit room.

Looking around the darkened room she came across two glowing green slitted eyes.

“Chrysalis!” Twilight shouted in shocked anger, “let me go!”

“I can’t let you go, silly mare,” Chrysalis chuckled as she began using the back of her hoof to gently stroke the side of Twilight’s face.  Twilight shivered slightly at the feeling of the hard carapace sliding across her face.  “You are the only one who can help us get what we so desperately crave.”   Noticing Twilight’s face redden, Chrysalis couldn’t help but laugh.  “Don’t worry deary, I won’t do anything like that,” she seductively whispered into the mare’s ear.  Walking beside Twilight, Chrysalis put two hooves on Twilight’s shoulders.  “After all, there is no point in risking hurting myself over a single mare. Even if she is a princess.”

“Hurting yourself?”

“Yes.  Unless we can gain love from it, the act can be extremely painful for us.  Wait… why am I explaining this to you?”  Chrysalis asked, mainly to herself than the mare under her hooves

“Because you want to better educate Equestrians on the culture and biology of the Changeling species?”  Twilight offered, hoping she was right and if she is that she could take notes.

“Chrysalis, stop!”  Celestia growled, attempting to get the chains off Twilight without any luck.  Everytime she grabbed for them, her hoof seemed to phase through the metal.

“Stop distracting me!”  The queen growled as Twilight felt an electrical pulse shock throughout her body.  Her eyes immediately shut tight as her lungs burned with intent to scream.  “Now, you are going to answer some questions, and if you try to avoid the questions, trick me, lie to me, or distract me, you will be punished.”

Chrysalis chuckled darkly in the silence of the room. “That was a low setting, I can promise you that the next one will be much, much worse.  I should probably mention that the drugs we gave you earlier is made from my personal venom and has paralyzed your magic for three days, at least. Now, whether you live that long...”  leaning in close, she whispered “all depends on how good our little princess is.”  Chrysalis nipped sharply on Twilight’s ear with her carnivorous teeth.

“First question.  Is Shining Armor your actual brother?”

“Yes,” Twilight answered firmly.

“I bet your parents are so proud of the two of you. Their precious daughter is a princess and their son is a prince and captain of the royal guard,” Chrysalis commented as she began to pace in front of Twilight.

“ Leave my parents out- Aaaah!!”  Twilight screamed, the noise reverberated through the room for seconds after her voice faded.

“I warned you that if you break the rules, you get punished.”

“Yes…” Twilight panted, “yes, they are very proud of both of us.”

“Good. Now say ‘I will not avoid, lie, trick, or distract from the questions.’”

“No. EEP!” Twilight restrained the scream this time through clenched teeth and an icy glare, directed at the Queen of Changelings.

“Say it,” Chrysalis ordered as another jolt went through Twilight.  Then another, another, and another until the purple alicorn began to smoke lightly; the hairs on her back had begun to singe.

Twilight nodded sharply between jolts and shouted. “I will not avoid, lie, trick, or distract.”  Then she slumped as much as she could, a ragged breath leaving her.

“See, wasn’t that easy?  Now, had any of you ponies heard of us before the wedding?”

“No,” Twilight whispered.

“Then why were you scared of us?”

“Gee,” Twilight lifted her head to glare at Crysalis, “I don’t know. Maybe it was because you were foalnapping ponies, trying to kill Princess Celestia, imprisoned Princess Cadence, brainwahhhhhhh!” Twilight started crying, as the pain started becoming unbearable.  “I.. I didn’t..”

“I just wanted you to shut up,” Crysalis sneered at Twilight, “I get the picture. Next, how were you turned into an alicorn?”

“I’m not quite sure. I’m assuming it was a spell created by Celestia.”

“Of course,” Crysalis rolled her eyes, “now, what are you learning?”

“Learning?”

“Do I need to shock you again?”

Twilight whimpered and shook her head, reciting the phrase. “I will not avoid, lie, trick, or distract.”

“Very good. You’re learning,” Crysalis cooed as she continued, “how did you come by the other elements?  Your, friends, as you call them.”

“How long do you have?” Twilight snarked.  A glare from the Queen sent fear through Twilight.  “I will not avoid, lie, trick, or distract… But that was a valid question.  The story of how I met my friends can be rather, lengthy.”

“Give me the short version.”  Chrysalis started pacing again. She was secretly amazed that Twilight was answering the question.

“We met defeating Nightmare Moon.”

“How many so called ‘villains’ have you defeated with the elements?”

“Including a parallel dimension that magic was forcibly entered into, by a power crazed she-demon bent on a double world dictatorship?”

“Hmmmm, that sounds interesting. Tell me about it.”

“It is a strange land with a group of girls capable of using the elements without them even being worn by the representation of the element. If you wish I could take you there, and show you how they work.” Twilight growled

“You are seriously testing me?? Enough of you precious tales!”

“How do yo-aaahhhhhh!!!”

“Forgetting your lesson so soon. What would dear Celestia think?”

“I’m sorry. I will not avoid, lie, trick, or distract!” Twilight screamed as she surrendered. Not wanting to get electrocuted again, she just wanting the shocks to stop.

“Very good.  Now, how did you become Celestia’s personal student?”

“I was taking the entrance exam, and after turning a newborn dragon into a three story high monster, and my parents into plants…”

“You’re just giving me a headache now.” Chrysalis grumbled, rubbing her head with her hoof as her annoyance grew.

Twilight flinched in the darkness, waiting the next shock... that never came.

“I guess we’ll finish this in the morning, I certainly hope you're comfortable.”

With one last hiss in frustration, Chrysalis slammed her hoof across the muzzle of the defenseless mare, making her bleed and fall limp.  “Your guardian will be down in a moment. Now, recite it one more time.  Because I said so.”

“My guardian?”  Twilight gargled, as she drooled blood from a gash in her tongue, from biting it during the beating.

“Say it!” Chrysalis shouted then hissed, striking the mare across the face again.

“I will not avoid, lie, trick, or distract.” Twilight recited, as if taking a test she has studied for twenty times, only now she was beginning to sob.  Satisfied, Chrysalis left, slamming the door.

“Twilight?  Twilight can you hear me?”  Celestia yelled, even knowing it was useless.  “Is this how you were injured?  How did you get into the cell?  What…”  Her thoughts were abruptly cut off as she heard the door open. She watched in horror, as a changeling flew through the door with a large bag.

“Ready to have some fun?”  It whispered, changing into a mirror image of Shining Armor.

Celestia started growling again. “How low will they sink? Of course Twilight must know it’s not actually Shining Armor.”

“Shining?  What are you…”

“...Or not.”

“I’m sorry Twiley.  If I don’t do as I’m told then they are going to kill everypony.  Mom, Dad, Cadence, you.  Please, I’ll get us out of here, but I need time.”

“Just help me out of these things, then we can get out of here.”  Twilight whispered, not wanting anypony to hear her.  Fighting against the chains, making the skin underneath cut open.  She winced as blood began running down her hooves.

“Just bare with me,” he whispered then, without warning, he pulled out a large clamp and sized it around her barrel, walking to both her sides, making sure it was tight and secure.

“Shining?  What’re you doing?” Twilight asked as he cranked the clamp and send a sharp, screaming, violent pain through her body as bones broke.

“Sorry, you forced me. You tried to distract me from what I needed to do.”

“Shining!  Wha-?”  Twilight shrieked through the pain before she began to gasp in shock.

Next he took out two more smaller clamps.  Shining Armor tightened them around the pinion joints on her wings and numbing the throbbing pain, as well as her wings.

“Pretend this is just like old times. What did you learn today?”

“I will not avoid, lie, trick, or distract.” She stated, not even thinking about it anymore through the pain.

“Very good.  Now, your reward.”  Reaching into his bag again, he pulled out a ballgag and shoved it in his sister’s mouth, tightening it behind her neck.  Twilight’s eyes went wide in fear as he pulled out a thorned nightstick. “You’re reward is the gag.  This way, you won’t accidentally bite your tongue again, or anything else,” he implied seductively.

“Mmmnngg, aaaa, mmmaaa mmm,” she thrashed briefly until the pain stopped her.

“I’m sorry, I can’t understand you,” he laughed and teased as he hit her in the left foreleg with the nightstick, shredding the skin.  Looking up, he saw her crying.  “Cry all you want you spoiled brat. That isn’t going to change a thing!”  Shining yelled, hitting her in shoulder blade with the nightstick. Satisfied with himself as he heard a bone crack.  He continued to hit her on the abdominal muscle, the remaining three legs, and even hit her across the face with the butt of the nightstick.

“Oh you aren’t going to pass out on me already, are you? You’re avoiding the situation. Do you wish for me to take that gag out?” He asked with an amused smile as she vigorously shook her head no.  A moment later he groaned, as the mare went limp. “Fine, have it your way,” he sighed, setting off an electrical shock.  A moment later, he noticed Twilight stop breathing.

“Twilight…” Celestia started crying, as she watched Twilight take her last breath

        “Ah great.  The queen is going to kill me when she finds out I killed you.”  The changeling growled, using his magic to perform CPR.  “Note to self, remember that the chains and cuffs magnify the electrical current.”

        Celestia ran up to Twilight, hating herself that she couldn’t do anything to help, as the mare in front of her spasmed in agony.  Air rushed into her lungs, and she started choking on the gag still in her mouth.

        “Ok, sis.  I get it. I won’t go so rough on you.”  He sighed, pulling out a riding crop from his bag.  “You see I’m not really supposed to tell you this, but I’m here to wear you down.  Make it so  that even if you wanted to, you couldn’t fight back. In return...”  He hit her broken shoulder blade with the riding crop, smirking as Twilight let out a ear piercing scream.  “I get to have fun with the most amazing sister ever.”

        For the next hour he kept whipping her.  Blood oozed from her body, staining her fur and tail as blood pooled underneath her, drop by drop.  Just as he started getting tired of just using the riding crop, Twilight had fainted again from the pain and blood loss  “Oh well, I doubt you’re going anywhere. See you tomorrow sis.”  He laughed, packing up his tools before changing back into it’s natural form and flying off. As Celestia predicted, the world went black again.

        A flash startled Celestia, as she saw Twilight and Chrysalis again. Only this time Twilight was upside down, covered in even more gashes.

        “Now you decide to wake up.”  Chrysalis yelled, hitting her head on he wall in frustration.  “Listen and listen closely. I know it’s been a long three days for you…”

        “It’s already been three days? What happened to the other two days?” Celestia wondered, noticing how much thinner and weaker Twilight looked.

“...and I really wish I could keep my new toy.  Unfortunately, if I try to give you any more        sedatives, they would kill you.  Don’t worry Twilight…” Carefully licking Twilight’s damaged horn, the mare stiffened at the fresh wave of mind numbing pain.  “After tonight, you won’t remember a thing.” Using her magic, she laid the alicorn down on the floor with Twilight’s head in her forelegs. “I just want to hear it one more time.”

“I will not avoid, lie, trick, or distract you, my Queen.” She whispered, unaware of her current mental state.

Chrysalis pulled a bottle from her bag, it was filled with clear liquid with black spirals that looked like jellyfish tendrils. Tilting Twilight’s head back Chrysalis poured the unknown substance down the mare’s throat while casting a spell.  As the last drop entered Twilight’s mouth, her horn began sparkling, her aura had turned pitch black, along with her eyes. Allowing the altered mare to stand up, she unfastened the chains. All of her wounds started to glow green as they began to heal themselves.

The spell took effect.

        “My Queen, how may I serve you?”

        Celestia slowly took a couple steps back as she shook her head. It was Twilight’s body, but her voice had taken a demonic tone.

        “Here, follow the instructions on this scroll.  Make sure that you memorize them, then burn it.  All of this would have been a waste, if this is discovered.”

“Of course. I won’t let anything distract you from your plan.”

        In that moment, Celestia started trying to piece everything together.  Before she could get started going over all the details, another while light blinded her. When she could she again, she noticed a very familiar room, and Twilight laying unconscious on the floor.

This was the Twilight she raised and loved.

Darkness Part 3

Twilight casually woke up the same as every morning. Feeling a little bit of soreness that she just attributed to sleeping in an awkward position.

“That must have been a really weird dream,” Twilight laughed aloud.  It wasn’t the first time that she had woken up next to the mirror portal.  “I don’t remember coming here,” Twilight said dismissively, as though she was sleep walking after having a few too many drinks at Pinkie’s party.  Casting a spell she used her magic to fix her mane and clean her teeth:  A technique she developed to save time when she was younger.  She was about to leave when she noticed a book next to her saddle bags, vibrating.

Dear Twilight,

        I was hoping to conduct an experiment in order to determine the effects of different items during interdimensional transportation.  Also, the other girls wanted to invite you to lunch at Surgarcube Corner.  It’s been awhile since we all just got together to hang out.  Hope to hear from you soon.

-S.S.

    “They knew,”  Celestia whispered in shock, “using one of my students, to get to the other one.  Nopony would be the wiser.”  Her anger worsened the more the idea sunk in. “Why would she go after Sunset?”

    Twilight casually stepped through the mirror, still half asleep and completely oblivious that she had been missing for five days. Celestia quickly followed, not even fully aware of what was on the other side.  It had been over a millennium since she had last been there, and even if it were just a memory she was secretly ecstatic to go back. Even under the current circumstances.

    “Twilight!  I was worried that you couldn’t make it since you never replied back to my message.” Giggling, Sunset Shimmer helped Twilight stand up and get re-accustomed to walking on two legs.

    “Sorry, I’ve had a busy few days, then last night was really weird.”

    “Why?  What happened?” Sunset asked.

    “I could have sworn I went to bed in Ponyville, -It’s time- but when I woke up I was next to the mirror in Canterlot.” Twilight explained, trying to replay the night’s activities in her head.

    “Long day?”  The fiery haired girl offered, “You got all the way to the portal but stopped for a nap?” she laughed, “it looks like you could use another one.”

    “Let’s just -get rid of her get some...” Twilight paused as her eyes started to cross.

    “Hey Twilight, are you okay?”

    “Yeah.  I think I just need- her blood -  ...some coffee. Get out of my head!” Twilight started yelling, hitting the side of her head with her hand as hard as she could, bruising herself.  -Never! -

    “Twilight, stop that!” Sunset shouted as she grabbed Twilight’s arm to prevent her from hurting herself further.

I'm Twilight now -

"Sunset, run!“  Celestia and Twilight both yelled in unison.

    Twilight’s eyes darkened into the a jet black, soon afterwards. Her body obtaining a faint gray glow, her skin paled, as has her voice darkened making her sound demonic.

“You should have ran,” Twilight  laughed as she picked Sunset Shimmer up and slammed her hard against the sidewalk, knocking the wind out of her.

    “Twilight!” Sunset croaked as oxygen rushed back into her lungs. “What happened to you?” Lifting her legs up she pushed Twilight off of her and onto the ground.

    “I’m just listening to my Queen.  It would have been a lot easier, if you didn’t try to distract me,” Twilight giggled darkly as she quickly got up and lunged forward to choke Sunset; she was jabbed by Sunset’s boot hard under her chin knocking her backwards again and effectively knocking her tooth out.

    “Sunset!”  A raspy voice echoed off the statue. Twilight, Celestia and Sunset looked in the direction of the voice.

    “Rainbow Dash, stay back!”  Sunset ordered.

    “What’s going on?”

    Seeing an opening with Rainbows distraction Twilight grabbed Sunset by the arm and wrenched it the backwards while wrapping her own free arm over Sunset’s neck and squeezed, breaking Sunset’s collarbone. “Do not avoid, lie, trick, or distract.”

Twilight laughed looking over to the girl, as if teaching the lesson to Rainbow Dash.

“Rainbow go… NOW!”

        Noticing the rainbow haired girl running towards the main building Twilight started to chase after her, only to be tackled onto her side.

“If you want a fight, you got one!” Sunset growled, picking the purple girl up in a fireman's hold, she threw Twilight through the portal. Sunset quickly followed with Celestia right behind them.  The moment they set foot in Equestria, Twilight teleported them to Everfree Forest.

“No one will distract us here. Also, how noble of you, dying on the land you were born. I wonder what Celestia would think about that.” Flying into the air, Twilight fired an electrical bolt, missing Sunset by two meters.  Twilight continued to fire, but kept missing.

“You may have her body, but definitely not her magic.” Sunset smirked, hitting one of her wings with a fire spell, knocking the mare out of the sky.

“You bucking little bitch,” Twilight growled as she attacked again, the bolt going slightly over Sunset. “Don’t try to trick me, I have all of her magic.”

Celestia hated just having to watch strike after strike as Twilight was finally able to get a few hits in. Sunset held strong though. The more it progressed though, the more she noted the injuries. Each mare had identical injuries, or as close as half a centimeter to it. “She’s mimicking Sunset.” Celestia finally stopped watching as a mother and teacher, but rather as a student in class. After almost half an hour of fighting, both mares were still standing but severely weakened, Celestia noticed Sunset horn glowed as she charged her magic, taking a new approach as she engaged in hoof to hoof combat. After a minute, she managed to get a strong blow to Twilight's horn as she turned around and bucked her back legs.

“This ends now,” Sunset growled, teleporting directly outside the prison doors.

“Very smart, Sunset, you remembered,” Celestia smiled for the first time.  “I’m happy that I taught you about the prison safeguard spell now.”

Pushing Twilight inside both mares noticed half of the little magical supply they had left being drained. “Nice attempt, but this place isn’t going to stop me from killing you.” Twilight started to laugh sending a shiver down Sunset and Celestia’s spines. “Pathetic!”  Twilight fired another bolt, hitting the wall behind Sunset.

Saving her magic, Sunset cast a barrier around herself. Pissed off Twilight had kept firing. She was having little to no success except when she had hit the door,  locking them in the prison. The area around the doors blackened.

“Now I’m truly thankful that my Twilight can at least aim.” Celestia chuckled, knowing that it wasn’t funny but this was a memory. She can’t change that, and she began getting used to it now.

Not long after it started, did Sunset notice a discernible decrease in power from Twilight’s body, as if it were being depressed more then the spell had already done..

“Twilight! I know you’re still in there! Please, you need to take control again!” Sunset screamed at the top of her lungs.

“Nice try. I’m Twilight now.”

-No you're not!-

  “Shut the hell up!”

-No! You hurt my friend. Now...GIVE ME BACK MY BODY!

“Come on Twilight! You can do it!” Sunset cheered.

  Twilight’s corneas started turning grey as she reared up onto her back legs, and held her head with her front hooves. “Sunset, quick.”

-Give it back!-

        “It’s going to take over again. I need you to knock me out!”

-It won't work!-

   “I don’t care how!”

-Nice try, Princess!-

“Now!”

    Without anymore hesitation, Sunset hit the mare under the base of her horn, successfully knocking her out and in a anti-magic cell. Worn and exhausted, Sunset didn’t realize the strength of the spell and was thrown forwards into the cell  by the force, hitting the door with a hoof, slammed into the wall behind it, before slamming itself shut. Sunset collapsed next to the lifeless body..

    “Didn’t plan on that happening. Only planned on you to be in here. Nevertheless you were there for me,  now good luck trying to get me to leave you alone.”

Both mares went still as the world went dark yet again.

“Get out!”

The elder alicorn jumped up hearing her Twilight’s voice.

“It’s you who needs to learn her place!”

Celestia looked around to see night falling in what appeared to be a desert.

“Come out, come out my little Princess. It’s time to play,” a shadowy creature whispered.  It didn’t have a form, but instead resembled a thick smoke. “I promise you Twiley, that I will defeat you and take over again. I promise you that.”

Celestia watched the creature carefully, remembering what Luna had said.

“Luna was right. This isn’t just a nightmare. It pried into Twilight's subconscious.” Noticing something out of the corner of her eye, Celestia looked up to see her sister. Right after Luna touched the dirt, a grayish aura surrounded her and pulled her into a cave. Looking over, Celestia noticed the shadow creature eying her sister. In that split moment she felt a presence very similar to Nightmare Moon. “I felt it before also. I should have looked into it. I’m such a fool!” She yelled at herself, hitting her head with the back of her hoof.

“Get out!”

Celestia ran over to the cave she had heard Twilight shouting from, and fell to her knees at the sight.

“LUNA! TWILIGHT!” Celestia finally yelled in the royal canterlot voice.

The images running through her mind of how her younger sister reacted, coming out of the dream realm, Remembering how both mares acted in the room, the two situations matching up.  Her eyes turned white as her anger grew stronger. “No one treats them like this!!”

The world around Celestia started to morph as she felt a sharp stabbing pain throughout her body. Carefully opening her eyes, the only thing she  could see were a pair of purple eyes in a field of black staring back at her.

“You’re finally awake. Now we can have some fun.”

Midnight

“Twilight please, I know you’re in there.  I saw it myself,”  Celestia whispered as she looked into Twilight’s vacant purple eyes.

        “Oh poor, poor Celestia,”  the demonic voice sighed from Twilight’s body before going over to the Celestia’s side. Stiffening her back, Celestia tried to pull her leg away as she felt a burning pain burning the frog of her hoof.

            “When will you learn?  Twilight is gone. You may call me Midnight.  I will admit that I’m impressed you managed to wake up  so quickly from the poison and sedatives, they should have at least dazed you for a minute or two, but I guess it doesn’t always work; oh well.  Now, I’m sure you remember that the poison crafted from my queen’s venom paralyzes magic abilities, so feel free to struggle all you want.  That just means more fun for me.”   Bending down to the elder alicorn chained spread eagle on the floor, Midnight started breathing on the mares left ear, sending a shiver down Celestia’s spine.  “At least we can start having our fun sooner…”

            Using her magic, Midnight brought a large duffle bag over to them and wasted no time in  pulling out a large hoofcuff that was modified with spikes inside it.  Opening the cuff, Midnight slipped it over the left hoof, shoving it down near the middle of the leg that she had burnt earlier, tearing fur and flesh as it passed.  Tightening it quickly Celestia grunted in pain as  blood began to stream down the snow white leg, Celestia winced as she saw her leg bone partly exposed.

Celestia only gritted her teeth while wincing slightly and the stabbing sensation, but refusing to scream.  She refused to give Midnight the pleasure.  Blood started pooling under her leg as she could feel the warm liquid seep into her fur and cooling quickly.  She was determined to keep her focused on her tormenter.

            “So that’s how it’s going to be?  I see we’ll need to keep this up,”  Midnight mumbled as she pulled out another cuff.  Midnight slid it over her right foreleg, tightening it tighter until she could hear the sound of the bone being ground against the iron along with a cracking sound.

Groaning in frustration at even less of a reaction from Celestia then the first time, she finally took out a large D ring.  Unchaining the two front hooves she hooked the cuffs together, in a hogtie fashion.  “Still nothing?  You aren’t being a very fun toy.  Nevertheless, I shall still have my fun.”

Turning around, Midnight started searching through her bag for something.  Attempting to move her hooves slightly, Celestia noticed that the spikes just continued to tear her legs further.  “Don’t even bother,” Celestia froze and looked over to see Midnight grinning.

            “Twilight please. I know you’re in there, you have to just keep fighting!” Celestia yelled with hope that she can get through.

            “Shut the buck up already!”  Lifting her hoof, Midnight slammed it down hard on Celestia’s muzzle, knocking several teeth out.  Blood poured out of her nose and mouth as Celestia was hit over and over again.  “Twilight is gone, and now you will pay for everything you have done.”

            “What did I do?”  Celestia asked as she started coughing and spitting the blood from her mouth. Tilting her head to the side, the blood that had gathered in her mouth and throat pooled out onto the floor, staining the side of her bruised face.

            Groaning with a slight joy, Midnight pulled out a bottle of water infused with the crushed seeds from dragon’s fire hot peppers.  “Don’t act like you don’t know,”  taking the top off the bottle, Midnight grabbed Celestia by the horn, tilting her head back as she poured the water into Celestia’s face.  Her white corneas immediately turned red as Celestia tossed back and forth in pain, the spikes shredding her tattered limbs even further.  The skin around her eyes turned red as steam started coming off her fur and skin, embers sparked up and started singeing the fur on her face black.  Celestia shook her head violently in order to extinguish the embers attempting to start a fire on her fur.

Feeling content, Midnight pulled out a familiar object.  Opening her eyes slightly Celestia was just able to make out the horned nightstick that was used on Twilight before a loud cracking noise filled the room as the stick made contact with her ribcage.  The force breaking two ribs as the spikes grabbed onto her skin, tearing through it with a nauseating ripping sound that Midnight relished in.

Muscles, veins and even some bone were easily visible in the sea of red. Celestia’s blackened eyes went wide in surprise as the wind was knocked out of her a second time on the other side of her aching body.  Before she managed to take a single shuddering breath the nightstick hit the connection for her cuffs.

            Midnight fell to her flank laughing as Celestia managed to scream louder than she had yet.  Midnight tittered in delight at finally breaking the elder alicorn’s resolve.  “Now we’re having fun!  Why don’t we take it up a notch?  We can’t use this too often otherwise you’ll die.”

Closing her eyes, Celestia took a few heaving breaths as she felt herself quickly getting exhausted and lightheaded from the blood loss and pain.  Noticing Celestia starting to blackout, Midnight used a spell to stop the bleeding, cauterizing the wounds painfully before pulling out a long stick. Grinning as the alicorn stiffened at the intense burning sensation from her life saving spell.

Pulling out a long stick, Midnight used her magic to light the rounded end on fire and looked it over making sure it would last.  She walked over to the trembling alicorn and gently moved the flowing hair out of Celestia’s face with her hoof before burning twirling the stick and landing it at the base of Celestia’s horn.

Smoke filled the air from the magical fire as it not only burned Celestia, but left a deep gash.  Midnight held Celestia’s head still by grabbing the middle of her horn with her own magic, grinning as Celestia couldn’t do anything but scream at the mind numbing agony; her body trembling uncontrollably with tears still spilling out of her eyes and blood oozing out of several wounds that had reopened from the sudden thrashing movements.

“It’s called cutting fire.  Sharp as a knife, but burns all the same.  Sadly, it also cauterizes the wounds so you won’t bleed much, if at all.  Don’t worry, though, because I still have questions for you, so I won’t kill you…yet.”

Laughing, Midnight continued burning Celestia in her most sensitive areas, starting from behind the ears and nearly tearing one in half, down to the lengths of her face, neck, and finally legs to the bottoms of her hooves; over the course of twenty minutes.  Bending down again, she whispered into the torn ear.  “How does it feel?  You’re useless and you always will be, and that is why the Queen will take over Equestria.” The vibrations from her voice caused Celestia to seize in pain again as she let out a soft whimper.

            “Twilight…”  Celestia finally managed to wheeze before coughing up blood that had been  seeping into her lungs with every breath.  Looking into the mare's eyes, Midnight noticed that Celestia's weren’t wide in fear, but soft like a mother's.  “I know this isn’t you.  Come back to us, I know you can.”  Closing her eyes, she finally managed to stop the tears, but in the moment she heard Midnight laughing again she finally broke.

“This isn’t you, Twilight Sparkle, my faithful student!”

            Focusing on the little bit of her remaining energy, Celestia focused on feeling the sun’s power. She didn’t even noticing when her cutie mark disappeared as a bright glow surrounded the alicorn; forcing Midnight to cover her eyes while she backed up against the wall.  Using the sun's energy, Celestia managed to purge herself of the poison as a black ink seeped out of her horn and her eyes alit with the fury of a thousand years of rage.  Her entire body turned red as the cuffs and chains melted off of her, allowing her to finally stumble to her hooves.  “Twilight, do not make me do this.  I implore you,” Celestia’s voice waivered as her wounds began to heal slightly.

            Midnight fired a plasma strike, hitting Celestia below her throat. Opening her wings Celestia used them to prevent herself from flying backwards, steadying herself.  “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry Twilight,”  Celestia whispered looking the mare in her eyes.  Ignoring the nausea, pain, and dizziness she flew above Midnight and fired a high level paralysis spell. The spell just barely missing it’s target, hitting the floor behind her.

            “You were just attacked by your own student.  By your daughter!  How did that feel?”

            “No!  You’re not her!  You’re not my student, or my daughter!  Now give Twilight back her body!”  Charging her horn again, Celestia sent a bolt of energy hitting Midnight in her wing.  The force dislocating it with an audible popping noise.  Growling she  jumped on top of Midnight, holding her down by her shoulders she looked into the purple eyes again, her horn nearly touching Midnight’s.  A small speck of white coming through gave Celestia a glimmer of hope. “Yes, Twilight Sparkle, you can do it.”

            “Twilight is gone!”  With a shout, Midnight lunged her head forward catching her horn on the side of Celestia's face, cutting it open from her right eye to her ear.

            “No, she’s not!”  Taking wing and hovering, Celestia turned around and bucked Midnight into the wall.

            “Dear Princess Celestia,” Midnight slowly stood up and smiled at the sight of Celestia's growing anger, as she  made her voice sound exactly like Twilight's instead of her demonic tone. “Today I learned that we all have a place in this world.  Some of us just happened to be here when we don’t belong.  It is those people that we need to extinguish to make a better Equestria.”

            “How dare you,” Celestia nearly spat.  Flying up again, she sent an electric bolt to Midnight who took it full force on her withers.  Midnight’s mane flew up as the pony was screamed, her body surging with electrical currents.  Small puffs of smoke coming off of her charred fur and skin as her hair fell back down slightly spiked outwards like a porcupine.  When Midnight looked up at Celestia a shiver going down the elders back.

Midnight was smiling.

            “How dare me?  How dare you!” Getting into a defensive stand, she realized she had Celestia’s full attention.  “You see, even though I have her body now I still have all of her memories.  Even the ones she can’t remember anymore. So that’s how I know that everything that happened… and how all of this was because of you.  You sent her and her friends to obtain the elements of harmony.  Then you sent her to Ponyville to study friendship, and you truly believed she can take care of herself?”

“If it hadn’t been for Spike, she most likely would have died.  She can’t cook, only has a basic understanding of cleaning, forget’s anything not written down, freaks out to the point where she disregards all personal care.  But hey, at least she can organize, read, and smile pretty while waving,” she condescended.

            Charging her horn she sent another bolt of magic at Celestia, this time it was to stop the emotion she could feel Twilight expressing.  The energy just barely missed Celestia, as Celestia could  barely could comprehend what had just happened.  “You knew that she wouldn’t last on her own yet you sent her to Ponyville anyways.  Putting her life in the hooves of strangers that she hadn’t even known for two days! “

“You’re really unbelievable. Wasn’t losing Luna enough for you?” midnight sneered, “No, you have to go and get rid of the only other pony who ever looked up to you like a mother… who loved you unconditionally!  You have an entire army at your command and a country to look after, yet how can you see what they truly need when  you neglect those who are closest to you.”

Midnight giggled as Celestia’s aura dimmed and she landed.  Seeing her opportunity Midnight hit Celestia with a fire bolt directly over her heart.  Flying backwards into the wall Celestia hit her head, fracturing her horn near the tip.  Her vision swam as the world around her seemed to darken.  Midnight started advancing on the alicorn when the door to the room was blown off the hinges.

Rainbow streaks filled the air, as a shadow came running in.  Unable to stay conscious much longer, Celestia’s eyes started to flutter shut.  Looking one last time she couldn’t help but smile, as she made out a familiar face staring at her.

“Welcome back, Nightmare Moon.”

Past

24 hours earlier…

“Can you help my sister lay down?  The connection won’t break until she’s finished with Twilight’s memories, so there’s no reason for her to stay standing.”  Luna sighed, watching a nurse guide her sister’s body into a laying position.

Celestia’s wings were still folded while a hint of pink appeared on her cheeks.  Her irises glowed, the purple illuminating into a neon pink while remaining  focused on the white magical vine that connected her horn with Twilights.

After watching the elder alicorn for a couple minutes,  the doctor pulled out a blanket from the cabinet with his magic  and laid it over Celestia. “How long will it take her to comb through all of Twilight’s memories?”

         Shaking her head, Luna took a deep breath before standing up.  Her legs were still wobbly, but they managed to regain their strength after a few moments.  “It’s different from pony to pony, and how many memories she needs to go through.”

Luna brushed a strand of pastel hair out of her sister’s face, watching as a small orb appeared out of the tip of the Celestia’s horn. “This orb acts like a time line.  It starts from Celestia, and will gradually move to Twilight.  When it is absorbed into the tip of Twilight's’ horn, the connection will be broken.

            “I understand. So we will have a idea as to when she’ll be finished, but if it takes longer than a half hour then I want to  move her onto a hospital bed.  I’m sure that it would be more comfortable and easier on her body then the hospital floor.” After watching the orb move about a millimeter after ten minutes, the doctor sighed.

            “I doubt she will be finished within twenty minutes.   Nurse can you arrange a hospital bed for her?”  The nurse nodded as she walked out of the room, leaving Luna, Celestia, Twilight, and the doctor alone.

            “Are you feeling alright Princess?  Do you need a glass of water or anything?”  The doctor walked over to Luna, placing his hoof on her withers, he gently guided her back to the sitting pillow before grabbing her ankle.  Applying  a little pressure to her wrist, the doctor started to watch the clock.  Luna could only assume he was measuring her heart rate.

                      “No, I’m alright for now.  I’m going to go down to the kitchens later though..  I want to check on Sunset Shimmer first.  Is there anything I should be aware of before talking to her?”  Luna  and laid her head against the wall.  Closing her eyes, Luna allowed her body to relax for the first time since she entered the dream realm the day before.

              The doctor went quiet for a moment as he finished his second examination on Luna.  Only this time he seemed happier with the results.  “As far as I‘m aware, Ms. Shimmer has no recollection of the events that happened.  Princess Celestia and I both agreed it was for the best that she does not remember how she was injured.  Hopefully the Princess can fill in the details about her after she returns to us.  For now, we need to keep Sunset calm and feeling safe.  She’s recovering quickly, but we don’t want to risk anything unless we have to.”

“I understand,” Luna opened her eyes as a low groan filled the room.

Getting up, Luna ran over to Twilight’s bedside as Twilight started turning her from head to the side. Bringing her hoof up to her forehead, Twilight started to sit up, only to find herself  being held down by the doctor.

“It’s alright Twilight, just relax.” Twilight shook her head while trying to sit up again.  Luna went to the other side of her bed and her down gently.  A couple seconds later, Twilight finally relaxed back into her bed, her eyes still closed.

Releasing Twilight for a moment, Luna watched in horror as Celestia started seizing on the ground.  Celestia's eyes shut tightly, tears started rolling down her muzzle while she clenched her teeth, bruises starting to form under the white fur from the violent impacts.  The white vine that connected her to Twilight started to turn grey, as a laugh filled the room.

Both Luna and the doctor jumped back slightly, seeing Twilight laughing.  She started hovering, as her eyes were pitch black, leaving her purple irises. Her fur started to darken with every passing second while her horn turned jet black.

“Doctor, go to my chambers and get a crystal vial. It’s in the night guards quarters. Tell Sgt. Nightglider I sent you. Go!”  The doctor ran as fast as he could, passing Sunset’s room.  Sunset watched as the doctor ran by, and after hearing all the commotion in the room next to her she couldn’t help but get curious.  Sunset started to get out of the bed, only to fall down for a moment.  Taking a deep breath, she carefully got out of bed while she regained her bearings, and galloped into Twilight’s room.

“Princess Luna? What’s going on in… here?”  Sunset  froze in fear in the doorway, noticing Twilight flying above Celestia, the magic vine still connecting them.  Celestia lay motionless on the floor, her white fur turning silver.  Noticing the mare out of the corner of her eye, Luna took a defensive stance in front of Sunset, charging her horn.

“Sunset Shimmer, get back!” Luna growled, making sure to keep her eye contact with Twilight.

Sunset took a step back, looking Twilight over horn to hoof as the events of their fight rushed back to her. Sunset held her head, as she started to feel dizzy and nauseated.  Taking a deep breath,  she steadied her nerves and  looked into Twilight’s eyes.  Sunset could feel her anger growing, watching her friend being used as a puppet, and swore to herself to get the one responsible.

“Twilight, this isn’t you!  You need to fight.  Please I know you’re in there!  Don’t let the darkness take over!”  Sunset yelled, as she slowly walked back into the room.  Standing next to Luna, Sunset whispered leave her to me, while she started charging her horn for an attack, but Twilight had other plans.

Firing a simple energy blast, Twilight knew it would be enough for both of them to put up their defenses.  “Everyone in this little country is pathetic.  Especially the Princess.”  Twilight smirked while getting ready for another attack.

“Twilight Sparkle, come back to us!”  Luna growled, trying to avoid using magic blasts.

“Twilight please, you must fight it!  Do if for Equestria, do it for Celestia and Luna, do it for your friends… do it for yourself! Remember what happened in Everfree?  In the prison?  The Twilight I know, wouldn’t let the darkness take over so easily!  Now fight!”   Sunset ducked her head as another energy bolt came her way.

Twilight’s black corneas started turning white for a moment, her breathing increased as she landed and backed up against the wall.  “Please… help me!  You can’t  let Chrysalis win!” Twilight screeched, before her corneas blackened again as the darkness took over,  leaving a very irritated mare.  A second later, a dark ring came off of Twilight’s horn engulfing the room.

Sunset  flinched slightly as it went through her, but she couldn’t feel anything, except her growing anger.  Taking a defensive stand, she looking out of the corner of her eye to see Luna kneeling on the floor.

Black flames surrounded the princess, as she let out a low whimper.  Luna could feel her legs giving out, as an intense burning sensation overwhelmed her.  Tears ran down the darkened  face as her eyes felt like acid, the irises changed from oval to cat eye.  Luna couldn’t help but yelp as a sharp pain hit her. Looking down, She watched as her legs grew longer and wider, while tingling sensation felt like pins and needles as her blue fur turned black. A couple moments later the pain dulled to a dull throbbing while Twilight flew back down and  fell onto the hospital bed; laughing again.

“No it, it can’t be,” Sunset started backing up as the alicorn in front of her lifted her head up and started laughing.

“Fool!”  Nightmare Moon’s grin grew wider, noticing her voice had changed also.  “Do you realize what you have done?  Now hand over Celestia,  I have some special plans for her.” Nightmare Moon started grabbing Celestia in her magic as Twilight took flight again.

Twilight smirked, obviously pleased with the transformation. “Sorry Nightmare, but I’d appreciate all the help I can get in order to take over.  Do whatever you want, but  stay out of my way, and Celestia  here is all mine. Might  I suggest starting with her.”  Twilight motioned to Sunset, who was  trembling, backing away from Nightmare Moon..  A second later Twilight took Celestia from Nightmare in her magic and teleported away. Growling,  Nightmare turned to Sunset...

“Ready for a long night?”

Done

Back to the present…

“Let me go!  How dare you disobey Queen Chrysalis!”  Midnight growled, as she tried to get out of the grip of two Rainbow Dashes.

The Rainbow on the left tightened her grip on Midnight. “You disappointed the queen by bringing back Nightmare Moon.”

“Now you must be punished.  What was it that she kept telling you?” The Rainbow on the right asked, pulling on the rope that they tied around Midnight’s wings to prevent her from flying.

            Midnight ground her teeth from the pain, both pinon joints feeling as if they were about to be dislocated. “I will not avoid, lie, trick, or distract.”  Midnight whispered through clenched teeth.

            “So why did you avoid your orders?”  The Rainbow on the right asked, while glancing to the other one.

            “I didn’t!  I was given orders to kill Twilight’s friends, along with the Princesses.  I was about to kill Celestia when you interrupted me!”

            “You didn’t kill Luna.  You turned her into Nightmare Moon, which is going to cause more problems for the queen!” The left Rainbow started flying faster, while Midnight let out a small yelp from the change in pressure.

            Both Rainbows looked Midnight over, admiring their work.  A rope bound her wings at the pinion joints, and around her body keeping her wings closed.  A blindfold covered Midnight’s eyes so she couldn’t see, a magic limiter had been placed over her horn so she couldn’t use magic. Lastly all four of Midnight’s hooves were tied together in a hogtie.  Each Rainbow held Midnight by her forearms, with the ends of the rope around her wings wrapped around their hoof in case she tried to escape.

            “Where are we going?” Midnight mumbled again, after almost an hour of flying. Sighing in frustration when no answer came.

            Nightmare Moon flew up behind the group, making sure to be as silent as possible so that Midnight wouldn’t know she was there.

                A couple minutes later, Midnight could feel the air change from hot to cool before hearing a door close.  Two minutes later another door closed and she was set down on a cold floor.

            Both of the Rainbows looked at each other. “Ready?”

            “Ready.”

They both turned around, and Nightmare Moon nodded, giving both Rainbows permission to untie the ropes.

Confused, Midnight took her blindfold off.  Standing up on wobbly legs she looked around the room.  Nightmare Moon walked up to Midnight, snarling.

“This is your last chance.  Give Twilight Sparkle back her body, or you’re gone.  What is it going to be?”

“I gave you back your life.  You should be thanking me.”  Midnight reached up to start taking the magic limiter off.  Noticing this, Nightmare wrapped Midnight in a barrier, preventing her from moving.

“Fool.”  Nightmare Moon glanced over to both Rainbows who  flew over next to Nightmare Moon.  A moment later the barrier fell and Midnight found herself being thrown across the room and into a familiar object.

Everything started spinning, while Midnight felt her body go numb.  After a couple seconds, Midnight let out a scream before hitting a grassy field.  A tingling sensation immediately came over her body, as the feeling started to return.

Holding her head, Midnight was attempting to regain her composure enough to sit up; but felt something roll her onto her stomach while pulling her arms behind her back.  Out of the corner of her eye, Midnight gasped as she noticed a familiar girl.

            “Sunset Shimmer?  I thought Nightmare Moon would have killed you by now.”  Midnight struggled against the new restraints, wincing as the ropes started to cause friction burns.  Elbow length purple gloves helped keep it from cutting into her, but not by much.

    Sunset kneeled down and tied some rope around Midnight’s dark purple boots so she couldn’t run away.  Sunset looked Midnight up and down.  Her skin was darker then Twilights, and the attire had changed from what Sunset was accustomed to.  It reminded Sunset of her dressed, during the fall formal incident.

            “You messed with the wrong girl.  I might be from Equestria, but I’m a part of two worlds now.” Turning around Sunset found herself shoved out of the way by Applejack.

            “How dare you hurt our friends!” Applejack yelled, wrapping her hands around Midnight’s neck and pushing her further in the grass, while Midnight struggled; unable to breath. Applejack had been using all of her restraint not to punch Midnight, but It was still Twilight’s body after all.

            “Get in position girls.” Sunset grabbed the farm girl  by her collar and pulled her off Midnight before pulling her towards the side. One of the Rainbows went and stood by the portal, while the girls formed a circle around Midnight.

            “Do you really think you can get me to surrender by surrounding me?  You’re more pathetic than your precious Princess Celestia.“  Midnight rolled over and forced herself up, and onto her knees.  Looking at the girls, Midnight’s pupils quickly shrank as she watched the six girls start floating in the air, their bodies letting off a light glow.

            “Hate to break it to you, but Celestia’s not in charge over here.”  Rainbow yelled watching Luna coming through the portal in her peripheral vision. Luna now looked exactly like her counterpart rather than Nightmare Moon.  Standing next to Rainbow Luna watched carefully, observing how the mane 6’s counterparts used the elements.

            Midnight watched as a rainbow started surrounding her, spinning itself up into a tornado.  Slowly, she could feel her power depleting, and Twilight’s spirit forcing its way back to the surface.

            “No! I worked too hard to allow you to come back!” Midnight growled, while a burning sensation overwhelmed her.  A few seconds later Midnight could no longer see the Rainbow, but rather found herself surrounded by a white light.

Midnight’s heart started speeding up, while the feeling of being turned to ash overwhelmed her.  Looking down, Midnight watched as her legs disintegrated and Twilight’s started appearing.  The magic moved from Midnight’s legs and started working its way up agonizingly slow, until Midnight filly felt it at her shoulders.

With the remainder of her strength, Midnight yelled loud enough for Twilight’s spirit to hear… “I’ll always be a part of you Twilight.  Don’t you ever forget that!”  Twilight could feel Midnight disappear and her own soul returning to her body.  Twilight’s mind was completely numb to the new but familiar sensation of having her body to herself.

Everyone watched as the rainbow vanished, leaving Twilight lying face down in the grass.  Only rushing over to check on her, after they were confident that their Twilight was back.  Sunset sat her up and supported her, while Applejack and Pinkie Pie started undoing the ropes.

            “Is she going to be alright?”  Fluttershy whispered, placing her hand on Twilight’s cheek and softly rubbing it with her thumb.

            Luna kneeled down next to Sunset, letting out a sigh of relief as the color returned to her face. “I believe so.  Physically at least.  Thank you everypony.  We never could have saved her without you.”

            Twilight started groaning, as she started to open her eyes.  Blinking her blurry eyes rapidly to clear them up, Twilight managed to start thinking clearly again and quickly realized what had happened.

            Looking around at all of her friends, Twilight started trembling before bringing her knees up to her chest.

“I’m sorry.  I’m so sorry.”  Twilight whimpered, while trying to back away from the group.  Sunset stayed next to Twilight grabbing the top of her arms while Luna placed her hand on Twilight’s back for support.  Fluttershy backed away, as Twilight started struggling some more.

Twilight started shaking her head, while her breathing increased. “Please, get away. I’m…I’m a monster.  Please, I…I don’t want to hurt you guys.”

“It’s alright, Twilight.  You’re safe now; The real monster is gone,” Sunset cooed, hugging Twilight in an attempt to comfort her, and to keep her from running away.

Twilight started heaving as tears ran down her eyes. “She’s… Midnight’s going to… I’m going to...” Luna started humming a soft lullaby to try and calm Twilight down, while softly rubbing her back.

“That big meanie is gone.  The ghosties are gone now.”  Pinkie pulled Twilight and Sunset into a hug, while Fluttershy kneeled back down and grabbed Twilight’s hand, still at a loss for words.

Applejack and both Rainbows stood off to the side, not wanting to get in the way. “She’s right sugarcube.  Ya’ll got nothing to worry bout anymore.”

           Luna and Pinkie Pie let go of Twilight, while Sunset started rocking back and forth. Twilight kept crying into Sunset’s shoulder until she passed out, from exhaustion.

“She’s gone Twilight.  It’s all over."

Past Part 2

“Ow...my head.”

“Shuuu, it’s alright Twilight Sparkle.  Just relax for now.”  Luna cooed, softly laying a comforting hoof on Twilight's forearm.

“What happened?”  Twilight groaned looking up at Luna.  “The last thing I remember was…”

“After we changed you back…” Sunset interrupted, walking into the room “ you had passed out.  Luna, Rainbow Dash and I had brought you back to Equestria.”

“Thank you, for everything.  I don’t know what I would have done if Midnight had kept possessing me like that.”  Twilight whispered, trying to sit up.  Only to grunt as she fell back down onto the hospital bed, finding her body to painful to move.

“You don’t have to thank us.  We’re your friends.  You’d do the same thing for any of us.”  Sunset sat down on the edge of the bed, before grabbing a glass of water.  Holding Twilight’s head up, she helped her take of sip of water, much to Twilight’s relief.

"Still, thank you.”

“And I have to thank you also.”   All three mares turned to see Celestia walking into Twilight’s hospital room.  “I’m so happy you’re awake Twilight.  And, thank you.  You guys rescued me, and brought Twilight back to me.  I have no way of showing my gratitude.”

“ How exactly did you figure out how change her back?”  Celestia asked, taking a seat next to Luna.

         “I think the best way to explain it, is to start after Luna changed into Nightmare Moon.  We’ll explain that part later on.”  Sunset thought for a moment, timidly rubbing the best of her neck.

“I’ll explain.”  Luna sighed, looking down towards the floor while she recalled the details.

“I won’t…I won’t let you hurt anyone!”  Sunset did her best attempt at a growl as she could muster, but her wavering voice gave away the fear.

“You need not worry Sunset Shimmer.  After the original Nightmare Moon incident, we created a filter preventing massive amounts of dark magic to enter my body.  Enough had gotten through to change my appearance, but I am capable of changing back.”  Luna took a deep breath, as her body started to glow returning her to  her normal form.  She couldn’t help but smile as Sunset visibly relaxed.

“We need to come up with a plan to save my sister.”  Luna sighed, as both herself and Sunset sat down on the floor.

“To save Celestia, we need to save Twilight.  Where are the Elements of Harmony?  I know it’s a long shot, but perhaps I could use magic in Twilight’s place?”  Sunset used her magic to grab a scroll and quill from the desk, and brought it over to them.

“I’m afraid that the elements are no more.  They had to be returned to the tree in order to keep Everfree from killing everypony.  Even if we did have them and it were to work, it would be still be too late.  My sister and I sent the other girls away after finding the two of you, for safety concerns.  I trust you retrieved your memories by the way you acted earlier?  Are you alright?”  Luna took the quill and started scribbling something in old equestrian.  Sunset knew a little of the language, but not enough to understand what Luna  had written.

“I’m fine.  I’ve been in her position before, so I understand more than Celestia thinks I do.  I hadn’t expected the crown to corrupt me like it had, and once it controlled me...no matter what I did, I just couldn’t free myself.  Never mind that for now though.  Who’s the closest to here?  I have an idea, but we will need to work fast.”  Sunset took another quill off the desk, unrolling the scroll all the way while waiting for Luna’s response.  Luna looked down and tried to push back her emotions, telling herself to talk to Sunset later about it.

“Rainbow Dash remained here in the castle, in order to provide extra security with Shining Armor.  Fluttershy and Applejack had gone back to Ponyville.  Pinkie Pie and Rarity are helping Cadence in the Crystal Empire.”   Luna attempted to see what Sunset and started drawing on the other end of the scroll, but the fiery haired girl kept unintentionally covering up her work.

“Perfect, I have a plan.  Also Rainbow Dash and Shining Armor are here for security?  Twenty bits they’re playing hoofball and have no clue what just happened.”

“Thirty bits.” Luna smirked, before walking over next to Sunset.

“Here is the plan.  I am going to go to Ponyville and explain what happened to Applejack and Fluttershy, and then go into the human world and explain what happened to my friends over there.  I need you to explain everything to Rainbow Dash, and then I will then have our Rainbow Dash come here and meet up with Applejack.  Applejack can give Rainbow any directions before flying here.”

Sunset looked over her notes really fast before looking to Luna again.  “Can you  enchant two more journals, so that you can contact Applejack?”

“Of course.  I keep some spare notebooks that would be good to use.  They are half the size of yours, so it would be more portable and convenient.”

“Perfect. Then when both Rainbows and you’re  prepared, put on your Nightmare Moon appearance and tell both Rainbow Dash’s that they need to  pretend to be changelings. Pony Rainbow has fought them before, so she can explain to human Rainbow how to act.  Ok, this is getting confusing.  Pony Rainbow will be Rainbow, and human Rainbow will be Dash. Ok, now while I’m over there, can you use a scrying spell to find Celestia?”  Sunset took a deep breath, after explaining way to fast out of habit.

“Of course, and I think I understand where this is going.”  Luna stood up and started pacing across the room.  “So you  want to bring Twilight over to the human side. That way you and your friends can use the elements on her, since they are unavailable on this side?  You plan on using Rainbow and Dash’s speed and strength to force Twilight over there.”

“Correct.  Unless you can think of a better plan.”  Sunset looked over her work again before rolling the scroll back up.

Luna shook her head, before walking back over to Sunset.  “Not at the moment.  Why do Rainbow and Dash, have to act like Changelings?”

Sunset shook her head, the pain from her previous injuries starting to cause her immense pain.  Closing her eyes, Sunset took a deep breath and started using a numbing spell on the areas that hurt the most.  “So you can get close to her.  Twilight mentioned Chrysalis, and from what I have heard  she is willing to  go to any length in order  to get to Celestia.”

“What if the elements don’t free Twilight though?  What if they turn her to stone or…”

Sunset placed her hoof on Luna’s shoulder. “I know we don’t know each other, but I know that it isn’t like you to worry.  You faced the elements twice.  Do you honestly think they would hurt or punish Twilight for dark magic she had no control of?”

Luna bit her bottom lip, her eyes gazing down. “I suppose not.  It is a concern though.”

“It’s a risk that we have to take.  We don’t have any other options, and still save Twilight.”  Sunset started licking her lips.  Noticing this, Luna went into the next room and grabbed two glasses of water. Bringing  them back to the room, Luna handed one to Sunset who graciously accepted the glass.  Closing her eyes, Sunset let herself enjoy the relief of the cold water going down her throat as she downed half of the glass.  Setting it on the bedside table, Sunset finished the numbing spell happy to finally be able to stretch her muscles.

Closing her eyes, Luna could feel her heart racing.  Is this how Celestia felt during the Nightmare Moon incident?  What kind of monster had I became, all because of something as stupid as jealousy?

Sunset wrapped her hoof around Luna’s neck, and pulled her into a hug.  Luna pulled back slightly, but instead hugged Sunset back.  If it were any other pony, she wouldn’t allow herself to act like that.  Sunset Shimmer wasn’t like any other pony.

Pulling back, Luna grabbed her glass and took as sip of water.  “Thank you Sunset Shimmer.  How are you doing? I know this can’t be easy for you.”

“It’s easier on me then it is for you.  I promise we’ll save them Luna.  Also, thank you for not banishing me to the moon, for hugging you like that.”  Both Sunset and Luna started laughing.

“I should banish myself for breaking down like that.  This isn’t the time.”

A moment later, the doctor came running back in with the crystal vial.  “What happened in here? Where is…”

“They're gone.”  The doctor handed Luna the vial,  Taking it  in her mouth, Luna took the lid off with her magic, before tilting her head back and drank half of the clear liquid.  Coughing a couple times from the strong taste, Luna handing the vial  to Sunset.

“Here, drink the rest.  It will disperse any dark energy that seeped into you from Twilight.  We can’t take any risks..”  Nodding Sunset took the bottle in her magic and drank the rest.”

“It’s really sweet.  It reminds me of a drink we have in the human world called horchata.  The only difference is horchata is white, and this is clear like a simple syrup.”

Luna’s smile grew at the mention of something similar.  “I will need to try that.  Can you give me the recipe before you return?”

“I don’t know it by heart, but I can write it down in the journal and hopefully have Twilight give it to you. Speaking of Twilight…”  Sunset looked towards the door and Luna understood.

Luna started heading towards the door  “I’ll go find Rainbow, you go get Dash.”

“That explains things. I think.”   Twilight closed her eyes, her head still hurting from the magic.

“That was a good plan.  And obviously it worked.  After all this time, you’re still as sharp as ever Sunset Shimmer.  I’m proud of you.”

        “Thank you, Princess.”  Sunset got off the bed, and gave her former mentor a nuzzle.  Not wanting to hut her any further with a hug.

“Alright, you two get some rest.”  Luna used her magic to dim the lights, noticing Twilight already asleep again.  Celestia nodded before limping back into her own room.  Satisfied, Luna took to Sunset with a serious face.

“Sunset Shimmer, now that this is over...we need to talk.”

“Fine.  But can we get coffee first?”

Coffee

        Sunset and Luna sat quietly at a small table in the dining hall, each with a cup of coffee in front of them.

        Taking a deep breath, Sunset decided to break the silence.  “I know what you want to talk to me about.”

        Luna nodded in understanding.  “So you agree that my sister should have no further involvement?”

        “Yes..wait, what?  Why wouldn’t you want her involved?”  Sunset subconsciously moved her head back, while keeping her eyes locked on Luna’s eyes.

        Luna picked up her coffee with her magic, and took a small sip.  “Normally I would not exclude her. However given what she had just gone through, and how little she actually knows about dark magic, her attempting to help could only lead to the situation becoming worse.”  Luna carefully set her coffee down on the table, attempting to avoid Sunset’s glare.

        “I also wish that you have little to no involvement, for the same reason.”  Luna sighed, before hearing a loud crash on the other side of the room.  It didn’t take long to realize that Sunset had  thrown her coffee cup across the room.

“After everything we just went through, you expect me to turn away now!”  Sunset screamed, her face turning as red as her hair.  Taking a deep breath, Luna stood up and walked over to Sunset,  Smiling, she wrapped a hoof around Sunset’s neck and pulled her into a warm hug.

“I understand that this is hard for you, but I refuse to let anypony get hurt, or get hurt worse than they already are, because I didn’t intervene when given the opportunity. If need be, I will ask for help from you two, but that will only be under dire circumstances.”

Sunset pulled away, breaking the hug.  “That might work on Twilight, but not me. I’m not going to sit back on the sidelines and watch, when I could be doing something.  Anything.  I want to help find who did this to Twilight, and show them what happens when they mess with my friend.”

“There is something you can do.”  Luna sighed, watching the fire burn brighter in Sunset’s eyes.  “Make that two things.”

“And that would be?”

“First, stop spending so much time with Rainbow Dash. You are beginning to sound lie her. Second, I want you to watch over my sister, and Twilight.  This has been the hardest on them.  Celestia is practically a mother to Twilight, after about… sixteen years or raising and schooling her?”

“Fifteen, and I’ll keep an eye on them.  Actually, Celestia  and I were talking about going to Ponyville.  I’ve never been there before, and she thought that it could be a great learning opportunity.  It might do her some good to go and get her mind off of things.  Although I doubt Twilight will be able to travel in her condition.

“I can watch over Twilight, until your return.”  Luna walked back over to her seat, and sat down.  Noticing a fresh cup of coffee had appeared on the table.

“When did…”

Looking around, Luna saw the waitress poking her head through the door.  Smiling,  she nodded in approval and the waitress disappeared again.

“The waitress used magic, as to not to eavesdrop or disturb us.”  Luna explained, as Sunset picked up the new cup of coffee.

“Also, are you sure you can watch Twilight by yourself?  What if something happens, and she  becomes under the influence of the dark magic again, or something like that.”

Luna held out her hoof, and Sunset took that as a signal to stop talking.  “I can watch over Twilight.  I can handle her, and I also have help.  Somepony will be with her at all times.”  Luna explained, before finishing her coffee.

“Are you talking about the Alpha Task Force?”

Luna stared at Sunset for a minute, while Sunset watched in slight amusement at the dumbfounded Luna.

“How do you know about the Task Force?  The Royal Guards aren’t even aware of them, except for the Captain.”

“When you spend as much time around Celestia as I had, she tends to be extra careful in case of an attack.  It’s not like I couldn’t have taken on anypony who tried to hurt me though.”  Sunset smirked, while Luna just rolled her eyes.

“Fair enough.  Are you aware of who they are though, in case of an emergency””

“As far as their names, no.  No pony knows their true names, except the Princesses, themselves,  and their families.  It’s a safety measure put in to keep them hidden and out of danger, unless called on.  However, they always stay close by.  If I recall correctly, it should be Celestia’s advisor, the doctor, and the librarian.  Correct?”  Sunset closed her eyes for a minute,  giving them a break from the harsh light.

“Correct. Now finish your coffee, so we can make arrangements for you and my sister to go to Ponyville.  I’m hoping you can catch the train that leaves tomorrow.”

“Sounds good, and thank you.  I’ll do whatever I can to help.”  Sunset quickly finished her coffee before heading out.

        Sunset walked slowly down the hall of the hospital ward, occasionally glancing back at the  saddle bag that Luna had given her.  Inside, it currently was home to the train tickets, along with a couple other things that she would need while on that side of the portal.

        Reaching the room that Celestia was in, Sunset knocked three times and waited.  A second later, Sunset released the breath that she didn’t even know she was holding, after hearing the familiar voice call enter. Taking one more breath,  Sunset pushed the door open, to reveal Celestia sitting in the bed, with a pile of scrolls in front of her.

        “Sunset Shimmer.  I hadn’t expected to see you tonight.”  Celestia smiled, before levitating the scrolls off her bed, to the desk.  “Would you like to sit?”

        “Thank you.”  Sunset walked over, and jumped up on the bed, trying to figure out how to tell her teacher about tomorrow.

        “So, what brings you by?  I would have thought that you would be asleep by now.  It’s been a long day.”

        “Yes, it has.  Luna and I were talking, and we thought it would be best for both of us to get into a different environment.  The other girls got back to Ponyville today, so…”  Sunset reached into her bag, and pulled out the two tickets and handed them to Celestia, “I thought that tomorrow we could go to Ponyville.  You said you wanted to show me around. I’m really interested to see the difference between Canterlot and Ponyville.”

        Celestia smiled looking over the tickets.  “That’s sounds wonderful.  I don’t think now is really the time to go though.  I should stay close to Luna and Twilight, should anything else happen.”

        “Luna and I already have that taken care of.  Luna also told me to tell you that if you were to refuse, she would make Discord drag you there.”  It took all of Sunset’s will power not to laugh while telling Celestia that.

        “You two drive a hard bargain.  I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.”  Celestia smiled before handing the tickets back to Sunset.  “Sunset?”

        “Yes, Princess?”

        “Can you ask Luna to come in here please?  I need to have a word with my little sister about threatening others with Discord.”

        “That’s where this comes in.”  Sunset pulled out a small piece of paper out of her saddle bag, and handed it to Celestia before galloping out of the room.

Tia,

Discord will be there anyways to see Fluttershy.  My apologies, but you don’t have a choice in the matter.  Have a nice time, and bring me back a bottle of cider, please.  Also, don't drink it all this time please.

-Luna.

Alpha

Luna paced in the center of the throne room, glancing over her body ever so often. Taking precautions ahead of time, Luna had chosen to don some light armour. Her shoes were now knee high, and were made of reinforced metal, a dark purple vest adorned with her cutie mark engraved in it, rested over her shoulders, back, and torso. Lastly, her crown was the same black one as she had always worn, but with the addition of a guard, that covered the front of her horn.

        How could this have happened?  There must have been some sign that she had been planning to attack.  Also, what had Chrysalis given Twilight?  Was it a mind control spell?  No, it’s more like she added a second consciousness to her body.  Perhaps…

Luna was snapped out of her train of thought, as the door to the throne room swung open.  Stopping her pacing, Luna looked over and saw three stallions coming up to her.  The stallions all adorned unusual armour.  The guards had on black vests that were half cloth, half metal, full leg guards, and dark blue helmets with the Equestrian symbol edged into the side.

“You called for us, Princess?”

“Yes.  Thank you for coming so fast.  First things first, as always, Captain, you are in charge of your squad.  Lieutenant, General, I’m positive that the Captain will fill you in on more details, considering he has been taking care of young Twilight, so I will only read you in with a overview.”

Luna used her magic to levitate a folder to each of them, who took it in their magic and opened it.  As all three of you are aware, Twilight Sparkle had gone missing.  She had eventually been found in the dungeons, with one of Celestia’s former students; Sunset Shimmer.  Both had been severely injured.  Upon investigation, we discovered that Queen Chrysalis of the changeling hive had kidnapped her, and infused her with dark magic.  The magic had meant to take over Twilight’s body, and control it.  We believe it was in order to kill those in close relations to her.”

“Unfortunately,  by the time we had managed to discover the truth, the dark magic took over Twilight again, and kidnapped Celestia.  A small group of us, managed to rescue Celestia and purge Twilight of the dark magic.  Now, this is where you three come in.”  Luna explained, noticing the quizzical stares that the three stallions were giving her.

“I am afraid that Chrysalis will try something again. I am sending you on a reconnaissance mission.  I want you to find the changeling hive, and locate Chrysalis.  Once you have located her, send a letter to me, and we’ll make a plan to strike then.  Do not, I repeat do not approach her without me.  She is smart and dangerous. You will leave the morning after tomorrow.”

As soon as Luna finished her explanation, the three guards stood up straight and saluted.

“Yes ma’am!”

“Is there anything we should know about her, Princess?”  The Captain asked, taking a step forward, slightly surprising the other two guards.

“How much do you guys know about changelings?”  Luna tilted her head slightly, taking turns looking all three of them in the eye.

“Not much, ma’am.  Only the little information we had collected from Princess Cadence after the wedding.”

Luna nodded her head in understanding.  “In all honesty, that is about all we know.  Changelings are capable of turning into anypony, and possibly inanimate objects.  They feed off of love, and become very...hostile when they try and feed off anger. I know it’s hard, but try to avoid either emotion around them.  If you should need any help with anything, come to myself directly.  Celestia is to have no involvement in this.  Understood?”

“Yes ma’am!”

“Then go.”  At Luna’s command, all three ran out of the room.

The had made it a couple steps down the hall, when the Commander stopped them.  “We will meet up in our old conference room in one hour.  I am going to search the library for any information about changelings.  General, I want you to search for any presence of Chrysalis on Twilight and Celestia.  If we can get something off of them, or their belongings, then we can use a scrying spell to locate her.  Lieutenant,  you’re in charge of accumulating our supplies.  Figure enough for a week, although I doubt it will take that long.”

“Yes sir.  Do you also want me to find maps, or would you get them from the library?”  The Lieutenant asked, while starting to write down a list of what they were going to need.

“I’ll get the maps.  Now go do what you need to.”  The Commander watched as they both left in opposite directions.

“Commander!” The stallion in question turned around, only to find Luna walking up towards him.

“Princess…” he gave a small salute, witch Luna quickly waved off.

“I need to talk to you. Where are you heading?”

“Library ma’am.”

“Allow me to walk with you.”  Luna tilted her head, and started walking down the hallways, and towards the library.  “Tomorrow, Sunset Shimmer and Celestia will be going to Ponyville for the day.  They are well enough, and I believe it would be good for them to get into another environment.  However, Twilight is in no condition to go.  I would like you to stay with her tomorrow, in case something were to happen.”

“Of course.  I thought it was strange that you gave us an advanced notice.  Normally it’s only around twelve hours, not thirty-six.”

Luna closed her eye,  visualizing some of their previous missions, and then Celestia, Sunset, and Twilight all lying in hospital beds.  “I suppose you want to try and find something in the library on changelings, that will aid in your mission.  I am surprised that you didn’t assign research duty to the Lieutenant.  He, after all, is the librarian.”

“Exactly, he is the librarian.  He is amazing at organization, which is why he is in charge of supplies.  He will get everything we need, and think of things that we would easily forget.”   Upon reaching the library door, the Commander used his magic to hold it open for Luna.  Luna quickly thanked him before going inside, with the Commander quickly following.

“After all these years, I suppose you three are similar to brothers to each other.  I have matters to tend to, but I wish to further discuss what will be needed with you. Care to meet me during dinner time in my study?  I will have food brought up to us.”

“Of course, Princess.”

With one final nod, Luna opened the door and left the library, leaving the Commander alone again.

“Alright, if I were a book about changelings, where would I be?”