Where Dark and Light don't Differby MellowSoulChaptersMoving DayApple HatThree over FourMoving DayAuthor's Note The title came from Immortal's fourth song on At the Heart of Winter. I had to include metal references. What'd you expect? I'm tweaking Celestia and Luna's personalities to be more filly-ish and lighthearted than their canon counterparts. Some of the inspiration came from my original novel, Dragon of Grace. The characters are supposed to be more good-natured and heroic in the vein of classic Superman and Dragon Ball Z. Also the AU tag is there because this is set in a modern timeline where ponies replicated human tech. Moving Day Down south, betwixt the dendrology of Veritas Lane, a limousine scuttled along the dirt path in. Through the branches, a log cabin came into view. It wasn't particularly fancy, at least on the outside, but for Celestia and Luna, it would work quite nicely. Next to the structure lay a pond, filled with fish and ripe for harvest. The limo crawled to a stop. Now that Twilight had taken over as ruler of Equestria, this would be the last time they spoke with their driver. Like all things, it had to be a magical moment - one he would remember for the rest of his days. "This is it, ladies," he stated, "Your last stop." "It's beautiful," Luna stated, "Truly a place of peace in this world of madness. The humans would agree, no?" "I believe so," Celestia confirmed, "To think. A millennia of unparalleled rule has come to a close." "Do not despair. Twilight is your disciple. Our subjects are in capable hooves. Perhaps one day, she may surpass you as well." "I suppose when you're used to something, letting go feels strange - even distressing to a degree." "Our subjects will always be there. We can come and go as we please. We are truly free." "You're right. Now we can finally talk to others as equals. The restraints of responsibility have at last been severed." "Not quite." Luna corrected, veering her gaze toward Sylvester. Celestia took the hint, levitating a bag of bits in their chaperone's direction. "You've served us well these many years. We've had many assistants during our lifetimes, but only you have lived to see this day. Your ancestors would be proud. May your family rejoice a long and bountiful existence." "My pleasure, your highnesses." "Farewell," Luna dismissed, "May we find each other again someday." "I look forward to it." The Alicorns exited the vehicle, waving goodbye as Sylvester drove away. In many ways, he was as much a mentor to them as they were to him. "Well," Luna questioned, "What shall we do?" "I don't know about you, but I could go for a shower and a change of clothes." "Sounds good to me." Inside, the sisters looked around. For months, they'd gathered their belongings, making room for new additions as necessary. The interior came with all the bells and whistles - a TV, computers, game consoles, a kitchen, a restroom, and a bedroom upstairs. They considered redecorating somewhat when they were settled in. "Would you like to go first Luna?" "I'd be delighted." The pair headed for their wardrobe. Each section was divided according to the siblings' tastes. As expected, Luna preferred a darker tone, extracting a Katatonia t-shirt, black jeans, and a pair of steel-toed boots. Celestia's style wasn't far removed from her sister's, though she opted for brighter, more colorful variations. She chose a white In Flames shirt, cobalt pants, and black converse sneakers. From the moment they heard their first metal CD, they were hooked. The style, the music: everything resonated with them on a deep, spiritual level, exuding a power unlike anything before, and of course, there was always room for class. "Don't take too long. I'd like some warm water too if I can help it." "No promises!" "I see the spoiled brat's come out to play." "I can't help it. It's part of my charm." "Oh, please. You and I both know I could schmooze circles around you." "I seem to recall one of us being courted by far more stallions." "Not my fault I don't have dream powers. Plus, I understand the full meaning of responsibility. You were gone a thousand years, you know. I didn't exactly have time to romp around with whoever." "May I remind you it was you who banished me? Being stuck on a rock for a millennia wasn't exactly my idea of a good time." "In my defense, you were a jealous tyrant, and we didn't know nightclubs were a thing." "To think all I had to do was wait. Would've saved us a whole lotta stress." "The human world definitely spiced things up, that's for sure." "Good thing Twilight's a genius. Without her, we'd have to keep going back for all this. If she hadn't taken notes, we'd still be in the dark ages. Then again, it seems humans still are. I never understood what drove them mad. All their advancement, yet barbarism still lives." "They possess limitations we as magical creatures do not. Humans have to circumvent their issues in creative ways, whereas we can solve ours in a matter of days at most. When problems arise and the solutions take time, people grow frustrated and feel the need to act. The key to their salvation lies in focus and ingenuity. Compassion alone can only aid so far." "Perhaps we should task Twilight with aiding them as well. Times are tough there. We took this from them. The least we can do is return the favor." "I'll submit a formal request. I doubt she'd turn down a plea from old friends. I'm sure Flash or Spike can fill in while she figures out a plan." "I assume she'd do the same. Given proper time, she's always found a way." "Well, we shouldn't waste daylight. After we change, we'll grab something to eat and fish for a while. It's been a long day. We can finally unwind and relax." Celestia made hot dogs and chips for dinner. She and Luna watched a film titled Resurrection: an investigative horror movie about a serial killer reconstructing the body of Christ. After gathering their gear, they headed outside. Luna took a stereo with a CD popped into the tray - Eucharist's sophomore record Mirror Worlds. Melodic death metal had quickly become their go-to style, often lulling them to sleep on quiet nights. Compared to other genres, it was far more calming - more focused. The blend of brutality and tranquility made life seem more bearable during bad days. Fortunately, those were few and far between in their world. The pair discussed plans to record a demo. They wanted to try something similar to Dance of December Souls, only faster and thrashier. They started with what tuning they should write for. "I vote C Sharp," Luna stated, "It's uncommon compared to other frequencies." "True, but it's not as melodic. E, D, C and B sound better on open chords." "Not necessarily. Remember Silverstein? It's not the tuning that matters, but the keys around it. Throw in some legato and it sounds like anything else." "Fair enough." Luna's rod began to vibrate. Based on tug strength, she'd caught a big one. "Quickly! Help me!" Combining their magic and physical prowess, the sisters pulled their snack to the surface. "Looks like it ate the other fish." Celestia teased. "More for us." "Didn't you just eat?" "Look who's talking, cake-butt." "What can I say? It's the finest delicacy in all the seven seas." "Let's store it before it gets away." "Roger." Apple HatAuthor's Note Some scenes might get serious at certain points. Talking about real-world issues helps bridge the gap between scenes. Metal's always been in your face about uncomfortable topics. May as well follow suit if it helps the story along. Apple Hat The next morning, Celestia and Luna brushed their manes before breakfast. Even though they weren't particularly concerned about age or metabolism, they wanted to start eating healthier, save for specific occasions. It was a matter of self-care more than anything. Luna took an apple from the table, skewering it with her horn. "'Tia, look! I'm Applejack!" Celestia burst into laughter, falling on the floor like Pinkie Pie used to. "Don't tell her! She'll curbstomp your ass!" The elder mare picked herself off the ground. Luna removed the apple, levitating it toward her snout. She took a bite. The sweetness bordered on diabetic. "Juicy." "You a shinigami now?" "I already dress like one." "Touché." "We should spruce this place up when we're done. It's a bit dull, wouldn't you say?" "I think we've never agreed more. We've got a few boxes left to unpack. Just need the right music first." "I got you covered." Luna pulled a copy of Immortal's album At the Heart of Winter from her back pocket. The middle of fall was upon them. Nightmare Night would arrive within the next several weeks. Even though no one would see them, the sisters figured they should put up a few trinkets. At least it would look more festive. "Hard to believe this whole album is written in standard. It's heavy as fuck!" "It's almost like power metal, but less cheesy. The music's still clearly from a D&D campaign." "If only the earthlings knew." "I'd rather they not. With all the political stuff going on, I suspect it would end badly - especially for us." "Understandable. One thing that cannot be understated is humanity's propensity for greed. I shudder to think how they would use our power." "You're doing it again." "You know my mind. I can only stave off the dark thoughts for so long." "Why don't we get started? Should help keep you occupied: at least for a little while." "Sounds like a plan." Celestia and Luna put up old picture frames and halloween decor, taking breaks to jam with the music. Celestia tuned their instruments to the desired pitch, practicing riffs reminiscent of The Automata and Pantera. Cemetery Gates held so much more meaning after '04. While she wasn't as skilled as her sister, her technique was nothing to scoff at. "You've gotten better," Luna complimented, "At this rate, you'll catch up to me in no time." "Eh. I'm not interested in recording guitar. Most bands these days use double or triple players for a robust sound. I think you being the sole lead makes us sound more unique. In some respects, it's closer to classic bands." "Guess I can't argue with that. The cabin in the woods fits the black metal vibe. Now we just need snow and we'll be in Scandinavia." "Yeah - all grim and frostbitten." "You think Frozen was inspired by Immortal?" "Probably." "We'll start writing in a few days. I wanna relax for a bit first. We've got all this cool stuff. No sense letting it go to waste." "I hear you." The sisters read together for a while, watching TV before firing up their computers. Part of their privacy entailed a lack of internet, reducing their options to local storage for media. They each grabbed a hard drive and controller. The drives were loaded with emulators, games, TV shows, books, movies, comics, and music among other forms of entertainment. The only drawback was, they couldn't use guides if they got stuck. Luckily they had Twilight if they needed help. "Have you read Dragon of Grace yet?" Luna questioned. "Not yet. We were too busy with the move to focus on anything else." "It's the reason I'm so obsessed with retro tech. I hired a team of engineers to customize our operating systems. There are plenty of features crammed into both the hardware and software. Now that we're stuck together, we can communicate in fun and interesting ways." "You mean like secret languages when we were children?" "In a sense. There's a program we can use by connecting our PCs with an ethernet cable. It's a completely closed circuit that's impossible to hack. That's how Maria played Quake and Doom with Emily." "So this is it, huh? Our lives...?" "Is this how you want things to be? We can always rejoin society." Celestia shook her head. "That's not it. I was just thinking." "About what?" "Ever since you came back, we've been closer than ever. It's just that...I've often found myself wondering. In another life, would we have been lovers...?" Luna's face turned crimson. She was confused how to feel. Flattered? Angry? Concerned? In truth, she'd wondered the same thing, but it wasn't something they could talk about. Under most circumstances, anyone asked that would feel unsafe. She couldn't be too upset though. Living alone was bound to send anyone into places they shouldn't be. Celestia had never shown herself to be a threat, save for Daybreaker's brief intrusion. Maybe it was okay to be honest this time. "It's possible. Perhaps it's even likely. I admit, I've had my share of rather...Unconventional....Thought processes: especially in my subconscious, but you understand why such feelings raise alarm, don't you?" "Of course, but denial would serve us no better. Acknowledging an issue is the only way to move past it." "Now it has been. From this point on, all discussion of such matters is off limits. There are boundaries even gods should not cross. If you must explore them, do so in my absence. Likewise, I shall do the same. Are we clear?" "Yes. Absolutely." "Now, then. Let us explore the worlds contained within the minds of man. The dawn of days eternal now awaits." "Thank you, Luna." Three over FourAuthor's Note I often make chapter titles intentionally cryptic to suggest a deeper meaning. This one's a reference to a conspiracy promoted by Tim Pool called the Fourth Turning. Given the absolute chaos that is the world today, I thought it fitting, albeit unrelated to reality or the chapter itself. Three over Four Temperatures began to drop as the days grew shorter and quieter. Celestia and Luna added hoodies to their newly-casual attire - a black for the latter and a white for the former. No longer worried about maintaining eye contact, they stopped trimming their manes, allowing their locks to conceal their emotions. After recording their demo Circadia, they contemplated what to do next. Luna suggested they cover a song from the early 2000s and record it as a music video. The one she picked was regarded as a classic in the human world. Celestia would take over vocals for the project. They'd have to use a drum track to achieve the desired effect. On the day of the 21st, they got to work. The camera blurred as it struggled to maintain focus. Leaves brushed past Celestia, falling toward the earth as their colors slowly changed. In the background, Luna hid her face further under her hood, gripping her bass which had been tuned half a step to Drop D. Following a brief countdown, they let loose, opening with the first chords of Killswitch Engage's The End of Heartache. However, for their version, they made a significant alteration, exchanging palm mutes for an extended legato style prolonged by sustain. The result was dissonant - melancholic. Celestia used her magic to reach the notes she couldn't play. Things were going well until she stepped too close to the camera, unplugging her amp and throwing the whole groove off. "Well, that's unfortunate." Luna chuckled. Though she appeared calm, Celestia imagined eating the guitar in a fit of blind rage. If not for proper oral hygiene, those years of sweets would've rotted her teeth. Luckily, Alicorn bone structure was dense enough to cut through solid steel. She jabbed at Luna's mother, who was also her mother. The mare's bout of insanity grew increasingly comedic as her sibling watched in awe. "They weren't looking for the Blair Witch. They were looking for shitty electronics." "Unravel thine dairy glands, sister. We'll do another take." "Nope. Forget it. The moment's ruined. My fangirl dreams have been dashed." "And I thought Shakespeare was dramatic." "Where's my binky!? I'm going inside to watch SpongeBob!" "Come on. Let's try again." "Ugh! Fine!" A few attempts later, the recording was done. Luna saved the footage to an SD card. They had a plan to upload it without giving away their hideout. Back home in Neo-Canterlot, Twilight oversaw her servants while they decorated for the season. Spike stood next to her, stone-faced and silent. They'd both matured during their stay in Ponyville. Everything they'd seen, everything they'd done, and in an instant, it was all over. Their lives would never be the same... "Candygram." A familiar voice echoed. Everyone turned to see the source of its origin. "P...Princess Celestia!?" Twilight squeaked. "Guess the new look's a bit of a shock. Might help to know I didn't come alone." Luna appeared from behind her sister. If not for their more immutable characteristics, they would've been utterly unrecognizable. "Is it really you!?" "Killer clothes," Spike praised, "Where'd you get 'em?" "Oh, we've been building our stash for a while," Celestia revealed, "Renouncing our titles comes with its own set of perks. How've you guys been?" "O...Kay," Twilight hesitated, "What's with the new get-up?" "Remember when we sampled the items you collected from Earth?" "Must've found something you liked." "You could say that." Twilight wrapped the former monarch in loving embrace. There was no mistaking it. They were real. "It's good to see you again." "You too, my faithful student. Come. We have much to discuss." "Let me tell Flash. I'm sure he'll be happy to see you back." "Of course." Twilight, Spike, Celestia, and Luna took the train to Ponyville. The extra time would allow them to plot logistics for upcoming celebrations. "What happened to you guys," Twilight inquired, "You look like something out of one of those magazines I used to see in stores." "It's a long story," Celestia explained, "To sum things up, the deeper we delved into Earth's technology, the more obsessed we became with their creativity. While you were working on the internet, we were deciding what to take with us." "Sneaky. Sounds like something a changeling would do." "That's actually why we came back. We were wondering if you could upload something for us." "Mind if I ask what?" "We brought the footage with us." The queen and dragon examined closely as their predecessors unleashed a torrent of auditory onslaught. It was haunting...Magical...Beautiful... "Incredible..." "Now do you see? We're finally able to be our true selves - no need for outward elegance or expected formalities. We can cut loose and just have fun." "I can tell. Your posture's far more relaxed." "I could be wrong," Spike pointed out, "but you look a little leaner than before. You guys been workin' out?" "Glad you noticed. We started a regimen based on the novel Dragon of Grace. Are you familiar with it?" "No," Twilight admitted, "I can't say we are." "The author wrote it during a period of existential depression. I believe his name is Kyle." "Interesting. I'll have to look into it. I don't have much time to read anymore. It's kind of sad, honestly." "You know if you need help, you can always ask." "That would be wonderful. Speaking of reading though, there've been stories popping up online since you disappeared." "Stories?" "Horror fiction called creepypasta. They're short stories that usually end in a flurry of blood and gore. For whatever reason, kids online like painting you guys as deranged psychopaths. It's almost insulting to tell you the truth." "They're just getting in the spirit of the holiday. Most of the colts and fillies we knew are teenagers now. They're gonna start getting into mischief unsupervised." "Well, I guess if you're okay with it, I can't really complain. Maybe now that you're here, the narratives will evolve a bit." "Evolution. That's the ultimate goal, right?" Twilight was stunned, taken aback by her former tutor's insight. Even from a goddess, those words were shocking to hear. Had she been holding out this whole time...? One by one, the sisters gathered Twilight's friends, stopping at Sweet Apple Acres where there was plenty of room to talk in peace. There was a second reason for their visit. They wanted to invite everyone to their place for Halloween. "Our world has changed a great deal since human knowledge became available to us. Though it may seem they've lost their minds, to paraphrase The Wedding Singer, we're reaping all the benefits. That's why we're asking you to join us on this night of debauchery. The souls of the dead call to our hallowed lands. It's our duty to see them off another year." "Sure," Spike said non-chalantly, "Been lookin' for a reason to show off my movies." The dragon crossed his legs, wobbling in a jelly-like fashion. Apple Bloom recognized the Peanuts reference. "I suppose a break wouldn't hurt," Twilight agreed, "Just keep the cider away from these fools." "No promises." "Hey," Luna protested, "That's my line!"
Moving DayAuthor's Note The title came from Immortal's fourth song on At the Heart of Winter. I had to include metal references. What'd you expect? I'm tweaking Celestia and Luna's personalities to be more filly-ish and lighthearted than their canon counterparts. Some of the inspiration came from my original novel, Dragon of Grace. The characters are supposed to be more good-natured and heroic in the vein of classic Superman and Dragon Ball Z. Also the AU tag is there because this is set in a modern timeline where ponies replicated human tech. Moving Day Down south, betwixt the dendrology of Veritas Lane, a limousine scuttled along the dirt path in. Through the branches, a log cabin came into view. It wasn't particularly fancy, at least on the outside, but for Celestia and Luna, it would work quite nicely. Next to the structure lay a pond, filled with fish and ripe for harvest. The limo crawled to a stop. Now that Twilight had taken over as ruler of Equestria, this would be the last time they spoke with their driver. Like all things, it had to be a magical moment - one he would remember for the rest of his days. "This is it, ladies," he stated, "Your last stop." "It's beautiful," Luna stated, "Truly a place of peace in this world of madness. The humans would agree, no?" "I believe so," Celestia confirmed, "To think. A millennia of unparalleled rule has come to a close." "Do not despair. Twilight is your disciple. Our subjects are in capable hooves. Perhaps one day, she may surpass you as well." "I suppose when you're used to something, letting go feels strange - even distressing to a degree." "Our subjects will always be there. We can come and go as we please. We are truly free." "You're right. Now we can finally talk to others as equals. The restraints of responsibility have at last been severed." "Not quite." Luna corrected, veering her gaze toward Sylvester. Celestia took the hint, levitating a bag of bits in their chaperone's direction. "You've served us well these many years. We've had many assistants during our lifetimes, but only you have lived to see this day. Your ancestors would be proud. May your family rejoice a long and bountiful existence." "My pleasure, your highnesses." "Farewell," Luna dismissed, "May we find each other again someday." "I look forward to it." The Alicorns exited the vehicle, waving goodbye as Sylvester drove away. In many ways, he was as much a mentor to them as they were to him. "Well," Luna questioned, "What shall we do?" "I don't know about you, but I could go for a shower and a change of clothes." "Sounds good to me." Inside, the sisters looked around. For months, they'd gathered their belongings, making room for new additions as necessary. The interior came with all the bells and whistles - a TV, computers, game consoles, a kitchen, a restroom, and a bedroom upstairs. They considered redecorating somewhat when they were settled in. "Would you like to go first Luna?" "I'd be delighted." The pair headed for their wardrobe. Each section was divided according to the siblings' tastes. As expected, Luna preferred a darker tone, extracting a Katatonia t-shirt, black jeans, and a pair of steel-toed boots. Celestia's style wasn't far removed from her sister's, though she opted for brighter, more colorful variations. She chose a white In Flames shirt, cobalt pants, and black converse sneakers. From the moment they heard their first metal CD, they were hooked. The style, the music: everything resonated with them on a deep, spiritual level, exuding a power unlike anything before, and of course, there was always room for class. "Don't take too long. I'd like some warm water too if I can help it." "No promises!" "I see the spoiled brat's come out to play." "I can't help it. It's part of my charm." "Oh, please. You and I both know I could schmooze circles around you." "I seem to recall one of us being courted by far more stallions." "Not my fault I don't have dream powers. Plus, I understand the full meaning of responsibility. You were gone a thousand years, you know. I didn't exactly have time to romp around with whoever." "May I remind you it was you who banished me? Being stuck on a rock for a millennia wasn't exactly my idea of a good time." "In my defense, you were a jealous tyrant, and we didn't know nightclubs were a thing." "To think all I had to do was wait. Would've saved us a whole lotta stress." "The human world definitely spiced things up, that's for sure." "Good thing Twilight's a genius. Without her, we'd have to keep going back for all this. If she hadn't taken notes, we'd still be in the dark ages. Then again, it seems humans still are. I never understood what drove them mad. All their advancement, yet barbarism still lives." "They possess limitations we as magical creatures do not. Humans have to circumvent their issues in creative ways, whereas we can solve ours in a matter of days at most. When problems arise and the solutions take time, people grow frustrated and feel the need to act. The key to their salvation lies in focus and ingenuity. Compassion alone can only aid so far." "Perhaps we should task Twilight with aiding them as well. Times are tough there. We took this from them. The least we can do is return the favor." "I'll submit a formal request. I doubt she'd turn down a plea from old friends. I'm sure Flash or Spike can fill in while she figures out a plan." "I assume she'd do the same. Given proper time, she's always found a way." "Well, we shouldn't waste daylight. After we change, we'll grab something to eat and fish for a while. It's been a long day. We can finally unwind and relax." Celestia made hot dogs and chips for dinner. She and Luna watched a film titled Resurrection: an investigative horror movie about a serial killer reconstructing the body of Christ. After gathering their gear, they headed outside. Luna took a stereo with a CD popped into the tray - Eucharist's sophomore record Mirror Worlds. Melodic death metal had quickly become their go-to style, often lulling them to sleep on quiet nights. Compared to other genres, it was far more calming - more focused. The blend of brutality and tranquility made life seem more bearable during bad days. Fortunately, those were few and far between in their world. The pair discussed plans to record a demo. They wanted to try something similar to Dance of December Souls, only faster and thrashier. They started with what tuning they should write for. "I vote C Sharp," Luna stated, "It's uncommon compared to other frequencies." "True, but it's not as melodic. E, D, C and B sound better on open chords." "Not necessarily. Remember Silverstein? It's not the tuning that matters, but the keys around it. Throw in some legato and it sounds like anything else." "Fair enough." Luna's rod began to vibrate. Based on tug strength, she'd caught a big one. "Quickly! Help me!" Combining their magic and physical prowess, the sisters pulled their snack to the surface. "Looks like it ate the other fish." Celestia teased. "More for us." "Didn't you just eat?" "Look who's talking, cake-butt." "What can I say? It's the finest delicacy in all the seven seas." "Let's store it before it gets away." "Roger."
Apple HatAuthor's Note Some scenes might get serious at certain points. Talking about real-world issues helps bridge the gap between scenes. Metal's always been in your face about uncomfortable topics. May as well follow suit if it helps the story along. Apple Hat The next morning, Celestia and Luna brushed their manes before breakfast. Even though they weren't particularly concerned about age or metabolism, they wanted to start eating healthier, save for specific occasions. It was a matter of self-care more than anything. Luna took an apple from the table, skewering it with her horn. "'Tia, look! I'm Applejack!" Celestia burst into laughter, falling on the floor like Pinkie Pie used to. "Don't tell her! She'll curbstomp your ass!" The elder mare picked herself off the ground. Luna removed the apple, levitating it toward her snout. She took a bite. The sweetness bordered on diabetic. "Juicy." "You a shinigami now?" "I already dress like one." "Touché." "We should spruce this place up when we're done. It's a bit dull, wouldn't you say?" "I think we've never agreed more. We've got a few boxes left to unpack. Just need the right music first." "I got you covered." Luna pulled a copy of Immortal's album At the Heart of Winter from her back pocket. The middle of fall was upon them. Nightmare Night would arrive within the next several weeks. Even though no one would see them, the sisters figured they should put up a few trinkets. At least it would look more festive. "Hard to believe this whole album is written in standard. It's heavy as fuck!" "It's almost like power metal, but less cheesy. The music's still clearly from a D&D campaign." "If only the earthlings knew." "I'd rather they not. With all the political stuff going on, I suspect it would end badly - especially for us." "Understandable. One thing that cannot be understated is humanity's propensity for greed. I shudder to think how they would use our power." "You're doing it again." "You know my mind. I can only stave off the dark thoughts for so long." "Why don't we get started? Should help keep you occupied: at least for a little while." "Sounds like a plan." Celestia and Luna put up old picture frames and halloween decor, taking breaks to jam with the music. Celestia tuned their instruments to the desired pitch, practicing riffs reminiscent of The Automata and Pantera. Cemetery Gates held so much more meaning after '04. While she wasn't as skilled as her sister, her technique was nothing to scoff at. "You've gotten better," Luna complimented, "At this rate, you'll catch up to me in no time." "Eh. I'm not interested in recording guitar. Most bands these days use double or triple players for a robust sound. I think you being the sole lead makes us sound more unique. In some respects, it's closer to classic bands." "Guess I can't argue with that. The cabin in the woods fits the black metal vibe. Now we just need snow and we'll be in Scandinavia." "Yeah - all grim and frostbitten." "You think Frozen was inspired by Immortal?" "Probably." "We'll start writing in a few days. I wanna relax for a bit first. We've got all this cool stuff. No sense letting it go to waste." "I hear you." The sisters read together for a while, watching TV before firing up their computers. Part of their privacy entailed a lack of internet, reducing their options to local storage for media. They each grabbed a hard drive and controller. The drives were loaded with emulators, games, TV shows, books, movies, comics, and music among other forms of entertainment. The only drawback was, they couldn't use guides if they got stuck. Luckily they had Twilight if they needed help. "Have you read Dragon of Grace yet?" Luna questioned. "Not yet. We were too busy with the move to focus on anything else." "It's the reason I'm so obsessed with retro tech. I hired a team of engineers to customize our operating systems. There are plenty of features crammed into both the hardware and software. Now that we're stuck together, we can communicate in fun and interesting ways." "You mean like secret languages when we were children?" "In a sense. There's a program we can use by connecting our PCs with an ethernet cable. It's a completely closed circuit that's impossible to hack. That's how Maria played Quake and Doom with Emily." "So this is it, huh? Our lives...?" "Is this how you want things to be? We can always rejoin society." Celestia shook her head. "That's not it. I was just thinking." "About what?" "Ever since you came back, we've been closer than ever. It's just that...I've often found myself wondering. In another life, would we have been lovers...?" Luna's face turned crimson. She was confused how to feel. Flattered? Angry? Concerned? In truth, she'd wondered the same thing, but it wasn't something they could talk about. Under most circumstances, anyone asked that would feel unsafe. She couldn't be too upset though. Living alone was bound to send anyone into places they shouldn't be. Celestia had never shown herself to be a threat, save for Daybreaker's brief intrusion. Maybe it was okay to be honest this time. "It's possible. Perhaps it's even likely. I admit, I've had my share of rather...Unconventional....Thought processes: especially in my subconscious, but you understand why such feelings raise alarm, don't you?" "Of course, but denial would serve us no better. Acknowledging an issue is the only way to move past it." "Now it has been. From this point on, all discussion of such matters is off limits. There are boundaries even gods should not cross. If you must explore them, do so in my absence. Likewise, I shall do the same. Are we clear?" "Yes. Absolutely." "Now, then. Let us explore the worlds contained within the minds of man. The dawn of days eternal now awaits." "Thank you, Luna."
Three over FourAuthor's Note I often make chapter titles intentionally cryptic to suggest a deeper meaning. This one's a reference to a conspiracy promoted by Tim Pool called the Fourth Turning. Given the absolute chaos that is the world today, I thought it fitting, albeit unrelated to reality or the chapter itself. Three over Four Temperatures began to drop as the days grew shorter and quieter. Celestia and Luna added hoodies to their newly-casual attire - a black for the latter and a white for the former. No longer worried about maintaining eye contact, they stopped trimming their manes, allowing their locks to conceal their emotions. After recording their demo Circadia, they contemplated what to do next. Luna suggested they cover a song from the early 2000s and record it as a music video. The one she picked was regarded as a classic in the human world. Celestia would take over vocals for the project. They'd have to use a drum track to achieve the desired effect. On the day of the 21st, they got to work. The camera blurred as it struggled to maintain focus. Leaves brushed past Celestia, falling toward the earth as their colors slowly changed. In the background, Luna hid her face further under her hood, gripping her bass which had been tuned half a step to Drop D. Following a brief countdown, they let loose, opening with the first chords of Killswitch Engage's The End of Heartache. However, for their version, they made a significant alteration, exchanging palm mutes for an extended legato style prolonged by sustain. The result was dissonant - melancholic. Celestia used her magic to reach the notes she couldn't play. Things were going well until she stepped too close to the camera, unplugging her amp and throwing the whole groove off. "Well, that's unfortunate." Luna chuckled. Though she appeared calm, Celestia imagined eating the guitar in a fit of blind rage. If not for proper oral hygiene, those years of sweets would've rotted her teeth. Luckily, Alicorn bone structure was dense enough to cut through solid steel. She jabbed at Luna's mother, who was also her mother. The mare's bout of insanity grew increasingly comedic as her sibling watched in awe. "They weren't looking for the Blair Witch. They were looking for shitty electronics." "Unravel thine dairy glands, sister. We'll do another take." "Nope. Forget it. The moment's ruined. My fangirl dreams have been dashed." "And I thought Shakespeare was dramatic." "Where's my binky!? I'm going inside to watch SpongeBob!" "Come on. Let's try again." "Ugh! Fine!" A few attempts later, the recording was done. Luna saved the footage to an SD card. They had a plan to upload it without giving away their hideout. Back home in Neo-Canterlot, Twilight oversaw her servants while they decorated for the season. Spike stood next to her, stone-faced and silent. They'd both matured during their stay in Ponyville. Everything they'd seen, everything they'd done, and in an instant, it was all over. Their lives would never be the same... "Candygram." A familiar voice echoed. Everyone turned to see the source of its origin. "P...Princess Celestia!?" Twilight squeaked. "Guess the new look's a bit of a shock. Might help to know I didn't come alone." Luna appeared from behind her sister. If not for their more immutable characteristics, they would've been utterly unrecognizable. "Is it really you!?" "Killer clothes," Spike praised, "Where'd you get 'em?" "Oh, we've been building our stash for a while," Celestia revealed, "Renouncing our titles comes with its own set of perks. How've you guys been?" "O...Kay," Twilight hesitated, "What's with the new get-up?" "Remember when we sampled the items you collected from Earth?" "Must've found something you liked." "You could say that." Twilight wrapped the former monarch in loving embrace. There was no mistaking it. They were real. "It's good to see you again." "You too, my faithful student. Come. We have much to discuss." "Let me tell Flash. I'm sure he'll be happy to see you back." "Of course." Twilight, Spike, Celestia, and Luna took the train to Ponyville. The extra time would allow them to plot logistics for upcoming celebrations. "What happened to you guys," Twilight inquired, "You look like something out of one of those magazines I used to see in stores." "It's a long story," Celestia explained, "To sum things up, the deeper we delved into Earth's technology, the more obsessed we became with their creativity. While you were working on the internet, we were deciding what to take with us." "Sneaky. Sounds like something a changeling would do." "That's actually why we came back. We were wondering if you could upload something for us." "Mind if I ask what?" "We brought the footage with us." The queen and dragon examined closely as their predecessors unleashed a torrent of auditory onslaught. It was haunting...Magical...Beautiful... "Incredible..." "Now do you see? We're finally able to be our true selves - no need for outward elegance or expected formalities. We can cut loose and just have fun." "I can tell. Your posture's far more relaxed." "I could be wrong," Spike pointed out, "but you look a little leaner than before. You guys been workin' out?" "Glad you noticed. We started a regimen based on the novel Dragon of Grace. Are you familiar with it?" "No," Twilight admitted, "I can't say we are." "The author wrote it during a period of existential depression. I believe his name is Kyle." "Interesting. I'll have to look into it. I don't have much time to read anymore. It's kind of sad, honestly." "You know if you need help, you can always ask." "That would be wonderful. Speaking of reading though, there've been stories popping up online since you disappeared." "Stories?" "Horror fiction called creepypasta. They're short stories that usually end in a flurry of blood and gore. For whatever reason, kids online like painting you guys as deranged psychopaths. It's almost insulting to tell you the truth." "They're just getting in the spirit of the holiday. Most of the colts and fillies we knew are teenagers now. They're gonna start getting into mischief unsupervised." "Well, I guess if you're okay with it, I can't really complain. Maybe now that you're here, the narratives will evolve a bit." "Evolution. That's the ultimate goal, right?" Twilight was stunned, taken aback by her former tutor's insight. Even from a goddess, those words were shocking to hear. Had she been holding out this whole time...? One by one, the sisters gathered Twilight's friends, stopping at Sweet Apple Acres where there was plenty of room to talk in peace. There was a second reason for their visit. They wanted to invite everyone to their place for Halloween. "Our world has changed a great deal since human knowledge became available to us. Though it may seem they've lost their minds, to paraphrase The Wedding Singer, we're reaping all the benefits. That's why we're asking you to join us on this night of debauchery. The souls of the dead call to our hallowed lands. It's our duty to see them off another year." "Sure," Spike said non-chalantly, "Been lookin' for a reason to show off my movies." The dragon crossed his legs, wobbling in a jelly-like fashion. Apple Bloom recognized the Peanuts reference. "I suppose a break wouldn't hurt," Twilight agreed, "Just keep the cider away from these fools." "No promises." "Hey," Luna protested, "That's my line!"
