Author's Note

Story's set between late 2001 and early 2004.

Encroaching Nightfall

It all began with a simple observation. Celestia tended to her duties this day, as was expected of the royal family. What the public at large was unaware of were her tasks behind the scenes, particularly in terms of global defense. Ever since her transition into adulthood, she had been burdened with watching over Earth: a responsibility Luna shared in soon after. Over time, the two had come to experience many unpleasant events from spectators' points of view. They had seen everything from the crusades to the holocaust, and all that came between. They were well aware of humanity's volatile, often cruel nature. It was the other half they had yet to fully experience...

Celestia slept on-guard before the dimensional mirror, her horn magically tethered to its outer furnishing. Had anyone entered without her knowledge, an electric alarm would have been triggered, shocking her awake. The security of Equestria demanded intruders be dealt with swiftly and firmly, for she nor Luna could risk trusting those on the other side. Neither of them could have ever expected what came next...

*zap*

"Huh!? What!?"

For reasons unclear, Celestia had been shocked into consciousness, yet nary a soul resided, save for herself. It didn't take long to discover the source.

"What in God's name...!?"

The mirror warped, dividing the image into three sections. The colors shifted from their natural state to an ominous violet before fading to static.

"I must consult with Luna upon her return! Without the mirror, our souls may well perish!"

The sun princess waited until dawn for her sibling's arrival. Her eyes were bloodshot, her mane matted and unkempt.

"Speaketh, thine sister. What is it that disturbs you so?"

Celestia said nothing. She simply pointed to the mirror.

"It cannot be!"

"I'm afraid so. We have lost our only safeguard against invasion. If they find their own way through, we could all be in grave danger. With their technology and militaristic might, it won't be long before we are all but vanquished."

"What can we do!?"

"I had hoped it would never come to this, but all is not yet lost. I have prepared a thorough contingency for just such an occasion."

"Contingency? What art thou implying?"

"I shall send for Twilight immediately."

"Are you certain that is wise? She is already our primary source of intel as things stand."

"I know, but in our current predicament, keeping track of events on Earth is critical to our survival. You understand."

"Yes, though it is most unfortunate."

"I'll ensure she doesn't leave alone. Strength in numbers will prove vital for the success of our mission."

"Agreed."

"We must hurry. We haven't a moment to spare."

Luna nodded.

Celestia chose her words carefully so as not to stir panic within her pupil. The contents of her letter instructed Twilight to gather her friends. Luna proofread the note to ensure it was as clear, concise, and articulate as possible. Once they were satisfied, they sent it to Spike.

"Dost thou believe she will accept the weight hoisted upon her?"

Celestia shook her head.

"I can't force her. Given what we know about human nature, it may be more merciful to surrender and allow them to conquer us. The tortures of which they are capable of inflicting, I dare not speak."

"We would rather die than surrender our will to such creatures."

"You are strong-willed Luna. Let us not be rash. For now, let us see how things unfold. This could be an opportunity to learn their weaknesses and exploit them if need be."

"Very well. We shall comply with your methods for the time being."

Celestia nodded.

"Thank you, dear sister."

"...Tia...?"

"Yes?"

"We know we have been...Shall we say...Distant...for some time."

"Say nothing, sweet Luna. I know what you feel. I love you, too."

"Nightmare Moon once stole such feelings from us when we became wrapped in spite. If this beeth the end, we wish thou to know our true emotions."

"I gracefully accept your gestures: both of them."

The sisters smiled at one another, striving to free themselves of the fear threatening to consume them. No matter the outcome, they would be ready.

Twilight read carefully over her mentor's plea for assistance. She saw past the vague language, realizing something dire had occurred under the princesses' watch: something more grim than anything Equestria had ever faced before.

"Spike, I'm heading to Canterlot. Will you watch the castle while I'm gone?"

"What'd the letter say?"

"Oh, you know," the Alicorn lied, "Probably another monster attack or something."

"Gotcha. Sure. I'll hold down the fort here."

"Great. Thanks."

"Sure thing."

Twilight desperately wished to reach out for her younger brother, to cling to him as though it were the last time they would ever see each other. For all she knew, it was.

"Take care, Spike...Be well..."

It didn't take long for Twilight to track down the others. To make things easier on herself, she omitted some of the more concerning details. She would be the only one to know the truth until they reached the royal city. She herself had questions that needed answering. With patience, she would learn those answers in time. For now, they needed to keep moving.

Upon entering the grand hall of Canterlot castle, Celestia and Luna warmly greeted the party.

"Hello, Twilight," Celestia said, "It is a great relief to see you here so promptly."

"Princess, why was your letter so somber?"

The sun princess sighed.

"Down to business as usual, I see. Very well. Follow us."

Twilight, along with the rest of the girls, obliged.

"This mirror is special. No one knows where it came from or how it came to be in this castle, but one thing is for certain: it possesses potent magical properties."

"What kind of Magic?" Twilight inquired.

"Using this mirror, one can transport themselves between dimensions."

Twilight's eyes widened.

"But that would mean...!"

"Yes. Multiverse theory is a proven scientific fact."

"Woah..." Rainbow muttered.

Luna was the next to approach the group.

"Let us not mince words. The balance of all creation is now at stake. Now that our view into the other world hath been veiled, we are vulnerable. Until we reinstate protective measures, we shall remain so."

Twilight's once curious gaze became fearful. She didn't want to know what was waiting on the other side...Yet still...

"Luna's words may be blunt, but she is correct. The reason we called you here is because..."

"...You need us to investigate and restore the image." Twilight finished.

"...Yes..."

"There's a good chance we might not make it back, isn't there?"

Celestia closed her eyes.

"...I'm sorry..."

"If this is our chance to opt out...Then I refuse to stand down."

Celestia's lids shot open. Both sisters were left speechless by the young mare's conviction.

"Twilight...You've come so far...I'm so proud of you..."