I find it kinda funny how history, no matter how fake it is, can turn you into a completely different pony. It was alway fun playing the villain, even if you weren’t actually the villain to begin with, but stuff like that can be a severe wound in one’s reality. Nopony likes having their world tampered with, and even more so they don’t like it when you stick a metaphorical dagger in their view of it. That’s when you end up becoming the ‘villain’ to them, and a constant thorn in their side. The difference between me and most ponies, however, is that I don’t really care for what shape history shows me as.

No matter how much I hate Celestia I have to applaud her on thinking up somepony as terrifying and evil as Sombra. Not saying that I rather enjoyed her description of me but what can I do about it being trapped in ice for a thousand years. When I learned about king Sombra from eavesdropping on an unsuspecting couple, I decided to humor Celestia with giving her the horrible pony she so desired me to be. I was use to ponies giving me weird looks from my time at Luna’s side, but there was some form of joy I got out of scaring the living tartarus out of the princesses’ six puppets.

Sombra, Arcane, Umbrum, the amount of names I’ve had are numerous, and I’ve decided to leave it to those around me to decide who I am. Luminous is intriguing, wishing for me to be myself rather than what she wants me to be. So many roles over so many hundreds of years on this planet and she is the only one who wants me to choose who I am. That’s the problem though: I’m an imposter. I am all of those things, even if they started out as lies. At least she has a better feeling of common sense then her counterpart…

… I don’t care if he sang her a song or helped save Equestria, Twilight is a foal for trusting individuals like Capper.

Arcane stared off into the sky, something that to those around him thought was due to a trance of sort. However, Arcane was watching one thing in particular, though it wasn’t a cloud or star, as none existed anymore. There was a slight glow in the darkness, like a flashlight’s light under a blanket in the dark. It continued to get brighter and brighter before cutting open that veil of darkness, and a pegasus mare with a coat as dark as the world around her appeared. She wore a strange blue masquerade that was made out of pure magic, seeming to have a mind of its own if the mare was to be believed. Behind her, ghastly spirits with a large, open mouth gave chase, created by Arcane for the sole purpose of getting the mare prepared.

“Now, remember what I said,” Arcane told the pegasi, “The enemy believes you’re on the run, and nopony but your allies know what you can do. Find an opening, and strike.”

“Are you sure she could handle this?” Asked a rainbow maned earth pony to the pegasi next to her, looking at the sky with a mix of fear and longing. The pony next to her was a pale yellow pegasus suited in heavy armor with a spear attached to one wing and a shield attached to the other.

“If Luminous is in danger, Moondancer and I step in,” Thunder Shield reminded her compatriot, looking behind the earth pony to a unicorn wearing a fleece sweater and glasses. “However, I have a feeling her highness knows exactly what she is doing.”

Thunder’s gaze turned back to the sky, watching as her friend and comrade in arms lead the spirits in circle. She knew that Arcane was keeping them back, but she also knew that he wasn’t here for any other reason then to keep alive Princess Luminous Oracle. At first Thunder saw Arcane as what everpony knew him as, the mad king Sombra, and while she hasn’t grown to appreciate the umbrum he has more than piqued her curiosity. She did her best to not take her eyes off of Luminous, but they had already drifted to the villian in front of her. It was at that moment her friend, captain, and fellow paradox found her opportunity to strike.

Stopping instantly in the air, Luminous focus on the masquerade around her face, gaze locked onto the spirits coming after her. As they made their way towards her, the masquerade quickly started to shift forms. It detached itself from around her eyes as it elongated into a blade with a hilt. Luminous opening her mouth as it seemed to guide itself to her, biting down as it came within distance of her muzzle. With her weapon ready, she turned around and with one flap of her wings sliced the three spirits chasing her in half. As she clear the last one she angled herself to the ground and within seconds landed. Targets destroyed, she let go of the sword and watched as it once again took the shape of a masquerade.

“Even by a millisecond, each time you get faster you have a better chance of survival,” Arcana Glyph explained to Luminous, words she had become use to in the past few days. “However, those enemies were only an illusion. Here, in reality, they will try and kill you. You need more than just speed when that time comes.”

“Then put me in more dangerous scenarios instead of having run that same damn formation everytime,” Luminous swore, her response being a firm slap from Arcane. It wasn’t the first time, but each time she saw it Thunder wanted to punch somepony. “Is the slap really necessary?”

“I don’t expect a paradox like you, born to be an opposite of the other worlds greatest genius, to understand, but I’ll say it again,” Arcane growled at the princess. “Not only are you not physically ready, but you also aren’t mentally either. I can see how you try to go into your own world and slow down every few moments,” His muzzle was touching herself, but the glare that Arcane gave to Luminous made her shrink back. “As long as I see terror or wandering in this exercise, you aren’t ready for a real fight. Take a break, but we start again in ten minutes.”

With that Arcane Glyph wandered off, Luminous sighing as distance grew between her and the tyrant. She looked to see four figures running up to her, three of which ponies but the last far different. Behind Thunder and Moondancer stood a Silvia, a large wolf with an amulet hanging around her neck. Her coat was extremely shaggy, the knots under her ears and on her chest and stomach especially bothersome, but she refused to have anyone touch it. Silvia was the only one didn’t seem immediately concerned about the princess, instead looking to Arcane.

“Does it hurt?” Moondancer asked Luminous, checking the area that Arcane had slapped her. “He literally left a hoof print on your muzzle.”

“It stings the more you touch it,” Luminous replied, swatting the royal archivist's hoof away. “Other than that, the biggest blow is probably more mental than physical, though it was expected. The biggest difference between me and Twilight are our intelligence.”

“Something that actually works out for the better in this case,” Silvia stated, giving a side glance to the ponies next to her as she sat down and watched whatever Arcane was doing. “They say that geniuses, despite being incredibly inventive and creative, lack a certain amount of common sense. You might not be the smart pony around, if what I’ve heard is anything to go by, but you are certainly not a vegetable.”

“Do I look like a carrot to you?” Luminous replied, a sigh remanating from the group around her.

“It means that you still have the brains to do all the normal things a pony can do,” Moondancer clarified. “Calling somepony a vegetable is along the lines of saying they are mindless or have zero ability to do anything without the help of others.”

“Oh, yeah. I guess I’m glad not to be that,” Luminous nodded and looked away in shame. She knew she wasn’t as smart as the others around her, as they had said without any feeling of offense, but learning about her origin made her far more conscious of this fact. “Promoted to captain just because I’m royalty, treated like I can’t do anything without the help of the staff, my mother dying because-”

“Luminous,” Thunder interfered. “How many times do I need to tell you that you didn’t kill Nova. She saved your life, even if it did mean taking the fall for you.”

Luminous didn’t say anything in return, giving a glare to Thunder signalling just how little she cared about her friends words. The glare hurt Thunder, and it hurt even more as Luminous walked away from the group. She wanted to follow but Moondancer blocked his route. She turned to Silvia, who gave a nod before getting up a follow Luminous.

“Oh, you’re going to let Silvia talk but not me?” Thunder asked.

“Do you think you can really solve this problem?” Moondancer questioned back. She carefully chose her words before responding, knowing this was going to hard to get Thunder to understand. “Yes, I understand that Silvia was once a paradox hunter, but she has already sworn to not kill Luminous. She and Rainbow have been doing their best to help the princess right now. You, on the other hoof, have done nothing and decide that this was a good time to bring up her dead mother?”

“It wasn’t her fault Moondancer, you know that,” Thunder replied, trying to reason with the made unicorn in front of him. “She’s been carrying that weight for so many years and we only just learned that she still thinks she is responsible. I’m just trying to help her understand that she's wrong about being wrong about being the pony responsible.”

“Actually Thunder, you’re wrong about that,” Moondancer told him. “Luminous might not be smart in the same way Twilight was, but she is smart in an entirely different sense. What you’re doing from her view can only be seen as an attempt to sugarcoat the event,” Moondancer turned away from Thunder, still looking at him out of the corner of her eye. “No matter what you think, no matter how good your intentions are, you’re wrong about what happened to princess Nova. Luminous is responsible for her death, and she has accepted that more than anyone.”

————

“Mistress, he’s here,” A white pegasus said, entering a rather elegant room.

The pony she addressed put her brush down as she heard this, knowing well that she had spent way to much time on her mane. It was braided from top to bottom, dozens of jewels mixed in as a way to further show her class. It wasn’t something she usually did, but no doubt her visitor expected it. A ruler must uphold an image after all, even in the Lunar Republic.

“Thank you,” She said calmly, her voice smooth and refined. “Has he been shown to the gardens? That is where I promised to meet him if you don’t remember.”

“He’s probably there as we speak mistress,” The pegasus told the pony in front of her. “Mister Thorn was grateful that you were willing to hear him out.”

With that, the pegasus left her mistress to her business, giving her a few more seconds to collect everything. She took a deep breath, exhaled, and then repeated the motions a second time. This was her one chance to finally put to rest one of the darkest actions her family had ever taken. She knew her ponies wouldn’t forget, but she wasn’t trying to erase it. All she, Silver Glow, newly crowned queen of the Lunar Republic, wanted was to get a chip off her chest.

“‘The trust of one will gain the trust of many,’” She recited, the words belonging to her deceased father. “‘The many will blindly follow you, doing everything they can to take what we gained away. If you value this fortune, do whatever you can and know they only trust you for your own advantage.’ Sorry father, but that is not how I’m doing this.”

————

Rose Thorn waited in the wonderous gardens of the Lunar Hall, the palace and birthplace of the entire Lunar Republic. Nopony really knows, but it is believed that these gardens were the first thing ever layed down, which was rather strange considering it was on the Hall’s third floor. The flowers and plants never changed, as the deceased Princess Luna had made it more than clear that replacement was illegal. It seemed like a silly law to most, but Rose Thorn was different from certain nobles of the court.

Willow trees, black roses, hedges cut into the shape of the three pony races, including the earth ponies that had long ago vanished. To many it seemed like any ordinary garden, but spends as much time as the royal family did in here and you feel connected. Connected to the invisible moon and stars, and to the afterlife as well, just like Princess Luna had wished for it to be. The only thing that reminded Rose Thorn of this being in a palace was the opening and closing of the doors as Queen Silver entered.

“It’s too bad the commoners aren’t allowed to enjoy this, I’m sure they would have more faith in Luna if they came in here,” Thorn commented, his relax tone coming from the lack of threat he saw in the grey unicorn in front of him. “Of course, if it was that simple to destroy their faith than your family wouldn’t have been far more successful.”

“Mister Rose, I didn’t come here for insults,” Queen Silver told him, not being anywhere near happy enough to enjoy a light jest. “Our citizens faith in Luna, the royal family, and nobles is why you wanted to see me. Was I wrong about this?”

“Certainly not, but if you want the common folks trust than you must first get that scowl off your face,” Thorn teased, getting an eye roll from her majesty. Nevertheless, Silver Glow still did her best to give a light smirk. “There we go, that’s the Silver I remember from foalhood. Always the optimist of the family, weren’t you?”

“If you mean the only one who didn’t think it would be fun to take control of the republic after the Oracle’s left there station as royalty here, than yes,” Silver responded. “My family only wanted to fortunes of the republic for themselves, not caring about the conditions or needs of the common people. That’s why I have no remorse for my parents or any of my siblings for getting killed.”

If it was anyone else Silver had said that to, it would have felt like a sledgehammer had been dropped on their head. Thorn, on the other hoof, was more than use to this from his oldest friend. Even if she was more kind hearted than the rest of her family, the Glow house was known for power and money, and they didn’t care much for anything else. Silver was a far cry from what the rest of her family was, but there was still a heavy lack of sympathy for certain ponies.

“This is why us nobles have faith in you, Silver,” Thorn told her, making sure she knew exactly how much this meant to not just him, but to the entire republic. “You care about the common folk and the nobility, yet won’t hesitate on grueling decisions. We may have been betrayed when the Oracle family went and left us but you are no doubt a welcome replacement.”

“No need to butter me up, I know how much ponies are expecting from me,” Silver assured her friend, finally deciding to sit next to him. “You know, they say this garden not only reflects the state of the farplane, but also the state of our citizens. It may not look bad from a distance, but look closely and you’ll see how much rot and decay there is,” As she thought about this, she realized something. “I’m probably gonna need to hire a gardener or four if I want this place back in peak condition. I’ll make sure to ask the nobility about that during the next house meeting.”

“Yes, speaking of the meeting, they are the reason I’m here,” Thorn reminded her, noticing how off topic they had gotten. “Now, as the new master of the Rose family, I of course have my own ideas, but the main reason they sent me was their own wishes. More specifically, quite a few houses want you to not only open up trade but also your families old silver mines.”

She didn’t need to press for information in order to see why the nobles wanted that. Trade would get them started on getting an economy back up and rolling, but even more so it would deal with a lack of certain necessities not readily available in the republic. She knew the houses didn’t want to open their doors to the Solar Empire, but Silver knew they were the more approachable than Canterlot. The mines were another thing, as silver was used to make not only currency, but plenty of other things in the republic as well. The problem there was, due to her family being cheap, the safety equipment was low quality.

“Some have also suggested reopening the military to commoners, despite others not approving it in the slightest,” Thorn continued, Silver giggling at this news. She knew exactly who those disapprovers were. “And, um… nevermind.”

“What? That’s it?” Silver asked with a sly smile. “Sounded like you had more than just three things when you first called for this meeting.”

“I did but, well, the next one you won’t might not really agree with,” Thorn told her, taking a few letters out of a bag next to him and handing them to Silver.

Silver started reading the first letter, only to immediately discard it as soon as she finished the first line. She went to the next one, only to do the same thing but gritting her teeth at the same time. Her horn was glowing even brighter than before, her eyes gaining a silver tint to them as she realized what was going on. Her magic subconsciously started to turn the grass around her into steel as she flipped through more of the letters. After a few minutes, she tore the letters still grasped in her magic apart before burning them. She looked around her, seeing the now metallic grass around her point straight up.

“Thorn, what age do I need to marry at again?” Silver asked.

“Fourteen, which means you have two months to be wed before the moonlight law takes effect and…” He trailed off, hoping that his friend wouldn’t make him finish that sentence.

“I have to leave just like Queen Nova Oracle did when her husband died.” Silver finished.

————

Silvia knew how afraid Luminous was to cry, especially since she seems to be the only one the paradox was willing to do it around. She had no idea why the pony was so scared of the others seeing this, but it wasn’t her place to ask. It was already strange that she was the one most comfortable Luminous was around right now, as two days ago her past almost got them killed. Either way, letting the princess cry into her fur was the least the paradox hunter could do.

“Not my fault she says, take responsibility she says. How can I do both at the same time!?” Luminous exclaimed through her tears, Silvia having heard this line multiple times over the past few minutes. “Why does Thunder keep bringing it up? Why does she want me to deny what I did?”

“I… can’t answer that one,” Silvia commented, looking away in shame. “I’ve done some things I’ve regret but… death is more second nature to us wolves than it is to ponies.”

“Jeez, still at it,” Silvia turned to the speaker, seeing Rainbow behind her. “She always looks so confident in front of everypony but in front of us she just… breaks.”

“Well I’m sorry if you want me to just get over it, but I barely ever have time to vent,” Luminous replied, pulling her head away from Silvia’s soft fur. Tears we’re still falling from her face, but it was nowhere near as bad as when she had started. “That didn’t come out right, sorry Rainbow. It’s just that Thunder isn’t the best pony to talk to about these things. The mare is practically married to her duties as my guard, and that isn’t going to change soon. Even when I’m not around her the castle doors aren’t the most soundproof things in the world.”

“I see, you don’t really have the ability to express this at home like I do,” Rainbow said. “My parents don’t really talk to me or anything, and the last time I tried to approach them about the whole losing my wing thing-”

“Rainbow, I don’t think you really understand what Princess Luminous is saying,” Silvia stated. Luminous winced as she heard the title Silvia used for her, but it wasn’t something the wolf would easily stop doing. “She might not have complete rule, but she is still royalty. The common pony probably expects her to be both physically and mentally strong. Even more so, the expect perfection. Would something like crying or feeling shame, both of which show weakness, be something the common pony want,” Silvia saw the mix of confusion and sadness on Luminous’ face. “You learn a thing or two when living with a family like Dash’s here.”

“That’s not why I’m confused,” Luminous explained. “Twilight, or the small part of her that is still inside of me. I don’t know how to explain it but she’s yelling at me for some reason,” She shook her head, thinking it would be enough to stop those thoughts. “Anyways, thank you Silvia, and Dash, don’t feel bad about not understanding. I don’t think many ponies know what it’s like to kill somepony… especially when the reason their dead is something so stupid as plummeting off a tower.”

“Luminous, why don’t you tell us what happened,” Dash suggested, instantly getting a death glare from Silvia. “W-w-well, if it’s okay with you at least.”

“Dash, I’m only going to say this once, but I’m never revisiting the exact events of that day,” Luminous told the wingless pegasus, not even looking at her as she started walking back. “Besides, Arcane is probably going to start drill me again soon. Training to fight the creatures in the dark is more important than my mother's death.”

Rainbow was taken back by those words, but Silvia could smell the fear emanating from Luminous’ body. That last sentenced was forced, she could feel it, and she had no idea why. She looked to her amulet, using one of her paws to lift it up over her muzzle. Rainbow saw her focusing on the top of the amulet, watching as a familiar blue glow appeared around it. Her curiosity instantly got the better of her as she peaked over the wolf’s shoulder.

“So, what’s the plan?” Rainbow whispered to her honorary sister, a mischievous grin wide on her face.

“Every paradox I’ve saved from the other hunters is inside this amulet, with the exception of my first,” Silvia told her, lowering the amulet back down to her neck. “I’ve done this before with varying levels of success depending on the pony, but if the souls are willing I might be able to go into her memories.”

Rainbow put her front hoofs around Silvia, that smiling not leaving her face. “Sounds dangerous.”

“It is,” Silvia confirmed, refusing to return the smile. “But I have someone I need to talk to anyway.”

Author's Note

It feels good getting back to this story, not just because I’ve been ignoring it but because I forgot how much love I put into these characters. I’ll admit, the entire love thing with Silver wasn’t something I knew how to do before, but it was part of my plan so I’m gonna stick to it. Also, if that section of the chapter wasn’t clear, I’ll be looking into characters not directly connected with Luminous or Psyche. I want to get a bit more world building down and introducing some of these characters now means I won’t be too much on just one story. That was another complaint I had heard from some people through Discord and the Reviewers Cafe.

Anyways, glad to be getting back to this, and I hope you are all just as excited to see this up again!