I thumbed slowly through the large tome, slowing whenever I found another lovingly handcrafted map. I couldn't imagine how much something like this was worth. Bound with what felt like real leather, stitched by hand, with every word reproduced by an individual rather than a machine. More impressive still was just how well they had managed to do the images.

The maps had surprising detail, and after looking over them I had a fairly good idea of the geography of this world. Or at least most of it anyway, as the edges were incomplete, with a chapter dedicated to theories on what lay beyond. It was amusing to see the pony’s postulate on what may lay beyond their sphere of influence but ultimately wasn't important so I skipped it for the most part.

Focusing mainly on Equestria, I took in every detail, pouring over the finer points like elevation and settlement location until I could recall it from memory. I learned quickly, faster even than I had in life, the extra edge likely given by having the brain of an alicorn, or maybe it was just magic. Either way, it took little effort to commit everything to memory, and so far I hadn't forgotten a single thing I had read so far.

Not like it had been long mind you, as little more than a few short days had passed. During this time I had read ravenously, devouring every tome offered to me, and engaging in as much conversation as I was allowed.

Of particular interest were the southern lands marked with storm clouds and warnings to not travel there. The land was known for being a lawless wasteland where warlords ruled and the common people were trampled underfoot. There were notes about the vast metal reserves, and easily mined veins of rare, magical ores but they bore an addendum that reminded the reader that it wasn't worth the effort.

“What an interesting place,” I mused aloud.

Setting aside the geography book for the moment I ran my deadened fingers across the spines of the other books. I had only one left that I had yet to read so I was holding off until I was given more lest I end up sitting there, bored and bitter with nothing to do. Still, from the light skimming I had done, it was an intriguing potential read and the brief explanation of Equestria’s system of government was baffling.

“At least they are sort of democratic,” I murmured. “Though how they managed to hold together such a mess is beyond me. A noble council sitting atop an elected body atop which is a diararchy is convoluted enough as is but add on top of that the fact that technically Equestria is a union of city-states makes it sound like no thought or effort went into this at all.”

I scoffed.

“The states themselves can just leave whenever too, they don't even need the consent of the crown,” I added. “It is an environment rife for conflict and deadlock. Two things the people of Equestria are likely about to experience in spades. It makes me wonder just how much Celestia’s cult of personality held it all together and how bad things will get without her.”

“But how to fix it?” I asked aloud, drumming my fingers along the cover of the book.

My thoughts were interrupted by the door to the sanctum opening, and Luna appearing. She carried with her thick black robes, and a heavy veil so thick it would make seeing through it probably pretty difficult. She also had with her a few books, though I couldn't see their titles from this angle.

“Good evening,” I intoned, modulating my voice so it was flat, monotone, and less feminine sounding. “I hope you are well, Luna.”

“I have been worse,” Luna replied.

She stopped just shy of the barrier to my cell and used some manner of spell I had not seen before. She then stepped through and deposited her load atop the table gifted to me along with the first batch of books.

“Excellent work with your voice by the way,” Luna commented.

“It feels nice to have a less feminine voice, I admit,” I exclaimed. “It didn't feel like it fit me.”

Luna grunted and stepped back out of the barrier before turning around. I quickly deduced why she had done this and shed my limited clothing before donning the heavy robes and veil. Though I thought it would have gotten in the way, the cloth actually did little to obscure my vision. This was likely due to me no longer seeing with my actual eyes.

“I was perusing the book of names you dropped off yesterday,” I began, shifting the robes around until they settled a bit more comfortably. “And I think I found one I like.”

“Ahh good. I can't keep calling you it, or you,” Luna added.

“And my old name no longer fits me either,” I replied. “You may turn around.”

Luna did so, stepping back into the barrier, and sitting down at the table. I sat across from her, took a moment to adjust the floor-length black robes, and pulled my seat forward.

“And?” Luna prompted. “What did you decide on?”

“The new age names were interesting, but felt ill-fitting and rather silly if I’m being frank,” I began. “The old names though. Those were quite fascinating.”

“From the times before the great migration?” Luna mused. “Those were interesting names indeed. Back then they were all infused with the heartsong, and carried with them great weight.”

“Interesting.”

“So, which one spoke to you?” Luna pressed.

“Melko,” I replied. “I don't know why, but it felt nostalgic for some reason though I can't recall ever having seen it before.”

“The mighty one? A fitting name, though there are some who translate it to mean tyrant, or conqueror,” Luna added, her face neutral and unreadable.

“Curious,” I murmured. “But with that aside I had one question before we began.”

“Go ahead,” Luna offered.

“How exactly are you going to untangle the mess that is your governmental system?” I inquired.

“I’m not sure what you mean,” Luna retorted, her gaze narrowing.

“From what you’ve mentioned things are becoming rather chaotic out there,” I began, hoping to sound diplomatic. “And this layering of elected and unelected is likely to cause even more friction as the nobility will have differing economic interests than the elected body they stand atop of.”

Luna’s expression softened, and she gained a slightly more pensive look.

“In such times the ability to act quickly will be paramount to the security of your nation,” I continued. “If things become any worse it seems likely that you might be facing a constitutional crisis or perhaps even a full-blown civil war.”

“Surely it won't be that bad,” Luna countered.

“Maybe,” I admitted with a shrug. “But when the opportunity to not pay federal taxes rises, business interests will inevitably push for succession. The people may even back this movement now that they do not have Celestia to hold it all together with her cult of personality.”

“My sister would not foment a cult,” Luna growled.

“It's just an expression,” I quickly offered, splaying my hands defensively. “Anyone with influence, power, and a commanding public presence will have a cult of personality around them. It is the way of people to seek out and venerate those they consider responsible for their prosperity.”

“You aren't wrong there,” Luna murmured.

“So I’m just wondering if you had some manner of plan to deal with this. Perhaps some kind of emergency powers the crown could claim for a limited time while you straighten the tangled web of power that holds up the throne,” I concluded, taking my head from my shoulders and placing it on the table, fingers interlocked to better support my stump of a neck.

“I’ve considered something like that,” Luna answered after a brief pause. “Forgive me if I don't go into detail with you.”

“Think nothing of it. It is simply good to what that it is on your mind,” I exclaimed. “Any updates on your other issues? I heard that your reforms within the guard have been at least partially successful.”

“Did Gleaming Shield tell you all that?” Luna asked, her tone accusatory, but not demanding.

“Indeed. We talk on occasion,” I answered. “She is a better conversationalist than I had originally anticipated.”

“Hmm,” Luna murmured. “To be frank, things are not looking good, and Gleaming Shield may have been overselling our recent victories.”

“Oh?” I prompted, encouraging her to continue.

“Instituting more meritocratic measures at the lower ranks has been easy but it stops there,” Luna began. “The generals are landed gentry one and all so they each have a say in the house of nobles. There they have gathered allies and created a voting bloc just large enough to stymie any changes I attempt to institute.”

“And there is no way to overrule them I suppose. An executive action of some kind maybe?” I gently offered.

“No. The only one capable of such a move would be my sister,” Luna remarked bitterly, arms crossing over her chest. “Each of our guards is in essence a small army that owes allegiance only to us and without Celestia around, it is her senior staff who hold sway over the organization at the moment.”

“Unfortunate.”

“Quite, and things only grow worse from there,” Luna pressed on, rising from her chair and beginning to pace back and forth. “The people are restless, and the number of people agitating for change grows by the day. Some of them I understand. Those seeking a greater part in the democratic process for example, and Manehatten jockeying for special privileges considering their economic importance.”

“But it's these damnable separatists that I can't stand,” Luna spat, her fists clenching at her sides. “My sister isn't even in the ground yet and already they are signaling that they may depart the union. I knew trouble like this would arise, but I did not think it would come so soon. And all that is without even mentioning the griffons beginning to draft some sort of resolution to retake some barren strip of dirt they ceded to us almost a millennia ago!”

Luna took a long breath, then sighed, and fell back into her chair, defeated.

“It seems like all of sister dearest’s efforts to ingrain a sense of community has vanished along with her,” Luna finally concluded.

“Well she's not totally gone though, right?” I tentatively pressed. “You had mentioned that there was a possibility she could be brought back, at least in a fashion.”

“Yes there is a way but I have to complete another test. Thankfully I managed to get enough time this morning to review the necessary spell,” Luna added.

“What do you need from me?” I offered.

“Nothing. Just, sit back and stay quiet please,” Luna replied. “I’ll be in essence, scanning your soul which although isn't pleasant is at least not a painful experience.”

I sat patiently as Luna bowed her head, and began muttering some manner of litany under her breath. Her horn soon started to glow, and I felt an alien warmth worm its way into my torso. There it burrowed into the core of my being and kept going, only stopping after it felt like it had pierced my soul. The sensation was indeed unpleasant, and the closest thing I could describe it as would be receiving a spinal biopsy only somehow even weirder.

“There,” Luna murmured, her horn dulling and the spell dissipating. “I should have the results in a few moments.”

I watched as the alicorn’s eyes glazed over, becoming grey and unseeing for several seconds. When they returned to normal, Luna wore an odd, almost puzzled expression though it was quickly brushed aside.

“It is as you said,” Luna began, pausing to carefully consider her words before continuing. “You have a composite soul. One that is part you, part Celestia, and part Sol itself. However there is something else present as well. It makes up almost as large a part of you as well, you. Only where you, and Celestia are bricks, this other presence is mere mortar, holding it all together.”

“What is it, exactly?” I inquired, growing nervous.

“I don't know for certain but upon first glance, it looks a bit like it could be the residue left behind by dark magic,” Luna answered uncertainly. “Though it is not truly dark magic as you are likely thinking but rather an older form of magic, one that people of this age find disagreeable.”

“That is… good?”

“It explains how this is even possible in the first place,” Luna explained. “Like I mentioned, this dark power is the mortar that holds your fragmented soul together though how Sol plucked such magic from the void is beyond me. There should be nothing there, obviously.”

“Odd,” I muttered.

“More importantly,” Luna began again. “I’ve determined that there is almost as much Celestia present as there is you. More than enough to draw out anyway.”

“And by the sound of your voice you have an idea of how to do so,” I added.

“Indeed I do,” Luna declared, sitting a little straighter. “Though I must inform you of the risks.”

“What are we talking about exactly? Ego death? Getting sent back to oblivion?” I replied.

“Or a dual consciousness, among many other possibilities that aren't quite so unpleasant,” Luna added. “We can't be certain what will happen.”

“And that is a risk you are willing to take?” I pressed.

“Yes,” Luna stated firmly.

“Alright then. When do we begin this little process?”

“Now.”

“Like, right now?” I asked, slightly confused. “I assumed you were busy.”

“I am but this hopefully won't take long,” Luna answered.

“So what exactly happens now?”

“I put you to sleep, enter your dream, and prompt a few key memories from Celestia’s past. Hopefully, that will garner enough of a reaction that I’ll be able to latch onto her mind and drag it to the surface,” Luna explained.

“Interesting. And this will take a few hours then?”

“A few minutes at most,” Luna dismissed. “Time will expand within the dream realm and though I’d like to continue the session until I’ve managed to locate her, the spell is exhausting and I’ll likely only have the strength for a single memory at a time.”

“Alright then,” I declared. “Ready when you are.”

Author's Note

Join me over on patreon or Subscribestar and get instant access to exclusive content and early looks at new stories, patreon only stories and other great stuff! Check it out!
Or just join the discord to ensure that you dont miss an update.

Below are a list of supporters some past, some present that have earned my eternal gratitude. Thank you All.

Jimmi Kristensen Demonxenomorph1987 Orivon Kloud Strahil Terziiski Jesse Goodnight Jessie Smith Kiddwizard Sebastian Molina Ozxecho Damien Scerri David Hedrick Owen Thomas Morr Szilard Afell Tale Weirdocat Dragonus85 Derpydude9001 Generic Pony Yaki Lolman3121 Elysia Joshua Crowell Little Insane Joshua Molina Boonman Lavamoon Big Corn Ewan Maclean OSK Mrburgerdon 2scoopsplz Lacunae Dale Thatguyplays32 Geraldo Plock ConfusAJ Verge T Pensive Random Videos Eclipse_Corp. Lotus Petals ChrisBarnes Mathew Whitney Trixie Lulamoon Matias Duran Aang Sylver SRGTartman Tacocat598 MestreJ Nightwing Dragon'ssheppard1995 Venerable Ro Lich Lord Krosis Canary In The Coal Mine Spacedude Ceepert Peter Coulthard Tom Facinus M VI Watch Starless Tiwake Tailsic Nightwing Sunset Flash.