Author's Note

Reading the Prologue is NOT required for understanding the story.

It is simply here for extra context if it is wanted.

Prologue

I think back to that night at the castle almost every night. The crackling of thunder in the distance, the pelting sounds of the rain falling on the castle roof, and the sounds of his laughter as he took the throne. It was the same as my sister’s, only much more sinister and filled with evil intent. Once again, I was faced with a choice. The choice to allow Equestria to fall…or save it by sacrificing somepony I love. Just like when my sister turned into Nightmare Moon. Only this time, it was my significant other.

I recount that night often. I play it in my head over and over. With my sister, I was able to get over it. I knew that someday my sister would return. However, when it comes to him, I knew that he was too far gone to allow him to return. I wonder if it could have gone differently. Maybe if I treated him differently, or had done something else, perhaps I would not have to do what I did. But alas, as many times as I play through it, I come to the same conclusion. There was no other choice.

I remember standing in front of the gates of Canterlot. Back then, it was a heavily fortified city. Smaller than it is today, however much more secure. Behind me was my army, only two hundred pegasus guards strong, facing off against one thousand of Prince Terrenus’ finest soldiers. I knew that the chance of my army’s victory was slim, but still, I had to free my people. Prince Terrenus could not be allowed to take siege of the new castle. It had only been three months since the banishment of my sister, but Canterlot had already grown to be the most powerful city in all of Equestria. If Prince Terrenus were to seize it, then Equestria would be lost.

Led by my greatest Commander, Steelhoof, my army charged into the city, busting down the golden gates. Many of my soldiers took to the sky but were struck down by Prince Terrenus’ incredible powers. Hiding within the castle walls, he used dark magic to take down waves of my army with ease. My army began dropping like flies. I tried to help, doing my part as a leader. But even with my power, the army of Prince Terrenus was enchanted with Dark Magic. Even to me, they were a force to be reckoned with. Steelhoof galloped up to me in a state of panic, “Princess,” he said in haste, “His army is too powerful. Perhaps we should retreat.”

I turned to Steelhoof with a stern look, “No, we mustn't allow Terrenus to take control of Canterlot. He’s already taken over Unicorn Range and Foal Mountain. If Canterlot falls, nothing will stop him from taking over the Crystal Mountains and Frozen North,” I turned towards the Canterlot Castle, carefully weighing my options before acting, “We must strike here and now. This conflict must end tonight.”

“But, Your Highness, I don’t think we have the numbers or power to defeat the evil Prince,” Steelhoof said, taking his helmet off and holding it to his chest, “What are we going to do?”

I looked to my wings and used my magic to pull out my last resort, “I have a little something that will turn the tide of this war,” I revealed to Steelhoof the three Unity Gems.

Steelhoof’s eyes widened as they fell on the Unity Gems, “The Unity Gems…”

“Unfortunately, Prince Terrenus has taken the Elements of Harmony, which means our last resort is the Unity Gems,” I said as I placed the Unity Gems back under my wing, “I know I can count on you to lead this army to greatness.”

“Of course, Princess. But…what are you going to do?” Steelhoof asked, putting his helmet back onto his head.

I looked at the throne room of the castle, “I’ll confront Prince Terrenus on my own. I’ll put an end to his tyranny once and for all. And Equestria can finally be at peace.”

Sleelhoof places a hoof on his brow, saluting to me, “Good luck, Princess.”

I spread my wings as far apart as I could. The length of Alicorn's wings is incredible, so my presence was very apparent. The size is not just for show, as soon as I flapped my wings, I was sent flying towards the throne room at an incredible speed, the likes of which would put a professional pegasus flier to shame. Many of Prince Terrenus’ soldiers tried to stop me, but with my alicorn magic, I swiftly took care of them.

It was not long before I crashed through one of the windows of the hall where the throne is. I closed my eyes to protect them from the shattered glass as I landed on the red carpet on the floor. I stood up tall and opened my eyes to see…Prince Terrenus, sitting on the throne. “Well well well, I didn’t think you’d leave your army behind and come charging horn first into my throne. Incredibly brave of you, Princess Celestia,” Prince Terrenus sniggered.

“Prince Terrenus, please, stop this madness,” I said, stepping forward.

“Why are you so opposed to my rule, Celestia?” Prince Terrenus asked with a scowl, getting up from his sitting position, “I am merely trying to liberate Equestria from the foolish ways that you have adopted.”

“The ponies of Equestria are happy under the rule that I have subjected them to. What you seek to create is a world that guarantees everypony will be unhappy. Please, Terrenus,” I pleaded, showing a more vulnerable side to myself. My face and voice softened, trying to appeal to whatever good in Terrenus that was left, “Give up this foolish conquest of domination. Don’t end up like my sister, please.”

“THAT’S PRINCE TERRENUS TO YOU, Celestia!” Terrenus snapped, leaning toward me with an aggressive stare. He began walking down the carpet and towards me, “I aim to grant us a utopia. A world where alicorns are praised. A world where we are worshiped like gods! As alicorns, it is our birthright.”

“That is not the kind of Kingdom I want to rule over. It’s not right,” I said, stomping my hoof down, “Now I am asking you one last time, please. Stand down.”

“NEVER!!!” Prince Terrenus roared as he blasted a magic beam at me. I was barely able to dodge it by sidestepping.

I had to act quickly as Terrenus proceeded to fire a barrage of beams toward me. I spread my wings and flew across the room, dodging the beams of magic. As I landed back on the ground, I took out the Unity Gems and held them in front of myself. Terrenus’ face shifted from a scowling smirk to one of fear as he backed up. “Wh-Where did you get those?!” Terrenus asked in fear.

“You may have taken the Elements of Harmony, but you failed to remember about the Unity Gems. I’m sorry, Terrenus,” I said as I began getting choked up, “You left me with no other choice than to use these.”

Terrenus scowled, “You can’t keep this up, Celestia. No matter what you do to me, I will come back!”

I kept silent as I activated the Unity Gems. Magic bursted from my horn and shot into the Unity Gems. From the three Unity Gems, three beams of magic shot out and toward Terrenus. His face twisted in fear as a Blue, Yellow, and Red light twisted around him, encompassing his body. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I watched. Before his face was covered, Terrenus looked at me one final time before smirking, “It’s a wonder how you always lose everypony you care about.”

My eyes widened as he said this. My heart shattered. The magic overtook his body, making it disappear as the magic shot out of the window I broke through, trapping him within the stars in the sky. I collapsed to the ground, breaking down into tears. The words he said hurt more than any magical attack could. “I’m sorry, Terrenus,” I cried. Just like my sister, I had to banish the pony I loved away to protect the citizens of Equestria. The very next morning, there was a large celebration of my victory. ‘The Prince is gone, long live Princess Celestia’ they chanted in the streets. However, for me, there was no cause for celebration. Once again, I had lost a pony I loved dearly. Was it me? Did I cause this? Had I only treated Luna better, had I only treated Terrenus better.

Of course, there was no way to change what happened. I had to live with that. I had to move on. But I don’t think I ever will. Almost one thousand years have passed since that day. Fall is coming to Equestria and the return of Terrenus draws near. I fear that this time, I will not have the strength to stop him. But maybe somepony will…