She returnsby King CondiusChaptersMeetingPlanningKings RestDecisionMeetingAuthor's Note This is going to be an interesting fanfic, one of my more ambitious ones since publishing Dragon Princess years ago(A story i intend to revisit at some point, but we will see). This fanfic was Based on the image done by 28gooddays and badday28. Happy reading! (This story is being rewritten) Meeting She walked with purpose, her head held high as guards and maids bowed to her on her way through the halls. Where was she going? It did not concern them as she moved gracefully, midnight blue mane full of stars shimmered on it's own, the stars in her mane twinkling of their own accord. It moved about her devoid of shape as she turned this way and that, never falling against her neck like a normal ponies. She was far too important for something like that, her leathery wings shifting against her sides in mild discomfort. She was in need of a good soaking. The great doors to the throne room were pushed open, two strong guards in dark armor with purple manes and dragon eyes bowed to her as she moved past them without a second glance. They were there to serve her to please her, little else mattered except her and she knew it. She was their queen after all, her teal eyes gleaming beautifully in the soft light of the afternoon sun, which was slowly making its way beyond the horizon. Glancing out the window to the left overlooking the city, she looked at the sun with a bit of a concerned twitch to her ears. How had 1000 years passed her by so quickly? How could she have grown so… Careless? Was she slipping? Losing her edge? No, certainly not that. A small voice at the back of her head scolded her actions but she ignored it for the time being. She would deal with that one after the meeting. Focusing back to the room at hoof, she allowed a smile to grace her lips. A low lying table awaited at the base of the throne, four figures already sitting and chatting in wait for her. They had grown close in recent years, all of them she considered her friends now, even as they ruled their own kingdoms separately. Looking to the side to fix her regal armor, she stole a glance at the tallest amongst them. Her black chitin littered with holes on her legs, sickly green blue mane and tail looked healthier than it had been in recent years, her green eyes glinting with a smile on her fanged muzzle as a small crown sat atop her head. Queen Chrysalis was as close to a lover as the mare had come, welcoming her into her bed chambers on more than one occasion as they talked about land or food shortages for the bug queens. Her visits often ended in a night of passion. Not that she ever complained. Sitting to her right perched on a cushion was a light orange colored unicorn with red and yellow hair, her cutie mark resembling a flaming sun in the same colors as her mane. Her head was turned away, but she knew her eyes were a beautiful aqua color, a smile on her face as she and the bug queen conversed, light blue colored magic holding a cup in the air beside her. Sunset shimmer, her latest student who proved time and time again just how smart and powerful she was under her tutelage. She was well on her way to earn herself a pair of her own wings, but she was still a long way from that day. From pupil to advisor in a short amount of time, she had risen into a fine young mare with high prospects. Now, if only she would settle down and stick to someone or something that lasted more than a few months. But, she refused to force such a thing; love in any form was to be earned and respected above all else, even she fell prey to it's whims from time to time. To the right of Sunset sat a thick built stallion with a simple gray coat, black misty hair and a red tinted horn that curved towards the sky at all times. His eyes a deep red with green sclera, a purple mist coming from his eyes hinting at the dark magic coursing through him at all times. He wore a simple cloak that sat abreast against his chest, white fur speckled with black dots ran the length of it, the cloak a simple black color. A crown that wrapped around his horn and twisted behind his ears rested atop his head, two little fangs protruding from his top lip with a neutral expression on his face. While King Sombra was not the most powerful amongst them, his military tactics and quick thinking had brought prosperity to the Crystal Empire, once a frozen wasteland to the north lost to time was now a cultural hub of activity. He was a quiet stallion, barely saying more than a few sentences a day, but when he spoke, his honeyed words and soothing voice could seduce a dragon into his bed if he wanted to. She regarded them with a pleasant smile or a nod as she walked past them, eyeing the depressed looking pink alicorn that sat beside Sombra on his right. Mi Amore Cadenza, or Cadence, used to live with her as an adopted daughter, seeing her talent by saving the crystal heart with just wings as a young filly prompted Nightmare to scoop her up under her wing and raise her. Eventually turning the young mare into an alicorn, she was deemed worthy for the title of Princess and sent to live in the Empire as King Sombras student to learn powerful magic in a safe place. She excelled under his tutelage, eventually falling for the King as she progressed through her studies and eventually, they became a couple. Nightmare could not have been any happier at the news, but happiness is fleeting and a year later, her adopted daughter came to her with a heavy heart and tears in her eyes. She cried for hours afterwards, her daughter's tears soaking into her fur as she tried and failed to comfort the young mare. She wanted a foal, an heir to the empire to take over once she was old enough. A pang of guilt struck her hard that day. Cadence could never have children and it was her fault. Cadence had screamed and yelled and pointed all of her anger and grief at her mother, true or not. She had whittled it into a sharp point and it sunk into her heart over and over every time she had seen her for a visit, what fleeting hope she had to give, the broken look in her eyes made her ill. If she had known that ascension would do that to her most beloved daughter, she would have waited. She would take back everything and grant her that one wish if she could, she would give anything for it not to be true and have a little foal running around the castle, but it was and she hated herself for it. She stepped onto the dais of the throne and made herself comfortable on the dark red seat. Stuffed with the softest feathers from geese and swans, she let a small, restrained smile across her face as her horn lit up with teal magic, focusing on the horizon. She had done this for a millenia, she had done this song and dance so many times now that it was second nature to her. She gently coaxed the hot ball of magma into its slumber, tucking it in for the night as the moon gleefully obeyed her touch and ascended into the sky, the stars following with a cacophony of yawns and mutters of thanks. The night sky was her masterpiece after all, each constellation carefully crafted and set into place by her magic with the original charts from her fillyhood sitting in the Canterlot archives for all to see. She had slaved over the designs, throwing many papers into flame out of frustration, or simply tossed them into the trash. It was years before she finalized the sky that she stood back and basked in the new night sky, each star meticulously placed and adjusted just so until she was happy. She was so excited she went to her sister and… She opened her eyes, a frown on her muzzle as she fought back tears. She would not cry in front of them. She needed to be strong. For her subjects, for her friends, her family. Fresh guards filed in two by two, the old ones stretching and mingling as they changed shifts and turned in for the night, some laughing or joking. Dark steel armor, helmets and shoes were enchanted to give them all the same hair color or coat color to protect their identities glinted in the moonlight. Thestrals clambered for her to enlist them into her ranks, offering their unyielding loyalty to her, some going so far as to pledge their lives for her. Much to the chagrin of her subjects who could not serve her at night time. There had been protests to allow these beings into caterlot or into the military at first, but soon with the added help of Queen Chrysalis and her changelings joining her ranks, they had forgotten about them in time and accepted them without question. Permanent magic warped the thestrals to have dragon eyes. They prefer it that way as a testament to their loyalty. “Good evening everyone.” Her voice bounced off of the marble pillars and against the far wall, stained glass windows illuminated from the full moon cast colorful shadows against the dark blue carpet. “I appreciate getting a letter from you this time, Nightmare. I know you usually just send a messenger or show up yourself for visits, so when i received your scroll, i knew it was urgent.” Sunset sipped her tea, the aroma wafting from it smelled of vanilla and honey. “I’m happy to assist you where I can, you know that, but i have a few questions.” The cup made a soft clink as it was set on the table, her magic fading. “I too have a few questions myself, but I will hold my tongue.'' The bug queen stated simply, folded her front legs over one another as she brought a small cookie to herself with sickly green magic. She noticed a visible wince from Sombra, the King was unaccustomed to her being so close and her magic was… Odd compared to others. Where Equestrian magic was inviting and warm and brought life, Changeling magic was acrid, sickly, making anyone around feel ill at the sight of it or if it passed over someone. Nightmare watched their faces as she spoke slowly, each word carefully thought out. “As many of you know many years ago, a great battle took place. One that scarred the landscape and nearly ended in my death…” She paused, all eyes on her now. She was prepared for this, she had practiced this many nights over and over again. “I fought for my ponies to ward off an evil presence from this land, one that threatened to usurp me and cast the land into an unspeakable dark era. Much to the burden I carry in my heart at that final choice, it's what I brought you all here for, a decision that haunts me to this very day…” Her ears folded flat against her head, her mane drooping slightly as the words fell from her. “A thousand years ago, this coming summer sun celebration marks the one thousandth year i had to banish my sister to the sun.” No one spoke. No one moved. No one dared to utter a single word. A tense moment passed before Cadence lifted her head up and looked to her mother with sad eyes. “You mean that old tale about the elements of harmony was real…? You were there all those moons ago and had to… To…” A comforting arm from the King draped around her to bring her against his chest for comfort. “Yes, my daughter… My sister sits in the sun even now, because I chose my ponies over her…” She felt relieved at finally being able to tell her family and friends, but it was a weight that was not so easily shrugged off from her, chains surrounded her heart and simply loosened to let her breath. It’s because you aren't telling them the whole truth. You know what you did could have been avoided if you just listened to her. The voice in the back of her mind scolded, the feeling of folded arms and a disappointed sadness washed over her subconscious. Quiet you. She took a calming breath and stood, walking down the throne ramp until she was just above the table. She looked to the faces of her friends, gauging how each of their reactions to the news. It wasn't like she hid it in the history books or tried to dismiss it as some old fairy tale. Ponies that saw the battle take place recorded it and sent it out to all four corners of the land, but as time went on, they found peace in the made-up knowledge and dismissed it as just a story for bedtime. Sombra soothed his marefriend, a gentle but firm arm around her as she nuzzled his neck affectionately. Chrysalis seemed to still be processing the news, mulling it over as she sipped her tea slowly, her eyes focused on a spot on the table. Sunset was writing out something on a scroll, probably doing some last minute work or coming up with a plan. This brought a hollow smile to her face, her ever faithful student was already thinking of ways to help. She looked to her assistant, Starlight Glimmer, her mane done simply with a necklace with nightmares cutie mark on it rested against her light purple coat, a scroll in her magic transcribing the meeting dutifully. She had forgotten about Starlight for a little while, too caught up in herself to notice when the mare entered the room. Maybe she was slipping, just a little bit. Starlight was brought to her attention some years ago when rumors of a cult had started to spread from the far reaches of her kingdom. She had gone there herself and found a horrifying sight. Ponies with the same cutie marks, a mare in charge that was intent on adding more to her flock, a vault set in the mountains to hold the discarded marks with a staff that she immediately recognized as nothing more than a simple piece of wood. She thwarted her efforts soon after seeing what was happening and offered the offending party a choice; Swear herself into service to use her powers for the crown or suffer in tartarus for her crimes. She was relieved that Starlight chose the former. She had proven herself a most capable sorceress and joined under nightmares tutelage, though she made sure never to include the forbidden magic in her studies. “I have a plan. But unfortunately, the Summer Sun celebration is right around the corner. Two weeks from today, I believe that my sister will use the very stars in her escape. I can no longer wield the elements since using them to banish her to the sun, rendering them useless unless we find a way to make them work again.” She conjures an image of the sun with the vague image of a mares silhouette on it. “One of my students has excelled in her studies regarding magic, many of you know her well. Twilight Sparkle.” She pauses to look around the table. Sombra with his look of quiet calm, cadence leaning against his shoulder, her tail curled around his. Queen Chrysalis furrows her brows, a look of indifference plastered on her face, a mask to hide her real emotions. Nightmare looked to Sunset. “I know how you feel about her, Sunset. But you can’t deny that she is a powerful unicorn.” Sunset stiffens in her seat, muttering something under her breath. “Pardon?” “Only cause she shares your bed most nights.” She stares into her eyes, challenging her to argue. “Ever since she came of age, she has been your personal lap dog and consort and everyone knows it. She’s always been your favorite understudy, so just because you two are rutting like bunnies you think she’s better than me…” The room went cold, no one dared to move as they looked between the black alicorn and the fiery maned unicorn as they stared each other down. “Okay, okay, knock it off. Both of you.” Starlight steps up and looks between the two angry mares. “This isn't going to help anyone. Sunset, it’s really no business of ours if the Queen takes on a consort. Twilight is of legal age and is the only one amongst us three that has shown a natural talent in magic since the day she came to the castle.” Glancing to her queen, she softened her expression. “You really shouldn't let her egg you on like that, your majesty.” The two mares relax as Sunset gets up and grabs her notes, stuffing them into her saddlebags. “I should get back home. By your leave, your majesty.” Giving a short bow, she turned and walked away from the table, her steps muffled by the thick carpet as Nightmare watched her leave. Some part of her wanted to reach out and console her student, but knew it would be in vain at the moment. She was hurting and would need time to calm down. And she was right to be angry. The rumors started just as that; rumors. Twilight had had bad dreams and Nightmare, being able to visit ponies' dreams, consoled her and let her sleep in her room for comfort until eventually one night it changed and she was able to get past(mostly) the awe and respect she had for her teacher and they had a beautiful night together. Since then, Twilight has been her constant companion most nights, for studying, star gazing or just a night of passion. Sunset had walked in on them one night and it was safe to say that the respect she put on her mentor was shattered almost completely. “My Queen?” Starlight waved a hoof in front of her face to bring her out of her staring and refocus on the matter at hand. “Sorry, I was… Anyway. If it's alright with all of you, I think this is the best path set out to deal with whatever threat my sister may pose to Equestria. Do we all agree?” She stood parallel to the table, looking at each of them. King sombra nodded and nuzzles his marefriends head. “I agree. My troops are yours should you need them.” Planting a soft kiss on Cadence's head, he stood with a soft smile at Nightmare. She gave a smile back as the stallion walked with her out of the room, softly whispering to sooth the depressed mare. Chrysalis hummed. “I agree as well. We need to be prepared should this turn into an all out war. My changelings are prepared to fight if you have need of them.” With that she rose to her full height and bowed to the black alicorn before taking her leave. That left her with Starlight by her side as she sat upon the throne to rub her temple, removing her helmet and letting her hair down(So to speak). The day had started out well, a few meetings here and there but otherwise fine, maybe a little worn out, but fine nonetheless. This was going to take some work… She rubbed her temple with the tip of her hoof, massaging the headache that was forming behind her eyes. "Your majesty?" She opened her eyes and softly smiled, placing her helmet to the side, a genuine smile on her muzzle. Before her stood a little taller than the average mare with a lavender coat, her dark blue mane striped with two shades of purple. Her eyes, a beautiful magenta color, stared up at her with a kind smile of her own with dragon eyes looking back into hers. Her cutie mark, a purple star with five little stars around it, named her… "Twilight sparkle. It's good to see a friendly face. Come come, sit with me, tell me about your day." The queen gestures to the throne beside her, making room for the smaller mare as she walked up to the large seat and made herself comfortable under her majesty's wing. The leathery feeling always made her fidget for a moment before she settled against the soft fur of Nightmares chest with a soft hum. Despite being black as the night sky, she was surprised every time to feel such warmth from the older mare. "My day was fine." She rested her head against Night, cooing affectionately at her nuzzling behind her ear. "Found an interesting book to read tomorrow. But, I was hoping that we could have some dinner together, if you're not too busy I mean…" she shifted in place a little bit. Nightmare chuckled. Still so shy at being so forward with me, my precious one… Nibbling the lavender mares ear, eliciting a soft moan from her lips as she blushes, Night purred deeply. "Why, twilight~ are you asking me out on a date?" She reveled in the timid squeak and the babbling that followed, a deep blush to the young mares cheeks as she tried to form a coherent word for a moment. Nightmare was a huge flirt and a tease so this was second nature to her, it didn't help that Twilight was so easily flustered, the poor thing. “I-i-i guess i am, your hi- Night…” Twilight shifted on her spot a little, showing a smile up at her tall marefriend, a slight show of unease on her lips as her ear twitched. It wasn't until recently that they started to use pet names for each other when they met up like this; she was still unsure how to be intimate like that, but she was making an effort. All the books she borrowed from the library helped, even if it felt silly to read about those kinds of things. Come on, you foal! Say something about her eyes or her hair or how she lights up your day… Swallowing down the uneasiness welling up inside, she lifted herself up, resting a hoof to the alicorn's chest and nuzzled her chin. “Y-you look beautiful tonight…” She managed without too much of a stutter. Nightmare gave a warm smile and leaned in to brush her lips against the other mares muzzle which caused her to blush more, if that was even possible. They looked into each other's eyes for a breathless moment, neither moving until Nightmare moved closer to bridge the gap, finding her marefriends lips pressed to hers. It was a beautiful kiss, no heat behind it, no desire, just a simple kiss between the two. It was a bold statement of their affection, a room full of guards and her assistant standing so close, but she needed this like she needed air. Air. Gently breaking away from the kiss, the two rested their foreheads against one another, taking a few breathes as Twilight managed a giggle. A goofy smile on her face, Twilight nuzzled under the older mares chin with a cooing purr from the empress. A wing curled around the lavender mare, she ran the tip of it along her sides gently, soothing her. “Dinner sounds wonderful, My Star~” They shared another brief kiss before she stood, walking towards the double doors with a wing around her marefriend, talking amicably before the great doors were shut behind the pair. Starlight stared at the doors for a moment, a smile on her face as she casually put the table away along with cushions and tea set back to the kitchen. Turning her attention to the dark blue steel helmet that sat upon the throne, her smile faltered a moment, picking up the helm and fixing the cushion. Levitating it in her magic, she slowly walked towards the hidden door behind the dias and opened it with a swift motion and a spell from her horn before stepping into the dark room. Candles and a fireplace big enough for an alicorn to rest beside, she strode into the space, removing her necklace, slipping off her shoes and laying beside the gently crackling fire. The helmet rested on the coffee table to her left, gleaming in the firelight, watching with eyes that did not see, but she could feel the power they held. She grabbed something with her magic and brought a book to her, flipping it open to a bookmarked page. She wasnt stupid, she knew what it meant that her Queen was so worried about. She had dug into the old archives, digging up old relics from thousands of years ago, finding a lot of nothing or pointless trinkets until she found this. Running a hoof along the old pages gingerly, she read the first lines aloud to herself. “Once upon a time, in the magical land of Equestria, there lived two ponies, alicorns blessed with divine magic that could raise the celestial bodies, bringing the day and night for their ponies. Earth ponies grew crops under the sun, toiling away happily to bring food to their friends and families. Pegasi made it rain, bringing healthier crops and making homes from the clouds that made it possible for them to live peacefully. The unicorns, being able to wield magic themselves, made healing potions and tonics to help the sick and downtrodden..." Starlight paused to grab a drink from a cabinet, pouring herself a small glass of wine. Tonight was going to be interesting… PlanningWarm sunlight filled the room, creeping across the floor until it came to rest on a canopy bed, the curtains a deep purple color. They were drawn back slightly, allowing a sliver of light to enter and cause the sleeping form to shift under the blankets, waking up from a rather pleasant sleep. She lifted her head up from down filled pillows and reached out with her magic to open the curtains more, tying them back to the posts as she let out a yawn, some dry drool making her fur stick at odd angles. She blinked away the sleep from her eyes, rubbing them with a foreleg as she got out of bed, making it just right with her magic along with a brush and a glass of water to fix her mane and sipped the cold liquid. “Ugh.” Setting the glass down on the nightstand, she went to the bathroom, still brushing her mane till it looked presentable. She reached for the light switch before stopping just short of it. This wasn't her bathroom. A few blinks as she looked around in a mild panis before her brain caught up to her and told her it was fine, she’d been here before many times. The black marble sink with it's soft reflections from the light, the almost dark chocolate brown tiles under her hooves, regal looking shower with it's too tall for a normal pony fixtures and the towels nearby. One a dark blue, the other a soft purple as she stepped into the shower and turned on the hot water by mistake. “Gah! Too hot!” Fixing the temperature, she relaxed under the warm water as she closed her eyes and thought back to last night. Cheeks warmed more than just from the water, she grabbed the shampoo. She was careful not to touch the bruises and bite marks just yet; she would put some healing saliva on them before heading out to her own room. A tune found its way into her head and she started to softly hum as she bathed herself, thinking of what Queen Nightmare had told her last night before things got heated. “So, lemme get this straight. You want me, someone who has never once set foot in a place like Ponyville to go and make sure the preparations are done? Why me? Why not send a guard or one of your many advisors?” She tried to look behind her but a firm hoof on her shoulder kept her in place. Nightmare had a brush in her magic and was braiding Twilight’s unkempt hair, a single strand to adorn a black ribbon. She had wanted to give Twilight a proper piece of jewelry to show others who she was dating, but at her insistence from the younger mare, she opted instead for the ribbon; she was still shy about the whole dating thing. “And I trust them. But I want you to get out more… My guards tell me you have been neglecting to attend social events, even with one of your friends parties.” She was careful to brush the top of twilight's mane, being sure not to bump the comb against her horn. It was a rather sensitive thing for Unicorns. “You need to get better at socializing, love.” Her muzzle nuzzled the young mares neck causing her to lean into it a little. “I know… But my studies and my experiments are more important, not making… Friends.” She made a face and slumped against her marefriend with a huff as the older mare giggled. She pouted and snuggled up to her chest, laying against her like a filly with her mother by the warm fireplace. Making friends was never something she intended to do, even when her older brother brought his pals over to play hoofball, she always found herself nose deep in a book or made some excuse to stay inside and read. It wasn't that she never tried, goodness no, she just found the task rather… Boring. It took up so much of her time and interfered with her studies while in the castle training with the queen or studying with cadence when she foalsat the young unicorn. Even then, her foalsitter would take her to the spa or to the library to meet her friends and gal pals, but never got further than a hello or a greeting before she would slip away to find something more interesting to do. Blowing a strand of hair from her face, she stared at the carpet, a deep red color as it's hue shifted from the firelight. It mezmorized her as she watched the shadows play and dance along the fibers much like watching a pony perform an intricate dance. “I… I don’t wanna go…” It was almost too quiet for Night to hear, but she rested her chin atop her marefriends head, letting her wings relax on either side of her. Her mane curled under to gently stroke twilight's chin and neck soothingly, neither saying a word as they just enjoy the silence. In a few hours or so, Nightmare would need to raise the sun and head to court, or to a meeting to leave twilight to sleep. If I tell the real reason why I want her to go, it wouldn't be natural for her to find friends… But if I lie to her and tell her something else, she might resent me. Closing her eyes, she buried her muzzle in Twilight's mane and breathed in the lilac scent. Twilight prided on the scents she used when she knew a night with her marefriend was coming up, often sampling many different kinds throughout the week until she found a smell that was both practical and exotic. A flick of the tail when she knew her ruler was paying attention, wafting the smell for her and her alone, teasing her with what little she learned from her books. It was always such a thrill for the both of them to test the waters, each trying to outplay the other but never crossing a line. “... If I go, you owe me a date.” The lavender mare lifted herself off of Nights chest and turned to meet her eyes. “I want a proper date. Theater play, dinner, picnic under the stars.” Her blush was evident, but not as fierce as it was before. She had been thinking about this all week and only now felt enough courage to act on it. The dark mare smiled softly, her eyes never leaving her lovers eyes. “Deal.” She leaned in and found her lips, closing her eyes as her mane curled around the back of Twilight’s head as they shared in a passionate kiss. She stepped out of the shower and shook like a dog, water dripping from her mane as she grabbed the warm towel. She walked from the bathroom over to the nightstand to down the rest of her water before spotting a scroll on Nightmares pillow. While she dried her coat, she opened and read the note aloud. “My dearest Star. I have a lengthy meeting to attend to, but feel free to lounge in my chambers for the day, I believe it was your time off anyway.” A soft blush to her cheeks, smiling all the while, she hung up the towel to dry and layed on the bed. “I got a copy of that new Daring Doo book you’ve been waiting for early. Enjoy yourself, i'll see you tonight, my love. Yours, Night.” She hugged the scroll to her chest and let out a giddy sigh, tail wagging in excitement. She was the luckiest mare in the world. *** Twilight laid her head down on her bed, covering her head with a pillow as the music outside of her room blasted, muffled by the thick door. The party had been going on for almost 2 hours now, but all she wanted to do was find a good book and read in peace. But no, Pinkie Pie, an overeager mare with two toned fur and mane that reminded her of cotton candy, had thrown this party for her to welcome her to Ponyville. She tried to block out the music with another pillow before giving up and laying on her back, staring up at the ceiling with a scowl, hugging the pillow to her chest. The headache that was forming increased as she thought back to how she had met her new ‘friends’. Pinkie Pie had run off after gasping in shock and left her alone for the better part of the day. The farm pony… Applejack had insisted she try every type of food that was going to be served at the celebration, within reason, and left her feeling rather full afterwards. After crashing into her, Rainbow Dash had tried to help clean off the mud by showering her with a cloud and gave her the worst hair day she had ever had before bolting to clear the clouds pretty quickly before leaving. Rarity, after Insisting that she fix her mane for her without payment, wanted to play dress up and give her an outfit. But she had stopped that pretty quickly and instead opted to tell her about why she was there and never got bowled over at the designer's excitement over learning that she was from Canterlot and the favorite student of the Empress. It was sheer luck that she was able to get away when she did, the dressmaker wanted to accent her mane with jewels and left her alone giving her time to slip away. After that, she followed the sound of someone singing beautifully and made her way to a grove with a pink and yellow pegasus mare who was singing with exotic birds when she walked up. The poor thing was so nervous she could hardly catch her name. Fluttershy, that's what it was, a sweet thing that only opened up to her because of her bat companion hanging from her ear. She had forgotten about the little albino dragon bat until the shy mare saw it, she felt bad and the two struck up a conversation about animals as she made her way to the Golden oaks library, a smile on her face. Fluttershy was the only one out of all the mares she met that she wasn't overly opposed to meeting again, even Applejack seemed more relaxed in comparison to the others. Once she had gotten into the library, all she wanted to do was go over her list and rela after finding a good book to read and let her pet bat to bed. She must have jumped nearly five feet in the air when the confetti and the lights went on with the entirety of Ponyville inside the old tree. It took all of her practice with the Queen to not send everyone away with a spark of her horn by accident and pinkie showed up to explain why there was a party in her temporary home. She groaned again at a particular beat thumping past the doors and made her way to the small balcony to stand out in the cool air of the night. She rested her head on her hoove to gaze up at the stars, twilinking back almost in greeting to the lavender mare and made her smile ever so softly. Even when she was upset, the night had some way of making her calm and relaxed even if only a little bit. Shifting her gaze from the stars to the glowing white orb above, her mind wandered back to her relationship with the Queen. While officially she was still the student under the protection and guidance of the sovereign, unofficially she was the marefriend and consort to the lunar mare which always made her cheeks flush red. Not that she ever believed in titles such as ‘Royal Consort’ or ‘Marefriend’, it still made her wary whenever her parents asked if there was anypony special in her life yet or if she was seeing anyone in particular she had a fancy for. Her hoof touched the wingle braided length of her locks, the black ribbon almost shining like a beacon against her light colored coat. She wasn't ashamed for how she felt towards Queen Moon, goodness no, but she couldn't help the nagging feeling in the back of her mind at how others saw her now that she was being a little more open with the mare whom she cared for above all else. “Ugh… Romance, why must you be so cruel…!” She huffed as she let her horn glow and brought a blanket to wrap around her shoulders. It was a bit chilly now. Her ear twitched as she stroked her braid and watched ponies file out of the library below, some leaving in pairs while others simply said their goodbyes and headed home. Parties were never her thing, even when the gala came about each year in canterlot, she often found herself by the punch bowl or tried to find a wall to lean on and read a scroll or two to pretend to be busy or feigned an injury. “Mind if I join you, darling?” the sing-song voice asked before she could answer with no and a mare sat beside her, a cushion fluffed under her with blue magic, a drink levitating beside her. Twilight glanced over and inwardly kicked herself in the head. Rarity was the last pony she wanted to be near right now considering how she seemed to be the town gossip pony or to be in the know as she put it so delicately. “It is a beautiful night, don't you think? The party has died down some and i was thinking i could keep you company, i even brought us a spot of tea to calm the nerves, dear.'' The white colored mare offered a cup of aromatic tea, steam lazily coming out of it as she held it for twilight to take it, muttering a half hearted thank you. She didn't know her and yet here she was offering her tea and simply sat in silence while they watched ponies or to glance up at the stars. Twilight relaxed as she sipped her tea and let out a soft hum of appreciation. “Lemon and lavender… A good choice, Rarity. Thank you…” The aforementioned mare smiled and nodded gently, never taking her eyes off of the night sky as she sipped from her own cup. She touched her braid again and smiled up at the moon, wishing she could show her lover just how much she was making progress. Perhaps tonight wouldn’t be so bad after all. The next day, ponies gathered in town hall, many of which she recognized from the party the previous night but none she could recall their names. Her bat hung from her ear like a living earring as she walked over to the snack table to grab herself a small cupcake. Pinkie pie, she found out, loved to bake and spent much of her time preparing and trying different combinations until she found one that was amazing or heavenly. Twilight smiled softly to herself as she took a restrained bite of the sweet confection and looked around the packed place, but still had enough breathing room, simple decor around the place thanks to Rarity, and a few guards in dark steel armor stood by the windows and the main doors. Growing up around them in the castle, she appreciated how their armor complimented the Lunar goddess well, with each soldier being hoof picked for the job by her most trusted advisors. Twilight remembered one time she tried to sneak out of her room late in the day and was followed by a mare dressed in the armor but never once heard anything until she cleared her throat once she made it to the kitchen to snag a cookie. When the cupcake was finished, she went to find a place to stand while she checked on her bat with a gentle pet with her hoof to the tiny thing. It made a gentle chirping as it snuggled closer to her warm fur to fall asleep again. She spotted Fluttershy up by a balcony with a rack of birds all warming up softly before the event was to start, Rainbow dash flying about anxiously, probably not used to being in confined places. Rarity was up on the balcony, checking on a few decorations she could now reach being so high up, a set of thick curtains to one side as Twilight found a decent spot to stand. Applejack and Pinkie were chatting when she spotted them close by. She thought for a split second to go over and say hi, but dismissed the thought. I barely know them, besides, i would rather spend time with… She looked up at the moon outside. The celebration would start in minutes which meant she had little time to think before she would see her lover and ruler again and that brought a smile to her face. She had done a fine job getting everything checked off of her list and planned on spending the rest of her time there, a week at most, researching the old books in the library and then it was back to the castle to lay with Moon. She could really use a good night's sleep… *** Twilight ran to the library as fast as she could, her little bat clinging to her ear for dear life. It was real. It was happening. She knew something was happening like this, but she had hoped beyond hope that it was just a story to scare little foals, or maybe some ancient ponies way of playing a joke on history, but there was no denying it. Solar Flare has returned to Equestria. Skidding into the library she started to frantically search the shelves. She had to find something, anything that could help or maybe a solution that she could send to the… No, the queen wasn't around to help her this time. If she sent a letter to Queen Chrysalis, she wouldn't be able to get here for several days at least, much less be able to actually do anything about this. King Sombra and her foalsitter were too far away to ask for aid and Sunset was off to who knows where again so she was out of the question. So, she was on her own. “Twilight? You in here?” A voice called as the doors to the large tree opened. Applejack entered first followed by four others, pinkie pie bouncing in with a spring in her step. Rainbow Dash darted over and looked the lavender mare in the eyes with a glare. “How do you know about Solar Flare, huh? Are you some kind of spy? Whoa!” Applejack pulled her back with her teeth on her tail and glared at her, like a mother scolding her child. RAinbow folded her arms and hovered beside the farm pony as she smiled softly, apologetically at the lavender unicorn before removing her hat. “Sorry about her, sugarcube. I saw ya running to the library so i gathered up the girls to see if there was any way to help ya.” She offers a warm smile, like a warm apple pie ona cool summer's day which brought Twilight a sense of calm before looking to the book shelves. “I need to find a book, a specific book in particular. Something about the… The Elements of Harmony. I could use the help if you’d be so kind to offer it…” She gave a small smile at the assembled mares who returned the smile in kind before nodding and going to a bookshelf to help the lavender mare. It was going to be a long night… Er, day. While they looked through the shelves, she carried her little bat companion to a nice dark place and let her hang upside down to sleep, promising to get the little bat a proper nook to rest in back at the castle. *** “You girls don’t have to come with me, you know… I am more than capable of handling this on my own and finding the elements myself.” She was staring into the foreboding maw of the everfree forest, its thick canopy stealing away sunlight and hoarding the darkness under its dense leaves like a beast guarding a fresh kill. The forest had its share of terrifying stories and tales that made anyone, pony or creature, hesitate to even think of wandering into it and yet here she stood with her five companions. “There ain't no way we’re gonna let a friend of ours wander into a place like this all by herself. C’mon girls, let's get a move on.” Applejack smiled before leading the rest of the group into the forest, leaving a frankly flabbergasted twilight standing there stunned before following with a groan in mild annoyance. Truth be told, she was glad she didn't have to venture into the place alone, but she felt a sense of duty to find the elements and save her marefriend and empress. They may have only been lovers for less than a year, but she was twilight’s first real love and it tore her up inside at the thought of her trapped somewhere helpless and alone. No, that’s just silly. She’s back at the castle. Yeah, she's sitting in her bedroom asleep and this was all just a bad dream. She looked up at the foreboding woods around her, warily following the voices of the five mares as her eyes adjusted to the eerie darkness even though it was the middle of the day. A bad dream… Moon, where are you…? She gulped and trudged on. She had to be brave, she had to be. After a long trek, the group stopped to rest, Pinkie Pie pulling food from… Somewhere, but twilight didn't care much since her stomach answered before logic did and she found herself eating a daffodil sandwich. She took the down time to look around, using her ears and eyes to calculate where they needed to go from where they sat, the rest of the group chatting or complaining about sores. The forest felt like it was holding its breath, waiting for something to happen… Kings Rest Crystal Empire, hours after the council meeting - The gentle clack of hooves against thick crystal floors did nothing for the dark gray stallion's headache. His armor polished to a shine, his coat brushed clean, his cape rested on his back shifting a little here and there as he made his way back to his room. Glancing out a nearby window, a soft smile formed on his muzzle as he stopped to make his way over to it. He rested his front hooves on the windowsill to admire the Aurora Borealis outside, a gentle snow falling as he stood there with a content smile. The Empire was a beacon of power and prosperity that shared its light with the rest of Equestria with love and hope being its catalyst. He rested his head on his hooves, watching snow slowly fall. It was a beautiful place to live, one that he sacrificed his own well being to protect. he looked below to the ponies still out and about, some pegasi coming back from patrols, earth ponies bringing in some last minute crops of sweet berries or unicorns helping them and chatting with smiles on their faces. His eyes were better suited for the daytime, but he could see perfectly well in the darkness, crystals reflecting the soft glow from the aurora to give him a perfect view of everything within the city's borders. When his breath came out in white puffs, he withdrew from the window and headed on to his room, nodding to the two sentries guarding it. “You’re dismissed for the night, sirs. Go get some rest.” They nodded back and left the doors as he entered the dimly lit room, the doors making a soft clack as they shut behind him. After making sure his spells were still in place and untampered with, he turned to the room with a content smile. To the left of the doors sat mannequins, one larger and taller than the other, their featureless faces facing towards the opposite wall. Next to them rested an elevated stand for shoes, a pair of black slippers sat where his horseshoes normally would as he walked towards the dresser to remove his crown. He paused to look at himself in the large mirror surrounded by dark purple crystals, his reflection staring at him with a gaunt expression, bags under his eyes made him look older than he was. He isn't sleeping well again and medication just didn't do anything for him, unfortunately, so he would endure this headache until he passed out. The crown, a dark steel thing with sharp points at the top was laid down on the wooden dresser, a soft tink echoing in the empty room. He stared at it for a long moment, as if it held some sort of answers as to why he felt this way or why the headaches came more and more frequently or why he felt helpless towards cadence and her depression. He picked up the crown slowly, looking at all of the dents and reformed metal bits, each re-forged piece after throwing it across the room on more than one occasion before screaming till his voice was hoarse. His brow furrowed as he thought back to the time he threw it and nearly hit cadence in the eye, apologizing profusely and even went as far as sleeping on the couch for a few nights. The crown, his burden, his promise to show others that he was a leader. A hero. A hero… He glanced at the mirror, his heart sinking deep inside his chest. A black creature stared back at him, its hateful eyes staring into his soul, but he dared not to move as it followed his movements. His heart started to race as it seemed to come out of the mirror, laughing as it reached to grab him before it was gone and he was alone, the crown dropped to the floor. He stood there, heart racing and breathing ragged as he stared at the mirror, his coat seeming paler than it should be before shaking his head and setting the crown on the mannequin's head. He really needed some sleep. The bed sat against the far wall, a canopy bed that held up red curtains trimmed with gold tied to the posts with yellow ropes. A single rug in the center of the room helped to soften any hoof steps as he approached the bed, removing his armor and regalia, the dark purple and black magic carrying the items to a mannequin. On either side of the bed was a simple nightstand, a lamp turned off, on the left side as he approached it to flick it on. “Sombra? You alright?” An angelic voice called from the side room, an office with a floor to ceiling bookshelf, a simple writing desk and a soft cushion to sit on. Cadence came out of the office with a smile on her face, her normal regalia similarly set on a mannequin beside his own as she came up to brush her muzzle against his neck. He nuzzles the back of hers with a relieved sigh. “I thought you were in a meeting…?” He asked. He watched her move from him to the dresser, fixing a picture with her light blue magic, the smile wavering on her face a little bit. He looked her over carefully, never taking his eyes off of her beautiful pink coat, her hair done up in a messy bun with a length of ribbon, her wings drooping a little at her sides. She had gotten better over the last few months, a few bad nights here and there, but she was getting better. He talked with his mother in law about it over tea one night and she recommended a therapist to help, a marriage counselor of sorts, but he trusted the empress to know how to help his girlfriend. He tried to join some of the sessions, but his busy schedule coupled with mismatching duties made it difficult at times so he opted to let cadence go alone. He hated seeing her so down, but this was for the best… Right? “I finished a little later than I would have liked, but I'm here now…” She answered, nuzzling into his neck with a light purr as he brushed his hoof against her cheek and planted a soft kiss right at the base of her horn. She giggled a little, a beautiful sound even if it wasn't her normal laugh, he still enjoyed hearing her joyful sounds. “Have I told you that you’re the most beautiful mare in the world…?” His gentle kisses trailed from her horn to her cheek then to her chin then back up to her nose with a smile on his muzzle before lifting her chin gently with a hoof to look into her beautiful eyes. Her cheeks were flushed now, the faintest of smiles on her face. "N-no… but I like hearing you say it…" She couldn't stop him from playfully nibbling at her sensitive ears, eliciting a moan from her, cheeks reddening as he purred. Her wings twitched as he moved from her ear down her neck, nipping and nuzzling her as he went slowly down to the base of her wings, her watching him with red cheeks. "D-don't you dare~" She said breathlessly, a partial moan coming out of her before it turned into a squeak of surprise. His teeth found her wings and caused them to spring open against his face as he chuckled. "Guess I deserve that one." He ran a hoof along her soft feathers, seeing a few bent out of shape and clicked his tongue at the state of them. "Honey." She huffed and shifted her weight a little. "I-I've been busy…" She had been busy, but not doing what she was supposed to be as a ruler. Her days recently were spent looking into fertility spells or reversal spells, charms, potions, anything that could give her hope of ever having a child. Most of which was a fruitless endeavor or some legend someone started to give mares false hopes and dreams, some of which included ancient magic that would do more harm than actual good. She had sent letters to her mother about those in the hopes of finding some way to get rid of or at least stamp out those ridiculous claims and notions. Sombra pulled a loose feather. “Ouch!” She winced and looked back at him with the offending feather in his teeth and an apologetic look before he spat it to the side. “At least warn me before you do that…” She cooed as he brushed his hoof along her wing, smoothing the feathers back down as she lowered her head with a purr. After a bit of coaxing from her boyfriend, they found themselves laying by the fireplace, her head resting on his back and his on hers to snuggle. The fireplace crackled softly, spitting sparks from the wet log as it hissed, sputtering like an angry snake. The odd couple nuzzled or spoke softly, not really exchanging anything of importance, just enjoying each other's company after a long day. Cadence shifted to rest her wing over his back as she lifted her head up to look towards the balcony doors, a thought forming in the back of her mind. it was a silly thought, not even worth her time, but it was still at the forefront of her mind nonetheless. “Somby… Can I ask something?” A noise from the stallion and she giggled. “You’re a dork.” She nuzzled his back and watched the fire. “You know I love you, we’ve been dating officially for a year now?” Another grunt. She watched him as the words formed on her tongue and before they could be taken back, they spilled out from her muzzle. "Are you happy with me…? Even if I could never…?" Shame is what she felt right now. She knew this was something she had to let go but she just couldn't, and the fact that her boyfriend was so forgiving and loved her so much hurt even more. Maybe a pang of guilt at saying those words but that's how she felt; her therapist would be excited to see her being more honest and open with her feelings. But it left a bad taste in her mouth like bile as her lip quivered, tears welling up in her eyes. He shifts and rests his hoof under her chin, lifting it to look in her eyes with a sad smile. “Hey, hey… That has never, ever mattered to me, you know that…'' Tears streamed down her face as she let out a strangled sob before burying her face in his chest to cry. Hugging her as best as he can while laying down, he nuzzled her neck with soft cooing and words of affection. It was all he could do to try and calm her down. This had been something that the therapist said would take time for her to accept, much less get used to. He would never dream of leaving her, it would cross his mind in his nightmares, but he strived to make her happy even if he knew the harsh reality that she would outlive him. Nuzzling her neck affectionately, pulling back just enough to look into her eyes. “I know you do, my love…” He plants a kiss on her forehead as he grabs the tissues in his magic and lets her wipe her tears away, blowing her nose as he waits. This was hard for him to watch her go through on her own; no matter how much support he could offer, the shoulders to cry on or to be a punching bag, she had to grieve on her own terms. He had to be a pillar for her to lean on and a King to his people, a task that was not easy for anyone to do but he would try. “Lets get some rest, huh? I'm exhausted and I bet you are too…” She nodded against him. He glanced to the mirror, the fire playing with shadows and he could swear he saw eyes reflecting back at him. Another demon to take care of, but she was more important right now. * * * * * He sat up with a start, flashes of his nightmare at the very edge of his vision as he looked around the room in a panic before a wing draped against his back and brought him into the soft fur of his lover's chest. She cooed at him, softly whispering sweet nothings by his ear as he trembled. Recently, he had been having terrible night terrors, bad dreams that forced him to wake, getting him little rest in return. Cadence rubbed his back gently, nuzzling into his mane and kissing the nape of his neck as he slowly relaxed, little tremors wracking his body. “The nightmares are getting worse… I'm afraid, my love…” His throat was hoarse, she brought a glass of water for him to drink which he downed quickly, letting out a breath as she took the empty glass. “This cannot continue like this…” He nuzzled into her chest, breathing in the scent of vanilla and lavender, his favorite place to be when he wasn't working or at a meeting with his generals or an issue with the borders or some sort of nonsense. She was his beacon of hope, his shining light in the darkness and her love kept him from sinking into madness many times over. He knew how strange his magic was; it came from a dark place, a race of beings that no longer existed and he hated the history behind it, but it was a part of him, whether he liked it or not. When he met Cadence, a newly ascended alicorn, he was hesitant to train her. While it was true he was a very skilled unicorn who was responsible for the prosperity and safety of the empire, he was still dangerous, a fact that made him even more hesitant when he started to develop feelings for the young mare. He was easily a few years or more her senior and yet they had grown into an unshakable bond that soon turned to a want to be closer and eventually they became more on one passionate and romantic evening. He could still smell the roses… He still heard her breathless moans… Still felt the first time they… “Sombra…?” She lifted his head up to look into his eyes as he smiled softly. Her eyes, beautiful pools of magenta, her hair kept in a messy bun, her soft pink coat… He loved her so much. He leaned in and gently kissed her. It was a soft kiss, not heat or passion, but one of trust. Of pure love. DecisionI have decided to rewrite the fanfic. I appreciate all the support on this but its time for a new coat of paint. I have grown and learned as a writer and as a person and want my work to reflect that. Expect a new story here very soon and am determined to have weekly uploads this time, no matter what. As always, thank you so much for your patience. (Ill keep this one on here for the next week or so and remove it when i finish the first revised chapter stories)
MeetingAuthor's Note This is going to be an interesting fanfic, one of my more ambitious ones since publishing Dragon Princess years ago(A story i intend to revisit at some point, but we will see). This fanfic was Based on the image done by 28gooddays and badday28. Happy reading! (This story is being rewritten) Meeting She walked with purpose, her head held high as guards and maids bowed to her on her way through the halls. Where was she going? It did not concern them as she moved gracefully, midnight blue mane full of stars shimmered on it's own, the stars in her mane twinkling of their own accord. It moved about her devoid of shape as she turned this way and that, never falling against her neck like a normal ponies. She was far too important for something like that, her leathery wings shifting against her sides in mild discomfort. She was in need of a good soaking. The great doors to the throne room were pushed open, two strong guards in dark armor with purple manes and dragon eyes bowed to her as she moved past them without a second glance. They were there to serve her to please her, little else mattered except her and she knew it. She was their queen after all, her teal eyes gleaming beautifully in the soft light of the afternoon sun, which was slowly making its way beyond the horizon. Glancing out the window to the left overlooking the city, she looked at the sun with a bit of a concerned twitch to her ears. How had 1000 years passed her by so quickly? How could she have grown so… Careless? Was she slipping? Losing her edge? No, certainly not that. A small voice at the back of her head scolded her actions but she ignored it for the time being. She would deal with that one after the meeting. Focusing back to the room at hoof, she allowed a smile to grace her lips. A low lying table awaited at the base of the throne, four figures already sitting and chatting in wait for her. They had grown close in recent years, all of them she considered her friends now, even as they ruled their own kingdoms separately. Looking to the side to fix her regal armor, she stole a glance at the tallest amongst them. Her black chitin littered with holes on her legs, sickly green blue mane and tail looked healthier than it had been in recent years, her green eyes glinting with a smile on her fanged muzzle as a small crown sat atop her head. Queen Chrysalis was as close to a lover as the mare had come, welcoming her into her bed chambers on more than one occasion as they talked about land or food shortages for the bug queens. Her visits often ended in a night of passion. Not that she ever complained. Sitting to her right perched on a cushion was a light orange colored unicorn with red and yellow hair, her cutie mark resembling a flaming sun in the same colors as her mane. Her head was turned away, but she knew her eyes were a beautiful aqua color, a smile on her face as she and the bug queen conversed, light blue colored magic holding a cup in the air beside her. Sunset shimmer, her latest student who proved time and time again just how smart and powerful she was under her tutelage. She was well on her way to earn herself a pair of her own wings, but she was still a long way from that day. From pupil to advisor in a short amount of time, she had risen into a fine young mare with high prospects. Now, if only she would settle down and stick to someone or something that lasted more than a few months. But, she refused to force such a thing; love in any form was to be earned and respected above all else, even she fell prey to it's whims from time to time. To the right of Sunset sat a thick built stallion with a simple gray coat, black misty hair and a red tinted horn that curved towards the sky at all times. His eyes a deep red with green sclera, a purple mist coming from his eyes hinting at the dark magic coursing through him at all times. He wore a simple cloak that sat abreast against his chest, white fur speckled with black dots ran the length of it, the cloak a simple black color. A crown that wrapped around his horn and twisted behind his ears rested atop his head, two little fangs protruding from his top lip with a neutral expression on his face. While King Sombra was not the most powerful amongst them, his military tactics and quick thinking had brought prosperity to the Crystal Empire, once a frozen wasteland to the north lost to time was now a cultural hub of activity. He was a quiet stallion, barely saying more than a few sentences a day, but when he spoke, his honeyed words and soothing voice could seduce a dragon into his bed if he wanted to. She regarded them with a pleasant smile or a nod as she walked past them, eyeing the depressed looking pink alicorn that sat beside Sombra on his right. Mi Amore Cadenza, or Cadence, used to live with her as an adopted daughter, seeing her talent by saving the crystal heart with just wings as a young filly prompted Nightmare to scoop her up under her wing and raise her. Eventually turning the young mare into an alicorn, she was deemed worthy for the title of Princess and sent to live in the Empire as King Sombras student to learn powerful magic in a safe place. She excelled under his tutelage, eventually falling for the King as she progressed through her studies and eventually, they became a couple. Nightmare could not have been any happier at the news, but happiness is fleeting and a year later, her adopted daughter came to her with a heavy heart and tears in her eyes. She cried for hours afterwards, her daughter's tears soaking into her fur as she tried and failed to comfort the young mare. She wanted a foal, an heir to the empire to take over once she was old enough. A pang of guilt struck her hard that day. Cadence could never have children and it was her fault. Cadence had screamed and yelled and pointed all of her anger and grief at her mother, true or not. She had whittled it into a sharp point and it sunk into her heart over and over every time she had seen her for a visit, what fleeting hope she had to give, the broken look in her eyes made her ill. If she had known that ascension would do that to her most beloved daughter, she would have waited. She would take back everything and grant her that one wish if she could, she would give anything for it not to be true and have a little foal running around the castle, but it was and she hated herself for it. She stepped onto the dais of the throne and made herself comfortable on the dark red seat. Stuffed with the softest feathers from geese and swans, she let a small, restrained smile across her face as her horn lit up with teal magic, focusing on the horizon. She had done this for a millenia, she had done this song and dance so many times now that it was second nature to her. She gently coaxed the hot ball of magma into its slumber, tucking it in for the night as the moon gleefully obeyed her touch and ascended into the sky, the stars following with a cacophony of yawns and mutters of thanks. The night sky was her masterpiece after all, each constellation carefully crafted and set into place by her magic with the original charts from her fillyhood sitting in the Canterlot archives for all to see. She had slaved over the designs, throwing many papers into flame out of frustration, or simply tossed them into the trash. It was years before she finalized the sky that she stood back and basked in the new night sky, each star meticulously placed and adjusted just so until she was happy. She was so excited she went to her sister and… She opened her eyes, a frown on her muzzle as she fought back tears. She would not cry in front of them. She needed to be strong. For her subjects, for her friends, her family. Fresh guards filed in two by two, the old ones stretching and mingling as they changed shifts and turned in for the night, some laughing or joking. Dark steel armor, helmets and shoes were enchanted to give them all the same hair color or coat color to protect their identities glinted in the moonlight. Thestrals clambered for her to enlist them into her ranks, offering their unyielding loyalty to her, some going so far as to pledge their lives for her. Much to the chagrin of her subjects who could not serve her at night time. There had been protests to allow these beings into caterlot or into the military at first, but soon with the added help of Queen Chrysalis and her changelings joining her ranks, they had forgotten about them in time and accepted them without question. Permanent magic warped the thestrals to have dragon eyes. They prefer it that way as a testament to their loyalty. “Good evening everyone.” Her voice bounced off of the marble pillars and against the far wall, stained glass windows illuminated from the full moon cast colorful shadows against the dark blue carpet. “I appreciate getting a letter from you this time, Nightmare. I know you usually just send a messenger or show up yourself for visits, so when i received your scroll, i knew it was urgent.” Sunset sipped her tea, the aroma wafting from it smelled of vanilla and honey. “I’m happy to assist you where I can, you know that, but i have a few questions.” The cup made a soft clink as it was set on the table, her magic fading. “I too have a few questions myself, but I will hold my tongue.'' The bug queen stated simply, folded her front legs over one another as she brought a small cookie to herself with sickly green magic. She noticed a visible wince from Sombra, the King was unaccustomed to her being so close and her magic was… Odd compared to others. Where Equestrian magic was inviting and warm and brought life, Changeling magic was acrid, sickly, making anyone around feel ill at the sight of it or if it passed over someone. Nightmare watched their faces as she spoke slowly, each word carefully thought out. “As many of you know many years ago, a great battle took place. One that scarred the landscape and nearly ended in my death…” She paused, all eyes on her now. She was prepared for this, she had practiced this many nights over and over again. “I fought for my ponies to ward off an evil presence from this land, one that threatened to usurp me and cast the land into an unspeakable dark era. Much to the burden I carry in my heart at that final choice, it's what I brought you all here for, a decision that haunts me to this very day…” Her ears folded flat against her head, her mane drooping slightly as the words fell from her. “A thousand years ago, this coming summer sun celebration marks the one thousandth year i had to banish my sister to the sun.” No one spoke. No one moved. No one dared to utter a single word. A tense moment passed before Cadence lifted her head up and looked to her mother with sad eyes. “You mean that old tale about the elements of harmony was real…? You were there all those moons ago and had to… To…” A comforting arm from the King draped around her to bring her against his chest for comfort. “Yes, my daughter… My sister sits in the sun even now, because I chose my ponies over her…” She felt relieved at finally being able to tell her family and friends, but it was a weight that was not so easily shrugged off from her, chains surrounded her heart and simply loosened to let her breath. It’s because you aren't telling them the whole truth. You know what you did could have been avoided if you just listened to her. The voice in the back of her mind scolded, the feeling of folded arms and a disappointed sadness washed over her subconscious. Quiet you. She took a calming breath and stood, walking down the throne ramp until she was just above the table. She looked to the faces of her friends, gauging how each of their reactions to the news. It wasn't like she hid it in the history books or tried to dismiss it as some old fairy tale. Ponies that saw the battle take place recorded it and sent it out to all four corners of the land, but as time went on, they found peace in the made-up knowledge and dismissed it as just a story for bedtime. Sombra soothed his marefriend, a gentle but firm arm around her as she nuzzled his neck affectionately. Chrysalis seemed to still be processing the news, mulling it over as she sipped her tea slowly, her eyes focused on a spot on the table. Sunset was writing out something on a scroll, probably doing some last minute work or coming up with a plan. This brought a hollow smile to her face, her ever faithful student was already thinking of ways to help. She looked to her assistant, Starlight Glimmer, her mane done simply with a necklace with nightmares cutie mark on it rested against her light purple coat, a scroll in her magic transcribing the meeting dutifully. She had forgotten about Starlight for a little while, too caught up in herself to notice when the mare entered the room. Maybe she was slipping, just a little bit. Starlight was brought to her attention some years ago when rumors of a cult had started to spread from the far reaches of her kingdom. She had gone there herself and found a horrifying sight. Ponies with the same cutie marks, a mare in charge that was intent on adding more to her flock, a vault set in the mountains to hold the discarded marks with a staff that she immediately recognized as nothing more than a simple piece of wood. She thwarted her efforts soon after seeing what was happening and offered the offending party a choice; Swear herself into service to use her powers for the crown or suffer in tartarus for her crimes. She was relieved that Starlight chose the former. She had proven herself a most capable sorceress and joined under nightmares tutelage, though she made sure never to include the forbidden magic in her studies. “I have a plan. But unfortunately, the Summer Sun celebration is right around the corner. Two weeks from today, I believe that my sister will use the very stars in her escape. I can no longer wield the elements since using them to banish her to the sun, rendering them useless unless we find a way to make them work again.” She conjures an image of the sun with the vague image of a mares silhouette on it. “One of my students has excelled in her studies regarding magic, many of you know her well. Twilight Sparkle.” She pauses to look around the table. Sombra with his look of quiet calm, cadence leaning against his shoulder, her tail curled around his. Queen Chrysalis furrows her brows, a look of indifference plastered on her face, a mask to hide her real emotions. Nightmare looked to Sunset. “I know how you feel about her, Sunset. But you can’t deny that she is a powerful unicorn.” Sunset stiffens in her seat, muttering something under her breath. “Pardon?” “Only cause she shares your bed most nights.” She stares into her eyes, challenging her to argue. “Ever since she came of age, she has been your personal lap dog and consort and everyone knows it. She’s always been your favorite understudy, so just because you two are rutting like bunnies you think she’s better than me…” The room went cold, no one dared to move as they looked between the black alicorn and the fiery maned unicorn as they stared each other down. “Okay, okay, knock it off. Both of you.” Starlight steps up and looks between the two angry mares. “This isn't going to help anyone. Sunset, it’s really no business of ours if the Queen takes on a consort. Twilight is of legal age and is the only one amongst us three that has shown a natural talent in magic since the day she came to the castle.” Glancing to her queen, she softened her expression. “You really shouldn't let her egg you on like that, your majesty.” The two mares relax as Sunset gets up and grabs her notes, stuffing them into her saddlebags. “I should get back home. By your leave, your majesty.” Giving a short bow, she turned and walked away from the table, her steps muffled by the thick carpet as Nightmare watched her leave. Some part of her wanted to reach out and console her student, but knew it would be in vain at the moment. She was hurting and would need time to calm down. And she was right to be angry. The rumors started just as that; rumors. Twilight had had bad dreams and Nightmare, being able to visit ponies' dreams, consoled her and let her sleep in her room for comfort until eventually one night it changed and she was able to get past(mostly) the awe and respect she had for her teacher and they had a beautiful night together. Since then, Twilight has been her constant companion most nights, for studying, star gazing or just a night of passion. Sunset had walked in on them one night and it was safe to say that the respect she put on her mentor was shattered almost completely. “My Queen?” Starlight waved a hoof in front of her face to bring her out of her staring and refocus on the matter at hand. “Sorry, I was… Anyway. If it's alright with all of you, I think this is the best path set out to deal with whatever threat my sister may pose to Equestria. Do we all agree?” She stood parallel to the table, looking at each of them. King sombra nodded and nuzzles his marefriends head. “I agree. My troops are yours should you need them.” Planting a soft kiss on Cadence's head, he stood with a soft smile at Nightmare. She gave a smile back as the stallion walked with her out of the room, softly whispering to sooth the depressed mare. Chrysalis hummed. “I agree as well. We need to be prepared should this turn into an all out war. My changelings are prepared to fight if you have need of them.” With that she rose to her full height and bowed to the black alicorn before taking her leave. That left her with Starlight by her side as she sat upon the throne to rub her temple, removing her helmet and letting her hair down(So to speak). The day had started out well, a few meetings here and there but otherwise fine, maybe a little worn out, but fine nonetheless. This was going to take some work… She rubbed her temple with the tip of her hoof, massaging the headache that was forming behind her eyes. "Your majesty?" She opened her eyes and softly smiled, placing her helmet to the side, a genuine smile on her muzzle. Before her stood a little taller than the average mare with a lavender coat, her dark blue mane striped with two shades of purple. Her eyes, a beautiful magenta color, stared up at her with a kind smile of her own with dragon eyes looking back into hers. Her cutie mark, a purple star with five little stars around it, named her… "Twilight sparkle. It's good to see a friendly face. Come come, sit with me, tell me about your day." The queen gestures to the throne beside her, making room for the smaller mare as she walked up to the large seat and made herself comfortable under her majesty's wing. The leathery feeling always made her fidget for a moment before she settled against the soft fur of Nightmares chest with a soft hum. Despite being black as the night sky, she was surprised every time to feel such warmth from the older mare. "My day was fine." She rested her head against Night, cooing affectionately at her nuzzling behind her ear. "Found an interesting book to read tomorrow. But, I was hoping that we could have some dinner together, if you're not too busy I mean…" she shifted in place a little bit. Nightmare chuckled. Still so shy at being so forward with me, my precious one… Nibbling the lavender mares ear, eliciting a soft moan from her lips as she blushes, Night purred deeply. "Why, twilight~ are you asking me out on a date?" She reveled in the timid squeak and the babbling that followed, a deep blush to the young mares cheeks as she tried to form a coherent word for a moment. Nightmare was a huge flirt and a tease so this was second nature to her, it didn't help that Twilight was so easily flustered, the poor thing. “I-i-i guess i am, your hi- Night…” Twilight shifted on her spot a little, showing a smile up at her tall marefriend, a slight show of unease on her lips as her ear twitched. It wasn't until recently that they started to use pet names for each other when they met up like this; she was still unsure how to be intimate like that, but she was making an effort. All the books she borrowed from the library helped, even if it felt silly to read about those kinds of things. Come on, you foal! Say something about her eyes or her hair or how she lights up your day… Swallowing down the uneasiness welling up inside, she lifted herself up, resting a hoof to the alicorn's chest and nuzzled her chin. “Y-you look beautiful tonight…” She managed without too much of a stutter. Nightmare gave a warm smile and leaned in to brush her lips against the other mares muzzle which caused her to blush more, if that was even possible. They looked into each other's eyes for a breathless moment, neither moving until Nightmare moved closer to bridge the gap, finding her marefriends lips pressed to hers. It was a beautiful kiss, no heat behind it, no desire, just a simple kiss between the two. It was a bold statement of their affection, a room full of guards and her assistant standing so close, but she needed this like she needed air. Air. Gently breaking away from the kiss, the two rested their foreheads against one another, taking a few breathes as Twilight managed a giggle. A goofy smile on her face, Twilight nuzzled under the older mares chin with a cooing purr from the empress. A wing curled around the lavender mare, she ran the tip of it along her sides gently, soothing her. “Dinner sounds wonderful, My Star~” They shared another brief kiss before she stood, walking towards the double doors with a wing around her marefriend, talking amicably before the great doors were shut behind the pair. Starlight stared at the doors for a moment, a smile on her face as she casually put the table away along with cushions and tea set back to the kitchen. Turning her attention to the dark blue steel helmet that sat upon the throne, her smile faltered a moment, picking up the helm and fixing the cushion. Levitating it in her magic, she slowly walked towards the hidden door behind the dias and opened it with a swift motion and a spell from her horn before stepping into the dark room. Candles and a fireplace big enough for an alicorn to rest beside, she strode into the space, removing her necklace, slipping off her shoes and laying beside the gently crackling fire. The helmet rested on the coffee table to her left, gleaming in the firelight, watching with eyes that did not see, but she could feel the power they held. She grabbed something with her magic and brought a book to her, flipping it open to a bookmarked page. She wasnt stupid, she knew what it meant that her Queen was so worried about. She had dug into the old archives, digging up old relics from thousands of years ago, finding a lot of nothing or pointless trinkets until she found this. Running a hoof along the old pages gingerly, she read the first lines aloud to herself. “Once upon a time, in the magical land of Equestria, there lived two ponies, alicorns blessed with divine magic that could raise the celestial bodies, bringing the day and night for their ponies. Earth ponies grew crops under the sun, toiling away happily to bring food to their friends and families. Pegasi made it rain, bringing healthier crops and making homes from the clouds that made it possible for them to live peacefully. The unicorns, being able to wield magic themselves, made healing potions and tonics to help the sick and downtrodden..." Starlight paused to grab a drink from a cabinet, pouring herself a small glass of wine. Tonight was going to be interesting…
PlanningWarm sunlight filled the room, creeping across the floor until it came to rest on a canopy bed, the curtains a deep purple color. They were drawn back slightly, allowing a sliver of light to enter and cause the sleeping form to shift under the blankets, waking up from a rather pleasant sleep. She lifted her head up from down filled pillows and reached out with her magic to open the curtains more, tying them back to the posts as she let out a yawn, some dry drool making her fur stick at odd angles. She blinked away the sleep from her eyes, rubbing them with a foreleg as she got out of bed, making it just right with her magic along with a brush and a glass of water to fix her mane and sipped the cold liquid. “Ugh.” Setting the glass down on the nightstand, she went to the bathroom, still brushing her mane till it looked presentable. She reached for the light switch before stopping just short of it. This wasn't her bathroom. A few blinks as she looked around in a mild panis before her brain caught up to her and told her it was fine, she’d been here before many times. The black marble sink with it's soft reflections from the light, the almost dark chocolate brown tiles under her hooves, regal looking shower with it's too tall for a normal pony fixtures and the towels nearby. One a dark blue, the other a soft purple as she stepped into the shower and turned on the hot water by mistake. “Gah! Too hot!” Fixing the temperature, she relaxed under the warm water as she closed her eyes and thought back to last night. Cheeks warmed more than just from the water, she grabbed the shampoo. She was careful not to touch the bruises and bite marks just yet; she would put some healing saliva on them before heading out to her own room. A tune found its way into her head and she started to softly hum as she bathed herself, thinking of what Queen Nightmare had told her last night before things got heated. “So, lemme get this straight. You want me, someone who has never once set foot in a place like Ponyville to go and make sure the preparations are done? Why me? Why not send a guard or one of your many advisors?” She tried to look behind her but a firm hoof on her shoulder kept her in place. Nightmare had a brush in her magic and was braiding Twilight’s unkempt hair, a single strand to adorn a black ribbon. She had wanted to give Twilight a proper piece of jewelry to show others who she was dating, but at her insistence from the younger mare, she opted instead for the ribbon; she was still shy about the whole dating thing. “And I trust them. But I want you to get out more… My guards tell me you have been neglecting to attend social events, even with one of your friends parties.” She was careful to brush the top of twilight's mane, being sure not to bump the comb against her horn. It was a rather sensitive thing for Unicorns. “You need to get better at socializing, love.” Her muzzle nuzzled the young mares neck causing her to lean into it a little. “I know… But my studies and my experiments are more important, not making… Friends.” She made a face and slumped against her marefriend with a huff as the older mare giggled. She pouted and snuggled up to her chest, laying against her like a filly with her mother by the warm fireplace. Making friends was never something she intended to do, even when her older brother brought his pals over to play hoofball, she always found herself nose deep in a book or made some excuse to stay inside and read. It wasn't that she never tried, goodness no, she just found the task rather… Boring. It took up so much of her time and interfered with her studies while in the castle training with the queen or studying with cadence when she foalsat the young unicorn. Even then, her foalsitter would take her to the spa or to the library to meet her friends and gal pals, but never got further than a hello or a greeting before she would slip away to find something more interesting to do. Blowing a strand of hair from her face, she stared at the carpet, a deep red color as it's hue shifted from the firelight. It mezmorized her as she watched the shadows play and dance along the fibers much like watching a pony perform an intricate dance. “I… I don’t wanna go…” It was almost too quiet for Night to hear, but she rested her chin atop her marefriends head, letting her wings relax on either side of her. Her mane curled under to gently stroke twilight's chin and neck soothingly, neither saying a word as they just enjoy the silence. In a few hours or so, Nightmare would need to raise the sun and head to court, or to a meeting to leave twilight to sleep. If I tell the real reason why I want her to go, it wouldn't be natural for her to find friends… But if I lie to her and tell her something else, she might resent me. Closing her eyes, she buried her muzzle in Twilight's mane and breathed in the lilac scent. Twilight prided on the scents she used when she knew a night with her marefriend was coming up, often sampling many different kinds throughout the week until she found a smell that was both practical and exotic. A flick of the tail when she knew her ruler was paying attention, wafting the smell for her and her alone, teasing her with what little she learned from her books. It was always such a thrill for the both of them to test the waters, each trying to outplay the other but never crossing a line. “... If I go, you owe me a date.” The lavender mare lifted herself off of Nights chest and turned to meet her eyes. “I want a proper date. Theater play, dinner, picnic under the stars.” Her blush was evident, but not as fierce as it was before. She had been thinking about this all week and only now felt enough courage to act on it. The dark mare smiled softly, her eyes never leaving her lovers eyes. “Deal.” She leaned in and found her lips, closing her eyes as her mane curled around the back of Twilight’s head as they shared in a passionate kiss. She stepped out of the shower and shook like a dog, water dripping from her mane as she grabbed the warm towel. She walked from the bathroom over to the nightstand to down the rest of her water before spotting a scroll on Nightmares pillow. While she dried her coat, she opened and read the note aloud. “My dearest Star. I have a lengthy meeting to attend to, but feel free to lounge in my chambers for the day, I believe it was your time off anyway.” A soft blush to her cheeks, smiling all the while, she hung up the towel to dry and layed on the bed. “I got a copy of that new Daring Doo book you’ve been waiting for early. Enjoy yourself, i'll see you tonight, my love. Yours, Night.” She hugged the scroll to her chest and let out a giddy sigh, tail wagging in excitement. She was the luckiest mare in the world. *** Twilight laid her head down on her bed, covering her head with a pillow as the music outside of her room blasted, muffled by the thick door. The party had been going on for almost 2 hours now, but all she wanted to do was find a good book and read in peace. But no, Pinkie Pie, an overeager mare with two toned fur and mane that reminded her of cotton candy, had thrown this party for her to welcome her to Ponyville. She tried to block out the music with another pillow before giving up and laying on her back, staring up at the ceiling with a scowl, hugging the pillow to her chest. The headache that was forming increased as she thought back to how she had met her new ‘friends’. Pinkie Pie had run off after gasping in shock and left her alone for the better part of the day. The farm pony… Applejack had insisted she try every type of food that was going to be served at the celebration, within reason, and left her feeling rather full afterwards. After crashing into her, Rainbow Dash had tried to help clean off the mud by showering her with a cloud and gave her the worst hair day she had ever had before bolting to clear the clouds pretty quickly before leaving. Rarity, after Insisting that she fix her mane for her without payment, wanted to play dress up and give her an outfit. But she had stopped that pretty quickly and instead opted to tell her about why she was there and never got bowled over at the designer's excitement over learning that she was from Canterlot and the favorite student of the Empress. It was sheer luck that she was able to get away when she did, the dressmaker wanted to accent her mane with jewels and left her alone giving her time to slip away. After that, she followed the sound of someone singing beautifully and made her way to a grove with a pink and yellow pegasus mare who was singing with exotic birds when she walked up. The poor thing was so nervous she could hardly catch her name. Fluttershy, that's what it was, a sweet thing that only opened up to her because of her bat companion hanging from her ear. She had forgotten about the little albino dragon bat until the shy mare saw it, she felt bad and the two struck up a conversation about animals as she made her way to the Golden oaks library, a smile on her face. Fluttershy was the only one out of all the mares she met that she wasn't overly opposed to meeting again, even Applejack seemed more relaxed in comparison to the others. Once she had gotten into the library, all she wanted to do was go over her list and rela after finding a good book to read and let her pet bat to bed. She must have jumped nearly five feet in the air when the confetti and the lights went on with the entirety of Ponyville inside the old tree. It took all of her practice with the Queen to not send everyone away with a spark of her horn by accident and pinkie showed up to explain why there was a party in her temporary home. She groaned again at a particular beat thumping past the doors and made her way to the small balcony to stand out in the cool air of the night. She rested her head on her hoove to gaze up at the stars, twilinking back almost in greeting to the lavender mare and made her smile ever so softly. Even when she was upset, the night had some way of making her calm and relaxed even if only a little bit. Shifting her gaze from the stars to the glowing white orb above, her mind wandered back to her relationship with the Queen. While officially she was still the student under the protection and guidance of the sovereign, unofficially she was the marefriend and consort to the lunar mare which always made her cheeks flush red. Not that she ever believed in titles such as ‘Royal Consort’ or ‘Marefriend’, it still made her wary whenever her parents asked if there was anypony special in her life yet or if she was seeing anyone in particular she had a fancy for. Her hoof touched the wingle braided length of her locks, the black ribbon almost shining like a beacon against her light colored coat. She wasn't ashamed for how she felt towards Queen Moon, goodness no, but she couldn't help the nagging feeling in the back of her mind at how others saw her now that she was being a little more open with the mare whom she cared for above all else. “Ugh… Romance, why must you be so cruel…!” She huffed as she let her horn glow and brought a blanket to wrap around her shoulders. It was a bit chilly now. Her ear twitched as she stroked her braid and watched ponies file out of the library below, some leaving in pairs while others simply said their goodbyes and headed home. Parties were never her thing, even when the gala came about each year in canterlot, she often found herself by the punch bowl or tried to find a wall to lean on and read a scroll or two to pretend to be busy or feigned an injury. “Mind if I join you, darling?” the sing-song voice asked before she could answer with no and a mare sat beside her, a cushion fluffed under her with blue magic, a drink levitating beside her. Twilight glanced over and inwardly kicked herself in the head. Rarity was the last pony she wanted to be near right now considering how she seemed to be the town gossip pony or to be in the know as she put it so delicately. “It is a beautiful night, don't you think? The party has died down some and i was thinking i could keep you company, i even brought us a spot of tea to calm the nerves, dear.'' The white colored mare offered a cup of aromatic tea, steam lazily coming out of it as she held it for twilight to take it, muttering a half hearted thank you. She didn't know her and yet here she was offering her tea and simply sat in silence while they watched ponies or to glance up at the stars. Twilight relaxed as she sipped her tea and let out a soft hum of appreciation. “Lemon and lavender… A good choice, Rarity. Thank you…” The aforementioned mare smiled and nodded gently, never taking her eyes off of the night sky as she sipped from her own cup. She touched her braid again and smiled up at the moon, wishing she could show her lover just how much she was making progress. Perhaps tonight wouldn’t be so bad after all. The next day, ponies gathered in town hall, many of which she recognized from the party the previous night but none she could recall their names. Her bat hung from her ear like a living earring as she walked over to the snack table to grab herself a small cupcake. Pinkie pie, she found out, loved to bake and spent much of her time preparing and trying different combinations until she found one that was amazing or heavenly. Twilight smiled softly to herself as she took a restrained bite of the sweet confection and looked around the packed place, but still had enough breathing room, simple decor around the place thanks to Rarity, and a few guards in dark steel armor stood by the windows and the main doors. Growing up around them in the castle, she appreciated how their armor complimented the Lunar goddess well, with each soldier being hoof picked for the job by her most trusted advisors. Twilight remembered one time she tried to sneak out of her room late in the day and was followed by a mare dressed in the armor but never once heard anything until she cleared her throat once she made it to the kitchen to snag a cookie. When the cupcake was finished, she went to find a place to stand while she checked on her bat with a gentle pet with her hoof to the tiny thing. It made a gentle chirping as it snuggled closer to her warm fur to fall asleep again. She spotted Fluttershy up by a balcony with a rack of birds all warming up softly before the event was to start, Rainbow dash flying about anxiously, probably not used to being in confined places. Rarity was up on the balcony, checking on a few decorations she could now reach being so high up, a set of thick curtains to one side as Twilight found a decent spot to stand. Applejack and Pinkie were chatting when she spotted them close by. She thought for a split second to go over and say hi, but dismissed the thought. I barely know them, besides, i would rather spend time with… She looked up at the moon outside. The celebration would start in minutes which meant she had little time to think before she would see her lover and ruler again and that brought a smile to her face. She had done a fine job getting everything checked off of her list and planned on spending the rest of her time there, a week at most, researching the old books in the library and then it was back to the castle to lay with Moon. She could really use a good night's sleep… *** Twilight ran to the library as fast as she could, her little bat clinging to her ear for dear life. It was real. It was happening. She knew something was happening like this, but she had hoped beyond hope that it was just a story to scare little foals, or maybe some ancient ponies way of playing a joke on history, but there was no denying it. Solar Flare has returned to Equestria. Skidding into the library she started to frantically search the shelves. She had to find something, anything that could help or maybe a solution that she could send to the… No, the queen wasn't around to help her this time. If she sent a letter to Queen Chrysalis, she wouldn't be able to get here for several days at least, much less be able to actually do anything about this. King Sombra and her foalsitter were too far away to ask for aid and Sunset was off to who knows where again so she was out of the question. So, she was on her own. “Twilight? You in here?” A voice called as the doors to the large tree opened. Applejack entered first followed by four others, pinkie pie bouncing in with a spring in her step. Rainbow Dash darted over and looked the lavender mare in the eyes with a glare. “How do you know about Solar Flare, huh? Are you some kind of spy? Whoa!” Applejack pulled her back with her teeth on her tail and glared at her, like a mother scolding her child. RAinbow folded her arms and hovered beside the farm pony as she smiled softly, apologetically at the lavender unicorn before removing her hat. “Sorry about her, sugarcube. I saw ya running to the library so i gathered up the girls to see if there was any way to help ya.” She offers a warm smile, like a warm apple pie ona cool summer's day which brought Twilight a sense of calm before looking to the book shelves. “I need to find a book, a specific book in particular. Something about the… The Elements of Harmony. I could use the help if you’d be so kind to offer it…” She gave a small smile at the assembled mares who returned the smile in kind before nodding and going to a bookshelf to help the lavender mare. It was going to be a long night… Er, day. While they looked through the shelves, she carried her little bat companion to a nice dark place and let her hang upside down to sleep, promising to get the little bat a proper nook to rest in back at the castle. *** “You girls don’t have to come with me, you know… I am more than capable of handling this on my own and finding the elements myself.” She was staring into the foreboding maw of the everfree forest, its thick canopy stealing away sunlight and hoarding the darkness under its dense leaves like a beast guarding a fresh kill. The forest had its share of terrifying stories and tales that made anyone, pony or creature, hesitate to even think of wandering into it and yet here she stood with her five companions. “There ain't no way we’re gonna let a friend of ours wander into a place like this all by herself. C’mon girls, let's get a move on.” Applejack smiled before leading the rest of the group into the forest, leaving a frankly flabbergasted twilight standing there stunned before following with a groan in mild annoyance. Truth be told, she was glad she didn't have to venture into the place alone, but she felt a sense of duty to find the elements and save her marefriend and empress. They may have only been lovers for less than a year, but she was twilight’s first real love and it tore her up inside at the thought of her trapped somewhere helpless and alone. No, that’s just silly. She’s back at the castle. Yeah, she's sitting in her bedroom asleep and this was all just a bad dream. She looked up at the foreboding woods around her, warily following the voices of the five mares as her eyes adjusted to the eerie darkness even though it was the middle of the day. A bad dream… Moon, where are you…? She gulped and trudged on. She had to be brave, she had to be. After a long trek, the group stopped to rest, Pinkie Pie pulling food from… Somewhere, but twilight didn't care much since her stomach answered before logic did and she found herself eating a daffodil sandwich. She took the down time to look around, using her ears and eyes to calculate where they needed to go from where they sat, the rest of the group chatting or complaining about sores. The forest felt like it was holding its breath, waiting for something to happen…
Kings Rest Crystal Empire, hours after the council meeting - The gentle clack of hooves against thick crystal floors did nothing for the dark gray stallion's headache. His armor polished to a shine, his coat brushed clean, his cape rested on his back shifting a little here and there as he made his way back to his room. Glancing out a nearby window, a soft smile formed on his muzzle as he stopped to make his way over to it. He rested his front hooves on the windowsill to admire the Aurora Borealis outside, a gentle snow falling as he stood there with a content smile. The Empire was a beacon of power and prosperity that shared its light with the rest of Equestria with love and hope being its catalyst. He rested his head on his hooves, watching snow slowly fall. It was a beautiful place to live, one that he sacrificed his own well being to protect. he looked below to the ponies still out and about, some pegasi coming back from patrols, earth ponies bringing in some last minute crops of sweet berries or unicorns helping them and chatting with smiles on their faces. His eyes were better suited for the daytime, but he could see perfectly well in the darkness, crystals reflecting the soft glow from the aurora to give him a perfect view of everything within the city's borders. When his breath came out in white puffs, he withdrew from the window and headed on to his room, nodding to the two sentries guarding it. “You’re dismissed for the night, sirs. Go get some rest.” They nodded back and left the doors as he entered the dimly lit room, the doors making a soft clack as they shut behind him. After making sure his spells were still in place and untampered with, he turned to the room with a content smile. To the left of the doors sat mannequins, one larger and taller than the other, their featureless faces facing towards the opposite wall. Next to them rested an elevated stand for shoes, a pair of black slippers sat where his horseshoes normally would as he walked towards the dresser to remove his crown. He paused to look at himself in the large mirror surrounded by dark purple crystals, his reflection staring at him with a gaunt expression, bags under his eyes made him look older than he was. He isn't sleeping well again and medication just didn't do anything for him, unfortunately, so he would endure this headache until he passed out. The crown, a dark steel thing with sharp points at the top was laid down on the wooden dresser, a soft tink echoing in the empty room. He stared at it for a long moment, as if it held some sort of answers as to why he felt this way or why the headaches came more and more frequently or why he felt helpless towards cadence and her depression. He picked up the crown slowly, looking at all of the dents and reformed metal bits, each re-forged piece after throwing it across the room on more than one occasion before screaming till his voice was hoarse. His brow furrowed as he thought back to the time he threw it and nearly hit cadence in the eye, apologizing profusely and even went as far as sleeping on the couch for a few nights. The crown, his burden, his promise to show others that he was a leader. A hero. A hero… He glanced at the mirror, his heart sinking deep inside his chest. A black creature stared back at him, its hateful eyes staring into his soul, but he dared not to move as it followed his movements. His heart started to race as it seemed to come out of the mirror, laughing as it reached to grab him before it was gone and he was alone, the crown dropped to the floor. He stood there, heart racing and breathing ragged as he stared at the mirror, his coat seeming paler than it should be before shaking his head and setting the crown on the mannequin's head. He really needed some sleep. The bed sat against the far wall, a canopy bed that held up red curtains trimmed with gold tied to the posts with yellow ropes. A single rug in the center of the room helped to soften any hoof steps as he approached the bed, removing his armor and regalia, the dark purple and black magic carrying the items to a mannequin. On either side of the bed was a simple nightstand, a lamp turned off, on the left side as he approached it to flick it on. “Sombra? You alright?” An angelic voice called from the side room, an office with a floor to ceiling bookshelf, a simple writing desk and a soft cushion to sit on. Cadence came out of the office with a smile on her face, her normal regalia similarly set on a mannequin beside his own as she came up to brush her muzzle against his neck. He nuzzles the back of hers with a relieved sigh. “I thought you were in a meeting…?” He asked. He watched her move from him to the dresser, fixing a picture with her light blue magic, the smile wavering on her face a little bit. He looked her over carefully, never taking his eyes off of her beautiful pink coat, her hair done up in a messy bun with a length of ribbon, her wings drooping a little at her sides. She had gotten better over the last few months, a few bad nights here and there, but she was getting better. He talked with his mother in law about it over tea one night and she recommended a therapist to help, a marriage counselor of sorts, but he trusted the empress to know how to help his girlfriend. He tried to join some of the sessions, but his busy schedule coupled with mismatching duties made it difficult at times so he opted to let cadence go alone. He hated seeing her so down, but this was for the best… Right? “I finished a little later than I would have liked, but I'm here now…” She answered, nuzzling into his neck with a light purr as he brushed his hoof against her cheek and planted a soft kiss right at the base of her horn. She giggled a little, a beautiful sound even if it wasn't her normal laugh, he still enjoyed hearing her joyful sounds. “Have I told you that you’re the most beautiful mare in the world…?” His gentle kisses trailed from her horn to her cheek then to her chin then back up to her nose with a smile on his muzzle before lifting her chin gently with a hoof to look into her beautiful eyes. Her cheeks were flushed now, the faintest of smiles on her face. "N-no… but I like hearing you say it…" She couldn't stop him from playfully nibbling at her sensitive ears, eliciting a moan from her, cheeks reddening as he purred. Her wings twitched as he moved from her ear down her neck, nipping and nuzzling her as he went slowly down to the base of her wings, her watching him with red cheeks. "D-don't you dare~" She said breathlessly, a partial moan coming out of her before it turned into a squeak of surprise. His teeth found her wings and caused them to spring open against his face as he chuckled. "Guess I deserve that one." He ran a hoof along her soft feathers, seeing a few bent out of shape and clicked his tongue at the state of them. "Honey." She huffed and shifted her weight a little. "I-I've been busy…" She had been busy, but not doing what she was supposed to be as a ruler. Her days recently were spent looking into fertility spells or reversal spells, charms, potions, anything that could give her hope of ever having a child. Most of which was a fruitless endeavor or some legend someone started to give mares false hopes and dreams, some of which included ancient magic that would do more harm than actual good. She had sent letters to her mother about those in the hopes of finding some way to get rid of or at least stamp out those ridiculous claims and notions. Sombra pulled a loose feather. “Ouch!” She winced and looked back at him with the offending feather in his teeth and an apologetic look before he spat it to the side. “At least warn me before you do that…” She cooed as he brushed his hoof along her wing, smoothing the feathers back down as she lowered her head with a purr. After a bit of coaxing from her boyfriend, they found themselves laying by the fireplace, her head resting on his back and his on hers to snuggle. The fireplace crackled softly, spitting sparks from the wet log as it hissed, sputtering like an angry snake. The odd couple nuzzled or spoke softly, not really exchanging anything of importance, just enjoying each other's company after a long day. Cadence shifted to rest her wing over his back as she lifted her head up to look towards the balcony doors, a thought forming in the back of her mind. it was a silly thought, not even worth her time, but it was still at the forefront of her mind nonetheless. “Somby… Can I ask something?” A noise from the stallion and she giggled. “You’re a dork.” She nuzzled his back and watched the fire. “You know I love you, we’ve been dating officially for a year now?” Another grunt. She watched him as the words formed on her tongue and before they could be taken back, they spilled out from her muzzle. "Are you happy with me…? Even if I could never…?" Shame is what she felt right now. She knew this was something she had to let go but she just couldn't, and the fact that her boyfriend was so forgiving and loved her so much hurt even more. Maybe a pang of guilt at saying those words but that's how she felt; her therapist would be excited to see her being more honest and open with her feelings. But it left a bad taste in her mouth like bile as her lip quivered, tears welling up in her eyes. He shifts and rests his hoof under her chin, lifting it to look in her eyes with a sad smile. “Hey, hey… That has never, ever mattered to me, you know that…'' Tears streamed down her face as she let out a strangled sob before burying her face in his chest to cry. Hugging her as best as he can while laying down, he nuzzled her neck with soft cooing and words of affection. It was all he could do to try and calm her down. This had been something that the therapist said would take time for her to accept, much less get used to. He would never dream of leaving her, it would cross his mind in his nightmares, but he strived to make her happy even if he knew the harsh reality that she would outlive him. Nuzzling her neck affectionately, pulling back just enough to look into her eyes. “I know you do, my love…” He plants a kiss on her forehead as he grabs the tissues in his magic and lets her wipe her tears away, blowing her nose as he waits. This was hard for him to watch her go through on her own; no matter how much support he could offer, the shoulders to cry on or to be a punching bag, she had to grieve on her own terms. He had to be a pillar for her to lean on and a King to his people, a task that was not easy for anyone to do but he would try. “Lets get some rest, huh? I'm exhausted and I bet you are too…” She nodded against him. He glanced to the mirror, the fire playing with shadows and he could swear he saw eyes reflecting back at him. Another demon to take care of, but she was more important right now. * * * * * He sat up with a start, flashes of his nightmare at the very edge of his vision as he looked around the room in a panic before a wing draped against his back and brought him into the soft fur of his lover's chest. She cooed at him, softly whispering sweet nothings by his ear as he trembled. Recently, he had been having terrible night terrors, bad dreams that forced him to wake, getting him little rest in return. Cadence rubbed his back gently, nuzzling into his mane and kissing the nape of his neck as he slowly relaxed, little tremors wracking his body. “The nightmares are getting worse… I'm afraid, my love…” His throat was hoarse, she brought a glass of water for him to drink which he downed quickly, letting out a breath as she took the empty glass. “This cannot continue like this…” He nuzzled into her chest, breathing in the scent of vanilla and lavender, his favorite place to be when he wasn't working or at a meeting with his generals or an issue with the borders or some sort of nonsense. She was his beacon of hope, his shining light in the darkness and her love kept him from sinking into madness many times over. He knew how strange his magic was; it came from a dark place, a race of beings that no longer existed and he hated the history behind it, but it was a part of him, whether he liked it or not. When he met Cadence, a newly ascended alicorn, he was hesitant to train her. While it was true he was a very skilled unicorn who was responsible for the prosperity and safety of the empire, he was still dangerous, a fact that made him even more hesitant when he started to develop feelings for the young mare. He was easily a few years or more her senior and yet they had grown into an unshakable bond that soon turned to a want to be closer and eventually they became more on one passionate and romantic evening. He could still smell the roses… He still heard her breathless moans… Still felt the first time they… “Sombra…?” She lifted his head up to look into his eyes as he smiled softly. Her eyes, beautiful pools of magenta, her hair kept in a messy bun, her soft pink coat… He loved her so much. He leaned in and gently kissed her. It was a soft kiss, not heat or passion, but one of trust. Of pure love.
DecisionI have decided to rewrite the fanfic. I appreciate all the support on this but its time for a new coat of paint. I have grown and learned as a writer and as a person and want my work to reflect that. Expect a new story here very soon and am determined to have weekly uploads this time, no matter what. As always, thank you so much for your patience. (Ill keep this one on here for the next week or so and remove it when i finish the first revised chapter stories)
