Life had become very interesting since Celestia had cast aside her name and former title to take on the mantle of Queen Daybreaker. At the time it had seemed like a necessary change—something she felt she'd needed to bear the burden of what she felt she had to do. The drastic steps she had to take to prevent any more tragedies like...

Well, she'd decided to look to the future. Everything she'd done since that day had been for the sake of Equestria's safety. For the nation's future. For Her Little Ponies. It had been difficult at first. There'd been doubts. So many doubts and worries and reservations and hesitation... but it had gotten easier. Eventually. The change to her appearance had been somewhat unexpected if Daybreaker was being honest.

If she was being honest, she hadn't thought she'd had it in her to become something like this. This blazing inferno. This living embodiment of that unbearably incandescent star in the sky. She was a demon shrouded in the flames of Tartarus—the true Tartarus—and in the beginning, at least, she'd been horrified at what she'd become. There'd been so much emotion. So much grief and agony and fury.

The madness had taken her in the brief moment after what she'd done. What she had been forced to do. It was only a moment, a mere few seconds that she'd lost control of herself, but that had been enough. By the time she'd regained her senses, Daybreaker had already taken hold, and it would not let her go. Celestia often thought about the transformation and often wondered if it was perhaps some kind of curse unique to alicorns.

Not that it really mattered. After all, what's done is done, and there was no changing it now. She'd had some kind of plan involving the Elements, but that had come to nothing. Had that plan worked she might've saved her sister. Had that plan worked, none of this would've come to pass, but it was far too late now. Now the Elements were out of her reach, and the stones hadn't seen fit to choose another successor.

Her Solar Guard Captain might've been a decent candidate once, but that ship left shore the moment she'd first chosen to take the life of another sapient creature willingly. It wasn't even really about the murder itself, Celestia knew it wasn't—although her methods had been questionable even by her own standards. It was the malicious intent. The want. The borderline need to do what she did.

No, there was no hope of going back to the way things were before the Vanhoover Incident. Not for Twilight Sparkle, not for Equestria or the rest of its citizens, and certainly not for Celestia. Daybreaker was here to stay, and though it had taken time for her to accept that, accept it she did in the end. All she could do now was use her newfound power to strengthen and protect what was hers.

If she wound up looking like a tyrant in the eyes of her subjects, then so be it. So long as Equestria was strong enough to defend against any threats, be they internal or external, then it was worth her tarnished image. Of course, having chosen that path, certain decisions needed to be made for the greater good of her kingdom.

Daybreaker currently found herself contemplating a few of those decisions as she thoughtfully eyed the stone-grey stallion from over the rim of her teacup. The stallion in question sat across from her, the both of them seated at a small round crystalline table on a balcony overlooking the entirety of the Crystal Empire. The balcony was on the uppermost floor of a castle that was arguably even more opulent and beautiful than Daybreaker's own royal abode back in Canterlot.

This, of course, meant nothing to the Queen who only had eyes for the Emperor sitting before her. Well, he called himself a King but again that was neither here nor there. There were more important things to consider in this meeting than useless semantics. Namely, how to proceed now that King Sombra had given Daybreaker his answer.

After another moment of thoughtful silence, Daybreaker sighed, setting her cup back down on its saucer just as Sombra picked his up to take a sip.

"Will you not reconsider?" she finally asked, "I understand that you've had no hoof in Equestria's current predicament but surely you can understand my concerns regarding your own practices?"

Sombra took a moment to finish off the rest of his own cup of tea before responding. Once he was done, he set his cup down and looked Daybreaker in the eye, his ruby-red gaze meeting the placid stare of her predatory golden irides. Another quiet moment passed before he gave the fiery maned mare a smile oozing with false sympathy.

"I understand and acknowledge your distaste for my admittedly heavy-hoofed policies, Your Highness," he replied apologetically, "with that said, I have no intention of relaxing those laws in the slightest, even if that means giving up an alliance with Equestria."

Daybreaker frowned.

"Rest assured, though," the stallion continued, his tone turning placative, "should any of your more undesirable subjects try to bring their 'merchandise' beyond the border of Equestria and into the Crystal Empire they will be detained and you will be the first to know."

"And why, may I ask, must you continue to foist these outrageous laws upon your own subjects?" Daybreaker's frown deepened a fraction, "I've walked the streets of the Crystal Empire, Sombra. I've seen the sorry state of crystal ponies under your rule. They're weak, downtrodden, hungry, tired, terrified." Her eyes narrowed slightly as she spoke, "Why? For what reason must things continue to be this way?"

"Ah, so that's how we're playing it then, is it?" Sombra snorted in amusement, "very well then. If we're going to talk about leisurely jaunts then I'll have you know I've taken a few trips down to Equestria myself, Your Highness—incognito, of course."

"Oh?"

Daybreaker's expression shifted into something like wary interest. Sombra nodded and gave his empty cup a pensive glance before speaking again.

"You wish to make your kingdom strong," he continued with an approving look in Daybreaker's direction, "to not only protect your subjects but to give them the means to protect themselves should the worst happen. I can respect that, really," his approving smile fell away, "but tell me, Queen Daybreaker, have you considered what you might be giving up in return?"

"You talk of peace and stability," Daybreaker replied, matching Sombra's serious expression, "you talk of the love and respect of my subjects, yes?"

"Ah, Celestia," Sombra sighed with a shake of his head, "even under this new persona and title you are still the same mare that challenged me so many moons ago. All that fire and determination and yet you still make the same mistakes."

"The same mistakes," Daybreaker repeated snidely, "if I recall, my sister and I were able to push back your forces, defeating you so thoroughly that you had no choice but to flee into the Abyss with your usurped empire for a thousand years."

"And here I am now," Sombra readily replied with open hooves, "once more free to reign over my usurped empire," he leaned over the table, propping his head on one upturned hoof as he continued to address the grimacing mare, "you're not the only one who can play the long game, Your Highness, but then that's the problem, isn't it?"

A brief flash of irritation made the corners of Daybreaker's mouth twitch but she held her passive expression as she polished off the rest of her tea.

"Creatures like you and I only tend to see the bigger picture," Sombra persisted, "plans, schemes, machinations that span dozens to hundreds to thousands of years. So many years that the smaller problems get lost in the shuffle."

"You think me too farsighted," Daybreaker surmised, setting her cup down with an unamused scowl, "that immediate issues and consequences are ignored in favor of future gains and goals," she shook her head once, "you are not the first to bring such concerns to my attention, Sombra. Indeed, I find it strange that it's a concern of yours at all."

"I only mean to point out the hypocrisy of your accusations," Sombra replied easily, "I will not deny that the crystal ponies are suffering, but there is little I can do at this juncture to ease the current circumstances," his relaxed grin fell into a grim frown, "the collective memories of every crystal pony in the empire was not the only thing that was lost when we returned from the Abyss, Celestia."

"Really?" Daybreaker's eyebrows rose a fraction, "this is the first I've heard of any additional side effects. I suppose whatever else it is that you've lost is what drives you to push your subjects so far?"

"It is," Sombra curtly affirmed. Both his tone and eyes grew steely as he spoke, "I will not divulge them here, not now, but there are reasons for the path I've chosen. Even if they hate me now, the citizens will come to see the necessity of what I do and thank me for it. In time."

Daybreaker quietly searched the stallion's eyes for a moment, trying to find any hint of deceit or insincerity. To her surprise, she found none whatsoever in those crimson eyes so heavily dipped in dark magic. She mulled his words over for another second before giving a slow nod of—not respect, but something close to it. She pushed her curiosity and suspicion down for the time being.

She had several ways to unravel the motives of the Emperor-King, but that could wait until she had her own affairs in order.

"Fair enough," she finally replied, "keep your secrets then, but know that while your subjects slave away in the Crystal Mines and while you continue to produce and distribute those wretched helmets, you'll receive no support from Equestria."

"Forgive me, Your Highness," Sombra replied with a sardonic chuckle, "but I believe, at this point, your support would be more cost than benefit."

Again that flash of irritation hit Daybreaker and this time she couldn't help a slight flaring of her burning mane. "You say this knowing what kind of political power Equestria wields over the other nations?"

"Ah, but it is the wrath of those very nations that worry me," Sombra's expression changed to one of genuine concern and bemusement, "surely you must be aware of what effect your militaristic pursuits have had on the countries surrounding your kingdom?"

At this, Daybreaker grinned, her gleaming fangs on full display.

"Oh, I'm well aware of what the other nations think of me and my pursuits," she answered, then gave the stallion another unamused scowl, "I'm not as ignorant of my actions as you seem to believe. I know both my subjects and the surrounding countries are scared of me and what I'm turning Equestria into, but like you, I have no choice but to push forward regardless."

"And the sun?" Sombra inquired, "these overlong days are hurting more than just Equestria, Your Highness. Many believe you've either gone the way of the vainglorious tyrant or have grown fearful of the night since—"

Daybreaker's eyes narrowed, her burning aura flaring dangerously.

"I'll thank you not to finish that sentence, King Sombra."

Sombra just sighed and shook his head in response.

"All I'm saying is that you're playing an exceedingly dangerous game this time, Celestia," he continued, "the two of us have never been anything close to friends or allies in the past but I've been where you are now and I've learned my lesson," he watched the mare carefully, "I have certain measures in place should the citizens of my empire turn on me while I'm still consolidating my power, but even should that happen, it will only affect the Crystal Empire. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

"You fear the other nations will turn against me?" Daybreaker guessed, her expression skeptical, "no, I don't believe that will be a problem, for several reasons," she leaned back in her chair and turned a musing gaze to the sky above, "this isn't the only diplomatic venture I plan to make in the coming weeks and even should things take a turn for the worst, I have my deterrents against an all-out war."

"The sun," Sombra surmised with a grimace.

"Precisely," Daybreaker nodded, a vicious grin splitting her demonic features, "I can utilize the sun's power in ways I've never shown to anypony, not even my sister. And even without the use of the sun, I'm still the most powerful creature in the world as things stand now. This is no mere boast or simple hubris, it is an immutable fact and the other nations know it."

Sombra couldn't help but laugh out loud at that. It was a booming, mirthful sound that pressed against Daybreaker's nerves, but thankfully it didn't last long before he spoke again.

"Careful, Your Highness," he replied, still smiling darkly, "it's that kind of thinking that brought me low so long ago. That you are the strongest in the world is something you can never know for certain. I believe those were the exact words you spoke to me on the eve of our final battle."

"And wise words they were," Daybreaker conceded with a nod of acknowledgment, "which is why I've taken great pains over the years to ensure that any potential threats are dealt with swiftly and thoroughly," she tilted her head slightly, her look one of innocent curiosity, "tell me, King Sombra, do you see this long term endeavor of yours getting in the way of my own plans for the future?"

"That depends, Queen Daybreaker," Sombra replied, his stony features giving nothing away, "do you intend to involve the Crystal Empire in those future plans?"

The two of them silently held each other's gaze for a long moment. Daybreaker let the tension build for a bit before dispelling it with a light chuckle. She pushed her chair back from the table and stood up. A crystal pony servant who'd been standing by near the entrance to the balcony took that as his cue and moved to collect Daybreaker's empty cup and saucer. She ignored the pony as he gathered up hers and Sombra's cups and gave Sombra a reassuring smile.

"If you wish to be left to your own devices then I won't interfere," she assured, "I have no intention of dragging you into my schemes so you needn't worry about that either," as she turned to leave she smiled at Sombra from over her shoulder, "having said that, I am always open to negotiation should you decide to change your mind."

Sombra smiled in turn, but it was a mirthless, bitter thing that didn't reach his eyes.

"With all due respect, Your Highness, it has been a long day and I still have much to do. I'll be sure to send a messenger your way should I choose to reconsider your offer."

Daybreaker cackled wickedly at the stallion's response and continued into the castle, another one of the King's attendants following right after her.

"Farewell, King Sombra," she called back, "I wish you luck in your oh-so-important task. Oh, and thank you again for the tea. It was... exquisite."

Sombra watched from his seat on the balcony as Daybreaker and his attendant disappeared down a distant corridor within the castle. Once they were gone he leaned against the back of his chair, closed his eyes, and let out a quiet, shaky breath. Fear and fury welled up within him in equal measure, but he viciously forced both emotions back down. This time he let out a calming breath as he stood up.

"With the way things are going that mare is going to be the death of us all," he muttered bitterly, "it's only a matter of time."

"An amusing observation, coming from the stallion once feared as the King of Monsters."

Sombra grimaced at the sound of that deep, teasing feminine tone and cast a glance over to the servant who'd collected the cups and saucers. The crystal stallion stood casually off to one side of the balcony's entrance, watching the King with an impish smile. He blinked and his dull amber irides vanished, replaced with hungry cat-like eyes that shone with an unnatural emerald green glow. The crockery was nowhere to be seen.

"Why am I not surprised?" Sombra sighed, "a bit bold to be revealing yourself while Daybreaker is still within my castle, don't you think?"

"Oh, it's fine, this here is just a proxy," the other stallion replied with a dismissive wave of his crystalline hoof, "my real body is back in Canterlot and the wanna-be tyrant will soon have other things to occupy her attention anyway," his green eyes flashed, and one of the teacups popped into existence before falling into an upturned hoof. He eyed it with a frown, "honestly, that mare really is a monster. Not even I'd come away unscathed from that kind of poison and she just downed it and went on her merry way."

Sombra, who up until that point had been looking out over the snowy horizon, whipped around to face his servant, his eyes bulging.

"You tried to poison Celestia in my castle?" he hissed, "alicorns have an all-encompassing immunity to poisons you fool! You know this and there is no way that she doesn't know what you've done! I will be the one to bear the consequences should she decide to retaliate!"

"Oh relax," the stallion huffed with a roll of his lambent eyes. He tossed the teacup in the air and it vanished with another pop, "do you think this is the first time someone's attempted to poison her? She's been dealing with those kinds of dirty tactics since long before Queen Daybreaker. She won't hold it against you, trust me."

"And I suppose you would know," Sombra replied somewhat skeptically.

"I would," the stallion nodded, "after all, my children and I are the ones that made most of those attempts. Still, though, I thought that little concoction would work for sure."

Sombra just shook his head and turned to look once more down at his empire.

"You mentioned that Celestia will have her attention diverted elsewhere," he continued after a moment, "what did you mean? Have you finally decided to make your move?"

"No, it's still too soon," the stallion replied, his tone and expression growing solemn, "I'm still stationed at the castle for the moment, but Celestia is planning to bring two of her strongest Solar Guards with her to Griffonia as a show of force and I'll be one of them along with the Captain."

"Ha! A diplomatic venture indeed," Sombra snorted, "but if not you, then what else could be tying up her attention?"

The servant smiled a small mysterious smile.

"That, my dear King, is a question I would very much like to know the answer to myself."

Author's Note

Sorry for the long wait, the writer's block on this story was especially bad. Turns out I just needed a shift of perspective and this was actually a fun chapter to write to boot.