Transference: Epitome of Darkness

I listened with loose attention to what Opaline had to say about the past, while following what was happening on the screen in front of me with much more interest; a birds-eye view from one of her magical familiars, showing how little Misty was trying to start a conversation with one of the locals of Maretime Bay.

My equine order would probably take a while if this continued the way it did. I sighed deeply.

However, I had to acknowledge how convenient this new magic was for me. It felt like suddenly being in possession of Odin's raven spies, a decent reason to keep my host's mind and magical talent around for a while longer since I couldn't use them without her, unfortunately.

While this new gimmick was interesting, I soon became restless and rather impatient, so I interrupted the little storytelling in my mind. I didn't need all the little details for now. After all, there were other things that took precedence after being imprisoned for so long.

"-So... to summarize this," I said aloud, still looking at the screen in front, gesturing with my hooves to zoom in for a closer look. "The remaining elements and Luna had been instructed by Starlight Glimmer to physically split up the Unity Crystals and the tribes, to strengthen Twilight's spell, and to try and keep the ponies united despite it, since any discord between them would weaken the seal on me also." I waited a moment for any remarks, but none came. "Well, that sounds like it must have been quite the ordeal for them, huh?" I snickered in delight and wondered what it must have felt like for the interracial couples. "What about the fights you showed me... Princess Luna, where is she now?"

There was a short moment of silence in my mind before the inner voice spoke again. "I'm afraid I don't know where Princess Luna is. She went into exile voluntarily a few decades after your banishment," Opaline answered. "Many ponies had been defiant and were against splitting up, including the Element of Loyalty and later founder of Zephyr Heights. They blamed Luna for what had happened, and her forcing the split by any means necessary didn't help her popularity and the already fragile friendship bonds during the aftermath of your reign. She had become very different from the beloved princess she once was, bitter and without power to calm the minds in the nights. Thus, the alienation between the tribes became inevitable, leading to an undesired weakening of the spell. I contributed to it to the best of my abilities by sabotaging the elements, but it seemed she had already done more than enough harm on her own. I believe your banishment was supposed to last longer and that they hoped of a possible return of magic without you... that Princess Twilight's sacrifice would suffice."

It didn't feel like she was lying or keeping any noteworthy details from me. However, I couldn't help but notice her watching Misty with almost as much interest during her little recapitulation.

"Misty's not really trying, is she?" I asked out of the blue, not acknowledging what she had said about the past.

Startled, Opaline answered, "Y-You see, Misty is not really used to-"

I didn't want to hear excuses. "No, she's not even trying. It's quite obvious." I sighed once more while massaging my temple with my right front hoof. It felt good. Oh, how I missed touching stuff. "Anyway, do ponies remember? Do they know what this was all for?"

"They're naive little ponies who have known nothing but peace for almost a thousand years. I'm afraid you've become more of a legend than true history, a fairy tale." Opaline paused, and I felt strong negative feelings coming from her towards me. "They can't comprehend what happened during that time, despite the recordings left behind. I believe they are unprepared for your return."

I thought about that for a while. Did these damn ponies just banish me only for somepony else having to take care of the problem now? I highly doubted that was Twilight's intention, but then again, I did feel some blockades in my mind from the purple one's blabbering. Was that a symptom of a failed spell, only a silly reformation attempt? There must've been more to it.

Well, only one way to find out. I still had questions that needed answers, but I had enough of this for now. Eager for fun, I spread my wings and buckled my back like a cat as I stretched my new alicorn body. With a flick of my head I shot a magic flare into the screen, making it disappear into nothingness.

"What are you doing?"

I entertained her inquiry. "Oh, I think Misty needs some help with my request, don't you think?" I laughed as I flew out of the castle, enjoying the fresh wind in my mane as I did. "Let's make them believe again... make them feel once more."

I couldn't restrain myself any longer. This new world was now all mine to play with.