What Remains

....And its been awile hasn't it.  Technically I did follow through, The last update was October 8th....but yeah.....need to do better ideally.  I had an idea to get this up on the 31st, hope everypony had a great Nightmare Night, but that didn't happen....

I'm also going to preempt the question-Discord is now in the character roster.....y?  As you are probably starting to understand by now or at least have a guess, my villian in a bit different.  I only have 5 slots for characters and since I couldn't fit all of them, I did not put any....and I didn't want to spoil it either....however, the real discord is around now and he's going to be a pretty big part so now he's here.....bear with me this is my 1st fic on this site.....comments are welcomed

so for now "Remember remember the 5th of November," I won't ponify it, but for anyone who doesn't know that reference look it up....it's a great movie.  Also, since I didn't wear a costume and ate the candy I did get ahold of, I'm going to assume this chapter, even late, is enough for Nightmare Moon....granted she could have just waited in which case.......But my possible doom is not why you are here.  You are here for.....

Chapter 4:

Disheartening Reunions

It happened slowly.  She heard small sounds around her and talking in the room.  It took a minute to gather anything and the princess felt sore, tired, and less surprising than it ought to be, drained.  She was supposed to be a beacon of magical power and a ruler, but too many times, especially recently, this vision had been broken by cold reality.  It was shocking at first.  Events transpired over the past years, that left her unable to act.  The princess smiled for a moment, her ponies surprised her in this respect.  Having been seen as a leader for so long, she did not know how her subjects would react to seeing her be brought low and yet they had.  Even in her most obvious moment of defeat before Chrysalis, they made no complaints to her retaking the throne upon the changelings’ defeat.  She was growing accustomed to it, but it was still hard for her to acknowledge that despite her abilities, she could not defend her ponies from every threat to their kingdom.  A sense of that knowledge had been what led her to rely on her student and the elements, but that had to change.  Yes the elements were powerful, they defeated evil, they were a force of good, but she had to prove she could rule a kingdom.

Even if nopony said anything, she had to prove she could be a defender to them, for her people……for herself.

She felt the soreness again as she tried to move; it had been some time since she felt like this, “Ugh.”  She had barely gotten her eyes open when she saw movement by the door.  Somepony had just left and there were four guards by the doors, two from her contingent and two from her sister’s.  As she processed this her gaze swept over the room and she was filled with fear.    It was one of the side rooms, generally utilized to house some of the staff who were constantly needed to maintain Canterlot Castle.  Judging by its size, it was one of the larger ones, probably shared by a small group of ponies with similar duties.  It was lightly furnished with a large window at the back looking out onto the city and the lands beyond.  What truly caught her attention, however, were the occupants.  Around the circular room were, excluding herself, her sister, student, student’s friends and fellow elements of harmony: Pinky Pie and Rainbow Dash, royal guard captain, fellow noble Prince Blueblood, and….she actually did not know the last two occupants.  When she saw them, she feared the worst, but after a moment, even from across the room, saw them slowly breathing and gave a sigh of relief.  Even with that knowledge, she rushed onto the floor and over to the beds across the romm.   It was then that it started to come back: the attack, the presence, Chrysalis, and the energy sphere.  How did this happen….I’ve failed again.

She turned her head for a moment and looked out the window.  “Guard how long have we been unconscious?”  Her guards, who had been approaching, stopped.  Their faces became tense as if they did not like having to answer the question.  Diligence and training won through however, and one looked right at her.  “It has been fourteen hours since the attack your highness.  That would make it about three in the afternoon…….are you ok your highness?”  Celestia looked frozen.  IT’S BEEN THAT LONG.  Celestia’s mind was racing.  Even with two years with Luna’s return, too many ponies were still fearful of the princess.  The last thing the court needed was the citizenry thinking Nightmare Moon had returned again on top of dealing with…..whatever had attacked the castle last night.  She reached for her magic…and nearly fell.  In fact she would have, had the guards not been close enough to catch her.  “Please Princess don’t overexert yourself.  While we were not witnesses to the events, that state of the room gave us an idea of what happened.  The castle has been locked down and everypony involved has been accounted for here.  The room has been watched since the incident and, while we were worried, the physicians assured us you were only unconscious.  Strangely, but thankfully, that’s the case with everypony here.  We’re hoping your stories will enlighten us as to what happened,” the guard explained.  “I appreciate your concern, but even if that is the case, the citizens will panic.  I must fix this,” Celestia responded.  “We are dealing with the citizens your highness.  They did panic at first and, while I cannot account for every city across Equestria, we were able to calm Canterlot.  Princess Cadence returned not long afterwards from her dealings in the town over and found the guards shortly after the incident.  First Lieutenant Shadow explained what he had learned.  She gathered the public and managed to curb their initial frantic reactions.  She is trying to send word to the major areas now.”

To the guard’s credit, he maintained the princess’ gaze, which lasted for a full thirty seconds before she sighed.  “Thank you for your concern, if Cadence is working with the ponies then perhaps we can survive one day of night.  Please though tell me what happened to everypony?  What happened to my sister?  What is my student doing in Canterlot, much less here being overlooked?  What happened to Prince Blueblood?  Who are these other ponies?”  As she asked these questions, the princess moved to check on Luna and Twilight, who were luckily situated next to each other.  Her sister was actually spread across two beds, she realized she had been across three as she peered back at where she arose from.  Her face was a mix of sympathy and anger.  As she noticed before they were breathing, which pushed her worst fears away, but as she looked at them others came flooding in.  Who did this….who or what could even do this?  Even accounting for my sister’s exile, no normal pony could compete with her, much less leave her in this state.  Twilight how did you even get here and how did you get wrapped up in this?  Wait I sensed two energy spikes, thus there was at least one other individual other than my attacker and if there were two, there could have been more.  The guard next to her was about to answer when the chamber doors opened again.

………………..

“It’s official, this has been the worst night ever.”  First Lieutenant Shadow was looking at his reflection in the bathroom mirror.  He had taken his helmet off for a moment and his face supported his statement.  It was slightly longer than most and his eyes currently had bags forming from being up all night.  Well that wasn’t quite it, he was used to that being assigned to Luna’s guards and thus in turn the night shift, but that combined with the events of the night, which it technically still was, had left him at a loss. Why did it have to be so big…and so quick?  I couldn’t do anything.  I’m supposed to be SECOND IN COMMMAND and what happens… I play clean up.  Two attacks on royalty, sections of the castle either destroyed or tattered and the……the garden.  He still shuddered at the thought.  His first night in command and he caused the death of twenty ponies, counting the squad he ordered to the gardens and those covering the area who had noticed what was going on and tried to intervene.Focus Shadow….you couldn’t have known….and that’s the problem isn’t it.  It was too, even since Shadow joined the guard he had been a model soldier.  Maybe not the best at everything, but he had always been present when needed, and a few times when he was not, obeyed orders, and even aided in settling some minor squabbles.  He worked hard to be a good soldier and so, when Princess Luna appointed him the position, he had been thrilled.

It’s just…..the real thing is so different.  Upon his appointment he had spent much time with Captain Shining Armor learning some of the additional duties that came with rank.  He had been instructed on procedure and priorities, VIPs, and situational actions.  He liked the Captain, Shining Armor may be a soldier, but he was open, approachable, and a good teacher.  Shadow soon grew accustomed to his new status, but he knew somewhere that there was more to it than that.  He asked the captain about it one day and was surprised by the response.  “Have you spent much time studying Equestrian history Lieutenant?,” the captain had asked.  “No sir, not outside major events,” he replied.  “Even with that knowledge you should know that we have not been engaged in any full-scale war in ages and any other crises happen quickly and suddenly.  I have seen few extreme moments myself, in fact most of my position is paperwork and dealing with aristocrats like Prince Blueblood.  In those that I have, events happen quick and without planning.  You have to learn to trust your instincts, discern what you can, and act.”  “And if I act poorly sir?”  “Then you accept it.”  “But how can I do that……if I made a mistake in such a situation….”  “There could be extreme consequences,” the captain concluded.  Shadow was shocked, “how can you be so calm about that?”  The captain waited a moment and then looked right at him.  “Princess Celestia has kept this country at peace for many years and with Princess Luna’s return, there is twice as much protection for the citizens.  When the time comes of which you speak, there will be only you.  Even with their powers, I have seen Celestia’s concern at times.  She looks fine in court, but there are powers even she is concerned about.  When those choices come, both princesses will be unavailable at best and if no decision is made then innocent ponies will pay for it.  That is what you must accept as a part of your position.”  He stopped and if Shadow’s face was shocked before it was completely pale now.  He began to hyperventilate when he felt a hoof on his shoulder.  The captain was smiling again.  “Why do you think you were chosen for this post?  I will tell you now that whatever reasons you thought are incorrect.  While she has been seen little as of late, I have spent some time with Princess Luna and she told me a bit about herself.  To an extent their personalities relate to their powers.  Celestia is strong and kind, but is constantly the ruler and figurehead.  Her powers are rigid, to an extent, and straightforward.  Luna’s are more emotional.  She is more connected to feelings and sublime elements; she is good at seeing things.  She saw something in you and she trusts you.  Think about it.  She just returned from being gone for one thousand years and she put you, whom she barely knows, second in command.  She may not even be able to tell you the exact reason, but she knows that when the time comes, you will do what is needed,” and with that he walked away.

I just hope everypony we got up to the castle quarters will be ok.  He did care for their wellbeing, it was why he served under Princess Luna and by his oath and convictions he would do all he could to help Princess Celestia, but they needed answers too.  They had no solid information on the details of the attack, something they desperately needed.  Focusing on his eyes her saw that they looked…vague.  Shadow needed to stay active, but he also needed to rest at some point.  Thankfully Cadence’s return from sorting out a political matter a town over helped quell some of his fears.  She took command…like I was supposed to.

The mirror came back into focus again.  He saw how ragged he still looks, but his base appearance was still discernible.  While he was not black, like most of the night guard, his coat walked the line of dark blue/purple, which nopony could distinguish between in the dark anyway.  His mane complimented this, boasting a shaded dark forest green, in certain environments further increasing his stealth.  He snickered a bit; that was one aspect that surprised many ponies, himself included, everypony with the will and determination was welcome to the guard.  Despite the royal guards being white/black, that set-up was mostly for a show of unity and force at the capital.  Outside of the large cities, especially in some of the border areas, ponies of all colors could be seen in uniform.  Outside of that, many soldiers were sometimes given less obvious orders, such as acting bodyguards or monitoring situations.  The amount of ponies working on hand was more extensive than almost anypony knew and yet somehow new recruits were always funneled to the right position for them.  It was like searching for one’s cutie mark all over again, finding where they fit in the system. I thought I had found mine.

Suddenly the door flew open and a guard rushed in.  “There you are First Lieutenant, Princess Celestia just regained consciousness; outside the room you’re the first to know, sir.” Ok think later, be a guard now.  “Good, I’ll go back to the room and see the Princess, go inform Princess Cadence about the news,” and with that he left and headed back to the chamber.  As he opened the door, he saw the Celestia was indeed conscious again, finally some semblance of order will be back.  The other individuals, however, were still out cold, but they did not appear any worse, which was a relief; he would take any good news at this point.

He bowed as he approached, “Princess, it is a relief to see you awake.  How are you feeling?”   “If I am honest, I am still somewhat weary, but there are more important matters at hoof.  You are Luna’s commander, yes?”  “First Lieutenant Shadow reporting, your highness.  Despite recent events, order is slowly returning and Princess Miamore Cadenza has taken temporary command during your recovery.  If I may be so bold princess, do you remember anything about last night?”  The princess paused a moment.  “It’s coming back, I was attacked in my chambers.  I was able to claim victory, but the effort exhausted me….wait.  Did I not order Shining Armor to be taken to a hospital?  Lieutenant, what are we doing here?”  GULP“That was by my order your highness.  The last thing I wanted was to cause Canterlot to panic, if they saw us admitting not only one, but both princesses into said location, well you can image the reaction.  I had everyone brought here and had the physicians called for.  They declared that there was no vital damage to anypony here, although the Prince and the pink one seem to show signs of a concussion.  Without a need to risk exposure, I had the room secured.  We have been waiting for you to rejoin us and perhaps tell us what happened…..I can only apologize.  This was a failure on behalf of the night guard…..and I claim full responsibility.”  He looked down, this was a moment he had been dreading.  The princess was very kind and slow to punish, but Canterlot Castle had been challenged by infiltration, two ruling members had been attacked and the princess’s student was awaiting the moment she would awake; this was a serious matter and he truly hoped it would not cost him.

“Rise loyal guard,” said a voice from behind the princess.  Celestia turned her head and the Lieutenant looked up at the same time, both seeing Luna slowly rising from her bed.  Celestia was to her side in moments, “Luna are you ok, are you hurt?”  “I am fine ….considering.  I was more concerned about you, but those matters in a moment .  First Lieutenant Shadow, We admit, we do not know of what transpired outside the sphere I was in last night, but we know you would have done nothing to intentionally aid whatever forced its way into our castle last night.  We also know, to the loss of some of your pride sadly, that the guards could not have prevented this.  Raise thy head and look at me.”  He did so and saw a light look on her face.  “Two years is a long time to some.  Compared to mine own exile it should be barely a blink of an eye.  These have been a long two years.  We have had to adjust quickly to modern lifestyles, coexistence with the populace has been…..tenuous at best, and I have felt useless at times due to the attacks.  Such events could cause one’s time to stretch and, while these things have hurt mine self, they are not the only reasons the years have been long.  We have met, albeit not many, a few souls who have embraced mine own existence, made friends, seen the joy and flourishing that our exile allowed to come to pass, and met ponies like thyself who put their very being into their actions.  So calm thyself, unless you committed high treason by aiding in the assault, you have nothing to fear….you didn’t do that did you?”  Shadow quickly became flustered, “Of course not your majesty, I would never do such a thing!”  “Then there is nothing to concern thyself with.”  It took the lieutenant a moment, but he composed himself, “Thank you your highness.”  A smile appeared on Celestia’s face, “My sister speaks the truth lieutenant, and it seems we have tales to share, for I faced an entity myself.  To get the full story, however, it seems we will have to wait.  There are many ponies here and each holds a piece of what happened.  I am simply relieved that there seems to be no true or lasting damage.”

Now Shadow was a soldier and generally did well at looking the part.  As such he could keep a straight face in almost any situation.  Weather it was the princesses’ perception or a break on his part after the weight of last night, he never knew, but somehow, right after the statement was said, a question was asked.  “Lieutenant, what were the consequences of last night’s attack?”  A question by Celestia should not be ignored, he knew that and it was his duty.  “Men, I think between the princesses and myself we have the room covered.  It’s been awhile since the attack but the rest of the castle still needs help.”

The princesses said nothing as the guards went out to follow orders.  He waited a moment, took a breath, and spoke.  “Everpony here is fine and should recover.  The attack itself resulted in extensive damage to Luna’s chambers and various marking on your chambers as well Princess.”  He turned his head away….gulp here I go.  “Outside of this room however, there were……I won’t sugar coat it causalities.”  The Lieutenant faced his rulers again.  They continued to wait, but their faces had become paler. It’s no wonder.  Ever during the changeling invasions there WERE NO CASUALITIES and I’M the only reason there are this time.  “I sent a squad to investigate a third energy source that was coming from the statue garden.  The entire squad I ordered there and a group of other guards, who I can only assume came to investigate the commotion, were found….dead on site.”  He paused again, admitting failure is hard enough in general….but THIS.“Lieutenant,” Luna cut in, “We see that this is hard for thou, but please, how did they die?  As uncomfortable as this is, we must understand it to grant us aid in preventing future calamities.  I see your pain, but thou did not know what was there, thou art blameless.”  BLAMELESS.  “HOW CAN I BE BLAMELESS?  I GAVE THE ORDER……I caused their deaths.”  Another pause.  “That is simply more proof that I chose correctly in assigning thou.  We knew several in such a position from the past, some care not at all for the ponies that they ordered unto death.  They were…..effective, but empty on the inside.  They warped their inner harmony to come to terms with their position.  If thou dost nothing else, do not become like them.  By thou’s reaction, we would guess these are the first souls thou hast lost; it is hard, but tis the burden of those with responsibility.  Too many have lost sight its meaning, but the guard’s oath is not just a formality.  Lieutenant, what did thou swear when you entered into the ranks?”  He remembered that day well, it was one of the great shifts of his life.  “I place myself in service of Equestia and its rulers, to the harmony of the kingdom, to the safety of its people, to the preservation of its laws and principles, and to the defense of its continued prosperity.  To these I pledge my will, spirit, mind, and body until the end of my days.”  “Thou remembers the words, but dost thou understand its true meaning.  Everypony who enters our service dedicates their entire being to the defense of Equestria.  War has not been a concern for centuries and mine sister and I would prefer to keep it that way…..seeing ponies die in one’s name is something nopony should have to experience.”  A tear came across the sisters’ faces before Luna continued, “that being said, your promotion came with the duty to accept such a condition.  It is the unwritten burden of the privileged; the station is not without price.  Yes, we find esteem and possibilities for simply routine actions, however the true cost comes during times of crisis.  The burden falls to us and those around us, thyself included, to lead, to fight, to make the choices that nopony should have to make….., because if we don’t then the future is all the worse for our cowardice.  Lieutenant, you are not a coward for feeling guilt, I am pleased that you do, for that means thou comprehends the weight of the decisions upon you.  It is a hard road to walk, but keep true to those morals and feelings, use them to fuel your drive and actions; these are the mentalities and actions that have defined great ponies across time, this is the potential thou possesses.”

He really couldn’t respond to that.  It reflected so much that the captain said to him all that time ago and yet somehow it still did not feel like enough.  Yet, here was one of the rulers of Equestria comforting him, saying that this feeling of fear…..nay bordering cowardice, was a good thing?  “Thank you, your highness, yet your words do not change the facts.  Twenty soldiers died under my command last night…….I will think on your words however.”

“You always did feel you had to do more and push yourself, not that I should be complaining mind you.”  Everypony looked to the side from where the voice came from.  “It’s good to see you again Shadow, although I wish it was under better circumstances.”  It took him a second, but immediately the Lieutenant’s face lit up.  “Gambit you travel crazy pony, what in Equestria are you doing here?  Last I heard you were preparing for a tribal expedition with the Zebras.”  Gambit arose from his bed, albeit somewhat shaky, and the two embraced each other.  “Well I did, but I ran into some…..detours on the way back.  I ended up in quite a mess, until the princess here found me in the middle of nowhere and brought me to the hospital.  After I recovered, I asked and found out it was Princess Luna who rescued me and came here to thank her.  My timing must be getting rusty…or perfect depending on your perspective, because that put me here just in time for….whatever happened last night.  Forgive my manners Princesses,” Gambit turned and bowed to them, “and please forgive this pony for dropping stance, we haven’t seen each other in a long time.”

Celestia was the first to answer back, “It is no trouble.  You obviously have been though much together and your happiness only brings me joy, despite the circumstances.  As for last night, well we were inquiring as to that ourselves, but it seems answers may come soon.”  Shadow looked around, oops; I need to be more aware.  Between his own outburst and the noise his reunion with Gambit had created, there were sounds of stirring throughout the room.  Everypony was slowing joining the world again.  “By your leave Princesses…..”  “At ease Lieutenant, there will be much information to cover and titles will just slow us down.  Our names will suffice,” Luna interrupted him.  “By your leave Luna and Celestia, may I send summons to the rest of the bearers?  They arrived this morning and while Cadence calmed their fears, they would like to see their friends again.”  Celestia smiled, “please do, and request Cadence to join us as well, these are events she should be aware of.”

Shadow found a guard without going very far and relayed the orders to him.  Upon reentering the room, all the ponies had arisen from their beds and Celestia was trying to calm everypony down, especially one in particular.  “WHERE AM I AND WHY ARE NONE OF MY ATTENDANTS AROUND, SOMEPONY TELL ME WHAT HAPPENED.”  “Blueblood.”  “What time is it, oh no I must have missed all my appointments, I’ll have to reschedule with the minister.”  “Blueblood.”  “Why am in the same room as all these other rifraf?  Does nopony understand my position?  Why I…”  “PRINCE BLUEBLOOD!”  The while unicorn turned around to see the princesses; his face fell.  “Your Magesties…..I did not see you there.  Truly, I could never consider you….”  “Enough Blueblood.  Last night was an event for all of us.  We are attempting to gather what happened.  Based on your comments you don’t remember anything?”  Blueblood regained some position, being faced with something he could answer, “I am sorry your highness, but I can be of little aid here.  The last thing I remember was have the most delectable evening with some of my cohorts before going off to bed.  The next thing I know, I am here.”  The Princess sighed, “Very well Blueblood, you may leave.  I do advise you to be open to the guards.  Much transpired last night and they have much to deal with right now.”  “As you command, your highness,” and with that he left.

Rainbow Dash was the first to speak, “Wow he is a pain.”  Celestia smiled, “Believe me, there are days when he gives me such a migraine, but he is efficient when he wants to be.  Anyway, we shall move onto the matter at hoof.  Lieutenant, everypony in this room was related to the attack last night correct?”  “That is my assumption your….Celestia.  Everypony here was found at the site of one of the energy spikes, but I cannot account for the events that transpired there.”  Deep breaths lieutenant, you are possibly about to find out just what did….everything last night.  Take the princesses’ advice, learn and persevere.  “Very well, now I will say this in advance.  Last night was chaotic and, unless I hear irrefutable proof to the contrary, nopony is to be blamed for the night’s events.  However, the fact remains the castle was breached, therefore I ask all of you to be straightforward with us and recount everything you remember.  Needless to say, what is about to be said is a matter of national importance.  A few of you here are not normally privy to such information.  I ask either your word to remain silent regarding what you know and/or are about to hear or to speak first and depart.”

“If I meh yer highness,” came a gruff voice from the back, that bore similarities to AJ’s.  I em a simple castle gardener and, with all respect, I like to keep et that wey.  Like that feller who left, I have no memory tween efter I went to sleep last night and where I em now.”  “I appreciate your openness, very well you are free to go.  I do ask the same of you though.  The soldiers have much to do, please do not disturb them.”  “I won’t git in their way.  Thank you.”  And with that the group decreased by one again, but Celestia sensed Twilight’s unease as he left.  Before the door closed, however they were joined by an influx of ponies.  “Celestia, Luna, Twilight, thank the heavens you are awake!”  Forgetting the rest of the ponies present, Cadence, Luna, and Celestia, as well as the elements and Spike right next to them, embraced each other and a general feeling of euphoria swept over the room.  “Darn it Twi, why couldn’t ya wait for us.”  “Darling we got here as fast as we could, only to arrive in the midst of this…chaos.”  “Twilight, please let us know a bit sooner next time….if that’s ok.”  “Twilight, you had be so worried, I got everypony as fast as I could, but…..”  “You did fine Spike.”  The mare was all smiles on seeing her friends.  “I’m sorry girls, but I had to move quickly, I felt power fluxes at the palace and I just had to get there to see what was going on…..,” her smile vanished, “even if I only got my friends hurt.”  “Hey no frowning, egghead.  You followed your instincts and that takes guts.  Besides, it’s going to take more than that to keep Pinky or I down.”  “Yeah Twilight, don’t worry, although Princesses, have any of you seen my cannon?  I need it to set up the REUNION PARTY.”

Celestia smiled, “There will be plenty of time for parties later, for now we must learn what happened last night and everpony here has a piece of that tale.  You are all welcome to stay as it concerns you all as well, although, I will inquire about you my little pony.”  Celestia indicated to the stallion Lieutenant Shadow had recognized.  Shadow answered first, “Celestia, if I may, he is an old friend and honorable.  I trust him with my life.”  “That is good to hear, but I would hear the answer from his own mouth.  I reiterate, what is about to be discussed will be highly sensitive to the kingdom’s safety.  If you do not want to be involved or cannot remain silent on the matter, I would ask you to tell us your side and leave with the rest.”  Gambit smiled, “With all due respect Princess, I couldn’t leave now if I wanted to.  I’m always on the lookout for a mystery and this is hooves-down the largest one I have every come across.  Aside from that, Shadow and I go way back.  I may not be a guard, but there’s no way I’m leaving him to deal with this by himself.  Somepony has to watch his back; it’s the last thing he thinks about.”  “We would vouch for him too sister.  He was with us last night and proved himself to be of fine character.”

Celestia smiled, “very well.  Gambit, was it?  You have my trust.  Captain, do you recall anything from last night?”  Shining Armor stepped forward, “Not much your highness, I was around the castle doing a surprise inspection on supplies and conduct.  I thought I sensed…..something, but I didn’t notice any cause for it….and then nothing.”  His face fell, “I’m sorry I can’t be of much aid princess.”  “Do not despair captain, we know little about what we face; any information is relevant right now.  Now Captain, I want you to remember what I said previously before we proceed, unless clear evidence is given I place blame on nopony for the night’s events.”  Shining Armor nodded with a slightly confused look on his face.  “Based on your testimony combined with the two ponies who left us, am I right in saying there were three attacks last night?”  The room went quiet.  Just what happened while I was stuck outside that dome? “That is correct Celestia.  I was outside Luna’s dome when it broke where your sister, Prince Blueblood, and my friend were all out cold.  From there I flew over to the second location, which proved to be your cambers, housing you and Shining Armor, in similar conditions.  A few minutes later brought me to the garden where the landscaper was with your student and her friends.  The pink one was already out and your student followed shortly after.”  A grin appeared on his face.  “I actually knocked the Pegasus out myself.  She was clearly as exhausted, but refused to take help, despite our control of the situation.”  “SO THAT’S WHAT HAPPENED.  Why I outa….”  “Rainbow, now calm yerself.  That sounds just like something ya would do and based off how everpony here looks, AFTER resting all that time, ya should be thanking him.”  “I will also assume, for the moment, that the attacks were indeed similar.  Therefore I ask, who faced these threats, and who were they?”

Silence.  “Sister, Gambit came to visit my room to thank me, we found him in need of aid en route to Trotston dealing with that foul Sphinx.  While we were conversing, Blueblood broke into the room and assailed us…..We would not be here to tell the tale were it not for our Lieutenant’s comrade.”  One second passed.  “WHAT,” Both Shadow and Shining Armor erupted, “PRINCESS PLEASE……let me go detain him….”  “That will not be necessary, while the body was the Prince’s, the spirit was not…….I do not know how this can be, but words were exchanged between mine self and the assassin…….We were attacked not by the Prince but by our own persona…..we were attacked by Nightmare Moon.”  Celestia’s face grew pale, “So more than one old foe has returned.  Once more Captain, I reitherate, I place no blame without true proof.  You attacked me in my chambers last night.  Just as Luna says, the body was yours, but not the will.  For me it was the changeling queen, Chrysalis.”

At this news both Cadence and Shining shuttered, everypony in the room had had enough dealing with changelings to last a lifetime.  It was then that Celestia turned and noticed Twilight shivering and back away.  “No….not them too…..There’s just no way…..Alone they would have been……but them too.”  Celestia immediately rushed over to Twilight, followed closely by Shining, “Please my faithful student calm down.”  She tried to bring Twilight into a hug, but the mare only pushed back.  Shining Armor stepped in, “Twily, talk to me.  Whatever happened, I won’t let anything happen to you.  We will face whatever it is united.”  “That’s just it, the last time that was almost not enough….and that was just with him.”  Celestia’s eyes went wide.  “Twilight please, tell us what happened.”

Moments passed; Twilight gulped.  “I felt magical energy pulses in Ponyville coming from Canterlot.  I knew something was wrong…somehow and I had to get here.  I sent Spike to wake the others and teleported into the gardens…..I found the landscape pony who left earlier there….along with…oh heavens.”  She needs help.  “The gardens were something out of Tararus Celestia,” spoke Shadow from behind them.  We still need to finish making the area…..permissible again.  My squad and some others were skewn across the landscape…..many impaled upon the statues decorating the area.”  Great…now I need help.  Twilight began again, “It may have looked like the gardener….but how it acted…I knew….even though it shouldn’t be possible.  It was Discord.”  After everything that had been said it seemed like the worst had revealed, but this news brought a new expression of fear on Celestia’s face.  Everypony was wearing the face she had at the previous revelation…but this.

“Your majesties…..I never finished my report of the consequences of last night.  There was one more thing….a statue is missing from the gardens.”  ………  “I confronted him in the gardens……right in front of….he….he,” Twilight was in tears now.  “He tried to drain my body dry…sob...of magic….of everything.  I used your failsafe method princess….with…..with our energies so connected, I sealed him too….and then……two blots, darker than your night Luna.”  Twilight had recovered somewhat and took a breath before she continued.  “They joined him and his voice….it became something from a nightmare.  It teleported me above the castle……if Rainbow hadn’t come when she did……I would not be here.  We descended back.  Pinky had arrived earlier to help…from where….well she is Pinky.  It hit Rainbow and would have……..then he broke out.  It had used a spell before I arrived to start the process…..I failed you Princess, I couldn’t stop him…….Discord…..saved us…..said something that it was him….but not him….I have no idea.  He wanted to deal with us on his own time……..he snatched the darkness out….and left…..right before the Lieutenant showed up.”  That was it, she was done.  Twilight collapsed against the wall and without having a scratch on her looked worse than anypony else present.

Nopony knew what to do.  Nopony knew what to say.  What could be said?  What could be done?  They had been defeated, exiled, and imprisoned and yet the testimonies pointed to three of Equestria’s greatest threats on the loose and….working together.  It was spike who broke the silence.  “Twilight….I…ugh.”  Spike suddenly collapsed and the ponies gathered snapped out of their trance.  Fluttershy rushed over.  “Oh my goodness, what’s wrong?”  “It feels like…..but it hurts…..burp.”

On the floor lay a black scroll.