Ask Not The Sunby LunarSacramentChaptersWhy Does the Sun SetTo Go NorthWinds of WinterMeeting an Old FriendEndlessFrozen PlatinumDear Princess CelestiaWhy Does the Sun SetPrincess Celestia sits on her balcony, watching her sun settle below the horizon, she has done so over a thousand times, she will a thousand more. As she watches day turn to night she thinks, and she remembers. Hundreds or millions of small moments that can make up a lifetime. But there will always only be one she thinks of at twilight. Celestia feels a coat brushing against her leg, she smiles down at the little filly, she can see a question burning in the eyes staring at the sunset. “Is there something you wish to ask, my student?” The filly startles, giving a sheepish look, she was caught in deep thought again. “Well Princess it sounds silly but...why does the sun have to set? I mean I know we need sleep but Spike is always sleeping during the day and I know he's a dragon not a pony but it got me thinking about it though I didn't want to be rude or ask a stupid question and..” she rambles on clearly in a panic. Celestia puts a hoof to her muzzle attempting to hide her amusement. “Twilight,” she moves her hoof to stop the cascade of words, “it's alright, it's a fine question, would you like an answer?” Twilight nods, ducking her head in embarrassment. “The sun sets because it must Twilight. It can not be day always just as it can not be night always. The night isn't just for sleep, the sun is to hot to keep over the crops, or the water. Things would dry out. Equestria would be a large desert no pony could live in anymore. The night gives rest for ponies and for the sun, you see?” She looks down again to see Twilight capavated by her words. Her student nods, satisfied with her answer. The sun is long over the horizon, the moon rising to meet the stars. “Now I believe it is someponys bedtime.” “Yes Princess. Can I have a book to read to sleep?” In the present the moon is also rising. But Celestia sits alone, sighing as wistful memories drift through her mind. Hoofsteps approach behind her, “Hello Luna.” “Good evening Sister! Should you not be off to bed?” Celestia turns looking past her sister to the filly trailing behind her. “I should yes, but I wanted to see you both off, star charting tonight, right?” The filly looks up and answers with a voice barely above a whisper,”Yes Princess Celestia, Teacher promised to take me high up to see them tonight.” Celestia nods with a strained smile, the image before her tugging at her heart and memories. She remembers giving such lessons herself after all. Giving Luna a nuzzle she wishes them well,”Goodnight Luna. Moonstone, I hope you enjoy your lesson.” The walk to her chambers is slow, almost mournful, as it is every night. As it has been every night since Twilight went missing. Every night she hopes, and every morning is filled with disappointment. At night her dreams are filled with That Day, when the news was brought to her. Day Court was well in session when the doors burst wide open to reveal a panicked Rainbow Dash. “Princess! Princess we can't find her, you have to help! We looked everywhere!” Dash called stopping to frantically hover right in the Princess's face. “Rainbow what's wrong, who can you not find?” Celestia asked with a growing inner dread. “Twilight! She's missing! Spike too!” She remembers her heart stopping at those words. Luna and herself sent search teams to Ponyville, and then all over Equestria. They even joined the search but to no avail. Twilight had seem to cease existing that day. That was fifty years ago. Every night she hopes and every morning is disappointed. She falls into bed without hope for the first time. Fwomp! Celestia bolts up started by a loud noise and a gentle boop on the head. A scroll rolls onto the covers. “LUNA LUNAAAA!” Celestia calls landing with an ungraceful flop onto the clouds. “What!? Sister what in Equestria-” “It's a letter, Luna! It's from Twilight!” Author's Note Alright first chapter down! So as always I welcome constructive criticism. Keep in mind I'm writing this all on mobile for now as my computer is broken though. I hope you enjoy this journey! To Go NorthCelestia once again finds herself staring into the twilight, as the stars fade away and the sun begins her journey. Perhaps, she thinks to herself, it is time for the sun to journey. She has been sitting with the scroll all night. The letter still holding onto faint traces of Twilight's magic. She turns to her ever present guard, “Send for my sister.” Luna arrives with worry clearly seen across her face. “You are leaving?” “Yes, I must go North.” Celestia forces as much certainty into the statement as she can. “But, the ponies! Your subjects! Celestia I can't!” Luna tucks down her ears, her feathers ruffled. “Oh Luna”, Celestia steps forward to nuzzle her sister,”You're wrong. You have grown so much these past years. Our subjects love you, and I know you can guide them. I am so proud of how far you've come.” Still smiling Celestia grasps her crown and vestments with magic, pulling it all off. She lays it at Luna's hooves in a neat pile. Luna sighs,”Alright, I trust you. But keep in touch, send me word at least once a week!” She pokes Tia's chest with a hoof, eyes watering. “Thank you, Lulu.” They embrace, wings folding around each other. It feels so final. The goodbye that only comes before a long separation. The announcement of Celestia’s sabbatical goes as well as could be hoped. There are many with support and those with outrage. Nothing that changes her decision to leave. It is on the same balcony she has watched the twilight come and go that it really begins. Saddle bags packed full and mane tamed into a bun for travel. She takes the time for one last look, one last goodbye, and takes to the air on powerful wings. She doesn't head north just yet. Instead landing in a very special place. The town has grown but still has the same charm. Ponyville. The awe attached to her arrival comes as usual. She smiles and nods, calling for a few special ponies to meet her at the long empty Castle of Ponyville. The ponies she greets are aged but distinctive. Rainbow Dash with her mane turned to layers of monochrome, Pinkie Pie who still manages to trot in with a slight bounce, Fluttershy with Angel III on her back, Rarity gray shot mane in a tasteful bun and red framed glasses, and Applejack her ever present stetson perched atop her head. They all manage to bow. “No. I am not here as Princess but as your friend. I have news.” They all look worried as she brings out the scroll. Slowly their faces turn to shock and delight. “Well I'll be..” Applejack holds her hat to her heart. Rarity mirrors the move with her hoof, eyes tearing up. Fluttershy reacts with free flowing tears. “I KNEW IT!” Pinkie bounces like a mare half her age. “I think we all did,Pinks. But Prin- Celestia, we're too old to go find her. My wings aren't what they were. AJ and Pinks have grandfoals to worry about,Rares business can't run right without her, Flutters can't even fly anymore.. so…” Dash trails off, confused. Celestia looks over Rainbow Dash, the mare she has become so unlike her own memories. No rushing off to save the day with bombastic attitude, just calm well reasoned argument. For a moment Celestia misses it but is then filled with pride. Her little ponies have come such a long long way. “I know. I intend to go north alone. However you all deserved to see it, to know. I also…”, she resolutely swallows the lump in her throat, “I wanted to see you all. I do not know how long this journey will be, where it will take me. I could not leave without saying goodbye.” Dash scratches the back of her head, “Aw ponyfeathers Celestia, I'm sorry. Of course we'll see you off! I just... Find her, please. Bring her home. With her here we can best any ol evil crawlin out of the ground.” The others make various sounds of agreement. “And I can't miss a chance to throw the biggest most funnerific Welcome Home party ever!” Pinkie throws her hooves in the air spraying confetti all around. Celestia smiles, “Of course. But if I may ask? Please write to Luna while I'm gone, I have every confidence in her but it always helps to have friends.” So as much as she would like to stay and bask in the warmth of friendship, the North calls. With one great jump she is launched over Ponyville, and turns North. Winds of WinterFlying high over Equestria Celestia takes note of towns, cities, remembering when the lands were new, unclaimed, to the very first settlements. Her ponies never failed to inspire a awe within her heart. As she flies she lets herself take in the simple joy of flight, doing loops and barrel rolls, skimming the clouds like water. It had been a very long time since she has flown any great distance with her own wings. Dipping and rising, her sun to her side, almost as though it flies with her, warming her wings and back. She feels at peace for miles. Landing outside of the Crystal Empire brings nostalgia, pride, and pain. Along with regret. The last time she had been was the funeral of Prince Shining Armor. The mood was one of somber mourning throughout the Empire. It had been two days since the passing of the Prince, a large funeral was to be held. Celestia stood just outside of the throne room, her eyes downcast. She could hear quiet sobs through the door, surely Cadence. However she could not bring herself to enter, not with the feeling of regret and guilt gnawing at her gut. She should have come sooner, she should have visited, should have been there. But it was to late, now she had to comfort her niece. She tried to stand tall, she is Princess Celestia of Equestria, her niece will be looking to her for security and comfort. She took a deep breath, swallowing the lump forming in her throat, and opened the throne room door. Inside was a scene found in her nightmares, a very aged Shining Armor dressed in his best encased inside a crystal coffin, Cadence slumped over the top tears streaming as her body shook with the force of her sobs, their daughter Flurry Heart sitting to the side with her wings wrapped around their second child, their son Crystal Lance. Her heart ached, her throat closed up. There was nothing to say or do. This was out of her power to fix. Not since Tirek had she felt so helpless. Her usual calm broken and washed away in the tides of grief. Celestia was almost afraid to walk into the throne room, an illogical fear that she might open it to a similar scenario gripped her heart. She forces it to the back of her mind as the door opens to reveal an almost amused Flurry Heart. “Hello Aunty Tia, it's nice to see you again.” Flurry Heart and Celestia sit in one of the many rooms just off the throne room, tea cups in front of them. Celestia clears her throat,”I.. I am so sorry for not being here sooner. With Luna more than capable of seeing to the Kingdom I have no excuse.” She bows her head over her cup. Flurry smiles,”It's alright Aunty. But I sense you didn't come all this way alone just to apologise.” “No. Though I had hoped to speak with your mother. It's very important news.” A teacup hits the table a bit to hard. “Mother is not in good health so you will speak to me.” Celestia flinches at the harshness. “Very well, it started with a letter”,she levitates the scroll over,”from Twilight.” Flurry all but snatches the scroll, her eyes moving rapidly across the parchment. Her face paling as she reads. She quickly rolls it up and shoves it back to Celestia. “Mother can not know.” “But Flurry Heart-” “No Celestia! She can not know! My father's death nearly took her with him, if she loses Twilight again it will kill her!” She punctuates the statement by pounding a hoof on the table. Her ears back, nostrils flared, and feathers ruffled up. Celestia looks down at her tea, it's long cooled and barely touched. “Forgive me. You are right Princess Flurry Heart, I shouldn't have even thought of putting such perilous hope in front of your mother.” “No forgive me Aunty, I shouldn't have lost my temper. I'm sorry. I just can't take the risk of false hope, not now. Not when mother is finally starting to smile again.” “I understand. All I ask is permission to pass through your lands to the far North.” “Granted.” It's outside of the Empires protective influence Celestia is forced to land. Here there is no protection against the Eternal Winds of Winter. It whips at her face and mane, biting and cold. She dares not put up a barrier for this far out is more dangerous than the Everfree. Any magic beyond a simple warming spell a beacon for the things lurking behind the white vale of snow. It would be my luck to arrive during a storm, she thinks, struggling to put one hoof forward. Even with her alicorn given endurance it's nearly impossible to make headway. She chances a location spell to find shelter, locating a low cave. As she rests safe from the storm she takes a moment to eat and write Luna. But even alicorns need sleep, she drifts off with a parchment under her hoof. “Ster-....siii.. SISTER! PLEASE!” Celestia bolts awake. “Luna?...” She peers out into the howling winds, certain of what she heard. But it was impossible, right? Luna was safe in Canterlot. The wind whips to the side and there standing with frozen tears running down her muzzle, is Luna. She reaches out a broken hoof towards the cave, it makes a wet cracking sound as her leg moves. “Sister….Tia, please help me, please I'm so cold!” Celestia rises fully intending to bring her sister in, but stops at the edge of the cave opening. Something is not right. This looks like Luna, painfully so, it sounds like her, however… “Luna,use your magic.” “W-what? Tia I'm too weak, I need your help!” Glaring Celestia brings up a shining golden barrier over the mouth of the cave. “You are not Luna, be gone Feeder! I know what you are, you will shatter should you cross my barrier!” “Luna's” form begins to crack and shift, wings popping and twisting grotesquely, eyes turning solid white as the jaw opens far to wide, the horn cracks and shatters to dust. Finally the coat turns the blue-white of ice. “Giiivvee giiivvee maaagiiicc!” It gargles out. Celestia turns away. “No, I'm sorry for the pegasus you must have been, but I will not be feeding you. Go! And I will let you continue to exist!” It screeches and charges at the barrier recklessly. It hits with all of its might, shattering into pieces as Celestia warned. Within the chunks of ice can be seen the creamy coat and ice cloud Cutie Mark. Feeders, ponies lost to the Eternal Winter, consumed with the need to devour all magic. To give themselves the illusion of warmth. Celestia knew disturbing things lurked this far North, but to have Feeders so close to the border...Something was driving them out of their normal territories. The thing Twilight spoke of? So soon? No. It can't be. Either way I shall find out...sooner or later...Celestia thinks solemnly. The storm continues to rage as Celestia hunkers deeper into the cave. Hoping her rations can hold just a little longer. Just enough for the storm to ease. Meeting an Old FriendIt takes two days for the storm to subside enough to continue her journey. It is hard to not be discouraged, barely any headway made in four(?) days. Celestia’s wings are pinned to her sides, the freezing winds winding between the feathers. Her mane stiff and speckled with white flurries. It's hard to tell the lay of the land, snow drifts rising and falling, concealing sheer drops into nothing. More than once a hoof has dipped down to find no ground beneath. Her legs begin to tire, Luna...perhaps this was foolish…Her thoughts fade back into a constant static as the wind whips past her ears. Celestia falls forward into the snow “Cold! So cold! Can't wwarm..Oh Luna!” Crunch….crunch...gurgle… “What?” She looks up through blurry eyes to see three Feeders crunching through the snow towards her. “Oh no.” She can't move let alone muster the magic needed to shatter them. Their frozen dead features contorted and their mouths stretched wide to devour what little magic she has left. She casts her thoughts to Luna, Moonstone,...Twilight. Celestia of Equestria refuses to close her eyes, to shy away from her death. A deafening roar cuts through the landscape as the ground begins to tremble. The Feeders stop, heads swiveling, necks popping and crunching with the movement in a grotesque mockery of fright. From beyond the wind and snow comes the light of green fire, it coils around the Feeders melting them into a viscous slag. The snow around them made into a heated clearing of stone. “Celestia, I have been waiting a long time to see you again. “ A deep growling voice bellows from somewhere above. But she is too weak to look towards it, her vision fading, the static getting louder. “Don't worry, you are safe and soon you will warm, old friend.” She feels herself being lifted as conscience leaves her. “Spike…” First she is aware of sound, crackling and popping, the sound of fire. With that her senses begin to return, starting at the very tips of her hooves to end with her muzzle, ears, and wings. Celestia groans softly, her whole body feeling painfully tingly. The feeling one gets if their hoof has been asleep, all over. Pinpricks. She tries very hard not to move. Even the smallest twitch is agony. Slowly oh so very slowly it recedes, and she cautiously pries open her eyes. Warm and roaring green flames lick in a stone hearth not three feet away. The glow casting deep and mystical looking shadows over the rooms many bookcases and shining trinkets. In front of her lies a simple wooden table but sitting upon it is, she sniffs cautiously, ….coffee. A perfect cup of warm coffee. The cup isn't very large, pink with simple purple stripes… “It was her favorite cup. She would be either honored or halfway to the ceiling to see you use it.” Spike's voice rumbles out from her left. Full of good humor. She echoes it with a wry smile and a chuckle. Sipping at the coffee with a deep sigh of gratitude. Once the coffee is done and her bones are warm Celestia looks to Spike. He is much older, his purple scales darkened and his once poison green underbelly a deep emerald. Sharp features with long wings folded tightly to his side. Her chest aches fiercely at all the time she has missed. He is hardly a baby dragon anymore. “Spike...I-Thank you. For saving me. It seems that you expected to find me?’’ Gratitude and curiosity war within her. Questions burning like the sun itself within her mind. “I have expected you for a long time Princess. There is much ahead of you, much you must do. The Dark, The Nowhere is eating our world.” Spike gives her a somber look. So far removed from the face she used to know that it brings tears to her eyes. “Oh Spike. I feel at a loss, I came looking for Twilight only to find cold and darkness! How selfish must I be? She herself told me of the dangers but I...I just want her back!” Celestia's chest heaves with hard body shaking sobs. “Princess, perhaps it is selfish but love is hardly an entirely selfless thing. I want her back too. I would choose her over everything else. But it would disappoint Twilight if I did that. It's hard, isn't it? We can save Equestria or we can have Twilight. Both seem impossible to have at the same time.” Spike leans forward to wrap one huge wing around Celestia's sob wrecked form. She breathes slowly in and out. As the sobs cool to slow trickles of tears she asks, “Twilight said I would wake you from slumber and yet here you are, very much awake without my help. How?” He gives her a sharp grin,” I awoke the moment you set foot in the North. But a dragon never truly sleeps, we just...drift. Like getting lost in a painting or the stars. I have been waiting since I closed my eyes. Counting the years with every exhale of breath.” Celestia gives Spike a watery smile. “So tell me Sir Spike, where do I go from here? Twilight said you would guide me?” The somber look returns to his face. “You must keep going Princess, until you reach the Olde Capitol of the Unicorns. It is the highest point still left. There you will find The Source. I can feel it Princess, it is not...pleasant. I believe that there is a clash of force there, the Darkness eating at the world.” For the first time she pauses, to wonder if this is something she can do. Despite Twilight's belief in her, where does one even begin to combat such a thing? But she must. For all of her dear little ponies and all of the wonderful friends they have made over the years. She must. “I wish you could come with me, my friend. But I understand that I must make my way alone. Though it pains me so.” Celestia hangs her head in sorrow. Spike is not without his own sadness. To see his Princess this way, it is clearly written upon his face. “Princess remember, friendship never truly dies, so long as the love remains within your heart.” Celestia smiles, to see the baby dragon grow into a wise adult. A memory she will carry with her as her journey north continues. Author's Note The end of the previous chapter has been edited, so if you are confused please go glance at itb. EndlessSpike refills her saddle bags with fresh rations and lends her a thick warm cloak, made for travel in the bitter cold. “Princess I have one more thing for you”, Spike rests a gem at her hooves. Cut into the shape of the sun and gleaming gold. A light flickers inside of it. She leans in close to it, feeling warmth radiate out from inside. “A sun stone…” It comes out more breath than words. “It's beautiful Spike.” “It should give you an edge if the Feeders corner you again. I've noticed they're not as rare as they should be, and most of them are unicorns.” His expression is grim, disgusted. “They come from the Capitol, don't they? From the Darkness.” She mirrors his expression as she places the stone around her neck. “That is my fear, Princess.” They both linger near the exit of Spike’s cavern, sorrow etched on their faces. Celestia takes him in, memorizing his features. Her unspoken fear, that this is their last meeting, hangs thick and cloying between them. She refuses to cry, instead lets old happy memories fill her, so she can give him a genuine smile. “Goodbye Princess..” he doesn't hide his own feelings very well. “For now Spike, only for now.” The wind has died, the storm passed on for now. But the snow never really stops this far out. Her precious sun unseen behind thick grey cloud cover. Now that there is a moment of calm Celestia allows herself to think on the odd dangerous beauty of the land around her. The ever falling snow is pristine with a faint glitter, no tracks linger for long. Quickly overtaken by fresh layers of white. She allows herself to sigh, breath turning into a visible cloud. The crunch of her hooves the only sound for miles, her only company. Celestia hums quietly to herself as she carefully chews a bar of granola and dried fruit. Checking her compass to ensure she is still going straight to the north, it would be very easy, she thinks, to get turned around. It's very much like flying over the ocean, no landmarks or notable difference in any direction. The sun stone sitting against her chest keeps her grounded. It's warmth seeping into her cost reminds her that the snow is not all there is in the world. It would be so easy to forget, to go mad out here. Surely she would not be the first. The Pegasus Feeders attest to it. White, nothing but white, endless, cold, white. Perhaps she should dye her coat when she returns to Canterlot, lest her own color remind her of the maddening, endless white. But what color? Pink maybe, Luna would be horrified,she huffs out a laugh at the imagined look on her sister's face. More dried fruit, she misses cake. Sweet, moist, glorious cake. When she is home she will order a three tier cake all for herself, with three different flavors. Yes, perfect. Just let Luna poke fun at the side of her rear, who cares when there's cake! Celestia wants to go home but...Twilight isn't at home. Twilight will never be home again. Why? Why do this when Twilight will never be home? Snow, white, but there finally rising in the distance an ancient stone wall. A moment in time, a frozen tomb. The Capitol, at last. Celestia falls into the snow, frozen tears of sheer joy stick to her muzzle. “Twilight…” her voice cracks, hoarse from disuse, “I've made it!” Author's Note Sorry for the very short chapter but hey we finally made it to the Unicorns City! Next chapter should be much longer. Frozen PlatinumCelestia walks through a hole in the old Capitol walls, a chill swept over her from muzzle to tail. This was once a great and thriving city built upon magic, the nobility, and learning. Now it's broken streets and even more broken homes gave it the feel of a large and vast tomb. The wind outside was muted but that only served to make the clack of her hooves even louder in her ears. She could not help but take a moment to admire it however, for this place was older than even herself, older than the Tree of Harmony. Older than all of Equestria. It’s was from here the line of Platinum began, and was the very last place to see unicorns reign. It showed in the precise and intricate carvings on the stonework arches. And in the few gemstones left sitting in place, a sign of wealth long past. She finds a mostly intact home to rest and eat in. The smell of cold and ice joined by that of rotten wood, old tables and chairs most likely. Not a pleasant smell by any stretch but welcome none the less, reminding her more than just snow existed still. How long have I been gone? she wonders, for she has stopped counting days. Stopped feeling for the passing of sun to moon. For it made her heart ache for her sister. She hopes both Luna and Moonstone are well…or is it Moonshine? She can't remember… It should frighten her, that she has forgotten, but it does not. Celestia has long resigned herself to the idea she will never return home. What would it even be like? She does not remember the feel of a bed, or even the feel of warm air in her lungs. It doesn't matter, all that matters is Twilight. If I do this I might see her again. Celestia shakily makes it back on her hooves and heads for the center of the city, the Castle Platinum. Clack, clack, clack! That was much louder than it should have been. She stops and listens, silence. Nothing but her heart beat in her ears. No wind, not even muted and distant anymore. Celestia’s heart begins to race, thump-thump, thump-thump, so very loud. Quiet, you foolish thing! The thought is frantic. Every instinct within tells her to run, run until sound returns to the world. But she presses on, ignoring it and her far too loud steps, her heart hammering like a drum in her chest. Her body singing a song of pure fear. Finally with steps feeling heavy as lead the great walls of the Castle come into view, and surrounding it the largest group of Feeders she has ever seen. All are unicorns, the dead of the city, mares, stallions and foals alike. Her ears drop as fear permeates her entire being. No…No! How am I to get past this Twilight!? They will tear me apart! The anguish is almost to much to endure. To have come so far, so close! The Sunstone grows warm against her chest. Extra magic…oh Spike, thank you. It's risky, oh so very risky and Celestia is so very tired. But it should- no it must be enough. Carefully she shuffles forward. She must get close for the plan to work. Mere feet away she stomps her hooves against the ground, emitting a sound like thunder in the deafening silence. All frozen grotesque eyes turn toward her, growls and shambling cracking movements. Her horn ignites, the Sunstone glows like the sun itself, and from her horn spews a torrent of fire. Burning, and blazing through the chilly wind, melting all in its path. It strikes the contingent of Feeders, roaring through their bodies. Howling unnatural screams rising in its wake. With what little strength she has left Celestia follows her fire at a gallop. Tearing, sliding and slipping through the broken gates of the Castle, she uses the very last bit of extra magic to tear down the stonework above. Trapping herself within. The Sunstone no longer glows, its warmth gone. She heaves in desperate, tired breaths. It's dark inside, the only light faint from high windows with no glass to fill them. Her heart slowly calms, she breathes in slow, deep, lets it out even slower. There is still no sound other than herself as she carefully makes her way through the old halls. The Throne Room can't be far, I'm almost there Twilight! The doors to the Throne Room are impressively large, carvings of Princess Platinum herself on each. They are also shut tight. Celestia raises shaking onto her back legs, slamming against them with all of her might. They do not budge. She feels hot, burning tears slide down her muzzle. Leaning uselessly against the right door. Please, please open, I must get through! Please it's all she has ever asked of me I must I must! But her desperate thoughts do nothing to sway the cold stone. Anger, hotter than her tears, hotter than fire rushes through her from the tip of her hooves to her ears. “I am Princess Celestia of Equestria and I demand you open to me!” It is the first time in perhaps a century that she has used the Canterlot Voice. “Very well, Princess.” A whisper-y voice from beyond the doors calls, in a sneering mocking manner. The doors finally give way and she gets a first look at her for. “No!...NO! You cannot…How DARE YOU!” She cries at the tall, regal figure of the Alicorn on the Throne. “Hello Auntie Tia!” Says the reclining figure of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. Author's Note Betcha thought it was Twilight didn't you? Gotcha! Dear Princess CelestiaDear Princess Celestia, I don't know if this will even reach you, things are very different here than in Equestria. I don't even know how long it's been, a very long time I imagine. I wish I could tell you where I am but the truth is you couldn't find it even if I did, this place is Nowhere and Everywhere, it's the past, present, and future. It's... magic. I bet I could raise the sun and moon now. Sorry I digress, it all started when I began studying the lay lines. You told me to never tap into them I know but...how could I resist? You knew I would be tempted, you tried your best to manage this curiosity within me. But I'm afraid it didn't stick. I had to know Celestia, I had to, and now I do. I know everything. All of the past. Most of the future, though the present is to fuzzy to see, to many changes made a day for that… Do you remember when I asked why the sun must set? You gave me a good answer for a filly, but I understand now. The sun sets because everything must end, even the day. Even the night. Life. It's how things continue, with endings. But as nice as it is to tell you what I have learned this is also a warning. Something is coming my dear teacher. I don't know when exactly, but it will move from here into Equestria. It's horrible, I can feel it moving and pushing with so much rage. I will stall it for as long as I can. Go to the far North and wake Spike, he's sleeping there now, he can help you. I'm so sorry for the time we have lost, we will have more but first we must face this thing, this Rage. May Harmony guide your hoofsteps. Your Ever Faithful Student and Friend Twilight Sparkle
Why Does the Sun SetPrincess Celestia sits on her balcony, watching her sun settle below the horizon, she has done so over a thousand times, she will a thousand more. As she watches day turn to night she thinks, and she remembers. Hundreds or millions of small moments that can make up a lifetime. But there will always only be one she thinks of at twilight. Celestia feels a coat brushing against her leg, she smiles down at the little filly, she can see a question burning in the eyes staring at the sunset. “Is there something you wish to ask, my student?” The filly startles, giving a sheepish look, she was caught in deep thought again. “Well Princess it sounds silly but...why does the sun have to set? I mean I know we need sleep but Spike is always sleeping during the day and I know he's a dragon not a pony but it got me thinking about it though I didn't want to be rude or ask a stupid question and..” she rambles on clearly in a panic. Celestia puts a hoof to her muzzle attempting to hide her amusement. “Twilight,” she moves her hoof to stop the cascade of words, “it's alright, it's a fine question, would you like an answer?” Twilight nods, ducking her head in embarrassment. “The sun sets because it must Twilight. It can not be day always just as it can not be night always. The night isn't just for sleep, the sun is to hot to keep over the crops, or the water. Things would dry out. Equestria would be a large desert no pony could live in anymore. The night gives rest for ponies and for the sun, you see?” She looks down again to see Twilight capavated by her words. Her student nods, satisfied with her answer. The sun is long over the horizon, the moon rising to meet the stars. “Now I believe it is someponys bedtime.” “Yes Princess. Can I have a book to read to sleep?” In the present the moon is also rising. But Celestia sits alone, sighing as wistful memories drift through her mind. Hoofsteps approach behind her, “Hello Luna.” “Good evening Sister! Should you not be off to bed?” Celestia turns looking past her sister to the filly trailing behind her. “I should yes, but I wanted to see you both off, star charting tonight, right?” The filly looks up and answers with a voice barely above a whisper,”Yes Princess Celestia, Teacher promised to take me high up to see them tonight.” Celestia nods with a strained smile, the image before her tugging at her heart and memories. She remembers giving such lessons herself after all. Giving Luna a nuzzle she wishes them well,”Goodnight Luna. Moonstone, I hope you enjoy your lesson.” The walk to her chambers is slow, almost mournful, as it is every night. As it has been every night since Twilight went missing. Every night she hopes, and every morning is filled with disappointment. At night her dreams are filled with That Day, when the news was brought to her. Day Court was well in session when the doors burst wide open to reveal a panicked Rainbow Dash. “Princess! Princess we can't find her, you have to help! We looked everywhere!” Dash called stopping to frantically hover right in the Princess's face. “Rainbow what's wrong, who can you not find?” Celestia asked with a growing inner dread. “Twilight! She's missing! Spike too!” She remembers her heart stopping at those words. Luna and herself sent search teams to Ponyville, and then all over Equestria. They even joined the search but to no avail. Twilight had seem to cease existing that day. That was fifty years ago. Every night she hopes and every morning is disappointed. She falls into bed without hope for the first time. Fwomp! Celestia bolts up started by a loud noise and a gentle boop on the head. A scroll rolls onto the covers. “LUNA LUNAAAA!” Celestia calls landing with an ungraceful flop onto the clouds. “What!? Sister what in Equestria-” “It's a letter, Luna! It's from Twilight!” Author's Note Alright first chapter down! So as always I welcome constructive criticism. Keep in mind I'm writing this all on mobile for now as my computer is broken though. I hope you enjoy this journey!
To Go NorthCelestia once again finds herself staring into the twilight, as the stars fade away and the sun begins her journey. Perhaps, she thinks to herself, it is time for the sun to journey. She has been sitting with the scroll all night. The letter still holding onto faint traces of Twilight's magic. She turns to her ever present guard, “Send for my sister.” Luna arrives with worry clearly seen across her face. “You are leaving?” “Yes, I must go North.” Celestia forces as much certainty into the statement as she can. “But, the ponies! Your subjects! Celestia I can't!” Luna tucks down her ears, her feathers ruffled. “Oh Luna”, Celestia steps forward to nuzzle her sister,”You're wrong. You have grown so much these past years. Our subjects love you, and I know you can guide them. I am so proud of how far you've come.” Still smiling Celestia grasps her crown and vestments with magic, pulling it all off. She lays it at Luna's hooves in a neat pile. Luna sighs,”Alright, I trust you. But keep in touch, send me word at least once a week!” She pokes Tia's chest with a hoof, eyes watering. “Thank you, Lulu.” They embrace, wings folding around each other. It feels so final. The goodbye that only comes before a long separation. The announcement of Celestia’s sabbatical goes as well as could be hoped. There are many with support and those with outrage. Nothing that changes her decision to leave. It is on the same balcony she has watched the twilight come and go that it really begins. Saddle bags packed full and mane tamed into a bun for travel. She takes the time for one last look, one last goodbye, and takes to the air on powerful wings. She doesn't head north just yet. Instead landing in a very special place. The town has grown but still has the same charm. Ponyville. The awe attached to her arrival comes as usual. She smiles and nods, calling for a few special ponies to meet her at the long empty Castle of Ponyville. The ponies she greets are aged but distinctive. Rainbow Dash with her mane turned to layers of monochrome, Pinkie Pie who still manages to trot in with a slight bounce, Fluttershy with Angel III on her back, Rarity gray shot mane in a tasteful bun and red framed glasses, and Applejack her ever present stetson perched atop her head. They all manage to bow. “No. I am not here as Princess but as your friend. I have news.” They all look worried as she brings out the scroll. Slowly their faces turn to shock and delight. “Well I'll be..” Applejack holds her hat to her heart. Rarity mirrors the move with her hoof, eyes tearing up. Fluttershy reacts with free flowing tears. “I KNEW IT!” Pinkie bounces like a mare half her age. “I think we all did,Pinks. But Prin- Celestia, we're too old to go find her. My wings aren't what they were. AJ and Pinks have grandfoals to worry about,Rares business can't run right without her, Flutters can't even fly anymore.. so…” Dash trails off, confused. Celestia looks over Rainbow Dash, the mare she has become so unlike her own memories. No rushing off to save the day with bombastic attitude, just calm well reasoned argument. For a moment Celestia misses it but is then filled with pride. Her little ponies have come such a long long way. “I know. I intend to go north alone. However you all deserved to see it, to know. I also…”, she resolutely swallows the lump in her throat, “I wanted to see you all. I do not know how long this journey will be, where it will take me. I could not leave without saying goodbye.” Dash scratches the back of her head, “Aw ponyfeathers Celestia, I'm sorry. Of course we'll see you off! I just... Find her, please. Bring her home. With her here we can best any ol evil crawlin out of the ground.” The others make various sounds of agreement. “And I can't miss a chance to throw the biggest most funnerific Welcome Home party ever!” Pinkie throws her hooves in the air spraying confetti all around. Celestia smiles, “Of course. But if I may ask? Please write to Luna while I'm gone, I have every confidence in her but it always helps to have friends.” So as much as she would like to stay and bask in the warmth of friendship, the North calls. With one great jump she is launched over Ponyville, and turns North.
Winds of WinterFlying high over Equestria Celestia takes note of towns, cities, remembering when the lands were new, unclaimed, to the very first settlements. Her ponies never failed to inspire a awe within her heart. As she flies she lets herself take in the simple joy of flight, doing loops and barrel rolls, skimming the clouds like water. It had been a very long time since she has flown any great distance with her own wings. Dipping and rising, her sun to her side, almost as though it flies with her, warming her wings and back. She feels at peace for miles. Landing outside of the Crystal Empire brings nostalgia, pride, and pain. Along with regret. The last time she had been was the funeral of Prince Shining Armor. The mood was one of somber mourning throughout the Empire. It had been two days since the passing of the Prince, a large funeral was to be held. Celestia stood just outside of the throne room, her eyes downcast. She could hear quiet sobs through the door, surely Cadence. However she could not bring herself to enter, not with the feeling of regret and guilt gnawing at her gut. She should have come sooner, she should have visited, should have been there. But it was to late, now she had to comfort her niece. She tried to stand tall, she is Princess Celestia of Equestria, her niece will be looking to her for security and comfort. She took a deep breath, swallowing the lump forming in her throat, and opened the throne room door. Inside was a scene found in her nightmares, a very aged Shining Armor dressed in his best encased inside a crystal coffin, Cadence slumped over the top tears streaming as her body shook with the force of her sobs, their daughter Flurry Heart sitting to the side with her wings wrapped around their second child, their son Crystal Lance. Her heart ached, her throat closed up. There was nothing to say or do. This was out of her power to fix. Not since Tirek had she felt so helpless. Her usual calm broken and washed away in the tides of grief. Celestia was almost afraid to walk into the throne room, an illogical fear that she might open it to a similar scenario gripped her heart. She forces it to the back of her mind as the door opens to reveal an almost amused Flurry Heart. “Hello Aunty Tia, it's nice to see you again.” Flurry Heart and Celestia sit in one of the many rooms just off the throne room, tea cups in front of them. Celestia clears her throat,”I.. I am so sorry for not being here sooner. With Luna more than capable of seeing to the Kingdom I have no excuse.” She bows her head over her cup. Flurry smiles,”It's alright Aunty. But I sense you didn't come all this way alone just to apologise.” “No. Though I had hoped to speak with your mother. It's very important news.” A teacup hits the table a bit to hard. “Mother is not in good health so you will speak to me.” Celestia flinches at the harshness. “Very well, it started with a letter”,she levitates the scroll over,”from Twilight.” Flurry all but snatches the scroll, her eyes moving rapidly across the parchment. Her face paling as she reads. She quickly rolls it up and shoves it back to Celestia. “Mother can not know.” “But Flurry Heart-” “No Celestia! She can not know! My father's death nearly took her with him, if she loses Twilight again it will kill her!” She punctuates the statement by pounding a hoof on the table. Her ears back, nostrils flared, and feathers ruffled up. Celestia looks down at her tea, it's long cooled and barely touched. “Forgive me. You are right Princess Flurry Heart, I shouldn't have even thought of putting such perilous hope in front of your mother.” “No forgive me Aunty, I shouldn't have lost my temper. I'm sorry. I just can't take the risk of false hope, not now. Not when mother is finally starting to smile again.” “I understand. All I ask is permission to pass through your lands to the far North.” “Granted.” It's outside of the Empires protective influence Celestia is forced to land. Here there is no protection against the Eternal Winds of Winter. It whips at her face and mane, biting and cold. She dares not put up a barrier for this far out is more dangerous than the Everfree. Any magic beyond a simple warming spell a beacon for the things lurking behind the white vale of snow. It would be my luck to arrive during a storm, she thinks, struggling to put one hoof forward. Even with her alicorn given endurance it's nearly impossible to make headway. She chances a location spell to find shelter, locating a low cave. As she rests safe from the storm she takes a moment to eat and write Luna. But even alicorns need sleep, she drifts off with a parchment under her hoof. “Ster-....siii.. SISTER! PLEASE!” Celestia bolts awake. “Luna?...” She peers out into the howling winds, certain of what she heard. But it was impossible, right? Luna was safe in Canterlot. The wind whips to the side and there standing with frozen tears running down her muzzle, is Luna. She reaches out a broken hoof towards the cave, it makes a wet cracking sound as her leg moves. “Sister….Tia, please help me, please I'm so cold!” Celestia rises fully intending to bring her sister in, but stops at the edge of the cave opening. Something is not right. This looks like Luna, painfully so, it sounds like her, however… “Luna,use your magic.” “W-what? Tia I'm too weak, I need your help!” Glaring Celestia brings up a shining golden barrier over the mouth of the cave. “You are not Luna, be gone Feeder! I know what you are, you will shatter should you cross my barrier!” “Luna's” form begins to crack and shift, wings popping and twisting grotesquely, eyes turning solid white as the jaw opens far to wide, the horn cracks and shatters to dust. Finally the coat turns the blue-white of ice. “Giiivvee giiivvee maaagiiicc!” It gargles out. Celestia turns away. “No, I'm sorry for the pegasus you must have been, but I will not be feeding you. Go! And I will let you continue to exist!” It screeches and charges at the barrier recklessly. It hits with all of its might, shattering into pieces as Celestia warned. Within the chunks of ice can be seen the creamy coat and ice cloud Cutie Mark. Feeders, ponies lost to the Eternal Winter, consumed with the need to devour all magic. To give themselves the illusion of warmth. Celestia knew disturbing things lurked this far North, but to have Feeders so close to the border...Something was driving them out of their normal territories. The thing Twilight spoke of? So soon? No. It can't be. Either way I shall find out...sooner or later...Celestia thinks solemnly. The storm continues to rage as Celestia hunkers deeper into the cave. Hoping her rations can hold just a little longer. Just enough for the storm to ease.
Meeting an Old FriendIt takes two days for the storm to subside enough to continue her journey. It is hard to not be discouraged, barely any headway made in four(?) days. Celestia’s wings are pinned to her sides, the freezing winds winding between the feathers. Her mane stiff and speckled with white flurries. It's hard to tell the lay of the land, snow drifts rising and falling, concealing sheer drops into nothing. More than once a hoof has dipped down to find no ground beneath. Her legs begin to tire, Luna...perhaps this was foolish…Her thoughts fade back into a constant static as the wind whips past her ears. Celestia falls forward into the snow “Cold! So cold! Can't wwarm..Oh Luna!” Crunch….crunch...gurgle… “What?” She looks up through blurry eyes to see three Feeders crunching through the snow towards her. “Oh no.” She can't move let alone muster the magic needed to shatter them. Their frozen dead features contorted and their mouths stretched wide to devour what little magic she has left. She casts her thoughts to Luna, Moonstone,...Twilight. Celestia of Equestria refuses to close her eyes, to shy away from her death. A deafening roar cuts through the landscape as the ground begins to tremble. The Feeders stop, heads swiveling, necks popping and crunching with the movement in a grotesque mockery of fright. From beyond the wind and snow comes the light of green fire, it coils around the Feeders melting them into a viscous slag. The snow around them made into a heated clearing of stone. “Celestia, I have been waiting a long time to see you again. “ A deep growling voice bellows from somewhere above. But she is too weak to look towards it, her vision fading, the static getting louder. “Don't worry, you are safe and soon you will warm, old friend.” She feels herself being lifted as conscience leaves her. “Spike…” First she is aware of sound, crackling and popping, the sound of fire. With that her senses begin to return, starting at the very tips of her hooves to end with her muzzle, ears, and wings. Celestia groans softly, her whole body feeling painfully tingly. The feeling one gets if their hoof has been asleep, all over. Pinpricks. She tries very hard not to move. Even the smallest twitch is agony. Slowly oh so very slowly it recedes, and she cautiously pries open her eyes. Warm and roaring green flames lick in a stone hearth not three feet away. The glow casting deep and mystical looking shadows over the rooms many bookcases and shining trinkets. In front of her lies a simple wooden table but sitting upon it is, she sniffs cautiously, ….coffee. A perfect cup of warm coffee. The cup isn't very large, pink with simple purple stripes… “It was her favorite cup. She would be either honored or halfway to the ceiling to see you use it.” Spike's voice rumbles out from her left. Full of good humor. She echoes it with a wry smile and a chuckle. Sipping at the coffee with a deep sigh of gratitude. Once the coffee is done and her bones are warm Celestia looks to Spike. He is much older, his purple scales darkened and his once poison green underbelly a deep emerald. Sharp features with long wings folded tightly to his side. Her chest aches fiercely at all the time she has missed. He is hardly a baby dragon anymore. “Spike...I-Thank you. For saving me. It seems that you expected to find me?’’ Gratitude and curiosity war within her. Questions burning like the sun itself within her mind. “I have expected you for a long time Princess. There is much ahead of you, much you must do. The Dark, The Nowhere is eating our world.” Spike gives her a somber look. So far removed from the face she used to know that it brings tears to her eyes. “Oh Spike. I feel at a loss, I came looking for Twilight only to find cold and darkness! How selfish must I be? She herself told me of the dangers but I...I just want her back!” Celestia's chest heaves with hard body shaking sobs. “Princess, perhaps it is selfish but love is hardly an entirely selfless thing. I want her back too. I would choose her over everything else. But it would disappoint Twilight if I did that. It's hard, isn't it? We can save Equestria or we can have Twilight. Both seem impossible to have at the same time.” Spike leans forward to wrap one huge wing around Celestia's sob wrecked form. She breathes slowly in and out. As the sobs cool to slow trickles of tears she asks, “Twilight said I would wake you from slumber and yet here you are, very much awake without my help. How?” He gives her a sharp grin,” I awoke the moment you set foot in the North. But a dragon never truly sleeps, we just...drift. Like getting lost in a painting or the stars. I have been waiting since I closed my eyes. Counting the years with every exhale of breath.” Celestia gives Spike a watery smile. “So tell me Sir Spike, where do I go from here? Twilight said you would guide me?” The somber look returns to his face. “You must keep going Princess, until you reach the Olde Capitol of the Unicorns. It is the highest point still left. There you will find The Source. I can feel it Princess, it is not...pleasant. I believe that there is a clash of force there, the Darkness eating at the world.” For the first time she pauses, to wonder if this is something she can do. Despite Twilight's belief in her, where does one even begin to combat such a thing? But she must. For all of her dear little ponies and all of the wonderful friends they have made over the years. She must. “I wish you could come with me, my friend. But I understand that I must make my way alone. Though it pains me so.” Celestia hangs her head in sorrow. Spike is not without his own sadness. To see his Princess this way, it is clearly written upon his face. “Princess remember, friendship never truly dies, so long as the love remains within your heart.” Celestia smiles, to see the baby dragon grow into a wise adult. A memory she will carry with her as her journey north continues. Author's Note The end of the previous chapter has been edited, so if you are confused please go glance at itb.
EndlessSpike refills her saddle bags with fresh rations and lends her a thick warm cloak, made for travel in the bitter cold. “Princess I have one more thing for you”, Spike rests a gem at her hooves. Cut into the shape of the sun and gleaming gold. A light flickers inside of it. She leans in close to it, feeling warmth radiate out from inside. “A sun stone…” It comes out more breath than words. “It's beautiful Spike.” “It should give you an edge if the Feeders corner you again. I've noticed they're not as rare as they should be, and most of them are unicorns.” His expression is grim, disgusted. “They come from the Capitol, don't they? From the Darkness.” She mirrors his expression as she places the stone around her neck. “That is my fear, Princess.” They both linger near the exit of Spike’s cavern, sorrow etched on their faces. Celestia takes him in, memorizing his features. Her unspoken fear, that this is their last meeting, hangs thick and cloying between them. She refuses to cry, instead lets old happy memories fill her, so she can give him a genuine smile. “Goodbye Princess..” he doesn't hide his own feelings very well. “For now Spike, only for now.” The wind has died, the storm passed on for now. But the snow never really stops this far out. Her precious sun unseen behind thick grey cloud cover. Now that there is a moment of calm Celestia allows herself to think on the odd dangerous beauty of the land around her. The ever falling snow is pristine with a faint glitter, no tracks linger for long. Quickly overtaken by fresh layers of white. She allows herself to sigh, breath turning into a visible cloud. The crunch of her hooves the only sound for miles, her only company. Celestia hums quietly to herself as she carefully chews a bar of granola and dried fruit. Checking her compass to ensure she is still going straight to the north, it would be very easy, she thinks, to get turned around. It's very much like flying over the ocean, no landmarks or notable difference in any direction. The sun stone sitting against her chest keeps her grounded. It's warmth seeping into her cost reminds her that the snow is not all there is in the world. It would be so easy to forget, to go mad out here. Surely she would not be the first. The Pegasus Feeders attest to it. White, nothing but white, endless, cold, white. Perhaps she should dye her coat when she returns to Canterlot, lest her own color remind her of the maddening, endless white. But what color? Pink maybe, Luna would be horrified,she huffs out a laugh at the imagined look on her sister's face. More dried fruit, she misses cake. Sweet, moist, glorious cake. When she is home she will order a three tier cake all for herself, with three different flavors. Yes, perfect. Just let Luna poke fun at the side of her rear, who cares when there's cake! Celestia wants to go home but...Twilight isn't at home. Twilight will never be home again. Why? Why do this when Twilight will never be home? Snow, white, but there finally rising in the distance an ancient stone wall. A moment in time, a frozen tomb. The Capitol, at last. Celestia falls into the snow, frozen tears of sheer joy stick to her muzzle. “Twilight…” her voice cracks, hoarse from disuse, “I've made it!” Author's Note Sorry for the very short chapter but hey we finally made it to the Unicorns City! Next chapter should be much longer.
Frozen PlatinumCelestia walks through a hole in the old Capitol walls, a chill swept over her from muzzle to tail. This was once a great and thriving city built upon magic, the nobility, and learning. Now it's broken streets and even more broken homes gave it the feel of a large and vast tomb. The wind outside was muted but that only served to make the clack of her hooves even louder in her ears. She could not help but take a moment to admire it however, for this place was older than even herself, older than the Tree of Harmony. Older than all of Equestria. It’s was from here the line of Platinum began, and was the very last place to see unicorns reign. It showed in the precise and intricate carvings on the stonework arches. And in the few gemstones left sitting in place, a sign of wealth long past. She finds a mostly intact home to rest and eat in. The smell of cold and ice joined by that of rotten wood, old tables and chairs most likely. Not a pleasant smell by any stretch but welcome none the less, reminding her more than just snow existed still. How long have I been gone? she wonders, for she has stopped counting days. Stopped feeling for the passing of sun to moon. For it made her heart ache for her sister. She hopes both Luna and Moonstone are well…or is it Moonshine? She can't remember… It should frighten her, that she has forgotten, but it does not. Celestia has long resigned herself to the idea she will never return home. What would it even be like? She does not remember the feel of a bed, or even the feel of warm air in her lungs. It doesn't matter, all that matters is Twilight. If I do this I might see her again. Celestia shakily makes it back on her hooves and heads for the center of the city, the Castle Platinum. Clack, clack, clack! That was much louder than it should have been. She stops and listens, silence. Nothing but her heart beat in her ears. No wind, not even muted and distant anymore. Celestia’s heart begins to race, thump-thump, thump-thump, so very loud. Quiet, you foolish thing! The thought is frantic. Every instinct within tells her to run, run until sound returns to the world. But she presses on, ignoring it and her far too loud steps, her heart hammering like a drum in her chest. Her body singing a song of pure fear. Finally with steps feeling heavy as lead the great walls of the Castle come into view, and surrounding it the largest group of Feeders she has ever seen. All are unicorns, the dead of the city, mares, stallions and foals alike. Her ears drop as fear permeates her entire being. No…No! How am I to get past this Twilight!? They will tear me apart! The anguish is almost to much to endure. To have come so far, so close! The Sunstone grows warm against her chest. Extra magic…oh Spike, thank you. It's risky, oh so very risky and Celestia is so very tired. But it should- no it must be enough. Carefully she shuffles forward. She must get close for the plan to work. Mere feet away she stomps her hooves against the ground, emitting a sound like thunder in the deafening silence. All frozen grotesque eyes turn toward her, growls and shambling cracking movements. Her horn ignites, the Sunstone glows like the sun itself, and from her horn spews a torrent of fire. Burning, and blazing through the chilly wind, melting all in its path. It strikes the contingent of Feeders, roaring through their bodies. Howling unnatural screams rising in its wake. With what little strength she has left Celestia follows her fire at a gallop. Tearing, sliding and slipping through the broken gates of the Castle, she uses the very last bit of extra magic to tear down the stonework above. Trapping herself within. The Sunstone no longer glows, its warmth gone. She heaves in desperate, tired breaths. It's dark inside, the only light faint from high windows with no glass to fill them. Her heart slowly calms, she breathes in slow, deep, lets it out even slower. There is still no sound other than herself as she carefully makes her way through the old halls. The Throne Room can't be far, I'm almost there Twilight! The doors to the Throne Room are impressively large, carvings of Princess Platinum herself on each. They are also shut tight. Celestia raises shaking onto her back legs, slamming against them with all of her might. They do not budge. She feels hot, burning tears slide down her muzzle. Leaning uselessly against the right door. Please, please open, I must get through! Please it's all she has ever asked of me I must I must! But her desperate thoughts do nothing to sway the cold stone. Anger, hotter than her tears, hotter than fire rushes through her from the tip of her hooves to her ears. “I am Princess Celestia of Equestria and I demand you open to me!” It is the first time in perhaps a century that she has used the Canterlot Voice. “Very well, Princess.” A whisper-y voice from beyond the doors calls, in a sneering mocking manner. The doors finally give way and she gets a first look at her for. “No!...NO! You cannot…How DARE YOU!” She cries at the tall, regal figure of the Alicorn on the Throne. “Hello Auntie Tia!” Says the reclining figure of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. Author's Note Betcha thought it was Twilight didn't you? Gotcha!
Dear Princess CelestiaDear Princess Celestia, I don't know if this will even reach you, things are very different here than in Equestria. I don't even know how long it's been, a very long time I imagine. I wish I could tell you where I am but the truth is you couldn't find it even if I did, this place is Nowhere and Everywhere, it's the past, present, and future. It's... magic. I bet I could raise the sun and moon now. Sorry I digress, it all started when I began studying the lay lines. You told me to never tap into them I know but...how could I resist? You knew I would be tempted, you tried your best to manage this curiosity within me. But I'm afraid it didn't stick. I had to know Celestia, I had to, and now I do. I know everything. All of the past. Most of the future, though the present is to fuzzy to see, to many changes made a day for that… Do you remember when I asked why the sun must set? You gave me a good answer for a filly, but I understand now. The sun sets because everything must end, even the day. Even the night. Life. It's how things continue, with endings. But as nice as it is to tell you what I have learned this is also a warning. Something is coming my dear teacher. I don't know when exactly, but it will move from here into Equestria. It's horrible, I can feel it moving and pushing with so much rage. I will stall it for as long as I can. Go to the far North and wake Spike, he's sleeping there now, he can help you. I'm so sorry for the time we have lost, we will have more but first we must face this thing, this Rage. May Harmony guide your hoofsteps. Your Ever Faithful Student and Friend Twilight Sparkle
