Everfree is unusually quiet tonight, Color Wheel said to herself as she trotted through the dark streets. There’s usually somepony having a late-night get-together, but it looks like everypony’s asleep. The purple earth pony wasn’t sure how she felt about that. On the one hoof, everypony had worked hard today to help buck the last of the apples in time for tomorrow’s Running of the Leaves, and they were still behind on the harvest. This change of seasons was one of the toughest Everfree had ever faced, and everypony would need a good night’s sleep if they were going to pull it off.
On the other hoof, there was Princess Luna.
Color Wheel saw the dark blue alicorn standing in the square, her horn enveloped in a blue aura of magic. A warm, gentle breeze began blowing through Color Wheel’s short blue and white mane. Crickets chirped all around, and when she looked up, she was treated with a beautiful view of the Princess’s starry sky. The moon was almost full, and the crescent moon on Princess Luna’s flank seemed to glow in its light.
The aura of power dissipated from around the Princess’s horn, and she surveyed her work. “My, you’ve really outdone yourself tonight,” Color Wheel said as she drew near.
“Thank you, Color Wheel,” said the Princess, “but I fear it’s still not enough.”
“Enough? My lady, this is perfect! Much better than Discord’s dreadful nights,” Color Wheel said.
“Thank you for your kindness,” Princess Luna said with a sigh, “but no matter what I do, nopony ever comes to see it.”
“Well, I come to see it,” Color Wheel said, “and I’m certainly glad I do. Your night has given me so much inspiration – and not just me, but Shuttleweave, too. I hear she’s planning to make a tapestry in honor of everything you do for us.”
“But what do I do, really?” the Princess asked, her frustration evident in her voice. “Everypony works and plays during Celestia’s day, but when my night comes, they go to sleep. Nopony really appreciates my night at all.”
“Of course we do, your majesty!” Color Wheel said. “Before you came, night was a time of terror and unrest. Discord would always conjure a storm or raise the sun every five minutes just to torment us for his own entertainment. Believe me; everypony is grateful for the peaceful, calm night you have given us.”
“I know,” Princess Luna said. “I too remember Discord’s nights. I just wish they would appreciate the true beauty of what I do – the stars, the breeze, the shifting phases of the moon...”
Her voice trailed off with a hint of sadness. Color Wheel understood her despair. She really did work hard to make the night beautiful, and it was a pity more ponies didn’t see it. “You just need to give it time,” Color Wheel said. “Your night is like my artwork. Sometimes, even when I put all my effort into making a masterpiece, other ponies just don’t see it the way I do. But don’t worry,” she added. “With time, I’m sure everypony will come to realize just how wonderful your night is.”
Princess Luna smiled, much to Color Wheel’s relief. “You’re right, Color Wheel,” she said. “I’m glad I have a friend like you who can cheer me up when I’m feeling down.”
“I stood by your side when we defeated Discord, and I don’t plan to stop now,” Color Wheel said. “You just keep making these beautiful nights. Everypony else will come around eventually.”
“Thank you,” the Princess said. “I’d love to stay and chat, but I must go to the library. Scrollkeeper doesn’t like to be kept waiting.”
“Of course,” said Color Wheel. “I must be off as well. Have a good night, your majesty.”
“You too, Color Wheel.”
The light was still on in the library when Luna arrived. A dark orange pegasus with a silver mane and a scroll-shaped cutie mark was waiting for her. “Good evening, your majesty,” Scrollkeeper said, bowing his head. “I presume you will be spending the night here, as always?”
“Yes, if it’s not too much trouble,” Luna replied, closing the door behind her. She knew the old stallion needed his rest, but he made an effort to let her into the library every night nonetheless. He and his nephew, along with Color Wheel and Shuttleweave, had helped Luna and Celestia defeat Discord by wielding the Elements of Harmony, and the old librarian made a point of making sure Luna had the time she needed to read.
“Very well,” Scrollkeeper said. “I will leave you to your studies.”
“Thank you,” said Luna. “I will wake you in the morning, as always.”
Scrollkeeper disappeared into a side room that served as his bedroom and closed the door behind him. Luna began searching the shelves for something that would help her improve her night. “Advanced Astronomy, Astrological Phenomena, The Art of Midnight…” she muttered as she scanned the shelves. She’d read almost all of them at least once, but there had to be a way to make everypony see how beautiful her night was. She believed what Color Wheel had said, of course, but in the meantime, she would do everything she could to make sure everypony noticed sooner rather than later.
A soft bump broke her concentration. She heard soft hoof beats coming from across the library, followed by the faint beating of wings. Strange, I thought Scrollkeeper was going to sleep, Luna said to herself as she walked towards the noise. A shadow darted behind a bookshelf. Perhaps it’s a thief, she thought as she crept closer. Well, there’s only one way to find out.
Luna darted around the bookshelf and found herself face-to-face with the intruder, a red-maned gold-coated colt with a broom as a cutie mark. The colt cried out in surprise and released the balloon he was inflating, which whizzed around the room with a high-pitched squeal before landing limply on Luna’s head. Luna stumbled backwards and bumped into a shelf behind her, sending a pile of scrolls tumbling to the floor. “Cleansweep!” she gasped. “What are you doing?”
“Decorating the library for my uncle’s birthday, of course!” Cleansweep hissed. “Keep it down, will you? It’s supposed to be a secret!”
Luna took a few deep breaths to steady her nerves. She should have known it was Scrollkeeper’s nephew. Cleansweep was the head cleaning pony in the royal palace, and somehow he always knew how to make everypony smile. He of all people would make sure his uncle’s birthday wasn’t forgotten.
“You should have warned me you’d be here,” Luna said. “I thought you were a thief.”
“Sorry,” Cleansweep said. “Here, let me help you clean that up.” He scooped up several scrolls and deposited them on the highest shelf. “Hey, what’s this?”
Luna looked up to see the colt holding a small black box in his hooves. “Cleansweep! Put that back this instant!”
“Why? What is it?” Cleansweep asked as he descended with the box in hoof. “It doesn’t look special to me.”
“That’s the Scroll of Eternal Night,” Luna said, snatching the box away with a levitation spell. “Long ago, a powerful centaur tried to take over Equestria by covering the land in an eternal night. The ponies who defeated him locked his powers inside a scroll hidden within this box. If the scroll’s seal is ever broken, the centaur’s power will wreak havoc on Equestria once again.”
“So anypony who opens that box could take over Equestria?” Cleansweep asked. “Shouldn’t it be, you know, protected?”
“It’s locked with a very powerful spell,” Luna said. “Celestia and I plan to build it a more secure home once Everfree gets back on its hooves, but for now, we keep it hidden where nopony will look.”
“Except by accident,” Cleansweep said.
“Listen, you can’t tell anypony about this box,” Luna said as she returned the artifact to its shelf. “If it falls into the wrong hooves, who knows what could happen?”
“Don’t worry, your highness. You can count on me,” Cleansweep said as he placed the last scroll on its shelf. “Well, now that that’s all cleaned up, would you mind helping me decorate?”
Luna sighed. As much as she wanted to help, she really needed to study. “How long will it take?”
“Not too long, now that there’s two of us,” Cleansweep said.
“Make that three of us,” said a voice by the door. Luna and Cleansweep turned to see a gray unicorn with a dark yellow mane and tail and a cutie mark of a spear standing in the doorway. “You forgot to lock the door again, your majesty,” he said with a smile.
“Oh. Whoops,” Luna said with a blush.
“Shieldwall!” Cleansweep hissed. “Keep your voice down! You’ll wake my uncle!”
“Don’t worry,” Shieldwall said, brushing some dust off his royal guard uniform with one hoof. “That old pegasus sleeps more soundly than a dragon.”
“I see you’ve been assigned the night watch again,” Luna said.
“I volunteered,” Shieldwall replied as he hung some streamers using a levitation spell. “The other guards think I’m strange, but I enjoy staying up at night. It’s quite peaceful.”
“Oh! Well, thank you,” said Luna, hoping her face didn’t look as warm as it felt. “I do try to make it as beautiful as possible.”
“And you do a splendid job of it,” Shieldwall said. “It’s a pity more ponies can’t enjoy it like I do.”
“Well, most ponies don’t come to see the Princess at the library every night,” Cleansweep said with a mischievous wink.
“What?” Shieldwall spluttered. “T-that’s not it at all! I only stop by during my rounds to keep the Princess company!”
“Uh-huh,” Cleansweep said. “Okay. I understand. I’ll just finish up these decorations, and then I’ll be out of your manes.”
“Why you,” Shieldwall growled as Cleansweep hung the last of the streamers and vanished into his room. “That impertinent little – I swear, Princess, I only stop by to keep you company. I would never let my personal feelings distract me from my duties – not that I have feelings, of course. I mean, I have feelings, just not-”
“Relax, Shieldwall,” Luna said with a laugh. “He was just teasing. Although, it is odd how often you volunteer for the night watch.”
“As I said before, I enjoy the night,” Shieldwall said. “Though, I will confess I enjoy talking with you, too.”
“As do I,” said Luna as she resumed scanning the shelves. “I find I can study better when I have somepony to talk to.”
“Why do you study so much, anyway?” Shieldwall asked. “What are you looking for?”
“Something to make everypony appreciate my night,” Luna said, levitating a few books from their shelves. “I’ve tried everything I can think of, but so far, nothing’s worked.”
Shieldwall looked at the books as they floated past. “I’ve seen you reading all of these before,” he said. “How much more can you learn from them?”
“I don’t know, but there has to be something,” Luna said. “These books contain everything anypony knows about the night. If there is a solution, I’ll find it here.”
Shieldwall watched her pull several more books from various shelves before speaking. “Perhaps you’re looking in the wrong place, your highness.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, like you said, you’ve already read everything anypony knows about the night,” Shieldwall said. “Maybe you need to find something nopony knows about.”
“Something nopony knows about,” she repeated. “Of course! If I give them something they’ve never seen before, they’re sure to pay attention to my night! But, where should I start?”
“You could try the archives,” Shieldwall suggested. “Look through the old legends for something nopony’s seen in generations. You’ll probably have to figure out how to do it, of course, but I’m sure you’ll be up to the challenge.”
Luna had to resist the urge to throw open all the archives at once. “That’s a great idea! Oh, thank you!”
Now it was Shieldwall’s turn to blush. “It was nothing, your majesty,” he said.
“You’re just being modest,” Luna said as she opened a few archive scrolls. “You’ve been a great help.”
Shieldwall pawed at the floor. “You’re welcome, your majesty. I’ll just leave you to your studies, then.”
“Wait.” Luna set the scrolls aside and followed Shieldwall outside. “Before you go, I just wanted to tell you how much your visits mean to me. I know it’s not easy for a guard to be up every night, but I really appreciate your efforts.”
Shieldwall coughed uncomfortably. “Well, as I said, your majesty, I enjoy the night. But if you ever need anything, I promise I’ll be there for you, no matter what.”
“I knew it!” said a muffled voice from somewhere inside the library, followed by the sound of retreating hoof beats.
“Ignore him,” Luna said with a chuckle as Shieldwall growled disapprovingly. “You have a patrol to cover. Have a good night.”
Luna returned to the library, closing the door behind her. Shieldwall stood there for a moment before continuing his patrol.
Where is she? Celestia asked herself for the tenth time as she paced back and forth in the reception hall. I told her to be here early so we could start the Running of the Leaves. The white alicorn looked out the window across the chasm that separated the castle from the square. A crowd of ponies was already waiting. Everypony else arrived on time. Why can’t Luna?
As if sensing her cue, Luna flew through a high window and landed in front of Celestia, slightly out of breath. “I’m sorry,” she gasped. “I was studying in the library and lost track of time.”
“Again?” Celestia said. “You must have read every book in the library by now.”
“I know,” Luna said, “but I still haven’t found what I’m looking for.”
“Are you still obsessing about the night?” Celestia asked. Luna’s guilty expression was all the answer she needed. “I told you to stop worrying. You’re going to wear yourself out, and I’ll have to raise the sun and the moon by myself. Now come on. Everypony is waiting for us.”
Celestia had almost reached the door before she noticed Luna wasn’t following her. She was staring at the ground, her head low. “Listen, I know you’re upset, but ponies have to sleep sometime,” Celestia said, trying to soften her tone.
“But why does everypony have to sleep through my night?” Luna asked. “I work so hard to make it beautiful.”
“I know, little sister,” Celestia said, “but worrying about it won’t make it any better. Before we defeated Discord, this world was in chaos. What everypony needs now is a sense of order and structure. That’s what we give them with night and day, Luna, and they are grateful to us both, even if they sleep during your beautiful night. Just give it time.”
“But I want them to see it now,” Luna said. “I don’t want to wait!”
Celestia waited a moment before responding. “Do you remember the city you told me you wanted to rebuild? The one on the side of the mountain?”
“You mean Canterlot?” Luna said.
“Yes. Do you remember what I told you then?”
Luna’s gaze fell to the floor once again. “That we needed to wait until the time was right.”
“Exactly,” Celestia said. “It’s a wonderful idea, but right now, we need to focus on helping Equestria get back on its hooves. Your night is also wonderful, and I believe everypony will agree, but now is not the time to worry about such things. There is much to do to restore this land, little sister. In time, we will be able to make your dreams come true.”
Celestia’s eyes met Luna’s, and the blue alicorn smiled. “You promise?” she asked, pressing her head against Celestia’s neck.
“I promise,” Celestia replied, returning her sister’s embrace. “Now, shall we proceed with the Running of the Leaves?”
“Of course,” Luna said with a nod. Together, the two sisters walked outside to greet their subjects.
“Color Wheel? Shuttleweave? Are you here?” Celestia called as she looked at all the paintings and tapestries on display. The two were quite talented, but it was sometimes difficult to find them.
“Just a moment!” a soft voice called from within the shop. A few moments later, a teal unicorn with a short brown mane and a cutie mark shaped like a loom appeared from behind some artwork. “Oh, hello, Princess. How are you?”
“Quite well, thank you,” Celestia said. “How’s business?”
“Oh, as usual, your majesty,” Shuttleweave said. “I had a big order of blankets come in today. I always do when winter comes. Speaking of which, how did the Running of the Leaves go?”
“Very well,” Celestia answered. “We managed to shake down all the leaves before midday, even though Luna did arrive a little late.”
“Yes, I heard,” Shuttleweave said with a frown. “Is she all right?”
“She’s upset,” Celestia said. “She thinks nopony appreciates her night.”
“Oh, that’s not true at all,” Shuttleweave said. “Color Wheel and I often stay up to watch the stars. They’re so inspiring.”
“I keep telling her not to worry, but she just won’t listen,” Celestia sighed. “Maybe you and Color Wheel should go cheer her up.”
“I think I can manage that, your majesty,” Shuttleweave said. “We both have a lot of work to do, but if it’s for Princess Luna, I think I can find the time.”
“Oh, good,” Celestia said. “I think she went to the library. I’ll see you later.”
“The library?” Shuttleweave repeated, but Celestia had already left the shop. She’s been up all night, Shuttleweave said to herself. She should be in bed, not studying. How strange…
Luna was surrounded by scrolls when Shuttleweave walked into the library. “Good afternoon, your highness,” she said.
“Huh? Oh, hello, Shuttleweave,” Luna replied, barely glancing away from the scroll she was reading. “What brings you here?”
“Well, you do, your majesty.”
Luna set her scroll aside. “Me? Why? Do you need something?”
“Your sister stopped by my shop and said you were upset,” Shuttleweave said, carefully stepping around Luna’s scrolls. “I just wanted to tell you that Color Wheel and I really like what you’re doing with the night.”
“Oh?”
“Yes,” Shuttleweave continued. “In fact, I’m working on a piece right now that your night inspired me to create.”
“Really?” Luna’s face broke into a smile. “Oh, I’m so glad to hear that! After talking to Celestia this morning, I was a little worried that my plan wasn’t such a good idea, but after hearing that, I think it just might work!”
Shuttleweave frowned as Luna returned to her scrolls. “What are you planning, your majesty?”
“Well, last night, I was trying to figure out how I can show everypony what they’re missing at night,” Luna said. “I thought if I could make the night lighter, like day, everypony might be more interested in seeing what else I have to offer them.”
“Lighter?” Shuttleweave repeated with a quizzical look. “But, your highness, night is supposed to be dark.”
“I know, but I think I can change that,” Luna said. “There are several records of Starswirl the Bearded casting spells to light up the night. They don’t say how, exactly, but I think I’ve figured out how a couple of them work.”
“But, Princess, you can’t light up every night,” Shuttleweave said, moving out of the way as a stack of scrolls floated by. “Everypony’s just getting used to having a real night and day.”
“Oh, it won’t be every night,” Luna said with a laugh. “That would be far too exhausting. But if I can make this work for just one night, I think more ponies will want to see what else my night has in store!”
Shuttleweave’s eyes drifted from the pile of scrolls to the bags under Luna’s eyes. “Speaking of wearing a pony out, don’t you think you should get some rest?”
“I can’t,” Luna said. “I need to figure this out by tonight.”
“But, Princess, wouldn’t it be better to-”
“No, Shuttleweave!” Luna’s sudden outburst seemed to startle both of them. “I mean, sorry, but I need to do this now.”
“Well, okay then,” Shuttleweave said softly as she turned and walked outside. I hope this plan of yours works, she thought. For your sake as well as ours.
Celestia was surprised to see almost everypony in Everfree standing in the square when she left the castle at dusk. I wonder what they’re waiting for, she said to herself, though it was difficult to make out much in all the chatter. Luna was standing in the middle of the square. She looked exhausted, but she was pacing excitedly and smiling. I wonder what’s put her in such a good mood?
“Good evening, sister,” Luna said with a cheer Celestia hadn’t seen in her in quite some time.
“Good evening,” Celestia said. “This is quite a turnout.”
“Yes, isn’t it wonderful?” Luna said. “I discovered a spell that will make this night amazing, and I wanted to be sure everypony could see it.”
“Luna, I thought we talked about this,” Celestia said.
“I know, but this is different,” Luna said. “I thought if I could just make one night spectacular, everypony would realize what my night has to offer, and they might decide to watch it.”
Luna’s enthusiasm was certainly contagious, but as Celestia looked out at the crowd, she began to doubt the wisdom of her sister’s plan. Everypony was exhausted from the harvest and change of seasons, and many were already nodding off. “Luna, I’m not sure this is such a good idea.”
Luna visibly recoiled at her remark. “What do you mean?”
Celestia sighed. “I know your heart is in the right place, but this isn’t the time, little sister. Everypony is exhausted. I think it would be better to wait a while.”
“Wait? But why? Everypony’s already here!” Luna said desperately.
“Luna, please, listen to me,” Celestia begged. “If you do this now-”
“You promised you’d help me!”
“Yes, but-”
“I’ve been working all day for this!”
“I know, but-”
“Don’t you love me?”
Now it was Celestia’s turn to recoil. Luna had never taken such a tone with her, nor had she glared at her with such anger. “I do, little sister,” she started.
“Then let me do this,” Luna said, now sounding more desperate than angry. “Please.”
Celestia looked out at the crowd once again. Everypony was watching them expectantly. “Very well, Luna,” she said with a sigh before turning to address the crowd. “Citizens of Everfree, I thank you all for coming here this evening. As you all know, my sister, Princess Luna, has been working tirelessly to bring us something spectacular.”
“Yes,” Luna said. “I realize that you have all been working very hard and do not have the energy to fully appreciate the night I work so hard to give you, but tonight, I hope I can give you a taste of the beauty my night holds.”
Everypony’s eyes turned skyward as Luna’s horn began to glow blue with power. The moon appeared on the horizon as it did every night, and one by one the stars appeared in the darkened sky. The crowd watched in silence as a couple shooting stars flashed across the sky. Celestia wasn’t sure what they were thinking, but she hoped for Luna’s sake they were impressed.
“And now, citizen of Everfree,” Luna said, her voice echoing across the square, “I present something that has not been seen in many years. I give you the Shining Aurora!”
The aura around Luna’s horn grew brighter still, and with a flash, the sky was illuminated with trails of green and blue light. The crowd gasped as the lights shimmered and shifted, lighting the square almost as though it were day. Even Celestia had to admit she was impressed. “Luna, where did you learn that?”
“From the archives,” Luna gasped. The spell had taken more out of her than she expected. “What do you think?”
“It’s amazing!” Celestia said. “I’ve never seen anypony do anything like this!”
Luna smiled and looked out at the transfixed crowd. Everypony’s eyes were glued to the Shining Aurora. It worked, she said to herself with relief. At last, they will appreciate my night.
“Is that it?”
“What?” Luna’s gaze snapped around to the pony who’d spoken. “What do you mean?”
“I was just wondering if you’re going to show us anything else, your highness,” the stallion said.
“More?” Luna repeated. “Are you not satisfied?”
“Oh, it’s very lovely, your highness,” the stallion said, “but I’m very tired, and I have to be in the fields early tomorrow to finish up the harvest.”
Luna could hardly believe her ears. And yet, she could see several ponies nodding their agreement. “I have given you the Shining Aurora,” Luna said. “Nopony has seen such a thing in nearly a thousand years!”
“And it’s quite nice, your majesty,” said a mare, “but as you said, we’ve been working very hard and just don’t have much energy right now.”
“But – but – wait!” Luna cried, but it was no use. The crowd dispersed, and in seconds the square was nearly empty. “I don’t understand,” Luna said.
“They’re exhausted, little sister,” Celestia said, trying not to let her own weariness show. “As are you.”
“But I worked so hard on this!” Luna protested.
“Well, I tried to warn you,” Celestia said. “I told you to let it be, but you just wouldn’t listen.”
“It’s not fair!” Luna cried, stomping a hoof on the ground. “Why do you get all the attention? What makes your day so special that nopony pays attention to the night?”
“Luna, it’s not like that at all,” Celestia said impatiently. “Now, come inside. You need to sleep.”
“No!” Luna shouted, her voice cracking as tears trickled down her face. “I’m going to the library! I’m going to make them love the night if it’s the last thing I do!”
“Wait!” Celestia cried, but Luna had already galloped away. Celestia could only watch as her sister disappeared in Everfree’s dark streets.
“Scrollkeeper! Scrollkeeper, open up!”
Luna stopped pounding on the door when she heard the lock slide open and Scrollkeeper’s tired face appeared in the doorway. “What is it, your majesty?”
“I need to come in,” Luna said half-sobbing as she pushed open the door. “I have to figure this out.”
“Your majesty, please,” Scrollkeeper said as Luna hurried towards the archives. “It’s very late.”
“I don’t care,” Luna snapped, yanking several scrolls off a shelf with her magic.
“You need your rest, your highness,” Scrollkeeper said. “You’re not well.”
“Not well? Not well?” Luna dropped the scrolls and rounded on the old librarian. “How am I the one who’s not well? I give everypony the Shining Aurora, which hasn’t been seen in a millennium, and they ask for more! They’re the ones who are crazy, not me!”
Luna pulled several more scrolls off the shelves and scanned them quickly before throwing them aside. Scrollkeeper approached her with caution. “Your majesty, please listen to me,” he said softly. “You have not slept in over a day, and your obsession with the night is becoming unhealthy.”
“My night is everything, Scrollkeeper!” Luna shouted, once again throwing the scrolls aside. “Are you saying I shouldn’t take pride in my work? Or do you just prefer Celestia’s day over my glorious night?”
“My lady, please, listen to reason,” Scrollkeeper said. “If you continue to push yourself like this, I fear you will become a danger to both yourself and the inhabitants of Everfree. Now, with all due respect, I must ask you to go home for the night and return when you are well and rested.”
Luna stared at him for a moment, unable to comprehend his words. “You think you can command your princess?” she demanded. “You think you can tell me what to do?” Scrollkeeper opened his mouth to speak, but Luna cut him off. “This is my kingdom. I will go where I please whenever I please, and I will stay here and study if I want. Is that clear?”
Scrollkeeper held her glare for a moment, and then bowed his head. “Yes, your majesty. I will leave you to your studies.” The old stallion turned and walked slowly to his room, leaving Luna alone.
“Commanding me to go home,” Luna muttered, returning one again to the archives. “I’ll show you. I’ll show everypony. I’ll just have to learn more of Starswirl’s spells. Then they’ll have to pay attention to my night.”
Yet try as she might, she could not seem to find the scrolls she was looking for. She opened every cupboard and searched every shelf, but for some reason, the Starswirl archives were nowhere to be found. “Where could they be?” she asked as her anger slowly gave way to confusion. “They were here this afternoon!”
She sat on the floor and took a couple deep breaths. Think, Luna, she said to herself. Where did you last see them? As her eyes wandered down the shelves, she saw a low drawer she hadn’t noticed before. Curious, she opened the drawer and examined its contents. A single ancient scroll lay inside, held shut with a red ribbon. She undid the ribbon, carefully unrolled the scroll, and began reading.
“Today is a day for celebration,” she read. “Commander Hurricane and his warriors have returned victorious over the centaur who sought to cover our lands in eternal night and brought with them the source of his dark powers. After much toil, I, Clover the Clever, have succeeded in sealing these powers in what shall hereafter be known as the Scroll of Eternal Night.
“I hope that one day, somepony may discover the means of destroying this evil power forever. For now, I have hidden it away within a magical box of my own design. I have recorded the spells protecting this box below, so that if anypony should break the Scroll’s seal and unleash its power, it can be sealed up again.”
Luna had already read the spells before she realized what they meant. This is the power sealing the Scroll of Eternal Night, she said to herself. Her gaze rested on the high shelf that concealed it, and an idea crept its way into her mind. If it was always night, everypony would have no choice but to appreciate everything I put into it.
She was already halfway to the shelf before she realized what she was doing. No! I can’t! she told herself. I can’t force anypony to appreciate my night against their will. I must find another way. Luna glanced towards Scrollkeeper’s room with a twinge of guilt. He’s right, she told herself. I can’t keep doing this. I should go home. She carefully returned the ancient scroll to its drawer and cleaned up the mess she’d made during her frantic search. She then extinguished the lanterns and left the library, locking the door behind her as she went.
Shieldwall took a deep breath as he entered the throne room. Princess Celestia was standing at the end, waiting for him. To the left stood Discord’s statue. Even though he knew the spirit of chaos was safely imprisoned, the image still gave him chills. To the right sat a chest that contained the fabled Elements of Harmony. Also to the right stood Scrollkeeper, Shuttleweave, and Color Wheel, all of whom looked preoccupied with something.
“You called for me, your majesty?” Shieldwall said as he bowed before the Princess.
“Yes,” said Princess Celestia. “Thank you for coming on such short notice. Captain Galeforce tells me you’re one of the best night watchponies he has.”
“Thank you, your majesty,” Shieldwall said, not sure what else to say. He had a feeling the Princess hadn’t called him here just to compliment him.
“Scrollkeeper tells me his nephew has seen you at the library during your patrols,” the Princess said. “He says you often stop to speak with my sister, Princess Luna.”
Shieldwall’s heart began to race. “Your majesty, I apologize if my actions have been out of line,” he said. “I only meant to give her company while she studied.”
Shieldwall glanced up and saw that the Princess was smiling. “It’s all right, Shieldwall. I haven’t called you here to reprimand you. I’d like to know what you have observed about my sister during your visits.”
Shieldwall blinked a couple times while he gathered his thoughts. “Well, your majesty, she’s a dedicated learner and a quick reader. She’s very smart and can find almost anything she needs in a heartbeat.”
“What does she study?” the Princess asked.
“The night, your majesty.”
“Does she ever study anything else?”
Shieldwall thought for a moment. “Not that I’ve seen, your highness.”
Princess Celestia glanced at the ponies to her side before asking her next question. “Have you noticed anything different about her since she conjured the Shining Aurora?”
Shieldwall again considered the question. “Well, she’s gotten quieter,” he said. “More reserved, almost as if something troubles her. Most of the time, she’s just as focused as always, but sometimes when I pass by, she’s just staring into space. To be honest, I’m a little worried.”
The Princess shared another uneasy glance with the others. “It seems all of you are in agreement,” she said.
Shieldwall frowned. “Agreement?”
“I, too, have noticed the change in Princess Luna’s behavior,” Scrollkeeper said. “The reception of her Shining Aurora seems to have affected her deeply.”
“Well, I don’t blame her,” Color Wheel said. “Everypony was rather rude.”
“She’s always stopped to chat with me when we meet during my nightly walk, but lately, she’s taken to ignoring me,” Shuttleweave added.
“I fear her obsession with the night has started to consume her,” Princess Celestia said gravely. “We must do something to lift her spirits.”
“But what can be done, your majesty?” Scrollkeeper said. “Everypony is overworked and exhausted as it is. We cannot ask them to sacrifice the rest they desperately need.”
“But what else will satisfy her?” Color Wheel asked. “The reason she’s so upset is because everypony sleeps through the night.”
“We could have a festival,” said a voice from the ceiling. Shieldwall looked up to see Cleansweep descending from above, cleaning supplies stuffed in his saddle bags. “The longest night of the year is coming up. It would be the perfect time to hold a feast in her honor.”
“Cleansweep! It’s very rude to eavesdrop!” Scrollkeeper said.
“What?” Cleansweep said. “I’m just doing my job, and it’s not like I can just turn my ears off.”
“A feast,” Princess Celestia said thoughtfully. “Do you think it would work?”
“You know, it’s really not a bad idea,” Shieldwall said. “The harvest will be over by then, and a festival would do everypony good.”
“And if we hold it at night, everypony will be able to see Princess Luna’s work,” Color Wheel said.
“It would be the perfect time to present her with my latest tapestry,” Shuttleweave said. “It’ll take some work, but I think I could finish it in time.”
“Yeah! We could have games and tons of food and everything!” Cleansweep said. “Oh, this is going to be awesome!”
“Then it’s settled,” Princess Celestia said. “On the longest night of the year, we will hold a festival in honor of Princess Luna. I’ll start the preparations immediately. The rest of you, spread the word. I’m sure it will be a night to remember.”
“Hmm. A meteor shower,” Luna muttered to herself as she scanned three different scrolls at once. “That could be interesting. Or maybe an eclipse. No, that’s out of the question. Celestia would have to help me with that one.” She knew she shouldn’t hold a grudge against her sister, but she couldn’t help it, not after the Shining Aurora disaster. She rolled and stored the scrolls with a sigh and selected three more from the pile. “There has to be something here I’ve overlooked.”
Luna could feel a headache coming on, but she wanted to look through a few more scrolls before she had to take a break. Her eyes drifted once again to the high shelf where the black box lay. It really would be easy, she said to herself before shaking her head to clear the thought away. She would never use the Scroll of Eternal Night, no matter what. It was too dangerous. And yet, a few minutes later, she found herself gazing at that high shelf again. I have to stop thinking about it, she told herself. It’ll only drive me crazy.
There was a knock at the door, followed by Shieldwall’s voice. “Princess Luna? Are you in there?”
Luna opened the door. Sure enough, Shieldwall was standing outside. “Oh, hello,” she said as the gray stallion entered. “How are you?”
“I’m well, thank you,” Shieldwall said with a smile. “And you, my lady?”
“Oh, well enough,” Luna said. “I was a little worried about you.”
“Worried, your highness?”
“Well, you didn’t stop by the last couple nights, and one of our scribes told me my sister called you in to-” Luna froze mid-sentence. “Where is your uniform? Celestia didn’t release you from duty, did she?”
“Of course not,” Shieldwall said with a laugh. “I never wear my uniform when I’m off-duty.”
“Off-duty?” Luna repeated. “You’re not on the night watch anymore?”
“I had to take a break for the time being,” Shieldwall said. “Princess Celestia asked for a few favors, and I’ve been so busy during the day, I couldn’t possibly cover the night watch, too.”
“Oh.” Luna wasn’t sure what else to say. What is she up to? Shieldwall is one of the few ponies that appreciate my night. Come to think of it, she hadn’t seen Color Wheel or Shuttleweave in several nights, either. Is she trying to stop everypony from admiring my work?
“Is something wrong, your majesty?” Shieldwall asked.
“What? Oh, of course not,” Luna said. “I was just thinking about a new spell I was working on.” Her eyes drifted once again to that high shelf. So easy…
“Well, I hoped you’d be willing to do something different tonight, your majesty,” Shieldwall said.
“Different? What do you mean?”
“You know, get out of the library, do something besides study for a change.”
Luna wasn’t sure what to say. I know he’s my friend, but what if Celestia is using him to distract me? What ‘favors’ could she ask of him? She found herself picturing Celestia ordering him to keep her from studying. But why would he agree to that? He promised he’d always be there for me.
“What do you say, Princess?” Shieldwall asked. “Just a short walk to the square.”
She still had her suspicions, but she couldn’t bring herself to refuse. “Very well,” she said. “Just to the square. Then I must return to my studies.”
Luna made sure to close the library door behind her as she followed Shieldwall into the night. As they walked down the street, she realized that she couldn’t remember the last time she’d taken a midnight walk through Everfree. It really is beautiful, she said to herself as a gentle breeze tugged at her flowing mane.
“I hope you’re not upset about what happened with the Shining Aurora,” Shieldwall said. “I was on patrol at the time, but the other guards told me the reception wasn’t quite what you expected.”
“Oh, of course not,” she said. She didn’t like lying to him, but she was reluctant to share her true feelings at the moment.
“For what it’s worth, your highness, I could have watched it all night,” Shieldwall said.
And yet, at a request from Celestia, you’ve abandoned the night altogether, Luna thought bitterly. After all she and I have done together, she seeks to rob me of everything I’ve worked for.
“Looks like we’re almost there,” Shieldwall said, drawing Luna away from her dark thoughts. She looked ahead and saw that the square was lit with several torches and filled with what might have been every pony in Everfree.
“What is this?” Luna asked. “What’s going on?”
“Why don’t we go find out?” Shieldwall said. He sounded innocent enough, but judging by his expression, Luna had a feeling he already knew.
“Look! It’s Princess Luna!” several ponies shouted as she and Shieldwall drew near. When she entered the square, everypony began cheering and stomping. Several shops were filled with all kinds of food, and a small stage had been set up along one side.
“I don’t understand,” Luna said, eying what looked like a bowl of fake spiders without a clue as to what they were for. “Why is everypony here?”
“To celebrate the longest night of the year,” Shieldwall said. “This is why I’ve been so busy lately. Princess Celestia asked me to help plan this festival in your honor.”
“You mean all of this is for me?” Luna surveyed the scene once again – the smiling ponies, the food, the stage – and could hardly believe it. “But nopony cared about my night before.”
“Of course we did, your highness,” said Shuttleweave as she pushed her way through the crowd. “We were all just too tired to show it. But now that the harvest’s over, we can finally relax and celebrate for a change.”
“I know you’ve been discouraged, little sister, so I asked all our friends to help organize this celebration,” Celestia said as the crowd parted to let her through. “Do you like it?”
“Yes!” Luna said, her face breaking into a smile. “Yes, I do like it very much!”
Another cheer rose from the crowd at her declaration. “I’m glad to hear it,” Celestia said. “Now, follow me to the stage. Shuttleweave has a special gift for you.”
Everypony made way as the two sisters walked to the stage. Now that she was closer, Luna could see Color Wheel standing behind a podium, a rope hanging from the stage behind her. “Citizens of Everfree,” Color Wheel shouted over the cheers of the crowd as Luna and Celestia took their places on the stage. “We are gathered tonight to honor our dear Princess Luna and her wonderful night! In honor of her hard work and effort, and on behalf of all of Everfree, I would like to present her with this tapestry, which was inspired by her beautiful night!”
Shuttleweave pulled on the rope, and the tapestry unfurled. Luna had seen her work before, but she had never seen anything like this. She saw herself standing in the square, looking up at the night sky, her horn glowing. Shuttleweave had used her precious silver thread to make her cutie mark, and when she looked closely, she saw that the dozens of stars were actually tiny diamonds embedded in the fabric. “It’s beautiful,” she said. “This must have taken you weeks.”
“Almost a month,” Shuttleweave said. “It would have taken me longer, but when Princess Celestia told me about the festival, I decided to put all my time into finishing it for you.”
“I don’t know what to say,” Luna said.
“A simple thank you will suffice,” Shuttleweave said. “It’s the least I could do, after all you’ve given us.”
Luna looked out at the crowd. Everypony’s eyes were fixed on the tapestry, just as they’d been fixed on Luna’s Aurora for that one brief moment. The Aurora, the bitter part of her said, but she pushed the thought out of her mind. She couldn’t allow such thoughts, not tonight. Yet somehow that thought began to grow and snake its way through her head. Why do they come so willingly at Celestia’s invitation? her bitter half asked. Why do they sacrifice for her, but not for you?
“Yes, your majesty, this tapestry is but the smallest expression of our gratitude,” Color Wheel was saying, now addressing the crowd as much as the princess. Luna shook her head and forced herself to listen to the speech, hoping it would keep her thoughts at bay. “Before you and your sister arrived, our lives were nothing but misery and chaos. But now, you have given us order and hope. You have given us a reliable day in which to work and play, and a beautiful night to give us inspiration and rest. It is easy for us to appreciate the day and all it brings, but believe me when I say-”
“What do you mean, easy?”
Color Wheel seemed to be at a loss for words as all eyes turned to Luna. “I’m sorry?” Shuttleweave said.
“Why do you say it’s easy to appreciate the day?” Luna asked. “Are you saying it is difficult to appreciate my night?”
“N-not at all, your majesty,” Color Wheel said. “I was going to say-”
“And why must you compare the two?” Luna continued, ignoring the confused looks from the crowd. “This is a celebration to honor the night, is it not?”
“Luna, please,” Celestia said. “There is no need to be angry.”
“Isn’t there?” Luna demanded, rounding on her sister. “This was your idea, was it not? Why is it, sister, that the ponies come eagerly for your festival, when I cannot hold their attention with even the most difficult of spells?”
“This isn’t about-”
“Why is it?” Luna shouted, turning to the now frightened crowd. “Did you only come for the food? Or is it merely because it was your beloved Celestia invited you here, and not her lowly sister?”
“Luna, that’s enough!”
“No,” Luna growled, turning her fierce glare on Celestia once again. “It is much more than enough. If they refuse to accept my night of their own free will, I will make them accept it by force.”
The crowd parted to either side as Luna leapt from the stage and galloped towards the library. It was a trick. A charade meant to mock me. Her tears left a trail behind her as she made her way through the streets. She didn’t bother opening the door when she reached the library, but smashed it to pieces with one kick. Cleansweep dropped his broom and cried out in shock, but she paid him no mind as she hurried to the high shelf in the back.
“Princess, what’s wrong?” Cleansweep asked.
“Leave me alone!” Luna yelled as she reached for the black box with her magic and began undoing its enchantments one by one.
“Your majesty, what is the meaning of-” Scrollkeeper froze when he saw the box hovering in front of the princess. “Your majesty! Stop!”
“Don’t tell me what to do!” Luna shouted. The last of the enchantments fell away, and the box opened noiselessly. Luna lifted the scroll from within and looked at it for a moment. It was held shut with a black seal, and she could almost feel the power emanating from within. “The Scroll of Eternal Night is mine,” she said.
Cleansweep started to speak, but Scrollkeeper pushed him away. “Run, Cleansweep. We must leave this place immediately!”
Wise choice, Luna thought as she focused her magic on the seal. A small voice in her head screamed at her to stop, but the pushed it aside. They will regret the day they insulted me and rejected my night, she vowed as she pried the seal loose. I’ll be sure to make them pay.
The library had just come into view when a powerful force knocked Celestia to the ground. Laughter rang in her ears as she scrambled to her hooves, and a thick cloud of darkness billowed out of the library. “Luna! Luna, answer me!”
A mare emerged from the shadows, but it was not the Luna she knew. Her body was jet black, and her mane and tail swirled as though they were entities of their own. She wore blue armor on her lower legs and chest, and a blue helmet covered her face. If not for the crescent moon cutie mark on her flank, she would have never known Luna and this mare of darkness were one and the same.
“Luna, please, you must stop!” Celestia cried.
“It’s no use, your majesty,” said Scrollkeeper as he and Cleansweep emerged from a side street. “She’s opened the Scroll of Eternal Night.”
“That’s right,” said the mare in a voice that sounded like Luna’s but resounded with dark power. “I am no longer your sister. I am Nightmare Moon, and I will make you pay for all you did to me!” Lightning flashed as the mare leapt to a nearby roof. “Citizens of Everfree!” she shouted. “You shall not escape my wrath! You have rejected your princess and her night, and you will all now pay the price!”
“Enough!” Celestia yelled. “You will not harm these good ponies. They have done you no wrong!”
“You’re right,” the mare agreed. “Why should I punish them when it was you who manipulated them all along?” Before Celestia could react, a beam of darkness shot from the mare’s horn directly at her chest.
“No!” A gray stallion shot past Celestia, and before she could blink, a magical wall stood between her and the mare’s attack. “I won’t let you do this,” said Shieldwall, his glowing horn providing energy to the barrier spell.
“You!” the mare shouted. “What is the meaning of this?”
“I cannot allow you to harm Princess Celestia,” Shieldwall said, planting himself firmly between the princess and the dark mare.
“Traitor!” the mare screeched. “You promised you’d be there for me, not side with her!”
“I promised I’d be there for Princess Luna,” Shieldwall shouted back. “I see no reason to honor that promise for a mare who calls herself Nightmare Moon!”
“Fool!” the mare cried. “If that is your choice, you will suffer the same fate as she!” The mare leapt from roof to roof until she reached the square. “Citizens of Everfree! I offer you a choice. Bring me Celestia and the stallion called Shieldwall, or I will cover all of Equestria with an eternal night. I will return at the hour of dawn. You have until then to decide.” The mare’s shadowy figure leapt across the housetops until she disappeared into the forest beyond.
“I will not abandon the Princess to this Nightmare Moon,” said Captain Galeforce, stomping his hoof for emphasis. “The royal guards are sworn to protect her, and we will do our duty.”
“You cannot resist the dark mare’s power,” Scrollkeeper said. “Our ancestors sealed away the Scroll of Eternal Night for good reason.”
“Our ancestors overcame this very same power, and we can do it again,” Galeforce said. “Now tell us, how did they do it?”
“You’ve asked that question a hundred times already,” Color Wheel said. “The night is almost spent, and this discussion is getting us no closer to a solution.”
“And what would you suggest?” the captain demanded, flapping his large wings. “Do you think we should bow to this Nightmare Moon? Should we sacrifice our good princess for one who has become corrupted and evil?”
“That’s enough!” Color Wheel shouted. “I won’t let you speak about Princess Luna like that!”
“I’m afraid the Princess we knew has been lost to the power of the Scroll,” Scrollkeeper said. “Only a creature of darkness would leave us with such a choice.”
“That’s not true,” Shieldwall said. “She remembered my promise. Princess Luna is still there, if only we can reach her.”
“You will not speak out of turn, soldier,” Galeforce snapped. “Nightmare Moon intends to remove our ruler and put herself in her place. The royal guards cannot allow that to happen.”
“And how will you stop her?” Scrollkeeper asked. “Have you not read the archives? Hundreds fell to the centaur’s power before our ancestors could overwhelm him. His land was a desolate waste, and the few inhabitants were his helpless slaves. If she is determined to have the Princess, you will not be able to stop her.”
“And what would you suggest, librarian?” Galeforce demanded. “Do you think surrendering Princess Celestia and my soldier will buy us mercy? How long do you think we can live in peace with Nightmare Moon as our ruler?”
“Enough,” Celestia said. Her head was beginning to ache from all the shouting. “Captain, I appreciate your loyalty and valor, but I cannot ask you or your ponies to stand in Luna’s way. The risk is far too great.”
The captain scowled, but he did not raise his voice in protest. “What do you propose we do, your majesty?”
“I must do what is best for Equestria,” Celestia said as she walked towards the balcony, where the full moon was fully visible. “Luna cannot be allowed to continue on the path she has chosen.” A yellow aura burst to life around her horn as she attempted to raise the sun, but nothing happened. “The hour of dawn is here, but Luna’s power is too great. Unless she relents, I cannot raise the sun, and Equestria will die. I must face her and make her see reason, and I must ask you all not to follow me.”
“You’re not giving up, are you?” Cleansweep asked. The golden colt had refused to be separated from his uncle, and Celestia had reluctantly given in.
“Your majesty, I must ask you to reconsider,” Scrollkeeper said. “As noble as your intentions are, we cannot depend on the dark mare’s mercy or kindness.”
“There is no other choice,” Celestia said. “We cannot defeat her, nor can we allow her to continue unchecked. Our only chance is to convince her to stop now, before it is too late.”
“Your majesty, there may be one other option,” Scrollkeeper said. “None of us can overpower her on our own, but perhaps we can do it together.”
“You think you can succeed where my royal guards would fail?” Galeforce said.
“Unlike your royal guards, we can wield a power greater that Discord himself,” Scrollkeeper said. “The Elements of Harmony saved us from certain doom once before. I believe they can do it again.”
“No,” Celestia said. “I will not use their power on my own sister.”
“She leaves us with no choice, your majesty,” Scrollkeeper said.
“You want to turn her to stone?” Color Wheel gasped.
“We cannot know for sure what the Elements will do to her,” Scrollkeeper said. “There are records of ponies who were able to bend the Elements to their will. Perhaps Princess Celestia can do the same.”
“That is a risk I cannot take, Scrollkeeper,” Celestia said. “Besides, Luna is the wielder of the Element of Loyalty. Without her, we cannot use them at all.”
“Unless we find another to take her place,” Scrollkeeper said.
“Nonsense,” said Color Wheel. “It would take a pony of exceptional loyalty to wield her Element. Where are we to find such a pony on such short notice?”
Scrollkeeper did not answer her, but instead turned to Shieldwall. “When you stood up to the dark mare, you told her you would not honor the promise you made to Princess Luna. Why?”
Shieldwall frowned. “Because it wasn’t Princess Luna,” he said. “Not really, anyway. I couldn’t let her do something I knew she’d regret when she came to her senses.”
“Do you truly believe the Princess you know can still be saved?”
“Yes,” Shieldwall said without hesitation.
Scrollkeeper turned to Princess Celestia. “Your majesty, I believe this young guard has displayed exceptional loyalty both to you and your sister,” he said. “I believe he can wield the Element of Loyalty in your sister’s place. If I am wrong, that will be the end of it. But I must insist you consider this option.”
Celestia’s eyes rested on the chest that lay beside her throne. With the exception of Luna, all the other Elements were present – Color Wheel’s Kindness, Shuttleweave’s Generosity, Scrollkeeper’s Honesty, Cleansweep’s Laughter, and her own Magic. Her horn glowed with yellow light as she brought the chest to rest in front of her. She opened the chest and lifted the Element of Loyalty from within. The gold necklace shone in the torchlight. Celestia’s tired, worried face reflected back at her from the facets of the necklace’s crescent-shaped ruby. Just like Luna’s cutie mark…
“Princess?” Celestia looked down to see Cleansweep looking up at her. “We have to help Princess Luna. She’s our friend. We have to do whatever it takes to bring her back to normal.”
Celestia’s levitation spell carried the Element of Loyalty to Shieldwall and put it around his neck. The ruby shone with a bright white light and changed from a crescent moon to a spear. “I-is that supposed to happen?” Shieldwall asked.
“It means the Element has accepted you as its wielder,” Celestia said. “Are you willing to wield it now?”
Shieldwall nodded. “I don’t know what will happen, but if it will help Princess Luna, I’ll do whatever it takes.”
Celestia looked around at the others as she used her levitation spell to give them their respective Elements. “And the rest of you?”
“I, too, will do what is necessary,” Scrollkeeper said, the orange scroll-shaped gem of his Element resting against his chest.
“Uh-huh,” Cleansweep said as the blue broom-shaped gem was fastened around his neck.
“I stood by you before, and I’ll stand by you know,” said Color Wheel as the necklace bearing the pink paintbrush-shaped jewel clipped shut just above her withers.
“This breaks my heart,” said Shuttleweave as she took her Element in her own levitation spell, “but I will do what must be done.” She fastened the purple loom-shaped gemstone around her neck with a look of resolution.
“This will be our last resort,” Celestia said as she lifted the final Element, a golden tiara crowned with a pink jewel shaped like the sun, from the chest. “I will try to make her see reason, but if I fail…”
Celestia couldn’t bring herself to finish. As she placed the tiara on her head, she found herself trembling. I must not fail, she said to herself. I must make Luna come to her senses. If I am forced to use the Elements of Harmony against her, there’s no telling what might happen.
“So, I see you have chosen to fight.” Luna’s twisted voice echoed through the room. A dark wisp snaked its way onto the balcony and morphed into Nightmare Moon. “With the Elements of Harmony, no less. Nice try, Celestia, but without me, those elements are no more that pretty decorations.”
“Luna, I do not want to fight you,” Celestia said. “I hoped we could talk and settle this peacefully.”
“Talk? The time for talking is long past,” the dark mare said. “You have sought to sabotage my night at every turn, and you have made a mockery of everything I do.”
“That’s not true!” Celestia said. “I have done nothing but try to help you!”
“Lies!” the mare shouted. “But then, I would expect as much from a pony like you.”
“Please, don’t do this,” Celestia said. “We were meant to rule together, not quarrel and fight.”
“Don’t patronize me!” said the mare, lightning flashing behind her as she spoke. “Your time is up. Surrender to me, or doom Equestria to an eternal night.”
Celestia’s mind raced, but she could think of nothing that would not end in conflict. Luna, why are you doing this? Why can’t you see reason?
“I grow tired of waiting,” the dark mare shouted. “Choose now, or I will choose for you!”
Celestia bowed her head. Every word she spoke tore at her heart. “I cannot stand by while you threaten all of Equestria with destruction. If you will not turn from this path, then you leave me no choice but to stop you.”
“Very well,” the dark mare growled. “Let us see if your precious Elements of Harmony can compare with my power and strength. But know this, Celestia. From this time forth, Equestria will never see your sun or hear your name again. I swear it!”
Celestia closed her eyes and let the power of the Elements fill her body. She felt as one by one, her companions did the same. The energy built up inside her until she could no longer hold it in. A beam of rainbow light arced towards the mare on the balcony and surrounded her in a swirling pillar of colors and light.
Don’t turn her to stone, Celestia pled. Strip her of her dark powers instead. Yet even as she thought it, she knew even the Elements could not bring Luna back, for her hatred and anger were still too strong. What can I do? Never in a thousand years did I imagine Luna would become as heartless as this Nightmare Moon. Must I banish my own sister? After all we’ve been through, is she doomed to a life of exile?
Celestia felt the Elements react and realized with horror what she’d done, but it was too late to change the spell now. The whirling column shot out the window and through the night sky, carrying the mare of darkness to a place she would not be disturbed. Celestia felt the power of the Elements ebb, and soon she was lost in a dreamless sleep.
“Your majesty! Are you all right?”
With a moan, Celestia opened her eyes and looked around. Several armed guards surrounded her, and to her surprise, the sky was light outside. “What happened?”
“It worked, your majesty,” said Captain Galeforce. “Nightmare Moon is gone. The sun rose just after she disappeared. You have saved us all.”
Then why do I feel so miserable? Celestia asked herself. “H-how is the village?” she asked. “Is everypony all right?”
“Terrified, but mostly unharmed,” Galeforce said. “I told them enough to put their minds at ease, but I thought it would be better if you gave them the details.”
For the first time, Celestia regretted having a captain of the guard with foresight. “What about the others? Shuttleweave? Scrollkeeper?”
“All alive and well, though a bit shaken and confused,” the captain said. “They’re waiting for you in the reception hall. They have a lot of questions they’d like to ask you.”
Celestia sighed. “Very well. Tell them I will be down shortly. You and your guards may take your leave.”
“Yes, your majesty.” Galeforce nodded at the guards, who promptly turned and followed their leader outside. Celestia walked to the balcony and looked out at Everfree. At first glance, it looked like an ordinary day, but to Celestia it seemed so much darker. My dear Luna, why couldn’t I save you? Tears began to well in Celestia’s eyes, but she forced herself not to cry. My subjects need me, she told herself. My friends need me. I must be strong for them.
Cleansweep was the first to greet her with a tackle that nearly threw her off her hooves. “Princess Celestia! I’m so glad you’re all right!”
“Cleansweep, control yourself,” Scrollkeeper said, but his voice lacked a bit of its usual severity. “You are all right, I assume?” he added.
“I’m as well as can be expected,” Celestia answered as she untangled herself from Cleansweep’s embrace. “And you?”
“The same as you, it seems,” Shuttleweave said. One look at their tired, downturned faces told Celestia everything she needed to know. Shieldwall looked particularly shaken. Celestia couldn’t tell if it was from using the Elements or the result.
“Before we go any further, I must ask you to return the Elements of Harmony,” Celestia said, placing the open chest in the center of the room. The five ponies removed their necklaces in silence. None of them looked eager to wear them again. “I must go to address my subjects, but before I do, I want to answer any questions you might have for me.”
The five ponies looked at each other. Celestia knew it wasn’t a matter of what to ask, but who would ask it. Finally, Shieldwall spoke up. “Your majesty, where is Princess Luna?”
Celestia let out a long sigh. “I did my best to save her, but her anger was too great for even the Elements to overcome.”
“So what happened?”
Celestia found it difficult to look any of them in the eye. “I banished her.”
“Banished?” Color Wheel repeated. “Where? For how long?
Celestia had to turn away before she could bring herself to answer. “I’m afraid she will spend the next thousand years on the moon.”
“The moon!?”
“A thousand years?”
“Your majesty, why?” Shuttleweave asked.
“I didn’t mean to do it!” Celestia said. “I wanted to help her, but it just happened so fast, and before I knew it…” The white alicorn’s voice cracked, and she found herself unable to speak as her tears broke free. “I only meant to help her,” she sobbed. “I never meant for things to go so wrong.”
Celestia heard Scrollkeeper’s hooves clop on the stone floor as he stepped closer. “None of us did, your majesty,” he said. “All of us did our best to help Princess Luna see the truth.”
“He’s right, your highness,” Shuttleweave said. “We did everything we could. Princess Luna’s choices were her own.”
“If only we’d acted sooner,” Celestia said. “Maybe none of this would have happened.”
“You can’t let yourself think like that, your majesty,” Color Wheel said. “We all did what we thought was best. Nopony can expect any more.”
“She’s right, your majesty,” said Shieldwall. “We may not like the outcome, but we must move forward and hope for the best.”
Celestia felt something nudge her leg. She looked down and saw Cleansweep wrapping her foreleg in his embrace, and for once, Scrollkeeper didn’t reprimand him for his insolence. “It’s okay, your majesty. Everything will be all right.”
Celestia’s face broke into a teary smile as she looked out at her friends. “Thank you,” she said, color rising to her face. The royal fanfare began playing outside. “Might we continue this conversation later? I need a moment alone before I address my subjects.”
The five ponies nodded and left the hall. Celestia took several deep breaths and blinked a few times to shake lose any remaining tears. When she stepped outside and began to speak, nopony suspected she’d been crying just moments before.
“Citizens of Everfree,” she said. The crowd was absolutely silent as she spoke. “I am grateful for your patience and tranquility. It has been a troubling night for all of us, and I hope I can set your minds at ease. I am glad to report that the mare called Nightmare Moon no longer poses a threat to our village or to Equestria, thanks to the courage of five ponies who stood by my side in our darkest hour.
“However, this victory has not come without a great sacrifice. This Nightmare Moon was, in fact, our beloved Princess Luna. I tried to reason with her, but she was beyond my help. I had no choice but to use the Elements of Harmony to banish her to a distant place for a very long time, but I believe she will return one day.”
The crowd began to mumble at this declaration, but Celestia continued. “Please, do not fear. It is true that she chose to become a mare of darkness, but she does not have to remain that way. I believe the true Luna still lies deep within her, and that with time, it may be possible to bring her back to us once again. I do not know for sure what will happen when she returns, but I look forward to that day with the hope that I will be able to see my beloved sister once again. I believe the night is now past us, and that the day will only get brighter from here.”
Sadly, the situation in Everfree did not improve. The pegasus ponies began to have difficulties managing the weather, and crops began to grow unpredictably. Soon the animals began avoiding the village altogether, choosing instead to hide in the forest and fend for themselves. Some even broke into the ponies’ storehouses, so that while Everfree had enjoyed a decent harvest, the village began to find itself short on food.
“I believe the Scroll of Eternal Night is to blame, you majesty,” Scrollkeeper told Celestia one day. “You and I both felt a powerful force when Princess Luna opened it. Its power must have corrupted the land as it did your sister.”
“How can we stop it?” Celestia asked.
“Only by sealing the Scroll’s power once again, and I’m afraid that is beyond us,” Scrollkeeper said. “Nightmare Moon destroyed many of the archive scrolls, and I have been unable to find any clues as to how to stop the dark power from spreading.”
“So all of Equestria is doomed?” Celestia said. “Were all our efforts in vain?”
“I believe with the dark mare’s absence, the spell will not extend beyond the forest,” Scrollkeeper said. “However, the forest itself will become more and more unmanageable as time goes on.”
“For once, I agree with the librarian,” said Captain Galeforce. “Even if we survive the winter, we cannot continue in these conditions. We must abandon Everfree to its fate.”
Celestia looked hard for another solution, but as the days wore on, it became clear that the captain was right. The announcement was made, and in the dead of winter, the ponies began packing their belongings. Celestia made sure to bring her personal library, and she knew Discord’s statue would have to come, but the rest she left behind, and she encouraged everypony to abandon anything they wouldn’t need. She sent letters to the closest towns and villages explaining Everfree’s plight, and most agreed to take in the refugees. Soon, everypony was ready to leave.
The only question that remained was what to do with the Elements of Harmony.
“I don’t see why we can’t take them with us, your highness,” said Galeforce. “Something that powerful should not be left behind.”
“I must agree with the captain on this point, your majesty,” Scrollkeeper said. “We do not know who might discover them or for what purpose they might be used.”
“The Elements of Harmony are not like the Scroll of Eternal Night,” Celestia said as she held the Elements high above her with a levitation spell. “Only the worthiest of ponies may wield their power.”
“But what if we need them again, your majesty?” Shuttleweave asked.
“That’s just it,” Celestia said. “How can I wield their power again after what happened to Luna?” A yellow aura burst to life around her horn, and one by one the Elements changed into unremarkable stone orbs, just as they’d been when she and Luna first discovered them. “I have made my decision,” she said as the Element of Magic disappeared in a flash of light. The others she laid to rest on the arms of a large monument in the reception hall. “Here I choose to leave them, and here they will remain until Equestria has need of them again.”
“Very well, your majesty,” Captain Galeforce said. “All the preparations are made. At your command, we shall depart.”
Celestia nodded, and the captain and Scrollkeeper left the reception hall. “Is there something I can do for you, Shuttleweave?” she asked.
“No, your majesty,” Shuttleweave said. “I’ve come to give you something.” Celestia noticed for the first time that Shuttleweave had brought a tapestry with her. “It’s the one I made for Princess Luna,” she explained. “I thought you should have it.”
Celestia unrolled the tapestry and looked at it for a long time. “Yes,” she finally said as she looked at Luna’s serious yet hopeful expression. “This is how I would like to remember her. Thank you.”
“I’ll put it with your things, your majesty,” Shuttleweave said with a slight bow before turning to leave as well. Celestia stood in the reception hall for a moment before spreading her wings and flying out the high window. The villagers were making their way through the streets below in a long procession that stretched from the castle to the forest’s edge. She flapped her wings and soared upward until she could see beyond the forest to the valley and mountains beyond. She could see Canterlot’s ruin in the distance, and Luna’s words from long ago echoed in her mind. We should rebuild it, big sister. It would mean everything to the ponies here.
A few tears escaped Celestia’s eyes as she turned away and returned to the villagers. I promise to rebuild it, little sister, she said to herself, wishing that somehow Luna could hear. If you let me, I will help you make all your dreams come true.
