Only the Best, Only the Elite

Chapters

Chapter 1- A Simple Test
Chapter 2-Standing on the Summit
Chapter 3- By The Light of the Moon
Chapter 4- The Broken Sun
Chapter 5- Ashes

Chapter 1- A Simple Test

“I just have to make it hatch?”

“That’s right. As the brightest in the ‘C’ class, we expect nothing but outstanding results.”

As always.

***

Canterlot University, a school of the most gifted Unicorns, headed by Her Majesty; Princess Celestia herself. In the walls of this prestigious academy, all students are held to the strictest of standards.

***

“After all, the studies, we’ve done...I just have to hatch that egg?”

“Hatch that dragon egg, and you can join the intermediate wing of our campus. Fail this test, and you will repeat elementary magical understanding once more, Miss Lulamoon.”

***

The Unicorns are put through grueling tasks. Levitation, Teleportation, Magical Arithmetic as well as Logics In Magical Theorem. Night and Day with little to no downtime and those that fall behind; are encouraged to be openly mocked by their own classmates.

***

“Alright, stand back as I, The Great and Powerful Trixie...Hatch a measly egg!”

***

To fail was not tolerated and failing a single test carried a harsh consequence; redoing everything. Failing just once, would force the unfortunate to redo every single class and homework assignment once more; before being allowed to advance. Truly a weight that wore heavily; like a twenty ton harness. To be the best, that was every foal's goal upon entering.

From the age of just two, Unicorns were required by tradition to enroll their loved ones into the hallowed institution. Society demanded it. The Unicorns were the Elite of Ponykind. Or so they believed. And why wouldn’t they? A school overseen by not just any head but the Alicorn Ruler of Equestria, herself?

***

Trixie channeled her knowledge of all the materials she had studied. To hatch a dragon’s egg just requires… Dragons are natural fire users. They create a gas inside their abdomen and exhale it with a magical spark. Perhaps a flame?

***

Knowledge was everything to the Unicorns. Everything from social standing, to your hourly wages were based solely on how well you did growing up in the academy. To thrive in their own cutthroat society, having knowledge was literally power.

***

Trixie felt the beads of sweat form upon her brow as her horn glowed a bright blue. In the corner of her eye, she saw Princess Celestia staring at her with a fierce intensity. She could not fail this test; especially this one. Celestia was watching.

Closing her eyes, she cast her spell. Hatching an egg was a simple task, wasn’t it? Wasn’t she too advanced for such parlor tricks? If that was the case, then why was she so scared? She could do this. A trivial matter for one such as her.

After a few seconds of silence, she slowly opened one eye. The egg sat there on the table, completely unfazed. It still glowed a crimson red from the intensity of the fire that had struck it, but it neither moved nor cracked. She had failed.

No.

“Miss Lulamoon, as you can see-”

No.

“The egg you were tasked with hatching-”

No. No. No.

“Has not in fact, hatched. Therefore-”

Turning in panic away from the speaker before her, Trixie found herself staring into the pitiless eyes of Celestia. The Alicorn coldly grinned as she opened her mouth. The princess’s next words echoed through Trixie’s heart, soul and mind.

“You’ve failed.”

No! No! This can’t be I...You’ve failed. You’ve failed. No I just need to try again I- You’ve failed. I- I failed!
The color drained from Trixie’s face as the Alicorn stared down at her. Falling to her haunches she began to sob, all the light gone from her eyes.

“I failed. I failed. I failed.”

Shaking her head in disappointment at the reaction, the Princess turned to the testers to give her judgement.

“Move this failure back to class ‘D’ where she belongs.”

***

Class D. Remedial Magic. Better known as Kindergarten. Baby Magic as the students in the above class ranks mockingly referred to it. Trixie wasn’t going to be repeating Elementary. No. No, she was going to have to start from scratch. Her former academics...Erased.

***

Celestia watched as the blue Unicorn that had shown such potential was dragged away, brokenly muttering to herself. The Alicorn smiled a steely grin and her horn glowed with a bright golden. What a waste. Trixie stopped muttering and her eyes went completely blank. All the knowledge of magic, Trixie had acquired over the course of eight grueling, dog-eat-dog years of life, was completely erased from her mind. She showed such promise too. What a shame.

Flicking her head in the direction of the testers, the Celestia Princess’s eyes took on a merciless gaze.

“Send in the next candidate from class C. I’m still hungry.”

***

Later that day

***

The teachers of class C sat in a meeting, discussing the results of the earlier graduation tests.

“How many?”

“4...Out of the 36 that tested. Only 4 were given her stamp of approval.”

“Who made the cut, under that demon’s scrutiny?”

“Lemon Hearts, Minuette, Lyra Heartstrings and Vinyl Scratch-”

“Wait, you mean that white furred unicorn obsessed with loud music? Wears goggles right? Goes by what she calls her stage name: DJPON3?”

“Yeah that’s her.”

“Are you telling me those four succeeded in hatching that egg?”

“No.”

"Then why would she pass-.”

The speaker paused as realization struck her. The answer had come from behind her. The speaker continued once more in a slow, calculated way. The words blistered with an unnatural chill; instantly freezing the group in fear.

“They did not hatch that egg. And they were never meant to. The reason this...Demon as you loathingly refer to me, it seems...Passed them because they had the fire to go further. The others did not. Failure is a natural part of life-”

Celestia draped her hoof across the shoulder of the terrified teacher as she continued; her tone entrenched with a venomous sweetness.

“For instance, your failure to hold your tongue just now. Sometimes failure can empower one to strive for a goal even more...As is the case with the egg. It is nothing more than a fabrication of my magic. Empty, indestructible. The purpose is to humble those cocky of their power-”

Leaning closer, Celestia’s hot breath sent a chill down the teacher’s spine while she whispered.

“After all, the Unicorn’s are the Elite and we wouldn’t want the students to overstep their places...Like a young mare who would dare to assume her value is so great...That she would dare refer to me as a demon-”

The teacher’s eyes went wide as Celestia’s horn began to glow. Her eyes went blank, and her cutie mark of a historical textbook, vanished.

Standing up, Celestia stared at the helpless group around the table as she smiled and finished her thoughts.

“Would we? Take this one to class D... She needs a refresher in Magic, I believe. And remember, understand the limits of your power."

Glaring angrily at the shivering group trying frantically to grab the teacher, Celestia’s eyes flashed in anger.

“Such a spineless lot! Get out of my sight!”

The small group fled the Teacher’s Lounge, as Celestia licked her lips.

“Now that-”

She muttered to herself.

“Was delicious. Such a shame that such immense knowledge was wasted on her to begin with. Though I suppose at least now it won’t go to waste. I'll be sure to put it to good use, though perhaps her replacement won’t be so reckless with their knowledge."

Exiting the room, Celestia chuckled softly to herself.

"Demon...That's funny. Demon...I like that."

Chapter 2-Standing on the Summit

The purple Unicorn slowly stepped through the doorway. Her mane boasted the colors of violet and magenta and her eyes were of amethyst. Her steps contained no hesitation, and her gaze was placid; almost apathetic. The pride of A class, huh? Well then, what will you do...Twilight?

***

Celestia’s gaze had been on the young filly’s abilities since she became the youngest Pony to ever reach the graduating class; skipping classes C and B. Her mother, Twilight Velvet, and her Father, Nightlight both stood next to the Princess. The pride of the academy, the mare and stallion had been honorarily named Members of the Board after leaving all others in their dust twenty years ago.

And now their daughter would accomplish the same; they were sure of it. However, even though they were her parents, they could not and would not interfere in the outcome whatever it may be. They were spectators and special guests of Her Majesty, Celestia.

***

“Miss Sparkle, you have shown extraordinary magical prowess. Though you are just a foal in the eyes of the world, the princess has deemed it only appropriate that you hatch a specially prepared egg. A dragon’s. Succeed and you will go down in the Annals of our school as the youngest to graduate. However, if you fail...Well, you saw what happened to Miss Amethyst...Didn’t you?”

Taking a seat next to the Royal Alicorn, the two parents wore stern expressions. Both had witnessed, first hoof, the nightmare others had faced when failing. And now, their own daughter rested upon the princess’s chopping block. Celestia meanwhile never took her gaze off Twilight for a second. They think you’re some kind of prodigy, but you and I know the truth...Don’t we, Twilight?

***

In truth, Twilight had been of the lowest caliber in magical ability upon entering the grounds of the academy. Her homework received the lowest marks, and by some chance she barely squeaked through her tests. However, contempt breeds competition; and so it was with her.

Night and day, she had been made an example by the teachers. You may not leave until every answer is correct, failure. That’s what they told her. All the time, every time, she had the golden rule of Unicorns pounded into her skull: Only the Best survive and only the Elite matter.

***

Her eyes were void of emotion and her movements precise; almost calculated as she stepped up to the table. Staring at the giant egg, she closed her eyes and began to run through everything she knew. Dragon’s are fire breathers. Creating gas within their abdomen, they exhale with a spark of igneous magic. The magic they cast is borne from their own ambition to conquer...Simple flame won’t cut it...Hm…

Celestia watched on in interest. Normally those taking the trials rushed never realizing the tests contained no time limit. She sees there is no rush. Good, a steady mind is the key to spellcasting. Take your time and think about your options.

***

Twilight had endured the worst of what her classmates could offer. Beaten, whipped. Treated no better than the dogs on the street. She had heard every insult and felt every possible blow, and all of it had written permanent scars upon her soul.

She grew resentful of everypony, refusing to even look at them. And then one day after she felt she could take no more, it happened. Celestia visited the classroom and approached her with a scornful glare.

“So, you are the failure. What a waste of precious talent. Where’s your fire?”

Something inside her snapped, or perhaps, awakened. From that moment on Twilight had thrown herself into her studies; fueled by her rage. Everyone mocked her, who needed friends anyway? Her innocent nature was gone, and she grew determined. Determined to shut them up. Before she had dreaded reading, now though she developed an almost stockholm-related relationship with the school library. And all the time she had one thing on her mind: She would be the best.

She left her emotions behind; no longer would her ears hear their scorn. No longer would her pain bring her tears. Day and night without nearly any sleep, she studied; even by candlelight. She amazed the class by scoring a perfect mark on her essay, and then the surprise quiz after that. Like a demon she devoured the knowledge in each book, absorbing all the information she could lay her hooves on. Never again, she swore to herself. Never again, would she fail.

***

An hour had passed as she stood, still and silent; eyes closed in concentration. Celestia stared at the young filly of eight years. For years they ridiculed her, and it only made her stronger. What will she do this time, when failure is possibly her only option?

Inside Twilight’s mind, information swirled in a raging typhoon. The dragon’s loyalty is to their own, and they adhere only to their own values. Though aggressive to others, the dragon will show their own hospitality; albeit in a brutal way. That’s it! I got it! I know what spell to cast. It isn’t fire and it isn’t an incubation spell it’s…

“Kindness.”

Twilight’s voice was barely a whisper but Celestia heard it clear as crystal. Very clever. If that were a real dragon’s egg, kindness would indeed be the answer. As stated in textbook 471 of the Codex of Sentience in Equestria, on page 264, paragraph 10, lines 4-6: As the broodmother of the Dragonlands fiercely guards the nest, she tenderly lets each of the soon-to-be hatchlings know the world may be a harsh and unforgiving one, but she believes in them. This causes the babes within the eggs to gain an unnatural vigor and break free from the restriction and safety of the eggs.

But I’m afraid, the solution to your final exam won’t be found in any book, my dear.

Twilight’s horn began to glow with a light lavender. Celestia gave a slight shake of her head in disappointment. If she casts that spell, at this moment, she most certainly will fail my test.

Though her eyes were still closed, Twilight paused. Her horn stopped glowing with magical energy as opened her eyes. After a moment of carefully analyzing the egg, Twilight turned to look at the princess.

“It’s too easy.”

The princess gave nothing away as her expression stayed blank. She did however, address the testee.

“Explain your hypothesis.”

Twilight stared passively at her before pointing to the egg on the table and addressing the room.

“This is far too easy. It was claimed that a special test has been prepared but this resembles nothing more than the humility test of class C. To hatch the egg, would require the spell of Mother’s Love; found within the pages of Pet Breeding 245. A simple spell used to mimic the creature in question’s own parental desire for the hatchling. It speeds up the incubation process by hundred percent. A foal could cast it within a week of practice.”

How arro- no, no, she can tell something is off. I can see it, she isn’t cocky. She’s burning with a fiery determination. Interesting. Celestia licked her lips hungrily.

“Go on.”

“Something tells me that even though this is the exact egg; same size, weight, height, and pattern as before, this test requires something more than simply hatching it. A specially prepared test, by the most powerful spellcaster Equestria has ever seen, and it’s a simple Elementary level test? No. No. You want me to do something else.”

Celestia’s expressionless face greeted her in response and her voice gave nothing away. Inside however, it was a different story. Has she figured it out? Celestia’s mind began to flash back when she stood in that exact same spot confronting her own teachers with the same argument.

“Oh, and what would that be?”

Twilight opened her mouth to reply and Celestia saw it all replay once more. That very same moment in time Twilight stood in, back when Celestia graduated from the very same school over 2000 years ago.

***

“That egg is empty isn’t it?”

The young filly prodigy known as Celestia stood before her testers and pointed an accusing hoof at them.

“You don’t expect me to just hatch this unbreakable monstrosity; you expect me to create the life within as well!”

***

“And what if I do, little one?”

Celestia’s words mirrored her own instructors, spoken in the same way as before. And just like then, the response replayed; frame for frame.

***

Celestia stamped her forehoof in anger.

“You’ve ridiculed me, demeaned me, taken everything away from me for your sick pursuit of knowledge, and now you force me to do the impossible? We never even learned creation magic!”

“You are right, you haven’t.”

***

Twilight stared open-mouthed in silence for a moment before crying out.

“Then why? Why ask me to do something that can’t even be done?”

***

“Because Celestia, you’ve clawed, bit and fought your way to the top. No one believed in you, and no one stands beside you now. Your pain fueled your ambition, and your ambition gave you purpose.”

***

"You’ve reached the summit little Unicorn, are you truly content to stop there? So what? You’ve risen above the rest, can you truly be satisfied just standing close to the sun?”

“I-”

***

The Alicorn; her own mother, stared scornfully down at Celestia.

“Where’s the fire that extinguished your sister’s own natural gift? Have you given up, daughter of mine? Are you content standing on the summit; like some Earthpony who climbed a simple mountain? Or are you like me, ready to spread your wings and claim your birthright?

Celestia stared at her mom as the Alicorn's next words would echo throughout her mind for the next two millenia.

***

“Are you ready to fly; to see what lies beyond the summit?”

Twilight was silent once again. She seemed lost in thought, eyes closed once more, before the gaze of Celestia. That’s right Twilight, you can climb even higher than the mere summit. I bet like me back then, you’ve never even considered such a possibility, have you? So what will you do? Will you aim for the Pantheon? Or are you content merely with standing on the temple floor?

Her answer came in a sudden burst. Twilight’s eyes flew open; blazing with intensity, with a raging ferocity. Twilight stared into Celestia’s expressionless face.

“You’re right. Standing here, after everything I’ve been through; to just crack open an empty shell. It’s not even satisfying. According to the rules of how tests are given, all I have to do is literally that: Just crack open the egg before me and I’ll graduate. And then what?-

***

“Forever live in your shadow? Have some high paying job I hate until I die, whilst you sit upon the throne and torment others, like you have myself? No, that won’t cut it! I’ve come too far and been through too much to stop now.”

Celestia’s eyes blazed in rage.

“You claim there is something more to reach, something that will propel me higher? Alright then you-

***

Twilight growled as the spark in her eyes ignited into a raging inferno of determination.

“Demonspawn of Tartarus. I’ll play your game, and I’ll win. And one day, I will-

***

Celestia roared her final words before turning to the egg once more.

“Surpass even you!”

Celestia’s mother gave a proud smile behind her daughter’s back as everypony present gave a gasp at the supposed blatant arrogance. Parting her lips, she whispered the very thing Celestia would tell Twilight, 2000 years later.

***

“I would love nothing more.”

Chapter 3- By The Light of the Moon

Twilight closed her eyes once more and began to run through everything she knew, while simultaneously going through all the variables she didn’t. She had talked a big game but she genuinely wasn’t sure what to do. As the day passed, she stood stock still; lost in thought. Throughout the day she pooled every book she had ever read. And still, no answers came to her. What if it is impossible?

The hours ticked by, and still Twilight didn’t move. Celestia’s gaze never wavered either; the Alicorn could and would wait for an eternity to see results if need be. That is, as long as she got those results. Twilight’s parents sat rigid in their seat, as did the testers; nopony daring to move until Her Majesty was satisfied.

Behind her gaze, Celestia’s fire lay burning. Her expression gave nothing away, yet she was excited. Finally, a Unicorn with the same spark, the same passion as her. How long had it been? How long since her flame resonated with another?

The purple in Twilight’s fur painfully reminded Celestia of the Amethyst colored contact lens permanently embedded in each of her irises. The lenses she had been forced to wear to mask the crimson of her natural-born eye color.

***

Born an albino, Celestia’s fur had been white; without coloration. Her eyes upon opening for the first time had been a crimson red. To any of the unicorn families in Canterlot, Celestia would have been lovingly accepted without contest. However, Celestia’s misfortune was being born albino in a family of Nightmares.

The Nightmare is a proud and unfathomably powerful, magical Unicorn variety. Boasting an obsidian-furred body and a mane of blue flame. Their tails were forged of blue fire as well. The Nightmares had ruled the Royal Court for many millennia. Cold, and calculating; the nightmares took great stock in public image and would seek to be the best. At any cost.

***

How long has it been since you broke me, mother? Since you forced me to adhere to your standards; your will? Trying to shake the thoughts from her mind, Celestia caught a glimpse of the pink coloring in her mane, and once again, the past came back; unbidden by her.

***

The little filly Celestia had finally grown her mane and tail. A glorious moment for the Royal Family, for it symbolized the allowance into the Enchanted School for Gifted Unicorns. It would have been a very special occasion, if not for the fact both her mane and tail were like her fur; colorless.

“Imagine, a daughter of my own flesh; without coloration? What joke of the grand cosmos is this? What a failure of creation, you are. I won’t allow it. Come here, Celestia.”

As Celestia cautiously moved towards her, she found herself ensnared by the levitation spell holding her perfectly still.

“Mom what-”

“Silence you little freak. You are no Nightmare, but at least we can make you somewhat resemble a normal creature.”

With those cruel words, her mother raised her own forehoof and turned to one of the guards. Taking a deep breath, the Matriarch gave her orders.

“I’m ready. At least this way she’ll have some form of the Nightmare bloodline within her.”

Nodding, the guard used his magic to sever the tendon of the queen causing a spray of crimson red to come forth. The Alicorn didn’t bat an eye at the pain, as she used her own magic to fuse the rosy hue into the mane and tail of her daughter. Celestia screamed as her colorless mane and tail now turned a silky pink; now infused with the blood of her mother, forever.

Celestia, hyperventilated with fear, when she heard her mom call out.

“Hold still, child, That eye color needs to be corrected too. We can’t have any imperfections, can we?”

***

Touching a hoof to her eye in reflex, Celestia sat there watching Twilight and bitterly thinking about the crimson irises she possessed. The fiery red; permanently sealed away by the lenses magically infused within her eye. No imperfections. She thought sourly to herself. No mistakes. She stared at Twilight as the little filly now moved slowly around the table; each step calculated, without a tremor. Her eyes stayed fixed on the egg.

Celestia watched her antics in morbid curiosity. Have you ever sacrificed anything Twilight? Of course, you have. That naivety of a colorful, happy world. You’ve lost that, haven’t you? You know the pain of having your innocence torn from your soul; to know the cruelty of reality. Yet even now, you still have hope smoldering within you; as I once did. I’ve been in your horseshoes before, little filly. Unfortunately for both of us; life isn’t a fairytale in a storybook, is it?

Just when you think you’ve lost everything; life wrenches one more thing you treasure from your grasp. As Celestia caught sight of the shimmering blue within her own mane, she grimaced. Isn’t that right Luna?

The day had ended and the glow of Celestia’s horn signaled the rising of the moon. The moon that had once been the pride and joy of her little sister; now her eternal prison. Throughout the night, the testers and her parents slept in their seats, but Celestia didn’t so much as blink.

She turned to look at Twilight’s mom and dad, thinking to herself in the silent darkness of the testing room. Your mother and father are like my little sister; gifted with a natural talent for magic. You and I though, we had nothing of the sort and through sheer determination, we succeeded, even when all others said it was impossible.

Turning to stare at the moon in the sky, a grim smile graced the Princess’s lips. Just like it was back then, right Luna? Magic always came so easily to you. Everything did, didn’t it? You had everything; everything you wanted you got...Including mother’s love. You were far stronger than I ever was, I guess I just hungered for the crown that much more than you. I can’t help but wonder sometimes little sister, what would you have done if you had known the outcome of our pre-destined fight?

A single tear rolled down the Alicorn’s face as she quietly pondered the events that led up to the night she sealed her sister away. The events leading up to the night she had seized the crown of Canterlot for her own.

All the magic of you, mother, and countless others at my beck and call, and still; you remain lost to me. How long has it been? How long has it been since I called you my sister? Since I made the only mistake of my life? How long has it been, since mother turned you against me? Oh...What’s this?

Turning back to look at Twilight, the unicorn seemed to have formulated a plan. She had begun tapping the egg, with her hoof. Placing her ear to the egg in the pitch-black silence; Celestia watched her gently rap her hoof on the hard shell. She appeared to be listening for something particular within the empty shell. Now that is interesting, I do wonder what she’s up to. Going over every possible source she had ever read, seen, or heard of; Celestia had drawn a blank. This was something new to her, and her hunger for knowledge was beginning to rise within. Silently, she watched the curious little scene. What is she doing?

Twilight nodded suddenly as though satisfied, before backing away and once more closing her eyes to think. Inside the little filly’s mind, her thoughts ran rampant with everything she knew about Transformation magic. If there is air inside that egg, perhaps I can build the dragon from the air molecules itself. But it won’t be enough. I’ll need a few more things; things not inside this room. Hm…

The alicorn grew amused at the antics of Twilight over the next few hours. The little filly was trying secret little tests to determine things. Using her horn to cast a glow, Twilight seemed to be studying the room. Not just that, but she apparently was trying to exploit the dark room to try and fail for free; with no witnesses. What a bold one she is. Though at this rate… Celestia turned her head and stared at her parents as well as the testers for a moment. They’ll wake up and she’ll be caught. She doesn’t appear nervous though.

Even in the silence of the pitch-blacked room, Celestia could see perfectly, whereas Twilight had her little horn aglow while she ran her tests. She reminds me of you. She has your energetic excitement. Glancing back towards the window she noticed the moon seemed to glow brighter; or perhaps it was what she wanted to see.

You’re right, Luna. Just like when we were young. Let’s cause a little chaos; together. Rising, without a sound, Celestia slowly stepped towards Twilight; who had stopped in front of a supply cabinet. Twilight apparently was focusing intensely on the contents via an x-ray spell.

She was so focused she nearly jumped out of her skin when Celestia leaned down and whispered to her.

“Don’t move.”

Twilight whirled around, wincing and began stammering.

“P-Princess I-I-I”

“Shhh...It’s alright, Luna. Keep your voice down.”

Twilight froze. Luna? Who was Luna?

“Sorry, Princess but I’m not Lu-.”

In the glow of her horn Twilight saw a peculiar sight. The Princess stood there before her, but instead of her cold glare, her eyes were gentle and almost loving. Her normally fang-filled grin now showed a genuine smile. Twilight wanted to tell her the truth; she wasn’t this Luna, but she couldn’t do it. She looks so happy. I don’t know who this Luna is, but her smile looks so beautiful.

Twilight gave a little smile and gently spoke to her.

“How can I help you, Celestia?”

That’s not what Celestia heard, however. As she stared down at Twilight, she saw a small, eager to play, little filly with an obsidian-furred body.

“Hey Celly, want to play hide and seek?”
She smiled lovingly down at her little sister. A tear slowly made its way down her cheek. She knew her sister was gone. She’d been gone for almost a thousand years, and yet, she saw her in Twilight. The hallucination faded away and once more there was Twilight; now concerned because of the tear. She’s just like you.

Taking a deep breath, she continued smiling and her voice wasn’t cold, but instead, it was rather warm; almost motherly.

“Tell me, have you given up?”

Twilight’s face took on a fearful expression. That fear, however, changed to surprise as Celestia spoke soothingly to her in a whispered tone.

“It’s alright, just tell me the truth.”

Twilight cast her eyes down to the ground as tears formed within her eyes.

“I...I haven’t given up, I just don’t have a solution. I’m afraid to try anything. I only have one chance and then if it doesn’t work, I fail.”

Her tears began to fall as she hung her head in shame.

“I don’t want to fail. I don’t want to disappoint you again.”

Celestia was a bit taken aback by the comment. millennia of ruling the whole of Equestria had given Celestia more than ample time to perfect her royal smile. Her passive demeanor, however, had been shattered by that one innocent comment. Keeping her voice down so as not to awaken any witnesses; Celestia asked her what she meant.

“You don’t want to disappoint me?”

***

The rules of the test were crystal clear; no efforts may be attempted unless the testers bear witness. Both Twilight and Celestia were aware of this. Since the tester was sleeping the night away, the test was on pause for now. Twilight had taken advantage of the break to analyze her surroundings and figure out, mentally note, and organize every item's location.

Twilight now knew every inch of the room she stood in, and every locker’s contents. Still, as intelligent as she was, she was still green in life experience. Luckily for her, Celestia decided to impart on her some advice. Advice, she would treasure; because it gave her hope.

***

Celestia stood silent for a moment before she turned to look once more at the moon. Her words were soft and took Twilight by surprise.

“Tell me, Twilight, what do you think it means to fail?”

The definition had been beaten into her since her first day.

“To not succeed.”

Celestia gave a soft sigh as she stared at the dark pattern on the moon; known to Equus the world over as ‘The Mare in the Moon. She shook her head.

“No. No, that is not what it means to fail. Later, I want the teacher’s name who taught you such a thing, they need a little re-education, I believe. No, Twilight-”

Turning back to the little filly, Celestia sat on her haunches and gestured her over with a hoof. Twilight walked over cautiously and gave a small squeak of surprise when she was grabbed into a warm hug. The Princess gently patted her mane with her hoof. Leaning down, she whispered to Twilight in an almost melancholy way.

“The real way to fail is to give up. You can try over and over, but only when you’ve given up have you truly failed.”

“But the test-”

“Why do you think I oversee each and every test in this academy; from a simple classroom presentation to graduation ceremonies? Why do you think a tester only fails when I say they have failed?”

“I-”

Celestia’s words were both comforting and chilling. Twilight could almost see the pain in her words.

“I made that rule because when the fire burns cold; when the test takers have nothing left to give, they refuse to try again. They refuse to go further. To better themselves. So, they start over. They still know they messed up, but perhaps they’ll try even harder when given a clean slate. And only when I see the flames within fade, do I fail them.”

Twilight wasn’t sure what to say; the Princess wasn’t known for her kindness, only her tyranny. Should she trust anything the Alicorn said? I shouldn’t but she seems so sad.

“Why the school motto?”

“The eyes of the world are always on Canterlot, Twilight. Every creature, every sentient being on Equus looks to the Unicorns for leadership. Only the Unicorns can control and manipulate magic. We can move mountains with just a little knowledge. We can cause the ground to quake with the sheer desire to do so. Most importantly however, Twilight-"

Gently nuzzling the purple Unicorn, Celestia gave a half-smile before finishing her words.

“We protect those that cannot protect themselves; we cannot afford a single mistake, lest the world takes notice. We must be only the best, only the elite.”

When she puts it that way, it doesn’t sound so bad. Is this really our Princess? The heartless demon we’ve all dreaded? The same Alicorn who ordered the Dragonlord to kneel before her or she would end his daughter’s life before his eyes; according to History of the Dragonlands, page 635? She doesn’t seem so evil after all, perhaps she really does care about us?

Celestia observed Twilight, the warm, comforting smile still on her face. She’s just like you dear sister… She could see it in Twilight’s eyes; a cinder within the flame of hope had ignited. A different kind of cinder; one of trust. Yes, sister, she is just like you...Easily deceived. Just one more push and the seeds of trust would be firmly embedded in Twilight’s mind. Now to ignite the spark.

“You say you don’t want to disappoint me? Then succeed; don’t fail. Don’t stop trying. You see, Twilight, I wouldn’t have allowed you to take this test, if I didn’t think you could do it.”

“You really think I can?”

Yes. That’s right; take the carrot. Good girl. See? I’m not such a bad mare, am I? You can trust me. I won’t hurt you.

“I don’t think anything, Twilight. I know you can. And I know you will."

Turning her eyes once more to gaze upon the moon, Celestia thought about the night Nightmare Moon was created; her heart breaking once more.

No, I won’t hurt you Twilight, because unlike these other fools, you have something I need. I have no doubt you’ll hatch that egg come dawn. And when you succeed, the real lessons will begin.

A solitary tear slowly made its way down her face.

"Isn’t that right, Luna?"

Chapter 4- The Broken Sun

As the moonlight shone down upon her face, Celestia found herself deep within her past; 15 years old once more.

***

10 years had passed since Celestia had been allowed into the Royal Throne room by her mother. 10 years since she graduated. 10 years since she created Philomena; an impossible feat, and yet she had hatched the phoenix from within the empty shell. And there she sat, on a cushion, in the corner of the Throne Room; while her younger sister sat on a throne next to their mother. Oh, how she hated that smug expression on Luna’s face. However, she knew her little sister only wore it for appearances.

***

Once both were dismissed the two sisters would head back to their room where the two sisters would secretly have fun and laugh with each other. It had to be in secret, Celestia was forbidden by their mother to be near Luna. That is unless she wore a servant's garb and acted as such. The heir to the throne shouldn’t associate with trash, their mother would say.

Luna however hated the entire formality. Celestia was her sister, not some common whelp. Checking the hall for eavesdropping guards, Luna would make sure the coast was clear before letting her big sis know she could remove the wretched ensemble. That night would have featured a lovely tea time, around the midnight hour. An event Luna hosted, just to see Celestia smile. An event, Celestia cherished above any other each week. That would have happened.

Would have, if not for Celestia’s single mistake that night. The only mistake she ever regretted making. The mistake that led to the rise of Nightmare Moon. The mistake that led to her gentle sister being turned into a heartless monster.

***

Celestia had long been denounced by her mother as an heir to the throne. The throne would only be held by a Nightmare; not a disappointment, that was the reasoning. Celestia was fine with that. At least back then. She had been allowed to remain within the family only with the strictest of restrictions. One of those being Luna was to be addressed by Celestia only as Princess Luna.

***

An hour before the meeting with the dignitaries in the Throne Room, Celestia; in her servant garb, walked behind Luna. Whispering back and forth, like they usually did, Luna and Celestia had an enjoyable banter. A banter that unfortunately, had not escaped the ears of their mother; who remained silent on the matter. That is until the meeting came to an end and the sisters were about to be dismissed.

“Luna, and...You...too, would you both come here for a moment?”

***

You; the name Celestia’s mother had called her by, ever since Luna was born. Though she rarely acknowledged Celestia’s presence to begin with.

***

As Luna calmly rose and approached her mother, she made sure not to falter in any way. Her gait was elegant and each step was exact. Her mother would accept nothing less and she was watching; always watching. Whereas Luna had to be perfect; Celestia was scrutinized to an even higher standard.

Not only must her hoofsteps be in a certain rhythm, not a single thread on her humiliating attire was allowed to be a certain distance from her body at all times. Celestia however, didn’t care. Her sister had been named heir, that was fine. Her role as a serf to her little sister mattered not. Luna was the only one who had ever given her consideration; and she would gladly support her, no matter what.

Their mother, though having waited for Celestia, refused to even spare a glance her way. Keeping her snake-eyed pupils of jade green on Luna, the Alicorn spoke softly to her.

“Tell me, Luna, what are the rules for your sister?”

No stranger to such interrogations, Luna kept her face expressionless; passive. Her response was simple and to the point while her tone gave nothing away.

“Celestia must always don her servant apparel to enter the same room as me. Celestia may not refuse any command of which I give her. Celestia must address me only as Princess Luna. Failure to do so is punishable by execution.”

“Very good, daughter of mine. So then, why don’t you tell ‘Celly’ there what she did wrong, ‘Luny.’

Celestia’s heart dropped. She had heard them. Luna gave an ever so slight flick of her tail to calm her sister before baring a malicious grin and giving a snort.

“Cute joke mother, but Celestia would never be so bold as to address me in such a manner. Isn’t that right, slave?”

Celestia picked up on the cue immediately and bowed her head.

“As you say, Princess Luna.”

Their mother silently watched the scene play out before giving a slight chuckle, herself.

“Perhaps I was mistaken; how about the three of us enjoy a nice tea party.”

Luna was caught off-guard and her expression wavered.

“A tea party, mother?”

The voice of the Queen was silky yet carried an unwavering chill.

“Yes, perhaps around midnight...My daughter?”

She knew. She knew and they would pay the price. And what was worse; Celestia knew they couldn’t stop her. The evil mare had a stranglehold on all, and any who stood before her had crumbled under her icy heart. If they were to disappear at her whim; no creature would dare question why. No creature would care were she to snuff out their life at any given moment; such was her grip on the world. And now her soulless eyes were staring into Luna’s.

Her voice carried the tone of danger, while her eyes shifted to look at Celestia.

“I know what you two have been doing, sneaking around behind my back.”

Her eyes held an icy condemnation within them.

“such disappointments you’ve both turned out to be. And there is no room for such failures in my world.”

Luna’s calm demeanor instantly broke; her resolve vanished as she cried out in fear for her sister’s life.

“It’s not what you think, mother!”

“Oh? It’s not? Then tell me, daughter. Did you or did you not try and comfort this abomination?”

“I-”

“You what? You care for her? We are Nightmares! We do not worry what lessers think of us. We are perfection; we are elite!”

The alicorn paused for a moment before her tone grew soft once more.

“Though you are of my blood; Luna. Perhaps I could let you off the hook just this once. After we fix that imperfection of yours, that is.”

Without waiting for a reply, their mother’s horn glowed with magic. Luna opened her mouth to react as a blast of the light blue aura engulfed her and her words changed to a strangled scream.

“Mo- Aaaaaaargh!”

Her scream echoed throughout the throne room as Celestia stared; helpless to do anything. The ground beneath Luna began to spiderweb with cracks, while the windows depicting the exploits of the Queen in stained glass shattered. A raging whirlwind radiated outward in full force, and Luna was lifted into the air; her screams becoming more and more strained.

Celestia watched in horror, while silently pleading, desperate to think of something, anything to protect her little sister. Nothing came to mind however, she had little magical prowess, and she lacked any physical strength; having been fed nothing but scraps. Her frame was wiry, and gaunt; highly malnourished. There was nothing she could do. Nothing but watch.

Luna’s screams had stopped completely and within seconds her silent hooves touched back down onto the ruined floor. The wind died down and the glow vanished. Her eyes were closed, but Celestia was sure she was still breathing. She appeared unscathed, but something was off. Her sister now possessed a pair of wings covered in ebony down. Luna had become an Alicorn. What did she do to you, Luny?

“Luna!”

Celestia cried out the name on impulse but it seemed to wake up her sister. Luna’s eyes snapped open and they were the same, soulless jade green eyes of their mother.

”My name is Nightmare Moon.”

Her words were cold and emotionless. Celestia’s heart began to race. What was wrong with her sister? What happened to Luna? Didn’t she recognize her? She screamed at her in desperation.

“Luny it’s me! It’s Celly!”

“Silence, peasant! You will address me by my name only!”

I can’t lose her. Not her. Not my sister. Not Luna! She’s all I have left! Celestia tore off her garment in a desperate attempt to get her sister to recognize her.

“Luna! Please...It’s me! It’s your sister! Celestia!”

I won’t lose her. I can’t! As Celestia tried futilely to reach her sister, their mother sneered at the scene with glee.

“My, my. What an arrogant slave you have there, Nightmare Moon. Perhaps your abilities as a Nightmare aren’t all that impressive.”

The alicorn that had moments before been the gentle, sweet, and caring Luna turned to glare at the Queen.

“What did you just say?”

Her words were like a poison in her daughter; slowly coursing and corrupting her from within.

“How embarrassing a Nightmare that can’t even control their own servant. Were it mine, I would have slain it on the spot.”

“Luna...Please. Don’t leave me.”

Celestia was lifted off her hooves by a blast of blue magic; slamming into the wall with an audible crack.

“Let that be your only warning whelp!”

Luna’s voice was as cold as ice and it pierced Celestia to the core. She crumpled to the ground barely breathing. Her eyes closed as she whispered dejectedly.

“Sister...I’m sorry…

Another blast struck her in the side. Celestia stopped breathing. The angry roar of Nightmare Moon was heard.

“Silence! I am not your sister!”

Their mother continued goading her on.

“That’s right, let her live. That way she can disappoint you...Again and again like the eternal failure she is.”

Celestia slowly rose to her hooves as her body shook with her rage. Her skin felt warm and the heat was only increasing. A fire within her had ignited and that fire that had lain dormant, wanted out; now. Her very blood felt like it was boiling from the intensity of the hatred rising within her.

All the pain and torment of the years she had dealt with; she had put up with it for Luna. Her sister’s smile had been her light. And now there was no light left.

Celestia’s mind was a whirlwind of emotions. I’ve lost her. The one shred of joy in my life ripped away. Luna. Luna! She took her from me! She took my little sister! She’ll pay!

As her rage enveloped her heart, she just let go. She didn’t care anymore. Her sister was gone. And nothing mattered; not even her own life. She gave in to her anger; inviting it to eternally embrace her. She had held it at bay; no longer. Raising her head, Celestia’s eyes snapped open. She took a step towards Nightmare Moon. And then another.

The ground beneath her glowed white-hot with each step of her hooves. From within, her mane erupted in a fountain of flame. Her eyes alight with hate. Her tail had ignited and a swirling inferno had begun to circle her body; swirling forth from the golden glow upon her unicorn horn.

The flames completely enveloped the broken unicorn; pyromantic magic borne of despair. Completely encased within, an unearthly scream tore itself from Celestia’s throat.

“Raaagghhh!”

“How dare you tell me how to-”

Nightmare Moon and her mother; who had begun yelling at each other, fell silent at the display. The once loving, little sister of Celestia, watched as the column of fire slowly moved towards her. She was frozen in place by an unfamiliar feeling, something Nightmares weren’t accustomed to; fear.

The next instant she found herself thrown to the floor as the inferno exploded outward before drawing itself back in. The flames took on the forms of wings, one on each side of Celestia. The flames flickered to reveal the new ivory pegasus feathers they now rested on. Nightmare Moon just stared in shock as she clambored to her hooves; the lowly slave mare had become an alicorn. However, this was different. The alicorn before her wasn’t the same mare as before.

Celestia’s eyes were hooded over, and focused solely on Nightmare Moon. Tears streamed unrestrained down her muzzle. On her face rested a soft yet broken smile; as though she had come to accept a sad reality. Still, she stepped towards Nightmare Moon; towards the abomination that had been her sister. And all the while, her horn glowed with a golden aura.

Nightmare Moon shouted at her in a commanding tone before firing a blast of Lunar Magic at Celestia’s new form.

“Alicorn or not, I am a Nightmare! Stand down.”

Celestia didn’t respond as the magic slammed into her. There was nothing left to say. Her sister had been taken from her. Her mother had forcibly removed any emotions and any semblance of compassion that had made Luna, Luna. The blasts struck her flesh and seemed to be absorbed within it. Unaffected by Nightmare Moon’s magic she continued towards the Nightmare. As her former sister’s magic struck her, the flames upon her body seemed to glow brighter; with each strike.

“You think you can defy me?”

The Nightmare’s calm demeanor had begun to waver at the unnerving silent resolve of Celestia. She started backing up while, firing blast after blast of magic, her fear slowly began to overtake her.

The floor began to melt as the fire of Celestia grew; seemingly fed by the magic she was being blasted with. It didn’t take long until Nightmare Moon found her back to the castle wall; while Celestia stood mere inches from her.

“W-wait, I thought you said we were sisters!”

Nightmare Moon’s terror had completely consumed her and now the Nightmare turned to the tried and true tactic of deception. It seemed to work; Celestia appeared to pause for a moment before her sad smile turned into a malicious grin. Looking the Nightmare in her eyes, she spoke just two words as the magic building in her horn was released, in one furious explosion. Two words; infused with all the pain, misery and hate she now felt.

“We were.”

The castle walls Nightmare Moon had been backed against exploded outward, and the Nightmare was blasted into the air as well. The darkness of the eternal night cast by the Matriarch was broken by the golden glow of the solar magic cast by her daughter. The skies lit up with the magic of daylight; an event not witnessed since the Nightmares first rose to the throne tens of thousands of years ago.

Nightmare Moon’s body slowly began disintegrating, before a shout from behind Celestia was heard.

“This I cannot allow!”

A blast of magic roared past Celestia’s head to strike Nightmare Moon, causing her to vanish in a flash of light. Taken by surprise, Celestia turned to face her mother, who was smiling; the first time Celestia had ever seen her give a genuine smile.

“You’ve finally awoken your magic. I’m so proud of you, Celestia.”

***

Celestia found her thoughts interrupted by a slight tickling sensation in her wingtips. Surprised, Celestia glanced away from the moon above to stare down at the cause. A small smile graced the tyrant's lips at what she saw. The affectionate little filly, Twilight, was nuzzling her.

“You’ve got some brass ones, little one.”

Twilight merely grinned and gave her another gentle nudge. There was no fear in her movements; it almost seemed the little filly was on some kind of mission. As Celestia sat there, staring at her in curiosity, Twilight made her ulterior motive known with a gleeful squeak of joy.

“You were crying, now you’re smiling. I like it when you smile, your majesty.”

She hadn’t even been aware of the tears streaming down her face. Out of the mouth of foals. Celestia just couldn’t be stern around her. Not that she hadn’t tried. Her normally serpentine-like glare softened and gently she wrapped Twilight within her ivory wings; in a warm embrace.

“Oh, so now you are trying to cheer me up? You insolent little brat. Thank you.”

Wiping her tears away with a hoof, Celestia tickled Twilight's muzzle with her wingtips. Still smiling, she watched the giggling little unicorn with amusement. She leaned down and gave a gentle whisper as though afraid others would hear.

“And Twilight, just call me Celestia.”

Chapter 5- Ashes

Celestia sat in her chair, thoroughly flustered by the overly gentle unicorn; Twilight. So annoying; she’s too trusting. The way she stared up at me...It was like she could see beyond my smile. Still, she trusts me. Those eyes though. So innocent, so...Stop it, Celestia. Remember the-

“Pr-Princess?”

Her thoughts completely interrupted, without a word, and with her eyes narrowed to daggers, Celestia turned her head to glare at the speaker. Nightlight closed his mouth as his wife quickly covered it with her hoof. Smiling with an embarrassed blush on her cheeks, Twilight Velvet quickly began to utter an excuse on her husband’s behalf.

“F-forgive him, Your Majesty. He’s…-

Twilight’s mother seemed to be searching for an answer; having paused mid-sentence. Twilight stood near the egg and nearly fell over when her mother finished her sentence with the only thing she could think of.

“An idiot. He’s an idiot, Your Majesty.”

Celestia’s horn began to glow with a bright golden hue, as her eyes showed her rage. Velvet and her husband both closed their eyes, preparing for oblivion. As she was about to cast her spell, however, Celestia caught sight of Twilight staring at her from the corner of her eye.

Without a word, her horn stopped glowing, and once more she turned to stare at Twilight; whose eyes were watering in fear. As Celestia watched her, Twilight took a deep breath and slowly approached her. Her parents watched incredulously at her blatant disregard of ceremony, as Twilight addressed her on a first-name basis.

“Celestia, dad was saying you need to raise the sun.”

Turning to glare at her parents once more, Celestia’s horn glowed and the sun’s light began filtering through the nearby window. Her words were not her usual emotionless self as she spoke to them. Instead, she sounded almost merciful; happy even.

“Don’t do it again.”

They raised a bold one. To think, I would allow one to ever address me in such a manner. Once the bright rays of the sun fully lit up the room, Celestia’s horn stopped glowing and she stared down at Twilight; in silence.

Twilight’s parents were completely dumbfounded. It was a well-known fact that Celestia would tolerate only perfection; no flaws performed in front of her watchful eyes had ever gone unpunished. Yet, she had not only allowed them to remain before her, but she also did nothing when their daughter disrespected her position. What was going on?

As the little filly gave her thanks with a courteous bow, Celestia thought about her mother and the night her sister was sealed, in the midnight hour. Once more, she found herself back in time, staring at her mother in disbelief; 15 years old, the night the veil fell from her eyes.

***

“You’ve finally awakened your magic. I’m so proud of you, Celestia.”

The flaming alicorn was taken aback, so much so the shock shook her from her rage momentarily. She was proud of her? After all she had put Celestia and Luna through, she had the nerve to stand there; smiling at her? Wait did she use my name?

“What are you waiting for, Celestia? Take my life, and claim your birthright.”

Celestia paused in confusion. The flames rippling across her body flickered. Something was off. Her mother seemed almost overjoyed seeing her daughter annihilate her sister. What was going on? She had to know. 15 years of abuse; 15 years of torture and torment. She had to know; and now was her chance. Standing her ground, with her horn aglow with the energy of the sun; Celestia snarled angrily at her mother.

“Why?”

Still with a gentle smile, her mother nodded. Her icy blue mane blazed with a blue fire and spreading her wings; she made a truly terrifying sight. Her voice however, wasn’t one of normal disdain. No, it carried with it something Celestia had never heard from her; compassion.

“I suppose it’s only fair you know before I relinquish my crown. You are no Nightmare; you are a Daybreaker. Though we Nightmares are cold and cunning, the Daybreaker is our opposite. Warmth and passionate, with a fury buried within.”

Celestia slammed her hoof down in frustration.

“What nonsense are you spouting now, you snake?”

Her mother laughed and folded her wings once more. Why was she enjoying this so much? Just how did she justify what she did?

“Oh it’s no nonsense, my daughter. I knew it from the moment I saw you open your eyes; you were no Nightmare. Though I suppose, you’ll hate me for this, I think you have the right to know: You were fated to die that day.”

Celestia was confused. Her anger wavered and her flames lessened.

“What are you talking about?”

“Only Nightmares may ascend the throne. An albino Nightmare possesses not Lunar but Solar magic. And the night must last forever. I was supposed to take your life then and there, but I couldn’t.”

“Nothing ever stopped you from taking lives before! Why would you spare me, you Demon of Tartarus?”

Her mother just cocked her head with a soft smile on her face.

“Demon, huh? I like that. Because you were my firstborn. You were my Celestia.”

Her mother scuffed her hoof almost as if ashamed. Was her mother, the same matriarch who had fossilized the entity of the Chaos Lord known as Discord to display in her garden, for the mere act of speaking out of turn, embarrassed?

“I had to hide you. You were mine and I refused to give you up and your father; the King, was against it. I tried everything to make excuses for you. ‘She’s just a slow grower’ or ‘Don’t worry when her mane and tail grow in you’ll see, she’s a true Nightmare.’

Celestia’s glare lessened and her flames dwindled to embers. It sounded almost as if she…No, there was no way. Not her mother.

“And then you grew your mane and tail. A beautifully full mane and a wondrously flowing tail; as colorless as the rest of you. Just as I knew it would be; but I had a plan. For 3 years, I plotted a way to save your life. I acted quickly. I refused to let your father see your true nature. I dyed your mane while making it look like a punishment for the guards to bear witness. I then told your father you were just rebelling and that you dyed your mane to make a point; a normal behavior for a Nightmare filly. I thought I could protect you but he was persistent, and so he had to go.”

Celestia flames were now mere cinders; taken by complete surprise by the statement.Her anger was suddenly all but forgotten She never remembered having a father. Wouldn’t she have known if there had been a King of Equestria?

“I had a father?”

The now-soft eyes of her heartless mother hardened with a hateful glare at the question. Surprisingly though, her voice remained soft.

“Yes, you did and I was by his side for over 7,000 wonderful years. I watched as he broke and ground Equestria beneath his hooves. I gleefully watched as he caused the eternal night to fall. Though such is a Nightmare’s nature; cruelty and icy destruction. He was a wonderful husband, and a stallion worthy of eternity. But he made a fatal mistake and it was one I simply couldn’t allow.”

What could possibly have caused her mother to take the life of such a perfect companion? Celestia found herself asking exactly that.

“What...Did he do?”

The response was as chilling and distant as the magic her mother embodied.

“He tried to take your life. Understand Celestia, the Nightmare is not bridled by sentiments. We do not love. We do not care. If we don’t like something, we remove it. When we want something, we take it. For him to want to prevent you from letting the sun shine was as natural as an Earthpony growing an apple tree. And had it been any other creature, I wouldn’t have even flinched at the sight.”

Seeing the look of disgust upon her daughter’s face, Celestia’s mother rustled her wings; a sign of discomfort in alicorns. Her voice grew soft, a very uncharacteristic tone for the Matriarch.

“But it wasn’t. It was you. My little one; my foal. It was impossible and yet, you changed me. From the moment that tiny little foal smiled up at me from my hooves; even though I knew you were the mortal enemy of the Nightmares. Even if you were destined to destroy all we had built; you were my little one.”

Sitting down on her throne, the Matriarch lowered her eyes in despair. Celestia couldn’t believe it, her mother actually cared about something?

“And so, that night, I took the throne and erased all memory of him. And I cried. I shouldn’t have been affected by it, but you...you gave me something I never had; a heart. I was in pain, sitting there in my bedroom without him. I was so distraught; I didn’t even kill the guards who barged in to make sure I was okay.”

Celestia had never seen this side of her mother. Her rage was completely forgotten and the flames upon her had gone out; her mother’s heartfelt confessions had sucker-punched her. She just wasn’t prepared for this. Her wings lowered, now dragging on the floor in dismay.

“But if you cared so much...Why didn’t you ever show me?”

“The Daybreaker is born every once in 3000 generations. They are characterized by the colorless mane and tail; as well as eyes as red as the core of the sun-”

Celestia blinked. It sounded like her mother was now reciting verbatim an article or book she had read.

“The Daybreaker is eternally cursed to bear no live young and they embody the power of the sun itself. Unlike the Nightmare; the Daybreaker possesses Solar magic that can only be realized when their rage and sorrow goes beyond the breaking point-”

Celestia felt like she had just been struck.

“Only an Alicorn may take the throne. A Daybreaker will only become an Alicorn through unchained rage. The hardest thing I ever had to do, Celestia, was to hate you with all my heart.”

She felt her heart sink as she asked the last question on her mind. She had a gut feeling she would not like the answer.

“What about Luna? What about the way you treated my little sister?”

Her mother shook her head.

“Luna never existed. Well, not the one you know. Your sister was born a pure-blooded Nightmare, Celestia. She had no emotions, she genuinely didn’t love you. Her name was not Luna, it was Nightmare Moon. The Luna you knew was created from the emotions I infused her with.”

Wait, what did she say? Luna never...She can’t be serious! Her mother continued.

“I knew you would need support to survive such an abusive environment, and so I created that support. The Nightmare Moon you just fought was your real sister.”

“My real sister? That can’t be you just-”

“She isn’t dead. She’s just asleep; sealed within the moon to regenerate and return to her original form. I couldn’t bear to watch you take your own sister’s life and so I intervened.”

Celestia’s knees buckled and she fell to the floor. Her mother; the cold, heartless Nightmare had done everything for her. Everything she had known about her mom was wrong. She really did care.

“Mom why, why would you-”

Rising from her throne, the Matriarch wore a truly beaming smile. Her voice had completely lost it’s distant and cold feeling.

“You won’t understand, Celestia. At least, not right now. One day, you too, will find an heir. It may not be 1,2 or even for 10000 years; but it will happen. It might be a colt or a filly, a mare or a stallion. Perhaps it will be a dragon or a hippogriff. The thing is, you will find them.”

She slowly stepped towards Celestia, unfolding her wings to their full length.

“A worthy successor to take your place on the throne. It’ll happen and when it does, you’ll find you’ll turn your back on everything you have built, all you have done. You’ll even defy the very blood coursing within your veins; your own heritage. You’ll gladly turn your throne to ashes; just for them. And then, my daughter you’ll understand why I sacrificed everything for you.”

Standing before her, the matriarch wrapped her wings around her daughter and whispered to her.

“Let me give you the one thing I never did. If only for one moment, let me show you what you mean to me. “

In her mother’s embrace, Celestia felt warm. Her mother’s flesh and feathers felt freezing to the touch, but even amidst the stinging cold, Celestia felt the warmth of her mother’s love. Tears began to form in the young alicorn’s eyes.

It was everything she had ever wanted. Acknowledgement of her existence, an understanding of why she had been put through Tartarus, and her mother’s love. And the worst part was now that she had it, she couldn’t even be happy about it. No, she couldn’t enjoy even a second of it because she knew what was coming. She had finally become an Alicorn and that meant it was time for her to take the throne as the only viable heir. And for that to happen, her mother would have to die.

***

Only an Alicorn could ascend the throne. Because Alicorns possess immortality, they would never simply pass on. The Nightmares acknowledged this fact and as a result; to ensure their children’s turn as rulers, the fillies were conditioned to draw blood to ascend the throne. From an early age it was explained that they would be taking the current crown-holder’s life in order to rule the kingdom, once they got their wings.

Because of their unfeeling nature, the Nightmares would do it without conflict or hesitation. It was the natural order of royalty to them. Celestia however, had emotions and found herself now thoroughly conflicted.

Now that she had her wings, it was time, but she just couldn’t do it. It wasn’t that her mom would stop her; no, she was fully ready to stand down. The problem was moments ago, blinded by rage, she had been prepared to annihilate her mother. Now though, she had more clarity of the situation; she understood everything. She was no longer enraged; instead, she now felt admiration for her mother’s twisted resolve in showing her love.

***

“Mom I can’t. I can’t do it.”

Celestia sounded defeated, destroyed by the very idea. How could she take her own mother’s life? The Matriarch, however, had already known this would happen. Releasing her daughter from her hug, she took a step back; her horn aglow with Lunar Magic.

“I know, my daughter. But don’t worry, Celestia. I couldn’t be prouder of all that you’ve done.”

Celestia stared at her in confusion. What spell was her mom casting?

“Mom, what are you-”

The magic spiraled down from her mother’s horn and the magic wrapped around her form; twisting around her like slithering serpents. On her face, she wore a loving smile.

“I know you’ll be a fine ruler, Celestia.”

“Mom? Mom. Mom!”

The Matriarch's body had begun breaking up as the magic slowly devoured her from the hooves up. Celestia watched in absolute horror as her mother dissolved into nothing before her eyes, unable to speak.

Just before her form was completely consumed, Celestia heard her say just one last thing.

“I love you.”

Celestia’s eyes went dark as she stood there in the now empty throne room. She truly was alone. In just 5 minutes, she had lost everything she cared about; her sister and now, her mother. It hurt. It hurt so much. The pain was unbearable as she slowly pieced together what had just happened. They were gone. She had nothing.

As her pain escalated, flames shot forth engulfing the entire throne room, and from her mouth came a blood-curdling scream. The scream was so haunting that all who heard it convulsed in pain. Her mind faded away as her vision went dark; she surrendered to her sorrow.

The blood of the Nightmare flowing in her veins reacted to her pain; seizing control. And then she was gone. She no longer cared. She no longer felt. She no longer saw. Her flames blazed across the landscape and would continue raging for the next 5 years. Cities and kingdoms would burn just so the world could feel her pain. The tyrant had risen.

***

“You’ve failed.”

Blinking, Celestia took in the scene at a glance. The proctor had begun speaking to Twilight who had been unsuccessful in her attempt to hatch the egg and now was crying at the announcement. Celestia slowly rose and walked over to the proctor.

“Did I say she failed yet?”

“N-no Your Majesty but-”

The proctor was shaking in fear as Celestia stared him directly in the eyes. Her words were cold and calmly whispered.

“Then she hasn’t failed yet, has she?”

“I-”

Celestia’s horn began to glow. She repeated herself; her words slightly fiercer.

“Has she?”

"No, Your Majesty.”

Nodding, Celestia moved back towards her seat, amidst the stares of incredulous surprise. Celestia said simply.

“I am in a generous mood right now, I would suggest you not make any more mistakes. Carry on, Twilight. The test is still on. Make me proud.”

All eyes were on the Princess as she sat down to stare, unwavering at Twilight. A second chance? What had come over their ruler? Celestia’s eyes sparkled as she watched the filly begin her attempts anew. Her lips formed a small smile.

Ashes, huh? I think I understand now, mom.

Author's Note

To Be Continued...