Flame of the Sun

Yakyakistan, August 21, 1502

"The Field Marshall seems a little, how would you say, tense?"

About five minutes had passed since Shining Armor stepped through the gates, a short time, but long enough for the guards to be bored. One of the guards had struck up conversation with Solar Blaze, who was still sitting within the carriage with the door opened. The general gave a quiet chuckle, readjusting himself before looking at his hoof.

"I have my theories," he said, "how long do you suppose he will be in there?"

"I think he said it was a diplomatic effort, sir," the guard replied, "though I'm not sure why the Field Marshall would be—"

"An eavesdropper," Solar pointed out, "good to note, now how long do you think he will stay?"

"U-uh," the guard nervously swallowed as he darted his eyes around, "I'd say thirty minutes to an hour, sir."

Solar raised his brows before lighting his horn—most high-ranking officials in the Empire's military were unicorns, if not all—with a sound akin to a ringing phone emanating from a yellowish orb. After a few seconds, the orb expanded into a visage of Daybreaker appearing like a hologram of the same tint. She looked rather busy, and likewise rather frustrated.

"I hope you have something important to say to me at this hour," the Empress said coldly. Solar gave a grin.

"Oh, it is quite important."

The World, October 29, 1502

Several weeks had passed. News spread of Griffonstone's new and strange weapons. Tales of their strange technology that pushed back the overwhelming resistance against Griffonst Station and kept the region at an unspoken ceasefire against the reinforced Solar Army inspired nationals from Shanghay and Ho Chi Mane to conquer the Banyan Timbers and set up diplomatic relations with Griffonstone, which had expanded it's territory into the Sugar Maple Grove after conquering Trotsylvania. The Reindeer of the Desolate Wild began to trade with Ho Chi Mane, which brought them into a trade circle between Ho Chi Mane, Shanghay, and Griffonstone. Together, they possessed each a third of the Eastern Continent. While they had attempted to raid Mount Metazoa, a stark warning from the mysterious creatures that resided within the Hall of Unity—formerly used as a diplomatic meeting area before what was now called the Three Nation's Conflict—warded away all attempting invaders. While Griffonstone had attempted to ally with the Changelings by word of letter earlier on, they simply sent back a Gryphon skull in response, driving King Taurus III to declare war upon them as well.

After this declaration of war, Chrysalis began to speak out more, flaunting the new Changeling Navy which had allowed the Changelings to successfully raid and conquer all of the land from Hakoda to Zebrat. No survivors remained, and any sentient species that resided there had permanently been rendered extinct. While waging these wars, Chrysalis was graced with the arrival of a Draconic King from the Southwest Lair, who had flown to Zebrat amid the Changeling-Farasi conflict, assisting in the war effort with likened brutality to Chrysalis and her armies before suggesting an alliance. Having mutual interests in the downfall of the Solar Empire for their trade alliance with the longstanding enemies of the Drakes, the Eastern Lair, Chrysalis gladly accepted the alliance, figuring the usage of Draconic firepower would be a phenomenal weapon against Griffonstone, and against the Solar Empire.

Meanwhile, the Solar Empire had strengthened diplomatic relations with Zebrabwe and the Kirin Grove This alliance led to the joining of the Kirins from Romore, the residents of Casaflanka, Hope Hollow, and the Redwood Range. Furthermore, Eastern Lair had agreed due to the involvement of the Southwestern Lair that they would join in battle with the Solar Empire. It was a great help that the Solar Empire had already formed a strong alliance with the Polar Bears, who had dismantled the Ampitheres and Hydras of the North Polar Lair, other longstanding enemies of the draconic triad. The Solar Empire's military had been fully reintegrated, and their firepower on the Eastern Front was now equal to that of the gryphons, while their navy on the Western Naval Front was holding control of regions in the North and South Luna oceans, as well as the Celestial Sea.

After being left in Yakyakistan, Shining Armor went into hiding as the nation was torn apart by the Empire's invasion from the Crystal Empire. Cadence, however, was informed that he was killed in action, and took leave to mourn while Sunrise Sparkle ruled in her stead. While Sunrise still played as Inquisitor, having quickly learned the position from top to bottom as she executed diplomatic missions to undetermined strategic regions and encouraged them to provide for the Solar Empire by fear, she was capable still of keeping charge of the large Crystal Empire's population, which had expanded into the Yaket Range and portions of further Yakyakistan territory that was reshaped by Earth Pony construction workers for Crystal Empire infrastructure. The Crystal Empire maintained trade relations with the Polar Bears, acting both as an independent nation and as a conduit for trade between the Polar Bears and the Solar Empire. Spike organized for her all of the documents going in and out, and was permitted to read over them and summarize particularly time-consuming documents for Sunrise. In doing so, he began to rise as an authority over the Crystal Empire under Sunrise Sparkle, who believed he would soon grow up to be a Field Marshall.

Word of communistic uprisings from within the disorganized group of True Harmonist protestors scattered abroad became more common. The Solar and Crystal Empires in a conjunctive effort started to release anti-communistic propaganda, attempting to capture any and all grandspeakers of the ideology, while still allowing True Harmonists to protest non-violently. Surveillance and monthly census data was established in both empires to keep track of citizens, to which they had learned that many were vanishing without a thought—presumably to join Starlight through a long system of travel that was difficult for even royal investigators to decipher. Though it still baffled the minds of Daybreaker's top advisors, Starlight had caught news of Sunset's imprisonment, and began misinformation campaigns against the Solar Empire from where it was believed that she was headquartered, which was soon relocated upon talk of a Solar Empire invasion of the Griffish Isles. Before this invasion could happen, Starlight and her associates were able to relocate south of the region and headquarter within the Hayseed Swamps, where she established charismatic relations within the Badlands and even as far as Foaledo, which spread the word of starlight's message from the Bone Dry Desert to Saddle Arabia, which quickly began to show support for Starlight's Ideas in light of Daybreaker's. In doing so, the Changelings had held off from invading Saddle Arabia, as it's economic influence was enough to support the strange Starlight Glimmer, who was doing great work in dividing the Solar Empire one pony at a time, and having them escape to the many regions that she now influenced.

This was the day death began. This was the day the Three-Nation's Conflict became the Great Tricontinental War. The Changelings and their allies, known as the "Undersky Dominion" faction. Griffonstone and it's allies, known as the "Griffonreich" faction. The Solar Empire and it's allies, known as the "Flame of the Sun" faction. This was the day that all three factions, as if in unison, began their assaults on one another, starting what historians—supposing they existed in the future—would call no more than the greatest worldwide slaughter of any existing world. All the while, Starlight Glimmer's ideology flourished in the neutral countries, that, with the trade power of Saddle Arabia, was capable of simultaneously benefiting all three factions in such a way that none dared to attack them.

Hall of Unity, October 29, 1502

"I think that's it, Applejack," Rainbow Dash said, pointing at the great tower in the distance.

The five friends had been travelling for a while, managing to slip through Bugbear Territory and through the mountains to approach Mount Metazoa from the eastern side. It was a long trip, and a very cold one, but they knew the Hall of Unity was the last hope to end the great conflict. After it's public decommissioning, all diplomats were barred from entry as the area was considered "sacred". Whatever creatures resided their regarded the world to be inadequate, and were not convinced that it was worth working towards. These creatures, of course, had never been seen at the Hall of Unity before. To everyone's knowledge, even the ancients, it was built by the many nations long ago to promote unity.

It was a mystery to all who heard of it, and in news across all nations; however, the five friends were determined to figure it out. There was so little hope for the world that the long trip was well worth the trouble for the mere chance of stopping the worst before it began. They had been traveling since a day after Twilight revealed her change of character in hopes they might have their friend back, and were finally approaching the tower.

"That looks like it," Applejack replied, "just a little further everypony. We're almost there."

With a little more walking, they approached an entry point guarded by two very large sentinels. They looked like equines, but were taller than alicorns. They appeared like shadows clothed in dark armor of black and purple. It was hard to describe the appearance of them, as it seemed to confuse the eyes, but whatever there was, it was sharp. Carried in what could only be assumed to be their hooves were massive battleaxes with a strange and otherworldly magic flowing through them.

"They're not very inviting," Rarity mused, "and they do not appear to be 'good guys' either."

"Doesn't matter what they look like, Rarity," Applejack said sternly, approaching the sentinels, "I know why they're here and what they stand for. They're on our side."

The two sentinels took notice of Applejack, who stopped suddenly as they thrusted their axes into the ground. Simultaneously they spoke.

"Entry is barred. Equus is unworthy. Division is settled. Leave."

"You don't know that!" Applejack exclaimed, "the times are bad, but we haven't lost hope!"

The sentinels removed their weapons from the ground, a shroud of black mist surrounding them as they directed their weapons towards Applejack.

"There is only one warning, leave or be terminated."

"You stand for unity, don't you?!" Applejack shouted, as the mist grew larger. The sentinels seemed unmoved. Before they could do anything, the friends began to join in.

"We still stand for it!" Rainbow Dash shouted. The mist continued.

"Yeah! We won't let this get us down!" Fluttershy exclaimed. The mist only got stronger.

"We want our friend back, we want Equestria back!" Pinkie followed. The darkness began to shroud them.

"And we won't stop until we have, no matter what you think you can do to stop us, you won't!" Rarity said.

The mist had completely surrounded them, the axes began to glow as the sentinels lifted them to swing. The girls closed their eyes, if they had to die trying to save Equestria, then at least they died doing the right thing. The axes swung, stopping just inches before making contact with their necks. A gust of wind followed the force of the swing, blasting away the mist as it began to fall. The girls opened their eyes as the sentinels stepped to the side and planted their axes within the ground once more. A strange figure manifested at the bridge and walked forward to meet them.

"Your unity is undeniable," the figure said. It looked to be human, but shrouded in a cloak. There was no face visible from the shade of the hood, but the hands were pale and thin. Wrapped around the cloak was a large cape, black and lined with circular symbols in a glowing purple. It's clothes underneath the cloak looked archaic, following the same purple and black color scheme as the cape. It was tall, standing at about seven feet.

"Listen mister," Applejack said with a heartfelt tone, "we really need your help. Twilight's gone crazy and so has Celestia; the entirety of Equestria has changed and we're scared, but we want to do something."

"I can see you've traveled all this way," the figure replied, "please, come in, and call me Adiaíretos. I'm sure you have many questions, please be patient until we have arrived at a safe location within the Hall."

The girls wondered why the outside was not safe, with the sentinels first and foremost, but secondly with the fact there surely was no one else around. Surely.

Equestria, October 29, 1502

It had been over two months since Sunset was imprisoned in Canterlot. It wasn't part of the dungeons, used now to contain POWs and treasonous individuals. These POWs and traitors were few in number, however, as the Solar Empire rarely took prisoners in the first place. The new taxes introduced were already supporting the war effort, and Daybreaker wasn't keen on using that money to support criminals. Prisoners of the dungeon were given bare minimum, or starved to death for lack of useful information. Sunset, rather, was imprisoned in a well-furnished room in one of the spare castle towers. This room had regular cleaning done, along with regular food supply and a perfect view of the north and south of the Solar Empire. She could see Ponyville in the vast distance, as well as Cloudsdale, Neighagra falls, and even the Crystal Palace—though just faintly.

Rather than a door way, there were bars lining what used to be a wall of the room. It was quite a wide tower, so there was no problem having such an area set up. Sunset, of course, was provided privacy with the restroom, as Daybreaker's cruelty rarely extended to ponies with the exception of those who openly and vehemently denounced the Empire. As she was looking down on Ponyville, she heard hoofsteps from beside her outside of the steel bars which were infused with magic as the rest of the room to nullify her spellcasting abilities.

"Enjoying the view?" Sunrise said calmly. Sunset didn't even bother to look in Sunrise's direction.

"You shot me with magic," Sunset said, "and you're just now visiting after over two months. Do you think I'm enjoying the view?"

"I think you are," Sunrise said. Sunset turned slightly to glare towards Sunrise.

"I'm not," she said sternly, "I'm not enjoying anything. Equestria is falling apart and you're just letting it go, Twilight."

"Twilight is no more, I am—"

"I'm fully aware Twilight is no more!" Sunset shouted, turning to Sunrise, "I just wanted to give you something to think back on when you finally realize how stupid this is! How have your friends reacted to this? Are they even your friends anymore?"

"They never were my friends," Sunrise said, keeping a straight face, "Empress Daybreaker has secured the state of the Empire. Haven't you seen the amazing work she's done?"

"I've seen the work she's done," Sunset said, turning back towards window, "ten public executions of gryphon soldiers by hanging, thirty-six Changelings impaled alive. She's not a leader, she's just bloodthirsty."

"You speak punishable blasphemies," Sunrise replied calmly, "yet she provides you with the highest quality of care here. Doesn't that say something?"

"It says she's putting more effort into converting me than you because I'm not buying into her nonsense," Sunset scoffed. She suddenly felt a pressure around her neck before being pulled and slammed against the cold bars of the cell.

"I have a very specific threshold of patience," Sunrise said sternly into Sunset's ear, "I don't believe you will ever change, but Empress Daybreaker still has faith in you. I would dare not question her authority, but if it were up to me, you would be gone already."

She released Sunset, who gasped for air as she fell to the ground. She had hoped in the back of her mind that Twilight might have still been in there, but Twilight would have never done something like that. Twilight was dead. Sunrise turned from the cell and began to walk away as Sunset faced her, still upon the floor.

"You. . .are. . .evil. . ." Sunset said between pants, coughing violently. Sunrise paused, turning back with a malicious grin.

"Maybe."

Hall of Unity, October 29, 1502

Sentinels lined the walls of a very large and circular room. There was a great table with as many chairs surrounding it as there were nations in the world. They had gathered dust in the time they remained unused. The girls looked at the structure with awe, as even they had never seen the inside of it. It was magnificent, even though it was more dreary than usual. Adiaíretos stopped walking, turning around to face the girls.

"This was where diplomats of all nations met with one another to maintain unity between all three continents," Adiaíretos explained, "I am sure you all remember when you fought off the Changelings in Canterlot after it was revealed that Queen Chrysalis had stolen the identity of Princess Mi Amor Cadenza. You didn't have faith in Twilight Sparkle, and it was understandable. Queen Chrysalis had fooled even Princess Celestia, an ancient. It was only Twilight Sparkle's strong unity with Princess Mi Amor Cadenza that allowed her to see the truth so early on. Even that incident was managed under diplomats, yes, even Changelings, which is why you have only recently seen their true cruelty emerge."

"We might've not been here, but I'm sure we would've known about you," Applejack pointed out, "where did you come from?"

"That is quite a difficult question for even myself," Adiaíretos replied, "however, to the best of my ability, I will attempt to explain it to you. The Hall of Unity was constructed with the help of all races, but was lead by the Ancients of Equestria."

"Celestia and Luna?" Rainbow Dash asked. Adiaíretos shook his head.

"Nay, but by their parents," he said, "Lord Téleio Astéri and Lady Panemorfi Astéri. Their names are old Equestrian for 'Perfect Star' and 'Beautiful Star' respectively. Older than your princesses by well over five thousand years. The Founders of Equus."

"This is like a history lesson, but more fun," Pinkie said softly, able to make a soft chuckle.

"It was their magic that brought the First Harmony," Adiaíretos continued, "and thus the races came to be as if they had always been. From nothing they came, but to everything they would remain. I realize, however, that I am avoiding your original question, so I shall answer: When continents began to war with each other, the Hall of Unity was disregarded. Diplomacy was no more, and the war crimes committed by the major nations had become undeniable. There was hope for Equestria, but when Empress Daybreaker arose from the within the body of Princess Celestia, Equestria became just like the rest. This place has magic from the Ancients, specifically the Primordial Ancients. It is the most powerful magic to exist in this world. It is because of that magic that I and my army here are born."

"But why?" Fluttershy asked, "why now? Is it because the world is just so bad?"

"What you called the Magic of Friendship is actually referred to as the Harmonious Constant," Adiaíretos replied, "The Harmonious Constant was what held this world together in peace. There were times it was nearly broken, when Starlight Glimmer altered the course of time in an attempt to fight Princess Twilight Sparkle, when Sombra took over the Crystal Empire, when Cosmos threatened Equestria, etcetera. It was never broken, however, as the Princesses maintained the Harmonious Constant. After Princess Luna lost herself to Nightmare Moon the first time, the Harmonious Constant was damaged to such an extent that it nearly 'broke in half', per se. Princess Celestia knew that to uphold the Harmonious Constant, the Elements of Harmony, or what were originally called the Jewels of Eternity, would have to be passed on to mortals who would not be overwhelmed by it's power."

"And the Princesses knew this?" Rarity asked.

"Yes, both of them," Adiaíretos replied once more, "Princess Mi Amor Cadenza and Princess Twilight Sparkle, however, have never been aware. While goddesses, they are not ancients, nor have they ancient blood within them. I do not believe that should have mattered, but Princess Celestia found it to be inappropriate for them to know such things. This is why Empress Daybreaker wants the elements back, to rewrite the Harmonious Constant so that it will function under her new Empire. However, she doesn't understand that this will cause a permanent and catastrophic change to all of Equus. The Harmonious Constant is barely held together by the five of you. This is no fault of yours, but because Daybreaker has removed the key piece of the constant, being Magic."

"So what can we do?" Applejack asked, "There has to be something."

"Ah, yes, this is where things will become dangerously adventurous—but I am certain you are up to the task," Adiaíretos started, "Sunset Shimmer is confined within the Ninth Canterlot Tower in a room shielded by Solar Magic, the same kind of ancient magic that Empress Daybreaker uses to raise the sun. Sunset Shimmer is the key to preserving the Harmonious Constant. You will not be able to penetrate the shield with your own magic, so you will need this."

Adiaíretos opened his palm upwards, a swirl of purplish magic manifesting a crown with a similarly purple jewel within it. He placed it upon Applejack's head, which secured itself with a fraction of pain.

"Agh, that hurt," Applejack muttered. Adiaíretos gave a chuckle.

"It is a spell binding the crown to your head," he explained, "it will unbind to you once you have returned here with Sunset."

"We'll have the entire Solar Empire's military after us," Rainbow Dash retorted, "how are we supposed to get past them, let along get back?"

"I will deal with that," Adiaíretos replied, "after all, I am the embodiment of the Harmonious Constant."

"So that's what you are," Applejack said, looking up to Adiaíretos, "you're the Harmonious Constant trying to save itself from death."

"Yes, and that is why my armies are so powerful, yet cannot leave this area," he explained, "however, I can produce a portal that can. It will lead you directly to a floor below the room Sunset Shimmer is contained within, you will be able to remove both the magical barrier as well as the physical barrier."

"How do I use it?" Applejack asked. Adiaíretos turned to her.

"You have more power than a unicorn right now, Applejack," he said, "you would use it like a horn. Envision the magic coursing through your veins, and channel it through that jewel. It will project to your will. Now, I will open this portal but you must make haste: Daybreaker will sense that her shield has been torn down, and she will know exactly how it was done."

"We won't disappoint!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed with a grin. Adiaíretos gave a warm smile.

"You never do."

Equestria, October 29, 1502

The Empress sat upon her throne, relaxing after a day's work of logistics, diplomacy, and war handling. Sunrise stepped into the throne room, warranting a smile from Daybreaker.

"Empress Sunrise Sparkle, how good to see you," Daybreaker said, readjusting in her throne, "it's been a week now hasn't it, how are things faring in the Crystal Empire?"

"You needn't refer to me as a title equal to yours, my liege," Sunrise replied humbly with a bow, "but things have gone very well. The economy is better than it ever has been, and our military is 120,000 strong."

"So humble, and so efficient," Daybreaker continued with a smile, "you've learned so much in such a short time. Nothing less than expected, Sunrise."

"Thank you, my liege," Sunrise said, rising up to face the Empress. She noticed a sudden change in Daybreaker's expression, "Empress? What happened?"

Daybreaker showed her teeth, snarling at what seemed to be the air until Sunrise realized that the Empress was looking in the direction of the tower. Daybreaker took a breath, calming herself as she arose from her throne. Sunrise began to ask again what was happening, before the Empress rose a hoof.

"Sunset's barrier has been broken," she said calmly, "There's only one kind of magic that can do that."

"What?!" Sunrise said suddenly, turning to run before she felt the warmth of Daybreaker's magic holding her back.

"Do not be in such a rush," Daybreaker said softly as she reached Sunrise, releasing her as well, "it seems your friends have gone to the Hall of Unity and earned the favor of a certain someone. I'll explain it on the way."

When they arrived, the cell was empty. The bars had been melted through, and the barrier was visibly shattered with residue of dead magic on the ground. Sunrise felt a rage in her like never before, a rage similar to Daybreaker's, yet Sunrise had not yet learned to contain it. She let out an infuriated shout, thrusting a foreleg into a steel bar and breaking it. Daybreaker shook her head.

"Calm yourself, Sunrise," she said softly, placing a hoof on her Inquisitor's mane, "I am as angry as you, but as rulers we must contain our fury until the time is right to release it."

"I could have stopped this if I had just stayed around longer," Sunrise began to say, before Daybreaker silenced her once more.

"You have done nothing wrong, Sunrise," she continued, "I believe we have more pressing matters. We have found Shining Armor."

Sunrise turned to Daybreaker, she knew what that meant. A traitor of such a high position, there was only one punishment worthy of such scum in the Empire. Sunrise closed her eyes, nodding.

"You are correct as always, my liege," Sunrise said calmly.

It was only a matter of time now before the Empress would show the Empire that nopony was above the law, that even the highest officers were held equally-accountable. True equality, the Empress thought, is equal penalty.