(Celestia POV)

I collapsed to the floor in the centre of the throne room, the Royal Guard elites laying on the ground around me. I smiled as my sister looked at me with worry “I’m fine, just a little tired.”

Luna frowned at me “Sister, we need to talk about this in private.” I turned to see several medical staff already running into the room. I let out a small sigh relief. (It’s good to know that my medical staff are reliable.) My sister and I left the throne room, the halls of the castle looks so much lager now. To think that encounter with that strange creature would cost me so much.

We entered my chambers, I sighed “I assume you want an explanation. Well, that creature tore something I had been hiding. I had a dark side like you did, while yours aided you in trying to bring Eternal Night. Mine wanted to subjugate the world, I sealed them away with a great deal of my power.”

Luna frowned “So what are we going do about this creature?”

I grimaced “I’m not sure, they already were able to move incredibly fast and were incredibly strong. Their hair had changed to a rainbow colour when they fought the guards, I think they channel the power of the souls they absorbed. They may even be able to channel my power. Our best bet would be to leave them alone for now.”

Luna’s eyes narrowed “Sister, you are going to let a threat this powerful roam free.”

I growled “This opponent is far more capable then your realise! What if she does the same thing to you, or worse kills you outright!” I took a deep breath “You are needed here, or our nation may crumble. I doubt the nobles will respect me in this state, you need to take over for me.” Luna’s face paled, I smiled “You can do it. I know you are capable of this. I don’t expect you to rule like me, I believe that in these trying times your harder stance will be needed.”

I trotted towards the window “I might make a small visit to see my student. She will need my help in these trying times.”

(Granny Smith POV)

I stand over two graves, this was indeed a tragedy but I can still feel my grandfoals out there. I may be old but I am no fool. This town needs me, as it has for generations. I turn to the town, strength flowing through my old bones as I gallop into town. I see everypony cowering, I see the student of the Sun Princess panicking. Rarity was carrying her sister who was crying, her face cold as stone. I smiled slightly, she was far stronger than many give her credit for.

I looked around the town “I understand that we have suffered a great tragedy, something dangerous came to our quiet little town. We can’t give into fear, we must keep on living for those who can’t. I lost both my granddaughters today, I am choosing to stand strong and I’m hoping you will all stand with me.”

Rarity stepped forward “I will, we need to come together. If you need help on the farm, just ask. Applejack was my friend and I will not hesitate to help you if you need it.” Many ponies stepped forward, I smiled as even even the three flower sisters were filled with resolve. This town will recover from this.

I frowned as Twilight was still shaking, I walked over to her and smacked her with my hoof “Get your head on straight young one. I understand this harder for you than it is for most of us but you are needed here. Focus on what needs to be done, not on what can't be fixed.”

(Applejack POV)

All I could see was blobs of colour, I could feel my insides tearing themselves apart. I felt the warmth of my tears flowing from my eyes. Something entered my mouth, I bit down on it desperate for anything to stop the pain. I felt more and more of it settling in my stomach, the pain easing as my vision returned. I turned to Rainbow who was also crying, Apple Bloom was curled up into a ball sobbing loudly.

Sarah’s voice echoed (I’m sorry about that but now you understand just how devastating the hunger is. I tried to blunt the worst of the effect fro you all.)

Rainbow shuddered “Was that what you experienced?”

Sarah’s voice echoed (Yes, but this one was much worse than the one that you saw.) Before she could say another word, we saw a creature that looked like Princess Celestia but it’s mane and tail were made of pure golden fire. It’s orange slitted eyes reminded me of Nightmare Moon. Sarah materialised in front of the being “Who are you?”

The mare laughed manically “I am Daybreaker and you will do what I...”

I watched as Daybreaker was slammed into the ground, Sarah’s ice cold glare sent a chill down my spine. Her words were just as icy “This is my soul, if I catch you even trying to do anything funny. I will dissolve your very existence. Do I make myself clear?” I laid down on the ground, trying not to draw her ire. Daybreaker was about to open her mouth when she was pinned to the ground with incredible force, Sarah’s voice was quiet but fury was bubbling under the surface “I did not give your permission to speak. You will do as I say or else.”

Rainbow flew over to me “Are you sure we are safe in here?’

I frowned “Ah think we are, providing why don’t try to impose our will over here the same way that Alicorn is.” I then turned to Sarah “I suggest we get moving, we can’t be sure if more guards will turn up.”

Sarah turned to me, she nodded letting Daybreaker stand “Very well. Do you know where there is a big bustling city.”

I nodded “Manehattan, why?”

Sarah chuckled “Well then Manehattan it is, we need to lay low. Out of sight of others, where we can easily hide out of the gaze of anyone who will care.” I watched as Sarah from the place as a beautiful Orchid formed, a cloud house forming anchored to a farmhouse.

Author's Note

I tool inspiration from my friend Crazy Falcon for this chapter's layout.