Author's Note
This is my very first fanfiction,
I'm not much a writer but and this was my first attempt...
Original Story
Prologue
One thousand years ago, Castle of the Two Sisters, moments after the battle between Princess Celestia and Nightmare Moon, Princess Twilight Andromeda Sparkle
She kept Galloping, making her way towards the throne room.
She had to find the midnight blue alicorn mare she called mother, But with every passing second, she was growing more tired.
The stars above the castle gave off an aura of sorrow, and pain that only the alicorn filly could sense.
The castle was shaking, and the sounds of Rubble breaking away from the castle could be heard across the whole city. she was starting to feel weak as if her life force was draining away.
Twilight had finally made it to the doors to the throne room. Trying as hard as she could, the Five-year-old foal pushed open the door just enough to get in.
The once glorious throne room had been heavily damaged. The roof had collapsed in on itself, and in the middle of the room a wounded white Alicorn mare laid crying staring up at the moon, where the image of a unicorn had been just recently burned into it. around her 5 spherical stones lay dormant, once being the elements of harmony.
she dragged herself towards the larger alicorn with the rest of her strength.
“Auntie Tia, where is Mother, and why are you crying?” she asked, Celestia, looked down at her before breaking down into tears once more.
“Please Twilight!” the white alicorn begged Wrapping the Filly in her wings as she cried, It took only a few moments before she noticed something was wrong.
The filly had passed out in her embrace, she looked down in horror at her niece, she was lighter than usual and sickly, she had a fever and her bones were showing through her lavender coat. Moments later three other ponies barged into the throne room, two of the solar guard and their captain.
“Your Highness,” the captain started while giving a bow, “Nightmare’s forces have been pushed-”, he froze on the sight of Princess Celestia and Twilight. Celestia looked up at the captain with panic in her eyes.
“GET HERBALIST GREENSHADE NOW!” she yelled. The captain cringed back in shock before bolting out of the room, followed by the guards,
The white alicorn then turned back to Twilight.
"Don't worry, you're going to be fine... " Celestia cooed, "you have to be... I can't lose you too", she whispered to herself looking back up to the moon.
The white alicorn took Twilight back to Luna’s old Chambers and laid her down on her bed. she looked around the room that once belonged to both Luna and Twilight, the tapestries had been torn, and the furnishings were mostly broken.
'Oh Luna, what brought you to this, I thought we were family.', she thought to herself while tracing a hoof through one of two hoof shaped cracks in the stone flooring.
There was a light knock on the open door and a grey unicorn stallion with a brown mane and tail walked into the room while taking off his hat.
"I am here at your request, Your Highness, my name is Greenshade," he announced while bowing.
Princess Celestia sat next to the bed, watching over Twilight's sleeping body, only glancing over to Greenshade to motion him to approached twilight.
The unicorn's horn lit up as he did.
A green aura covered the filly, the magic light danced around her trying to find any source of what may ail her, however, the color of the aura slowly turned black and the dancing lights stopped the search, only to lash out in anger instead causing the filly to turn on her side, riving in pain.
Seeing this he immediately canceled his spell, eyes widened he gasped in surprise.
"Impossible..."
"W-what is it?" Princess Celestia asked, her voice trembling in fear of the coming news, the stallion gulped.
"I-I'm sorry y-your highness, but Princess Twilight appears to have been, corrupted by dark magic.", the stallion Stammered.
"As we speak it's draining away at her life... there is nothing medicinal herbs can do to stop it", he finished nervously while meeting Celestia's gaze. Princess Celestia closed her eyes and turned back to Twilight.
"So there is nothing we can do..." she whimpered barely being able to keep her regal mask.
"Well, there is one way," facing twilight, the Stallion continued, "but the procedure required would put a lot of strain on her body, especially for a foal. It will leave her weakened, and there is no telling when, or even if she will ever awaken from the coma she will inevitably enter, even if she did awaken she would have Amnesia up to that point." the stallion explained
The Princess sat in silence for a moment, thinking over the option.
"Even if she does not remember where she came from, Twilight deserves to live, even in the end if I become nothing more than a stranger to her," she thought to herself.
Celestia turned to him almost in a glare.
"Greenshade, If there is any way of saving my sister's daughter, then do it. I don't care how long I would half to wait, I... I will protect her." she said, a tear finally escaping down her face.
Closing his eyes, he sighed before getting up and re-lighting his horn, the green aura covered the filly once more.
As Twilight once more squirmed in pain, he did not stop.
Siphoning the alicorn filly's earth pony and pegasi magic, Greenshade redirected the power to seal away the dark magic within her. Twilight's feathers started to fall off and her wings began to fade, and with that, the vibrant stars in the sky started to dim to almost nothing.
Once finished he got up, and made his way to the door, only stopping after taking hold of the doorknob and putting his hat back on.
"She is no longer dying... I have my doubts that she would ever awaken, I'm sorry your highness..." he said before making his leave.
She did not respond as silent sobs overtook her, not once taking her gaze off Twilight, while the door to Luna's chambers closed.
Nightmare moon's Military Encampment, on the hillside just outside the capital of Dream Valley, Captain Noctis of the Lunar Guard
Exiting his tent Captain Noctis walked to the cliffside overlooking the castle of the Two Sisters, in anger he plunged his sword into the ground beside him, taking off his helmet, he placed it on the pommel of his sword.
He looked up to the stars, the bright lights that once lit up the night sky had begun dimming to almost nothing, by doing so Leaving the world in a veil of Darkness, other than the light of the moon itself. He stared up in horror gazing at his Empress's new prison.
As he stood there his Lieutenant came up to him, sitting beside him.
“Captain is everything alright?” the lieutenant asked, not taking his eyes off the moon, Noctis spoke up.
“You saw it too didn't you? Our empress has lost and we were unable to help her, we had failed the one oath we made so many moons ago”, The Lieutenant looked down to the ruined castle.
“It wasn't anyponies' fault, she specifically ordered a distraction while she alone dealt with her sister”. Noctis Finally turned to him with anger in his eyes.
“Now look, not only had she been defeated, but her defeat and our failure to protect her are now permanently edged into the moon!” he scolded, stomping his foot into the ground and towering over his lieutenant, causing him to quake at his feet in fear.
Noctis’ eyes widened realizing what he was doing and sat down facing the castle.
“Our Empress is gone, and judging by the stars, so is Princess Twilight. to the sun cultists and the solar guards, the image on the moon will symbolize that the day shall always be victorious against the creatures of the night.
With no one in power to watch over the thestrals of Equestria, we will be hunted down once more... like the days before Princess Luna”.
“So what now...” The lieutenant asked.
Captain Noctis turn back to the encampment, the remaining lunar guards were hard at work collecting as many supplies as they could hold and burning those which they Did not have enough room to take with them.
“We leave, of course. The solar guards have retaken Dream Valley, and it's only a matter of time before they regroup to exterminate what remains of our forces." Noctis Replied while Walking towards the entrance of the encampment.
The haunting glow of the flames around him echoed his shadows throughout the camp, each one towering over him as if to cast judgment.
"Our kind's only chance to survive would be to go north, to leave Equestria and hopefully then we can finally find peace.” Noctis sighed turning back to face the castle for the last time.
"who knows, perhaps someday we will be welcomed home once more."
Preparation
On the way to ponyville, The Day before the thousandth summer sun celebration, Twilight Sparkle
My dearest most faithful student, Twilight, you know I value your diligence and trust you completely, but you simply must stop reading those dusty old books.
My dear Twilight there is more to a young ponies life than studying, so I'm sending you to supervise the preparations of the summer sun celebration, in this years location Ponyville. And I have an even more important task for you to complete, Make some friends.
~ Princess Celestia
Twilight stared at the letter dumbfounded, hoping that the fourth or even fifth time reading it that the letter would change. she dropped her head in defeat, finally accepting the fact that the words were not going to change anytime soon.
however, Twilight kept reading the letter as she and her number one assistant spike, made there way out of the castle’s front gates, and onto a chariot pulled by two royal guard pegasi.
Twilight sighed, looking off to the street of Canterlot as the chariot pulled off into the skies. Her ears drooped back, She had a look of defeat on her face in which Spike could not help but notice.
“Oh come on Twilight, I know you're going to be busy with the preparations for the summer sun celebration, but its only one day. I'm sure you will have more time with your books after the preparations are done.” spike tried to reason with her, trying his best to cheer up the sulking lavender unicorn. However, it did not seem to work.
“It's not that spike,” she replied, letting a moment of silence passed before looking up to explain.
“I just, can't believe the princess brushed off my warning like that. I know she wrote that she did indeed trust me, and words are sacred but... does she?” she rambled throwing the letter to spike, before returning to sulking over the side of the Chariot.
Knowing that there is nothing he could say to cheer up Twilight, spike opened the letter, and read it again out loud.
From the castle balcony overlooking the City of Canterlot, Princess Celestia watched as the Chariot carried away her faithful student and her assistant.
she watched as it ascended into the skies towards the rising sun and flew off into the distance.
The Princess sighed in relief while picking up the letter in her magic that her faithful student had sent her.
“At least now Twilight will be out of the crossfire when she comes for me,” she said under her breath. The sound of hooves galloping on marble floors grew louder and louder, before stopping just outside of the balcony.
The Princess turned to see a white Unicorn captain of the Royal Guard, and a black Earth pony bowing before her.
The earth pony was part of a special division of the Royal guard, who patrolled Equestria’s countryside. they were known as the rangers.
“Your Highness.” the black earth pony spoke with as much respect as he could. The Earth pony wore a black and green leather version of the Royal Guard armor, with a green hood and cloak that bared the badge of the Rangers.
The Princess Perked up at the sight of them. However, to the captain of the royal guard, it was clear that she was more distraught than what her regal mask gave off.
“Ah... Ranger Dull Spear and Shining Armor, I was expecting you two. Tell me, do you have a message for me?” The earth ponies ceased his bow with a look of confusion, they indeed did not expect that response from the princess. However, they quickly snapped out of it.
“I was to tell you that there are movements north of Equestria, I… I was told you would know what that means?” Dull Spear said, not knowing if he was telling her, or asking. The Princess Closed her eyes and nodded to confirm that she did indeed.
“Captain Shining Armor, I would like you to send a word out to Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, and all of the high officers of the EUP. This includes the Rangers, Royal Guards, and Wonderbolts. Tell them to meet in the castle's War Room within 3 hours.”
Shining Armor Cringed in shock due to the military response the Princess was implying... in response to the message.
“Y-yes your Highness,” he Stammered slightly, Before bowing and making his way back the way they came, with Ranger Dull spear by his side.
As they did so, Princess Celestia turned back to the balconies view. She stared off into the distance, towards a particular village. She could not help but smile slightly knowing Twilight would be safe tomorrow.
“It seems like this summer sun celebration is going to be a complete disaster this year.” she joked under her breath, but that's all she could do to stop herself from breaking down, right then and there, after all, she knew in her heart what must be done. she then spread her wings flying off to her chambers' Balcony.
Dull Spear could not help but feel Awkward in the silence shining armor and himself shared while walking down the castle's Corridor.
An aura of pure shock and fear radiated from Captain Shining Armor.
But Dull Spear could not blame him, Equestria had been at peace for a thousand years, Tartarus perhaps even longer for all they know, and they had just received an order from the princess that had implications for a possible war, With who they still did not know, nor did it matter.
The worst part was how the princess reacted as if she had been reminded by a to-do list, not an official warning from a military agency. Dull Spear was the first to break the silence.
“Is it just me, or did the princess seem to be hiding something?” he asked looking up at Shining Armor
Shining Armor sighed in relief as if he was expecting the silence to continue forever. Dull Spear watched as his words were excepted to be true in the captain's eyes.
“It's not our Business to pry possible classified information from the princess,” The captain responded hanging his head low, though Dull Spear knew it was true, He was hoping for any kind of information about what was going on to ease his nerves.
"I suppose your right, anyway don't worry about the Rangers. when I get back I'll tell them for you." Dull spear said, getting a nod in appreciation from the Captain.
"I just wish I could go to the meeting, and find out what the hell I got myself into, I joined the Rangers to fight off monsters and help ponies, not to die on some battlefield," Dull spear said knowing that, that was something Shining Armor could relate to, as captain of the royal guard he had known many ponies he called friends who died in service to the crown.
"Same with me, ill tell you what, After the meeting, if there is anything I can tell you, then you will be the first to know," Shining said in response. the earth pony looked up to him.
"Thank you, that means a lot." Saying nothing else, they made there way down the stairs and broke off into different directions.
The doors to Princess Celestia's chambers from her Balcony Exploded by solar magic. The white alicorn stormed into the room in a panic. She was shaking, her breathing was rapid and heavy.
She gave out a cry of frustration, as she tried and failed to calm down. Over the thousand years, she had learned and mastered her emotions, however, the subject of her sister or her Lunar pegasi, and Night Guards had always affected her.
The sound of metal armor and hoof steps were coming from just outside her Chambers' door.
“I have to do it, I have to kill her, with the Elements gone, It's the only way.” she thought to herself, almost breaking down into tears.
As the door began to open she could hear the voice of one of the royal guards.
“Your Highness are you o~”
“LEAVE ME!” Celestia yelled, her voice Trembling. Using her magic she lifted her bed throwing it at the door, Slamming it shut and barricading it with a loud thud, leaving fresh cracks throughout the wall.
The hall fell dead silent after that. Celestia collapsed to the floor causing her crown to fall off before rolling across her chambers.
Her heart was racing, she had become very light-headed, and moments later she had passed out from exhaustion.
She finally awoke with a splitting headache.
Getting up, she made her way to the back of her closet, where an old wooden door was buried behind old dresses, which could be dated from across the centuries.
Using her magic the white alicorn broke open the seal. the door swung open, revealing an ancient set of gold plated Iron armor, which rested on a mannequin. Embedded in the chest piece was a sun-shaped sunstone gem, and with armored wing plates. due to its size, it was clearly built only for the Princess of the Sun to wear, its overall appearance was divine in nature.
The War Room, Two and a half hours later, Princess Celestia
The doors opened as the Princess entered a huge conference room.
The room was filled with ponies sitting around a huge oak table, at the head and foot of the table lay two thrones. One for Princess Cadence, and the other for Princess Celestia.
The room that was once filled with discussion fell to a slight murmur, before stopping completely as they all gawked at their princess.
Princess Celestia walked forward towards the head of the table, the sound of iron clanked with every step she made. Everyone stared at her in disbelief, after all, it's not every day you see the Princess of the Sun armored for a battle.
Her wings shined in the room's light, reflecting off razor-sharp blades that layered over her feathers.
Taking a seat at the head of the table, Princess Celestia looked toward Princess Cadence, who was Staring at her while completely speechless. The white alicorn took a few moments to organize her thoughts, closing her eyes she spoke with sorrow.
"I'm afraid that the Thousand year era of peace has come to an end." everyone gasped in confusion, all but shining armor who looked down at the table, listening closely.
"What do you mean by~," Cadence tried before being cut off by the white alicorn, who raised her hoof to silence her.
"I'm afraid We do not have time for Questions. we must act Quick, within fourteen hours the Thestrals of the north will commence their invasion of Equestria." everyone started to murmur among themselves, and it was clear that they were in disbelief of what they were hearing.
The thought of Mythical creatures from an old Foals tale attacking Equestria was crazy, however, she did not have time to allow them to question her sanity, so she continued with a story to get everyone on the same page.
"From the beginning of my rule, I had a sister that ruled by my side. however exactly one thousand years ago, She had grown envious for reasons I still don't know. she had made her stand in the throne room and betrayed Equestria"
"Using the Lunar Guard to take control of the city, her rebellion was nothing more than a distraction, so she may end my life without difficulty from the Solar Guard. She claimed a new name, Nightmare Moon and she had vowed to plunge the lands in eternal night."
"She left me no other choice but to banish her to the moon, and despite our attempts to capture the rebel thestrals, after losing the City they escaped to the north, leaving Equestria," she recalled her story to the ponies around the table.
"Thirty years later, my mentor Starswirl on his deathbed gave me one final prophecy... on the thousandth year of her banishment, on the day of the summer sun celebration. The stars will aid in her escape, and she will bring forth nighttime eternal. I knew then that with the return of Nightmare Moon, those who were loyal to her would return as well."
They had spent the next 3 hours, planning deployment and strategy. by the time they were done, it was three in the afternoon.
The military deployment was ordered immediately after the meeting.
Shining Armor was ordered to take Two legions up to northern Equestria, he was put in charge of setting up a fortified location on the coast of the Crystal Mountain Lake, then to lock down, and evacuate Manehattan.
Princess Cadence was also ordered to take a legion north, to set up patrols along the train tracks northwest of the Galloping Gorge.
The Wonder Bolts were ordered to make all reserves Active members. Spitfire, Fleetfoot, Soarin, and Silver Zoom, as high officers they were split up and tasked to lead these new platoons on to the battlefield.
Fleetfoot and Soarin's teams were in charge of keeping communication between the princesses, and all of the legions in the north.
Silver Zoom and his team were ordered, to defend Cloudsdale and provide air superiority of any requesting legion.
But most importantly was Spitfire's team, she was tasked to keep track of anypony who entered the Everfree Forest, and report to the Princess of anyone inside or entering the forest.
When Spitfire heard that her task was the most important, she was excited, but now knowing what the task was, she became confused about how that was important.
Captain Stone Hoof, The captain of the rangers was ordered to send two Garrisons to scout out and ambush any Thestrals they came across.
One Garrison was ordered to the north to patrol between the legions. and the other was sent to the Everfree Forest.
Princess Celestia also ordered a Squad of 12 Royal guards to join her in the Everfree Forest.
Ponyville's Golden Oak Library, Midnight, the day of the Summer Sun Celebration, Twilight Sparkle
She had awoken from her sleep, and not from the loud Party going on in the library, but from a feeling, an Aura. it was something she knows she never felt before though it was familiar to her.
While she was trying to remember where she had felt it before, she suddenly had the urge to leave the library.
Her curiosity got the best of her, so she opened the window, and used her levitation magic to float down to the dirt path outside.
Looking up to the sky she saw as the stars started to brighten, creating what looked to be a trail from where she stood. the trail of stars led into the Everfree Forest.
From that direction, she could hear... whispers, though she could not make out what they said. ever so often the whispers were also accompanied by a soothing chuckle, one that portrayed joy that oddly enough made the lavender unicorn warm inside.
she gasped in amazement. this was a phenomenon she never even thought possible, though the wonder in her eyes turn to slight fear to where the path was leading, however, every instinct in her body encouraged her to take the first step, insisting it was safe.
So she did.
at the front door of the library, stood a rainbow-maned Pegasus pony looking frustrated. Frustrated at a grey derpy eyed Pegasus who was covered in crumbs.
"Oh come on, I saw you eat my muffin!" rainbow dashed complained. the grey mare backed up, smiling sheepishly at Rainbow Dash.
"you even have crumbs~", rainbow dash paused, after noticing Twilight making her way towards the Everfree forest.
"I wonder where she's going," rainbow dash thought while watching her leave. once she was out of sight, Rainbow entered the library once more.
"hay Fluttershy, Applejack!" she called out...
Once Twilight made her way to the edge of the forest, she gulped looking back to the library for a moment. she was starting to make out some of the words from the whispers, it was her name, 'Twilight'.
sighing, she closed her eyes, and finally entered the forest.
A tale of a Filly and a Colt
His name was Equuleus... At least that's what the Stars that made up his very being told him. If it was any other night he would be sleeping away the days to the end of existence such as the Ursas, and other trapped Star Beasts do.
But tonight was special to him, it was a night that brought back many memories, a thousand years old. Memories that still haunt him as the day they happened.
Because this was the day his very best friend and creator vanished from his life.
So he sat there in the throne room under the moonlight, in the old Destroyed ruins of the Castle of the Two Sisters, as he did every year on this night.
From there, he stared out of the broken windows at the spot he first met her in the castle gardens, the Gardens that now lay overgrown...
1,001 years ago, Equuleus
From the Void, four new lights were forged from the cosmic power in the sky. He felt as these new lights reached down and stroked the lands below them, it was the first thing he ever felt.
As the lights began to fade he felt something else, it was the breeze of wind that blew past his new body, and the blades of grass rubbing past his hooves.
One by one as the cosmic power settled his senses came to him.
The chills of the Night assaulted his senses, and when he took his first breath, he could smell the scent of the Autumn Trees.
The power finally settled, and the sounds of a filly were the first thing he heard.
"Yes, yes yes yes, yes!" she cried out in joy. Equuleus opened his eyes for the first time, to see a lavender alicorn foal prancing in circles with her eyes closed shut.
Not knowing what was happening Equuleus just stood there frozen by the new feelings and sensations around him, Sensations of being alive for the first time. Finally, the filly collapsed on to the ground facing away from him. Turning her attention to the stars she whispered to herself.
"I can't wait to tell mama about this... I can paint the sky!" Equuleus then looked up to see four stars above them, they glowed down on them currently battling the light of a late twilight evening, though clearly visible.
Equuleus looked around at his surroundings, he was in a large grassy garden surrounded by lush trees, separated only by a hedge wall that connected to the sides of a huge castle.
After getting his bearings, he finally started to make his way towards the filly, his mind racing to the point where he was left speechless, with many questions burning in his mind.
'SNAP'
The colt froze once more by the sudden sound of a breaking twig beneath his hooves.
The filly jumped in surprise before turning to face him. The four-year-old filly's eye's lit up for a second as she stood, it turned to slight fear and she started to back away.
"Wh-who are you?" she asked, with hesitation in her own voice "what are you doing h ...ere?" her Question stalled as his appearance finally caught up to her.
The filly finally snapped out of her shock and circled him multiple times taking in his appearance, as she did he also did the same.
Like her, he was an alicorn, but unlike her, he was translucent, ethereal in form and throughout his body, thousands of small stars flickered. Four, in particular, caught the eye of the filly, they were much larger and glowed brighter than the other stars.
Her gaze kept shifting from those stars to the four stars in the sky. They were in the same lining, he noticed a moment before she did.
Once she did she looked him in the eyes, worried about what she was going to ask.
"Whats... Your name?"
He paused for a second, thinking back trying to recall anything, but all he could remember before opening his eyes was nothingness, a black Blur... So he had assumed he had no name but that did not feel right to him.
"I-I don't~", he paused, as he began remembering... something, as if by instinct, a name.
"My name is Equuleus," he said
Glancing back at the stars for a second, her eyes widened and smiled as if she had confirmed something.
"I created you!" She announced while Prancing towards him.
"The constellation I created... you look just like the constellation. I even named it Equuleus!" she announced with pride, as she approached him, Equuleus tried to keep his distance, only a second later the filly in distracted excitement tripped over a rock.
"eep!" she cried out as she fell towards him.
He flinched for a moment only to find himself in a ball of hair and feathers as they fell to the ground.
"Oof," he exclaimed before blowing the hairs out of his face, and looking up at the filly who was now laying on top of his back.
"ugh", she groaned.
"Oh, I'm so sorry I didn't mean to~", he cried giving into a slight panic as he pulled himself out from under her.
"Are you ok?" she asked, cutting off his apology while getting up. He slightly nodded.
"Sorry about that, I, you're~", she tried while starting to blush slightly.
" You're not like normal ponies, I- I mean that your coat, it- it feels Different... Soft" she stammered out in embarrassment. Before clearing her throat.
"I- I just realized I did not introduce myself yet," she said with a sheepish smile, before standing up straight and unfurled her wings.
"We are Princess Twilight Andromeda Sparkle of the nocturnal Court, heir to the Equestrian Throne," she said with a raised muzzle, and an unbreaking Neutral expression as if addressing her subjects.
While she was able to be serious, Equuleus could not help but giggle at the sudden change in formality, and just like that Twilights Neutral masked shattered like glass as she slumped over.
As Equuleus started to laugh harder she could not help but giggle herself. When the laughter started to die down a bit Equuleus spoke up.
"That's Quite an introduction" he stated, "so you're a Princess?" she glanced back at one of her wings, and nodded
"Yeah, mama said that all alicorns are royalty..." Equuleus tilted his head slightly.
"But, I'm not a Prince, am I?" he asked while spreading his own wings.
"I guess not", she finally admitted with uncertainty in her voice. "though normally people bow when I introduce myself, otherwise mama takes them away."
Equuleus took a step back in surprise, and she could not help but giggle at his response.
"don't worry I won't tell, I think we are going to be friends."
He lowered his head, with a sigh of relief.
"So your name is Twilight Andromeda Sparkle?... hmm, I think I'm just going to call you Andromeda, now let's go play!" he said while running off giggling once more.
"Hey! no, you don't, Don't call me that, Get back here!" she cried out while taking flight after him.
7 hours later
the two of them had retreated to the balcony overseeing the garden, laying side by side they watched the stars above.
turning to Equuleus, Twilight spoke up once more, "so... you're not a pony?" she asked giving him a confused look, he shook his head in response.
"I don't know how to explain it, it just doesn't feel right," he said turning his gaze to the Equuleus constellation.
"I guess if what you said is true, that you created me, then I need to know. Andromeda, what is a constellation?"
Twilight slightly pulled away in annoyance of the use of her middle name, before she was hit by the content of an unexpected Question.
"w-well, mama told me once while we were stargazing that they are the patterns in the stars that take the shape of creatures."
"so are their others like me?" he asked. she only shrugged in response, "perhaps mama would know, she is the one who paints the sky every night, I'll ask her before she goes to sleep, she normally comes to this balcony to raise or lower the moon."
"so what else do you know of the stars?" Equuleus asked.
"well... only what I was told while mama and I were stargazing, she would tell me different stories of what they are, and how they got there," Twilight said with a slight yawn. "the Sunrise should be any minute now, Auntie is usually getting ready for the day by now."
Equuleus just looked at her as if she just grew a second head, "what does she half to do with the Sunrise?"
"Well like my mama who brings about the Night, Auntie Tia as the power to move the sun and brings forth the Day,"
"Day..." Equuleus Whispered, his eyes widening, before suddenly standing up and unfurled his wings.
"what's wrong, where are you going?" she asked, as he rose into the sky.
he stopped and glanced back at her with Desperation on his face, before looking up to the Equuleus Constellation.
"I- I don't know... it's calling to me,"
"WHAT NO!" she gasped while jumping to her hooves "please, don't leave me, It's not even sunrise yet!"
Equuleus turned once more to the constellation above and gulped before turning back
"b-but I", he tried before noticing as the red glow of the sun pierced the horizon, he started to feel weak and his body was starting to fade.
"I haft to Andromeda," he said, "but I will return when I can, will you wait for me?"
she hesitantly nodded "do you promise?" closing his eyes he flew towards the Constellation, just before he faded with the stars, she heard him one last time, " I promise."
Twilight
She watched as he faded with a flash of his constellation.
"Good morning, my little star," came a voice from behind, she felt her withers being tickled by a feather making its way down her back.
Giggling, she shivered at the sensation before facing the offending Tickler. her eyes lit up on the sight of a midnight blue alicorn sitting just behind her.
"mama!" she cried out, jumping into the alicorns embrace.
On impact, Luna fell on to her back taking the filly with her, before Rolling to her side and using her wings as a blanket for the filly.
Giving out a sigh, and letting the stress of the Night dissolve, she looked up to the moon and smiled.
"so... who were you talking to?" she asked while glancing down to the filly for a quick moment before lighting her horn.
The moon gave out a flash of light and slowly moved down, following luna's horn as she used it to motion the moon towards the horizon.
the young alicorn turned her attention back to the older.
"how long have you been standing there?" she asked.
"just a couple of minutes", she smiled back at her, "you were talking to your self".
confused, Twilight just stared into the horizon for a moment. before her eyes widened slightly in realization, she lowered her head to her hooves while letting out a sigh.
"just an Imaginary Friend," the filly answered in disappointment.
One year after they met, The Night of Princess Luna's fall, Equuleus
"Andromeda... ANDROMEDA!" Equuleus called out while roaming the castle halls at night, "Come out already, if we are still playing you win, just please come out!"
'Where could she have gone...' he thought to himself.
"She was in the garden just a moment ago," Equuleus groaned in annoyance while passing through the Main Dining Hall.
His intention was to head towards Princess Luna's wing of the castle to try and find the filly, however, upon approaching the Dining room's main doors he froze upon hearing muffled voices just on the other side.
Though slightly muffled he could hear two voices one of a Mare, and one of a Stallion.
..."I shall protect our people until the day comes that Princess Twilight could take your place, but please do not leave us," The stallion said in a pleading voice.
"I will do everything possible, to end this madness," The Mare Responded With finality, just before the sound of heavy doors being slammed shut echoed throughout the castle.
the hooves of two other ponies could be heard approaching, "Captain, what is going on, is everything ok?" one of the new voices, a stallion, asked
Not needing to worry about being seen, Equuleus opened the door ever so slightly and slowly in order to peek outside to see the situation.
If the past year with the young and mischievous Princess ever taught him anything it was that stealth was a good skill when snooping around, and due to the fact that he was entirely invisible to anyone but Andromeda, gives him an advantage.
However, he still needed to be careful, they may not notice him but the door being opened is a different story.
Peering into the hallway beyond the door, the colt saw three Guards currently in conversation. one of which had slightly different armor, making it easy to tell that he was their Captain, who slowly turned to the others.
"Yes everything is going just perfect," he replied with slight annoyance in his voice, before continuing, "I'm going to be heading to the Military Encampment, you two are to head to the Princesses chambers and bring Princess Twilight there as well. once you get to the Encampment I will give further orders... I'm afraid we are leaving the city."
Equuleus Gasped cringing back at the thought of losing his only friend, and by doing so he unintentionally slammed shut the door.
It only took him a moment to get his bearings back before he realized what he just did with the help of the captain's words.
"We have a spy, don't let him get away!" Equuleus heard the muffled shout through the door before it started to open, on first instinct he ran.
"NO NO no NO no NO," he cried out making his way towards the door he originally entered through, using his magic to throw any chairs out of the way.
Once he skid passed the Doors, he started galloping down the halls, only slowing down slightly when he remembered that there was no reason to run.
'if they are chasing a spy instead of foalnapping Twilight, who am I to stop them?' he thought to himself, Sighing in relief.
After realizing that he had just bought himself more time he galloped faster once more, he was going to take the long route to Andromeda's bed Chambers, getting to her before they do...
'BANG'
with the Strongest buck, Equuleus could muster, the doors to Princess Luna and Andromeda's chambers flung open
Equuleus Galloped into the room immediately heading to her bed, he jumped on her and frantically shook her in his hooves
"WAKE UP!" he cried out, trying his best to awaken her, only to receive a groan instead, so he kept shaking.
"Please you must get up we don't have time..." he yelled, "they- they're coming for you, you must run, please wake up!"
for some reason, she was not Responding...
'Come on, nap time is over!' he thought while lighting his horn with a crystal blue aura, he gathered as much magic as he could before pouring it into Andromeda's sleeping body.
Focusing on her mind, he was going to rip her from her dreams by force, knowing that it will hurt, he can always apologize later when she is safe.
"GAHHH!" she cried out as her eyes opened
"Ow... Equuleus, what is the meaning of~".
"There is no time!" he interrupted her while ripping her out of her bed, "you must find your mother, they're coming for you, they're going to take you away! run, RUN!" he cried out pushing her out of the room.
He watched for a moment as she galloped down the hall, before he returned to the task at hand.
'Now to buy her some time,' he thought while allowing a mischievous grin to grow across his face.
First, using pillows and other soft and round objects he made a fake foal under the covers of Andromeda's bed.
He then started barricading the door before setting up traps to slow down anyone who entered the room, in the end, much of the supplies had come from ripping apart the rooms Furnishings.
He was not normally so destructive, but this was an emergency!
He had to admit to himself when compared to the complex traps Andromeda could build, he was relatively simplistic when it came to pranks, object plus gravity equals object falls on target kind of pranks, while Andromeda's were more complex.
He remembered back when she tried to teach him how to prank, the example she showed him included a bag of flower tied to either side of one of the cabinet doors in the royal kitchen.
We even watched as the uptight royal chef opened the cabinet, only to get a pile of flower slingshotted into his muzzle.
Though the following chase led by the castle staff and armed golden armored guards was less pleasant.
We were lucky to run into some of the black armored guards who held them off for us to escape.
'BOOM'
he was snapped out of his memories and his trap making job by an Explosion, that shook the entire castle
'No, they must have found her, I must get to her now,' he thought to himself while looking for a way out that would not set off his traps.
His eyes eventually fell upon the window above Andromeda's bed. jumping on top of it he looked down towards the Center of the castle, the throne room.
There was a huge cloud of dust coming out of where once the roof held, furthermore he watched in horror as the nearby corridors and even the towers around the throne room started to collapse.
Even on the other side of the castle, Equuleus could even feel the tower he was in swaying,
the stones crying out under the weight of the explosion.
'I must get down there now' he thought to himself.
An idea popped into his head, probably the most stupid idea he had ever come up with, but he had no time to come up with another.
So he jumped off the bed and backed up to the door
Gulping he charged the bed, using it as a trampoline he went head first through the midnight blue stained glass.
It only took him a few moments of falling to reorientate himself.
after the initial pain set aside, it took until he was just about to hit the ground before he could forcefully spread his heavily cut up wings.
"I-IM COMING ANDROMEDA!" he yelled.
Exploration
The skies above the Everfree Forest, Midnight, The day of the thousandth summer sun celebration, Captain Spitfire
She soared through the midnight sky, Flying across the Everfree's River and Weaving over trees, making it clear to anyone who would have seen her, that she would find any possible hiding spot in the forest.
Flying up once more, she noticed the two pegasi flying towards her, one was a stallion with a dark grey coat, and a mare with a light blue coat, both of which still wore the uniform of the wonder bolts Reserves.
The two pegasi stopped right before Spitfire and Saluted her.
"Cyclone Breeze reporting in," the stallion said with pride, before looking over to his wing pony with concern before giving her a nudge with his forehoof.
"Wind Dancer at your service," she blurted out in response. Spitfire could not help but slightly chuckle.
"Relax Newbie, the Night is still young," Spitfire said, switching from a light-hearted tone to a serious one. "now... Have you found somepony?"
The Stallion, Cyclone Breeze nodded before motioning spitfire to follow, the three of them took off towards ponyville. Once they finally gained altitude Wind Dancer finally spoke up.
"Just over here we found six mares entering the forest, with one being a bit further ahead of the others... They seem to be in their early 20s." while flying Spitfire glanced back in the direction they came from, the dim glow of a campfire catching her eye.
"How close are they to Squad Leader Dull Spears, and his rangers current location, Will they stumble upon them?"
"The last I checked they were going to set up ambush points North of the castle, Princesses orders," Wind Dancer jumped into the conversation.
"And the princess?"
"She and her Squad have currently set up camp just outside the forest near the Ghastly Gorge," Cyclone replied while looking back towards the River. Spitfire sighed, stopping at the edge of the forest where she saw a lavender unicorn was making her way through the forest's path headed south.
behind her a Quarter a mile away there were five other mares who had just entered the forest, a unicorn, two earth ponies, and two Pegasi. spitfire turned to Cyclone Breeze, and Wind Dancer.
"Cyclone I need you to fly to Dull Spears Squad and tell him to expect company, tell him 6 civilians are headed their way and to not engage," she commanded, "no pony must know of our operations here, tell them to stay hidden, then I want you to check up on the other five Ranger Squads, and tell them the same, got it?"
"yes ma'am!" he shouted before flying off.
"Wind Dancer, tell The Princess of our guests and await her orders, I will keep an eye on these six to make sure they don't get in the way of our operations." she nodded before flying off as well, as soon as she was out of sight Spitfire turned back to the six mares.
The Everfree Forest, 10 minutes later, Twilight Sparkle
Twilight followed the whispers through the forest, and her mind was racing. she was thinking of the whole situation, not of the stars leading her to some unknown place, but the day she had just been through.
When she first made it to the library she had found a book that told the story of the two royal pony sisters. she had to admit that it piqued her interest on the younger sister, even if it was just a legend.
Once she made it back to her personal chambers, she had done some digging around only to find that the legend was true. and the only way to stop her was 6 Gems known as the Elements of Harmony, so she told the princess of her findings.
The next thing she knew she was in ponyville overeating with the apples, being covered in mud by Rainbow Dash, playing dress up with Rarity, and being annoyed by Fluttershy...
'Well I suppose the last one was not as bad as I made it out to be, but the worst part is still not knowing where the Elements are. I suppose I have pinkie pie to thank for that,' she thought to herself, before trying to shake the thoughts from her head
she noticed she was on the edge of a cliff, overlooking an overgrown valley with a castle that laid in ruins in the middle of it.
The stars were dancing above the castle, making it clear that it was her Destination.
Looking around for a way safely off the cliff, something caught her eye a bit further along the cliff side, it looked to be a rusted piece of metal plunged into one of the cracks in the cliff.
Seeing this, her curiosity took over and she approached it nice and slowly in order to inspect it, and laid down to get a better look.
At first glance, she could make nothing of it, until she noticed what looked to be a crescent moon edged into the top of the metal piece, It was an ancient heavily Corroded sword, ‘perhaps with a bit of care I could possibly...’
"TWILIGHT!"
“Eeep!” she jumped at the sudden cry as five familiar voices that snapped her out of her thoughts.
She turned to see the five mares she had just met not too long ago, while she was preparing for the summer sun celebration.
"What are you five doing here?" she cried out, her heart still racing from them coming seemingly out of nowhere.
"we could ask you the same thing," the Blue Pegasus retorted while flying up to Twilight's face, shortly followed by four others.
"now Twi, you do know these woods are Dangerous Right?" Applejack asked, "Especially at night" Fluttershy added.
"w-What do you mean I'm here for the same reason you are," she answered them by pointing towards the star trail in the sky.
at that, the five of them just stared at her in confusion before the white unicorn spoke up
"whatever do you mean darling, we came to get you out of this dreadful place."
"what? but-but the stars, the whispers, can't you hear them, I could bearly even sleep because of them, you can't just tell me that you only came for me!" Twilight exclaimed. her friends looked around in silence trying to hear something, then looked up, only to look at each other before turning back to her, clearly more concerned than before
"uh, Twi what are you talking about? there aren't any voices", Rainbow Dash asked her, as Applejack to a cautious step towards her as is she was a feral animal ready to strike, "are you feeling ok sugar cube?" she asked only for pinkie pie to whisper something into her ear before they both glanced at the sword in the ground.
Twilight cringed back at the way they were treating her, her back leg missing the edge of the cliff to remind her that she was cornered, she could not help but feel ganged up on even if their intentions were good, after all, apparently they were all blind in deaf, there could not be any other explanation. 'maybe I'm losing my-... NO!' she crushed that thought, she was not going crazy.
"ugh... I don't have time to deal with this", she scoffed while grabbing the sword with her magic, while starting to walk along the cliffside.
however, the moment she grabbed and pulled free the sword, Applejack and pinkie pie lunged at her,
"What are you..." she cringed back once more anticipating their impact and closing her eyes as they slammed her onto the ground.
then there were screams as she felt the ground crumble from under her. she opened her eye to see The face of the cliff break to a landslide taking them with it.
The two pegasi were the first to recover flying up into the air, while scraping down the side of the cliff Applejack grabbed onto a tree Root firmly.
It only took a mere second later before Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy dove down grabbing Rarity, and Pinkie Pie.
Twilight was still falling, however, a few feet to her Demise in a blue flash she was grabbed, Before being dropped and tumbling to the ground.
groaning in pain Twilight rolled to her hooves while rubbing the dirt out of her eyes, she laid there for a few moments before hearing the sound of hoof steps approaching her.
"Pinkie, Applejack what in Tartarus was that for?" she demanded, glaring up at the assaulting mares while picking up the sword out of the rubble. Applejack gave twilight an Apologetic look while taking a step back from her tone.
"Sorry sugar cube, you had us all concerned, and then you..." she said nervously shuffling her hooves, "we didn't expect that the cliff would give that easily". twilight simply rolled her eyes before turning to Rainbow.
"well then thankfully Rainbow caught me," she said giving Rainbow a grateful smile.
"uh Twi, I would love to take credit for that but, I was kinda busy with saving pinkie," Rainbow said with a sheepish smile.
"WAIT WHAT!?" Twilight exclaimed, "then who~", she tried, before being interrupted.
"I'm up here, and I can tell you that you're still in danger."
looking up they noticed a yellow mare with a golden mane and tail flying above them in uniform
"Oh my gosh Oh my gosh Oh my gosh, Spitfire captain of the wonderbolts, you're here?!" Rainbow Dash asked in excitement while flying over to meet her idol.
"Yeah, why are you here?" Applejack asked, "and how exactly are we in danger?"
Spitfire landed and looked around at nothing in particular, clearly making a decision on what she was going to say next.
"We were running through the routine for the show at the summer sun celebration when I heard the landslide," she explained causing Rainbow Dash to instantly perk up.
"Sweet, there is going to be a show during the summer sun celebration?" Rainbow asked in a high pitch tone of excitement,
while Twilight tilted her head in confusion.
"that's strange, the princess sent me to oversee the preparation of the summer sun celebration, and I haven't heard anything about that," Twilight said in confusion. Spitfire sighed in response, accepting defeat in the intellectual Duel.
"Come with me," Spitfire demanded before walking towards the south.
"why? where are we going, is it a surprise?" Pinkie Pie asked, Spitfire simply shook her head in response.
"I'm taking you to the safety of the castle of the two sisters, there I'm sure the guard would clear a few things up with you and take you back to pon- er... where ever you came from until then I can't tell you anything," she said before glancing up to the new cliff face, "besides if I heard that landslide, there is no telling who or what else heard it as well".
For 15 minutes the seven of them had been walking in silence, Twilight could not help but notice that Spitfire was taking them towards the location the stars were pointing her towards.
'well at least I could get this mystery Cleared up,' she thought to herself, but her thoughts were cut off by the sound of snapping twigs and moving of bushes.
Spitfire turned around and looked at the bushes in annoyance, "really Dull Spear I Directly ordered. you.. to..." she puttered out as four huge figures Pulled out of the bushes, they were not the Rangers that she had thought.
"T-TIMBER WOLVES!" Yelled Applejack before the seven of them started running and screaming in the direction they were just walking towards.
the seven ponies were running for their lives.
The Timberwolves were right behind them as they galloped through the woods, weaving between trees.
They were trying their best to knock them off their trail which was not as helpful as they hope, however one of the Timberwolves did jump towards Rarity in a pounce as she weaved around a tree, leaving the timber wolf to go head first into it, and breaking into pieces.
Twilight was Frantically looking around for a place to hide however the woods around them were too thick, there was no way they could fit through before they fell prey to the wooden beasts.
After running for some time Twilight was beginning to feel tired and was starting to slow down, she had fallen behind all of her friends and was running side by side with Spitfire, however, she was not alone, all but the Timberwolves were getting tired.
looking ahead Twilight noticed another cliff, and the trick rarity had done would not help them to get the other three off their backs, they were too dexterous in evading.
Once they made it to the top of the hill they found a beacon of hope.
"there, a bridge!" Twilight yelled while looking at the Rickety old rope Bridge.
However, that Beacon of hope in Twilights eyes was quickly snuffed by the piercing Pain in her Right hoof, she was pulled back and onto the ground, as she screamed out in pain.
The other six mares stopped in horror looking back at twilight. she was on the ground being circled by two Timberwolves, her leg was bleeding as the Third wolf was dragging her back with her leg. "Twilight, No!" AppleJack Screamed.
twilight used her Front legs to try to drag her self forward towards her friends, who were still frozen in fear, they clearly wanted to save her but could not move to do so, due to their primal instincts.
The wolf's wooden fangs Dug through the flesh of her leg like knives through butter, and the more she moved the more it hurt.
She eventually collapsed down in defeat as the pain overwhelmed her.
It had only been three seconds since she was pulled to the ground, but the Pain made it feel like an eternity. However, she was snapped back into the moment by something sharp scathing her mane.
She then heard the Timberwolf behind her let out a sharp yelp, and her leg was set free once more.
Making her way back to her feet, she glanced back to see the timberwolf had almost recovered, with an arrow embedded in its eye.
Immediately after, six cloaked ponies jumped out from behind the trees, and charged the wolves, each armed with swords.
Swinging toward one of the Timberwolves, the pony nearest to Twilight missed as the Timberwolf jumped back out of the way, The Timberwolf then grabbed the pony's throat in its teeth breaking his neck, then throwing the limp pony onto two others, knocking them over.
While the wolves were clearly outnumbered the seven of them watched in horror as the wolves tore the cloaked ponies into pieces.
The wolves made Quick work of the ponies before returning to Twilight and the others.
"You need to get to the Castle, now!" a cloaked Earth pony said, with a muffled voice as he used his teeth to shoot another arrow.
"Dull Spear?" Spitfire asked in realization.
"Just go, I can hold them off," he commanded as three other cloaked ponies came from behind to join him.
the seven of them Silently agreed before crossing the Rope Bridge.
Dull Spear watched as they ran passed them, then noticing his fellow rangers Cringing back in fear, he turned back to the wolves as they merged into one huge timber wolf.
"Oh... buck me.." he muttered in fear at the snarling wolf, that now towered over him.
As the seven mares ran towards the Castle Spitfire took to the sky, glancing back to them she spoke up.
"hurry into the castle's throne room, I'm going to go retrieve my team and will be there shortly, stay safe and don't do anything stupid"
Twilight and the other five ponies had finally made it.
Running through the ruined castles corridor to the Throne room, they collapsed onto the ground from exhaustion.
Applejack and Rainbow Dash slammed shut the old Rotted Doors before joining the rest of them on the floor, they all stared up to the remains of the collapsed ceiling replaying the horrors that they just witnessed in their minds.
Fluttershy was the first to break the silence
"lets... never go back into those woods... again," she panted out, the others just nodded in response, all but Twilight.
Twilight noticed the whispers had turned into the sounds of a melody of a humming colt. thinking about it she did not notice until now, due to... all of the excitement.
she got up and turned to the noise.
What she saw felt familiar for some reason, but like before she could not place it.
Under the moonlight in the collapsed portion of the throne room, she saw staring up at the moon was a young Alicorn Colt, laying around him were five stone Spheres.
Twilight got up and limped towards him, with every step all other noises became more and more muffled.
Soon enough she could not even hear her friends who were talking among each other.
As she entered the moonlight, she noticed that everywhere the light did not touch turned black, and was replaced by a starfield.
she had enough with all these questions, she wanted answers, and she wanted them now.
On a closer look. Twilight noticed that the colt was not solid, instead, his whole body was Ethereal in form with many stars flickering throughout his body.
She made her way to the Colt she was about to speak, but the colt spoke first.
"Andromeda, is that you, are you finally back?" he asked, his face finally giving off a smile with those words, however Twilight Froze.
'how... how does he know my middle name?' she questioned herself before speaking up,
"Who are you?"
The alicorn turned to face her before his smile faded, then dropping his head into his hooves.
"I have been waiting, trapped here for a thousand years, unable to go home, you must be Andromeda, no pony else could possibly see me, do.. do you not remember?" she only stared at him completely lost in the conversation
"I'm pretty sure we, never met before"
Twilight did not care about friendship, she would rather read books all day than waste a productive day with friends, but even she could tell the expression on his face. the pain, and sorrow as if those words were announcing that someone close to him died.
"M-my name is Equuleus," he sighed while getting up, she watched in confusion as he forced the emotions away, but then a thought distracted her.
"As in the constellation?"
he nodded and continued.
"You used to call on me every Night, and we played under the stars until the break of dawn, but, but one night the Stars Faded and my path home vanished, I... I tried to find you, b... but you were gone," his voice weakening as he spoke.
"I, I was not the only Star Beast trapped here, the Ursas were trapped here as well,"
he looked down at the stone Spheres around him, "i... even tried to use the power of the Elements of Harmony, but they did not work," he said tapping one of the spheres with his hoof.
"The Elements?" she asked, picking up one of them with her magic to get a better look, "you know what they do?"
He shook his head lowered it in defeat," a thousand years trapped with no way home, is a long time to try many things, I was only grasping at straws with them, but now your back!"
"Please Andromeda, you half to fix the sky. Let me go home," Equuleus begged as Twilight took a step back, not knowing what to think about all of this.
'He clearly believes I am this Andromeda pony, and while that is my middle name. I can't be, none of this makes sense.' she thought before speaking up.
"I think your thinking of the wrong pony, I-I mean fixing the sky? I don't even know what that means, little alone have the power to do it, I'm pretty sure we have never met, and- and I really don't know who this Andromeda pony is, the name is Twilight Sparkle."
Equuleus sighed before taking a step back and turned his attention to the stars for a second, he was clearly trying to think of something before turning to her
"very well Twilight, but the problem stays the same, I am trapped here... my connection to the stars is Separated, I need help, will you help me?"
"I... I don't know, I mean I want to help but I..." she was cut off as the Colt, lunged at her. Twilights eyes Slammed shut expecting the worst after everything that has happened today. she felt the colt's arms wrapped around her neck.
She opened her eyes to see the Colt hugging her, sighing in relief she embraced the foals hug.
"th- thank you Andr-Twilight," he said as Twilight left the embrace, then continued "... but I still can't Manipulate the sky."
"you don't need to worry about that," he brushed her off, "My magic is from the stars and I would normally use it to return, but I can't reach it," he said while pacing in front of her, "you, however, can reach it, with my magic you can fix the sky!"
"you mean a combined spell?" Twilight asked as a smile started to grow across Equuleus' face while nodding.
"how would that even work?"
"All you got to do is with your magic try and reach for the stars as if your levitating them. I will interweave my magic with yours and modify your spell to restore the Cosmic Power of the stars!" he said excitedly while Prancing up to Twilight,
"though unfortunately, it will only last a moment, just enough time to make it home. so are you ready?" Equuleus asked. Twilight froze once more before shaking her head.
"before that, I do have some Questions," Twilight said in response, Equuleus could not help but smirk in response.
"You have those? I'm surprised you were always the one with all the answers, Andromeda." he muttered to himself so Twilight Could not hear, then he gave a slight smirk, "Very well, what would you like to know?"
"why did the stars guide me here, and how was that even possible?" Twilight asked. Equuleus look turned to concern before finally answering
"The Stars in a way, are alive, they watch over the lands below them, and they can see everything. They are a witness to all that had happened. Many times when the ponies of the night are lost in their life, they... or we would guide them in the direction to discover themselves, and to recover that which was once lost. however, it is up to the pony to seek further answers." Equuleus stared up at Twilight, as he answered her question as if he also hinted on what she should do next.
"who are the ponies of the Night?" her next question came moments after.
"they are known as thestrals, though they had become nothing more than a legend in current years," he said. Twilight eyes widened as she tried to put the pieces together. Equuleus gave a slight laugh before correcting her inevitable assumption
"your not a thestral, but you are indeed someone special."
"your not really a colt are you?" Twilight asked. he closed his eyes and shook his head.
"I am far older than all but a handful of ponies, don't let my appearance deceive you, I am indeed a Star Beast, not a pony. the alignment of my stars... and a friend, have simply chosen this form."
"now, are you ready?" he asked implying that that's all he was going to tell her. Equuleus said Lighting his horn with a Spectral white Aura and pointed his horn towards Twilight. Kneeling down, Twilight started to gather as much magic as she could before touching their horns together.
She could feel the energy within her being turned into a spell, magic flared out around them engulfing the room.
the starfield around them had vanished Revealing five other ponies trying there best to approach Twilight, however, the large surge of magic had pushed them back to the walls.
Twilights eyes turned pure white, and her mane and tail started to flow in an ethereal breeze.
With a smirk, Equuleus had stopped channeling the spell before stepping back. Twilights eyes Widened realizing that he had just broken off his magic. The spell was about to become unstable, but before it did, Twilight cast it towards the sky and hoped for the best.
From where she stood there was an explosion engulfing the room in white light, that swirled up into a pillar, a beacon of light that struck the sky.
The stars in response grew brighter until the dim lights that they once were became more like miniature spotlights bathing the land in a bright white hue.
Even after the spell was finished, her energy still flared out through her mane and tail. her magical aura was still bathing the room with white and pinkish-purple light.
Equuleus looked back at Twilight and smiled.
"I... I found it, the path home!" he said looking up to the stars. he then turned back to Twilight.
"Thank you old friend, and remember Andromeda, we will always be here for you. just simply call, until then," he said while waving his hoof.
spreading his wings, Equuleus flew off into the sky before his body faded into nothing.
'he must have somehow bound his magic into the spell,' she thought trying to make sense on how that actually worked.
Twilight watched as the Equuleus constellation flashed, becoming more vibrant for a moment before the stars began to fade once more.
Giving out a sigh of relief, Twilight fell to the ground in exhaustion as the energy within her finally faded, as she hit the ground, She could finally hear her friends once more as they cried out in concern.
"Twilight are you ok?" Fluttershy asked with panic. and before she knew it, her friends were all around her, but Twilight could only look up to the moon, where their once was an imprint of a unicorn, there was nothing, it had vanished.
It finally dawned on her, what she unintentionally did while helping Equuleus, and she could not help but repeat what she had read in her studies once more.
'on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape, and she will bring about nighttime eternal.'
Echos of the Past
There was only Darkness...
Endless nights of torment as her breathless immortal lungs screamed in agony, trying to pull any air into themselves. She was cold and if she did not know better she would have thought that she was trapped in a thick layer of ice.
With very little power she was left exposed to the void of space.
She must have gone deaf from the fight that led her here, for her screams of agony never once reached her ears since then. All of these feelings have been with her from the moment she made it here to this white wasteland.
She knew only three things, hate, grief, and pain. For however long she had been here, she knew that without those three emotions fueling her thirst for vengeance, a lust for killing the one who had done this to her, it had prevented her from losing herself and her sanity.
She could not see where she was, for the liquid in her eyes froze them shut long ago. She knew she was imprisoned by Arcane Runes that left her powerless, black runes that littered her Beautiful moon.
The only sight of her time on the moon quickly faded in the early days of her banishment. With the final lights, she saw, was her daughter's stars fading.
She was to spend all of eternity here, knowing the one she had cared for most, the one she sacrificed everything for, was dead...
1,000 years ago, On the way to Dream Valley, Princess Luna
Soaring miles high above the land below.
She always loved the feeling of the winds blowing through her Feathers, she had always love flying and if she ever had to decide between losing her magic or never soaring through the air again, she would abandon her magic in an instant.
The cold air and the setting sun of twilight always calmed her, perhaps it was due to a special filly waiting at home for her, that and also knowing that Nightfall was near.
Never the less she needed to relax after a long day of overseeing the construction of there new castle atop of the Canterhorn mountain. This was a task she underwent once a week after re-Designing the blueprints three years ago.
As she flew, Luna lit her horn to drag up the moon from the Horizon, the hour of twilight had ended making way for the night. A moment later Luna watched as a shock wave of stars had appeared, to light up the night sky.
Luna watched as the Light of the stars sparkled and flared in bright hues through the sky, bathing the land in the light.
once she had located the River that flowed into dream valley, she followed it descending almost to the surface to run her hooves in the water as she glided. she watched as the water sparkled like Crystals in sunlight
'I wonder what my little star has been up to since I've seen her this morning.' she thought to herself while failing to keep back a smile. 'She is so young yet, Mentally she is already growing faster than most foals her age.'
She could not help but think of all the mischief she would have waiting for her when she made it back home.
'i almost feel bad for the castle staff...' her smile however short, fell to a slight frown '...almost...'
Thirty Minutes later she had finally entered the Capital City of Dream Valley, she had landed on the main street to walk towards the castle gates.
As she made her way down the streets she watched as most ponies who were still walking about froze at the sight of her. before turning back to flee.
Those braver would continue on their path only after crossing to the other side of the city street and never once making eye contact with her
Upon spotting her, shop owners often closed and barred their doors, they would often snuff out candles to darken their stores, and they would close curtains over their windows when she passed by.
Every one of them hoped that the Princess of the night would assume them closed and that she would move on.
'These ponies love thy sister over me,' she thought. she remembered back when she used to watch her sister every time she walked down these very roads. these very same ponies would willfully with pride, exit their homes and shops, those on the street gather on either side to allow her room, they would even throw linen and flower petals before her feet so she would not set a hoof on the street as she walked. they would all bow and cheer at her presence.
the only ponies who still treated her like royalty were the occasional Thestral who was Brave enough to come out of hiding and into the streets this early at night to show their respect for their passing Ruler.
When she finally made it to the front gates, she passed by two Night Guards posted at either side, as she passed into the castle grounds they both sprawled their wings and lowered into a deep bow.
Finally making her way to the Lunar Wing of the Castle, she readied her mind for tonight's play date, allowing her sour mood to lighten ever so slightly.
However, once she turned the corner to her bed Chambers she froze at the scene, the normal occasional guard that patrolled in front of her doors, was instead replaced by an entire Squad of the Night Guards, among them was her guards' captain.
He was deep in conversation with two other guards in front of her doors. it was clear from his face that he was very angry, and as Luna approached could tell he was very fearful.
Backed into a corner in the corridor, three of the castle staff are currently being harshly interrogated by multiple guards, at one point in the past she would punished such behavior of her guard, but in the past couple years the insolence and disobedience of the staff towards her always made her hesitate into doing nothing about it.
In truth, deep down she was guilty to admit that she slightly enjoyed the site of her guards beating up those who disrespected her and her court.
The rest of the Guard were hard at work patrolling the area ensuring that no one would set hoof on the scene.
“Captain Noctis I would like to know what is going on,” Luna stated, giving into a slight panic, as she approached her captain.
Slightly jumping in Surprise the captain turned into an immediate bow in front of the princess. He closed his eyes for a moment immediately freezing up, no dought thinking of how to put whatever he was about to say.
“There was an attempted assassination on Princess Twilight,” he said while watching as the color drained from Luna's face. She immediately opened the door. “Umm, Princess?...”
The door opened letting the candlelight from the halls to flood the darkened room revealing an alicorn filly laying on a small bed by the window.
Luna approached her daughter and looked over her, she was clearly sleeping. Luna glanced back to her captain a look of a mixture of confusion and relief on her face. The captain was standing in the doorway peeking in to watch
“Where and who are they?” Luna asked, in a near whisper to ensure she did not wake up the lavender alicorn. Noctis stepped back a bit before answering.
“There was the two who made the attempt. they have been thrown into the dungeon and await your judgment, however, they confirmed that there are at least 5 others that are involved, that we are currently tracking down. As for their names, there is Private Righteous Light, and First Lieutenant Solar Dawn-”.
“So what you're telling me that not only is the Solar Gaurd is responsible, but it was First Lieutenant Solar Dawn, second in command to their guard who was overseeing it?” Luna asked stepping towards her Captain, Noctis Slightly hesitated.
“W-well, actually he was the assassin,” he corrected.
And with that Luna Angerly turned around and stormed down the hall she had originally come from, She stopped for a moment at the end of the hall and looked back to the Squad of guards, it was clear by there faces that everypony had been watching the commotion between Luna and Noctis.
“I want all available guards on their trail. Tomorrow morning at town Square All 7 of them shall be executed for treason,” she ordered before continuing forward.
"YOUR HIGHNESS... please, wait up... Can't we talk about this?" Luna's ears perked up as she was snapped out of her thoughts by her Captain.
"Where was she, when it happened?" Luna growled in anger, Noctis shrank down at her tone, as if she would kill him for answering
"She was playing by herself, in the grass Gardens behind the castle." Noctis froze at the sight of Luna's growing anger "we, we had guards watching over her the entire time, she was safe... We would never let a Solar Guard get anywhere near her."
Luna stopped and turned to see the Thestral who was trying his best to keep up, which he had been trying his best to do after notifying her of the incident.
upon her sudden stop Noctis skid to a halt, trying not to run into the Princesses' back Leg.
"your Highness, Where are you going, What about Princess Twilight?"
Luna glared down at him for a moment, waiting for him to realize. Noctis' ears flicked back in realization, his eyes widened, finally realizing where she was heading.
"Y-you're going to confront her... Now of all time, a-after everything that just happened, b-but Princess Twilight...?" he stammered out. His question went unanswered as she thought to herself for a moment before cracking a small yet Alarming smile, as she unfurled her wings.
"Captain Noctis, I order you to gather the Lunar Gaurd. I want you to start evacuation of the Cities Thestral population, I also order for my Daughters wellbeing and is evacuated as well, take them north out of Dream Valley." Noctis took a Stepback still slightly cowering under his Princesses' Gaze.
"Y-your Highness-"
"make no mistake, I am initiating the Latest Discussed Military Operation, I want this entire City under the Lunar Guard's Control by the time I have finished my Talk with My sister!" Luna sighed and turned to face the throne room doors, leaving Noctis to return to a less submissive position.
"I shall face my sister alone, you are to focus on leading the evacuation, and assault. If my sister still refuses to see things my way... If this is the last time I get to see my subjects again, then I want you to lead our people, I want you to protect them, protect my daughter. If this is the last we speak, I hereby crown you Prince of the Thestrals. Will you protect our people?" Luna asked, with sorrow creeping into her voice.
"Y-yes your highness, I shall protect our people until the day comes that Princess Twilight could take your place, but please do not leave us," he said with a bow. Luna gave a sigh before walking towards the Throne room doors.
"I will do everything possible, to end this madness," she replied while entering the Throne Room.
Luna walked calmly towards her throne. With every step, the memories she and her sister shared flooded her mind, phantoms of those memories washed over the room, all the games they played when they were foals running across the throne room with their mentor patiently watching over them, sometimes even joining in on the fun.
Turning to the thrones she saw memories of her and her sister who sat side by side ruling together as equals, those who came to meet them, those who came for their combined wisdom, they came to adore them.
Walking past the throne Luna looked back, as she could almost hear the echoes of their petty arguments they shared as teens. Even then there was still love behind their Bickering tones. She knew this coming argument will be different, that the love for each other will no longer be there.
Staring out of the window towards an ancient ritual site once used, now lay abandoned. It was where Starswirl and his group of students raised and lowered the sun and moon together every day.
But all she saw was the day they earn their Soul Marks by raising the sun and lowering the moon by themselves. There she watched as the midnight winds blew through the Gardens grass, minutes passed like hours. One hour later the Large doors Barged open once more, Snapping Luna from her memories.
"Sister, what is going on!" Celestia's voice boomed through the room, filled with confusion, and fear. She turned around to face her sister.
"I am trying to Figure that out my self-".
"Enough of your games, where is my missing First Lieutenant, and why are Lunar Guard Rebellions Breaking out across the City!?" Celestia Demanded while glaring at her.
Luna's anger was growing by the second, with every word Celestia spoke before Luna snapped.
"Did you think I would stand idly by, as they all basked in your Presence, do you think I would just sit around and watch while my subjects were driven into the shadows as outcasts!?" Luna yelled while taking a step closer to her sister,
"Luna i-"
"NO!" Luna Screamed.
"No more Excuses, no more brushing me off. I've seen that the separation of our courts was a mistake but you would never listen. Over the past decads, you had proven to me that all my pleads for my subjects and me to be treated as equals had gone on deaf ears." Luna ranted while pacing back and forth in front of the thrones.
"You have Fed me false Promises. That you would see forth that crimes against my subjects would be punished, but instead the very criminals have infected every branch of your court..."
"LUNA!" Celestia Yelled. Finally interrupting, her voice slightly trembling.
"The thestrals are not only your subjects... Did you forget that we rule together? Please talk to me." Luna stomped down in anger. She closed her eyes trying her best to stop her own tears, but she failed.
"We talked... WE!... But you don't listen... Not to words. If I can't get through to you with words, then I'll try Fear." Luna angerly rebuttaled with her horn lit with a black Aura.
Celestia's eyes widened in fear, and she backed away towards the doors.
Luna could not help but smile at the horror that crept on to her 'perfect' sisters face. She then turned back to the thrones, launching a ray of black magic into Celestia's Throne, Causing it to explode into Stone rubble
Celestia gasped before tripping over her own hooves and falling to her side, the room rained Broken chunks of stone and black fire that engulfed all it touched.
"With the shadow you cast, there is no room for you in Equestria, if they choose to hide in fear of the night, then I shall vanquish the day. THE NIGHT SHALL HAIL ETERNAL! " Luna vowed while walking towards Celestia, lighting her horn once more.
Black flames engulfed Luna causing her midnight blue fur to turn black.
Celestia finally got back to her hooves and watched as the flames whirled around her body becoming a black sphere before bursting outwards, revealing a large black Alicorn with jagged teeth.
"Please LuLu, do not do this!"
"I am not your luna!" she screamed stamping her hooves into the Floor, the Ethereal breeze in her mane and tail quickened into a tempest of anger, slashing through the air like millions of daggers.
"Not anymore. you and your subject's actions had killed that part of me. what remains is the Nightmare, The nightmares of my Daughter, the Nightmares that torment my Subjects... and even my own, but I swear this Night that I shall end it." Luna said Glaring back at her sister, her wings Spread as to tower over her.
"I AM NIGHTMARE MOON! and there can only be one ruler of Equestria, and it shall be ME!" She yelled Flapping down with her wings to launch herself into the Air, Lighting her horn once more with a Black Aura.
Celestia only had a small moment to snap herself out of shock before putting up her own Shield.
However in her current mental state, the spell was nothing more than patchwork, as the beam hit, Celestia Started to Slip.
Losing her footing the shield Began to crack, the fragments of magic started collapsing around her.
It would not hold.
She Drew every ounce of her power, and as the Final fragment broke, Celestia Released the power in a wave of magic that engulfed the room, the force pushed back Nightmare Moons attack, giving her enough time to take Flight to avoid the Black Ray of Dark Magic.
the sphere of Magical energy enveloped the Room, shattering the windows and damaging the walls.
Nightmare moon had only a slight second to put up a barrier as the surge finally hit her. however, the following light left her blinded for a few moments.
she heard the sound of rubble falling all around her, and the sounds of the roof collapsing in on its self, much of the debris hitting her barrier.
once Nightmare could see, she noticed her sister's absence.
Looking around she noticed under the moonlight the shadow of an alicorn growing smaller with every passing moment.
Nightmare looked up to see her Fleeing sister's desperate attempt to get away. Nightmare Moons blood boiled in anger at the pathetic Sight.
Nightmare moon's eyes glowed white with the Cosmic Power of the moon, "you dare flee like a coward, sister? do you not see us a worthy opponent for you!?" Nightmare moon Demanded an answer, only to receive silence in response.
Nightmare Moon's body broke into clouds of shadow and reformed in front of Celestia, a white sphere of magic enveloped Nightmare Moon.
The Moon thrummed with power as a flair of the moons power Shot towards them, passing through Nightmare moon, and smiting Celestia out of the air.
Princess Celestia
She knew that this fight had become unwinnable.
She had lost all of her senses and could not move, her entire body had taken the full brunt of the moon's Raw Cosmic Power, even as an alicorn she should consider herself lucky to still be alive.
But there was one more problem... she was falling, thankfully she was an alicorn with the magic of a pegasus so the impact won't kill her, but it's not going to feel nice.
'SMASH!!!'
Celestia Finally was able to feel her senses recover as all the pain came flooding her mind. She opened her eyes to see that she had landed in the artifact storage room.
Celestia's eyes were drawn back up to the glimmer of moonlight on metal, Luna Flying towards her in alarming speeds.
There was very little she could do.
In a panic, she had used the almost all of her power to escape luna's first attack after her shield broke, it was night and Luna was using every ounce of the moon's power, leaving her self at a huge disadvantage without the sun.
As Luna approached the hole in the roof, almost by instinct she gathered the elements of Harmony, Celestia closed her eyes, daring not to see what she was about to do.
While charging all six elements, she heard the sound of something Rapidly approaching her.
Then she Released it, the power of the elements Thrummed shaking the Castles walls, as the castle shifted she could even hear the sounds of the outer wall of the castle collapsing under the stress.
...there was Silence...
She dared not open her eyes, she did not want to see whatever just happened. she was either dead, or her sister was.
For moments she just laid there with her eyes closed, but the Smell of smoke entered the room, forcing her to look... Luna was gone and in her place was an image of a unicorn engraved on the moon.
With the elements in her magic, she exited the Storage room and into the throne room, she looked towards the shattered glass and saw as a Pillar of fire rising from the City of Dream Valley.
She could not take any more, collapsing to the floor, she looked up to the moon finally letting her tears flow. As she cried she felt as the power drained from the elements around her, they were rejecting the royal sisters.
Celestia Grabbed one of the gems as it faded. "no... you cannot leave things like this, you must bring her back... PLEASE!" Celestia Begged the gem in her hooves. but nothing happened
She let her head fall to her hooves. She laid there for what felt like hours... too far in grief, she had forgotten anything else, at the moment she ignored the Pillar of fire that was reducing her city to ashes.
She had forgotten her missing First Lieutenant, she even forgot about the Night Guard Rebels that were attacking her City.
Even if she did remember, the pain from her battle mix with her mourning she did not think she would even be able to move, let alone fight.
“Auntie Tia, where is Mother, and why are you crying?”
Current Time, On The Moon, Nightmare Moon
from the nothingness of space, a surge of familiar energy could be felt. among the void, it was the Raw Cosmic power of the stars. a super Nova, a falling star, or a comet perhaps?
However, it did not matter as the surge rattled through the heavens, the energy filled her, and as the chains drained that power, she could feel the energy overwhelm the Runes around her.
As they broke, nightmare moon collapse as her legs buckled.
She laughed in relief, knowing that it was all finally over.
The magic Wards that drained her magic to the point of near-death, and Chained her to the moon's surface one by one broke, These arcane shackles had faded as the runes collapsed under their own weight.
as her magic returned to her, she had regained the warmth that left her so very long ago, and her vision had finally returned.
But most importantly, She was finally free to go home.
