The Unknown Daughter's Reunion:Part 2

Chapters

Chapter 1: Deep Breath
Chapter 2: The Plunge
Chapter 3: Search and Scope
Chapter 4: Solace
Chapter 5: Corrective Course
Chapter 6: First and Again
Chapter 7: Dawn

Chapter 1: Deep Breath

The flagship having traversed the distance to Equus, passed up the high orbit survey vessel that had spent four months here, and made synchronous orbit over Equestria.

Moon stared out the observation window. The dark coated mare seeing the place with her own eyes for the first time. It was a dream, and didn't seem possible to be really happening. But watching the clouds move across the lands against the winds, she could tell it was real. Weather ponies.

After spotting the mountain, she next sought the location of the Everfree, and the location of the castle she remembered so well.

She was overjoyed to be so close, and terrified at the same time.

'What have you been up to all these years? Had you raised families of your own? Quarreled and made up? Repelled enemies? I see that the Crystal Empire has returned, had they escaped tyranny?'

The door to the observation room opening, in walked Rolled Scroll, her envoys' speaker on her behalf.

"So this is it; Equus." She said with nervous anticipation.

"Indeed. Are you as nervous as I?" Moon asked her

"More. My mouth is dry, and my legs feel like they're filled with springs... As it is, I can't even stand to sit down." She tried to cover with humor

"Hmh"

Both of them stared out the window for a long while, watching the clouds.

"That mountain there with the dot on the side, that's where I'll be going?" Scroll asked

"mmm, yes. We'll observe some to get its name, as well as the local mood and customs. Do as much as we can to lessen the shock, for both you and them." Moon replied

"the more the merrier" Scroll whispered.

On the bridge, captain Solar Wind was in fine form. A captain for over twenty years, many in her highness's personal Space Flight Team.

"..and check the energy reserve cylinders, make sure there's no bleed-off effect caused by the planet." He ordered "..Status?"

"Orbit stabilized at nine-hundred, fifty thousand lengths, sir" navigator Trajectory reported

"Shields stable, gravity constant, captain." Diamond Cut reported

"Irradiated magic, reading thirty-one thousand MmJ's per second, eleven point two percent peak variance, sir." Warm Glow reported

"Eleven? I've never seen a number that low before. Surprisingly stable." the captain observed

Reaching over and tapping a couple buttons on the panel next to his chair, the view screen clearing of it's overlay.

"Would you look at that!" He said smiling "A planet of ponies we never seen before, and we're lucky enough to be born now and here to see it!"

"Some day, you'll be telling your grandfoals of this moment... Try to include how good looking and funny the captain was would ya?" He said brandishing a broad smile, The bridge crew breaking into laughter

'done, and done.' he thought to himself, still smiling.

An hour later, once the crew was confident the ship was nestled safely in its orbit, they switched gears to prepare observing the happenings in Equestria to report to the envoy ponies for study.

Beginning with one of the small villages near the mountain city, they focused their ships sensors.
Forwarding the feeds to the envoy ponies for study, they watched even the most mundane things for subtlety. Interactions between the tribes, telekinesis, chores performed, casual casting, ponies meeting, everything except voice.

After a day, they came to the conclusion that thing were comparable to any of the fledgling cities or colonies in the empire.

Resting early, they awoke four hours before dawn, to perform a 'borrowing' operation. Utilizing the transporters, they transported every book, four at a time, from a schoolhouse on the outskirts of the village. Quickly flipping through each one in a hurried fashion, they scanned the contents into data form for comparative study. As the bridge kept an eye on the townspoines, and the schoolhouse to alert them for when they ran out of time.

Over two nights, the second starting earlier than the first, they borrowed every single book on the shelves and returned them exactly as they were. Though the books were for foals, which made perusing them quicker and easier, many tiny puzzle pieces were filled in through them. One of those being the name of the mountain city, amongst other towns and villages across Equestria. This simple operation helped the envoy immensely.
They learned important ponies names, places, and some of how they saw the world. Some of the more unusual creatures of the world that they were yet unawares of, too.

The bridge crew chipped in on the effort, so her highness's envoy could dedicate their time to study.

What they became aware of, was that the school books made no mention of the princess sisters, and mentioned only one alicorn ruler, her name: Princess Wish Maker. Though they were correct in their assumption that the ruler resided in Canterlot, the mountain city.

Her highness was perplexed by this. Did her family retire? Why would alicorns that ruled for millennia retire? Were they deposed by a younger generation, outmoded?
She wanted to be offended that there seemed to be absolutely No mention of her family, but tempered her expectations by the fact that these were foals books.
Possibly a higher schooling taught more of Equestria's history?

'was I a fool for thinking that things would be unchanged after these many centuries?' she wondered

Monitoring the mountain city/Canterlot, proved to be an interesting venture. Composed nearly entirely of unicorns, it was a seemingly insular society, with quite a bit less interaction between the inhabitants than the village they had previously observed.

It made the envoy ponies a bit uneasy as over half of them weren't unicorns. Worried that their very composition might unravel the very introduction they were there to perform. Same with the Ceremonial Guards; less than half were unicorns...

"I support your concerns Rolled Scroll. Having this much of a shift, which clashes with the harmony and functionality of the nation we've already observed elsewhere, directly under the ruler-ship of the nation...makes little sense to me."

"Thank you your highness. While I could understand there being fewer earth ponies there, being so high up, I'd have to believe more pegasi would make up for the slack? The demographic is bizarre, even taking into account the lay-lines presence. Something else must be drawing more unicorns, and all but repelling the rest. Perhaps even doing just that? Perhaps the winds are annoyingly difficult, or it just plain stinks?"

Moon barking out a laugh "Oh, my apologies. I was not expecting that"

"You're welcome your highness" Scroll smiled

Getting as much as they thought they could from the population of the city, the bridge officers focused on the castle itself. Though late in the day, they began monitoring the movements outside and in. The staff maintaining the palace, few ponies coming and going, guard patrols.

Detecting high magical concentration on a single alicorn, they presumed it to be the Princess: Wish Maker. Making for a large room in a wing of the castle, presumably her chambers, for the night.

"There doesn't seem to be much going on right now..." The captain mused "What the hey, begin scanning the castle interior. It'll give the envoy a chance to familiarize themselves with the place, and they'll be the first to step hoof in the castle. It has to be more picturesque than what they've been reading at any rate, more interesting for us too."

"True, though her highness doesn't see much activity at her castle in the late evening either" Comet's Trail added

"Speaking of, maybe she'd like to see the new generation of ruler for herself? She'll be talking with her eventually." Walking over to the comm, he called for the empress. Appearing on the screen, he advised her what they were up to on the bridge.

"Oh, I'll be up in a little while, captain. Tell me, do you always spy on mares in their chambers?" she asked with a sly grin

The sight of the intrepid Captain Solar Wind, his muzzle red, sputtering, had the entirety of the bridge crew howling.

Her highness having arrived some time ago, was directing one of the ensigns in viewing the palaces interior. Her having never been there before, it was all a new experience. The scans having been turned back into visual images, she virtually walked into the palace and explored it's halls, tapestries, artwork, and sculptures. For the longest time she wondered how the ponies felt walking down the halls of her castle, now she was starting to know the wonder they felt, even if this was through a screen.

One thing was for certain, this ruler liked herself very much. A lot of the works featured herself in grandiose poses.

"Isn't this kind of gaudy?" Warm Glow commented, eliciting chuckling of agreement.

"I certainly hope my castle doesn't inspire, whatever this is supposed to.." Moon said pointing to a painting of the ruler with her hoof on her own flank.

"Ugh, reminds me of my early days" Warm Glow spoke, then regretted it.

"Its always the quiet ones..." Comet's Trail mused

Mirth subsiding, they decided to move into the next hallway. Moon taking a sitting position next to the ensign.

The artwork being more regal in nature, but mostly a similar theme, a few guards portraits, more of the ruler.

"Okay, I'll say it. This princess is rubbing me the wrong way." the captain burst "I can't put my hoof on exactly why, but I wouldn't bring her home to meet my family, so what kind of a ruler would she be?"

A nod here and there, but they mostly kept virtually walking the hallway towards what they expected to be the court and throne room.

Passing to the other side of the door, it was an auspicious room, with not much in it. A bust here and there next to pillars, carpet leading to the throne, stained glass depicting herself..

"It never ends. Like the halls" Moon mused studying the images in the glass

Rotating the image around, they looked at the throne. It was big and ornate as expected. Looking up, an odd bust, detailed and lifelike, depicting....

The earth pony ensign she was sitting next to, flew out of his chair, made it about three lengths, and lost everything in his stomach.

This was no bust, this was a trophy.

Moon was silent, her eyes, huge.
Around her, the other ponies coming to the conclusion that she and the ensign did.

"no, it can't..." Warm Glow squeaked

"How could a pony do such a thing?" Comet's Trail asked

Moon just sat there stock still. For an eternity of moments she just sat there.
And then slowly, her rear legs hoisted her up into a standing position.

She turned, and without a word, exited the bridge. Walking fast, down the hall and towards the lift, not even paying mind to her journey. All that was going through her mind being: 'I need to get down there. I need to get down there, Yesterday'. Approaching the lift, it's doors opening.
Once inside, she said one word "Transporter"
The lift responding to the command, closed the doors and proceeding four decks below to the deck it was located on.

Meanwhile on the bridge,
The ponies, finally snapping back to their senses, looked at each other. "Where is she going? She didn't say anything, not a word. She just..."

As if being hit with an epiphany, Captain Solar Wind punched the comm panel: "Transporters!" he shouted into it.
It now having connected him with the transporter rooms, he warned them: "The empress is likely headed your way. Do what she asks, or get out of her way! I don't know what's going to happen, but I think she's going down there." pausing for a moment, he added; "Stars help the fools that dare stand in her path..." He lamented, thinking of the ponies down on Equus.

"Sir, do we alert the guard to go with her?" Comet's Trail; His second in command asked

With a sigh, he replied "No. I think they'd just slow her down... ...Don't tell them I said that." after a moment he clarified "I mean no disrespect, but I've never seen the empress like this. Nor do I know much about alicorns. All I know is that if I were in her shoes, and had waited centuries for this moment, just for This..." He gestured to the screen "I'd tear their whole castle apart, and that'd just be the start..."

"She's very powerful, and she has the worst of motivations right now,"

Slumping, and with a sigh, he went on "We'll just monitor the situation as best we can, Comet. And we'll be here for her when she returns."

The mood on the bridge turning somber, a sense of foreboding in their hearts. Hoping they had not just lost friends before they had even made them.

Chapter 2: The Plunge

Author's Note

My apologies if anyone has coined an OC that, in any way resembles our villain. Any similarities are not intentional.

Chapter 2: The Plunge

Appearing in the throne Room, New Moon looked around to get her bearings.
Spotting the object of her pain and crushed hope; Mounted over the throne, the 'trophy' wrenched a strangled sob from her muzzle.

Struggling to ignite her horn, she finally managed to surround the object with her magic, gently dislodging it from its mount. The entire time feeling as if she were committing both the most horrible of offences, as well as mercies.

Bringing the white colored object close, she gently cradled it in her forelegs, bringing it to her barrel.

After moments of her like that, her muzzle distorting into a broken shape, beginning to shake; It began. Starting out small as a whimpering whine, it grew in volume as she lifted her head skyward. Reaching it's crescendo as a shrieking wail that shattered the windows of the throne room, raining glass down, and blanketing Canterlot.
Waking all of the residence with a start, and driving little ones under their beds in alarm, foals in their cribs crying.

Though they didn't know what, one thing was certain: Something was wrong, Somepony was in pain, and it or it's pain was powerful.

Another pony was also roused by the noise. Though it was not shaken. In fact, after a moment, it smiled.

As she made her way to the throne room, the princess passed by many guards drawn by the sobs coming from her destination. Dismissing them in turn, she confidently stepped through the doors. 'Hmph, she's so wrapped up in herself, this'll be a piece of cake.' She thought as she came closer the the alicorn.
Sitting down behind it, she began her spell. The one that got her, her rule and power:
The spell that could steal the magic from an alicorn.

As the magic began to ebb from the dark alicorn onto her, she thought 'aww, no challenge? boring.'

Aboard the flagship, Shadow Blade, watching the transporter scanner, screamed "A trap! Her Highness is under attack! GET HER OUT OF THERE! NOW!!"

The transporter operator, Flash Frame's panicked reply "I, I can't! Transporting with what much magic around would kill her!!"

"Then get Me down there! I'll take my chances!!" He grabbed Frame, a fierce but fearful look in his eyes.

"Y-you wouldn't make it down there in one piece captain. We're....we're cut off" Tears coming to her eyes.

Releasing Frame, Blade double bucked a dent into the wall next to the transporter console.
Screwing his eyes tightly shut, he cried: "Your Highness, I'm sorry. I failed you. I'm..."

On the bridge, the crew looked on in horror thinking 'Is this how our mission ends? We loose our empress?'

What nopony noticed was, that Moons mournful cries had slowly taken on a more mirthful edge. Beginning to sound more like an angry chuckle. Even the 'princess' didn't seem to notice it.

At least, not until the alicorns head swiveled toward her. That's when she noticed it's unusual eyes, and their familiar color. Looking down at it's cutie mark, seeing another familiar sight, she thought; 'What is this creature, the princess never spoke of any other family?'

It was then that it dawned on her; 'How could this possibly exist? Separate from the princess...alive, here?'

Then it's eyes flared, the spell connecting them taking on a more solid nature. Her hold over it slipping. 'No, I have to finish the transfer, I can't let it slip.'

From nowhere in particular, a voice filled her head, one that was not hers;

'Yes, We will finish this, young one. There is no backing out of this now. This is your trial to be awarded my magic. Bear the burden of what is mine to hold, and you shall be worthy to hold it in my stead.'

At once, her control of the spell was no longer hers, and her mind was flooded with more sensations than she knew could exist. Moon taking all of her own hopes, dreams, anguish, loneliness, and rage, pushing it through the spell ahead of her magic.

'Though you may be grown in form, you are but tiny in mine eyes.
As thee sought to take what was another's;
Thou Will Have It. Thou will have it ALL. Can Thee Bear It Little One?! Can Thine Fragile Mind Bear the Weight?!
Answer Me!
Can a Mind of a Mortal contain that Of a Timeless?!
IS it EVERYTHING Thou Dreamed it Would be, you Awful, MONSTROUS FOAL?!!'

Moon lashed out at the would-be predator, the orchestrator of her misery. The insignificant creature that would do such a thing to her family and dare to prey upon them.

She was morbidly curious if it would bear the burden. To find out if she would have to relent and relinquish her power. In the moment, nothing else seemed to have much of importance. Her empire of ponies would continue on, with either her as a magic-less figurehead, or another of her subjects chairing the court...

After an uncountable number of moments later, she got her answer. A magic bolt, hovering in mid-air, a couple lengths from their position. As it hovered there, it amassed incredible energy into it, light and dark magic. Likely even, able to penetrate an alicorn, and there it built up. The false princess casting it, putting everything she could manage to scrape together outside of the connection spell.

Looking upon the false princess, Moon noticed her eyes. They were looking around everywhere, as if she were desperately seeking a place to take refuge in, to flee to, though they focused on nothing in particular. Above her eyes, her horn smoking slightly, and starting to glow a dull red color from the casting.
The bolt now, beginning to arc a black energy. The 'princess' putting everything into it she could think of to end this.

A fraction of a moment later, it was over. The connection spell dissolved, and a soft shock-wave passed across the land and through the air.

There Moon sat, quietly cradling one of her family members in her arms, near the prone form of the false princess. Her tears drying on her face.

Looking to the motionless form across from her, she spoke: "You fool."
Screwing her eyes shut, lowering her head "you ...fool" whispering of herself.

Summoning her will she arose, placing the ex-princess's 'trophy' tightly under her left wing. Turning around and walking past, she noted that the 'princess's' wings had vanished, leaving only the form of a paint coat unicorn mare.
Shaking her head sadly, she continued on towards the entrance of the throne room.

As she neared the doors, what she assumed was the guards captain placed herself in her path

"H-Halt, in the name of her Royal Highness, Princess Wish Maker!" She exclaimed

Moon, came to a halt. There was one thing more she needed from these ponies; Mother.

"I hereby place you under arrest for trespass, theft of property of her Royal Highness, and a-Assault on the Crown!" She continued, shaking while barely maintaining grip of her spear.

Moon was undaunted by this. She had no love in her heart for these guardsponies, ones that rallied and supported such a terrible thing, 'to Tartarus with their sense of duty' she thought. Standing straight and tall, she spoke with a commanding yet emotionless voice:
"Where is the Other One?"

The captain, her nerve almost having left her completely, the other guards beginning to shrink away subtly:
"Wh.. I, I said Halt!"

Moon, not moving a single muscle:
"We are Halted, which is why ye Still Draw Breath. Now we ask ye Again: Where. Is. The. Other. One??"

In response to the guard's silence, her hackles rose.
At Moons ears pinning, and her stance widening; The light from the room dimmed, the colors faded, and air took on a chill to it. The very crystals in the chandeliers seemed to loose the will to shine.
All light having abandoned the ponies around her, her eyes the only thing that seemed to shine in the darkness.
Moons voice seemed to saturate everything and everypony in the hallway beyond the throne room as she spoke:
"We Will Have Our Question Answered, With Your Aide Or Without. Give Voice, Lest We Rend Thine Thoughts From Thy Minds, As Had Your Princess Rend Her Own Existence From Hers. SPEAK! Where Is The Night Princess!"

The guard captain couldn't tell if she were floating helplessly in mid air, or light headed from the effects this alicorn was exuding. In her terror, she blurted out: "Dungeon!"

Suddenly, she hit the floor. Not knowing if the alicorn had simply dropped her, or if her legs had collapsed out from under her.
As the sound of hoof falls approached her in the darkness, she dared not move a muscle.
When they landed right next to her, she squeezed her eyes shut, silently cursing her body for shaking;
for fearing the mere movement would draw the alicorns wrath.
Even as the hoof falls faded into the distance, she kept her eyes tightly shut, not noticing that light and color had come back into the world once more.

As Moon walked past the crumpled and shaking heap of a captain, she coldly pitied her. 'Tis a shame the princess of dreams is in disposed, as this one will be in need of her service. With any fortune, she will come to realize her many follies in this manner.'

Walking steady, she turned down corridor, and walked down stair. Proceeding towards the lowest most levels. It was a search, as an 'invader' or 'savior' does not ask for directions.

After some back tracking, she came to an unassuming door, inside was a short hallway with another unassuming door. Opening the first door, she could smell it; the dungeon. It had been the better part of Two Thousand years since she last smelled a dungeon, but you never forget the smell.

When she discovered her aunt, she had thought the worst. However when the captain uttered the word 'dungeon' a tiny spark of hope ignited inside her. It took all of her willpower not to rush down the halls and kick open every door in her search. In the back of her mind she knew she was setting examples to everypony, her slip in the throne room already beginning to fill her with regrets. Her actions this day would have ramifications to the ponies of Equestria, as well as her own.

Coming to the bottom landing of the dungeon stair, she looked around. The stench of the place stinging her nose, she could tell the place was occupied. 'Unsurprising with their quality of rule' She thought.
Passing by cells and paddocks of miserable and bored ponies, she kept her composure as best she could. No way of telling whether these ponies were being held unjustly or not, though she'd lean heavily on unjustly. After making a few turns and passing through another door, she came to an isolated part of the dungeon. Her heart sank, as this was an especially cruel thing to do to a pony; isolation. Checking each of the separate sections, she found they were empty, except one.

There, lying on the mostly stone floor, chained, diminished in size, pale blue in color.....

"what in the stars have they done?"

Her coat filthy, stained with.... unmentionables

"how could they?"
Her voice barely above that of a mouse's squeak

The bound mare slowly looking up toward her next....

Slowly, too slowly... the princess had a faint spark of recognition, coming to the conclusion that this intrusion was not yet another disgrace that was to be thrust upon her. It was something else.
She just, stared. As if trying to remember why this pony looked so different... With a blink, and then another, she noticed; This was an alicorn, and it was not the 'princess' that had placed her here. But it was not 'Tia.... or any of her friends.... it was, familiar, yet not. It's eyes spoke of compassion, but they were different, yet familiar.

Letting her eyes roam across the dark alicorn standing in the doorway, she observed. 'Black coat, mane, tai-' At once, her eyes widened and she tensed up.

'There we go, she remembers' Moon smiled, then faded, as she thought; 'It is a sad day when I'm glad that she remembers -that- of all things'

Slowly, she nodded to the mare. The response being more wide eyed staring.

'What do I do now? Say? Act? I, haven't planned for any of this. How do I even approach Anypony that has been put in such a place?'

'no rapid movements, soft voice, and patience.'

"hello" Moon began

"i am, here to get you out of here."

With a dry and crackly voice Luna spoke "I've heard you speak sweet words before"

With a wince, Moon replied "this time, i am here to make good on them, mother"

Luna turned her head away in disgust "don't refer to me as that!"

With a sad sigh, Moon slowly approached "very well. first things first, i am taking these dreadful things off of you."

Her horn flaring, the clasps un-clicking and floating away. "can you stand?"

Luna, to her credit, retorted "I'm no invalid!"

"...okay"

On shaky legs, Luna rose. "see?"

"good, good. now, this.. is going to be unpleasant for the both of us..." Moon's horn glowing again, her magic gingerly covering Luna's coat.

"You think you can have me a second time?! I'll never submit to you!" Her words biting.

Sighing, Moon continuing her work cleaning Luna's coat of the messes, said nothing.

As she worked, Luna was confused as to what the Nightmare was doing. It's magic so weak that there was no way it would accomplish anything. In fact it was treating her as if she would break at the slightest touch.

"there, better. though i feel as we both could do with a long shower now." Moon finished, Luna just eyeing her skeptically.

"if, you would not mind me asking; how long?" Moon inquired

"More than nine centuries!" Luna practically spat

"no, not that. How long have you been, here? how long has aunt been?" She asked, motioning to the dungeon cell, and toward what was under her left wing.

Looking to her wing she spied the white horn peaking through, the white mass underneath a stark contrast to the Nightmare's black wing. Realization setting in.

Stumbling back a couple steps, she spat "How Dare you! You, You carry around her, Her..!!"

"I Was not going to simply Leave her where I found her! She deserves Better! Do you know where I discovered this?! Well?? A Treasonous Disgrace of Unparalleled Horror! And ponies were fine with it, intended to arrest me for taking it down!" looking down to her wing "Why, I would not do such a thing to the worst monsters that ever graced the face of a thousand worlds, let alone one of the best rulers that..."

Heaving a sigh, she went on
"Though you may find it impossible to comprehend right now, that I have had a lot of time and reasons to reconsider things since...then. Many things happened."

"One of the reasons I returned was to apologize to her, to you. For coming between you and bringing so much pain in my wake." Starting to lose control of her emotions, and becoming choked up "She was a good pony, one of the best, and a wonderful ruler. I, I looked up to her over these many centuries, modeling my rule on both you and her, what I could remember."

"I hoped to get to talk to her, get to know her. Perhaps even someday, she could find it in her heart to forgive a horrible foal her transgressions.....even if it would never happen, there was hope. But now..."
Plopping down into a sitting position, looking to her wing and hanging her head.
"now..."

Luna was expecting the Nightmare to lash out, but not like this. She remembered what the fake princess had done with her sister, remembered her laughs while she cried for her and the others...

But this creature before her, it didn't make any sense. Its form told her what it was, It even confirmed it itself, but everything else about it was a stranger.

After a number of moments, Moon arose. "For now, I will do what I can. Give her what I can, you as well. You may not be able to trust in me, but trust in my ponies. They are good ponies, and they will help you. They know of your and mine's past, and hold you in the highest regards. You have friends princess, friends you did not know that you had. Friends that a false princess could never tarnish. Please, come, meet with them when you are ready, until then let us get you strong again. Please?"

The thought getting out of the dungeon and meeting ponies that wouldn't throw her right back in here had it's appeal, and with no where else to go, she nodded. 'I hope I'm not making an even bigger mistake...'

Slowly, they made their way through the dungeon, back to the stair. Eyes of the other incarcerated ponies following their every move, not sure what they were witnessing. 'Two Alicorns? Since when were there?'

After an exceptionally slow and perilous trek up the stair (Moon dared not use her magic to hold Luna up, instead offering her right wing, much to Luna's consternation), they were in the castle hallway proper. Turning down the hall, Moon asked Luna which was the quickest way outside. After thinking for a few moments, she directed them through a few passageways. The guards conspicuously absent.
'It seems that I have managed to bring a few nightmares to the palace staff in my recklessness' she lamented to herself.

Once outside in the waning moonlight, the empress looked up into the sky and waived with both her forelegs, encouraging Luna to do the same. In her haste to leave the ship, she neglected to have a communicator on her to request transport with. Though, with the spell in the throne room, it'd have been unlikely to still been operational afterwards.

"I hope they are watching" Moon said

"Who?" Luna asked

"Friends" Moon replied

A couple of moments later, she felt the sluggish field of energy surrounding them, beginning the transport.
"Oh, Thank the stars."

The two alicorns disappearing from the face of the world.

Chapter 3: Search and Scope

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 4: Solace

Walking into the hospital room in medical that princess Luna was staying in, Steady Pulse took a slow breath to steady her nerves. On the one hoof, she was excited that the princesses sister was found. On another hoof, her sister wasn't alive and well... the news was still grim, despite it being good.

"Hi your highness" she greeted her

"Hello again, doctor" the princess greeted her.

Sitting next to her bed, Pulse began "I, just got done speaking with her highness..."

"she had some good news, and a question for me to ask on her behalf" she finished

At Luna's nod, she continued "Well...they found her your highness. Your, sister..."

For a few moments Luna wasn't sure what the doctor was talking about. The nightmare already had her... what was there to find?
Then it made sense. 'the rest'
Looking down, she nodded.

After a minute, Luna looked up and asked "The question?"

"It turns out that, she wasn't alone. There were two others with her. Alicorns.." Pulse replied

Closing her eyes and swallowing a lump in her throat, she replied "Cadance, and T-twilight Sparkle." choking up "Wonderful ponies, and, my friends."

"princess..." Pulse's heart going out the the alicorn

"Filled with life and love, they were." Luna went on "More than just the princesses of love and friendship. They were filled with joy, and happiness. Wonderful princesses even for so young. They brought ponies together, as well as others."

"If your up to it, your highness. Could you tell me about them?" Pulse asked

Nodding, and taking a few minutes, she began

"What are you proposing Blade, that your guard containing a less than ten pegasi are going to be able to fly three stone vaults through, and out of the mine?" Moon's inquired

Sitting back, he thought 'perhaps one at a time'

"Yes! They know exactly where they are, the route, and the terrain. Depending on the weight, the worst is that, it'll limit us to one recovery per two days." Blade stated

"Hrm" 'I suppose that could work' "They'll need harness of some sort. As keeping hooves securely on heavy stone while flying, will be next to impossible." Moon replied

"Yes... I'll talk to the engineers. They'll also have the scans taken, which will let us know how much weight to expect"

"The next issue of concern would be possible traps guarding them" Moon said, pushing the conversation forward

"Traps.... yeah" Blade thought aloud.

"While it is possible that she left none, expecting secrecy or fear to keep them protected, we must count on there being a proactive defense"

"Magic? Wouldn't that dissolve once she, passed?" Blade asked

"Not all. Some magics are perpetual, provided there is a continuous supply. This mine's location having that to provide."

"Wouldn't that have locked her out of it as well?"

"In a way, yes. Though she had the stolen magic of a number of alicorns. Even in the unlikely event she would want to move them, she would have had the power to overcome anything she set up beforehoof."

"What would we be facing, your highness?"

"In short, anything you could imagine. Blasts, cave-ins, stuns, petrification, to name a few. She had access to the royal library for some time, including some of the more unsavory and restricted spellcrafts I presume. We can hope that she never had the need to consult such works, but we musn't trust to it." Moon went on.

Sighing, she concluded "There is no way around it, I will have to accompany you into the mine."

"But, your highness" Blade objected

"I understand your objections, and share them. I do not seek to enter a dank, constrictive, and dangerous hole in a mountain. Of all of the places I would like to visit in Equestria, this is not one of them."
"Nor do I wish to look upon their entombment" She added "However, you will need somepony at least somewhat versed in what may be there, and the strength to counteract it."

"To mitigate the danger, and some of your fear, I will not engage in any casting until the need is apparent. I propose that we perform our task entirely physically; With beacon, wing, and harness, quietly as well." Moon proposed

"That does make me feel better about the whole thing...."

"I, will wear a harness as well. My size should aid the effort, as well as lessen the load for the others." Moon volunteered

At first he was going to object, but after realizing who the rescue mission(of sorts) was of, felt a bit impressed.

"Okay, Its a plan. Shall we go see ensign Warm Glow? The sooner we get this over, the better." Shadow Blade proposed, standing up

With an affirmative nod, she turned and they both exited Blade's cabin, headed for the bridge. He couldn't wait to see Glow's face when asked to make an empress sized towing harness!

Canterlot had finally settled into slumber. The ponies of the city having a more fitful time falling asleep than they had in recent memory. However now it was midnight, the moon was overhead, and the city was finally quiet.

Below their homes, beneath the shelf that held the city aloft, a lonely cave mouth stood. Forgotten by most ponies, it stood alone, visited by only bats and the like.
This night however, it had company. For only the second time in uncounted decades, ponies appeared there. Silently, more, and then more appeared. Seemingly from nothingness they came, unspeaking.

Once their numbers stopped accumulating, they all spread their wings, and entered.

Placing the occasional object on the ground as they went, they kept moving deeper. Four that had seen the place only once before, lead the rest, the largest of them, last.

All of them moved with purpose, seemingly knowing their way and destination. Despite the crystals attempts to mislead them with their trickery of light, the ponies forged on unhindered.

After a many minutes, they entered one of it's larger voids. Landing on a place visited recently; straps, clips, and wedge bars were removed from their saddle bags. Taking a couple extra minutes to stretch their wings, they became airborne once again.

Hovering around one of three stone boxes, they went to work with their wedges underneath it, lifting it less than hoof from the rock and gravely floor. Straps being pushed under, from one side to the other. Once a few were under one end, the wedges were pulled out, then placed under the opposite end, repeating the process. Clipping the straps together above the box, they left for their landing spot for a time. After many minutes, they returned to the next stone box, performing the same process once again.

Upon the end of their fourth rest, they came back to the box they first paid attention. Surrounding it, each and every one attached the harnesses they wore to the straps. Looking at each other, nodding, their wings beat faster and harder against the air in the mine.
With a scraping sound, the stone box under them rose into the air with them, and back where they came from, they flew.

Setting their burden down at the cave mouth; the straps were released, the ponies unbound, and rested once again.

Three times the ponies made the trek, resting at each end.

Once all of the burdens were at the cave mouth, two ponies went back in to collect what they had placed to aid their journey though the mine.
Upon their return, clips, straps, objects, and ponies disappeared into thin air. All except one.

Alone, the largest of them all, stared silently at the stone boxes for a long while.
After a time, It's horn glowed. The boxes lids lifting off, and then placed back again, in turn, one after the other.

Then without warning nor a word, turned, and bucked all three off of the cliffs edge, sending them crashing down the mountain side. The boxes breaking apart as they tumbled.

When the rubble reached the bottom and was quiet once more, it put a hoof to it's ear.
Speaking the first words heard there in years uncounted, it then disappeared.

Leaving nothing behind, but broken stone, at the bottom of the mountain.

Chapter 5: Corrective Course

Having broken from orbit, the Homecoming was under way towards the magic fields perimeter, and the Equus gate.

Upon the completion of the recovery effort at the mine, Moon wasted no time in issuing the order to return home. She wanted to put that part of the mission behind her.

With their precious cargo collected and safely stowed, the flagship traveled at a snails pace. Even at the modest rate of travel, it felt as if they were almost rushing home.
The empress still didn't know how she was going to break it to her ponies; both what became of the mission, as well as her part in the debacle. Beyond that, returning with many princesses, only one of them being...close to well.
She needed time. Much more time. Hence she requested to return home at low speed.

Speaking of the princesses, the empress had respects and honors to pay, as well as a re-uniting of sorts.

Walking into the cargo bay which was cleared of all contents except these. Moon sat down in front of the gold and crystal container emblazoned with a sun's emblem. Placing the box she carried into the bay with her, down beside her.
Taking deep calming breaths to steady her nerves, she opened both containers. There, unravaged by time passed, was the form of her aunt.

Fighting her urge to flee the very sight that was before her, she closed her eyes and steadied her breathing.

'I must do this. It is only proper that I am the one to do it' she told herself

Levitating the object from the small padded container, and placing it inside the larger one where it belonged.
Her eyes almost completely closed as her mind tried it's hardest to separate itself from what it was doing in the moment.

Closing the lid once more, she spoke;
"nightmares..."

After what felt like hours, her trembling subsided. Finding the will, she got up and walked to the next container, the one with the heart emblazoned on it.

Opening the lid, she forced her eyes open to witness the alicorn of love's form.

Sitting for while, looking upon her; unformed and unspoken words in her mind for the mare before her.

Closing the lid, she proceeded to the third.

Opening the lid, she found it the tiniest bit easier to look upon her. Wondering what she would have been like, to know. It was said that she brought ponies together, even the bitterest of rivals...
It felt odd, needing a pony that she never knew. Now more than ever...

Giving her form a sad smile, she closed her eyes, and the lid.

Sitting there, she let her mind wander, imagining what they were both like, the good things they made happen...

'My ponies must know of their deeds, their stories' she thought as she looked over them.

'Though, they can not see them like this, as they are. It is unjust. They should be seen and remembered whole, as their lives were.'

Laying down, she felt the weight of what she was insisting be done, upon her.

'I, do not have the heart to do it myself. It is too soon. I need another to perform the grave task that needs to be done....'

Forcing herself back up, she pushed herself back to the bay's entrance. An entire ocean of emotional weight upon her shoulders, as she was about to request to one of her ponies;
The most difficult of requests she had ever made of any of them

'May she forgive me someday, I... wish I could do it alone..' her head hung low, her ears wilted.

Steady Pulse sat at her desk, going over the latest scans of the princess. Noting the variations in her magic, remaining hopeful they would result in improvement.

When the door to her office opened, the empress entered. Looking as if she were dragging boulders invisibly chained to every part of her.

"Hello, your highness?" she greeted her, concern filling her.

With a nod, the empress sat before her desk. Not speaking, she sat quietly, somehow feeling smaller than she'd ever seen her.

the silence getting thicker, Pulse urged the alicorn "Your highness.. what's wrong?"

Heaving a sigh, the empress responded "I, have just come from the cargo bay... Returning, what was my aunt's to where it rightfully belongs..."

Pulse beginning to understand why she looked so emotionally drained, nodded "I see... that must have been hard."

Nodding, Moon continued "Yes, looking upon them all...like that" she shook her head "In that condition..."

Pulse nodding solemnly "Is there anything I can do?"

As the empress heaved another sigh, Pulse was starting to understand that her highness was in need of more than just an ear to talk too.

"My p-ponies need to hear of their deeds. To know of their lives, I as well." she paused "But they cannot see them, as they are now. Remember them looking like...I, we have seen them."

Pulse's stomach dropped, getting an idea where this was headed. Although she agreed with her, this was..

"I, I cannot do it myself, Pulse. It is too personal, too soon, too much for me to bear." she nearly cried to Pulse

Gone was the 'empress', the leader of an empire of colonies. What sat in her office was simply a pony, one that had just reached the limit of her fortitude. A pony in the greatest of need from friends, to do what she couldn't.

"Are we talking about the same thing, your highness?" Pulse lead

Nodding "I believe so. They... they need to be; rejoined" her voice cracking at the last word

Pulse all but collapsed, somehow it still hit hard.
Now she understood why the empress was so, beaten. Why she was here, what she was here to ask of her.

"I, I will not hold it against you, should you refuse. I understand the horrible nature of this, of my request. A-and I am sorry to ask such a thing of anypony..."
"had I more strength, a-and the skill..."

Thinking, searching her feelings, Pulse sat in silence. 'Could she do this? Could she, perform such an operation on royalty, her highness's family and friends?'

A long while between them passing in silence, Pulse finally took a deep breath and spoke:
"I. I think I can do this, your highness."
"This, needs to be done; for them, for the princess, for you, for everypony." sighing "above all, I am a professional. As ponies gone by have done, so does my creed dictate... I will help ponies in need of healing, even in a way like this."

"Thank you, Steady. I hope that you can forgive me for troubling you like this, some day."

With a small smile, Pulse replied "I'll find a way for you to make it up to me, I'm sure."

With that, her highness stood back up, and left her office. Still exhausted, but a little lighter.

Pulse sat in her chair after the empress left. Wondering how it the countless worlds she was going to pull this off.

For two days Steady Pulse racked her brain on how she was going to achieve the task she had taken on. Consulting practices of ancient surgery, as well as methods she was familiar with.

As it stood, reconstructive preparation for display of the passed, was a lost art. Abandoned as the passed were always remembered by their family and friends. So display was unneeded, especially in cases of extreme accidents, rare as they were.
Though, this was a very special case, as they were to be remembered by ponies that had not seen them in life. So, their presence now, would be what ponies would remember. Second hoof knowledge, being to everyponies loss, sadly.

Steeling her nerve, Pulse began with the princess's sister.

'The ponies of old were made of pure titanium to do this' she thought

Even using a cellular reconstructor, semi-automated and programmed, hooves-off; This was overwhelming at times when she thought too much about it.

For hours she stayed at it, her mind switching between seeing this as repairing injuries to a living pony, and fitting puzzle piece edges together.

'I still can't get over how surreal this is. It's like she had this done to her merely seconds ago.. Absolutely no degradation that I can find. The scans... no evidence of a preservation spell or anything, just... frozen in time... what are alicorn ponies exactly?' she asked herself

Into the early hours she worked, millimetre by millimetre, until she was done. Everything down to the tiniest detail was back to where it was supposed to be. With the exception of a few hairs of her coat that were cut and lost, it appeared as if she were simply sleeping.

'if only that were true..' she sadly thought, looking over the the alabaster alicorn.

After taking a scan for her records, she turned around and put her materials away for the night.
Thinking she heard a clink, she turned around to see if anything fell. Seeing nothing out of place, she shrugged.
Pulse had been up for over twenty two hours straight, working hard. Fatigue was making her a little delirious, catching phantom movements in the corners of her vision for the last three hours.

Walking out of the hospital room, she made her way straight to her shower, and then bed. She was glad she only had to run this marathon twice more.

In the dimly lit hospital room, a solemn peacefulness hung in the air. On the bed laid the princess of the sun, silent and unmoving.
Then it happened.
slowly, her barrel expanded, just a little. Then it contracted. Minutes later, the pattern repeated, then repeated again. The interval between the expansions and contractions becoming shorter, eventually falling into a familiar rhythm.

Putting down her pad, Moon became lost in thought. Thinking of home, wondering what Scribble, Whistle, and the others were up too. Not daring to think of how they would explain the mission to the ponies...
With a puff, she picked up her tea. Taking a couple sips, she thought about Pulse. The mare having her hooves full these past few days. Between looking after her mother, and the task she had taken on...

'mother...' she thought, troubled.

Having not checked with Pulse on her condition, she worried.

Across the room, the comm beeped steadily. Somepony contacting her.

Placing her cup down, she got up and walked over to the comm panel. Answering the call, a frazzled and frenzied Steady Pulse appeared

"Your Highness, You need to get down here right now!" She ordered, nearly hysterical

"What is the matter Steady?" the empress asked, immediately concerned

"You need to see for yourself, I can't explain. Just get down here!" Steady went on.

"I'm on my way" Moon answered, immediately trotting to the door, and briskly down the hall. Her tea, and her previous thoughts abandoned.

When moon entered Pulse's Office, she found the mare pacing back and forth, upon noticing her arrival, immediately turning to leave.

"What is-?" Moon didn't even get to finish

"Follow me!" Pulse said as she nearly galloped away.

Following pulse at a brisk pace, she led her highness to another hospital room. Going inside she saw he aunt laying on the hospital bed, looking better than she last saw her, at least.

Pulse stopping next to her aunt, she beckoned Moon to approach.

"Yes?" Moon asked, joining her. Still finding nothing out of the ordinary.

"Isn't this? This is! I don't know what this is?! Unprecedented, if anything!" Pulse babbled

"I do not understand.." her highness admitted

"What?! You don't..." With a sigh, Pulse followed it by taking a deep breath. "Okay, please. Observe the princess, and tell me what is unusual."

Looking over to her aunt, which was still hard for her to do. She looked her over.
Pulse had thankfully taken the liberty of cleaning her up, and obviously finished her grave task, leaving only traces of what befell her, in her coat. Out of the corner of her eye, her wing, moved?

'It moved! It went up slightly, then down! And again! She breathed?!'

'They were slow and shallow, but they were there!'

Wide-eyed, Looking between the princess, and Pulse, Moon didn't know what to say.

"What.. does this mean?" Moon dared to ask.

"I was going to ask you! I don't know. Has anything like this ever happened that you know of?" Pulse pressed

"No, never. Though, a princess was never..." She gestured to the princess

"Well.. And look at this;" she said grabbing a pad and tapping a number of times and presenting it to the empress. "She's been like this for hours. After I left last night/morning, The bed scanner detected life signs and began charting them. Look at them: respiration, heartbeat, temperature; they've been getting steadier and stronger since the scanner detected them." Pulse showed the empress.

"When did you leave last night?" Moon asked

"It was nearly morning when I left. I thought I heard a noise, but shrugged it off as fatigue. I couldn't, I was too tired." Pulse apologized.

Wrapping the mare up in a crushing hug; "Don't apologies Pulse. Though we can't be certain, you have given us hope, me and mother."

"What do we tell her, your highness?" Pulse looked up at her

"I, am not sure. I'd want to shelter her from this, should it amount to disappointment in the end. But she deserves hope as much as any of us, more in fact." Letting Pulse down back onto her hooves "I'll break the news to her, unless you would like to join me?"

"Yeah, good or bad, I'm the cause of this." Pulse said looking at the practically slumbering princess.

"Whatever the results are Pulse, You have done an incredible thing this day. Your hard meticulous work, deserves acknowledgement." Moon finished

Princess Luna was laying in bed after taking a couple walks around the medical center with Evening Mist, since the doctor was very busy.

Her legs were getting better, they were no longer wobbly, but she still got fatigued quickly.

Evening Mist was pleasant enough pony, and she became accustomed to her help as she had with her chamber maids of years ago. They talked about many things, and Luna learned of many things of the empire the Nightm-, no, empress had built. Though she was still waiting for another shoe to drop, she was admittedly impressed by her rule.
Her ponies were happy, and not bound by tyranny nor delusion of the mind as far as she could tell. Which is an accomplishment of rule in itself, she could not deny.
Still, it was so very different than what she was used to, or familiar with.
Mist even let slip something she thought everypony should see, a biography of sorts. Though on second hoof backpedaled. Eventually admitting that it might be too personal for her to want to witness. Which made her especially more curious to see it.

'Speaking of' she thought as the door to her room opened, the Nigh- empress walked in, the doctor in tow.
'it has been a while since she last approached' she thought, not sure how to feel about that.

Coming to a stop at her bed side, the e-empress and doctor took a seat. Looking at each other, unsure how to start, Luna took the initiative

"It is, agreeable, seeing you again...e,empress" it feeling bizarre coming out of her muzzle.

the look on the empress's muzzle was worth the effort. 'like a filly on Hearths Warming' she mused

Moon responding "T-Thank you, your highness. We come bearing, what I find as hopeful news."
"As you are aware, we have located Aunt.. I mean, your highness' sister. Following that, we retrieved her and the others as well. To receive proper recognition of all that they have done for pony kind."

Moon said trying to keep the sadness out of her voice. Luna could tell she was trying, nodding in response

"In preparation for their remembrance. I requested that, and take full responsibility for any slight incurred..." She paused, taking another breath "Steady Pulse restore them to their former glory" she breathed out.

Looking down, she continued "I would have performed the honors myself, had I the skill or heart to do so.
Ponies who never had the honor to know her, them, themselves, should remember them as they always were. Not the way they were found."

Luna was aghast, at first, but said nothing. Then thinking about it for a number of moments, nodded. "I understand. How.. does.. did it turn out?"

"Bet *cough* better than I would have ever imagined" Moon choked out, tearing up. "She's.."

Pulse, taking over for the overcome alicorn, continued "When I finished late last night.." She smiled a serene smile "it was like nothing had ever happened. As if she were just dozing on the bed." she finished, tearing up herself.

Luna looked down with a sad smile, picturing it in her mind.

"When I came back this morning..." Pulse stalled

Clearing the lump in her throat, Moon took over "S-She was, Breathing!!"

Luna's head whipped up, stammering for a moment, she demanded "Take me to her, Now!"

Both ponies nodding fervently, smiling, got up, and helped the princess from bed. Catching her as she almost fell out in her haste.

From there, they made their way to the other hospital room as fast as the princess's legs would allow.
Walking up to the sleeping alicorn, Luna looked her all over. Taking in the slow shallow breaths, the mark in her coat where the cut was.

After minutes of inspection, the princess turned around

"What does this mean? What did you do? How can this be possible??"

Pulse, spoke first "I don't know your highness. All I did was...put everything back together. Nothing else. No magic, no treatment, nothing..."

Luna's eyes moving to the empress, Moon spoke "Same. First I knew of this, was by Pulse's summons here in haste."

Sitting down, Moon continued "I know this looks hopeful, and I hold to it dearly. Though, we do not know what this means nor understand it. I dare not expect more than has already graced us. Though..." She trailed of with a hopeful smile to the slumbering alicorn.

"Was her form not ravaged by time and... decay?" Luna asked

Both ponies shaking their heads, Moon answering "Even when we first discovered her, them in the cave, they were unaffected. No traces of preservation magic were found."

"The others are, the same as her?" Luna asked

"Unaffected yes. But I have not yet... put them back together. She was the first." Pulse trailed off

Luna walked over to Pulse, and held her in wing "Thank you, doctor. No matter what happens now, you have my gratitude."

Turning to the empress, Luna addressed her "You as well, your highness. Your decisive actions, have brought me some guarded hope"

To which, Moon nodded her thanks

"Would you like to spend some more time with her your highness?" Pulse asked

At Luna's nod, she responded "Please call me or Mist of you need anything. In the mean time, I'll get you setup in larger accommodations."

With that, both of the ponies left Luna with her sister.

Walking with her to Steady Pulse's office, Moon poked her "It appears I now owe you even more now, does it not?"

"Call it even, your highness. This is all, wow." Pulse replied "I'll get them moved bigger quarters today, and get to work with the other two princesses tomorrow. Today's a wash, with all this excitement."

"I'll leave you to your preparations, then." Moon excused herself 'Wow indeed' she thought

After Luna had left her sister for her physical therapy; Pulse, having already made the accommodations for them, performed another detailed examination of the sun princess.
Expected things had begun to appear; dehydration, need for food and waste expulsion. It was as if she were returning to the land of the living. Physically at least. Magically, she was worse off than Luna, not unexpectedly. Luna's examination showed she was making the most tiniest improvements.

Once Pulse had moved the sun princess to her new bed, she set up the bodily maintenance system, providing the princess with the needed sustenance with the need for tubes.
Princess Luna's interest was piqued with how it worked

"Remember how you boarded the ship your highness? One minute you were outside the castle, next you were here?"
"It works like that, but with food, water, and waste. Like a teleport spell, just very tiny, and without needing to take a unicorns time and magic to do it."
"As your sister is laying here, every so often she gets a sip of water, and a bite to eat. And of course, the opposite. She's checked regularly to see what her body needs, and of course, we check on the machine to make sure it's doing it's job properly."
"It's used all the time in situations where a pony is in a coma, or recovering from a major surgery and can't move around much at all."

"Why not me?" Luna asked

"Because you're quite mobile. Though difficult and tiring, you can move around and do many things. In fact when your sister wakes....I'm sorry. I shouldn't do that. If perchance your sister awakes and is well, I hope... She'll have to physically recover as you are now."

"But at least she'll have her big sis to take care of her, instead of strange ponies" Pulse smiled

laughing, Luna replied "Actually, 'Tia was the big sister, I was the little one."

"Oh, right. Well, if the best thing ever comes true, you can dote on her and drive Her crazy for once. You'll be the big sis for a while" Pulse laughed

"A taste of her own medicine, I shan't squander it!" Luna said with an imperious grin

"Well your highness, if you'll excuse me, I need to get to bed early. I've got a marathon of alicorn surgery to do tomorrow... Gees, that still sounds creepy...."

"I wont begrudge you over it, doctor. Whatever you did last time, was just what was needed. Keep in your heart whatever you had with my sister. That's all I ask" Luna asked

"I will your highness, take care. I'll see you in a couple days."

Later that night, Luna was roused from slumber by the sound of humming. Turning her head, she saw the empress sitting next to her sisters bed, softly humming to her.
Her eyes were closed, a broken smile on her muzzle, a tear running down her cheek.
When it finished she took a deep breath, and placed her head on the end of the bed. After a few moments she opened her eyes, unfocused and looking far off.

"That sounded like a lovely lullaby" Luna spoke softly

Moons ears turned toward her, as she lifted her head. "I apologize for have woken you. I will go, you need your rest." She said getting up and heading to leave.

"What was it called?" Luna asked

Stopping, she turned her head toward the princess, and then looked down. "It is, quite old now. A song from my younger days. All these years, I still find myself drawn to it from time to time. Though, some verses of it are too sad to sing in present company." She said looking back at the alabaster alicorn.

Considering a moment, she continued

"Here. Though I do not have the heart so sing it fully now, I had once. My ponies recorded the performance for posterity." She levitated the pad on Luna's side table over to herself where she tapped a number of times, and levitated it over to the princess.

"Goodnight, your highness." looking over to the sleeping alicorn "You too, your highness"

Nodding to them both, she quietly left.

Luna, looking down to the pad, tapped it to play the performance;

As the lights came up, the empress was laying on the ground. Looking down as if somepony where laying there beside her, all around her were set pieces staging the aftermath of battle.
The orchestra behind her dimly illuminated.

As the first few strings plucked, the words 'Into the West' appeared before fading.

Chapter 6: First and Again

The doors of the lift opened, her highness walking out onto the medical deck. Since Steady Pulse was occupied with, miraculous work, the empress took to checking on the princesses personally.
Sure, she could ask one of the nurses for updates, but she wanted first-hoof updates on their conditions.

Walking into the recovery room, she noticed that Luna's bed was empty. 'Must be away walking, strengthening her legs' she thought.
Coming to the slumbering sun princess's bedside, she looked her over, observing the occasional ear flick and wing twitch.

'An improvement, I'd estimate? More conventional physical reactions, for sleeping' she thought to herself

And so she sat there, keeping the princess company for a while.

Elsewhere, princess Luna strolled the deck, alone. She needed to clear her mind after what she had watched.
Following the performance the empress provided her, she woke up that morning and searched the pad for what Evening Mist had let slip.

What she saw had shaken her. Indeed, it was personal, very personal. Portraying both her, and the empress, at their very worst they had ever been. Horrifyingly accurately as well. And she's only seen the first couple parts of what was there...

'To believe that all of her ponies have seen that...' she thought to herself, somewhat aghast. 'Where sister and I'd done everything we could to put it behind us and bury those times... The empress embraced it, even encouraged it's viewing in schooling...'

"She's....a more mature and humbling mare than I'd given her credit for."

Doctor Steady Pulse, Morning Mist, the nurses.... They all saw that, and still looked to her with respect. Both of them!

'I'd have never thought such a thing possible? That ponies would be able to look at me after that...'

Even walking down the halls, she'd cross paths with a pony. They'd bow, or smile and greet her happily, knowing full well her worst mistakes and deepest regrets... She'd greet them back, embarrassed.

They knew. And now she knew that they knew!

She was somewhere between deeply embarrassed, and completely humiliated. She wanted to be furious! Her darkest times portrayed for absolutely everypony to see...her sister too.

But, this Was history. And, the empress's story as well..
She just couldn't be angry about it. Instead, settling for just deeply embarrassed.

Caught somewhere between wishing she'd not watched it, and wanting to see where it further went, she walked the halls.

Leaving the princess to her slumbers, the empress had gone to the dining hall. She had ponies to thank for their efforts, even if they hadn't come to fruition.
She also had some good news for them. That their research likely being useful in the future.

"Thank you for coming everypony. I owe you much for the efforts you have taken, and offer hope that it not in vain." The empress began

Having all of their attention, she continued

"Her highness, princess Luna is on the mend, albeit very slowly. Another as well."

Responding to the looks of confusion. she elaborated.

"As you are aware, my mother was the only one of the princesses to come through the usurping. Though not completely unscathed."

"In the efforts to make the other princesses presentable for their upcoming recognition and remembrance... The sun princess Celestia, has..."
"Upon reuniting her...head, with her body... She has begun, breathing. Her heart beats once again, as well as many other things as one would expect from a living pony."

Breaking for that to sink in for a moment, she went on

"Though we do not understand how this has transpired, we are amazed and grateful none the less; both mother and I. Her form not being ravaged by the passage of time having a connection I am sure. As, when they all were found, they were perfectly preserved as if no time had passed, without any preservation spell craft that we could detect."

"She's alive?!" Rolled Scroll blurted out, finally getting passed the shock

"As for now, she slumbers soundly, but yes. As far as we can measure, she's alive, physically." pausing "We dare not make presumptions further."

"And, the other princesses??" another pony interjected.

"Doctor Steady Pulse is performing the same surgery she performed on the sun princess, as we speak. We hope..for similar results. Holding our breaths."

After answering many questions about the princesses and what had transpired,

"What I am envisioning in the future, best case scenario, is; That the princesses will be returned to their rightful places, and in turn, relations with Equestria will be opened. Thus, your services will be in need."

Pausing for a breath, she concluded

"Your mission being reinstated, despite the debacle that has fallen now, my part in it included..."

"Why are we heading back home so slowly your highness? We could have been back in a little over a week?" Another asked

Sighing her highness explained "That is my doing, I am afraid. To be blunt, I am at a loss as how to break the news to the ponies of the empire; the tragic events that have transpired in this mission. I, needed the time. Unfortunately, the extra time had yielded little results. Additionally, the event with the sun princess has interrupted any progress I might have had otherwise. Though I am far far from regretting it, elated in fact."

After more back at forth discussion, they all proceeded with dinner. The spirits of her envoy ponies lifted considerably.

As the empress went to bed that night, she hoped with all her heart for that best case scenario.

Waking up at her usual time, Steady Pulse prepared for her next unusual day, with her usual routine. Anticipation filling her, she nervously left her cabin, headed for medical.

Walking in, she literally held her breath. Eyes fixed on the bed's display panel.
It was glowing, indicating that it detected something, and was responding in turn.

Letting the air out of her lungs before she passed out, she walked up to it. Her practiced eyes blind to all but what she was looking to see.

it was there!

Falling to a sitting posture, she put her forelegs on the bed rail. Looking skyward with tears in her eyes:

"Thank you, stars in the skies. Thank you!"

The empress's comm beeping, she walked over to it, answering the call. On the screen appeared Pulse, looking calm, but with a warm smile on her face.

"Hello Pulse" the empress greeted her

Pulse said nothing, and just gave a slow knowing nod to the empress, her eyes a little misty.

Beginning to tear up, the empress replied "I will be right down, Pulse. Thank you."

With that, she closed the channel and headed down to medical at a calm pace, a smile upon her muzzle.

Walking in together, they observed the alicorn of love for a long while. Like the princess before her, breathing in and out, slowly and modestly.

The empress turned to the doctor, and sitting down, pulled her into a gentle hug.
For the longest time they stayed like that, not saying a word. Simply showing how happy they both were.

Finally letting each other go, Pulse spoke first;

"I'll transfer her to the room with the princess and her sister, then get back to work."

"So soon?" the empress asked, surprised.

Nodding, the doctor continued "Absolutely, I've got the whole day ahead of me, and I'm not drained a bit." she smiled

"Wonderful, Pulse. Would you like me to oversee the transfer?" she asked

"Hmm, please do. Strangely, I can't wait to get started." she admitted

"Consider it done, whom to report this to?" the empress asked

"Tender Heart, she'll update the records. You handle procuring and moving the bed, as well as the princess. They'll monitor her, and I expect it'll be a day or so before they begin to need sustenance and care. I'll be back doing my rounds by then"

Nodding, the doctor and empress went on their ways.

Entering the recovery room, the empress happily greeted the princess before walking over to the far end of the room. Not noticing the slightly unsettled look on the Lunar princess's face, she began moving chairs out of the way, before another bed appeared out of thin air.

Luna stepped out of her bed and walked over to the empress, a confused but hopeful expression painted on her muzzle.

Moon just smiled a warm smile to her mother, and then nodded.

Luna, her emotions overwhelming her, walked up to the empress and embraced her in a hug, Moon returning the warm gesture.

Letting go of her mother, Moon tapped her ear piece and said "please begin transport, Flash"

"right away, your highness!" Flash Frame's reply came.

Looking back to the bed, Luna and Moon watched the princess of love appear upon the bed, breathing softly.

Approaching the bed, they both watched her quietly. Marveling at such a sight as was before them both.

From behind them, they heard a soft groan.
Turning their heads, they saw the sun princess's foreleg pull back, and after a moment, relax again.

Looking back to each other, they both smiled.

The next day, her highness was stepping off of the lift, onto the medical deck, as cheerful as could be. Steady Pulse's labors had saved lives in ways she never thought anypony could have imagined. Understandably, she was taking the whole day off. Heading to the princess's recovery room to add another bed, she caught sight of Luna, standing in the hallway.

As she approached, Luna placed herself in her path.
Coming to a stop, the empress greeted her
"Good morning your highness, I bring with me, the news of needing another bed for convalescence." she smiled

Luna smiling and nodding, her mood turning serious a moment later
"While that's wonderful to hear, your highness, we must talk before you proceed further."

Taken aback, the empress asked "What is it, your highness? Whats is wrong?"

"Wrong? No, nothing's wrong, I just need to prepare you. Do you promise me not to move from that spot until I've finished?"

starting to become worried, she replied "O-of course." nodding her head

"Great. It's sister. She's awakened." Holding her hoof up to silence the empress, she continued.

"I have calmed her down since she woke up, but she was very out of sorts at first. It seems that, to her, what befell her, happened only a few hours ago. The passage of time was interrupted, in her, thankfully. But that means that the last thing she saw, heard, and experienced... was horrible."

"Please, go on" the empress pressed

with a heaving sigh, Luna continued

"She was.... brought out before everypony, stripped of her crown, regalia, rule, and magic. Everything. Before her subjects, as naked as she ever was. Not even told of my fate, or the others."
taking a deep breath
"Nopony stood with her at the end empress... They just looked down, not bearing to look upon her. Give her any strength, empathy, or even sympathy. Just nothing. She was alone, while surrounded by ponies."
Luna finished looking down, forlorn.

"That is..." The empress lost for words

Luna nodded

"I had to bring you to date on how she's feeling at the moment."
"Brokenhearted, alone, and in a strange place. About to meet a very strange pony again, in her eyes anyway" Luna gave a tiny smile

"I cannot imagine what...she must be going through" the empress shook her head

"Just, let me go in first, and prepare her. Stay here and I'll call for you. I've already explained to her how you've helped us, rescued us. But I didn't tell who the empress was."
With a sad chuckle Luna added "In another situation, I'd be relishing a reveal like this."

With a nod from Moon, the princess went back inside to speak with her sister.

After countless minutes, she heard princess Luna call for her. Standing up, and taking a deep breath, she walked through the door.

"Sister, I present to you; Her Royal highness, New Moon of the Starlight Empire." Luna introduced

Walking in with a subdue'd posture, she bowed before her aunt. Looking up, tears were spilling from her eyes.

"It-it is wonderful to see you again your highness.....I" choking up "never thought I would be able to see you again."

"Never thought I would be able to tell you... that, I I-m sorry. Sorry for all of it. For what happened... For...not being there when you needed somepony to stand with.."
"I tried, tried to be there sooner. I wanted to! I just, did not get there in time to stop it....."

The empress loosing all of her composure, while Celestia was flabbergasted at what was happening before her eyes.

Looking between her sister and the nightmare many times, she finally asked "How?"

"It is a long story sister, but fortunately, somepony has documented it rather well." Luna answered

At the empress's questioning look, Luna elaborated

"Oh, I watched it. It was quite good, though embarrassingly personal..."

At Celestia's questioning look, she continued.

"A performance, sister. Well acted and disturbingly accurate. All of her ponies, and I do mean All, have seen it. The empress has kept nothing from them, no matter how... unpleasant it made her look."

The empress nodded a somber nod. "Indeed, they needed to know who the mare they trust used to be. I, could not lie to them in silence and secrets. ...I have trot that path before, it was a lonely one."

With the silence that fell upon them, Celestia asked the next question on her mind

"So this, is a ship? Where are we sailing to?"

"A ship of the stars. We are sailing back home.. Well, my home. A world known as; Earth. As of right now, we are steadily cruising at low speed. I, needed the time to consider the events that have transpired, and how to best break news of the events without disheartening my ponies. They were most excited about my reuniting with my..." She trailed off, embarrassingly

Luna, her sister looking to her, replied

"I'll explain that too, though I still don't know how to feel about it"

Moon, taking advantage of the distraction, and then faltering

"Speaking of, I have somepony that should be here."

Celestia watched the nightmare get up, move a bunch of furniture, the tap something on her ear. Speaking to nopony, and a moment later a bed appearing... then, Twilight Sparkle appeared on the bed, asleep.
She tried to get up, but her legs just wouldn't cooperate. She tried a teleport, but she barely got a spark from her horn, before remembering why.

"Ah, I neglected to explain, as I thought it would be rude. However it should be said. When, hopefully, you are able, to teleport; please refrain from doing so while onboard a ship of the stars. It can prove most catastrophic for yourself, as well as ponies around you. Even I do not dare attempt it."
"Though it may feel as if we are moored at the edge of perfectly calm lake, we are at this moment; traveling hundreds of thousands of times faster than the fastest pegasi.
Attempting to relocate ourselves with magic would quite possibly result in us floating outside of the ship, with nothing to breath, left far behind, instantly. By the time somepony realized what happened, it could already be too late for the unfortunate caster. So, I beg you, do not teleport under any circumstances. As I have already lost you once, I..."

"excuse me, I should not have..."

heaving a sigh of exhaustion "I am all rear-legs right now... Out of sorts? fumble-y?" She corrected at their confused looks

"If you'll excuse me, I shall take a break. Get myself back in order, and give you both time to catch up with each other. The nurses will see to the princess in a short time." Nodding to them both, she left through the door.

'That could have went with much more grace than it had...' she thought to herself. Shaking her head, she walked towards the lift.

Getting back to her chambers, Moon ran a bath to relax and get the tension out of her wings. They had begun to ache with tension after she got so worked up in front of her aunt.

Laying there in the warm water, her mind replayed the events 'Ooh...she watched the saga. ...and she said it was good?' thinking back on her mother

"Hmm, I suppose that is better than being upset?"

Letting her mind wander to less personal pastures 'She viewed it via the tiny pad that she had? No no no, this will not do. Tomorrow, I will bring them a more proper means of viewing. If they are going to see my ponies works... Hopefully, they will enjoy them better than on a pads small viewing area.'

Finishing with her bath, and drying off, she headed into her bedroom. Laying down, she thought

'The results of this mission are changing multiple times a day. Perhaps I should tell my ponies that it was a disaster, however, I am satisfied with the results none the less?'

And with an assured smile, she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

The following day, Moon arose with a more cheerful demeanor than she had been in for the last couple weeks.

Though she felt it, she didn't chance fate by admitting it aloud. The mission was turning around.

Meeting with the crew of the bridge in the conference room, she gave them an update on how the princesses were fairing. They in turn, kept her appraised of the ships status and operation.
The ship had met all expectations and more. No matter the pitfalls they had encountered, the ship operations were not one of them. Steady Wing was going to received nothing but good news when they got back. Which was in a little over five days at present speed.

"Have you made any progress in making sense out of what we've encountered on Equus, your highness?" Comets Trail asked

"Hmm, somewhat. The more I think about it, the more I feel I will not sugar coat it. The results being increasingly positive, and I hope it stays as such, outweighing the negatives. If fact, my ponies will be meeting with all of Equestria's royalty eventually. I hope. Essentially having the whole body of royalty in need of their help and friendship."
"I expect they will be elated, despite all of our plans having had gone sideways."

"That brings to mind another question, your highness. What of ..Equestria? and it's governance? They went from four princesses, to one bad one, then nothing.." ensign Forest Path asked

"A very good question. One I am going to have to answer soon if I have any hopes of bringing the princesses back to their rightful places. As for the moment, I have not even considered it yet. It is going to be a long process, that much I am certain." Moon replied

"Yeah, that place must be falling into mess thanks to the last rule's actions. That kind of a ruler just, poof-gone and everypony having to scramble to cover the missing piece.... despite how broken it was." Captain Solar Wind thought aloud, then quickly covering "Um, no offence your highness. I don't blame you for Equestria's current situation, one-bit."

"I know captain. Though their current situation was brought forth ahead of schedule due to my actions. I will have to live with the ramifications of them, and work to stabilize Equestria as a result." Shaking her head

"I really do not want to take time away from my ponies to do it, but I see little alternative. I will have to think on it, and consult the princess's. As far as I'm concerned, the nation still belongs to them." she finished

With some nodding and a few more details being covered, the meeting came to an end.

Taking the lift, the empress made a detour from going directly to medical.
Entering the materials bay, and sitting in front of one of the replicators, she scrolled through numerous options before choosing on a mobile display projector.
Following that, she searched for a suitable listening ear set, and made four of them. Followed by another pad to work as a control device.
Placing them all on her back and holding them steady with her wings, she made for the lift again.

Getting out of the lift, she walked down the corridor towards their room.
'Mother is not waiting for me in the corridor, that cannot be a bad thing' she mused

Walking in, she saw the nurses and mother helping Celestia get used to walking again, her legs still terribly weak.

"Good afternoon your highness's" she greeted them

Luna was quick to return the greeting, the other princess was either still uneasy, or too busy forcing her legs to move properly. Though, when Moon spoke, the nurses flailed slightly as Celestia's concentration wavered.

Nodding, the empress moved over to the far wall and began setting up the projector.
Once she was done, the princess was back in her bed and was sipping greedily on her nutritional beverage.

Finally, Luna asked the dark alicorn what she was up to.

"This is a display projection unit. It can display anything a simple pad can, but much greater in size, and clearer as well." Moon began
"Since you will be viewing my ponies works, as you mentioned, this will be truer to their intentions than a humble pad can possibly convey. Included, are these..." She said, levitating one of the listening sets.
"They are similar to the ones you have seen us all wearing, however are made for enjoyment purposes, not communication. As they make sound for both ears, so performances can be better conveyed as were you actually there at the time. Would you like to try one out, your highness?" She asked, having placed one on her own head like a second crown.

"Let me see this device" Luna asked

Moon floating it over to Luna who sat down and gripped it with her hooves. Turning it this way and that, she nodded and placed it atop her own head.

"Now, to turn it on, simply tap either side with a hoof. It can be deactivated the same way." She coached Luna as she illustrated.

Luna let out a giggle when the cute activation chime announced its presence

"I have already set it to connect to the viewer, and this pad. With this pad, anything viewed, will be shown on the screen, and heard though these listening sets. The pad performs more as a director of what will be shown and heard, rather than the source of it like the other pad. Though it works exactly the same. Give it a try? Oh, first I will tap the projector to activate it as well."
Moon went over to tap the projector after floating the special pad to Luna

"This one seems exactly the same as the other one, what makes it so special?" She asked

"It is exactly the same as the pad you have been using, merely an extra one. What makes it special, is what I have tasked it to do with these devices. Your other pad has not been tasked with these." She finished, pointing to her head and the screen.

Luna, not knowing anything else to bring up on the screen, brought up the performance the empress had done. Luna didn't want to bring up the saga quite yet. Worried her sister might still be going through a little too much at the moment to dive right into older and darker times.

The performance beginning, Moon turned around to watch herself.

"This feels somewhat narcissistic, me watching myself in front of royalty" She laughed

The other two princess's let out a giggle, and simultaneously, the alicorn of love gave out a groan as she flexed a leg.

"Everypony is a critic, they say." She followed up

The performance coming to an end, Luna swallowed before saying "Yes, that's much more enjoyable. Is there another?"

"There are numerous to see. Or do you mean of mine?" Moon asked

"Your's. I still need to know you more. This would be a good way to see more of my.." She trailed off

Nodding, Moon walked over to her "May I?" she asked motioning to the pad

Nodding, Luna hoofed it to her. Moon tapping a few times, hoofed it back to her.
"This is more uplifting and modern than the last."
Moon appeared on the screen again, a simple standing performance without any set dressings
The words 'A New Beginning' appearing

Luna heard sounds she had never heard before, and looked to the empress questioningly

"It was 'synth' music, I believe it was referred to as. Where some of the instruments used, are not ones that are used in conventional orchestras"

As the empress on stage began to sing, it was in words completely foreign to anything she'd ever heard before. Luckily for her, Equish translation appeared on the screen, under the native writing, which she also had never seen before.

"What is this strange tongue? I've not heard anything of it's like?" Luna asked

"A language not spoken in a very long time. It had died out long ago. A shame, as it can be so very beautiful in it's own way... However, I have many recordings still. Kept in my personal library, a memorial to era's passed."

Meanwhile, Celestia watched the screen quietly, not able to hear much of any of it, still not having put a listing set on.

"For some time I kept it all from my ponies, for many reasons. Though despite my efforts, they managed to hear some of it; a story that I will tell you some time. However, after the leak of some, I volunteered a select few to share with my ponies. This is one of them."

After the presentation ended, Luna critiqued; "An interesting composition, I thought the message was good."

Nodding her appreciation, Moon looked to Celestia and asked

"Your highness, had you any questions for me that I could answer for you?"

"Yes actually, several." Celestia answered

"Please" Moon urged her to continue

"What have you been doing since your banishment?"

Wincing at the use of the word 'banishment', she humored her question

"Raising ponies as my own, guiding them as best I could... Much as I recalled you and moth... your sister did long ago. Though there was a period of preparation before then."
"My hoof was light, and my patience surprisingly bountiful. From which has born wonder fruits."
"I would recommend viewing of the saga to get the fine details of how events transpired. That is, ff you are up to seeing a portrayal of, the less pleasant times, first. The story is quite encompassing, where you might learn of a few things you did not have the heart to speak of with your sister."

Turning to Luna's glaring muzzle, she sheepishly apologized.

"I apologize for being so forward, perhaps it might be too soon? Though, my experience by fire has taught me; When will the time ever be right, to speak of such things? Likely never, however that would be a loss to both ponies, not to understand each other more." She finished

"Then, my next question is; What are you going to do with us?" Celestia asked, motioning to the other princesses.

Taken aback, the empress stammered

"What do you mean 'do with you?'"

"Well, here we are, powerless, dethroned, heading to your empire. We're... at your mercy" Celestia finished slightly bitterly

After a moment, the empress walked up Celestia, and bowed respectfully, to her surprise.
Looking back up to the alabaster alicorn, she spoke

"Though you may not believe it now, or even yet be able to comprehend it; You and, your sister Are the closest thing that I will ever have to family, outside of my ponies."
"I missed you terribly, and yearned to see you both again. Now, my greatest wish has come true, and I am grateful to see you both on the mend. When you are strong again and ready, I will return you all to Equestria. To take your rule back from that which stole it. You have my aide in its entirety, and that of my ponies as well."
"I, wish to see you happy again. If that is on a throne, or tilling a simple field, I will do everything in my ability to see it done, your highness."

Mulling it over, Celestia looked down and nodded quietly.

"Your next question?" Moon gently prompted

Shaking her head, Celestia answered "I can't think of anything more right now."

"Very well. If you do need more answers, I am at your service." Moon concluded before turning to a now calm Lunar princess.

"And you princess Luna?"

"Where are we going once we reach your empire?" Luna asked

"Down to the surface of the planet Earth. There you will have the added liberty of going outside and experiencing the sunshine, grass, and more. Providing the doctors are confident, you will be staying in my castle as honored guests, visiting royal dignitaries, and more. You will be as unfettered or not, as you will. I task and burden you with only your own recovery, and nothing more."
"Util we reach home in a few days time, if you would like to experience the next best thing to being outside, my ponies have built an arboretum aboard this ship. although it pales to running out in the open; the grass, trees, and flowers are real."

"Oh, when your legs are strong enough, we can assemble in the observation room. From there, we will be able to see my new home when we approach it. 'Tis quite a sight if I say so, myself" She finished to Celestia with a smile

Sensing the conversation reaching a lull, she excused herself

"I will return tomorrow, meanwhile I shall leave these with you all, should you feel adventurous to try them." Levitating the listening ear sets to a nearby table.

Bowing to the princess, the empress left.

"What do you think sister?" Luna asked

Thinking on if for a few moments, Celestia replied "I'm still not sure, Lulu. I'm being cautiously optimistic. I'm just not accustomed being the pony in need of help.."

Nodding "Understandable. I'm having to come to terms with having somepony look at me as a mother figure. It's so strange. The thought I keep coming back to, is: 'If it were not for me, she would not be here'. That used to be a very bitter thing, now? It's not so bad."

"You'd actually??" Celestia asked incredulously

Signing, Luna elaborated "I can't deny what she's accomplished for and with her ponies. I'm.. impressed. Though I keep watchful for an iron hoof somewhere, I keep finding none. What I do find, is quite familiar." She finished, nodding at her sister.

Later that night, just before what would be considered dawn; The two princesses were awoken by a scream.

Jerking upright, and trying to ignite their horns in alarm, only sparks coming from them. The alicorn sisters looked around at their surroundings, seeing nothing out of place, except the alicorn of love sitting upright and breathing heavy.

"Cadance!" They both shouted.

Luna clumsily getting out of bed, and Celestia rolling onto the floor with a loud thud.

"Sister! Help me to her!" Celestia demanded

Luna, taking a detour from her path, tried her best to get her sister up. Only to both go down. She just didn't have the strength yet to leverage her larger sister to standing.
Finally getting up herself, Luna told her
"Just grab my tail. I'll drag you over there if I have to!"

A pain in the dock later, Luna hoisted her sister's front half onto Cadance's bedside.

The chaos between the two alicorns gave Cadance time to calm down a bit, though she was still very upset.

"Auntie! I, thought you were...." She cried

"Shhh, I know. Me too. I didn't know what had happened to any of you." Celestia soothed

"Auntie, are... are we.. dead?" Cadance asked, afraid of the answer

"No sweetie, we're alive as anypony." Celestia comforted her

"Though far too close to it, and for far too long..." Luna added

"Then, where are we? This..?" Cadance asked looking around the room they were in, it's strange appearance unnerving her

"We're safe. Some good ponies have come. Brought us here to see to our care."

"And by the most unlikely of allies, I'd say" Luna said

"Yes. I'd have never in my wildest dreams..." Celestia replied

"Who?" Cadance asked

"My... daughter, of a sort..." Luna finally volunteered

With both of the other two alicorns looking oddly at her, she was compelled to go on

With a sigh, she admitted "It is, what it is. Though I'd never intended anything of the sort.... Events conspired to give me a, ...a black-sheep foal that's made good in the end." She finished with an exasperated and defeated look

The shock wearing off, Celestia picked up the conversation

"The empress is, an alicorn. An alicorn that once called itself; Nightmare Moon. She, rescued us..."

"Huh? How? I don't understand."

"I barely do myself" came Luna's reply

From there, questions trickled out of the pink alicorn, and piece by piece, she leaned what her current situation was. At least, until the nurse came in to give them their morning checkup.
That interruption, prompted the doctor to stop in and give Cadance a once over, as well as establish her treatment regimen.

Later that afternoon, her royal highness stopped in for a visit, greeting the sisters, and noticing the wakened pink alicorn. Turning, she introduced herself;

"Welcome aboard the 'Homecoming'; our flagship, your highness. Built specially for this sojourn. Though events were supposed to have gone better than they had."
"I am Empress New Moon, of the StarLight Empire. Our empire, is a humble assembly of colonies on worlds spanning a considerable distance."
"I once went by the title of princess myself, however when the rule expanded to separate worlds, my ponies felt a more expansive title was more fitting."
"Our colonies, are largely autonomous, but favor the harmonious nature of a single rule governance. Thus, I am happy to give them any benefit my experiences may bestow."
"How are you feeling your highness? I hope the shock of being in such a strange place was not too extreme?"

After staring blankly for a few moments, she replied
"I-it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, your majesty. I was surprised at first, but my two aunts got me through."

"I am glad, and simply your highness will do. Though I accepted the title my ponies wanted for me, I have not let it go to my head" Moon replied with a smile

"That's good" Luna blurted out

"Yes, the last time somepony headed an empire, and required them to be addressed as 'your majesty', it went very poorly for all ponies involved." the empress followed up

"Sombra.." Cadance mentioned

"Yes, the King... A tragic fall of a stallion. Tell me, is the Crystal Empire still under his tyranny?"

"You don't know? He was defeated shortly after the empire's return." Cadance filled in

"The empire is freed then?" the empress asked

Cadance nodded, then lowered her head

"That, was where I ruled... such a lovely place." she said, sadness in her voice

"I am sorry your highness. I do not yet have any information on the empire's current status. Though I had seen it's return, I had not inquired further." Moon admitted

"That's okay, your highness"

"Though that will change in the future. The usurper that overthrew you having been dispatched, the empire and Equestria as a whole will need the leadership of you all."
"Once your strength has returned, and provided you are willing, I will help you back to your rightful places." the empress said with a nod.

"To do so will require much effort, including surveilling the populous to gauge their receptiveness for the return of their best rulers." Moon finished

"Though, I assume you were a good ruler. I might be being to presumptuous. Were you perhaps a hard headed blow hard?" Moon asked with a straight face, her head tilted

"Empress!" Celestia and Luna chastised.

Chuckling, Moon "I see my presumptions were correct. You did not 'stink'."

Surprisingly Cadance was the first to laugh. Seems the tension she was holding broke easily.

"N no, I.. did not 'stink'. I'm pretty sure" Cadance said between laughs

"Fantastic! That will help us."
"Oh, some time we can trade stories of romantic misfires. I know of a couple good ones. You are the princess of love are you not? You must have heard and seen some memorable ones." Moon grinned, elbowing the princess

Blushing "I know a few worth mentioning.."

"I can even tell you a few about your aunts. Ones they likely have not yet shared"

"Don't You Dare!" Came from the two alicorn sisters

Moon just shrugged, and gave a wink to the pink alicorn.

Turning to the two ruffled alicorns, the empress asked;

"On a less personal topic, how is the friendship princess? Any movements or groans?"

With reluctance, they acknowledged the empress's question

"...No, she's still sleeping soundly"

"Wait, you said the princess was 'dispatched' yes? So, she's gone?" Cadance interrupted

Sighing, moon answered "That is correct, I am afraid. My meeting with her was not of the best kind...."

"What happened?" Cadance asked

"She tried to me, what I assumed she had done with your magic. I, was shaken by what had transpired previously, and as such, tested her with great prejudice. She chose to end the test unexpectedly, and permanently." Moon closed her eyes
"Which of the two of us were the greater fool, I am unsure." Moon finished

"How horrible!" Cadance blurted out

Moon, nodding in shame "Yes"

"How could she do that? ...well, how could she do any of what she did?" Cadance went on

Realizing the chastising was not directed at her, Moon perked up a bit

"I have my suspicions, but will never know for sure." Moon surmised

Breaking from her thoughts, the empress broke off the topic of conversation
"Well, since you are all doing well, I shall leave you be for the day. I understand that meeting the 'big scary alicorn of darkness of old' can be somewhat taxing." She finished with a smile
"Good day, your highness's"

With a bow, the empress left them to their devices.

"That's your daughter?!" Cadance needled the lunar alicorn, a grin of her muzzle

Luna just rolled her eyes
'kids' she thought

That evening in the medical hospital room where the princesses were staying, dinner was served. The three alicorns nibbling from the forks they held by hoof, mild conversation passing back and forth.

Luna was telling Cadance a story about Morning Mist;
"then mist fumbled the scrubbing brush, dropping it into the water. As she was about to reach down, I asked 'did you do-"

When without warning, Twilight Sparkle bolted upright, her eyes wide
"Hoofball Practice! I'm Late!!" she yelled

All movement came to a screeching halt, even the chewing.

"When was the last time you played hoofball Twilight?" Celestia asked

"What?" asked Twilight

"You said you were late for hoofball practice.." Luna replied

Smacking her hoof just below her horn... Well, her nose mostly. Coordination somewhat off

"Ow! I can't believe I still wake up to that phobia. Wait, Celestia? Luna? Cadance?! Where are we?!!" She began, getting more alarmed.

Luna, holding her hoof to her chin;
"Well.. For one, we're safe. Two, aboard a ship. Three, in a hospital room being looked after, since we're still weakened from our ordeal. Four, rescued by my daughter. Five, on our way to her empire across the galaxy until we get our strength back. Six, ...did I mention we're traveling faster than light? So, do not even try to teleport at this speed, you'll be floating in the vacuum of space if you try.... Did I miss anything?" Luna asked her sister

"Hmm, oh, the princess that overthrew us, is 'dispatched'. So Equestria has no rule right now, they're on their own." Celestia added

As the wheels turned in Twilight's head at a breakneck speed, she shook her head
"Wait, did you say daughter??" Looking toward princess Luna

Holding up her hoof to the others, Luna answered
"Yes. You didn't know? You've met her before, sort of."

Cadance and Celestia grinned, knowing what Luna was doing. Looking to Twilight to watch her figure it out; was a show in of itself.

After a number of moments of Twilight thinking about it, Luna added

"Understandable that you are having trouble remembering. It was a long time ago.."

In response to the other princesses giggling, Twilight smacked the sides of her muzzle and groaned in frustration

"Argh, Who?"

"Here's a hint," Luna went on, to Twilight's continued groaning
"You and your friends of old defeated her.."

With yet another groan from the princess of friendship, Luna added more

"I'd have thought blasting her and I with the elements of harmony would have made more of an impression. Hmm, a pity"

"WHAT?!" Twilight was now completely lost

"Fine, fine. Nightmare Moon. She's all grown up now, and for the better." Luna spelled it out for her.

"what?"

"Mmhmm. She has her own empire of colonies in the stars, and many centuries of successful rule without tyranny."

Twilight slumped back into her bed, her mind swimming with questions of how... everything
After a time, she turned her head toward Cadance and asked
"We're, on a ship... Going faster than light?..."

With Cadance's nod "Apparently. Though I haven't had the opportunity to see it yet. I just woke up last night."

"Oh, I should call on doctor Steady Pulse. She'll want to know you've awakened, and give you a checkup." Luna said, reaching for her pad

After a short conversation, Luna stated "She'll be right in"

Trotting in, Steady Pulse said hi to the princess she'd already met, then walked over to princess Twilight

"Good evening your highness, I'm doctor Steady Pulse. I'll be overseeing your recovery, grooming, and being a mild pain in your flank!" She laughed

"I can barely move my legs..." Twilight grumbled

"As expected. You haven't had much opportunity to move them, so fatigue and stiffness is normal. It's like you have been in a coma for some time, though an unusual one."

"How long was I out?" Twilight asked

"We're not exactly sure yet.. princess?" Pulse asked of Luna

"I am not positive myself. As I was in the dungeon the whole time, I couldn't keep track of the days. Though it felt like a very many years had passed. Into the decades, I'm sure."

"Decades?!" The all asked

Nodding, Luna went on "Yes. I could see the guards getting older as time went on. That kind of visual change happens over many years. Though it Felt like centuries to me, being in there.. It was less than that."
"Young recruits starting out; would either leave, or grow into experienced, confident, and surly members of the guard." Luna finished

Shaking her head "I can't even imagine... You're made of tougher stuff than I am your highness." the doctor added, turning back to the purple princess

"Like the other princesses, you'll need.. chambermaids? ..to help with your maintenance. Since we don't have those available, myself and another mare will fill the role for the time being."

At Twilight's grimace, the doctor continued

"It's not so bad. Ask the others. We've gotten better!" Pulse said with a smile
"As for right now, I'll switch this off.."

The doctor went over to the bodily maintenance system, and ended its duties

"Now that your up, you won't be needing this anymore"

"What is it?"

"It's used for ponies in coma's. Notice that you aren't hungry or thirsty? And don't have to 'go'? This takes care of those needs regularly. In a way, it sort of teleport's food, water, etc directly into your stomach and such."

"I was wondering about that? Isn't teleporting dangerous right now?" Cadance asked

"It sure is. Unlike teleporting, this works like teleporting, but with energy rather than magic. That way it doesn't have any troubles with our fast traveling."
"To put it another way, this puts food etc, from an exact distance from itself. Like tossing a ball, or pad, and such. Much less complex than the workings of a teleport spell."

"Energy? That's amazing! How does it do that?" Twilight asked, her curiosity kicking-in

"Oh, that I have no idea. I'm just a humble doctor, not an engineer" the doctor laughed

As the doctor went about her checkup on the princess, Twilight began looking closer at all the things in the room. Seeing them again for the first time.

Walking down the corridor, the empress was in good spirits. Her family was onboard, and on the mend, she met a new princess, and would hopefully meet another new face.

Entering the room, she said hello to her mother and aunt. Turning to greet the pink alicorn, she noticed the forth princess in the corner of her eye.

"Oh, Welcome your highness. Welcome aboard our flagship, on route to home. I assume the others have brought you up to speed on current events?" the empress asked Twilight

In response to her nodding sheepishly, the empress asked Twilight:

"What is the matter your highness? I know my appearance can be a little intimidating, but I mean you no ill..."

Slowly, Twilight built up the nerve to speak

"You.. don't remember me? We, um. Met before?" Twilight said, coaxing the empress's memory

"We met? When would we have.." She asked, searching her memory

"In the, um, castle of the two sisters... I, used the elements of harmony on you" Twilight said, shrinking in her bed

"The elements..." the empress not following

"When you came back from your banishment on the moon?" Twilight added

Thinking for a moment, the empress's eyes went wide. Coming closer to the shrinking Twilight Sparkle, she looked at her more closely

"That was You?? But... you're. My, have you grown! I recall you being a little unicorn..."

Twilight nodding in response, the empress went on

"Hah! You were that little unicorn that dared to charge a raging alicorn. And perform a feint to get to the elements! I remember now. Though I still cannot believe I did not recognize you!" The empress broke out into laughter
"My my, to think I would run into you again, after all of these centuries.." She finished

"You're not mad?" Twilight asked

"Ho, of course not! Were it not for you and the others, I would not be here today. Certainly not the pony I am today. I am quite grateful in fact." She said, coming over to give the freaked-out purple alicorn a hug.

Letting go, and stepping back from the stiff as a board princess, Moon told her

"I cannot wait to show you what I have been up to all these centuries! You are going to just love the ponies of the empire." the empress gushed, like she was meeting an old friend

Chapter 7: Dawn

"Good morning everypony!" Doctor Steady Pulse greeted the princesses, as she entered the recovery room.

After the princesses responded in kind, she continued;

"Now that you've all finished breakfast, I have an invitation from her highness. She's invited you all to the observation room, to witness a technological marvel. Following that, we'll be entering earth space shortly thereafter. Where; you'll get a view of her world, a view that no ponies from Equus have seen before."

Thinking for a moment, she went on;

"I'd say, it's a kind of sight that Nopony from Equus has ever seen" She finished.

"I beg to differ doctor. I had the dubious pleasure of looking down on Equus for a very long time." Luna objected, with a grin.

Realization setting in, the doctor apologized.

"Oh, right. Sorry your highness."

"Another thing; I am compelled to insist you wear one of these while we pass through gateway" She sheepishly pulled out magic nullifier horn rings.
"While it's nearly a moot point for you to need one, it's better safe than sorry. An alicorn inadvertently casting a spell during the jump, well.." she winced "it would make teleporting at light speed look insignificant by comparison."

With a huff, Twilight conjectured;
"I don't see the point. We're all drained so badly, a unicorn foal would outrank us in power right now."

"I talked to the empress about that as well, and she made an interesting supposition; What if your magic is simply suppressed? And then have an alicorn-sized surge while going through the gate?"
"It still gives me a chill thinking about it..."
"She's steadfast in her optimism of your recovery, and taking that into account, plans for the worst" The doctor explained.

"If the gateway is so dangerous, why use it?" Celestia asked.

"The same reason a pegasi uses their wings your highness. No matter how bad the possibility of a falling injury due to a wing cramp may be, they still fly. Any pegasi Could get from 'A' to 'B' by walking or galloping, but they fly instead. It's faster, much much faster."
"Same with these gateways; Without them, a trip that takes only a couple seconds, would take Months traveling at maximum possible speed. The only cost is: wearing one of these silly things for a minute or two as a safety. Even her highness puts one on as a reminder, though she could easily overpower it. She said the feedback tells her she's inadvertently trying to do something wrong in the moment... or, something like that?"

"Fine, hoof it here. I'll put the thing on" Twilight groused.

"Here you go, but you don't have to put it on right now. We wont be at the gateway for another hour. That's what the invitation is for, not only is it really cool, but you all can see why it's so important to go through the trouble" The doctor placated the pouty purple princess.
"I get the feeling she doesn't like them either" the doctor giggled.

"Well, I'm for seeing what all of the fuss is about" Celestia said.

"I as well. But I especially want to see how different this place is than Equus" Luna agreed.

With the younger princess throwing in for the sightseeing trip to the observation room, the doctor excused herself.

"Great! I'll be right back with a few wheel chairs."

Wheeling into the observation room, the princess were greeted by the empress. Behind her was a backdrop of streaming lines of white light, seen through the windows.

"I am glad you all came." she beckoned them closer to the windows.

"What are those streams of light you highness?" Cadance asked.

"They are the light reflected by the stars. We are traveling so quickly, that the ones in front of us, appear very bright, and become dimmer as we pass by them."

"To think we are going that fast.. Its hard to comprehend" Celestia commented.

Nodding in understanding, the empress continued;

"You will be able to see the change immediately when we come to a stop before the gate. Then... We will travel even faster than that, as we pass through."

"How does that work your highness?" Twilight asked.

"It joins two points in space, side by side. In the places where they are relocated, the space around it is compressed, making a void where the other point can coexist next to that location in space. Both sides perform this feat. To say, If one could pass through a mirror, the glass would be the filling of the void made. The air that once took up its place, pushed away in front and behind. Where the glass itself is actually located at the opposite end. All this is done with the fabric of space, and not air of course."
"As one pushes through that 'glass', they come out in the space surrounding its opposite end."

"Impressive" was all Twilight could say.

The empress's ear twitching, she put her hoof to the communicator;

"Thank you captain" she said. Turning to the princesses, she directed them to the windows.

"If you will look to where the lights are originating, and keep watch, you will see our speed drop and the gateway come into view."

As she finished her words, that exact thing happened. The lights became slower and shorter, until they appeared to no longer be moving. A tiny ring appearing in front of them, getting larger as they approached.

"It is time. I ask you all to put the rings Pulse gave you, on." She asked, dawning her own upon her horn.

Looking around, she saw they all had them on, even Steady Pulse. Reaching to her ear again, she spoke to the pony she was before;

"We are prepared captain. Proceed at your discretion" She ordered.

The tiny ring now much larger, began to emit a soft glow around its perimeter.
As the ship got closer, the true size of it became apparent to the ponies in the observation room.

"This thing must be as big as the castle grounds.." Celestia said with wonder.

"It's really close to that, I'd say" Twilight gaped.

With the ring beginning to pass out of the windows view, the princesses held their breath.
Finally needing to breath again, they took another deep breath.

All at once, it looked like the stars had changed places, like they had blinked.

A few moments later, Moon tapping her comm link again, nodded;
"We are through. In those few moments, the whole ship traveled more than a three months journey. Or nine months, at the speed we were previously traveling. You may now remove your rings" She said taking hers off.

"That's it?! It was like a blink! I thought we were going to feel like an arrow flying through the air or something!" Twilight cried.

Suppressing a laugh, Moon told her "Not all powerful things are a flashy spectacle, your highness. Some times, it looks quite benign to the eyes. Though here we are. In a moment however, you will see us accelerate to a speed much faster than we were traveling all this time."

The ship having turned to port, came to a halt. Then, it accelerated greatly; The pinpoints of light, stretching to solid fading lines.

"I never tire of seeing that.. Ahem, we will be Earth side in twenty-two minutes" Moon followed up.

"Why is it called that your highness? Was it named after earth ponies?"

"That is a long historical question, princess. Much longer that twenty minutes. However to put it shortly; no, at least not specifically. When it got that name, ponies were not in the minds of the name-ers." the empress answered Luna's question.

While the empress was answering Cadance's question about the empire's governing autonomy, the light show outside settled down. The streams of light returning back into pinpoints, framing a tiny blue dot at the center of their view.

"Ah, here we are" the empress declared.
As the blue dot became bigger, a small moon could be seen. As they got closer to it, Luna nodded her approval;

"It's good to see you have inherited my good sense of taste."

If the others didn't comprehend what Luna was talking about, the empress didn't notice, nor care. She was swelling with pride in this moment.

Entering orbit of the blue marble, the empress announced;

"Everypony.. Family and friends; I welcome you to Earth. My home, and the heart of the StarLight Empire." Taking a moment to soak in the moment, she continued
"Here, you will find ponies friendly, loving, and very welcoming. Though you may be arriving as refugees, I trust you will find your stay here heartwarming and fulfilling. If and when you desire to return to Equus, we hope that you will remember us fondly. Should you desire to make this world, or any of its many colonies your home.. I, we, welcome you with open arms, and wings."

The empress bowed, then arose with a tearful smile "It is a dream come true to have you here. Thank you, all of you. Thank you for being here, with us, and me."

Author's Note

So ends Part 2, a positive ending to a mission with a dark turn of events.

Part 3 is a tad lighter in theme as the princesses make their return to Equestria, though it will not be easy for them, the Empire included.
It became a story of dubiousness and cost as it went on.
Motivations turned out to be less cut-and-dried as the details were laid out at the end.
Were the bad ponies entirely wrong, or the natural result of their bad life experiences? Do they deserve what they got for their actions?
That is for you to decide. :scootangel: