Sowing the Seeds
Year 25 BB
Luna, can you hear me?
Yes Tia. I read you loud and clear.
How is your end of the fortress holding up?
Fine…for now. Are you still sure he’s in here?
Without a doubt. Whatever you do, do not let the walls falter. We may have guards to assist our barrier, but I’m afraid we’re the only ones capable enough to stop him inside of it.
Tia, I can only hold so much for so long. We must find him post-haste!
Don’t worry. I think I have centered on his location. We should be upon him soon.
The alicorns ended their transmission, fearing that the creature could decipher their thoughts. Celestia noticed that Discord seemed to bend their surroundings and hoped that the physical world was as far as he could reach. Magic its self was not lost on him, but hopefully, arcane alicorn magic was. The halls were dimly lit and frightening shadows danced as she moved through the halls.
On the other side of the fort, Luna did her best to emulate Celestia’s bravery. This was a creature unknown to her, and it would take all the strength she could muster to help put this entity in its place. She traveled through the halls cautiously, knowing the range of power Celestia said he held. This would not be easy on the both of them, but Luna was determined to match her elder sister’s confidence and power; lest the draconequus win. Shadows moving against the light and sounds echoing down the halls made her tremble, yet she knew she had to carry on to the spot she and her sister would meet. This would not be an easy trek.
Celestia had spent plenty of time in this fort to memorize a blueprint of it, but even Discord's pitfalls managed to slow her down at times. Often, she could be heard cursing him and having to play his games to bypass an unseen obstacle. Even walls seemed to erupt where there had not been any before and it took all of her patience to scale them. No matter how much Celestia hurried along the paths though, he always seemed to be a step ahead of her.
Luna, however, seemed to fly through the maze of tunnels with ease compared to her sibling. Having only seen their meeting point in past visits when they were mere fillies, her mental map of the interior was cloudy. Somehow their adversary did not seem to impede her progress. Now and then she would meet with the draconequus' games, but she contended them pretty easily. Other times she simply headed in the wrong direction, meeting dead ends. She would take the time to clear her mind and map out a new route. Soon enough, the garden was reached and the figure of chaos was in view.
Celestia raced as fast as she could, but Discord always seemed to be around every corner. Her attempts at escaping from the creature's foul play hampered her progress, but the teachings of her parents helped her proceed inch by confidence-diminishing inch. At long last, she reached the twilit garden, beholding a sight she feared would come to fruition.
Luna gazed upon the abnormal figure above her and delivered the ultimatum:
“As soon as my sister arrives, we will not let your transgressions of our kingdom go unpunished. We forged a world where all pony-kind can peacefully coexist, and you have trespassed upon it and perverted it, draconequus. Stand down now and we promise…you’re punishment will be far more bearable.”
“~Oh-no, save me, SAVE~ME!~ Her sister is going to punish me,” Discord replied mockingly. “Why wait? Do you not rely on yourself, Little-Luna, or - is every iota of power infused in your sister, and you just “play” princess?”
“Do NOT test me creature, for I too carry the strength of our bloodline's magic. As she raises the sun, I raise the moon.”
“Oh please, since when did any of your subjects care for that kind of power?”
“-gasp- Why, I’ll have you know there is a newly formed ceremony in my honor. Ponies, as far as the sky extends, bow down to my ritual.”
“Oh, I see. They've finally let you remove your training horn. How cute~!”
“Do you dare try my patience?!” Luna replied through gritted teeth.
Discord, with a snap of his claws, flashed from his throne just above the garden and right next to Luna, “Now, now! A princess must compose herself. After all, judging by the color of the sky, is it not time you raised your precious moon?” He produced a large pocket watch from nowhere and pushed it in front of the purple alicorn’s face. “Tick-tock, tick-tock, Luna. Or were you simply bluffing?”
“I WILL SHOW YOU FOUL BEAST!”
I WILL SHOW YOU FOUL BEAST!
With eyes glowing white with power, Luna hovered above the ground and extended her limbs. With her tremendous exertion of magic, the moon shot up to its apex in the sky and filled the night with stars and their dust.
Impressed with this spectacle, the draconequus leered at the young alicorn and focused his mind to hers. So that’s how you do it. Luna dropped to the ground panting, a look of pride spread across her face.
“I must say that was quite an impressive attempt, Luna...but, that parlor trick will get you nowhere as an empress.” With a snap of his fingers, the sun rose in place of the moon, obscuring the stars that once littered the sky.
Luna looked up in disbelief. “H-h-h-how-?"
Chuckling, Discord responded, “Oh it’s quite simple really. Did you think you were the only ones with experience in the - pause for dramatic effect - Arcane Lore?” He couldn’t contain himself any longer. He rolled onto his back, laughing at the purple mare’s disbelief as she struggled to her hooves.
“NO!” came the cry in the corner of the garden.
The draconequus and Luna both glanced toward Celestia galloping towards them. “Oh looky, now the "other princess” has arrived!”
Luna was about to embrace her sister when the white alicorn stopped her. “Luna, do you realize what you’ve done?”
“Aw, did wittle Wuna, forget there was a barrier to uphold?” With a snap of his claw, Discord shattered the barrier as trees sprouted around the fortress. Outside the fort, the unicorn guards were looking around in shock and disbelief. “This looks like as good as place as any to set up my new region of chaos. Won’t you gals join me?” With another snap the trees emitted a dust that overtook the guards, sending them into a state of sleep. “Isn’t it lovely? Ponies sleeping, why- and in the middle of the day too,” He bent down face to face with Luna, eyes swirling, “Don’t you think that’s how it should be?”
Luna started to waver, “B-b-but w-w-what about-“
“SISTER!” Celestia stamped her hoof, emitting a shock wave that sent the draconequus flying to the other side of the garden. She ran up to her sister and focused a bit of magic into the young alicorn. “Luna! Please, look at me.”
“W-what? Tia? Tia!”
“Don’t listen to Him. Quickly, refocus your magic! We need to put the barrier back.”
In almost an instant Luna had reestablished the connection with her sister and rebuilt the barrier . With the guards incapacitated though, they were now alone with their adversary.
Discord had risen but, Celestia was the first to speak. “Discord! You have imposed yourself onto our land. You have brought with you disarray into our time of peace. You have contorted the views of our subjects. You have tainted the land which we survive on. Yet, worst of all…YOU TRIED ALL OF THIS ON MY SISTER!”
MY SISTER!
A burst of magic emitted from Celestia’s horn forcing the draconequus to utilize his own. “HA! Do you think you can take me on your own?!” An equal burst of magic erupted from him.
Luna stared in shock at the fierce battle of wills before her eyes, when a voice took form in her mind:
LUNA! I NEED YOUR HELP I DON’T THINK I CAN DO THIS ON MY OWN!
But Tia, I don’t know this-
FOCUS LUNA! YOU CAN DO THIS! I BELIEVE IN YOU! REMEMBER WHAT MOM AND DAD HAD TAUGHT US! BRING YOUR POWER IN TUNE WITH MINE!
Luna mustered up her power and, with her own eyes burning white, rose alongside her sister; the force of their combined power not lost on the draconequus.
Discord’s form was numbing. Looking down he noticed his body turning to stone. Can’t-can’t read this one as-as easily. The counter- of this one must-must-take time and-compatibility-A-HA! "So that's what that is! ~Har-"
The explosion erupted against the barrier encasing the fort, cracking it on all sides. When the light and dust had cleared, the form of a draconequus encased in stone lay on the ground. The alicorns lay in the garden panting. Luna was the first to stand, albeit with unease. “We-we did it...TIA WE DID IT!”
“No, Luna! We stopped him, but can you feel it?”
It took Luna a moment to center on the chaotic magic erupting beyond their original barrier. “Yes...his forest…it’s still expanding! I have to stop it!” Her horn glowed and, try as she might, the forest still continued to grow. “Oh no! Tia! HELP!” The white alicorn composed herself. As Celestia concentrated, she rose above the ground again, yet it was obvious she was weakening. Luna sensed this and summoned up whatever power she could. An explosion from the garden expanded the barrier about a few meters from the ever-growing forest. The enchanted sprouts tried as they could to bloom, but it was no match for the power of the sisters. While the new plants vying for life were drained, the already full grown ones stood strong.
Both of the princesses stretched across the ground, panting from their overexertion of their powers.
Please, Tia...tell me that was it.
I believe so...I don't feel the expansion of Discord's magic anymore.
Good...
Sister?
Yes, Luna?
I think I'm gonna lie here for a bit...rest my eyes.
Go ahead...you deserve it.
I couldn't have done it...without you.
Nor I.
I love you...Tia.
I love you too...Luna.
One Week Later
The Canterlot parade was well underway. Ponies from the distant lands came and paid tribute to the sisters who had reclaimed unity and order for their lands. The elder alicorn stayed indoors during the festivities as the younger became the new face for peace.
Tia, you wouldn’t believe some of the displays these ponies have put together!
I don’t know. I’ve seen some impressive ones with mother and father. One time...
…Tia?
Yes?
…c-could we focus on something…happier for today?
…Of course. Tell me, how is the parade?
There’s unicorns moving whole, concrete statues, and the pegasi are forming impromptu storms and performing their aerial maneuvers. Some are skywriting our names.
What of the earth ponies?
Oh! You wouldn’t believe the stacks of carrots, celery stalks and cakes they’ve made in your honor!
Don’t you mean OUR honor?
Oh please, Tia. We both know I couldn’t have done it without your help. I’m sure they even regard me as a lesser princess than you.
Then why don’t you go out there? Meet some of the locals?
No, I'd rather stay by you.
…
You are alright, right Tia?
You feel it don’t you?
Yes…he’s not entirely gone, is he?
No. Even the forest is still fighting our barrier.
I wish Mother and Father were still here. They would instantly know what to do.
I know, Luna. I do too. But now we have to be strong. That’s definitely what they would want.
Yes! We will strive...for Equestria!
Not only for Equestria, but for us!
Yes sister. FOR US!...Huh?
FOR US!
What is it, Luna?
Oh...nothing. I thought - I thought I heard somepony say something.
Germination
Year 24 BB
~Luna~
"Five more" – yawn – "minutes."
~Luuuuuuuu~nnaaaaaa~!
- snort - "more min-min…" - snore -
Well, you’ve left me no choice.
"What-what…whatever" – snort – "No! NO!”
“~Disobedient ponies get raspberries, ~” Celestia sang as she blew into her younger sister’s belly.
“HAHA…TIA! NO! HA-HA!” The younger mare giggled in fits while her sister playfully assaulted her. “STOP – STOP!”
“Come on sis, you’ve got a moon to rise,” Celestia replied as she leapt off of her sister.
“Okay, okay, I’m up. You know – if you were at that meeting last night you’d understand.” Luna hopped off of her bed and walked to her dresser, brushing her hair. “Honestly, how can you handle the procession of ponies that come through during the day?”
Chuckling, partially to herself, Celestia replied, “Oh I understand. But you have to admit, how would you feel if your original land had to be uprooted and moved?”
“True…I’m sure this new area could be – why are you laughing still?”
Celestia just kept giggling and pointed to Luna's mirror.
“W-what?!” Looking into the mirror, Luna noticed a part of her hair was standing up straight; no doubt, one of her sister’s pranks. “Ugh, TIA - you know it’s the Winter Solstice, tonight! What have you done to my hair?”
“Oh don’t be such a party pooper. It washes out.”
“I’ll get you for this for sure.”
“But ~tick-tock, tick-tock~…the moon has to go up now.~”
“…I hate you.” Luna prepared herself and headed out from the balcony of her room.
“And let us all rejoice in the festivities of tonight’s first…Winter Solstice in our new Canterlot!”
Cheers and applause rang out from the audience as Luna lowered to the ground. Many of the ponies approached her to shake her hoof and impart their thanks.
“Such a fine display as always, Miss Luna!”
“The first Winter Solstice here; I must say it went off without a hitch.”
“Oh, Luna, wouldn’t you mind as to have a pose with us for our son? He’s a natural budding artist!”
“Luna we couldn’t have this peace without you and your sister?
“Speaking of which, where is your sister?”
“Oh don’t trouble her with questions like those. After all, this is her night.”
“Oh, but of course.”
“Say, where is Celestia?”
“Yes where is your sister?”
“Aw, I was hoping to get her hoofprint tonight…”
“Luna, could you introduce our family to…”
“Surely, she’s come to celebrate too…”
“Hey! I thought Celestia also celebrated the night…”
“ENOUGH!”
Everypony froze at the sudden outburst from their guest of honor.
Luna looked around and composed herself for a second before addressing her subjects. “A-hem…I thank you all for being here, but I must retire back to the castle. I apologize for the outburst. There will be a few meetings for the upcoming Hearth’s Warming that I must attend to. I’m sorry that I couldn’t meet with you all but please do enjoy yourselves tonight.” And with that Luna unfurled her wings and took off towards her boudoir.
When Luna reached her room, she noticed a scroll sitting perched on her bed alongside a package. She unfurled the scroll and read its contents:
Dear Princess Luna,
I was glad to see that the ceremony went off without a hitch. Congratulations on your first Winter Solstice in our new home. Mother and Father would be so proud of you. I too am proud, and would like you to take this. I think that it would be more suiting for you, sister.
With love,
Celestia
Luna lifted the top of the box and gasped at the contents. Inside were items of the Royal Regalia; mirrored to look like Celestia’s, but with some alterations. The chest plate was a dark black with Luna’s cutie mark brightly emblazoned on the front. The crown was of the same black, but the size of it was now more fitting than the one she had received as a filly. The shoes, in contrast with the other two, were made of a light lavender material.
Luna donned the regalia and trotted to the large mirror in her room. Upon seeing her reflection, she let out a little squeak of joy and posed in different positions. She made a mental note to thank her sister in the morning and pranced to the meeting hall.
Luna was near the top of the cliff; Celestia reaching down to her.
Tia, help me!
Reach up Luna, I’ll pull you up!
I’m slipping, Tia! HELP!
Luna used the last of her strength to pull herself up and reach out to her sister. Celestia reached down as far as she could and dug her claws into Luna’s hooves.
OW! Tia, why are – NO!
Why, hello there. Long time no see, Princess!
NOOOO!
“NO!”
The scream could be heard from the opposite wing of the castle. Celestia bolted from her bed and made a break for Luna’s room, nearly trampling over the guards frozen at the door.
“Luna, what has happ – oh no!”
In the room was a figure of Luna that Celestia did not recognize. The body, horn and outstretched wings were larger than before. The body coloring was changed from bright lavender to a dark, pitch black. But the eyes were what made Celestia tremble. Looking somewhat draconic, she could feel a sense of hatred that she was not familiar with emanating from them in the mirror. Then she took notice that the eyes had recognized the white alicorn behind their owner.
“NO! STAY BACK!”
“Oh, Luna…what has happened to you?” Celestia asked while inching closer to what was once her sister.
“Oh no, not this time! You have already betrayed me once, “sister” and we will not let the chance for it to happen again arrive!” Luna charged at Celestia and missed, tumbling over the bed in the center of the room.
Celestia wasted no time and took the opportunity to pin her sister down to the floor. Guards were approaching from the hall, but she told them to be still. “This is between me and my sister.” She lowered her horn down to touch the struggling Luna’s forehead and a flash filled their minds.
LUNA?
…
Oh please! If you can hear me, answer m-
TIA? TIA! HELP!
Luna! Try to concentrate and focus your magic.
TIA, IT HURTS! HELP ME!
Luna focus. Remember our teachings. Tune your magic with mine.
I can’t…I can’t see anything. TIA, HURRY!
Oh no! I am NOT losing you now! Luna please…focus. Feel me.
TIA I…WAIT! There you are!
A-ha! I’m gonna pull you out.
A bright flash filled the room, making the guards shield their eyes. When their eyesight returned they saw two alicorns; their Princess Celestia and the restored Princess Luna.
Celestia sighed in relief at the sight of her sister’s former self and leapt off of her. She waited patiently as Luna regained her senses.
“Huh, what…what happened? Tia, what are you doing here? And why am I on the floor? Last I recall was – OH NO! TIA!” The sudden recollection of memory was too much for the younger alicorn as she started to break down.
“Shh…shh…calm down, Luna. Everything’s fine now.” Celestia bent down to embrace her terrified sister. Looking back at the guards, she silently shooed them away. This was still between her sister and her. “It’s okay, Luna. I’m here now. There’s nothing to be scared about.
In between sobs, Luna recounted the events that had taken place. “Oh Tia…it…it felt so…real! We were following this…this creature up a mountain. And I was about to fall trying to reach out to you. You…you did reach down but…but…then you had these…claws…oh, Tia…they hurt…you dug them into me. I can still feel them on my hooves. And then…your face…it was all…twisted and…mangled…it was so horrible!”
“Oh, Luna. It’s okay. You know I would never do a thing like that. Everything’s fine now. Celestia held her sister for a few moments before asking, "Would you like for me to stay with you the rest of the night?”
Luna was finally calming down but only managed to utter, “Yes…please.”
“Of course. Come on, let’s get you to bed.”
Luna finally rose to her hooves, albeit stumbling, and made it to the bed with her sister. She snuggled in close, feeling Celestia’s warmth as she was finally managing her emotions. “I’m sorry, Tia. It was silly of me to let the troubles of a foal get to me. You must hate me for waking you up over a small nightmare…”
“Not at all! I’m just glad that you’re alright. But I have to ask…was it just a nightmare? Did anything else happen?”
“Well…the last I can recall was you hurting me, then your face was mangled, and then I woke up looking up at you. Though…I do remember you calling out to me…and I was in pain. But that was because of your “claws”…and then I woke up to you standing over me.”
“There wasn’t anything else at all?”
“No…I don’t remember anything else, Tia.”
“Well…as long as you’re safe now. That’s all that should matter. You are feeling better, right?”
“Better than before. Thank you, sis.”
“Of course. Try to get some sleep. I’ll wake you when I need to raise the sun.”
“Alright – OH! I almost forgot! Thank you for the present. I really appreciate it.”
“But of course. I love you, Luna.”
“I love you too, Tia.”
“Now try to sleep. No more nightmares. Just sweet dreams from here on out.”
One Week Later
“Is that the last of the meetings for tonight?”
“Yes, your highness.”
“That is good to know. Now I need to depart. It is my turn to check on our former quarters this time.”
“Of course, your highness. Will you be needing me to awaken your sister for the coming sunrise?”
“That won't be necessary. I plan to return in only a few hours.”
“Very good, your highness. Do be careful out there.”
Luna walked out into the courtyard of a budding castle. She took notice of how fast the workers were erecting their new home. We’ll soon have a place to finally call home, sister. With you’re assistance during the day, I wouldn’t be surprised if the plans were finished by the next Summer Solstice.
“Hail, Princess Luna!”
“Hmm - oh! Please, just Luna is quite alright. How goes the progress for tonight, foreman?”
“We are ahead of schedule for today and should have most of the right wing of the walls up by night’s end.”
“That is good to hear. Though, I do wish you ponies wouldn’t stress yourselves well into the night.”
“Not at all, your highness! We are honored to be working for the princesses and are mustering all of our pony-power to complete the new castle in their honor.”
“Well, do be careful. I would hate to have another accident on our hooves due to a pony’s lack of vision.”
“Of course, your highness. We will work both diligently and carefully.”
“That’s good to know. Farewell then.” Luna spread her wings and rose into the night sky. The air through her wings was crisp and cool, reminding her that rainfall was coming this week.
Luna flew over the expansive forest, taking note of the changed scenery. Celestia and she have been comparing their notes of the changing flora and fauna. She was amazed at how much of Discord’s latent power still remained. It’s intriguing how the rules of magic can sway so easily in his direction. Approaching the fortress, Luna landed in the central garden.
Memories of their battle the previous year flowed through the lavender alicorn’s mind. She turned to the entrances to the corridor’s she and her sister had to navigate. Even through the dark clouds in the sky, the moon was able to shine some light in the garden for her. Out of the corner of her eye, a shadow darted into one of the doorways.
“Halt! Who goes there?”
Luna was responded to with a faint whisper of, “Princess of the Night.” A bright streak of moonlight broke through the clouds, lighting one of the corridor entrances. The shadow of a pony beckoned her to enter.
“Stop right there! You are trespassing on poisoned ground!”
The shadow receded down the corridor and the worried Luna followed, using her horn to illuminate the way. “I’m…I’m warning you! If you don’t cease…this right now…the consequences will be dire.” As she gave chase down the pathways, whispers and their echoes were taunting her with laughter and mocking hails. Her hair was on edge as she turned from one corridor to the next, only to miss the shadows by seconds. Along the way she also took notice of certain discolorations of the stones that lined the walls. Some of the slabs started to brighten against the light of her horn.
Even though Luna had been here more often these days, these corridors were unfamiliar to her. She had finally come to a dead end, but noticed the corridor was nearly fully illuminated. She lowered the light from her horn to see that the path was lit by a bright blue door at the end of the hall. The volumes of the whispers were almost deafening by this point and turned foal-like, pleading for release. Luna looked at the door and noticed there was a hoof-sized indentation in the center. Trembling, she placed here hoof into the print as if the depression was calling for her. The voices ceased as did the glow from the door itself. The tunnel became dark now and darker still when the door raised open. Restoring the light back to her horn, Luna descended down the staircase that was behind the door.
It had felt like an hour, but Luna knew only a few minutes had passed once she finally reached the pitch black, bottom of the staircase. The staircase had led her towards another stone door, but this one had a different keyhole to unlock it. She noticed that it resembled a hole for a unicorn’s horn and drove her own inside. With a click the door started to rise and nearly took Luna with it as she struggled to free her horn from the keyhole.
Once the door had risen, Luna noticed that her own magic that lit her horn was fading. Confused, she tried to focus her energy but noticed there was an unusual disruption of her own magic field. She had only traveled a few feet when the heavy door slammed down shut behind her and her horn’s light faded, leaving her in the pitch black darkness.
“Ugh…what is the meaning of this? Is there someone else here?”
Hello? ~Hello~? Is this thing on?
“Who’s there? Show yourself!”
Why…you don’t recognize me?
“That voice is familiar but…wait, where are you?”
Oh my, my…where are my manners? – snap –
Candles that were along the circular room’s walls came afire, brightening it up. Luna’s eyes adjusted to the sudden flare of light and focused on a familiar and frightening figure.
“No! It can’t be…”
Oh but it is. How have you been my…Princess of the Night?
“NO! Let me out at once foul creature!”
Oh come now…I don’t mean to do you any harm. And honestly, even if I wanted to, how would that even be possible?
In Luna’s state of panic she had thought that the draconequus had been standing right there in front of here, but in refocusing her sight, she saw that he was still encased in his stone cell. Turning her head back though, she also noticed that the door was still closed shut and there appeared to be no way out of the room.
“You’ve managed to seal me in your tomb and yet, you tell me to be still, Discord?”
Now, now! I am still encased in stone – you and you’re sister have made sure of that. You have nothing to fear. But, this fine fortress you ponies have erected has become my home, and I must say it gets rather lonely from time to time.
“I swear, draconequus, as soon as I escape from here I will grind your effigy into dust!”
A-ha! That’s the spirit, Luna. Let the hate flow through you…
“Very funny...you nearly tried to corrupt me once and I assure you that that is NOT happening again!
Oh really, Luna. Can’t you take a – wait…do you not remember?
“What do you mean? You tried to woo me in the garden above, did you not?”
Well yeah, I did…it was funny seeing you nearly faint when I rose the sun in place of your moon. But, do you not remember what happened a few days ago?
Luna pondered for a bit before responding. “Wait! That WAS you in my nightmare! You wretched - remember how I said I’d reduce you to dust later? Why don’t I just do it now?”
Hmph…I guess I won’t explain what happened to you afterwards…
“What do you mean?”
…
"EXPLAIN YOURSELF, BEAST!”
Ooh yeah, that’s what I like to hear. Do you not feel that sometimes? That feeling that you’re about to explode?
Luna calmed down for a moment. “No, I shouldn’t be so swayed by your words. They have no effect on me.”
That’s not what I asked you. Come now, Luna, seeing is believing. - snap -
“GYAH! WHAT IS THIS…THIS FORCE INSIDE…WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO ME DISCORD?”
GYAH! WHAT IS THIS…THIS FORCE INSIDE…WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO ME DISCORD?
I’ve merely opened the floodgates for you. This power is of your own origin.
“WELL STOP IT! IT HURTS…I CAN’T CONTAIN IT!”
WELL STOP IT! IT HURTS…I CAN’T CONTAIN IT!
You disappoint me, Luna. – snap –
Luna fell to the floor, panting. “Just…how? How, draconequus? Where did that come from?"
As I’ve stated, that was all you, Luna? When we last met on the battlefield, I tried to dig into your mind. Imagine my surprise when I found out about the latent ability that you possess.
“It felt so…strong. It even hurt.”
Oh it couldn’t be that bad. But, I assure you, if you could control that power…oh just think of the possibilities. You could finally escape from your sister’s shadow and rule Equestria.
”You speak of evil tidings, Discord. Please, let me out of your cell and hear no more talk of this.”
Evil? Moi? Luna, how could you think so ill of me. I’m only looking out for your well being.
“How could the idea of upstaging my sister’s rule be for MY well being? You know what…that’s it. Just let me out of here now or else my sister will come looking for me. And believe me, when she hears about this, she won’t exactly go so easy on you.”
There you go again; hoping that you’re sister will carry you away from the bad, bad, draconequus. Let me guess, it was her that gave you that beautiful regalia, was it not?
“What business of it is yours?
Have you, perchance seen it in the proper light? – snap –
The upper parts of the room started shifting as slabs of stone twisted back and forth; realigning into a dome like structure. The torch lights dimmed and a stream of moonlight flowed into the room through a crevice, focusing on a small section of the wall near the floor.
"How are you doing all of this?"
Oh it's nothing really. Haven't you felt that aura of magic around the forest?
"You don't mean to say that you can control that still?"
A mere fraction of what I can do. I took the chance to depart with it before you girls...entombed me. But that's not what we're here to discuss. There, in the light! Notice anything different?
Luna trotted up to the section of light on the wall. “What trickery is this now, Discord?”
Does it not look familiar?
Peering into the wall, Luna could see an image forming. The figure was of an alicorn with a black tone. The wings were outstretched and looked sharper-edged than those of regular alicorns. The horn was larger and the figure itself was taller. Its mane was of a translucent azure, with stars glittering across it. But what caught Luna’s eyes, were the other alicorn’s own. Gazing into their aqua hue, Luna felt a sense of familiarity.
“This creature…it feels familiar, but it looks alien to me. I ask again, what trickery is this?
No tricks. Before you, lies your future…or rather, what CAN be.
Luna broke the glance from the reflection and shook her head. “No. This has to be some sort of jest. “
Turn to your side.
Following Discord’s direction, Luna glanced back at the flank of the figure in surprise. The base colors had been altered, but there was no doubt that the crescent moon cutie mark was her own. “This can’t be! The figure is familiar to me but its menacing gaze and aura just don’t feel like me. Tell me, does something happen to me?
Well, I’m not at liberty to say. After all, since it was both of you that locked me into this forsaken statue in the first place, why should I reveal to you any of the secrets of your race?
“Secrets of OUR race? How could anything so menacing come from pony-kind? NO…this is all a big game to you and I’ve just about had my fill.”
Luna unfurled her wings and took flight towards the opening in the ceiling.
That didn’t work the first ~ time.
Luna halted just in time to prevent her muzzle from slamming into the wall where the hole was seconds ago.
YOU KNOW WHAT?! Why don’t I just lock you in here? I could just as easily move you to another part of this castle and there wouldn’t be anything your sister can do!
“But she’d surely come looking for me! She knows I’m here!”
What good would that be? I was able to hide my link to your mind from her! What’s to stop me from simply erasing your link to hers altogether?
“WHAT?!”
Then what could she do? This is MY castle now! She’ll just think that Wittle Woona simply deserted her.
“She’d never fall for that! She’d find me for sure? And even IF she doesn’t, what could you possibly do to prevent my escape?”
Oh please, how do you think you found me? By luck? Bah, we’ve both seen that your power alone is no match for mine. And that’s just the latent power that still roams this castle and the surrounding forest. I’m sorry, Luna, but YOU.ARE.NOTHING!
“NO!”
NO!
A bright flash emitted from the lavender alicorn, disrupting all of the torches. The only visible figures were Luna and the draconequus statue, lit up from her glow.
“WE ARE NOT WEAK! WE HAVE MORE POWER THAN YOU COULD HOPE TO IMAGINE! YOU’RE GAMES
WE ARE NOT WEAK! WE HAVE MORE POWER THAN YOU COULD HOPE TO IMAGINE! YOU’RE GAMES
HAVE GONE ON FAR ENOUGH YOU WRETCHED BEAST!”
HAVE GONE ON FAR ENOUGH YOU WRETCHED BEAST!
YES! THAT’S THE SPIRIT! THERE’S THAT MAGIC I LOVE OH SO MUCH!
Another blast of light shot through the room, this time shaking the whole chamber, if not the whole castle. An aura of magic formed across the dome and the stone slabs started to shift in different directions at lightning speeds. Slab collided with slab as debris fell into the room. Beams of moonlight broke through the frenzy brightening the dark room. Rising above the draconequus statue was the now changed Luna, with blinding light where her eyes should be.
“NOW DO YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT WE ARE CAPABLE OF, DRACONEQUUS?”
NOW DO YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT WE ARE CAPABLE OF, DRACONEQUUS?
Oh, Luna you have no idea. It’s so good to see you, my princess. Tell me how does it feel?
“IT’S GLORIOUS! WE HAVE NEVER FELT SUCH POWER BEFORE!”
IT’S GLORIOUS! WE HAVE NEVER FELT SUCH POWER BEFORE!
Do you feel like you can take me on alone?
“YES!”
YES!
DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU CAN TAKE ON ANYTHING THIS WORLD THROWS AT YOU?
“YES!”
YES!
AND DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU COULD TAKE ON CELESTIA?~
“YES!"
“No!”
“YOU DARE SHOW YOUR WEAK MIND HERE.”
“I don’t know who you are but you are making a grave mistake!”
“HOW DARE YOU! I’M MERELY DOING WHAT YOU ARE UNABLE TO ACCOMPLISH!
Two minds now vied for control of their shared body. The “Lunas” shot into the air leaving a trail of stardust in their wake. They tore through the night this way and that; viewable throughout most of Equestria as if it were a deranged comet. An explosion erupted from the epicenter of the mental battle, showering the land in stardust miles away. A streak of light could be seen hurtling down towards the earth and landing in a mountain range.
Luna lay in a mile-wide crate for hours before she stirred. Rubbing her head, she tried to recollect the events that had taken place. The memories were hazy but ultimately remained with her. “Who…was she? Where did…she come…from?” Looking up in the sky she shot upright. “Oh no - it’s almost sunrise! I need to get back to the palace quickly. Wings don’t fail me now!”
As fast as lightning, Luna took to the sky. “Wait, where am I?” She glanced around in a panic until she set her sights on a familiar plain. “That must mean Canterlot is in…THAT direction,” she said as she tore through the sky.
“Greetings, Prin – um , Luna! Isn’t the s-”
“I’m working on it!”
Panting, Luna mustered all the power she could to lower the moon in order to make room for the sun. Surprisingly, it came easier to her, even in her weakened state. However, being worn out from her mad dash back to the castle was still tiring and she plopped flat onto the ground, still panting.
“Ah, I see the sun is now rising. I must say, you had the night crew going there for a minute.”
“That’s…good.”
“PRINCESS LUNA! WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?”
Luna’s eyes shot open at the sound of her sister’s voice. “TIA! I’m sorry, but it’s been a loooong night.”
“Are you just NOW getting back to the castle?”
“Yes - NO! I…I…”
“Go to your room. I can see that you’re tired. Rest for now, and we can talk later when you’re feeling better.”
“Thank you so much, Tia. I love you.”
“I love you too.”
Celestia watched as Luna rose from the ground and flew off towards her room. Turning her head, Celestia addressed the light blue stallion next to her. “Tycho Bray, did the schedule call for any meteor shower during the night?”
“Uh…no, your majesty. Nothing scheduled.”
“Then it seems my sister does have some explaining to do.”
In the forest, a faint laughter could only be heard by those with the ability to....
Hmm…hmm…hmmmm…sleep tight, Princess of the Night.
Fight For Survival
The Next Night
“Are you sure you’re telling me everything, sister?”
“Yes! I didn’t mean to cause anypony any trouble.”
“I’m sorry but, I just don’t feel it. I know you’re hiding something.”
“But…but…”
“No! You need to tell me everything. If there is something wrong, know that I will do all I can to help you, sis.”
“I’m sorry, Tia, but I don’t think that will be necessary.”
The elder sister peered over her younger, trying to make sense of her excuse for being late. “Guards, will you please give us some privacy.”
“Right away, your majesty!”
The doors closed and the two alicorn sisters were left alone, the younger with eyes wide in fear.
“I need to know everything, sister. Please, close your eyes.”
“But, sis –“
Celestia touched her horn down on Luna’s forehead and brought both of them into a trance.
~~~~~
The air was covered in dark miasma, as Celestia tried to focus on her sister.
Luna, can you hear me?
I’m right here, Tia.
I…I can’t feel you…
I’m sorry, Tia…but I can’t…
Can’t what?
I…I don’t want to worry you…
Luna! Please, what could be so bad?
If…if I show you…you promise you won’t try anything…
…I promise, Luna.
A portion of the dark miasma was lit up above Celestia, and the silhouette of an alicorn was produced. Shortly, the miasma began to part.
Just remember…you promised.
Celestia focused on the dark figure above her, her mouth agape and eyes wide.
Oh, Luna…tell me this isn’t you…
The large, pitch black alicorn looked down, ashamed for exposing herself.
I’m sorry, Tia. It’s not entirely me, but…I don’t know…
No, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have reacted that way. I’m sure you are there.
Hmph…thanks.
Luna forced a short giggle before continuing.
Apparently, this is how I will be. Considering I’m the princess of the night, I’m not surprised I should take this form.
What do you mean?
Can’t you see? Nopony would want face a princess who took this form. That’s why they sleep during the night. So they could dream of anything but me!
Sister, where do you get these wild accusations? And who told you that this was how you would mature?
Well, when we fought Discord I –
I KNEW IT! I was afraid that that wretched beast would interfere with our rule! I just wish I’d have known the lengths he would go to.
Stamping her forehooves down on a part of the plane, Celestia had managed to disperse some of the dark miasma surrounding her and her sister. Glancing up, she noticed that Luna winced at about the same time. Taking note that her power had an effect on her sister’s mind, Celestia made sure to tread lightly.
Luna, don’t believe a word that he says! He plays on the dissension of order. He’s trying to fashion your mind into his own design; trying to turn one of us against the other!
Don’t worry sister, he has no sway over my thoughts.
Celestia sighed in relief, but the moment was cut short.
But I ask, how can you be so sure I WON’T take this form?
Because…you and I are of the same blood. Discord is cunning, but he is no match for the royal alicorn sisters. He’s obviously trying to manipulate the world to his liking because he fears what we have formed. We move the sun and moon ourselves, so he has every right to fear us. But he has no right to interfere with the order of Equestria. The very order our parents strived to maintain for so long; not just for us, but for all of pony kind. And that is why, Discord…you will not win.
The surrounding miasma began to converge in-between the sisters. Luna grimaced again as her astral body was returning to its old form; more of the miasma pouring out from her.
Welly, welly, well. It seems I’ve underestimated Princess Celestia. Do tell, how did you know?
Please, it was nothing. Did you really expect me to not recognize my own sister?
Not that easily, but no matter. The odds are still in my favor. – snap –
AUUGGHH!!
Luna’s eyes blazed with white light as her body transformed back into the nightmarish alicorn she feared she would be. Celestia stood in shock at the power that was discharged from the younger and was now rushing toward her.
LUNA N –
~~~~~
Celestia’s body was knocked back against the wall thanks to the magical blast that came from her sister. Guards and builders alike watched in awe as the roof to Luna’s chamber was thrown skyward. A dark aura covered what was left of the room, obscuring the view inwards and prohibiting anyone from entering. Where Luna once lay, the dark alicorn now stood.
“OH WHAT A JOY IT IS TO FINALLY SPREAD MY WINGS. AND IN CANTERLOT NO LESS…”
OH WHAT A JOY IT IS TO FINALLY SPREAD MY WINGS. AND IN CANTERLOT NO LESS…
Celestia struggled to her hooves, doing her best not to show just how much the impact had affected her. “And who exactly might you be?”
“WHY, DEAR SISTER. DON’T YOU RECOGNIZE ME? HAHAHA…”
WHY, DEAR SISTER. DON’T YOU RECOGNIZE ME? HAHAHA…
“No! You are not my sister. You are an abomination that has poisoned her mind…and it will not go unpunished!”
Celestia charged at the black alicorn, her horn glowing in preparation to release her sister from whatever control Discord had over her. Unfortunately, the beast was quicker than their last meeting and dodged to side, sending Celestia into another portion of the wall. The wall itself could not hold still from the impact and began to topple over, taking the older princess with it. Celestia regained her composure and spread her wings. She dodged the surrounding debris and flew back up to the now clouded but empty room.
Ugh…she can’t have gone far…but wh-
“LOOKING FOR SOMEPONY?”
LOOKING FOR SOMEPONY?
Celestia barely dodged the alicorn diving from above and took to the air herself. What was once her sister bolted back into the air and charged at her now.
“Luna, you don’t want to do this!”
“OH I’M SORRY. LUNA CAN’T REACH YOU RIGHT NOW!”
OH I’M SORRY. LUNA CAN’T REACH YOU RIGHT NOW!
The black alicorn made contact with the readied Celestia, taking them both higher into the sky above their castle.
“I know you’re in there, Luna! Please say something!”
“YOU JUST DO NOT SEEM TO GET IT! YOUR SISTER WAS WEAK AND NOW IT’S TIME I TOOK OVER!
YOU JUST DO NOT SEEM TO GET IT! YOUR SISTER WAS WEAK AND NOW IT’S TIME I TOOK OVER!
IT’S HIGH TIME THAT THE NIGHT RULES THE LAND!”
IT’S HIGH TIME THAT THE NIGHT RULES THE LAND!
The pair shifted through the night sky, dancing amongst the stars for all of Canterlot and the surrounding areas to see. Each time they physically met, waves of bright magic lit the air. Beams of magic from their horns shot like meteorites against the dark backdrop. Celestia faltered at times but kept strong, knowing she was doing well in keeping up with her sister’s altered state and striking back just as strong. However, she knew that it had to end soon, lest she fail in regaining Luna’s sanity.
Celestia powered up her horn and braced herself as the black alicorn charged at her once again. This is it. If I could just find Luna in there, I should be able to break whatever spell Discord cast over her. The impact of the alicorns sent another shockwave of magic through the sky and Celestia did all she could to trap her foe’s hooves within her own. The pair plummeted towards the earth as Celestia made a last ditch effort to reclaim her sister; lowering her horn onto the black alicorn.
~~~~~
LUNA PLEASE! SAY SOMETHING
TIA! WHAT’S HAPPENING? YOU’RE…HURTING ME!
Luna, can you hear me?
WHY ARE YOU…DOING THIS TO ME?
It’s not you that’s in control of your own body right now. I’m sorry sister, but I had to weaken the state of Discord’s magic over you!
BUT IT…IT’S…IT’S HURTING ME!
Sister, reach out to me! If I can pull you out, I should be able to free you from his grasp!
I CAN’T CONCENTRATE…THERE’S TOO MUCH…
Focus! I know you can do it!
Oh no! I am NOT losing this one again – snap –
~~~~~
In a bright flash of light, Celestia was propelled from her sister, hurtling faster to the ground. She spread her wings as quickly as she could and caught the wind she needed to avoid slamming her body into the ground. After regaining stability, she turned around just in time to see Luna being pulled towards the direction of the cursed forest, and their former fortress, in a dark magical aura; her screams growing faint in seconds.
“LUNA! NOOO!”
Celestia floated down to the ground, her face in utter disbelief at the events that transpired. Not only did she lose to Discord’s magic, but she had lost her own sister in the process. Tears began to form in her eyes and Celestia fell to the ground as her own thoughts caught up with the recent information.
“Luna” – sniff – “no…no!”
“THERE SHE IS!” A section of the Royal Guard had followed the direction of the final blast of magic in search of their princesses. They formed a perimeter around the white alicorn as the Captain approached her.
“Your highness! Are you alright?! What has happened?!”
Celestia just continued her soft sobbing, doing her best to avoid speaking.
“You are wounded! Come. We must get you and – where is your sister?! Has she been wounded too?!”
The simple mention was all it took as Celestia’s composure was lost and tears flowed down her face.
“Pyle! Gather your men and search the area for Princess Luna! Report back to castle when you’ve found her. The rest of you, we are to escort Princess Celestia back to the castle at once.”
“Sir! Winston says he saw a dark aura shoot towards the former location of Canterlot! Should we start our investigation there?”
“That…that won’t be necessary. She…she’s…gone.”
The men turned towards their princess. She stood up but still wavered in her steps; the tears slowing their flow.
“But your majesty, if we can confirm her –“
“NO! I…I can’t let you do that. Her mind was warped by Discord and…I couldn’t…I couldn’t save her…What chance do you men have?”
The guards grew silent and did their best to avoid Celestia’s stern yet watery eyes.
“Don’t get me wrong…I am NOT giving up hope. I just…I need to devise a strategy that even Discord cannot win against. What that is exactly, I just…I don’t...don't know.”
“Your Majesty! I don’t mean to interrupt, but there might be a way. Your parents had left the knowledge of a power that, only in the direst of circumstances, could be used to vanquish any who would oppose the kingdom.”
“WHAT?! Why am I only hearing of this now?”
The Captain bowed as far down as he could to the ground and continued his explanation. “I apologize, your majesty! But as I was saying, your parents had hoped you and your sister would not need to utilize this magic during your rule. They had entrusted the guards of their rule with its secrets that were to be passed down as generations came and went. They had struggled to achieve the peace that you both preside over, and had hoped it would last forever.”
Celestia stood firm, gazing out into the direction Luna had vanished to. I suppose they didn’t expect anypony... or beast...to turn one of us against the other. But will it work? She called out to her men.
“Guards!”
“ATTEN~TION!”
“Let’s head back to Canterlot. I fear that I can’t win the battle for Luna as I am now, but…if what you say is true, then we can stand a chance for when Discord decides to strike again. Move out!”
Celestia and the guards rose towards the sky as they headed back towards Canterlot to regroup.
Don't worry, Luna. I won't forget you and I will do everything I can to bring you back home.
