A one year celebrationby MissSunnySwedenChaptersAn invitation to CanterlotAn unsettling conversationA mask uncoveredInto the cavesAn invitation to CanterlotAuthors note/rant I am not strictly speaking a Brony/Pegasister, as much as I am the more-or-less enthusiastic older sister of one. This fanfic is written by someone who probably doesn’t know what she is doing in the least, and is relying heavily on memory and MLPwiki for her research. It’s not my first fanfic, but it is my first MLP-FIM fanfic. This AU is a complete rewriting of the second season finale, where Twilight is the only child, never had an Alicorn baby-sitter, and Princess Luna plays a bigger role than having a line that most NPC’s would be ashamed of. The Changelings are still there though, since they are by far the best thing about the finale. ’ Oh, and one last thing. I’m not even going to try to write out most accents, because I’m afraid I’ll butcher it completely. Apart from Luna, who will still speak ye-old-butchered-English! End of rant. A one year celebration Dedicated to my brother: Mr Antefjant, thank you for listening to all my nerdy rants. Chapter one: An invitation to Canterlot. ”I can not believe the Princess gave us a personal invitation to the summer solstice celebration in Canterlot this year!” Rarity was practically dancing as the 6 friends waited for the train that was going to take them to Canterlot. ”It is the one year anniversary of the return of Princess Luna.” Twilight pointed out. ”So, it’s kind of a big deal I suppose.” ”You suppose? Can you ponies imagine the party?!” Pinkie Pie was jumping around them in excitement. ”It’s going to be so much fun! It’s like a birthday! But better!” She stopped abruptly. ”Wait a minute, what if they will have presents, like ‘welcome back from evil for a year’-presents! But I don’t have one!” She started looking around, darting from one end of the station to the other, looking for something to use as a gift. ”Pinkie! Calm down sugar!” Applejack stopped the pink earthpony by putting her hoof strategically down on the other mares tail. ”I’m sure it’ll be fine, you’ll have time to get one in Canterlot if nothing else.” ”I hope the animals aren’t too upset with me.” Fluttershy mumbled, looking down on the ground. Rainbow Dash just sighed, having heard this just about a hundred times since they had got the invitation. ”Oh for the love of Celestia!” she groaned. ”Get over it already, they have probably already forgotten about that!” ”You know, Rainbow is probably right.” Twilight said, walking up next to Fluttershy. ”I’m sure they have either forgotten about last time, or they will certainly forgive you for it.” She gave her friend a gentle buff with her muzzle. ”Here comes the train!” Applejack called just before the train rolled into the station, stopping with a hissing spitting sound of hot steam. -.-.-.-.-.- ”Welcome back my faithful student.” Princess Celestia walked down the stairs towards the 6 ponies who bowed as she approached. ”I’m so delighted you could come, and I’m sure my sister will appreciate you being here, since it is thanks to you all that we are even able to celebrate this joyous occasion.” ”We are honoured to be here Princess.” Twilight answered, straightening up. She looked over at her mentor. The beautiful white alicorn seemed as brilliant as ever, but was it Twilights imagination, or did Celestia look a little.. worn? Then again, it was just an hour after dusk, and lowering the sun might be harder than it looked. Twilight decided to dismiss the whole thing. ”I’m afraid my sister won’t join us for a few more hours.” Celestia said. ”She is currently performing her duty to raise the moon. I would like for you to join me in the dining hall in the mean time. Dinner will start in just a few minutes.” She smiled gracefully and turned to walk ahead of the six ponies down one of the castles many corridors. ”Are you ok there, Twilight?” Applejacks voice was quiet as she walked up next to her friend while they followed Celestia and the others. ”You looked a little out of it back there..” ”Yhea. I’m fine.” Twilight smiled, shrugging of her suspicion completely. ”I’m just hungry that’s all.” ”If you say so sugar-cube!” Applejack said, returning her smile as they entered the large dining hall. -.-.-.-.- Luna arrived just as they had finished dinner. The dark Alicorn landed on the edge of the balcony and walked inside where the others were waiting. ”Welcome back sister.” Celestia greeted her. ”It was a beautiful moonrise tonight, we watched it from the dining hall. ” ”I thank thee dearest sister.” Luna bowed her head ever so slightly, then she looked over to the mares standing behind the princess of the sun. ”Ah, the elements of harmony.” She smiled, but it didn’t quite seem to reach her eyes. Twilight managed to stop the frown from reaching her face. What was going on here? Both of the sisters seemed strange... Suddenly Celestias worn look from before wasn’t so easy to dismiss. ”If you excuse me.” Luna bowed her head again. ”I have other duties to attend to yet this evening.” Celestia nodded and Luna left without another look at the 6 friends. ”I apologise if she seems a bit short.” Celestia sighed a little. ”There has been some unsettling rumours of late, and she has been taking it very personally for some reason. That and I suspect she might be a little bit nervous for the celebration.” She offered them a small smile. ”Perhaps we should all retire for the night? Tomorrow will be a long day after all.” As the 6 friends started to walk down towards the rooms that had been assigned to them Twilight stopped and looked back towards Celestia for a moment. The Sun Princess was still standing by the open balcony doors, staring up towards the night sky. Now, when her expression was more unguarded, Twilight could see the strain in her beloved mentors face. Something was wrong here, and Twilight was determined to figure out what. An unsettling conversationChapter 2: An unsettling conversation The next day the preparations for that evenings celebration was in full flux. The 6 friends had decided to split up to fully explore the castle and it’s immediate surroundings. Twilight found herself wandering the gardens with Fluttershy. She absently watched Fluttershy trying to apologise to the birds who was sitting around her on branches and stones. Yesterdays meeting with the princesses had... bothered her. She had tried to investigate what the rumours could be about, but while everypony in the castle - especially the guards - had seemed unusually tense, no one had answered her questions. The closest she had come had been some maids she had met after breakfast, who had said that there had been rumours about some dark creatures wishing the return of Nightmare moon, but no evidence confirming it. Suddenly the sound of flapping wings and running hooves caused her to look up. ”Twilight!” Applejack skidded to a stop in front of her, and Rainbow dash landed just next to her, scaring off all the birds that had finally gathered around Fluttershy. ”You are not going to believe what we just heard!” Rainbow seemed angry, really angry. ”I mean, I don’t wanna believe it, but we heard it, and I wanted to expose her on the spot, but Applejack said we should go talk to you first!” ”What is going on?” Twilight interrupted. ”It’s Princess Luna.” Applejack said. ”We heard her talking to some of the guards. She said...” The yellow mare hesitated. ”She said ‘even though the elements of harmony have arrived, it shouldn't stop our plans. Equestria shall fall and the princesses shall be destroyed.’” Rainbow dash quoted, wings flaring with anger. ”Why would she do that?! I thought she wasn’t evil any more.” ”That’s what seemed strange to me.” Applejack agreed. ”She seemed so nice when we met her on Nightmare night, as if she had honestly changed... I just thought it better if we talked to you about it. Before we take it further I mean...” Twilight was in shock, could what they had heard really be true? Could Luna be plotting to overthrow Celestia again? ”Excuse me.” Fluttershys gentle voice drew her back to the conversation. ”Why would she say ‘princesses’.” The other three looked at her. ”What do you mean Fluttershy?” Applejack asked. ”I mean.... Well, isn’t Princess Luna well... a princess? Why would she say ” princesses”.. are there more than two?” Fluttershy looked up at them from the curtain of her mane falling in front of her face. ”You might be on to something there.” Applejack admitted. ”What, is princess Luna really someone else, who’s dressed up like her. And who can raise the moon?!” Rainbow Dash snorted. ”It sounds unlikely...” Twilight grew quiet for a moment. Then her eyes widened. ”But maybe..” She looked over to Rainbow Dash. ”Find Pinkie Pie and Rarity, then get to the literary in the ivory tower on the west wing.” ”What?” Rainbow blinked. ”Just do it!” Twilight turned around and ran towards the end of the garden. Rainbow looked at the others, before taking off towards the shopping districts, where she was more likely to find Rarity and (hopefully) Pinkie Pie. -.-.-.-.-.-.- ”Wow, am I the only one getting weird flashbacks?” Rainbow Dash mumbled to Pinkie who giggled as she nodded. Twilight was running back and forth between the bookshelves, reading of covers and muttering to herself. ”What are you looking for darling?” Rarity caught one of the books that Twilight threw over her shoulder in frustration. She gently put it down on one of the piles on the floor. ”I know it is here somewhere... I found it!” She pulled out a thick book from the bottom of a pile, causing the rest to topple over and almost hit Fluttershy who darted behind Applejack with a quiet shriek. ”Magical creatures vol 2: The Dark side of our magical fauna.” Rainbow Dash read aloud over Twilights shoulder just before the unicorn opened the book and started flipping through the pages. ”How is that supposed to help?” ”Here!” She cried triumphantly and twisted the book so that the others could read. ”Changelings.” Rarity read out loud. ”Magical beings similar to ponies, though consistently black with grey mane and tail, light blue eyes without pupils. They have light blue wings in two sets like an insect and fangs.” The others started to share gazes even as Rarity read on. ”Among their magical abilities, the most notable is shape-shifting...” ”Wait, I’ve heard about these things!” Applejack suddenly interrupted. ”Granny Smith used to tell stories about insect-ponies that took little fillies and colts from their beds and exchanged them for their own foals.” She looked up at Twilight. ”But I thought they were just an old fairy tale..” ”So they said about Nightmare Moon.” Twilight looked grim. ”So if Princess Luna really is a changeling.” Rarity started. ”Where is the real princess.” Twilight finished. ”And how do we tell princess Celestia?” Fluttershy said. ”Oh dear, she didn’t seem to suspect anything.” Rarity said. ”And if the princess isn’t suspecting anything how do we convince her?” ”And it’s still the thing about the moon!” Rainbow Dash pointed out. ”Can these changelings raise the moon?” They all grew quiet, realising truth in the Pegasus words. ”Well...” Twilight said after a long while. ”If we work on the theory that Princess Luna is a changeling, and the real princess is hidden away somewhere, doesn’t that automatically assume that these changelings are strong enough to subdue the princess? Maybe if they can do that, they can steal the princess magic as well? Discord could..” ”So they could be as strong as Discord?” Applejack said, shifting uncomfortably. ”I don’t know.” Twilight confessed, putting the book away. ”The book doesn’t say much... They aren’t that well known.” The 6 ponies stood together in sombre silence, each desperately trying to figure out a solution to the problem at hand. How in Celestias name, where they going to uncover the plot that were taking place right in front of them, just under the Sun Princess own muzzle? A mask uncoveredChapter 3: A mask uncovered The rest of the day was spent trying to come up with a solution to their current problem. Twilight, Fluttershy, Rairity and Applejack was still in the library, while Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash kept an eye on the celebrations and on princess Luna herself. ”It’s hopless!” Twilight suddenly exclaimed sinking down on the floor and sighing deeply. ”I can’t find anything that says how you reveal a changelings identity against their will. If there even is a way.” ”We mustn't give up.” Applejack walked up next to her. ”The Princesses are counting on us to fix this. Even if they don’t know it yet.” She smiled weakly. ”But we’ve gone over all the books that mention changelings at least twice.” Twilight said, looking up at the yellow earthpony with doubt filled eyes. ”Then perhaps what we need is a direct confrontation.” the two ponies looked over at Rarity who gently pushed one of the books back into it’s proper place. ”After all, everypony knows that Applejack can’t lie.” the white unicorn continued. ”She is the element of honesty after all, if she tells the princess of what she saw and heard, this intruder will have to justify herself. Maybe she will mess up.” ”Why Rairity.” Fluttershy said. ”That is a rather risky idea.” ”It’s the best one we’ve got.” Twilight rose again. ”If you’re up to it.” She looked over to Applejack who nodded firmly. As it turned out, however, Applejack would never get the change. -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- The nervous tension lay heavy over the 6 friends as they joined the crowd gathering in the throne-room. They had decided to wait until a suitable moment where they could talk to the princess in relative privacy. Twilight hoped that her beloved mentor would trust her enough to grant her a private audience, if only for a few minutes. One of the door to the balcony opened and Princess Luna landed on the doorstep. The dark alicorn looked around in the crowded room before her eyes fell on her sister. Twilights eyes widened and it felt as if her blood turned to ice when she saw the look on the Alicorns face. It was pure seething hatred in the usually kind eyes of Princess Luna. Twilight was moving before she realised that Lunas horn had started to shimmer with magic. ”Princess Celestia!” she cried as she jumped up on the platform with the white alicorn. The Sun Princess looked up, eyes widened as she opened her mouth in a warning. The warning never reached Twilight however, as a dark shroud surrounded the purple unicorn a moment, before a sound as if lightning struck the castle, accompanied by a flash of light that caused every one in the room to look away. ”TWILIGHT!” the remaining 5 friends cried in fear and rushed up to where their friend had been standing just a moment ago, but there was no sign of the unicorn anywhere. A defening silence fell over the room for a moment, before Rainbow Dash twisted around, wings flaring in fury as she looked over to the dark Alicorn. ”Murderer!” she cried. ”You killed her!” Luna said nothing for a moment, before she lowered her head and her shoulders started to tremble. Suddenly loud laughter erupted from the winged unicorn, causing every one in the room to take a step backwards. All but Celestia who stood firm. ”What is the meaning of this Luna?” she asked, voice trembling with something between anger and... fear? ”That is not Luna!” Applejack yelled, eyes blazing as the orange earthpony straightened up and glared at the dark pony by the balcony. ”She’s an intruder. A shapeshifter!” ‘Lunas’ eyes widened, but then a twisted smile graced her features. ”So you figured it out. But way to late.” Her voice was hollow, laced with poison as she spoke. She took a few steps into the room, barely even acknowledging the ponies that had started to flee the room. The balcony door shut behind her. The same dark shroud that had surrounded Twilight started to swirle around the Alicorns legs, raising up. Stricken to silence the remaining ponies watched as the Moon Princess changed into a twisted image of a pony, legs hollowed and wings thin like an insects, Lunas blue eyes changed into a poisonous green, and her mane and tail became the same lightblue colour as her wings. The final thing changing was her horn that became longer, but also more twisted and seemingly half-broken in places. ”Who are you?” Celestia stepped up between the 5 friends and the stranger. ”And where is my sister and my student?” The alicorn was angry, more angry than anyone now living had ever seen her. ”I am Chrystalis! Queen of the Changelings” the Changeling sneered. ”As for your beloved sister and student. Do not worry, you will join them soon enough.” A bright light shot from Celestias horn, but Chrystalis brushed it aside as if ti was nothing. ”How?” Celestias eyes widened in shock. ”Your power is nothing compared to mine.” the changeling. chuckled. ”It’s the darkest just before dawn, is it not so? With your power at it’s lowest, and my own being fuelled by that of your sister, you stand no change against me, princess.” ”What is your business in Equestria?” Celestia asked, regaining her composure. ”Love.” Chrystalis said. ”My people feed of it, and this country is overfilled with love.” She smiled, a twisted grin in her deformed face. ”The strongest love being that of two sisters, who’s love endured a thousand years of madness and separation.” She laughed again. ”You thought it wise? When she asked you to let her handle the rumours? That she was strong enough on her own? And you didn’t even notice when I took her place.. To busy with your own affairs...” ”Princess..” Applejack looked up at the white Alicorn. ”Go. I will cover your escape. Get to the elements.” Celestias voice was soft, her eyes never leaving Chrystalis. ”But without Twilight..” ”We will have to make due. Now go!” The five remaining elements of harmony started to move backwards before they made a hash for the doors. ”Oh don’t worry Celestia dear.” The queen of the changelings watched the 5 ponies flee the hall. ”I’m not going to stop them. My servants will do that for me.” Eery green eyes focused on Celestia again. ”I am going to enjoy this.” She almost purred. Celestia didn’t answer, but her legs tensed as magic once again clashed the air. Into the cavesChapter 4: Into the caves Twilight opened her eyes. At first everything was dark, but after a few moments, her eyes started to adjust. She was in some sort of cave, that much she could tell... Rising up on all fours, she looked around in the glum darkness. She was all alone.. Where were the others? Allowing a tiny spark from her horn to better light up the dark tunnel she looked around. ”Hello?” she called, hesitantly. Her voice echoed back at her. Swallowing uneasily, she started to walk down one of the wider corridors. ”Anyone there?” she called again. She walked for several minutes through the dark caves, the echoing sound of her own hoof-steps as only company. At first she called out to her friends and to princess Celestia, but after a while she grew quiet. The hollow echoes of her own voice unnerved her, and so she continued her exploration in silence. Suddenly she heard the sound of sobbing. Pausing for a moment, she looked around, trying to figure out where the sound came from. She turned her head to the side, her ears flickering. Twilight turned down another, more narrow hallway. Running around a corner she came into another cave. The figure on the floor was frighteningly familiar, even though it was one year since Twilight had last seen Luna in this form. Curled up on the cold stone floor, no larger than a school-age filly, lay the familiar dark blue shape of Princess Luna. Her face hidden in her mane, she didn’t see Twilight approaching. ”Princess Luna?” Twilight asked, a bit hesitantly. ”Leave me be!” It was almost comical, hearing the ancient dialect from the small filly. ”I will fall for no more of your illusions demon!” ”I’m not an illusion!” Twilight exclaimed. ”I’m so happy I found you here, we were so worried about you.” ”Cease these foolish attempts!” Luna refused to look up. ”To oft have I fallen prey to your illusion. Not again!” ”Princess...” Twilight laid down beside her. ”It’s not an illusion.. I promise. I’m really here...” Luna didn’t answer, her face still hidden by her mane. ”Luna?” Twilight gently buffed her with her muzzle. ”I don’t know how to convince you it’s really me. I don’t know what you have seen before this or what they have told you. But you have to believe me Luna! I don’t know how to get back, but our friends, and your sister, is in danger! You have to believe me!” Her voice, though still gentle and soft, had a desperate tone in it. ”One of the changelings took your shape and has tricked everyone into believing it is you!” ”One... one of the changelings?” Hesitating Luna lifted her face, looking up at twilight for the first time. ”Yes?” Twilight looked directly at the younger princess. Purple eyes met dark blue. ”You said one of the changelings. Not queen of the changelings.” Lunas eyes filled with tears. ”Twilight sparkle, is it truly you?” ”Yes, it’s me!” Twilights smiled, then her smile faded a little. ”Wait, queen of the changelings?” she asked. ”Until now they told me it was the queen that took my place. You are the first that didn’t.” Lunas voice trembled just early. ”Will you give me your word, Twilight Sparkle that you are truly here. Too many times have I been fooled by illusions, just to have all my hope torn away anew.” The filly looked close to tears. ”I give you my word, your highness.” Twilight Sparkle smiled weakly at her. ”We’ll find a way out of here.” ”I have wandered these corridors for a long time..” Luna began hesitantly. ”But now we are together.” Twilight rose. ”Come on Luna, will you trust me?” Luna nodded and rose slowly. ”Lead the way then, Twilight Sparkle.” she said, standing close to the unicorn. Twilight nodded and smiled again, before she started to walk down a corridor. -.-.-.-.- ”Princess?” Twilight looked down towards the small alicorn. They had been walking for what seemed like hours, and the princess had been very quiet. Lunas head was hanging and she seemed exhausted. Twilight suddenly felt very guilty about pushing her so hard. She must have been walking very fast for the now filly-sized Luna. ”I am quite all right.” Luna looked up, smiled briefly. ”Have you found any signs of an exit?” She looked around the cave walls. ”No... I’m sorry.” Twilight sighed a little and then she looked up again. The two stood in silence for a little while, studying their surroundings. ”Did you hear that?” Twilight said suddenly, looking up. ”Hear what?” Luna blinked, her face confused. ”I think.. I think that is the sound of running water!” The purple unicorn exclaimed and suddenly started running down a hallway towards the weak sound. Luna, having no choice, ran after her as fast as her legs could carry her. The sound of running water got steadily stronger as they got closer. Twilight finally rounded a corner and entered a cave much larger than any they had previously visited. The walls were covered in crystals that reflected glimpses of daylight, brought in with the waterfall that fell through the roof into a pool in the middle of the room. From the pool, a small river travelled through the cave out through another corridor, and Twilight could just barely catch the scent of trees and grass. ”Princess, I think I found a way out!” she turned around just as Luna joined her. But the alicorns gaze was focused on the wall on the far side of the room, eyes wide and legs trembling. As Twilight watched, the princess let out a heart wrenching scream. ”No! Not you! I will never surrender to you!” Twilight, at loss of what to do, followed the mares terrified stare. She gasped in sudden surprise and fear. Reflected in the crystals, twice the size she usually was, was the horrifying image of Nightmare Moon, dark eyes sparkling, and with a triumphant smile on her face.
An invitation to CanterlotAuthors note/rant I am not strictly speaking a Brony/Pegasister, as much as I am the more-or-less enthusiastic older sister of one. This fanfic is written by someone who probably doesn’t know what she is doing in the least, and is relying heavily on memory and MLPwiki for her research. It’s not my first fanfic, but it is my first MLP-FIM fanfic. This AU is a complete rewriting of the second season finale, where Twilight is the only child, never had an Alicorn baby-sitter, and Princess Luna plays a bigger role than having a line that most NPC’s would be ashamed of. The Changelings are still there though, since they are by far the best thing about the finale. ’ Oh, and one last thing. I’m not even going to try to write out most accents, because I’m afraid I’ll butcher it completely. Apart from Luna, who will still speak ye-old-butchered-English! End of rant. A one year celebration Dedicated to my brother: Mr Antefjant, thank you for listening to all my nerdy rants. Chapter one: An invitation to Canterlot. ”I can not believe the Princess gave us a personal invitation to the summer solstice celebration in Canterlot this year!” Rarity was practically dancing as the 6 friends waited for the train that was going to take them to Canterlot. ”It is the one year anniversary of the return of Princess Luna.” Twilight pointed out. ”So, it’s kind of a big deal I suppose.” ”You suppose? Can you ponies imagine the party?!” Pinkie Pie was jumping around them in excitement. ”It’s going to be so much fun! It’s like a birthday! But better!” She stopped abruptly. ”Wait a minute, what if they will have presents, like ‘welcome back from evil for a year’-presents! But I don’t have one!” She started looking around, darting from one end of the station to the other, looking for something to use as a gift. ”Pinkie! Calm down sugar!” Applejack stopped the pink earthpony by putting her hoof strategically down on the other mares tail. ”I’m sure it’ll be fine, you’ll have time to get one in Canterlot if nothing else.” ”I hope the animals aren’t too upset with me.” Fluttershy mumbled, looking down on the ground. Rainbow Dash just sighed, having heard this just about a hundred times since they had got the invitation. ”Oh for the love of Celestia!” she groaned. ”Get over it already, they have probably already forgotten about that!” ”You know, Rainbow is probably right.” Twilight said, walking up next to Fluttershy. ”I’m sure they have either forgotten about last time, or they will certainly forgive you for it.” She gave her friend a gentle buff with her muzzle. ”Here comes the train!” Applejack called just before the train rolled into the station, stopping with a hissing spitting sound of hot steam. -.-.-.-.-.- ”Welcome back my faithful student.” Princess Celestia walked down the stairs towards the 6 ponies who bowed as she approached. ”I’m so delighted you could come, and I’m sure my sister will appreciate you being here, since it is thanks to you all that we are even able to celebrate this joyous occasion.” ”We are honoured to be here Princess.” Twilight answered, straightening up. She looked over at her mentor. The beautiful white alicorn seemed as brilliant as ever, but was it Twilights imagination, or did Celestia look a little.. worn? Then again, it was just an hour after dusk, and lowering the sun might be harder than it looked. Twilight decided to dismiss the whole thing. ”I’m afraid my sister won’t join us for a few more hours.” Celestia said. ”She is currently performing her duty to raise the moon. I would like for you to join me in the dining hall in the mean time. Dinner will start in just a few minutes.” She smiled gracefully and turned to walk ahead of the six ponies down one of the castles many corridors. ”Are you ok there, Twilight?” Applejacks voice was quiet as she walked up next to her friend while they followed Celestia and the others. ”You looked a little out of it back there..” ”Yhea. I’m fine.” Twilight smiled, shrugging of her suspicion completely. ”I’m just hungry that’s all.” ”If you say so sugar-cube!” Applejack said, returning her smile as they entered the large dining hall. -.-.-.-.- Luna arrived just as they had finished dinner. The dark Alicorn landed on the edge of the balcony and walked inside where the others were waiting. ”Welcome back sister.” Celestia greeted her. ”It was a beautiful moonrise tonight, we watched it from the dining hall. ” ”I thank thee dearest sister.” Luna bowed her head ever so slightly, then she looked over to the mares standing behind the princess of the sun. ”Ah, the elements of harmony.” She smiled, but it didn’t quite seem to reach her eyes. Twilight managed to stop the frown from reaching her face. What was going on here? Both of the sisters seemed strange... Suddenly Celestias worn look from before wasn’t so easy to dismiss. ”If you excuse me.” Luna bowed her head again. ”I have other duties to attend to yet this evening.” Celestia nodded and Luna left without another look at the 6 friends. ”I apologise if she seems a bit short.” Celestia sighed a little. ”There has been some unsettling rumours of late, and she has been taking it very personally for some reason. That and I suspect she might be a little bit nervous for the celebration.” She offered them a small smile. ”Perhaps we should all retire for the night? Tomorrow will be a long day after all.” As the 6 friends started to walk down towards the rooms that had been assigned to them Twilight stopped and looked back towards Celestia for a moment. The Sun Princess was still standing by the open balcony doors, staring up towards the night sky. Now, when her expression was more unguarded, Twilight could see the strain in her beloved mentors face. Something was wrong here, and Twilight was determined to figure out what.
An unsettling conversationChapter 2: An unsettling conversation The next day the preparations for that evenings celebration was in full flux. The 6 friends had decided to split up to fully explore the castle and it’s immediate surroundings. Twilight found herself wandering the gardens with Fluttershy. She absently watched Fluttershy trying to apologise to the birds who was sitting around her on branches and stones. Yesterdays meeting with the princesses had... bothered her. She had tried to investigate what the rumours could be about, but while everypony in the castle - especially the guards - had seemed unusually tense, no one had answered her questions. The closest she had come had been some maids she had met after breakfast, who had said that there had been rumours about some dark creatures wishing the return of Nightmare moon, but no evidence confirming it. Suddenly the sound of flapping wings and running hooves caused her to look up. ”Twilight!” Applejack skidded to a stop in front of her, and Rainbow dash landed just next to her, scaring off all the birds that had finally gathered around Fluttershy. ”You are not going to believe what we just heard!” Rainbow seemed angry, really angry. ”I mean, I don’t wanna believe it, but we heard it, and I wanted to expose her on the spot, but Applejack said we should go talk to you first!” ”What is going on?” Twilight interrupted. ”It’s Princess Luna.” Applejack said. ”We heard her talking to some of the guards. She said...” The yellow mare hesitated. ”She said ‘even though the elements of harmony have arrived, it shouldn't stop our plans. Equestria shall fall and the princesses shall be destroyed.’” Rainbow dash quoted, wings flaring with anger. ”Why would she do that?! I thought she wasn’t evil any more.” ”That’s what seemed strange to me.” Applejack agreed. ”She seemed so nice when we met her on Nightmare night, as if she had honestly changed... I just thought it better if we talked to you about it. Before we take it further I mean...” Twilight was in shock, could what they had heard really be true? Could Luna be plotting to overthrow Celestia again? ”Excuse me.” Fluttershys gentle voice drew her back to the conversation. ”Why would she say ‘princesses’.” The other three looked at her. ”What do you mean Fluttershy?” Applejack asked. ”I mean.... Well, isn’t Princess Luna well... a princess? Why would she say ” princesses”.. are there more than two?” Fluttershy looked up at them from the curtain of her mane falling in front of her face. ”You might be on to something there.” Applejack admitted. ”What, is princess Luna really someone else, who’s dressed up like her. And who can raise the moon?!” Rainbow Dash snorted. ”It sounds unlikely...” Twilight grew quiet for a moment. Then her eyes widened. ”But maybe..” She looked over to Rainbow Dash. ”Find Pinkie Pie and Rarity, then get to the literary in the ivory tower on the west wing.” ”What?” Rainbow blinked. ”Just do it!” Twilight turned around and ran towards the end of the garden. Rainbow looked at the others, before taking off towards the shopping districts, where she was more likely to find Rarity and (hopefully) Pinkie Pie. -.-.-.-.-.-.- ”Wow, am I the only one getting weird flashbacks?” Rainbow Dash mumbled to Pinkie who giggled as she nodded. Twilight was running back and forth between the bookshelves, reading of covers and muttering to herself. ”What are you looking for darling?” Rarity caught one of the books that Twilight threw over her shoulder in frustration. She gently put it down on one of the piles on the floor. ”I know it is here somewhere... I found it!” She pulled out a thick book from the bottom of a pile, causing the rest to topple over and almost hit Fluttershy who darted behind Applejack with a quiet shriek. ”Magical creatures vol 2: The Dark side of our magical fauna.” Rainbow Dash read aloud over Twilights shoulder just before the unicorn opened the book and started flipping through the pages. ”How is that supposed to help?” ”Here!” She cried triumphantly and twisted the book so that the others could read. ”Changelings.” Rarity read out loud. ”Magical beings similar to ponies, though consistently black with grey mane and tail, light blue eyes without pupils. They have light blue wings in two sets like an insect and fangs.” The others started to share gazes even as Rarity read on. ”Among their magical abilities, the most notable is shape-shifting...” ”Wait, I’ve heard about these things!” Applejack suddenly interrupted. ”Granny Smith used to tell stories about insect-ponies that took little fillies and colts from their beds and exchanged them for their own foals.” She looked up at Twilight. ”But I thought they were just an old fairy tale..” ”So they said about Nightmare Moon.” Twilight looked grim. ”So if Princess Luna really is a changeling.” Rarity started. ”Where is the real princess.” Twilight finished. ”And how do we tell princess Celestia?” Fluttershy said. ”Oh dear, she didn’t seem to suspect anything.” Rarity said. ”And if the princess isn’t suspecting anything how do we convince her?” ”And it’s still the thing about the moon!” Rainbow Dash pointed out. ”Can these changelings raise the moon?” They all grew quiet, realising truth in the Pegasus words. ”Well...” Twilight said after a long while. ”If we work on the theory that Princess Luna is a changeling, and the real princess is hidden away somewhere, doesn’t that automatically assume that these changelings are strong enough to subdue the princess? Maybe if they can do that, they can steal the princess magic as well? Discord could..” ”So they could be as strong as Discord?” Applejack said, shifting uncomfortably. ”I don’t know.” Twilight confessed, putting the book away. ”The book doesn’t say much... They aren’t that well known.” The 6 ponies stood together in sombre silence, each desperately trying to figure out a solution to the problem at hand. How in Celestias name, where they going to uncover the plot that were taking place right in front of them, just under the Sun Princess own muzzle?
A mask uncoveredChapter 3: A mask uncovered The rest of the day was spent trying to come up with a solution to their current problem. Twilight, Fluttershy, Rairity and Applejack was still in the library, while Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash kept an eye on the celebrations and on princess Luna herself. ”It’s hopless!” Twilight suddenly exclaimed sinking down on the floor and sighing deeply. ”I can’t find anything that says how you reveal a changelings identity against their will. If there even is a way.” ”We mustn't give up.” Applejack walked up next to her. ”The Princesses are counting on us to fix this. Even if they don’t know it yet.” She smiled weakly. ”But we’ve gone over all the books that mention changelings at least twice.” Twilight said, looking up at the yellow earthpony with doubt filled eyes. ”Then perhaps what we need is a direct confrontation.” the two ponies looked over at Rarity who gently pushed one of the books back into it’s proper place. ”After all, everypony knows that Applejack can’t lie.” the white unicorn continued. ”She is the element of honesty after all, if she tells the princess of what she saw and heard, this intruder will have to justify herself. Maybe she will mess up.” ”Why Rairity.” Fluttershy said. ”That is a rather risky idea.” ”It’s the best one we’ve got.” Twilight rose again. ”If you’re up to it.” She looked over to Applejack who nodded firmly. As it turned out, however, Applejack would never get the change. -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.- The nervous tension lay heavy over the 6 friends as they joined the crowd gathering in the throne-room. They had decided to wait until a suitable moment where they could talk to the princess in relative privacy. Twilight hoped that her beloved mentor would trust her enough to grant her a private audience, if only for a few minutes. One of the door to the balcony opened and Princess Luna landed on the doorstep. The dark alicorn looked around in the crowded room before her eyes fell on her sister. Twilights eyes widened and it felt as if her blood turned to ice when she saw the look on the Alicorns face. It was pure seething hatred in the usually kind eyes of Princess Luna. Twilight was moving before she realised that Lunas horn had started to shimmer with magic. ”Princess Celestia!” she cried as she jumped up on the platform with the white alicorn. The Sun Princess looked up, eyes widened as she opened her mouth in a warning. The warning never reached Twilight however, as a dark shroud surrounded the purple unicorn a moment, before a sound as if lightning struck the castle, accompanied by a flash of light that caused every one in the room to look away. ”TWILIGHT!” the remaining 5 friends cried in fear and rushed up to where their friend had been standing just a moment ago, but there was no sign of the unicorn anywhere. A defening silence fell over the room for a moment, before Rainbow Dash twisted around, wings flaring in fury as she looked over to the dark Alicorn. ”Murderer!” she cried. ”You killed her!” Luna said nothing for a moment, before she lowered her head and her shoulders started to tremble. Suddenly loud laughter erupted from the winged unicorn, causing every one in the room to take a step backwards. All but Celestia who stood firm. ”What is the meaning of this Luna?” she asked, voice trembling with something between anger and... fear? ”That is not Luna!” Applejack yelled, eyes blazing as the orange earthpony straightened up and glared at the dark pony by the balcony. ”She’s an intruder. A shapeshifter!” ‘Lunas’ eyes widened, but then a twisted smile graced her features. ”So you figured it out. But way to late.” Her voice was hollow, laced with poison as she spoke. She took a few steps into the room, barely even acknowledging the ponies that had started to flee the room. The balcony door shut behind her. The same dark shroud that had surrounded Twilight started to swirle around the Alicorns legs, raising up. Stricken to silence the remaining ponies watched as the Moon Princess changed into a twisted image of a pony, legs hollowed and wings thin like an insects, Lunas blue eyes changed into a poisonous green, and her mane and tail became the same lightblue colour as her wings. The final thing changing was her horn that became longer, but also more twisted and seemingly half-broken in places. ”Who are you?” Celestia stepped up between the 5 friends and the stranger. ”And where is my sister and my student?” The alicorn was angry, more angry than anyone now living had ever seen her. ”I am Chrystalis! Queen of the Changelings” the Changeling sneered. ”As for your beloved sister and student. Do not worry, you will join them soon enough.” A bright light shot from Celestias horn, but Chrystalis brushed it aside as if ti was nothing. ”How?” Celestias eyes widened in shock. ”Your power is nothing compared to mine.” the changeling. chuckled. ”It’s the darkest just before dawn, is it not so? With your power at it’s lowest, and my own being fuelled by that of your sister, you stand no change against me, princess.” ”What is your business in Equestria?” Celestia asked, regaining her composure. ”Love.” Chrystalis said. ”My people feed of it, and this country is overfilled with love.” She smiled, a twisted grin in her deformed face. ”The strongest love being that of two sisters, who’s love endured a thousand years of madness and separation.” She laughed again. ”You thought it wise? When she asked you to let her handle the rumours? That she was strong enough on her own? And you didn’t even notice when I took her place.. To busy with your own affairs...” ”Princess..” Applejack looked up at the white Alicorn. ”Go. I will cover your escape. Get to the elements.” Celestias voice was soft, her eyes never leaving Chrystalis. ”But without Twilight..” ”We will have to make due. Now go!” The five remaining elements of harmony started to move backwards before they made a hash for the doors. ”Oh don’t worry Celestia dear.” The queen of the changelings watched the 5 ponies flee the hall. ”I’m not going to stop them. My servants will do that for me.” Eery green eyes focused on Celestia again. ”I am going to enjoy this.” She almost purred. Celestia didn’t answer, but her legs tensed as magic once again clashed the air.
Into the cavesChapter 4: Into the caves Twilight opened her eyes. At first everything was dark, but after a few moments, her eyes started to adjust. She was in some sort of cave, that much she could tell... Rising up on all fours, she looked around in the glum darkness. She was all alone.. Where were the others? Allowing a tiny spark from her horn to better light up the dark tunnel she looked around. ”Hello?” she called, hesitantly. Her voice echoed back at her. Swallowing uneasily, she started to walk down one of the wider corridors. ”Anyone there?” she called again. She walked for several minutes through the dark caves, the echoing sound of her own hoof-steps as only company. At first she called out to her friends and to princess Celestia, but after a while she grew quiet. The hollow echoes of her own voice unnerved her, and so she continued her exploration in silence. Suddenly she heard the sound of sobbing. Pausing for a moment, she looked around, trying to figure out where the sound came from. She turned her head to the side, her ears flickering. Twilight turned down another, more narrow hallway. Running around a corner she came into another cave. The figure on the floor was frighteningly familiar, even though it was one year since Twilight had last seen Luna in this form. Curled up on the cold stone floor, no larger than a school-age filly, lay the familiar dark blue shape of Princess Luna. Her face hidden in her mane, she didn’t see Twilight approaching. ”Princess Luna?” Twilight asked, a bit hesitantly. ”Leave me be!” It was almost comical, hearing the ancient dialect from the small filly. ”I will fall for no more of your illusions demon!” ”I’m not an illusion!” Twilight exclaimed. ”I’m so happy I found you here, we were so worried about you.” ”Cease these foolish attempts!” Luna refused to look up. ”To oft have I fallen prey to your illusion. Not again!” ”Princess...” Twilight laid down beside her. ”It’s not an illusion.. I promise. I’m really here...” Luna didn’t answer, her face still hidden by her mane. ”Luna?” Twilight gently buffed her with her muzzle. ”I don’t know how to convince you it’s really me. I don’t know what you have seen before this or what they have told you. But you have to believe me Luna! I don’t know how to get back, but our friends, and your sister, is in danger! You have to believe me!” Her voice, though still gentle and soft, had a desperate tone in it. ”One of the changelings took your shape and has tricked everyone into believing it is you!” ”One... one of the changelings?” Hesitating Luna lifted her face, looking up at twilight for the first time. ”Yes?” Twilight looked directly at the younger princess. Purple eyes met dark blue. ”You said one of the changelings. Not queen of the changelings.” Lunas eyes filled with tears. ”Twilight sparkle, is it truly you?” ”Yes, it’s me!” Twilights smiled, then her smile faded a little. ”Wait, queen of the changelings?” she asked. ”Until now they told me it was the queen that took my place. You are the first that didn’t.” Lunas voice trembled just early. ”Will you give me your word, Twilight Sparkle that you are truly here. Too many times have I been fooled by illusions, just to have all my hope torn away anew.” The filly looked close to tears. ”I give you my word, your highness.” Twilight Sparkle smiled weakly at her. ”We’ll find a way out of here.” ”I have wandered these corridors for a long time..” Luna began hesitantly. ”But now we are together.” Twilight rose. ”Come on Luna, will you trust me?” Luna nodded and rose slowly. ”Lead the way then, Twilight Sparkle.” she said, standing close to the unicorn. Twilight nodded and smiled again, before she started to walk down a corridor. -.-.-.-.- ”Princess?” Twilight looked down towards the small alicorn. They had been walking for what seemed like hours, and the princess had been very quiet. Lunas head was hanging and she seemed exhausted. Twilight suddenly felt very guilty about pushing her so hard. She must have been walking very fast for the now filly-sized Luna. ”I am quite all right.” Luna looked up, smiled briefly. ”Have you found any signs of an exit?” She looked around the cave walls. ”No... I’m sorry.” Twilight sighed a little and then she looked up again. The two stood in silence for a little while, studying their surroundings. ”Did you hear that?” Twilight said suddenly, looking up. ”Hear what?” Luna blinked, her face confused. ”I think.. I think that is the sound of running water!” The purple unicorn exclaimed and suddenly started running down a hallway towards the weak sound. Luna, having no choice, ran after her as fast as her legs could carry her. The sound of running water got steadily stronger as they got closer. Twilight finally rounded a corner and entered a cave much larger than any they had previously visited. The walls were covered in crystals that reflected glimpses of daylight, brought in with the waterfall that fell through the roof into a pool in the middle of the room. From the pool, a small river travelled through the cave out through another corridor, and Twilight could just barely catch the scent of trees and grass. ”Princess, I think I found a way out!” she turned around just as Luna joined her. But the alicorns gaze was focused on the wall on the far side of the room, eyes wide and legs trembling. As Twilight watched, the princess let out a heart wrenching scream. ”No! Not you! I will never surrender to you!” Twilight, at loss of what to do, followed the mares terrified stare. She gasped in sudden surprise and fear. Reflected in the crystals, twice the size she usually was, was the horrifying image of Nightmare Moon, dark eyes sparkling, and with a triumphant smile on her face.
