Author'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…