A lot of time has passed. It passed quite quickly, I must admit.
Ever since I first saw the light with my own eyes, my heart felt lighter, undisturbed of previous troubles. The Empress reassured me that this was only natural. The Light was the only way towards Harmony, after all. I spent just about two weeks following the Empress around Equestria, as she taught me all about Harmony, the Light, and the means to preserve and protect both. It was an unusual experience, really. Every word the Empress spoke opened my eyes just a bit more.
These weeks quickly passed, and Empress Daybreaker felt that I was ready to contribute to the great Equestrian project of Harmony. Not just that, but she felt as if I should be the one to protect and spread her light, to defend Harmony against those who would wish to destroy and dismantle it. I felt overwhelmed. Such a great task for such a little pony like me... was I ready? Was I the right pony for such a job? In the end, I was nothing in contrast to the Empress, wasn't I?
The Empress relieved me. A soft and yet strong hoof rested upon my back. The simple touch of her majesty radiated Energy throughout my body. She looked down on me, confident in me and my abilities. With a smile, she said to me almost in a whisper:
"The Light guides you, my faithful and loyal Student."
I thought for a brief moment before nodding silently. Her words were few, and yet I felt more confident than ever. She was right, as she always was. The Light had brought me her, it had already guided me, and it would continue to do so if I only follow it.
The next couple of months I would spend on setting up my so called 'Imperial Inquisition'. As the newly assigned 'Grand Inquisitor', it was my task to seek out any possible enemies within Equestria while also promoting the Empress and her rule. Basically, I was supposed to snuff out any fires before they grew in size and became dangerous, while also handing out candy to everyone around me. It was a bit of a odd job at first, but Empress reminded me of its importance, and I became proud of my task as a result.
With every Report I received, whether it be an intercepted message, a status or even incident report, I felt more fit for the job. I spent a lot of time away from the ponies I knew, hiding behind the doors of my castle in Ponyville. Paperwork and planning occupied me the most. Not that I would complain, of course.
During just these few months, I would manage to catch and shut down many terrorist and resistance cells in Equestria. There was even one right at my doorstep, in Ponyville. Part of me thought it was strange that ponies like Zecora and Lyra would ever become criminals. They never were the type of ponies to cause trouble, let alone had the spirit of a criminal who would hurt others. I shook off those thoughts. Their guilt was at hand, and then was not the time for a bad conscience. They had chosen their fate, wanting to oppose and resist Harmony and the Light. If this was their choice, then it is my duty, given by the God-Empress herself, to deal with them appropriately.
The Empress arrived personally to oversee the procedures of how we dealt with the criminals. It was one of the few times I personally overwatched the trials and public executions. The gunshots admittedly startled me, though the Empress failed to notice. I hope.
Thankfully, the spirits of my past friends may now live in Harmony, free from the criminal body. Harmony that I helped to protect. Moments like those almost made me shed a tear, really. It makes me appreciate how far the Empress has brought us, how she has enlightened us all, and how lucky I am to play such a big part in the preservation of Harmony.
A faithful Student and loyal Servant, I found myself to be the perfect Grand Inquisitor. Just as the Empress had predicted.
Fast forward a few months and I find myself once again leaving the Imperial Throne Room. I had talked with the Empress personally after she invited me to an audience with her. I was happy to finally meet and talk to her again, my Tutor. My Duties had kept me busy, and so there was little free time for relaxation. However, predictably, this was no invitation to chit-chat. As soon as I had entered those golden halls of the Throne Room, decorated with bright red and yellow ornaments and banners, I could feel that something big was awaiting me. My fears were quickly confirmed by the Empress in the discussion that followed.
My new mission was clear and simple. I was to travel up north, to the Crystal Empire, where I would serve as the first diplomatic envoy of the Solar Empire towards the Crystal Empire. The Empress ensured me that I would not be met with hostility upon crossing the border, having exchanged letters with the Crystal Empire's diplomatic office.
"The very first diplomatic envoy," I said to myself, sitting down in front of the throne room's grand doors. I let the words echo through the tall structure of the Canterlot Palace. They sunk in, and I thought. I thought about just how I would do this. How I would manage to not screw this up.
The very purpose of my trip was not simply to establish diplomatic relations with the now fully independent Crystal Ponies, but it was to demand their renewed servitude to Equestria, which they had rejected following the Empress' transformation and the proclamation of the Solar Empire.
And now it was me, out of all ponies, who was to travel to the Crystal City and talk sense into them. Not the Empress herself, not a trained, professional diplomat. Me.
I held my head in my hooves as I sat there in front of those doors, silently. Once again, the Empress had attempted to reassure me in my own abilities, that I had solved many a great deal of problems diplomatically before. But this... this was different. This was something not even the words of my Tutor and Empress could simplify.
The Gears in my Head turned, and I grumbled quietly. A sense of sadness and even regret came over me. Had I made a trip to the Crystal City just a year ago... I would have been overjoyed. But now...
Now it was up to me to demand that my own foalsitter and friend submitted to the guiding Light and rule of the Empress. A request she would hardly accept. Ever. I knew this, I knew her. After all that has happened, she would never give herself and her subjects up, even if it means standing against what is right.
The Empress has faith in me, and yet I do not. But worst of all... should I fail, the Empress has made it clear that there would be no further talks between the two Empires.
"There will be blood", she exclaimed mercilessly
The Fate of millions rested upon me, and I was not sure if I could save but one.
A Day had passed.
I opened my eyes and found myself inside my private chambers. I must have fallen asleep... perhaps staying up all day long wasn't such a good idea, in hindsight.
I remember a slight, aching pain at the back of my head. Ugh...
Lifting my head and looking around the room, I quickly remembered what I was doing before, well... passing out.
The Dress... right...
I glanced up to find myself staring into my closet. I was never too much into fashion or fancy dresses, unlike Rarity, and as such there was not much to be found inside, save for three dresses. And yet, those dresses were enough to tear my mind apart.
One was an old, traditional dress of my past self. The Dress itself was mostly red, though the accompanying necklace with its bright purple star has always been the mane attraction. Or... so Rarity told me, not that I would really know. I could clearly see some stains and bits of dust which had gathered on it through the years. Thinking about it, last time I wore that thing was... during the Royal Wedding, I believe? Time really does fly...
Regardless of the minor stains on the dress, I couldn't help but smile at the familiar image. Some imagery of my past life flew by for just a moment, the times where everything was calm and peaceful. That one day, that wedding day... I was so proud of both my brother and...
and my now sister-in-law...
I began to panic for a moment but reminded myself to stay calm. I took deep, controlled breaths. In and out. An image of me standing before Cadence entered my mind for just a moment, but I tried to block it out.
Don't think about it. Not now.
Shaking my head and shrugging those thoughts off, my eyes moved on to the middle dress.
A mixture of purple and white made up the dress. It was a quite enchanting sight, I must admit, almost as if it was tailored by Rarity herself. Unlike the first one though, this one was brand new and practically glimmered in the early morning sunlight that entered the room through the window behind me.
A beautiful dress for sure but... not much else about it. It was nothing 'special', so to say.
As such, I looked over to the third and last dress over on the left. This was... not quite a dress, I would say. It was a mixture between uniform, armour and a dress, and was my official uniform as the Grand Inquisitor of the Empire. It was a mixture of black and red, with gray armour padding which would protect my sides and back.
Similar to the first dress, I could feel that this one was... out of the ordinary, that it was unique and special to me in more ways than one. It wasn't just a uniform, nor a dress. It was something I could wear and which would practically speak for me. It would speak with a proud voice that I am a loyal, proud servant of the Empire and the Empress, and that I risk my life to defend and preserve Harmony.
I finally got up from the ground where I had been sitting this entire time and rose to my hooves.
"Horse apples..." I muttered under my breath, once again glancing over the three outfits. This wasn't going to be an easy choice.
I reminded myself of the importance of my choice. If I would make the wrong choice, the Princess could very well reject me and my peace talks altogether, thus sealing the fate of her, my brother and most likely millions of other ponies who would perish in the war that followed the failed negotiations.
I took a deep breath, yet again.
Focus, Sunrise, focus!
I knew I couldn't be spending yet another day to myself, locked away from everypony else. I was going tomorrow morning, already, and I still had a speech, or at the very least important arguments to write down before I left.
Oh, and sleep. I needed that, too.
It was time to get this decision over with. I walked up to the closet and levitated the dresses over onto my bed.
I looked over them once more and began analysing them. I quickly realised that there were essentially two extremes to choose from. It was the old, traditional dress from Cadence's Wedding which would make me seem like her friend and ally, or my uniform which would intimidate her and ideally show her that the Empire is too strong for her to resist and put up a fight, else she'd risk the lives of millions. I knew Cadence. She could be a staunch defender of her opinion, but she wasn't blind nor stupid. She wouldn't want to see anypony die, especially not in her name.
Or... at least that's how I remember her. Much has changed during these wartime years.
However, the middle dress seemed to be somewhat of a 'neutral' party. It was a nice dress, without question, but failed any remarkable features. As such, it lacked the friendly and familiar look of the wedding dress but also lacked the intimidating effect of the uniform. On the other hoof, it didn't make me seem too soft or even disloyal to the Empire by wearing such an old dress, with which the Princess might not take me seriously. It also didn't make me look scary and, at least to the Princess, evil. And if there was one thing I didn't want her to think when she saw me again after all these many months, it was that I am evil.
In the end, all I wanted and was tasked with was to ask her to submit to the Empress. A relationship between our two nations that was just like before the founding of the Empire. That shouldn't be too hard, right? It was an effective return to the status quo. Sure, things were a lot different here now, but why would Cadence or my brother be afraid of what is right? Why would they fight the Light? If anything, the fact that I step in front of them with such peaceful intentions should show them the way, and make them realise that the only way to true Harmony leads to the Empress.
Although, something was telling me it wasn't gonna be as easy as that...
Regardless, I regained focus. There was no more time to lose, and I needed to make a choice now. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Then another one, as deep as I could.
My horn lit up in its yellow aura, and I watched as my uniform and the white dress flew past me, back into the closet. With a bang, I closed it down and looked back onto the bed.
The Wedding Dress. So many memories. Good Memories. Memories of a past life, an old self...
I turned my back on it and wandered off to the door. I pushed back those memories in order to focus on the here and now. A big task was ahead, one that required focus, timing and a lot of luck. Or so it felt like.
The old, wooden door creaked as I pulled it open with my magic. I stepped outside, looking around but unable to spot anypony. I let out a low sight, knowing what was ahead of me. This would be a long day and an even longer week.
With a loud bang, the door was shut, and I made my way over to the library.
Another loud bang briefly rang through the room as I shut the door.
Today was the day.
I still haven't slept. I would try and lie down for just a few minutes but... I couldn't keep my eyes closed for long. There was always something to do, something to think about.
The Journey to the Crystal City had made me no less uncomfortable. My 'escort', as they called it, consisted of guards and soldiers alike. Motorbikes would drive ahead to scout the road, followed by armoured cars and then, at the very end, me in my little red and golden Carriage. Needless to say, I had tried to lessen the protective efforts, but the soldiers were tasked by the Empress herself.
"It's for your own safety", they said.
I found it hilarious how I was on my way to peace talks, trying to make Cadence believe me that we mean no harm, and yet we somehow decided that driving up an entire division in front of the Palace would give us a good image.
It did not. The Crystal Ponies that boo'ed at us when we arrived proved that.
As I left the Carriage, I was greeted not by Cadence nor my brother, but by two ordinary Love Guards who would lead me to my chambers inside the Palace. I couldn't really believe that neither the Princess nor my own brother would go ahead and greet me after all this time. And yet, again, I suppose a lot has changed since.
Perhaps this was just a first taste of what was to come...
I looked into the mirror after I had put the dress on. I spent some time cleaning and tidying it up before I went ahead and made my way here, though some stains I simply couldn't get rid of. I still fit perfectly, just as it did at the wedding.
The Wedding...
Thinking about it, things weren't as harmonic as I used to believe back then. I mean, Chrysalis and her changelings almost won that day. The only reason they didn't is, well, me. If it weren't for me saving Cadance and suspecting Chrysalis, she would have succeeded with her devilish plot.
And yet, it makes me realise just how weak Equestria was back then. I mean, an entire Changeling Army could make their way across Equestria all the way to Canterlot unnoticed and unopposed. That's not just a sign of weakness, that is embarrassing.
Thankfully, Equestria is weak no more. The Empress realised this in the face of war, and it lead her and Equestria to greatness never before dreamed of. The Solar Empire knows how to deal with those sorts of vermin threatening our way of life. Ponies have now realised what it means to protect Harmony. They know it won't defend itself, and they know the sacrifice they might have to make in order to preserve it.
And all of this, we owe to our Empress Daybreaker. Merciful yet ruthless. Calm yet untamed. Kind yet harsh.
The Empress knew what was best for her and her ponies when she proclaimed the Empire. She knew what it would take, the sacrifices all ponies would need to make, in order to save our Equestrian nation from Changeling Occupation.
The Empress knew. And so do we, if we only follow her guiding light.
My line of thought was interrupted as I heard somepony knocking on the door.
"Prin- err... Mrs. Sparkle?" the pony outside stuttered, unsure of who to call me. Only then was I reminded of my name change. "Princess Cadance is awaiting you now."
I didn't move nor reply for some time. Then I heard the pony's muffled hoofsteps outside as they walked away.
This was it. This was what it all came down to.
I opened the door and walked outside. There was nopony there, but it's not like I needed anypony to escort me or show me the way to the throne room. I used to be a rather frequent visitor, after all.
I made my way down the hallways of the Palace. Those shimmering walls, decorated with the finest of crystals... I had forgotten how beautiful this place was. The floor beneath me was so clean that I could see my reflection in it. Canterlot Palace certainly was different. A lot more... pompous, I suppose.
And so, there it was. The very doors to the Throne room. Whatever was going to happen, it would be decided in there. Another deep, calming breath. I collected myself one more time before I pushed open the gates with my magic.
And there she was. Cadence, sitting on her Crystal throne as she watched me come closer. I was unsure what to make of her facial expression. Part of her looked stern and hostile, and yet another looked happy and overjoyed to see me again.
"Your Majesty, Twilight Sparkle of Equestria!" a guard announced to her. I briefly turned my head and frowned at him after hearing him call me by my old self's name.
"Twily, it's good to see you again," Cadence spoke up. She tried to sound monotone but wasn't really too good at hiding her joy, in the end.
I was about to bow when my mind halted the action and I nodded in response, instead. "It is good to see you again, as well, Cadence. Although, I don't go by my old name anymore. Sunrise Sparkle would be preferred." I attempted to make my request as nice-sounding as possible.
The Princess took a moment to think before answering. "Very well, 'Sunrise'." Her voice was not nearly as happy as before. Something told me I already screwed up...
"Thank you. Now, shall we get on with our, how should I say, official business?"
"Yes, though I believe there is not much to say."
I gulped silently. "Out of all the ponies, Cadence, you would be kind and wise enough to make the right decision in this matter, would you not?"
"Indeed, and that's why I have nothing to tell you. Nothing except 'no'."
I raised an eyebrow. "I'm... sorry?" I asked confusedly.
"No. And we both know what question that no refers to."
I sighed. I knew it. I knew it! In the Empress' name, I knew it! It had to come to this!
"Cadence, I beg you. Think about this." The Princess remained silent, staring me down silently. "I myself have submitted to the Empress, to the Light. Do I look like a criminal to you? Like a villain?"
Cadence broke eye contact and gave out a quiet noise. No, it was... was it sobbing?
"Cadence, I..." I stuttered awkwardly, "I'm so sorry."
"Twily..." she cried quietly. "Twily, why?" she asked, more clear this time as she turned to face me again.
"Why what?" I returned with a raised eyebrow.
"Why did... why have you done this?"
I opened my mouth to reply before she cut me off. "Why would you betray me? Me and your brother both?"
"Betray you? I... I didn't. I never have. You both know I love you." I sighed and eyed the ground for a moment. "Right?"
"Don't be silly. Your brother and I always loved you, Twi. It's just that..." she didn't finish her sentence and fell back into silence.
"I know that everything that has happened must be... scary for you. I do. The Empress, the Solar Empire, the entire war on the Changelings... all of it must be quite, well, overwhelming. But please, Cadence, please, I beg of you... do not reject this proposal. If you reject, nopony wins. Accept, and everything will go back to normal, and together we can win this war."
Cadence wiped the tears off her face. "You know..." she said, "I, too, had to make sacrifices during this war. Your Empress is not the only one. Your brother, eager and proud as he is, insisted on leading the charge against those beasts. There is not a single sleepless night where I don't think and worry about him. My ponies have been asking, pleading for food rations around the Palace, but there is just nothing to give them. This war has bled us dry, Twilight. And yet we still held out, together. Did you see me becoming an insane, dictatorial maniac? A Maniac like your 'Empres'?"
"Millions of Equestrian lives were lost in the war at the time, it was the only way for her to save us from certain doom!" I reacted hot-headed.
"And who told you this?"
"Our Empress has done everything in her power to push back the Changelings and preserve Harmony in Equestria, that is the truth and you know it!" I added, ignoring her question.
"The only thing I know is that she taught you what she wanted you to think. Lies, nothing but lies!" Cadence shouted back at me.
I was just about to shout back when I reminded myself that this was going nowhere, except for safe failure. I had to be calm if this was going to end in anything other than bloodshed.
"Cadence, I know how hard this is for you believe, but come on. It's me, don't you recognise me? I'm even wearing this old dress of mine, a gesture that I thought you'd appreciate. Though, I suppose I thought wrong. I'm trying to make you realise that I am not some mindless puppet. I have changed, yes. But many things have changed in the course of history and during this war. It's only natural. Change doesn't have to be bad, Cadence."
The Princess now, too, collected herself again.
"Please. Shining wouldn't want us to fight..." I pleaded with her.
"I... I suppose he would not," the Alicorn said reluctantly. "And yet, I still don't believe my ponies' future lies in Cel-" she interrupted and corrected herself "ahem, the Empress."
"I knew you would say that, and I see your point. However, I can assure you that she only has good intentions. All of us only wish to protect our way of life, to hold onto Harmony. That is what you want, too, right?"
"I... suppose so, yes."
"So then, would you not want to submit to her and end this bloodshed twice as quickly and save millions of ponies who would have died during that time?"
All was quiet for some time. The Princess was lost in thought, and I stood there in front of her, almost frozen in place. I followed her gaze. It was a constant switch between looking at the floor, thinking, and looking at me.
"I acknowledge you wanting to help us, Twilight. As I have already mentioned, the current situation of the Crystal Empire is... less than ideal. We have been struggling to fight this war which neither of our nations have provoked, and yet we held out, not as one but together. And while I laid in my bed every night fearing for my husband, I knew he was fighting for my freedom, for the freedom of us all. And to answer your previous question: No, I know you're not a mindless puppet, Twily. You could never be. I know that you might have reasons for what you do and what you fight for, even if they are not in line with mine. Just know, little Sister, that I will always love you, no matter who or what you are."
I smiled and nodded in response.
"However, as much as it pains me to say it, I simply cannot agree and submit to your Empress. Our interpretations of 'Harmony', as you call it, differ too much for me. The news and reports that have reached me regarding how you treat your own ponies is highly disturbing, and the totalitarian nature of your Empress leaves me with no choice."
My smile faded away.
"I must reject."
My brain was a mix of anger, sadness and panic.
"Cadence, you can't do this. There will never be any talks again! The Empress will not stand for this! She'll order an invasion and... and you might die..."
Cadence watched as I began to tear up.
"Please, I don't want this. Not now, not ever. I don't want to lose you two..."
My sobbing became louder.
"Perhaps you should ask your graceful Empress to call off the attack, then," she replied in a cold voice.
I looked up to her. My vision was blurred behind all the tears in my eyes.
"I'm so sorry, Twilight. But it's the only choice I have..."
Before I could say anything else I was grabbed and pulled back by two armed guards. I cried and shouted incomprehensibly at Cadence, but to no avail. The two guards dragged me out of the room and simply dropped me on the ice cold ground.
The next thing I heard was them shutting the doors behind me. Then, there was only silence as I laid on the ground, tearing up.
I had failed. And as a result, millions would lose their lives.
