The Lunar War

The moon had started is ascent into the sky when a dark figure strode through Canterlot. He looked all around himself as he ventured, wary of everything around him. He had only been in the city a couple times, and each time he was nearly killed by the guards or somepony else who did not like him being there. He looked up as he approached the towers of the castle. Above on the highest tower he saw his goal: Princess Luna. He had a message for her. He moved from shadow to shadow until he cleared the gates of the castle, then walked into the moonlight in the courtyard for Luna to see him.

He was a rather small colt with a dark blue fur, no wings, a horn, and blue eyes. He had a scar on either side of his flank....but he had no cutie mark. He had lost it years before when his teacher had become angered at him, and thought only that his special talent was no talent at all, but a curse, and had removed the Cutie Mark. What was it though? He had a gift....He could change the sway of ponies lives. He could manipulate ponies into doing anything...And soon he would be put to full use.

Luna looked around the city before finally looking down at the colt who stood below. Her eyes flashed white for a brief moment before her horn sparked, and she appeared on the ground in front of him. He bowed as she teleported to him, showing his respect. "My Princess....I bring information regarding the six ponies you wished for me to watch over. They no longer seem to be as close as once believed. In fact, they argue often now, and sometimes stop speaking to each other for a short time. Though they usually make up later, I believe we can use what little anger they have against each other...and possibly against her in the near future." He remained bowed as he spoke, and waited for her to speak.

"We could not be happier to hear this, Mephisto. You have done us a great deal, and have sacrificed much for us to bring forth our era of an Empire. And your idea of using them against my dear sister is perfect. When the time comes, we want you to start using your magic on them, start turning them against her. Turn Twilight Sparkle last. We want it all to come together perfectly. She has a gift, it seems. She has a foresight to know that something bad is happening. We want her to truly see how bad things can get before she helps us." Luna spoke quietly to Mephisto, knowing her sister could still very well be awake and watching. "Now then. Go back to Ponyville and continue watching. We will let you know when the time to change them is perfect. As for us, we are going to find a few things that will help in the plan...." With that, Luna stomped on the ground, finalizing all she had said, and vanished, returning to the tower, looking down upon him. She watched him for a moment, and returned her gaze to the city.

"My princess...." He whispered as he bowed and backed out of the main gates. Once through the gate, he started to gallop to the main city gates. He moved in and out of alley's and streets, avoiding all guards. Once to the gate, he moved out of sight, away from all who could be watching, and started back towards Ponyville. As he left the city, a voice touched his mind, Luna.

"Know that we will begin the L.W. within 2 days time...." Was all she said to him. He grinned devilishly and sped onwards....

A sharp cry rang through the castle. It was still night. The guards patrolling all looked around before turning and running towards the source of the sound. In one of the grander rooms of the castle, Cadence sat in her bed, shaking and crying. Shining Armor next to her, trying to comfort her. "It was just a dream, Cadence, it wasn't real."

"B-but I saw her fall from the castle tower. I...I saw her get hit with a powerful beam with all colors..." She stuttered.

"That would never happen. You and I both know the only ones capable of doing something like that would never, ever try and do anything against Celestia." He said in a soothing, calm voice.

"It was so real though! I felt like I was actually there watching it. And there was nothing I could do! Luna wasn't even there to help her own sister either! No nightmare has ever been this bad!" She started crying loudly again as she finished speaking. A moment after, loud banging sounded at the door.

"Princess Miyamore Cadenza! Are you alright? Is something wrong?" the voice cried out through the door. Shining Armor stood slowly to answer the door. He moved over towards it and peeked out.

"Princess Cadence is alright. You needn't worry, I assure you." he told the guard. The guard saluted, and turned to the others around him.

"Return to your post's." A few moments after they parted. A bright flash illuminated outside the door, and the door clicked open. Celestia had been woken up by the cry. As she entered the room, she saw Shining Armor still attempting to soothe his wife's distressed mind.

"Shining Armor, Princess Cadence, what is wrong? I heard you cry all the way up in my tower, and came to see if something had happened." She spoke to them. She approached the bedside and looked down at Cadence, who returned the look with sad, tearful eyes.

"Oh Celestia! I had the worst nightmare ever! It felt so real I thought it had actually happened!" Cadence cried suddenly leaping up and putting her hooves around Celestia's neck. "I am so happy it wasn't real though! I don't know what I would do if that happened!" She continued.

"My dear Princess Cadence, whatever it was, I assure you I would not allow it to happen. I do not like to see ponies unhappy...Especially my own Niece. You need not tell me of your Nightmare, for it is over now, and I am here." She replied softly, placing a hoof around Cadence as well. Shining Armor remained silent the entire time. He knew that this was a time for them to talk, and not he. "Now then, you two try and get some rest. And dream peaceful dreams." Celestia said warmly to the two before returning to her own chambers.

"I-I'm so glad...." Cadence whispered.

"There, there dear. Lets try and get some sleep like she suggested. Ok? And don't worry, I'm here with you." Shining said to her. She returned to the bed, and lay with him until they fell asleep once more, holding each other close.