Chapters Chapter 1 (Updated 10/04)
The day was perfect, with the sky above a clear, endless blue on the journey from Canterlot. The only clouds in sight hugged the distant Foal Mountain, way beyond where anyone would bother looking on such a gorgeous day. Everything seemed to glow a bit brighter, feel a bit warmer, like the kind of day that could make anyone forget their troubles.
Under a sky so clear it seemed endless, painted in shades of the deepest blue, the sun held court. A fiery monarch, it bathed the world below in its glow. Its light played across vast fields of wheat, turning them into a sea of gold that stretched to the horizon. These golden waves swayed in a graceful dance, choreographed by the gentle whispers of a summer breeze.
Amongst this golden sea, small red and white cottages akin to tiny vessels afloat among the sea of wheat. To the south expanse, on the far-off horizon, verdant woodlands encircled the base of Foal Mountain, their foliage a deep, lush embrace against the earth. Serene rivers snaked through the pastoral expanse, their waters shimmering like liquid crystal under the sun's tender gaze, carving sinuous trails through the verdant and golden quilt that was the countryside.
Carving a path through the golden sea, a train hastened forth, its steely sinews humming a rhythmic tune as it cleaved through the countryside. Its passage stirred the still air, sending ripples across the land around.
The train, grand in stature, bore a mauve purple facade, its hull adorned with broad golden lines that waltzed gracefully upon itself, weaving a captivating pattern. Affixed at its forefront was a grandiose golden Sun.
In the parade of graceful wagons that followed, one giant stood outâa central wagon, majestic and grand, dwarfing its companions. It gleamed with an iridescent purple lustre, its metal infused with magic skin caressed by the sun's rays, casting reflections where gold and violet performed a delicate duet. Its flanks were decorated with elaborate bronze leaf filigree and a golden sun on each side , a bespoke sanctuary for the trio of ponies and the tiny drake ensconced in its royal interior.
"Luna... is everything alright?" a gentle, soothing voice inquired from her side once more.
Luna's ears caught the tender inquiry, tempting her to swivel around and respond, yet a ghostly whisper of a memory, elusive yet nagging, kept her gaze tethered to the spectacle outside. As she scanned the distant mountains across the endless golden sea, her thought was abruptly severed. Instead, her gaze re-fell upon the window before her, the world outside now a blurry dance of colours.
The vibrant, lively blur outside was momentarily disrupted by a sombre blue silhouette, her own reflection. Before she could dive deeper into the void of her own eyes, another voice, tender and young, almost childlike, grazed her ear, whispering with as little breath as possible, "Twilight, I think we should do something, sh- princess hasn't moved or even blinked for a long while now, this isnât good, right?" The whisper would be concealed from an ordinary pony, but the ones ears it meant to reach, but Luna was differentâŠ
âJust a little longer, focus, you've seen this before. What was it? The mountains, the sky, the fields, they all were a part of... of what? Is it this particular place? orâŠâ
Luna heard movement followed by a soft hoof touching her gently on her side. Though the touch was tender, it was unanticipated to happen so quickly. Perhaps a moment later and she would be ready, but oh well.
Turning she gazed upon a luxurious cabin with large white couches and a silver table, in this space she met the gaze of another who stood before her. Cadence, grace embodied, with her long, flowing mane of soft pink, purple, and gold, elegantly draping over her light pink coat. Her tiara glinted softly in the daylight streaming through the window, as her purple eyes fixed on Luna's blue teal eyes, harbouring an expression of slight shock at Luna's unexpected movement. Luna folded her wings neatly by her sides.
âMi am're cadenza, our apologies f'r our reaction, we has't been too concentrat'd on⊠reviewing the agricultural state of Ponyvilleâ Luna said softly âYond and the functionality of this machine, âtrainâ we w're toldeth t is named?â
"Yes, it is indeed called a train Luna," she said, her expression still carrying a trace of shock tinged with worry. "And this isn't Ponyvilleâwe passed it three hours ago. Remember? That's when we picked up Twilight, Spike and her friends?"
âElements of harmony, they are here?â
Cadence gestured gracefully with a wave of her wing, directing Luna's gaze to the opposite end of the cabin, where two figures were seated in attention on a plush sofa just like the one Luna was sitting: Twilight, the purple unicorn with her unmistakable indigo mane, and Spike, the small purple and green dragon, Twilight's faithful companion. The duo was engaged in observing the conversation before them without making unnecessary sounds, Twilight even seems attempting to hold her breath in order to reduce her already absent noise pollution.
'five hours? this canât be right? they just boarded with her friends after making that silly dance with Cadenza, or maybe it was so long ago? focus Luna! donât show weakness!'
Cadence's words, soft yet laden with concern, redirected Luna's gaze outward, through the window to the expansive Golden Fields. "We are actually now passing 'Golden Fields'," Cadence murmured, her gaze lingering on the vibrant landscape, "we're near Manehattan, hopefully, we will be there in two hoursâ
"Oh," Luna said, her voice barely above a hush,
Cadence's voice held a thread of light amusement as she regarded Luna with a soft, empathetic gaze. "And, Luna," she began anew, locking her gaze with the confused mare, "I thought we agreed to use our first names, with no titles and without 'the royal weâ? I know it's hard for such a⊠change andâ"
"We... I thank thee, Cadence," Luna interrupted. She attempted to smile, but even without a mirror, she knew it appeared insincere and perhaps pathetic in her opinion. "I shall endeavour to do so".
âWhy is it so hard, just smile, ti- Celestia always does it, why canât I do itâ
"Princess Luna, my apologies," Twilight finally spoke up after a lengthy silence, her nervousness evident. Her gaze couldn't fixate on either Luna or Cadence as she sought encouragement and acceptance to begin her conversation. After a quick smile from Cadance, she continued with a nervous smile herself, "But I also want to say... it might be, but it doesn't necessarily mean it is, and probably, of course, if you should choose to prefer the old Equestrian, that will not be an issue. On the other hoofâŠ" Twilight continued murmuring, her eyes now running more wild in an attempt to grasp her initial thought, but before she could continue ,Spike chimed in, helping to clarify "What Twilight is trying to say, Princess, is that most ponies will have trouble understanding you when you speak."
Luna understood the shifting tides of language and how centuries of cultural evolution and technological progress could transform communications. At the end of it all ⊠âits not like I have a choice to have my old life back after all â.
"I... am... aware," Luna started, her delivery deliberating, each word weighed with careful consideration. She grappled with her diction, striving not to entwine the regal cadences of Royal Everfree manner with the vernacular thriving among the common folk back in her day. 'Peasant Speech,' as certain nobility disdainfully referred to it before, had indeed permeated Equestria during her years of absence.
"I may require⊠additional time to acclimate to the peasâ" Luna caught herself with swift precision, hoping her swift correction went unnoticed, "âvernacular commonly used today. Nevertheless, I am thankful, Twilight Sparkle, and Spike the drake, for your thoughtful insights." She concluded her acknowledgement with a modest bow.
"Oh, no need to worry, Princess! We're here to help," Twilight said hastily, her words a nervous jumble. "We understand it's hard... or actually, we donât since you know (nervous laugh) ... butâ" Her halting attempt at reassurance was interrupted by Cadence, who stepped forward and gently draped her wing over Twilight in a comforting gesture. Turning to face Luna with a warm smile, she said, "We're all here to help you up Luna, and we're ready to help you get back on... track ." Cadence's voice lifted playfully on the last word, her chuckle infectious, and Spike couldn't contain a snicker at the pun that flew over Luna's head, unnoticed by her.
-Knock
-Knock
-Knock
Door knocks resounded, drawing the attention of all but Luna to the entrance. Cadence's horn shimmered with a soft pink glow, the door swinging open under its magical influence. âCome in!â, Two new figures entered: a cyan pegasus, her mane boasting a vibrant rainbow streak, and an elegant white unicorn, grace emanating from her very presence. As the room filled with the hum of fresh conversation, Luna's gaze lingered on a decorative, golden sun adorning the wall. A whisper of thought passed through her mind,
âShe promised⊠She said she would always be with meâŠâ
Luna's thoughts were distant, echoes of a solemn vow reverberating in the silence of her mind. The chatter around her faded into a muffled backdrop, snippets of the conversation drifting to her ears without truly registering.
"...Oh, and the design of our compartment is simply marvellous. I must say, I've never seen such an exquisite array of fabrics from Khamelu, Saddle Arabia, and Neighpon used for decor..." the white unicorn was saying, her voice a blend of awe and appreciation.
âPff, forget about that,â scoffed the Pegasus, brimming with a different sort of enthusiasm. âThereâs an onboard gym and a snack wag, can you believe it? It's like a town on tracks!â Her excitement bubbled over as she continued, âThough, there arenât many exits for flying out without the guards lecturing me on security and protocol. Iâve never been on the ground for more than five hours! Those guards just donât understand what itâs like to be a future Wonderbolt. Every second on the ground feels like a second lost!â as she said, her hood landed hard on the polished wooden floor to further show her frustration, although more in a comical-sarcastic remark.
â...Rainbow this is⊠(unrecognizable talk)âŠPrincess Celestia⊠wo-(unrecognizable talk)âŠâ
The voices became a distant echo as Luna delved deeper into her own mind. She tried to weave the scattered tapestry of her life into a single, continuous strand, delving into the recesses of her memory. Each fragment, a challenge to grasp, to align, to understand. It was an introspective battle waged in silence. She needed to get out⊠she needed to rest⊠she needs⊠to be alone with her mindâŠ
â-(unrecognizable talk)⊠Princess Luna?...(unrecognizable talk) âŠLuna?...(unrecognizable talk)-â
Luna wasn't sure how much time had passed when she finally surfaced from her reverie, but the silence that greeted her return to the present felt heavy with awkwardness. She became aware of the cabin's other occupants encircling her, a fact she only fully acknowledged when Rarity, the white unicorn, inadvertently obscured her view of the decorative sun ⊠a symbol of her sister's cutie markâŠon the opposite wall. Luna's solitude had been noticed, and now, concern and curiosity filled the blue eyes that met hers, still in a form of a blur for Luna.
ââŠPrincess?â
Luna's gaze sharpened on Rarity, akin to a telescope aligning with its celestial target. She swiftly surveyed the group of ponies before her, her eyes tracing over each face in the assemblyâŠâwhy are they just staring at me⊠what should I do?â
"Princess Luna... dear, is everything alright?" Rarity's voice was tinged with concern. "If you wish to rest before we fix you up, please know that it's perfectly fine" she offered gently.
"Luna, would you like to lay down for a while?" Cadence inquired with a softness that filled the room. "We can clear the room, or I can assist youâ" She extended her hoof towards Luna in a gentle gesture of support. However, before Cadence's hoof could make contact, Luna rose abruptly. She stood swiftly, perhaps too quickly, as a twinge of pain flickered through her muscles. She dismissed it with a determined thought, 'I can't be weakâŠIt has to changeâŠâ .
"W- I thank thee, Cadenz-ce," Luna stumbled slightly over the name, correcting herself as she spoke. "I shall retire to my quarters now. It seems I have not had sufficient rest in the last cycle," she explained, her words directed to Cadence though her eyes did not meet the other's gaze. As she stood up, now facing the door from the cabin, walking slightly past the group of ponies she tilted her head in the direction of Rarity, similarly not meeting her gaze. "Miss... Rarity," Luna began, her voice tinged with uncertainty. She was well aware of the unicorn's nameâRarity was the bearer of the element of generosity, after allâbut the barrage of new names in recent months had made her prone to confusion. "I gratefully accept your offer. A brief rest is more than welcome, and thereafter, I shall return for my preparations within the next hour" Luna's said firmly.
Luna's pace toward the corridor's door was steady until the train's abrupt lurch caused her to falter slightly. She paused, allowing herself a moment to let the discomfort pass through her. At the doorway, Cadence's voice followed her, caring and concerned, "Do you want me to go with you?" There was another pause, she responded just above a murmur, "No." Her whisper was short and unemotional.
Exiting the cabin, Luna reached out with her magic, a faint delicate blue aura enveloping the door as she attempted to close it behind her. The task proved challenging, the door resisting her weary efforts, until she sensed another magical presence. Cadence's aura, a complementary hue, enveloped the door as well, lending strength to Luna's attempt. While Cadence's intention might have been to offer support, Luna perceived it differently. As the door clicked shut, aided by Cadence's strength, a single, piercing thought cut through Luna's pride: 'Weak.'
Author's Note
Hi thank you for checking the next chapter! wanted to post this dayyys ago but uni doesnt give me enough time D
As the door clicked shut behind Luna, sealing off her retreating figure, an uneasy silence enveloped the compartment.
Twilight was the first to break the silence, her voice tinged with concern. "Do you think she's really alright? She seemed... so distant and not in this world?" . Her gaze flicked to her friends who had also watched the exit of the Lunar Princess.
Rarity, with a thoughtful expression, adjusted her scarf and responded with a weak smile, "Well, her mane was a bit unkempt and her fur is a bit messy. Thatâs certainly not the royal standard I seen in Princess Celestia , but considering weâre just getting to know her again, perhaps thatâs just how she is now? You should really see how the fashion industry is changing. Maybe she is taking a distinct look?"
There was a pause as Cadence listened quietly, her face a mask of composure but her eyes betraying a deeper turmoil. She remained silent, thoughtful, contributing to the conversation with only slight nods or a faint smile, keeping her own counsel.
Rainbow Dash, ever the pragmatist, chimed in with a shrug. "If sheâs got something on her mind, sheâll tell us when sheâs ready, right? Maybe we're just overthinking things. I say we just relax" With that she made a salto before Landing on the couch and placing her hoofs on the beautifully designed table.
With a look of disapproval, Rarity added facing Rainbow Dash âAlthough I will say being modest does define a Ladyâ
Twilight looked towards Cadence, noticing her unusually reserved demeanor. "Cadence, is everything okay? You seem... preoccupied."
Cadence hesitated, then reached into her bag and pulled out a scroll, handing it to Spike with her magic. "Please send this to Princess Celestia immediately," she instructed quietly. As Spike took the scroll and used Dragon Flame to send it off. Cadenceâs shoulders seemed to slump slightly as her face took gleamed with uncertainty.
Turning back to her friends with a forced smile that didnât quite reach her eyes, Cadence finally spoke, her voice laced with a hint of distress. "Thereâs something I need to discuss with you all. Princess Celestia asked me to bring it up... But before we doâŠâ
Rainbow Dash looked from one to the other, her previously relaxed figure jumped up with excitement of the situation upcoming. "Okay please please please tell us we have to save the world and it in our hooves, THIS will be an amazing look on my application to the wonderbolts!â
Cadence formed a small smile, attempting to mimic the one of her aunt. âRainbow if you are doing this, then let's really commit. No leaks, no slips. And donât worry the world is fine, its nothing dangerous" with a small sigh she continued âits just Aunty thinks as the new Elements of Harmony its important for you to know this, if you although donât want this burden on your backs I would ask you and spike to step out of the roomâ
"Hey, wait a minute!" Spike said, his tone more assertive than usual, catching everyoneâs attention. "I know I'm not a pony and I don't have a fancy title or anything, but I've been with Twilight since the beginning. I've sent countless letters to Princess Celestia and kept secrets before. I can be trusted with this, too."
He looked at Cadence, his green eyes sincere. "I understand this is serious, and I promise, on my honor as a dragon, that I wonât speak of it to anyone else except who youâve already allowed. Please, I want to help, and I want to be here for all of you, just like I always have been."
Cadence looked at him, the uncertainty on her face softening into a gentle, appreciative smile once again. "Spike, I know how trustworthy you are. It's not about trust. It's just that this matter... it's very delicate. You are still a child and I think you shouldnât be obligated to hold this on your soul. Once Aunty will see as the issue being a nuisance it will no longer be a secret and Twilight will tell you everything", Looking up at Twilight, Cadance continued âAssuming you would want to knowâ.
Twilight nodded in agreement, her expression softened by Cadence's considerate words. "Spike, you've always been incredibly brave and loyal, and there's no doubt about your ability to keep a secret. But some things are heavy, even for the broadest of shoulders. When the time is right, you'll know everything, I promise."
Spike's shoulders drooped slightly, a mix of disappointment and understanding in his eyes. He took a deep breath, trying to hide his frustration. "Okay, I get it. It's just hard, you know? Feeling like I'm left out, even if itâs for my own good."
Rarity stepped closer, her voice soothing. "Darling, itâs not about exclusion. We're just trying to protect you. You have plenty of time to deal with the burdens of the world. Enjoy a little less responsibility while you can, hmm?"
Rainbow Dash dropped next to him with a grin, trying to lighten the mood. "Yeah, and let's face it, buddy, being in the loop isn't always all it's cracked up to be. Sometimes, ignorance is bliss! Just enjoy zipping around and doing your dragon thing without any extra worries."
Cadence gave Spike a final reassuring smile. "And youâre never really out of the loop, Spike. You're as much a part of this team as any of us. This is just one of those times where what you donât know canât hurt you."
Spike nodded , "Alright, I trust you guys. Just donât forget, Iâm here when you need me. And I can handle more than you think."
Cadence placed a gentle hoof on his shoulder, her touch light but affirming. "We wonât forget, Spike. And thank you for understanding."
With the matter settled, Spike went to the door, stretching slightly. He managed a small smile, his mood lifting a bit as he made a decision for himself. "Alright, I trust you all," he said, his voice steady. "And since I'm not part of this super-secret stuff right now, I think I'll go grab some ice cream for all of usâ
Cadence gave him a warm, appreciative smile. "Thank you, Spike. Ice cream sounds wonderfulâ
Cadence enveloped the door in her magic, opening it for Spike. As he exited with a bounce in his step, she turned to the others, catching their eyes. "Are we all ready to proceed?" she asked quietly. One by one, Twilight, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash nodded, their expressions serious.
Satisfied, Cadence used her magic to gently close the door. Her horn glowed a soft, pulsing light as she cast a spell, sealing the room with a soundproof barrier. "Now, we can speak freely without worrying about any eavesdropping, magical or otherwise," Cadence announced softly.
As the magical glow settled around them, Cadence intoned softly, "This spell will ensure that none of us speaks of what I am about to share with anyone outside this circle only among ourselves and Princess Celestia â
The light from her horn flickered and then solidified, signifying the seal of their confidentiality. With the room secured and the magical vow in place, Cadence took a deep breath, her gaze sweeping over her friends' anxious faces.
She paused, the weight of her next words hanging heavily in the air. "This is about Luna... and her memory."
Under the clear sky of an early afternoon, sunlight streamed through the flaps of the royal tent stationed on the contentious border between Equestria and the Holy Griffin Empire. Inside, the atmosphere was charged with the formality of high-stakes diplomacy. Princess Celestia sat poised at a long table. Her majestic figure is crowned by a flowing mane that shifts in ethereal hues of pink, blue, and green, mirroring the sky at dawn. Her coat, a luminous white, gleams with a soft light, enhancing her divine presence. On the long table maps and various state documents spread before her , as well as an old griffin whose once-golden feathers are now streaked with gray, marking his many years, and his proud beak shows signs of battle scars from his younger days.
As Celestia and her counterpart, Ambassador Gaius Talon, exchanged preliminary courtesies, a soft, shimmering glow suddenly materialized in the air beside Celestia. With a gentle flicker of golden magic, a scroll sealed with a sapphire heart emblem appeared, floating down gracefully to rest in front of the Princess among the numerous documents.
The sudden appearance of the scroll caught Ambassador Talonâs attention, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly in curiosity. "An urgent message, Princess?" he inquired, his tone carefully neutral yet tinged with the wariness of a seasoned diplomat.
"Just a simple update from Equestria " Celestia responded smoothly, her magic gently breaking the seal as she maintained her composure. She scanned the contents quickly, her expression betraying nothing of the concern that flickered in her eyes as she read. Levitating the scroll beside her it was picked up by light purple magic "Important, yet it will not hinder our discussions today, Ambassador Talon."
Standing beside her was newly appointed Captain of the royal guard , Shining Armor and Commander Brightwing, the esteemed leader of the Solar Guard. Clad in armor that gleamed like white gold and infused with a palpable concentration of magic, his formidable presence was underscored by his large statue, being taller even then Shining Armor. Brightwing's keen eyes surveyed every movement around him, while Shining Armor was focused on watching the conversation before him.
Ambassador Talon nodded, accepting Celestia's reassurance, though his gaze lingered on the scroll for a beat longer. "Very well, Princess. As we were discussing, the Griffin Empire firmly believes the recent findings support our claim to the mineral-rich lands in question."
Princess Celestia only looked lovingly with a mother like smile at the old griffin. "Ambassador Talon, while I appreciate the efforts of your cartographers, we must consider the historical context provided by the Treaty of 694. This treaty clearly demarcates the borders in question, and it has been upheld by both our nations for centuries without dispute."
The mention of the Treaty of 694 caused the ambassador's feathers to bristle slightly, a sign of his growing unease. He adjusted his position, his talons gripping the edge of the table as he prepared to contest her point.
Celestia, noticing his reaction, continued, "This treaty not only defined borders but also established a framework for peaceful resolution and mutual respect. It is crucial, Ambassador, that we adhere to these long-standing agreements to maintain the harmony that has benefited both our kinds for generations."
Ambassador Talon opened his beak to respond, his eyes narrowing as he formulated his counterargument. The tension in the tent rose palpably as he geared up to challenge Celestiaâs invocation of the ancient treaty.
Just as the ambassador was about to speak, Celestia raised a hoof gently, signaling for a brief pause. "Before you respond, Ambassador, I urge you to consider the broader implications of undermining such a foundational agreement. The stability and future prosperity of our nations depend on our fidelity to these principles. During the last earthquake it was equestrian that helped to restore your cities and give you a loan , that if I remember correctly was forgiven 7 years ago"
Ambassador Gaius Talon paused, his beak parting slightly before closing again as he processed Celestia's words. The reminder of Equestria's past aid was a pointed one, and it visibly softened the edges of his initial retort. He adjusted his stance, the feathers on his neck smoothing down as he regained his composure.
"Princess Celestia," he began, his voice tinged with a newfound respect that bridged his earlier defensiveness, "your reminder of past generosities is well taken. Equestria has indeed been a friend to the Griffin Empire in times of need even after our dark past. However, it is precisely the future of our young ones for whom I must advocate today."
The ambassador spread a weathered wing toward the maps on the table, his talon tracing the disputed lines. "Our need for the magic crystals found in this region is not born of greed, but of necessity. They are essential forâŠ"
He was interrupted by a sudden gust of wind as the tent flap lifted momentarily, admitting a brief view of the tense border outside and over a hundred of equestrian solar guards. He waited for the flap to settle before continuing, "âfor powering the future of our cities, which grow ever more dependent on magic, much like your own."
Princess Celestia listened intently, her gaze never wavering from the ambassador. She nodded slowly, acknowledging his concerns. "Then let us find a path that allows us both to walk in light, not in the shadow of conflict. Perhaps a shared management could be established not only for the mining operations but also for the distribution of resources. Heavy discounts in return for your iron would be a topic im ready to discuss. In addition Equestria is willing to assist in developing your infrastructure for magic utilization, under joint oversight."
Shining Armor, observing silently, noted the strategic offering his ruler presented. It was a masterstroke of diplomacy: offering to help build rather than simply share. It would bind their economies, their technologies, even their magics closer together, creating interdependencies that would make future conflicts less likely. Commander Brightwing meanwhile didnât seem to share those views or at least his facial feature , that got more sharper after Griffin demands.
Ambassador Talon considered this, his aged eyes narrowing in thought. After a moment, he nodded slightly. "A compelling proposal, Princess. One that I believe merits serious consideration by my emperor and the imperial court. I will convey this discussion faithfully and advocate for its wisdom."
Princess Celestia's expression brightened subtly, a soft sigh of relief hidden in her regal bearing. "Thank you, Ambassador Talon. I believe our nations stand on the cusp of a new era of cooperation. Let us proceed with hope and mutual respect."
As the meeting concluded, both parties rose. They exchanged a formal, yet now slightly warmer, nod of farewell. Shining Armor felt a quiet pride in his heart for the peaceful resolution that seemed to be within reach, reflecting on the diplomatic prowess of his sovereign.
As the griffin's silhouette disappeared beyond the tent flap, Celestia turned to Shining Armor and Commander Brightwing with a smile. "Remember my little ponies, The feather is mightier than the sword "
Shining Armor turned to Princess Celestia, a question brewing in his mind. The significant presence of the Solar Guard at the border, more than usual for such meetings, had not gone unnoticed by him. "Princess, if I may ask, why did we deploy the entire Solar Guard for this negotiation? It seems more than what's typically required."
Commander Brightwing, who had been silently observing the exchange, couldnât resist a slight smirk comment. "Captain," he interjected with a hint of annoyance "questioning your Monarchs decision that close to a foreign diplomat is considered a show of doubt , even if he is a distance away.
Princess Celestia chuckled softly at Brightwing's comment, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Commander Brightwing, let's not forget that questions can lead to enlightenment. It is indeed a good question, Shining Armor and considering the age of dear Gaius Talon it is safe to speak that far" Her gaze then swept over both her guards, signaling the seriousness of her ensuing explanation. "In diplomacy, the show of force plays a crucial role. It is not just our words that convey our intentions but our preparedness for all eventualities."
She walked a few steps towards the tent entrance, her silhouette framed against the sunlight streaming in. "Our strong presence here is a message, not just to the Griffin Empire but to all who watch and wonder about Equestria's resolve. It demonstrates our commitment to protect our interests and uphold our values. Yet, it also shows that we are not eager for conflict but prepared for it, which often encourages the other party to consider the peaceful path more seriously."
Princess Celestia turned back to her guards, her expression softening. "In cases like this we must balance the feather and the sword. Too much of the former, and we seem weak; too much of the latter, and we appear aggressive. Today, we needed to ensure that the Griffins saw both."
Shining Armor nodded, absorbing her words. The importance of their visual statement at the negotiation now clear to him, he felt a renewed respect for the delicate dance of diplomacy and military display.
Commander Brightwing gave a brief, approving nod, his earlier sarcasm replaced by a look of respect for Celestia's strategic acumen. "Well explained, Your Majesty."
Princess Celestia smiled, pleased with their understanding. "Thank you friends. Let's continue to stand vigilant as we move forward. Peace is our most cherished aim, and today, I believe we have taken a step closer to ensuring it."
As the train neared its destination, the rhythmic clatter against the tracks seemed to echo the tumult within Princess Luna. The royal compartment, bathed in the golden light of the late afternoon sun, was aflutter with activity as Rarity put the finishing touches on Luna's attire for the significant event in Manehattan.
Luna stood by the window, her posture rigid, trying to steady herself as the landscape blurred past. Rarity, ever attentive, draped an exquisite gown around Lunaâs form. The gown, a cascade of midnight blue silk embedded with twinkling stars, was designed to mirror the night sky. Despite its beauty, Luna seemed barely present, her gaze distant and her mind elsewhere.
"Almost there, Princess," Rarity said, her voice laced with encouragement. "Just a few more adjustments to ensure everything is perfect."
Luna nodded absently, her focus drifting. The fabric felt heavy on her shoulders, each sparkle and shimmer reflecting light she barely felt. "Thank thee, Rarity," she murmured, her voice distant, as if she were speaking from across a great expanse.
At that moment, Twilight Sparkle entered, her enthusiasm momentarily filling the room with a different energy. She carried with her the draft of Luna's speech, hoping to anchor the princess back to the moment. "Princess, Iâve put together some thoughts for your speech today, using the one Princess Celestia was originally planning to give. They should help highlight the importance of in advances in Magical technology and affordable access to electricity."
Placing the papers on the table, Twilight tried to catch Lunaâs eye, to bring her into the conversation. "See here," she pointed at a section, "I emphasized sustainable magic useâhow it blends our traditions with modern needs and importance of the field for all creatures in and outside Equestria "
Luna leaned over the documents, her eyes scanning the lines, but her attention wavered. The words seemed to swim before her, merging into unrecognisable lines. She attempted to focus, to anchor herself to Twilightâs words, but found her mind wandering to the shadows that still clung to her consciousness.
"I... appreciate your efforts, Twilight," Luna finally said, her voice a soft, yet noticeable attempt to add a bit of strength has been present. "This event symbolizes a union of past and present, much like my own path."
Twilight nodded, picking up on Luna's struggle. "Exactly, Princess! Your presence will symbolize a new era in the eyes of Manehattan."
As the train made its final approach, cutting through the outskirts of Manehattan with the city skyline rising in the distance, Luna returned to the window. Her reflection in the glass seemed a ghostly counterpart to the vibrant figure Rarity had dressed. The city awaited her, bustling and alive with expectations she wasnât sure she could meet.
"Let us proceed," Luna said, turning back to Rarity and Twilight with a forced smile. "Not merely as bearers of progress but as harbingers of hope something I was meant to do."
As the train hissed to a stop at the grand station in Manehattan, the anticipation in the air was palpable. An announcer's voice boomed using a magical loudspeaker, cutting through the buzz of the crowd. "Ladies and gentlecolts, please welcomeâŠâ
âOkay you do can this, smile and wave. Look happy⊠you have to be strongâ
â...Their Royal Highnesses, Princess Luna and Princess Mi Amore Cadenza!"
The announcement was met with a roar of hooves stomping on the ground and the incessant clicking of camera shutters. As the doors to the royal cabin opened, Princess Luna and Princess Cadence stepped into the daylight, their figures silhouetted against the bright light streaming into the station. A red carpet unfurled before them, leading the way through the sea of ponies that had gathered to witness this moment. The only thing that stopped that wave of ponies was a thin line of security ponies adorned in black blazers and ties wearing pitch-black sunglasses and small crystals on their coat.
Luna walked out with a large smile on her face, uncertain smile, but a smile non the less. Standing side by side with Cadence. âI swear I will push aunty Celle to legally change my name to only Cadence, I asked to be called that by everyone in Canterlot and guess I have to do the same hereâ Cadence gowned while still maintaining her happy mask. Luna found that slightly funny, Cadence is far from perfecting Tiaâs smile , but she was closer then most. Including her.
Every step Luna took was met with mixed reactions. While cheers filled the air, not all the faces in the crowd reflected joy. As Luna's gaze swept over the gathered ponies, she could see worry and fear etched on some of their faces. With each face of fear she seen her steps became less certain and more weak.
Amidst the complex tapestry of emotions, a small yellow Pegasus foal broke free from his mother's grasp, his laughter slicing through the ambient noise as he dashed toward the princesses with unrestrained glee. "Weeeeeee!" he jumped around flapping his small wings, his voice filled with excitement. He managed to run past security directly onto the red carpet with the speed some might consider impossible for such a small pony. Running at that speed he didn't manage to stop in time as he bumped into Luna. Momentarily shocked by her height he looked at her with wide-open eyes.
Luna paused, her heart warmed by the child's innocent enthusiasm, and she bent down to greet him with a gentle smile. "Hello there⊠little one," she said, her voice a soft whisper amidst the clamour. The foal looked at her with a smile of his own, attempting to say something.
However, the moment of warmth was short-lived. The foal's mother, her face pale with fear, rushed forward and scooped him up with her wings and placed him on her back. Her eyes wide as she looked at Luna. "I'm sorry, Your Highness," she stammered, clutching her child close with her wing. "Im really sorry..."
She quickly retreated into the crowd, her fearful gaze locked on Luna until she disappeared among the sea of bodies. The foal, still on his mother's back turned to wave at Luna, his smile fading into a confused frown as he looked at his mother's distress. Luna could only return the small wave.
The interaction left a chill in Lunaâs heart. She stood up, her smile faltering slightly as she turned to Cadence, who offered a supportive nod. "It's going to take time, Luna," Cadence whispered. "But remember, for every look of fear, there is a smile of hope. Today is just the beginning."
With a deep breath, Luna raised her head, her posture regal yet open. She resumed her walk down the red carpet.
From the distance the Electric-Magic Power Plant Station wasnât different to any ither large building around them. Sure it was significantly smaller then any high-rise around them but it was large in area thatâs for sure. The power plant looked larger than the one in Canterlot that Luna seen on images from newspapers. It probably looked the size of her old castle that now lay abandoned, at least she thought it was as large from the outside. Just like the one in Canterlot it had large metallic structures surrounding it , carrying large wires across. The difference though was noticeable, on top of this power station were several enormous large crystals that were connected by some cables. Looking closely she could see large swarms of Pegasi making last minute preparations for the opening of the power plant.
As the two princesses accompanied by Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Spike, approached the gleaming entrance of Manehattanâs new Electric-Magic Power Plant Station they were joined by the remaining members of the Elements of Harmony in a flurry of greetings and excitement.
Applejack, with a friendly grin and a slight shake of her head, greeted the group. "Well, we sure are glad y'all made it! Though I gotta say, keepin' Pinkie here from bumpin' into every pony along the way was a full-time job!" She chuckled as she glanced towards Pinkie Pie, who was practically vibrating with excitement ready to explode an second. One might see it as a miracle that she is even allowed to be near the princesses.
"Oh my gosh, there are just so many ponies!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed, her voice tinged with irrepressible excitement. "And I've been meeting all of them! Each one could be a new friend, or a party guest, or a party planner, or even a party hat designer! Or evenâŠ" Her eyes sparkled as she bounced on the spot, seemingly oblivious to the mild chaos sheâd been causing.
"There are just... just so many ponies," a whisper came from behind Apple Jack, her voice barely audible over the din. Fluttershy, typically reserved and easily overwhelmed, peeking out with wide, anxious eyes behind the earth pony. The bustling crowd, the noise, and the excitement that thrilled Pinkie Pie seemed to have the opposite effect on her.
Her gaze flitted nervously from face to face, her ears pinned back against her mane. Every so often, she would retreat further behind Applejack, as if the earthy-toned mare was a protective barrier against the sea of strangers.
Applejack noticed her friendâs discomfort and gave her a gentle, reassuring pat on the back. "Donât you worry none, Fluttershy. If it gets to be too much, you just let me know. Weâll find a nice quiet corner away from all this ruckus, hay we can go and visit the Manehattan zoon after this is done ," she said, her voice a soothing drawl.
Pinkie Pie, overhearing the conversation, bounced closer, her energy undimmed. "Or, or, or, we could throw a 'Not-So-Many Ponies Party' sometime! Just a few ponies, super quiet, lots of comfy pillows, and maybe...oh, maybe even silent confetti!!!". At that the pink pony managed to produce a small party canon out of thin air, simultaneously receiving funny looks from ponies around her.
Fluttershy managed a small smile at Pinkieâs suggestion, her tension easing a little. "Thank you, Pinkie. That sounds... nice," she said, her voice still a whisper compared to Pinkieâs exuberance.
"Super-duper quiet party it is!" Pinkie declared, momentarily adopting a conspiratorial whisper that was more like a stage whisper, at the same time producing a sticker with âSilent written on itâ and sticking it on the party canon. "It'll be the quietest party in all of Equestria!". At this words , the doors suddenly swung open, revealing two older ponies whose presence seemed as unique as the station itself.
The first, a bright and sparky unicorn with a vibrant mane of wiry silver, stepped forward with a wide grin. His coat was electric blue speckled with tiny, shimmering points of white dots. His name tag gleamed under his shiny silver aura: "Edison Sparkwire."
Beside him, a taller, more reserved figure, a Pegasus with a sleek mane that alternated between dark and light shades of grey, giving off an aura of calm intensity. His deep charcoal coat and serious eyes contrasted with Edison's more flamboyant appearance, having a grey Mustache covering most of his muzzle. His name tag read "Tesla Coil"
"Did somepony say party?" Edison exclaimed with an enthusiastic flare, his eyes twinkling mischievously as he glanced at Pinkie Pie, who immediately nodded vigorously, her smile widening with every second.
Nikolai, though more subdued, offered a polite nod and a small smile, his gaze sweeping over the group before settling on the princesses. "Welcome to the first Electric-Magic Power Plant Station, Princess Luna, Princess Cadence. We are honored to host you today."
âOr E.M.P.P.Sâ for short Edison Sparkwire added.
Edison, not one to let a moment of excitement pass by unamplified, quickly chimed in, his voice eager. "And speaking of honor, will Princess Celestia be arriving too? Weâve prepared some special demonstrations that we think would truly dazzle her!"
Cadence shook her head gently. "Actually, Celestia wonât be able to make it today. She's currently engaged in crucial diplomatic talks at the border with the Holy Griffin Empire regarding the recently mineral rich in our territory among those minerals it is believed a huge quantity of magical crystals . It's a sensitive situation that requires her immediate and personal attention."
At the mention of the mineral-rich territory, Edison Sparkwire's eyes lit up with recognition, and he quickly interjected, enthusiasm bubbling in his voice. "Ah, the Serenite Fields! I actually discovered those lands during one of our exploratory missions. Isnât that right, Tesla?"
Tesla Coil gave a nod, his expression composed yet slightly amused by Edisonâs eagerness to take credit. "Indeed, we did chart the area. Though, if I recall correctly, it was a joint effort, Edison, I was the one that actually crea-"
Edison, not missing a beat, flashed a wide grin. "Of course, of course, a joint effort," he said, his tone playful yet carrying a hint of wanting to ensure he received due recognition. "But, letâs just say I was the one who had the keen eye to spot the initial signs of the magical crystals. Without that, who knows if we would have realized the full potential of the land?"
Tesla rolled his eyes subtly as he spoke under his breath âYou found them using my machineâ, used to Edison's antics but choosing not to contest the point further in the company of royalty. Instead, he added diplomatically, "Itâs fortunate that such resources are being discussed carefully. The potential for those crystals is vast, and in the right hands, they could benefit all of Equestria significantly."
Cadence smiled at the banter between the two, appreciating their contributions. "Itâs impressive what you both have accomplished. And now, Princess Celestia is working to ensure that these resources are secured and used responsibly, promoting peace rather than conflict."
After Cadence finished speaking, Tesla Coil stepped forward with an inviting gesture. "Since we have a bit of time before the opening ceremony, why not take a tour of the on-site museum? We've curated a collection that chronicles the evolution of magical energy use in Equestria, along with some of our latest technological advancements."
Edisons eyes twinkled with pride. "It's truly a sight to behold, showcasing not just history but the potential future of magi-tech. I think you'll find it quite enlightening."
Twilight Sparkleâs reaction was instantaneous and exuberant. "A museum? Here? Thatâs incredible! Thereâs a museum inside the station? We absolutely must see it right now!" Her voice pitched up in excitement as she started towards the museum entrance at a pace just short of a gallop.
Rarity quickly trotted up beside her, laying a gentle hoof on Twilight's shoulder. "Darling, do remember to breathe! Thereâs plenty of time, and we wouldnât want to rush through such an exquisite exhibit." Applejack grinned and nudged Twilight playfully. "Ease up there, sugarcube. It ainât goinâ anywhere. Letâs take it nice and slow so we can all enjoy it together." Pinkie Pie bounced around the group. "Oooh, I wonder if they have interactive exhibits! Or maybe even a museum cafĂ© with themed snacks!"
âThen Lets goâ Edison offered signalling to the security pony. The security ponies swung the massive doors wide open. The Elements of Harmony, along with Princess Cadence, began to step inside, their expressions filled with anticipation. Princess Luna, however, paused at the threshold, her gaze lingering momentarily on the ornate details of the museum's facade. The weight of her past and the vastness of the crowd inside seemed to hold her back, a brief shadow of hesitation crossing her elegant features.
Noticing Luna's hesitation, Tesla Coil detached himself from a conversation with Edison Sparkwire and approached her with a gentle and understanding smile. "Princess Luna," he said softly, "we are honoured by your presence today. Please, allow me to accompany you inside. The exhibits we've prepared tell a story of progress and unity , I promise you will love it."
Luna looked at Tesla, a flicker of gratitude lighting up her eyes. With a small nod, she allowed herself to be guided by Tesla Coil, who gestured grandly towards the first exhibit as they crossed the threshold together.
Infront of them, the rest of the group gave a harmonious blend of excitement and chatter. Edison Sparkwire, ever the showman could be heard above all, "You're all in for a treat! The history of magi-tech isn't just about the past, it's a glimpse into the future we're all building together!!!"
Author's Note
Hi thank you for the read! I hope you like the start so far!
"So, who wants to learn a bit about the great history of magical crystals and how they are important for our society?" Edison Sparkwire clasped his hooves together, his eyes sparkling, gesturing grandly towards the glittering displays of crystals of all sizes, shapes and colours.
Rainbow Dash floated lazily behind, groaning theatrically as she rolled her eyes around. "History? Again? Learned all about that in school" she sighed, a mock yawn escaping her mouth. "Let me guess more shiny rocks that do big things and help us all live in harmony? blah blah blah"
Before Edison could respond to Rainbow Dashâs playful cynicism, a sudden gasp cut through the chatter. All eyes turned to Twilight Sparkle, who looked as if sheâd just won the big lottery. Her cheeks puffed, her breathing fast and uneven, her eyes wide and open. She looked ready to burst from sheer excitement.
"Yes! Yes! Yes!" Twilight squealed, hopping up and down so vigorously she seemed on the verge of achieving lift off. "Oh, sweet Celestia! A real, live crystal history exhibit! I can write three, NO! Five! five new chapters for my book on Magical Elements of Equestria with just what's in this room!"
Tesla Coil watched, a bemused weak smile on his face, as Twilightâs hooves vibrated on the spot. Edison, ever the showpony with a midland accent, leaned in with a wink. "Well, Mis Twilight, I promise you, this isnât just any history lesson. We managed to collect all types of Crystals from all across the world under this one single roof. Even the most rare onesâ
Twilightâs eyes widened to the size of a diner plate. "Really?" she gasped, momentarily breathless, then dove into a rapid barrage of questions.
"Whatâs the rarest crystal you have?
Rarity gently nudged Twilight, trying to calm her friend's frenetic energy. "Darling, maybe take a breath? We wouldnât want you fainting from excitement before we even see the first exhibit. We still have time and if you would like, we can visit the exhibition after the ceremony, is that right Mr Edison?â Rarity pursed out her lips.
To the amusement of Tesla Coil, his companion blushed heavily further making his chubby cheeks appear more like fully grown tomatoes. âOf course! And please call me Sparkwireâ he said with a filly-like giggle, forcing Tesla Coil to suppress his laughter further from the back of the group.
Pinkie Pie bounced alongside them, her grin as wide as ever. "Ooh, if Twilight faints, do we get to catch her? I always wanted to try a dramatic rescue! Or we can have a party! A faint party! Who faints first wins a cake!"
With a faint cough from behind the group, Tesla Coil brought the attention to him. "Well, as Miss Rarity said, we indeed have some time, but not a lot, there are quite a few unique pieces in our collection that I believe everyone will find fascinating, but first let us dive a little bit back into the history of the tribes that formed Equestria as a single kingdomâ Making his way from Princess Luna's side he walked up to the first exhibition featuring a large glass display with several worn-down crystals and tools to accompany them. Looking up at the group with his silver eyes, making sure he got all of their attention he began with his deep calm voice âAs you might know those crystals in front of you have many names: âTools of Harmonyâ, âthe souls of magicâ and most commonly the âMagical Crystalsâ â. With a single move of his wing, he carefully lifted the glass cover of the display featuring a single cyan crystal bracelet. Delicately crafted, its cyan crystal centrepiece glimmering faintly in the subdued lighting, Despite the old and noticeably worn cloth, the fabric of the tie was aged but still held vibrant traces of its original colours. âThis here is one of the oldest exhibits, this weather bracelet was passed down to me by my ancestors for almost over a thousand yearsâ
Tesla Coil's charcoal-coloured wing gently hovered over the bracelet "It was used by Pegasi to adjust weather patterns over large areas, of course in today's modern day we have the Cloudsdale Weather Factory to thank for our weather, but before our ancestors used Magical Crystals to do attract water vapor in the air and form them. Some of our research shows that clouds back them were easier to form and made the process of controlling the weather significantly easier for the pegasiâ
Rarity, ever the connoisseur of fine things, couldn't help but admire the craftsmanship. "Oh, it's absolutely exquisite Mr Tesla" she exclaimed, her eyes reflecting the faint glimmer of the cyan crystal. "A thousand years and even back then ponies had taste in fashion.â
Applejack, who had been listening intently, chimed in with a thoughtful tilt of her hat. "Well now, if I remember my history right, Princess Celestia and Luna have been around for more than a thousand years themselvesâ With a small nod to Princess Luna she continued âPrincess, you reckon this old method was more effective than what we got today with all our fancy tech at Cloudsdale?â.
Princess Luna, caught off-guard, felt a flicker of panic beneath her calm exterior. Her features tensed up with her pupils shrinking down to the size of buttons and briefly flickered between all the staring ponies. Applejack and Pinky Pie were especially watching her closely with wide smiles.
As Cadence was about to mention something after what felt like ages Tesla Coil, sensing the subtle shift in her demeanor, stepped in smoothly. "Actually, Mis Applejack, we've discussed these very findings with Princess Celestia when we first proposed to build this facility" he explained with a glance towards the crowd "Our research has shown that using a large group of these weather-manipulation crystals could potentially increase the speed of cloud formation by over 60%. It's a significant improvement that could allow for easier weather management"
Moving back to Princess Luna, with a reassuring smile he provided an easy question for her to handle âWouldnt you agree princess?â.With a small repeated glance she looked at the crystal closer and whispered just enough for most to hear âYes we- I remember, such tools were indeed instrumental and performed well in weather controlâ
ââŠand with increased support from the crown that's just the beginning, â Edison Picked up from where his colleague had finished of with a wide smile. With a small flash from his horn, a dim green crystal appeared before Applejack. âMis Applejack, do you know what this crystal does?â he questioned dropping it in her hoof with his magic. Applejack didn't take no time to answer âWell mister I've seen this before, my granny Smith always called them âGrowy stonesâ , but we could never get them for a landed priceâ , lifting up the crystal with his magic , Edison motioned the group to follow them while he responded in his show pony manner, making his voice loud and clear. âExactly! This is indeed a âGrowy stoneâ as some earth pony farmers used to call them, to be exact a harvest crystal is more known among academics such as myself. Crystals form from the magic inherent in Equestriaâs very soil and air. Over centuries, this magic condenses and crystallizes into forms such as this fine exampleâŠâ
âThe issue isâŠâ Tesla said passing by many exhibitions with a variety of magical crystals , approaching two large metallic doors with âEmployees Only sign in vibrant yellowâ alongside Edison â...is that Crystals have a limited amount of magic, the smaller the crystal the less it has, therefore if before our ancestors had the ability to use them carefree our generation and the one after us might see them only in displays in museumsâ. With a knock on the door, two security ponies opened an entrance deeper into the facility.
âDeciding to escape this fate Edison and I , alongside several of our colleagues set on a project after receiving a large investment from the crown, to create thisâŠ.â
Author's Note
I will work on the next big chapter today and hopefully will post it tmr! I hope you like the story so far. let me know what you think I should improve on, thx!
Author's Note
Sry for the delay in posting, was abroad for few days XD
This chapter is a bit boring, with minor technical details, I'm gonna continue writing nxt chapter since I have free time today
Wow almost 1000 views and 55 likes! Thank u all
PS Does anyone know how to add images? Cos last time I did it, I always got a msg stating I had an incorrect format.
Chapter 6
As Princess Luna stepped through the doors, the immediate change in atmosphere was noticeable. A faint odour, reminiscent of burning metal and alcohol, was felt in the air. The room beyond the entrance was white and vast, much larger than any she had anticipated behind in her opinion modest door, yet thick doors. It was circular in shape with the ceiling narrowing down among the walls making the room an inside of a large cone. It stretched high upwards, with a ceiling height that would challenge her tower in Canterlot. Alongside the walls stretched out were long tubes that were coloured in different colours, confusing Luna on their purpose, those tubes made their way to the highest point in the room and directly to the middle.
Directly ahead, In the centre of the room stood a striking structure that immediately drew Luna's attention. From above, a long, metallic silver pole extended downward, encircled by spiralling rings of polished orange-red metal. These rings decreased in size as they approached the center of the room, creating the visual effect of a metallic vine unwinding. Below, a similar structure rose to meet the other in the middle. This pole, too, was sheathed in metallic silver, but its rings were crafted from a matte, dark material that contrasted sharply with the white walls.
But what really captured Lunaâs attention wasnât the size of the structure or the noticeably large number of Royal Guards positioned around the room with their eyes wandering around all the maintainer ponies in white lab coats, instead it was the crystal in between the two coiled structures. The mere presence of the crystal gave Luna a small headache that she experienced not so long ago. Hovering between the two large spheres, attached with thin tubes at the end of each metallic pole there was the element ⊠element of magic.
The atmosphere in the room shifted subtly, from previously chatty to silent within a second, the element of harmony bearers fixed their eyes with the element of magic. Each one paused momentarily to take in the strange scene before them.
Pinkie Pieâs eyes wide with wonder, she began tilting her head back, further and further, trying to trace the intricate spirals of the metallic structure all the way to where they met at the ceiling. As her head tilted back to an almost impossible angle, her balance wavered under the strain of her exaggerated pose and with a comical fall she landed on her back mimicking a turtle.
If before twilight was raging with energy , now confusion was written on her muzzle. "What is the purpose of this arrangement?" she inquired above a whisper, while inspecting the crystal and the spiralling structures with her eyes narrowed and head tilted.
Hovering now a bit lower, closer to the group ,Rainbow Dash directed her question to the two stalions in front of the group, "Hey Sparkwire, Coil, why are there so many guards in here? Whatâs with the heavy security? Are we expecting trouble or something?"
Edison Sparkwire, exchanged a quick glance with Tesla Coil before responding. His voice echoed slightly in the vast, conical chamber. "Well Miss Rainbow Dash, you have one keen eye! Yes, the security is indeed tighter than usual, but fear not it's purely precautionary for the ceremony and this beautiful artifactâ he gestured grandly towards the shimmering element of magic suspended between the spirals. With a loud pop a blackboard appeared between the two stallions with a diagram of the structure before them presented on the board. Picking up a piece of chalk with his magic Sparkwire continued, âSo as you know with your battle with âNightmare moonâ you six managed to reconnect the elements of harmony back into our magical ecosystem, specifically a particular one that is very important for this project, âthe element of magicââ.
At the mention of her previous self, Princess Luna stiffened slightly, her wings twitching involuntarily, being only noticed by Tesla Coil who gave a small unapproving glance at his colleague.
Stepping forward, Tesla Coil took the attention on himself, adding his part âThis element, as you've experienced, holds significant power. Not just Equestria's magical balance, but the entire world. What we accomplished here," he motioned towards the complex arrangement around the crystal, "is to harness and amplify the magical power of harmony across equestrian and focus them into many inert crystals we managed to store over the centuriesâ
"So, you're using the Element of Magic as a... focal point to charge existing magical crystals?â Twilight asked âA catalyst for a larger magical infrastructure? How does it work?â
âYes, as you can see on the diagramâ , with a small Nod Tesla Coil motioned to the blackboard âThose structures are my invention, the Tesla CoilsâŠâ Edison Sparkwire chuckled, casting a sly glance at Tesla Coil. "And he calls me a show off!" he exclaimed, throwing his hooves up dramatically, while hit Tesla on his muzzle with the piece of chalk. Tesla Coil's mustache twitched visibly in Suprise, . "Quite the comedian, aren't we, Sparkwire?" he retorted with a lack of enthusiasm, "Let's try to keep the theatrics to a minimum and focus on the science, shall we?â Clearing his throat with a cough he pointed with his wing to the blackboard. "As mentioned, magic permeates everything around us. While we haven't fully delineated its boundaries, we understand that it has almost unlimited reserves. The coils you see here are designed to concentrate the magical energy we extract from beneath and above this facility, channelled through an intricate work of conduits, not to go into details, the main objective is to collect all the possible magic and charge it directly at the element of harmony. The coils serve as safe conduits. You can view them as large unicorn horns, with the surrounding world acting as the body of a unicorn, if that simplifies the concept for you. Once the magic reaches the Element of Harmony and we charge it, we connect it to wires that distribute the energy to various rooms around us. In these rooms, we store and charge clear magic crystals.â
Twilight's brow furrowed , "Is there an alternative method or element that could potentially replace the Element of Magic in this setup? Or is the Element of Magic absolutely essential for the functionality of this system?"
"Currently, the Element of Magic is crucial for our system due to its unique magical properties, we are planning on using other Elements of Harmony in a similar way, but first we have to finalise some plans. We are also actively developing an alternative to remove Elements of Harmoney completely from the equation but itâs a high jump for us nowâ
As he was speaking, a security pony discreetly approached Edison Sparkwire. Leaning in close to the group while maintaining eye contact with Edison, "Sir, the ceremony is set to begin shortly. We need to gather VIPs and proceed to the main event space..."
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â WARNING: For Custodes Solaris eyes only â
â WARNING: For Custodes Solaris eyes only â
Weapon characteristics outlined in this document are to be discussed only with other Custodes of Solaris force or higher-ranking officers. Under no circumstances should this information be shared with other branches of the Royal Guard or external entities.
Weapon Designation: Harmony Enforcer M.1K
The Harmony Enforcer M.1K is the latest iteration in the line of mana-infused crystal -powered weapons, designed to replace the aging M845 Solar Spear and outdated M710 Flash models. Originally developed in the year AFSSC 845 , the M845 saw limited production due to its reliance on older, less efficient crystal and gem enchantments. With the advancements in thaumaturgical engineering and the need for improved versatility for the Guard the M.1K was introduced to bring the Custodes Solaris arsenal up to modern standards for defence of Crown and Country.
Unlike its predecessors, the M.1K boasts the ability to be reused up to 10 timesbefore requiring, the replacement of its internal crystal array and focus lenses. Additionally, it is capable of holding a fractured magical crystals crystal of up to 3 inches ~~in diameter,~~ providing the user with flexibility in available ammunition.Note: For detailed information on acceptable and standardized munition, including types of crystals, refer to page 48 of the "Manual of Regulated Munitions (MRM)."
Parameters:
Reload and Charge Time:
Unicorns : The standard reload time for unicorn operators is 5 seconds , with an additional 10 seconds* required for the crystal to fully charge the rifle.Pegasi and Earth Ponies : Due to physiological differences, pegasi and earth pony operators are expected to complete reloads within 7.5 seconds* . The extended time accounts for pegasi's flight adaptations and earth ponies' physical strength.
Effective Range (Distance of Fire):
M1000.1P (Pegasi Variant) : ~~Effective range of~~ 600 hooves~~.~~ Good LuckM1000.1U (Unicorn Variant) : Effective range of 700 hooves .M1000.1E (Earth Pony Variant) : ~~Extended range of~~ 1000 hooves~~, due to the use of larger crystals and enhanced stability in the earth pony model.~~
Try 300 Feet Dumbass
*The Charge time depends on the used crystal, 3 inch crystals take and approximate 9.4 seconds to charge the internal crystal array.
Variants:
Heavy Earth Pony Variant (M1000.1E) : Heavier and longer than other models, this variant is designed to house larger crystals , with a capacity for crystals up to 4.5 inches . The increased weight is balanced by earth poniesâ natural strength, allowing them to handle the larger munitions with ease.Light Pegasus Variant (M1000.1P) : Shorter and significantly lighter, this version is adapted to prevent injury during flight. The lighter frame accounts for the pegasiâs hollow bones, ensuring the weapon does not compromise agility or put strain on their wings during combat maneuvers. Special straps are issued to be attached to the standard issued Solaris Armor.Unicorn Variant (M1000.1U) : Specifically designed for unicorn use, this variant features a smaller trigger and a reinforced trigger guard , as the unicorn operator leverages magic rather than physical strength to handle the weapon. The compact trigger design allows for smoother manipulation using telekinesis, reducing the risk of accidental misfires while maintaining precision.
Bayonet Attachment:
The Harmony Enforcer Bayonet is a specially crafted, double-edged blade designed to be mounted to the muzzle of the M.1K series. Made from tempered steel with a reinforced hardened alloy core, the bayonet is ideal for close-quarters combat when firing position has been over run (NOTE: Prioritise the usage of other standard Melee-Weapons not to damage the M.1K internal crystal array) The blade itself is 8 inches in length and is designed to channel residual magic from the weapon, allowing for enhanced durability and sharpness.
How to Attach the Bayonet:
Ensure the weapon is unloaded : Always confirm the weapon is unloaded before attaching the bayonet to avoid accidental discharge.Locate the attachment mount : Near the muzzle of the M.1K series, you will find a bayonet mount with a locking mechanism.Align the bayonet : Position the bayonetâs mounting groove over the attachment point, ensuring the blade is facing outward.Slide into place : Slide the bayonet along the mount until it clicks securely into the locking mechanism. Ensure the locking latch engages fully to prevent the bayonet from dislodging during combat.Test for stability : Gently tug the bayonet to ensure it is firmly attached before entering combat.
Note: Bayonets should only be used in situations where long-range capabilities of the weapon are no longer effective or when engaged in close combat. Misuse of the bayonet can result in injury to the operator.
Reminder:
Lunaâs eyes shot open, her body jerking upright with her wings pushing outright only to be yanked back by the clattering old rusty chains. The cold iron dug into her feathers, biting into her flesh as she struggled against them, her breaths ragged and panicked.
Darkness enveloped her, thick and oppressive, but it wasnât unfamiliar.
Her pulse quickened as she took in her surroundings ... a room ... her room in ruins. Broken furniture lay scattered, chairs overturned, tables splintered. Torn paintings hung around her. With a single oil lamp next to a thin spread hay bed.
And then her heart stopped. She knew this place.
âno...â
The walls, once made out of pristine well polished Everfree stones, were now covered in countless tally marks, each etched with desperate precision. Hundreds... thousands. The sight sent a chill racing through her. Her eyes darted to the remnants of a torn portrait with a few familiar face, Celestia, shredded beyond recognition with her formal tutor only being recognised by his beard.
âNo... not here...â
Her breath quickened, Panic surged through her veins. She whirled around, searching the room, her mind racing.
âNot againâ
The place of her nightmares, the place of her imprisonment
âno no no no NO NO NO!â
Her gaze landed on a massive steel door across the room, rusty and old but still on its place. Without hesitation, Luna bolted toward it, her hooves pounding against the cracked floor. She reached the door and slammed into it with all her strength, her forehooves pounding against the cold metal over and over.
âLET US OUT!â she shouted, her voice raw with tears forming in eyes.
She struck the door again, harder this time, her horn surrounded by a ring sparkled with magic as she poured her strength into it, but nothing came.
âLET ME OUT!â Luna screamed again, tears rushing down her fur as she struck the door with renewed force. Each hit sent shockwaves of pain through her hooves, but she didnât care. She couldnât be here again. Not after all this time.
Crushing her hooves into it she ignored the pain the blood flowing from them.
"Somepony! Anypony! CELESTIA! TIA! HELP!" she cried, her voice cracking as it echoed through the empty room. But no reply came only the suffocating silence of her old prison.
Luna didnât know how much time had passed. Hours? Days? Time seemed to come and go in this oppressive place, slipping away from her like sand through her hooves. Every moment stretched into eternity, the cold gnawing at her, the silence deafening. She remembered how she woke here up the first time around after... that.
âMaybe it was all a dream... â
Her hope died the first seconds as her panic settled down.
âWas I ever outside this place?â
âMaybe this room is all it isâ
Her gaze drifted to the cracks in the stone, the twisted remains of her once-royal chamber. Nothing felt real anymore. The weight of the chains, the scent of decay in the air, the oppressive darkness that swallowed every thought it all felt wrong, like a nightmare she couldn't wake from, but the more she tried over her years she could never wake up and âI tried a lotâ , her eyes fell on a rope from above âoh I triedâ crimson glass shards âIt never workedâ .
-
With her wounds healed again, Luna pushed herself up once more. Her eyes never left the door for a second. She couldnât look around into the room. Aligning her body to face the door charged forward, hooves pounding against the cracked floor, But as her body collided with the steel door, a sickening crack echoed through the room. Pain shot through her foreleg, snapping the bone clean.
âBuckâ
She stumbled, collapsing in beside the door. Her leg hung limply, twisted in a grotesque angle. Yet, the pain barely registered twisting it back into the right angle it started to heal faster. A broken leg was annoying but her prison would heal it, as it always did. But her muzzle... the sharp sting of it, now bruised and aching from the impact, would take longer and is still something she couldnât get used to. The pain wasnât the issue, the taste was , warm liquid always pushed her to remember faces or things, but never freed her to hold onto it long enough to actually remember.
She needed... something. Anything to break the crushing quiet. She opened her mouth, and a soft hum escaped her lips. It was shaky at first, but there was no comfort, no magic. Just her voice, trembling and alone....
Then, she went silent.
At first, it was pure instinct listening. The silence wasnât comforting. It felt wrong . Strange noises had never been unusual here. Sometimes she would hear knocks, even voices, always distant, always behind this cursed door. But this time, it was different.
For the first time the sound was insidethe room.
Her ears twitched, straining to catch the faintest hint of movement, her heart skipping a beat. A single drop splashed onto her forehead, cold and wet. Luna recoiled instantly, her entire body stiffening in shock.
She didnât move. Her face remained expressionless, but her eyes... her eyes widened, wider than dinner plates. Frozen in place, her breath caught in her throat.
Then, she noticed it a single, small crack above the doorway. It had released the drop, and now it slowly began to fill with more, the water tracing the cracks sharp edges. She stared at it, disbelief settling in. She knew every inch of this room, every crack and imperfection, every flaw in the stone walls that had become her prison. Yet somehow, she had failed to notice this one.
With a grunt, she pushed herself to her hooves, wincing as her barely healed leg wobbled beneath her. Steadying herself, she narrowed her eyes at the crack.
Drawing in a deep breath, she reared back, gathering all the strength she had left, and slammed her hoof into the wall with everything she had. This kick was actually more painful then she felt before, the crack widening, growing larger, as small bits of debris crumbled down from the ceiling..
Ignoring the lingering ache in her leg, Luna gritted her teeth and prepared for another strike. This time, she wasnât stopping.
She reared back and slammed her hoof into the widening crack with all her strength. The stone split further. Suddenly, the wall crumbled, and with a sharp hiss, icy water surged into the room.
Luna's heart skipped a beat. The frigid water flooded across the floor, rising quickly. She staggered back, splashing through it as it reached her knees, soaking her fur and numbing her legs.
With trembling hooves, she dragged the splintered wood and shattered chairs into a pile. The water was rising fast before she knew it the entire room was getting flooded abnormally fast.
She pulled herself onto the unstable heap of broken wood, clutching onto the scraps.
But the water wasn't stopping.
The cracks in the wall grew larger, letting more and more water rush in, a relentless torrent that churned and roared in the small space. The debris floated precariously, tilting under her weight as she balanced on it, shivering uncontrollably.
Before she knew it, the water was rising fast, threatening to submerge her completely. Her breath quickened as she realized it would soon cut her off from the last pocket of air. The frigid cold made every movement sluggish, but she didnât care and used up all the force she could.
Luna knew that no matter how much the room could hurt her, it would always heal her broken body but drowning?
She grabbed the oil lamp in her teeth, its flame flickering wildly as the water surged around her. Desperately, she searched for an escape, her hooves splashing through the icy flood as she pushed through the rising waters. The furniture she had scrambled onto was quickly becoming useless, sinking beneath the relentless flow.
Her gaze darted to the wall the source of the flood and she knew there was only one way out now.
Forcing herself to wait as the water crept higher and higher, biting at her injuries .
âonce the room was full, I could attempt to swim through the breach in the wallâ
The water rose to her chin, and she inhaled sharply, holding the last breath of air as it enveloped her completely. The icy cold burned her lungs, and the weight of the water pressed against her from all sides.
With all the strength she had left, Luna swam to the area above the door, her forehooves slamming into the weak point where the cracks had spread. The water pushed back against her, but she refused to stop. She kicked again and again, feeling the wall and her leg shudder with each blow. Small rocks broke loose, swirling in the water as more stones crumbled away.
Her lungs screamed for air, her chest tightening painfully, but she couldnât stop. She wouldnât
In an instant, the pressure holding back the flood was released. The room erupted in chaos as the wall crumbled, and a violent torrent of water surged through the opening. It crashed into Luna with the force of a raging river, slamming her back as the rush of icy water swallowed her whole.
She barely had time to react before the powerful current yanked her from her place, tossing her body violently through the gap. The walls of her prison had vanished, replaced by an expanse of icy water stretching endlessly in every direction.
Her lungs burned, desperate for air. She looked up, seeing the faint shimmer of light above her. Kicking her legs, she began the long, agonizing swim upward. The cold gnawed at her, slowing her movements as her body protested every stroke. .
The surface grew closer, the shimmer of light brightening as she neared the top. But just as she allowed herself a brief moment of hope, she felt her body back hoof being pulled, looking back she found a dark long shadow from the depths of the icy expanse.
Pulling her hoof free she increased her speed with newly found energy of fear. But just as she neared the top, her hoof slammed into ice.
Her eyes widened in horror as she realized the surface was frozen solid, a thick sheet of ice blocking her escape. Luna frantically began pounding against it, her hooves striking the frozen barrier with desperate force.
Her lungs screamed for air, panic surging through her as the seconds stretched into eternity. She pounded harder, gritting her teeth as her strength began to wane. The cold was overwhelming, sapping what little energy she had left.
And then, from below, she felt it... a familiar, terrifying pull.
Her back hoof was grabbed, yanked with bone-chilling force. Luna looked down and saw it , the dark, twisting shadow from the depths of the icy expanse. It coiled around her leg, its grip tightening, pulling her back toward the dark abyss.
"No!" she screamed, her voice muffled by the water as bubbles escaped her lips. She kicked with all her might, wrenching her hoof free from the shadow's grasp. Her heart raced as fear surged through her veins, giving her a burst of strength. She struck the ice above her with renewed desperation, but the barrier wouldnât break.
Suddenly, the shadow wrapped around her again, this time stronger, thicker, and colder. It climbed up her legs, coiling like a serpent as it pulled her downward. Luna thrashed, her body twisting in the icy water, but the shadow was relentless.
Her vision blurred as the light above grew dim, and just as the cold, crushing darkness seemed to win her over and pull her down a brilliant flash of silver pierced the ice above her, slicing clean through the frozen barrier. For a brief, stunned moment, Luna stared in disbelief as a long, gleaming blade shattered the ice in front of her.
Before she could react, a minotaur hand? pale, and furless plunged through the broken ice, reaching down into the water. The fingers, long and powerful, wrapped around her foreleg, pulling her upward with a force breaching the ice and dropped her onto the cold surface.
-
Luna lay on the freezing ice, her chest heaving as she gulped down air. Her vision blurred as her body trembled, both from the cold and the adrenaline still surging through her veins. The icy wind howled across the surface of the lake, biting at her soaked fur.
âthe sword, the handâ
but now, there was nothing. No sign of the mysterious figure who had pulled her from the depths. The ice stretched endlessly in all directions, the faint shimmer of the moon casting long shadows across the frozen expanse. Beyond the lake, a dark, frozen forest loomed, Willows like twisted silhouettes against the pale light.
Luna's pulse slowed as she finally managed to steady her breath. She pushed herself up, wincing as a sharp pain shot through her leg. She looked down, expecting to see the familiar sight of her tissues slowly knitting itself back together the cursed healing that had plagued her in the prison. But this time... nothing.
Her leg was still swollen, bruised, while she could still feel her muzzle bleeding lightly.
âWhy isn't it healing?â
Luna pressed her hoof against her injured leg, hissing in pain.
She scanned her surroundings, desperate for any sign of what had pulled her from the lake, but there was only the eerie silence of the frozen world around her. The frozen forest ahead stood as still as a graveyard, its dark branches reaching like skeletal arms toward the sky. No movement. No sound.
Not taking long to decide on dying on a frozen river or taking her chances in the forests ,Luna limped forward, her hooves sinking into the snow with each step.
As she neared, her eyes caught a faint outline beneath one of the towering, Willow trees. An entrance, half-buried beneath the snow and twisted roots, leading down into the earth. Luna hesitated, her heart pounding, before she forced herself to move closer.
With a deep breath, she crouched down, brushing aside the snow and dirt, revealing a rusted iron door set into the ground. The hinges creaked as she pushed it open, revealing a narrow, dimly lit passage that descended into the earth. Her pulse quickened as she stepped inside, the temperature dropping even further .
âIs anyone here? Is the one who saved us here?â
The cold, stone walls were covered in frost, but what drew Luna's attention was the the frozen bars before her.
An open cell...
with old rusty bars was before her. Looking inside she found a pony or what seemed like a small minotaur sat slumped against the far wall. The figure was clad in dark, onyx armor, its surface faintly shimmering in the dim light. Runes etched along the edges pulsed with a faint purple magical glow, while its limbs were tightly bound by thick, spiky roots from the tree above, entangling the figure in place.A sword, as dark and formidable as the armor itself, lay at the figure's feet, its blade gleaming with a silvery glow.
"Are you well...?" Luna began, her voice tentative as she stepped closer.
But before she could finish, the figure stirred, a weak, raspy cough escaping from within the armor. Slowly, it raised its head, revealing a pair of piercing, icy blue eyes that locked onto hers. The intensity of the gaze sent a chill through Luna's spine.
"Find him... Find me," the figure whispered, its voice barely more than a breath, but laced with an urgency that cut through the cold air.
Before Luna could respond, the world around her began to blur, her vision darkening as if the very shadows were swallowing her whole. She stumbled, her breath catching, but just as the last flicker of light faded from her sight, a sudden, brilliant light erupted before herâblinding and pure, cutting through the encroaching darkness.
Author's Note
Finaly got time to post more chapters , glad to get to the fun stuff
A piercing white light filled Lunaâs vision as she slowly opened her eyes, blinking against the brightness. A sharp, unbearable pain shot through her head, radiating from the base of her horn and spreading outward like fire. She winced, raising a hoof to the bandage wrapped around her head, only to have the pain intensify. A series of disjointed images flooded her mind, each one sharper and more vivid than the last.
She saw him , the strange, armored figure, unlike any creature sheâd ever known tied in the roots in the forgotten cell. His piercing blue eyes bore into her, a gaze as cold as ice. But then, they began to shift, darkening into an abyssal black, with thin, glowing white slits that seemed to cut through her very soul. The transformation left her breathless, as if his gaze alone could reach into the deepest parts of her being. The image burned itself into her mind, only to shift again.
Her vision wavered, and suddenly she was staring into the eyes of her attacker , the Solar Guard. His fiery orange eyes glared at her, filled with malice, but even they began to change, the fiery color draining as they transformed into that same horrific black, with those haunting white slits slicing through the darkness. A surge of pain erupted in her head, as though each image seared itself deeper, refusing to let her escape. She gasped, shutting her eyes tight to block out the visions, but they only grew stronger, accompanied by a crushing pressure that threatened to pull her under.
âFind me⊠Find meâŠâ The words echoed through her mind.
Gradually, the intensity began to lessen and Luna took a shuddering breath, her senses slowly returning as the visions faded into the back of her mind. She opened her eyes again, wincing as the dull ache in her head settled into a relentless throb.
She was in a hospital room, clean and simple, with faintly glowing crystals embedded in the walls and a bouquet of night lilies in the corner with few bright cards. The soft, pulsing blue light illuminated the room in gentle waves, the steady hum of magic mingling with the rhythmic beat of her own heart. The familiar presence of magic in the air offered a small comfort, a reminder that she was safe, even as her mind struggled to piece together what had happened.
Beside her stood a green unicorn doctor, his horn emitting a small, focused beam of light that he directed into her eyes. As she stirred, he extinguished the light and offered a relieved smile.
âPrincess Luna, my name is Healy Herbâ he said, his tone calm and warm. âYouâve been through quite an ordeal. You suffered a concussion during the incident at the power station. Fortunately, a unit from the Solar Guard arrived just in time and managed to get you and Mr. Tesla Coil to safety. You are right now in New Mane General Hospital.â
Luna blinked, the fragmented memories beginning to surface explosions, smoke, the blinding orange light, and the face of a guard. His hateful gaze lingered in her mind. âThe guard⊠he attacked usâ she murmured, her voice weak but steady. âWe remember his face , he...â
The doctor exchanged a quick glance with the nurse standing nearby, a hint of concern in his eyes. âYour Highness, I believe you may still be experiencing some confusion from the concussion. There was no report of a rogue guard. The Solar Guard who rescued you found no hostile threats at the scene. Itâs likely that your injury is affecting your memory. You were hit by parts of the debri but your shield managed to take the main force of the hitâ
Luna shook her head, wincing as a sharp pain lanced through her skull. âNo,â she replied, her voice firmer now. âWe saw him! He was there, in armor, with a weapon. We are not imagining this!!!â
âPrincess,â the doctor continued gently, âconcussions can cause vivid, unsettling visions, even hallucinations. Your injuries are consistent with a blast impact and solid object hit at the base of the skull, not an assault. With some rest, these memories will likely settle, we did all possible tests but you appear to be physically healthy. For now, please focus on recovering.â
Frustration simmered beneath her composure as she struggled to cling to the fragmented images. After a pause, she nodded reluctantly. âPerhaps youâre right. We ..I may need time to⊠to sort it out.â
The doctor relaxed, nodding. âThank you, Princess. Rest is the best thing for you now. But if thereâs anything else troubling you, please let us know.â
Luna took a deep breath, her mind still buzzing with questions. âAnd Mr. Tesla? Is he alright?â she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
The doctorâs face grew in concentration. âHe was in critical condition when we brought him in. He sustained serious injuries from the debris, but heâs stable now, thanks to you. The guards found you shielding him.â
âCan... I see him?â
âIt would be better for you both to rest,â the doctor replied âTomorrow would be best for him, Princess Celestia asked for you to be transported Back to Canterlot after you woke up, you have been unconscious for almost 19 hoursâ
âNo,â Luna insisted, her tone resolute. âI need to speak with him now.â
After a moment of hesitation, the doctor nodded reluctantly. âVery well, but youâre too weak to walk. Iâll have the nurse bring a wheelchair.â
Luna opened her mouth to protest but saw the doctorâs firm expression and swallowed her objections. âFine,â she murmured.
The doctor motioned to the nurse, who retrieved a wheelchair. Luna eased into it, bracing herself as they made their way down the corridor filled with ponies in black and few royal guards in purple.
âWere there⊠were there any casualties?â she asked, her voice strained and barely audible.
The doctor hesitated, a shadow passing over his face. âYes, Princess. Twenty-six lost their lives, and another one hundred and ninety were injured. The damage was extensive, we are still waiting for a public statement from Princess Celestia.
When they reached Teslaâs room, the doctor stopped at the door, meeting her gaze. âPlease keep it brief, Princess. You both need rest.â
Luna nodded, and the nurse pushed the door open, wheeling her inside.
The room was sparse, its white walls softened only by scattered get-well cards and a few bouquets of wildflowers, their colours bright against the clinical gray. The scent of night lilies hung thick in the air, almost cloying.
Tesla lay on his side, his torso wrapped in heavy bandages, with burns marking his fur. He clutched a silver picture frame with an image of two ponies in the sky on a clear evening, his gaze focused on it, his face a mask of sorrow. When he noticed Luna, he carefully tucked the frame under his pillow and managed a faint smile.
âYour Highness,â he greeted her, his voice hoarse. âGood to see youâre well.â
Luna took in the sight of his injuries and felt a pang of guilt looking at his heavily bandaged wing âTesla,â she began softly, âhow are your wings?â
He shook his head, his expression hardening. âItâs wing now, Princess. Iâve only one left.â
The reality of his words struck her, and she struggled to find a response. âI⊠Iâm so sorry,â she whispered.
âNo,â Tesla interrupted. âYou did everything you could. This is how it is.â
He glanced back at the leaving nurse, closing the door behind herself, his eyes narrowing slightly. âWhat did you tell the doctor?â
Luna frowned, unsure of his sudden intensity. âI told him what I remembered. About the guard. About the attack.â
Teslaâs looked right at her and shook his head. âNo. You donât remember that. Not a word of it, do you understand?â
Lunaâs confusion deepened. âWhat do you mean? I saw him. That Guard almost killed us!â
âForget it,â Tesla cut her off, his voice low and urgent. âFor your safety, you never speak of this. Not to anyone. You didnât see anything. I got hit by the explosion and you saved me.â
Lunaâs frustration flared, and she straightened, meeting his gaze defiantly. âI am a princess of Equestria. I have to tell Celestia. Why should I hide this?!â
Tesla let out a bitter sigh. âPrincess, you donât understand. Princess Celestia wouldnât believe you, and neither would the public. Youâre already seen as unstable by most. Some know about your⊠episodes. Speaking of things like this will only give them more reason to doubt you.â
Lunaâs eyes narrowed. âHow do you know about that?â she demanded, her suspicion growing.
Tesla looked away, his expression tight and unreadable. âThat doesnât matter now,â he replied, evading her question. âWhat matters is that you stay silent. For your own safety, you remember nothing. There is no evidence, that guard disappeared. I cant tell who or why yet, but trust me its for your safety.â
Silence stretched between them, thick with tension. Luna felt the weight of his words, his gaze meeting hers, firm and unyielding. After a moment, she let out a slow, reluctant breath. âWe are in your debt and shall stay silent, Tesla. But only because you saved me and you owe me and explanation for the knowledge you hold of usâ
A faint chuckle escaped his lips, though tinged with weariness. âPrincess, weâre even now,â he replied, humour flashing in his eyes. âConsider the debt repaid.â
Luna managed a small, reluctant smile, but Teslaâs face quickly grew serious again. âYou need to watch your back,â he warned. âThereâs more going on than you realizes. Iâll be in contact with you when I can, but for now, stay alert .â
âIn contact?, but howâ . Just as Tesla was about to respond, the door swung open, and two Solar Guards stepped inside, their expressions solemn and their armor gleaming under the crystal lights.
âPrincess Luna,â one of them announced, his voice firm and respectful. âWeâre here to escort you back to Canterlot. Your transport is ready. Princess Celestia will join you there later.â
Luna glanced at Tesla, he gave her a faint nod, his eyes sharp, she turned to the guards and nodded. âVery well. Let us depart.â
(Knock) (Knock)
A sharp knock echoed through the hallway, reverberating off the polished walls and grand tapestries that adorned the castle corridors. Outside the heavy oak door, a young unicorn mare stood, her coat a pale lavender, contrasting with her dark mane tied back in a neat braid. She adjusted her glasses and cleared her throat, casting a quick glance around before knocking again, more firmly this time.
âEnter,â came the impatient reply from within, a voice dripping with irritation.
The mare pushed the door open and stepped inside, finding herself in a room as grandiose as it was cold. The room was lined with dark mahogany shelves filled with volumes that appeared untouched, their spines pristine beneath a layer of dust. At the center of the room, behind a massive desk, sat a handsome unicorn , his expression as impassive with his golden mane was impeccably styled, and his white coat gleamed under the dim glow of the chandeliers, yet his eyes held an air of detached boredom as he glanced up.
â...Ravenclaw...â he drawled, arching an eyebrow as he regarded his assistant with boredom. âThis had better be important. Iâve had enough interruptions for one day make it quickâ
Ravenclaw shifted uncomfortably, clutching a stack of papers in her magic as she approached the desk and placing them in front of the prince. âYour Highness, Prince Blueblood, the council needs few signatures on the financial budget for the next year, but most importantly thereâs been⊠an incident ... involving Princess Luna. An attempt on her life.â
Blueblood leaned back, his interest barely piqued, as he steepled his hooves. âOh?â he replied, his tone devoid of any real interest.
Ravenclaw cleared her throat, watching as he rose from his seat and moved toward a crystal decanter on a side table. He poured a measure of black liquid into a glass, pausing only briefly as she continued. âThe Solar Guard intervened in time, but it seems they initially thought the attacker was a changeling. Theyâve found no evidence to confirm that, butâŠâ
Blueblood raised an eyebrow as he swirled the drink in his glass, a faint glimmer of interest flickering across his face. âA changeling?â
âYes, my lord, according to my contact, the individual was seen transforming shifting from a pony like creature into something âelseâ . The details are sparse, but theyâve already taken this individual into custody and brought them directly to Canterlot.â
âSomething else?â
Blueblood took a slow sip of his drink, savoring the taste as he considered her words. He set the glass down with a soft clink, âArrange an audience with the Solar Guard captain, I want to know precisely who or what theyâve brought to Canterlot.â
Ravenclaw nodded, her posture straightening as she noted his instructions. âOf course, Your Highness. Iâll see to it immediately.â
âGood,â he replied, a hint of a smirk tugging at his lips as he returned to his seat. âAnd prepare a report with every detail you can find on this⊠unique individual. Leave nothing out.â
Ravenclaw gave a quick bow, retreating from the room with a last glance over her shoulder. As the door clicked shut behind her, the room fell into silence. Blueblood took another slow sip of his drink, savoring the calm.
âHmm I have a few hoursâ
But before he could fully settle back, a sudden burst of purple flame flared in the air before him, materialising into a rolled scroll sealed with a dark, unmarked wax stamp. His eyes widened, and with a quick glance at the closed door, he wasted no time.
Setting his drink aside, he charged his horn, casting a swift spell that enveloped the room. The door glowed faintly, locking with a definitive click as additional seals slid into place along the walls, a magical barrier pulsing to life and warding the room from any prying eyes or ears. Only once the room was entirely secure did he reach for the scroll, choosing to avoid use of magic at this moment, his hooves almost trembling as he broke the seal.
Blueblood unrolled the parchment, his eyes darting over the words scrawled across the page, with small amounts of fur getting dump from his nerves.
For a moment, he stood frozen, re reading every word. Then, with a quick, sharp motion, he conjured a fresh piece of parchment and a quill. Dipping it hastily into the inkpot, he scrawled a terse reply, his letters quick and jagged,
âConsider it done, my lord - Your most loyal servant B.Bâ
He allowed the ink to dry just long enough before he rolled the parchment and held it before him. With a whisper of his horn, both scrolls erupted in a flash of purple flame, vanishing as quickly as it had come. Blueblood stood in the silence that followed, his face pale, the flickering light of his protective spell casting long shadows across the room.
As the magic seals dissolved, the office returned to its usual, orderly state.
âWhat a Bucking day...â
Author's Note
Wow 80 likes! Thank you all , I hope you enjoy the story!
Chapter 12 - The Locked! Yet Not Forgotten?
Author's Note
Just for first part ref read
, hope you enjoy !
Chapter 12 - The Locked! Yet Not Forgotten?
âRun⊠leave me⊠runâŠâ Teslaâs voice was faint, strained, the words barely reaching her. âItâs notâŠâ
Through the haze, she saw him - the Solar Guard, his armor gleaming ominously in the firelight, his gaze fixed on her with a fury that burned through the thick smoke. His eyes, fiery orange and alive with an almost feral intensity, seemed to glow, piercing through the smoke that surrounded them.
Luna tried to form any barrier with her magic, using all she could to defend herself and Tesla, but her magic felt heavy and sluggish. Fear was overtaking her body and mind yet again. By now the vibrant orange faded, dulling into an inky blackness that spread outward from his pupils like spilled ink, consuming the colour until nothing remained but a void. Thin, razor sharp white slits appeared in the darkness, staring past her physical self and into her soul. The white pulsed faintly, as if alive, shifting and narrowing.
The sight of those slitted freezing her in place, as a stabbing pain shot through her head like a rusty needle being impaled int the temple of her head.
But as she opened her eyes , the image twisted, morphing into something else. The Solar Guard was gone, replaced by a large figure , a knight in dark onyx armor, unlike any creature she had ever seen.
Large for a pony, yet small for a miniature. The figure sat on the ground, his broad frame encased in Black Onyx armor. His lower limbs were ..strange? not seen anything alike by Luna ... or hard for her to remember seeing anything like this.
His face remained obscured, but his eyes... those icy blue eyes pierced through the shadows, unrelenting, cold, yet calming , They held her, freezing her in place, any words she tried to form caught in her throat, lost beneath the pressure building up in her mind. The rising hum echoed in her ears, a deafening sound that pressed down on her from all sides.
Then, just as she thought she might drown in that gaze, his eyes began to change.
The blue faded, just like the Solar Guards firry gaze, his too was replaced by a void like blackness, darker than his Armor, with thin, glowing white slits cutting through like the edges of a blade. The darkness seemed to pulse, to grow, until it swallowed everything, leaving her alone in a void filled only with those cold, merciless eyes.
âFind meâŠâ
âLuna?â
A voice broke through, shattering the vision. Luna blinked, find herself disoriented. She looked around, her surroundings slowly coming into focus. She was in the castleâs private dining hall, sunlight streaming in through the tall windows, bathing the room in warmth and light.
Across from her sat Celestia, watching her with quiet concern, her pastel mane flowing softly as if caught in an invisible breeze. âSister, are you alright?â she asked again.
For a moment, Luna struggled to remember where she was, to shake off the remnants of the vision that clung to her. She forced herself to breathe, to ground herself in the present.
âWe..I⊠yes, Iâm fineâ
She looked past Celestia, catching sight of Cadance beside her, sitting quietly with a soft, concerned gaze.
Celestia leaned forward, her expression soft but cautious.
âLuna, I know this has been a trying time, but itâs important that we understand what happened. Do you remember anything? You just froze , do you require more rest?â
Luna shook her head.
âNo..as I said⊠donât remember much.â
She refused to meet her sisterâs gaze, âjust another maskâ.
âOf course, of course, Sister. Sometimes, after an experience like that, memories can resurface. If you need help processing it, we can arrange for somepony to speak with you.â
âSo there it usâ Luna thought
âI donât need a Mind Healer, im not insane â she said, her voice colder than she intended, earning worrying look from cadence, âI told you, I donât rememberâ.
Celestia exchanged a brief glance with Cadance, who had remained silent until now.
âLuna, Mr Rhalgor is a counsellor and the best one at that. Please give him another try, I also had problems before, but...â
Lunaâs eyes narrowed, and she felt a sharp edge rise in her chest.
âI donât need some feather-brained griffkin telling me how to sort through my own thoughts!!â
she spat, putting her hooves on the table and flaring her wings out.
The temperature in the room seeming to drop as Cadanceâs eyes widened. Celestiaâs smile faltered, replaced by a flash of anger that Luna hadnât seen in a long time. Her sisterâs usual grace wavered, the warmth in her demeanor vanishing.
âLUNA!â Celestia rose from her pillow, her voice suddenly stern, cutting through the tension. âThatâs enough. Griffins are our allies. Weâve been at peace with them for generations, and I wonât tolerate such dirty language in my presence!â
Luna could feel the heat rising in her chest, her frustration bubbling to the surface. She didnât mean the words to come out so harsh , but Celestiaâs reaction and the last few days felt like a slap across the face.
âPeace?â
she scoffed, her tone mocking. âIs that what you call it? Peace, where they meddle in our affairs? Where they send their counselors to judge us - judge me ?!â
Celestiaâs eyes flashed dangerously. âMr. Rhalgor is not here to judge you. He is a respected professional one of the best, that I personally have invited, and he has helped many and will help you. We all had mistakes but thats before. And right now, you're acting like...â
âWhat? A Lunatic?â Luna snapped, rising to her hooves. âA danger to your precious peace?â The words were spilling out now, no longer held back by her restraint. âIs that why youâre coddling me, like some fragile thing that might shatter under pressure? Is that how you see me now, Celestia? A risk to Equestria?â
Celestia stood abruptly, her own towering presence overshadowing the table. Her calm, regal composure cracked, her wings flaring slightly as her voice took on a cold, sharp edge. âNo, Luna. You are not a risk. But the way youâre speaking, the way youâre pushing everyone away, itâ....â
âItâs what?â Lunaâs voice rose in pitch. âMadness ? Is that what youâre implying?â
âStop twisting my words,â Celestia snapped, her patience wearing thin. âThis isnât about madness...â
âI donât need help , Celestia,â Luna snarled, cutting her off, her wings flaring now in frustration. âYou helped me enough by ERASING my memoriesâ
The room fell silent. Cadance, who had been sitting quietly through most of the exchange, shifted uneasily, her eyes darting between the two sisters and the double doors in the far end of the room.
Celestiaâs eyes widened, her anger flaring as Lunaâs accusation hit her like a blow.
âErasing your memories? Is that what you think I did?!â
Her voice was sharp now, the calm, regal facade fully shattered.
âI have done nothing against you, Luna. Everything Iâve done has been to help you, to protect you from your self!â
Luna stood tall with her body aching, her wings still flared, her chest heaving.
âProtect me?â she spat, her voice venomous. âYou call this protection? You use my âEpisodesâ to keep me in the dark about our past! MY past!â
Celestiaâs wings flared wider, her frustration boiling over. âI have always acted in the best interest of Equestria! You...â She cut herself off, her face tightening with rage, before she hissed through clenched teeth, âYou are my sister, but you do not understand, you need time ....â
Lunaâs eyes blazed, her voice shaking with fury.
âoh so now im a Burden? Donât lecture me about âtimeâ , Celestia. I have lived a thousand years in isolation without knowledge of why I was there!â
âI did what I had to do!â
Celestia shouted, her voice ringing through the room, startling even Cadance, who flinched at the outburst.
âDo you think it was easy for me? To banish you, to live with that pain every day?! I have spent every moment since your return trying to make things right between us, but you continue to push me away!â
âWE PUSH THOU?! â Lunaâs voice roared using up her little magic reserves. âThou promised to stand by us! To be at our side as we returned to our role as Princess! But where were you when you sent us to that Muppet council of yours?! With little as I remember , you saying NO to us wasnât such difficulty â
Celestiaâs face tightened, a mixture of anger and guilt flashing across her features. âLuna, you know that I placed such council for a reason, to ensure that my own judgment wouldnât be over clouded , I trusted that...â
âYou trusted us to fail!â Lunaâs voice cracked, the raw pain slipping through her anger. âEverypony was watching, waiting for us to stumble, to prove that we didnât belong. And you, the only one we thought we could count on, wasthe one that sent us in without informing that you made the decisionâ
Celestia opened her mouth to respond but closed it just as quickly.
âI never meant to abandon you, I told you I didnât have a voice in this. There are rules that even we should followâ Celestia said finally, her voice quieter, strained.
Lunaâs gaze hardened, her heart pounding in her chest. âAnd yet, you always find time for them . For your precious council, your diplomats. But when it comes to us, your own ⊠there is never enough.â
âBut you must understand, LuluâŠâ
âMy sister called me that... I see even less resembles between you and her now.â
Celestiaâs face softened, her eyes filled with a deep sorrow.
âYour episodes, your memory lapses⊠youâre not well, and I cannot stand by and watch you destroy yourself! If you wonât accept help, Iâll have no choice but to intervene.â
The words struck Luna like a blow, her breath catching in her throat. âIntervene? You mean youâll force more on me or shut me into another prison? Strip me of my power and lock me away? Is that what you want?â
âNoâ Celestiaâs , mask of the calm returned, composed ruler slipping entirely. âI donât want to do that, Luna. But I will if you leave me no other choice I will have to act more harshlyâ
Before Luna could fire back, the door to the chamber swung open, and Captain Brightwing entered, his armor gleaming as he bowed low. âYour Highness,â he said, his voice formal but steady, âthe council is waiting for you and the report about the incident will be ready by the end of today your Highnessâ
The tension in the room didnât dissipate, it merely shifted, hanging heavy in the air as Celestia turned her head sharply toward the captain. Her eyes narrowed, but she held her temper. âThank you, Captain,â she said, her voice clipped. âTell them Iâll be there shortly.â
Lunaâs gaze snapped to the captain, her eyes flashing with suspicion. While his eyed her dangerously.
As the captain retreated from the room, Celestiaâs posture shifted. She looked back to Luna, her expression no longer one of anger, but of deep disappointment. âThis conversation isnât over, Luna,â she said quietly, though her voice still carried the weight of her authority. âBut I have duties to attend to.â
Luna said nothing as she stood and walked out the door.
A low, frustrated growl escaped Lunaâs muzzle as she stormed into her chamber, bucking the door closed with a loud thud, her hooves striking the polished stone floor with each angry step. The room was dark, lit only by the faint glow of blue crystals embedded along the walls, casting an ethereal light that barely chased the shadows away. Heavy, dark curtains hung over the windows, pulled tightly shut, keeping the sunlight at bay. The furniture was carved from dark wood, intricate designs etched into the surface, all revolving around the moon and stars.
Without a second thought, she seized a delicate porcelain vase from a nearby table with her magic, its painted lilies glinting in the dim light. With a sharp burst of power, she flung it across the room, watching as it struck the wall and shattered into fragments. The sound echoed around her, mingling with her labored breaths as pieces of porcelain scattered across the floor.
She stared at the wall where the vase had broken, her eyes drawn to a golden framed painting.
It was a portrait of herself and Celestia, standing together in a sunlit meadow. Celestia stood tall and serene, her expression radiating warmth, while Luna stood at her side, her face half in shadow, almost disappearing into her sisterâs glow. It was an image of her first day back at the castle.
The fear in Lunaâs teal eyes, barely concealed from her sister, she held the memory of all the unknowns she had faced that day. The hallways had felt unfamiliar, the poniesâ stares a mix of awe and trepidation. Even her own sister, with her gentle reassurances and warm smiles, had seemed distant, she was different in every way.
If before... at least when she remembered them together ... the height between the two would be only noticeable at a second glance, but here she was, taller, more powerful and more loved then ever...she stood beside Luna, as if nothing had changed, but Luna remembered the murmurs that stopped as soon as she entered a room. She had returned as a Princess , yet felt like an intruder in a home she barley remembered... âCurse those elementsâ.
âYou think Iâm unwell, do you?â she whispered bitterly, her voice taut with anger. Her magic flared, rattling the frame as if to shatter the painted perfection.
The room fell silent again, save for Lunaâs sharp breaths . She glared at the portrait, her chest heaving, feeling as if her fury might consume her whole. âFor a thousand years, thou kept this place, never faltering. Yet the moment we returned, every eye turned upon us in fear. Fear that we might shatter and thou just stayed by and watched.â
Lunaâs breath hitched, her vision darkening as the room twisted around her. Shadows seemed to come alive, the walls bending and closing in, as if suffocating her. Her heart pounded, each beat swallowed by a rising, agonised wail that filled her ears.
She tried to ground herself, to push the darkness back, but as she looked around, parts of her chamber began to melt, dripping down in thick, dark rivulets that pooled at her hooves. The floor rippled, the dark gooey liquid creeping toward her, reaching as though to pull her under.
The shadows twisted into ghastly, hollow faces along the walls, their silent screams searing into her mind. She stumbled back, feeling her hooves sink slightly into the cold, viscous substance, her surroundings warping as the nightmare closed in.
âNo⊠please, stopâŠâ she whispered, but the screams only grew louder, pressing in from all sides, and with every sound, the room seemed to dissolve further into darkness, an endless void that beckoned to swallow her whole.
âNo⊠no, not againâŠâ she whispered, but her words barely reached her own ears. Her magic flared uncontrollably, crackling and surging out from her horn in dark, twisted tendrils that dripped like ink to the floor. Each drop hissed upon contact, spreading into a dark mist that coiled and slithered, writhing like snakes across the cold stone. She tried to rein it in, but the magic resisted, pulsing against her efforts, spilling out in chaotic, seething waves.
âHelp us, any pony help us!!â
All her words fell distorted and distant as the shadows began to dance, swirling up from the floor, clinging to the walls, warping the room into a nightmare. Lunaâs body trembled, her legs weak beneath her as she stumbled forward, desperate for control. Her gaze darted to a dark oak desk, to the small black box resting there. The ring inside it would help it go away.
As she took a step forward, the screams transformed, splintering into agonised voices thousands of them, whispering, shouting, wailing. Faces began to form in the mist, twisted and hollow, their eyes wide with horror, their muzzles open in silent, eternal screams. She stumbled, her heart racing as the walls seemed to bleed with darkness, oozing shadows that reached for her, clawing and pulling, grasping at her like icy tendrils.
The magic on her horn grew stronger, searing and wild, sending waves of pain down her spine as it dripped uncontrollably, splattering the floor in violent bursts of black. Her head felt as if it might split open, the raw energy burning through her like fire.
âCelestia!â she gasped, staggering as she reached for the box. Her hoof trembled as it brushed the edge of the magic nullification ring, just within her hooves-
The room dissolved, powerful winds of snow and ice came and left before forcing her into a shadowed, cold chamber. The stale scent of earth filled her nostrils, a damp, heavy air that weighed down her breath. In the centre of the dimly lit dungeon, a lone figure sat bound by thick, gnarled roots that snaked down from the ceiling, anchoring him to the ground. The roots twisted over his arms and chest, biting into the dark armour that encased his massive frame. Just like back then the figure did not move, he was still tied
He lifted his head slowly, his eyes cutting through the darkness. Those icy blue she kept seeing for last few days burned into her. They bore into her, paralysing her, as if he could see beyond her very soul. Roots strained as he moved, his powerful arms flexing against their grip, but they held, tightening with a pulse that seemed almost alive, responding to his every movement.
Around him, shadows flickered like living things, the dim light barely revealing his form, a blend of metal and shadow. His face, mostly hidden behind the dark onyx helm, gave only a glimpse of the hard set of his jaw, a glimpse of pale skin beneath the metal.
â Find meâŠâ
he whispered, his voice like a tremor in her bones, reverberating through the dark chamber. The words were both a plea and a command, filling her ears and echoing off the stone walls, threading through her thoughts like a seed taking root. His gaze locked onto hers, and for a moment, she felt as though she was bound as he was, shackled in place by the force of his eyes alone.
Then, his eyes began to shift, darkening, the icy blue fading into a black void, an abyss with thin, white slits cutting through like blades of cold fire. His presence swelled, filling every shadow, expanding to consume the very air. The roots pulsed, tightening, but the darkness around him grew thicker, deeper, until it seemed to pour out from him, spreading across the floor like a living shadow, reaching out for her.
The chamber was swallowed by his presence, his blackened gaze the only light in the encroaching darkness.
Suddenly, his head snapped forward, his gaze searing into hers, and the words slammed through her one final time.
âFind me! â
Luna gasped as she jolted awake, her heart racing, her chest heaving, the vision still clinging to her like a waking nightmare.
(Knock Knock)
A sharp knock sounded at her door, cutting through the lingering echoes of his words. She stumbled to her hooves, feeling the last wisps of dark magic dripping from her horn, pooling onto the floor in faint, shimmering drops.
(Knock Knock Knock)
The knock came again, louder and more insistent.
She rushed to the door and pulling her mind back to reality, creaking the door open just a bit to see the figure on the other side, a royal Pegasus guard in his purple armor . He cast a concerned glance at Luna, trying to look behind her into her room, but the room was to dark to see in.
âYour Highness,â he said, bowing his head. âI was patrolling and⊠heard a disturbance.â
Luna straightened, struggling to keep her voice steady. âIt was nothing, just⊠we tripped, all is calm nowâ she replied coolly, though her heart still pounded.
âVery well, Princess,â he said, inclining his head respectfully. âIf you need anything else, I shall be here to assistâ
As he turned to leave, Lunaâs voice stopped him. âWait.â
âYes, Your Highness?â
âOkay maybe , just maybe I could find something there? Its not like there are a lot of dungeons, there should be somethingâ
Adopting a more regal position and opening the door ever so slightly, she spoke in a more authoritive tone âDo the old dungeons still remain in Equestria?â
The guard blinked, a flicker of confusion crossing his face. â dungeons, Princess?â He paused before answering, clearly taken aback by the question. âNot really, Your Highnessâ He scratched the back of his head, making his helmet slip forward just enough to break the magical illusion of his white fur, revealing a patch of natural, muddy brown beneath.
âThe only one im aware is bellow the Canterlot castle, but theyâve been closed off for centuries. We keep them maintained, but theyâre mostly used for storage now, old records and equipment. â
Lunaâs eyes begin to sparkle âAnd who is tasked with their oversight now?â
âOfficially, the Solar Guard is responsible for them. There are occasional tours for Schools trips and the like, though theyâre closed off to the public for the most part.â He hesitated, then added, âThe last tour group was a few weeks ago, I believe, but the area is rarely visited these days, why ... are you asking?... did I do something wrong?â
Luna nodded slowly ignoring the guards concern, her thoughts drifting back to the vision, to the dim, shadowed chamber and the figure bound by roots in a place that felt as real as any memory, she couldnât have been there before, Canterlot castle was build after... that thing
âThou hast our thanksâ she said finally, her voice softened. âThat will suffice.â
The guard gave her a final respectful bow, his gaze still puzzled and with hint of worry, before turning and taking his leave.
âFind meâ
It was no longer a mere suggestion it was a call, unyielding, impossible to ignore.
The guard had almost turned a corner in the corridor when Lunaâs voice halted him again. âOn second thought,â she called, âThou shalt lead me to the dungeonsâ
The guard turned back, clearly caught off-guard. âThe⊠dungeons, Your Highness?â He shifted, clearing his throat with an awkward cough. âI⊠Iâm not exactly authorised to grant entry there. Only the Solar Guard captain canââ
Luna tilted her head, an amused smirk tugging at her lips. âNot authorised? We are a princess , good sir. Surely we do not require authorization to enter our own castleâs dungeons?â
He stammered, eyes widening. âI⊠well, yes, technically, Princess, but⊠protocols are in place for a reason, andââ
âProtocol?â Luna replied, feigning scandal. âAnd tell us, loyal keeper of protocol, what is thy name?â
The guard blinked, looking even more flustered. âUm⊠Hayseed Burrow, Your Highness,â he mumbled, barely meeting her eyes.
Lunaâs expression brightened with mischief. âThen, Sir Hayseed Burrow,â she intoned grandly, âby the Moon and Stars, thou shalt escort us to the dungeons this instant.â She held her head high, her tone regal, her eyes sparkling with barely concealed amusement. Bringing her muzzle close to him she whispered, âwill that be under protocol?â
The guardâs white cheeks turned bright red. âWell⊠as you wish, Princess,â he muttered, surrendering to her authority. âPlease⊠follow me.â
âExcellent! Lead on, Sir Hayseed,â Luna said, falling into step beside him.
Deep in the shadows of the Canterlot dungeons, two Solar Guards sat hunched over a parchment, the light of their flickering lantern casting eerie shadows against the stone walls.
âLook at this one,â muttered Bright Light a bright orange unicorn with a gruff expression, tapping his hoof against the page. ââTry 300 feet, dumb-ass?ââ He squinted, looking utterly baffled. âWhat in the name of Celestia is a âfeetâ? Think he means âhoovesâ?â
Iron Wall, A older greyish coated pegasus with an amused smirk, snickered. âWho knows? Whatever it is, this creature thinks weâre the ones who need lessons on mana rifles.â He tapped another note. ââBuck, fuck âem?ââ He frowned, scratching his head. âWhatâs a fuck ?â
The Pegasus shrugged, shaking his head. âProbably one of their weird insults. As if weâd ever take his advice from that filth.â They both chuckled, but their laughter quickly faded as a firm knock echoed from the dungeon door.
The two solar guards straightened up, putting their golden helmets with white plumes , transforming their fur into clear white. Sharing a wary glance before opening the heavy door, only to be met with a sight they hadnât expected. Standing just outside was none other than Princess Luna herself, her expression resolute, with her escort a nervous-looking Royal Guard looking between them and her.
âYour Highness,â stammered, giving a hasty bow. âThis section of the dungeons is⊠restricted. Only Custodes Solaris have authority here.â
Luna arched an eyebrow, unimpressed. âRestricted? We are a princess. This is our castle. Surely our authority grants us access.â
Iron Wall took a step forward, holding his ground. âWith all due respect, Princess, Custodes Solarisâ he used the ancient term for the Solar Guard with pride âare obligated to follow the commands of Princess Celestia and our Captain alone. Without her explicit permission, we cannot let anypony enter.â
Lunaâs eyes narrowed, frustration flickering across her face. After a pause, she turned to Hayseed, her expression softening as she looked him in the eye.
âTell us, Hayseed Burrow,â she began in a steady voice, âare your orders not to protect Equestria and its royal family from any threat, no matter the cost?â
Hayseed gulped, glancing nervously between Princess Luna and the two Solar Guards, visibly flustered âUh⊠yes, Your Highness. Th-thatâs my sworn duty.â
âThen I trust youâll uphold that duty?â she asked, a subtle smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth.
With a small, shaky nod, Hayseed said, âYes, Princess. Of courseâ visibly deflating as he already anticipated what will happen next.
Luna gave a satisfied nod and turned, striding confidently past the two Solar Guards, her steps echoing through the dungeon corridor. Leaving the two more confused then anything.
The two solar guards exchanged alarmed looks, then moved to intercept her path. But just as they reached for her, Hayseed, his face set with a blend of nerves, stepped directly in their way and unfurled his wings with a dramatic snap, revealing a pair of gleaming wing blades strapped to his feathers.
âUh⊠hold it right there, fellas,â he stammered, his wings outstretched in what he clearly hoped was an intimidating pose. âThe princess has royal business down here. So Iâll⊠uh⊠be defending her.â
Iron Step blinked, holding back an amused grin. âAre you seriously blocking us, guard? Weâre the Custodes Solaris.â
Hayseedâs feathers trembled slightly, but he cleared his throat, puffing out his chest. âI donât reckon I care what kind of custodes yâall are. Princess said sheâs goinâ through, so⊠so sheâs goinâ through!â He swallowed, glancing briefly at Luna for reassurance, only seeing her walk deeper into the dungeons , before adding, âNow⊠uh⊠Iâd appreciate it if we all kept this nice and⊠peaceful-like.â
Iron Wall rolled his eyes, giving Bright Light a weary look. âLook, we donât want any trouble, but orders are orders .â
âYeah, well⊠so are mine, â Hayseed replied, his voice shaky but somehow determined. âMy dutyâs to defend the princess and Equestria, so⊠so yâall will have to go through me to stop her.â He flared his wings a little wider, his face set in a mixture of bravery and barely concealed fear.
Bright Light sighed, glancing between Iron Step and Hayseed. âThis is absurd. weâre all on the same side here. Do we really need to make this difficult?â
Hayseed gave a nervous chuckle, the blades at his wings shaking slightly. âWell⊠now that you mention it, Iâd prefer we didnât.â He lowered his voice, muttering mostly to himself, âDidnât exactly plan on hoofing up two Custodes todayâŠâ
Iron Wall look at his companion , âBright, ill be back with the captain asap , you make sure they...â pointing with his hoof at the direction of the two intruders â... dont mess anything upâ.
âWill do...â Bright responded with annoyance, hoof facing himself with a groan.
Hayseed exhaled with relief, folding his wings back and giving the Solar Guards a shaky grin. âGuess ill follow, I think I need to bring our captain then?â Looking back the princess which gave a silent nod without looking back, but instead examining the door before her.
âHayseed Burrow you are the dumbest royal guard that ever lived!â
The heavy wooden door creaked open, revealing a dim, narrow corridor lined with offshoot rooms, each filled with stacks of crates and cobweb-covered shelves.
The air was thick with dust, undisturbed for years, save for the faint footprints left behind by Princess Luna and her reluctant escort, Bright Light, who at this very moment was following directly in her steps burning the back of Lunaâs head with his glare.
Lunaâs gaze swept over each empty room as they passed, old books covered by layers of dust as thick as them, opened crates revealing wooden training weapons and shields and finally at the end of the corridor her eyes landed on an imposing metal door at the end of the hall. Unlike the others, this door was marked with strange runes that upon her closer inspection still pulsed faintly along its edges. The heavy surface was coated in dust, though she immediately noticed faint streaks across it, as if it had been disturbed recently.
âWhat lies beyond this door?â Luna asked, her voice low as she traced her hoof over one of the glowing symbols feeling the faint evidence of magic.
Bright Light shifted uncomfortably, glancing at the door with a wary expression. âTo be honest, Princess, nopony really knows. It hasnât been used in ages, we shall wait for the return of Guards Pony Iron Wall to make a formal requested to open this door.â
Luna turned to him, one eyebrow raised. âAnd yet, somepony has been here recently...?â She gestured at the disturbed dust, her tone sharp. âSo it hasnât been left untouched, as you say.â
Bright Light cleared his throat, looking a little flustered. âUh, well, maybe somepony checked on it, but⊠weâre usually told to leave this part of the dungeon alone... Princess I formally request that we wait until the Captain...â
Lunaâs attention returned to the door, her curiosity deepening. She spotted a thick iron lock securing it shut, weathered but sturdy. Ignoring Bright Lightâs apprehension, she summoned her magic, her horn glowing as she sent a focused beam toward the lock. The metal sizzled and began to melt, dripping onto the stone floor in a series of faint, smoky hisses.
Bright Light winced, shifting back. âUh, Princess⊠you do realize thatâs technically, uh⊠destruction of property?â
Luna gave him a calm, unimpressed glance. âThe property belongs to the crown, does it not?â
Bright Light opened his mouth to argue, but quickly thought better of it, his ears drooping as he watched her work. With a final, loud crack, the lock fell away, pooling on the ground in a molten heap.
âNow would thou assist us?â
âand im being called a lunatic â Luna scoffed.
Pressing a hoof to the door and giving it a firm push, her eyes narrowing as it creaked open. Cold, stale air drifted out from the room...suffocating darkness following through.
Void of any windows, the air was thick with the stench of something rotten. As Luna stepped further in, she summoned a small orb of light at the tip of her horn, casting a dim, bluish glow across the chamber.
Her gaze swept over the sparse contents of the room. Bare stone walls enclosed the space on all sides, their surfaces cracked and damp. The floor was littered with odds and ends of few broken crates, an overturned wooden bench, and near her hoof, a grimy bucket whose contents emitted a foul, sour smell.
She cringed as she accidentally stepped into the bucket, green liquid spilling across the floor in thick, slimy tendrils. Her nose wrinkled at the smell, making her use all her inner power might not to extract her breakfast right now right here.
Straightening herself with a slight shudder, Luna let the light from her horn grow stronger, casting longer shadows that stretched across the floor and walls. And thatâs when she noticed him.
Against the far wall sat a figure unlike any she had ever seen. He was tall, larger than any creature she knew, yet his form was hunched as though folded in upon himself. The strange being was bound tightly to the ground by thick, twisted roots, which curled around his limbs and chest, digging into the strange, fabric-like coverings draped over him. He had little furr , instead his skin was an unusual color pale, almost ghostly in the dim glow of her light.
His features were similar to her visions , but now fully exposed with little cloth covering him. A broad forehead shadowed by unruly waves of his brown mane, and a jaw set firmly, lined with stubble placks of brown furr. His minotaur like limbs were thin but muscular, folded at odd angles due to the binds, and his hands long, thin looking appendages with separate digits twitched slightly.
Luna took a tentative step forward, her voice echoing faintly in the chamber. âWho⊠are you?â
At last, as though finally acknowledging her presence, the creature lifted his head. Dark strands of hair split apart, revealing a pair of piercing blue eyes that caught the glow of her horn, reflecting it back with a startling intensity. His gaze was as cold and sharp as in her visions, yet now there was something else ... a glint of humor? faint but unmistakable, causing little spark to appear in his eyes.
He parted his lips, revealing a row of teeth that gleamed faintly in the dim light, the corners of his mouth curving into a slight, almost mocking smile. His voice, rough and rasping, breaking the silence.
âWell that depends ... who wants to know?â
Chapter 13 - Three Days Earlier (Part 1)
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. The stars above dulled, their once brilliant glow obscured by the thick, roiling storm clouds. Those few stars daring to twinkle through found themselves swiftly swallowed by the chaotic storm, leaving the inhabitants of the land below in a shadowy abyss.
Amidst this profound darkness, the only source of illumination emerged from the full moon, casting an eerie silver glow upon the devastated landscape. The pony villages, once vibrant and alive, now lay charred and desolate, their once vibrant colours transformed into sombre hues of amber, mirroring the destruction that had befallen the land.
In the lofty grip of stormy clouds, an ominous hush settled, punctuated by the distant rumble of thunder and the relentless drumming of rain. The rhythmical sounds of the rain was broken only by the frantic beating of wings tearing through the night. From the heart of one particularly menacing storm cloud, emerging from the southern expanse, a shadowy figure appeared.
"(Heavy breathing) ...Damn it all...(Cough)(Cough)(Cough) ... not yet"
Panting heavily and muttering curses beneath his breath, the figure pushed himself to the limits, every muscle in his body straining to maintain his flight. Occasionally his wings would give up on its host, causing him to plummet briefly before, with sheer determination, he would pull himself back into his trajectory, his fading strength just enough to defy the inevitable descent for some time.
"(Cough) (Cough) ...Not Yet ...(Cough)(Cough)(Cough)"
His glowing blue eyes remained fixed and unyielding, locked onto the looming silhouette of the mountains ahead of him. With each beat of his weary featherless wings, the distance between him and the formidable peaks diminished, and though his body screamed with exhaustion demanding rest, the figure pressed on, driven by a purpose above himself and his pain. Looking back and ignoring the chaos bellow ,only to ensure that his saddlebag is strapped well.
Approaching the winding mountain road that cut through the heart of the formidable peaks, the figure left fields of devastation and imminent death behind him. With every flap of his wings, the weight of his burden bore him down. His saddlebag seemingly increased its weight since the start of his flight from Everfree castle.
Gliding low enough for his hooves to brush the peaks of the dark trees, he finally reached his destination marked by a few faint blue lanterns below , he prepared for a hard landing. As he descended, his flight became increasingly unsteady, his movements resembling a desperate fall on the edge of control. With a graceless thud, he fell on his side upon the rocky mountain road, the impact sending shudders through his exhausted form. Panting heavily, his breaths came in ragged gasps, each inhalation a struggle against the sharp pain that seared through his chest.
After lying sprawled amidst the cold stones for what seemed an eternity, he mustered the remnants of his strength for an attempt at standing.
Blood... recoiling at the realization. Fresh blood, not his own, permeated the ground beneath him, mingling with the rain to form a dark puddle.
Panic fluttered in his chest
... Looking ahead with eyes filled with worry, his entire body froze in place, a chill racing through his veins as he beheld the scene that lay before him...
"Nay! This can't be!" he shouted in pain, his voice cracking with the strain of his remaining strength, the words echoing around him.
Ahead of him, a haunting sight unfolded: a convoy of a dozen or more wagons, their once-protective covers torn and shredded, revealing the enveloping darkness within. The remnants of the travellersâ personal belongings lay strewn across the road , their presence seen only by his keen nocturnal sight, a stark contrast against the large shadows from the dark oak trees around him. With his eyes wide and wild, still recovering from his prolonged flight, he scanned the wreckage for any signs of life. The metallic taste and fear hung heavy in the air, seeping into his nostrils as he breathed in the chill night air.
Ensuring that his saddlebag is tightly strapped to his back he made a hesitant step forward, his hooves crunching softly on the rocky road. Every muscle in his body tensed, his senses on high alert, as he moved closer to the abandoned wagons.
bloodâŠ
⊠it was everywhere .
In shock upon recognizing the sheer volume of blood stains surrounding him, he halted. A trail of blood was seen leading towards one of the dark and shredded wagons in front of him.
Listening to his surroundings, he moved with careful, deliberate steps toward the wagon. Each drop on the ground seemed to cause him to feel more weight on his exhausted body. Drawing closer, the silence of the night was shattered by soft, disturbing sounds - whispers that danced on the wind, cries that sliced through the steady drumming of rain. As he neared the wagon even closer, voices from within the shadows became louder in sound... whispers, cries, and distant but distinguish screams that seemed to seep from the very darkness itself surrounding him.
His fur stood on end as he hesitantly approached the loudest source of the sounds coming from the covered wagon, his eyes wide with a mixture of fear and pain. The voices, laden with agony and fear, pulled at the strings of his heart, urging him to run from the horrors hidden within the wagon's depths, but he refused. With a trembling hoof, he reached out, ready to confront the unknown terror lurking behind the wagon's fabric veil.
He moved the fabric covering the entrance, his breath catching in his throat. In the moment that the cloth parted, the voices of pain abruptly fell silent. What had once been formless shadows now materialized into harrowing reality - bodies, sprawled in grotesque and unnatural positions, filling the interior of the wagon. Foals, mares, and stallions, their lifeless eyes stared into the abyss, frozen in expressions of terror and agony. As he peered into their lifeless eyes, his breath quickened, each inhalation sharp and shallow.
"..."
The cruel hoof of fate had spared no one neither the old nor the young. The wagon, once a sanctuary, had become a tomb, a haunting testament to the merciless brutality that had befallen these innocent souls. His heart constricted with a mixture of grief and rage, his mind struggling to comprehend the magnitude of the tragedy before him. The darkness of the night seemed to close in, suffocating him with the weight of the atrocities before him. The cries and screams returned from the shadows, causing sharp pain in his head.
"Comrade in shadows or adversary in darkness?" a deep voice asked quietly from behind.
As the stormy clouds appeared to pass further south, a mountain clearing emerged from the darkness, illuminated by the flickering light of small campfires. Several navy-blue tents stood proudly, their fabric aglow in the moonlight and the fire's embrace surrounded by darkness.
"What now ⊠Janus?" asked the mare with voice of fear.
Similarly, to the stallion she addressed her question to, she was adorned in silver and blue Armor, encasing her torso and legs in protective metal plates, engraved into her Armor, a moon crest gleamed faintly in the moonlight.
Janus turned his gaze toward her, briefly taking his eyes off the castle in the far distance, consumed by black and green flames. In the depths of her green eyes, he saw the reflection of his own turmoil, a shared burden that weighed heavily upon both their hearts. His attention yet again shifted once more, searching the faces of the five figures standing behind her â his fellow brothers and sisters in arms, each marked by the same feeling of despair.
⊠We have all failed herâŠWe have failed them all...
With a heavy breath, he responded âDecima... we must stay strong⊠for Equestria , for our ponies , for her ââ
Hoof steps echoed ominously from the darkness, growing louder as an unseen force approached. Decima tore her gaze from Janus and fixed her eyes on the looming shadows of the distant tree line, along with the rest of the group. "Positions," she whispered, her voice barely audible above the night's murmurings. In synchrony, all six, encased in Armor knights took flight, their featherless wings cutting through the chilled air with practiced ease.
Meanwhile, several civilians who had sought refuge not far from them had retreated into the safety of tree branches and hid in tents, their eyes wide with fear as they waited in hushed anticipation. High above the ground, the group of six perched like silent sentinels, observing the unfolding events with bated breath, ready to bear witness to whatever grim fate loomed before them.
The hoof steps grew closer, their rhythm steady and ominous, until they faded away behind a dying tree swallowed by darkness. Janus, his senses sharp and instincts honed, landed gracefully on the ground, positioning himself just five meters away from the obscure silhouette of the tree in question. His long fangs glistened in the moonlight as he hissed in the tree's direction, a warning laced with primal threat.
"Comrade in shadows or adversary in darkness?!" he boomed, his voice cutting through the night like a sharp blade.
Janus stood tall and imposing, larger than most stallions by a head, his stature enhanced by his mistress's gift for service he had done in her name in the past . Yet, what emerged from the shadows eclipsed even his formidable size and presence. A monstrous figure, shrouded in darkness, loomed larger and more menacing than Janus himself.
"Comrade in shadows I am to you and all that are loyal to the true pure moon," the monstrous figure's voice rumbled like distant thunder, echoing through the forest. From the depths of the darkness, its eyes glowed with an eerie silver and purple light.
The dark figure stood clad in an all-onyx black Armor, more massive and intimidating than the ones adorned by the six figures that opposed him; its surface was imprinted with cryptic runes that seemed to pulse with magic. A prominent full moon crest graced the centre of his chest plate, shimmering in an ethereal combination of silver and a deep, ominous purple. Unlike the knight before him, this emblem seemed to radiate an aura of dark power. His wings, akin to those of the stallion standing opposite him, were featherless - leathery membrane, but they were larger and more muscular, His larger fangs, were stained a deep crimson, as was his massive sword attached to his back.
"Februus " Janus hissed, the name dripping with distaste and pure hatred.
"You dare arrive on these sacred grounds after your betrayal of the one that we swore our very souls to?" Janus's voice thundered. His eyes blazed with fury. With a swift, practised motion of his wing, he released a thin, long blade that had been discreetly strapped to his wing. The blade gleamed wickedly in the moonlight as it arced through the air, its edge honed to a razor's precision. His eyes narrowed and aiming at the neck of the newly arrived Februus.
"(Cough) (Cough) Lower your blade Janus... there is enough blood around us to fill your thirst (cough) (cough)" said a figure from behind the onyx knight. Stepping into the moonlight from the shadows of the dying tree, this new presence took his place next to Februus, his demeanour calm but resolute. With a voice lower and weaker, he added, "He is with us..."
The atmosphere hung heavy with tension as the words settled into the night air. Janus, his blade still poised, hesitated for a moment, his eyes flickering between the two figures before him.
"Junon? Is that... you?" a quiet voice, soft yet filled with worry, floated from behind Janus. The mare's words hung in the air just like her.
Junon turned slowly, his eyes fixating on one of his sisters in arms. Recognition flickered in his eyes, a mix of disbelief and happiness. The shadows seemed to retreat slightly, as if granting them a moment of respite from the looming darkness.
"Octavia... I thought⊠I would never see you," Junon uttered, his voice catching in his throat. Tears welled in both of their eyes. In an uncontainable surge of emotion, the mare flew past Janus and Februus, her wings carrying her swiftly to Junon's side. With a heartfelt cry, she enveloped him in a warm, nuzzling embrace, their tears mingling in a shared release of joy and relief.
As Octavia closely inspected Junon, her hoof stained with blood, she abruptly stopped their embrace. Her eyes widened with mild shock. "This blood... is it yours? How deep are the cuts?!" After a brief, tense moment of realization, her voice rose in urgency. "Where is your Armor? Where is the crest?!"
Tears still glistening in his eyes, Junon placed a reassuring wing on Octavia's shoulder. His voice, though worn, carried a restored strength as he replied, "I might be hurt but the cuts are not deep dear Octavia. And my Lunar Crest... and my armour, I had to shed them, I will explain everything later... I promise. There are grave matters at hoof now, and I had to move with haste, I will resolve the issue with them later when we return back to the castle"
"What was so important that you didn't follow Princess Luna's direct orders and why did you have to leave the armour and the crest behind?" Octavia inquired.
"I..." Junon began, but his words were abruptly cut off by a deeper and louder voice that emanated from the side of the two embraced ponies. "He captured part of that demons relics , giving that worthless excuse of a princess, Celestia, a chance to free our mistress from that imposter with the Elements of Harmony. â
ââŠâ
âor kill herâŠâ added chillingly Decima, standing to the side of Janus with growing despair in her eyes casting his sight on the ground.
"Princess Celestia would never do that!" Octavia cried out; her voice filled with shock yet again. But before she could say anything else, Janus stepped forward, taking the lead in the conversation. He pointed accusingly, with his blade still in the air,
Februus narrowed his eyes at Janus, a silent challenge gleaming in his gaze. Janus continued, his voice dripping with suspicion and accusation, "Did you come to reclaim what is needed for your master to kill our Mistress's Sister and unleash the darkness upon the waking world?".
Februus angrily responded, "My loyalty lies with Princess Luna of Equestria! I came here because just like all of you, she visited me in my dreams and informed me about her downfall to the demon of darkness! The demon her sister failed to acknowledge! My actions earlier tonight were not of my own doing; Neither were my troops⊠I was controlled by that ⊠abomination!â. After a short pause, his gaze shifted to the trees where several civilians were hiding, their eyes wide with fear as they listened closely. With a softer tone, he added âIs she here? is she still with us or if she joined my beloved wife?".
The group became silent
Decima's gaze shifted to Junon, "Where is it?" she asked, her words cutting through the tense silence "And why do you think we can trust him, even if he is telling the truth? He might be baiting us in false scenes of security! That thing might take control of him again and butcher all of usâŠâ Pointing at Februus she asked.
Junon let out a light sigh, placing his saddlebag on the ground before him. He responded with exhaustion, "He had a chance to attack me on the mountain pass, and I would have been defenceless, I'm still now (cough) (cough). Not only was I without the crest or any weapon for that matter, I was utterly exhausted. If he wanted us dead, wouldn't he have attacked me outright on the pass? Why lead me here? Why not bring our corrupted brothers and sisters to end us?â He looked at both Janus and Decima, his gaze holding a flicker between the two. "On other darker matterâŠ," he continued, his voice strained with sorrow, "what happened to the rest? I found bodies... some not even older than five... what could drive any creature to commit such atrocities?" He looked at Octavia, his eyes reflecting the horror of his earlier discovery, the memories ripping at his very soul. The weight of their shared grief and the darkness that surrounded them before, returned in greater force.
Octavia couldn't bring herself to respond, her voice choked with sorrow, as a new wave of tears began to form in her eyes. "We were ambushed by the corrupt ones," her words heavy with grief. "They didn't waste their time in diplomatic conversations with us...theyâŠ(sigh) We defeated them, but at a cost higher than we can acceptâ.
"My daughter, is she here? Is she alive? Where is Star Gaze?!" Februus boomed, his voice echoing over the forest as he closed the distance with Janus and Decima. His eyes, wild with fear and hate.
"She is alive, traumatized over the things she had to see, but she is safe and in good physical health," Octavia responded from Februus's back.
"You will see her only if we deem you to be safe for her and the rest of us... you are covered in that things dark magic," Janus said firmly.
"Do you hear voices or see visions? Do you see dark shadows moving around us?" Decima continued, her sharp eyes scrutinizing Februus. "Before Maius was overtaken, he said he heard things and saw shadows coming back to life from the fallen. Respond with truth, since we can help you and it would be in safety interest of your own daughterâ.
Februus's voice trembled, "I had seen and felt all that you described, but after I came back to myself, the Mistress visited me and... cleansed me? I'm not entirely sure what has happened to me... but... I'm back, and it's really me! I still feel the darkness, but it no longer affects my mind. I don't blame you for fearing me; I would do the same. But trust me when I say, I would never hurt my daughter... she is the only thing that I have left..."
Looking at each other, Janus and Decima exchanged a meaningful glance before making a subtle nod of agreement. Decima closed the distance between her and Februus, her eyes unwavering as she spoke, "You may see her, but you will be escorted and supervised by Marchos and Augustus." On cue, both Marchos and Augustus landed by her side. They gave a weak nod and a weaker smile at Februus. Februus returned the gesturer.
Before the three could leave, Octavia pressed a question at Februus, her eyes filled with a desperate hope. "Did you see the rest? Are they... lost, or is there a chance like with you, Februus?"
Februus couldn't muster the strength to look her in the eyes. He took a deep breath, his voice heavy with sorrow. "I did see Avrel, Julius, and... Novenia," he whispered. "I believe our mistress had enough strength for one of us only. She herself is in no position to escape the chains that were brought by that demon." He took another breath, this time turning to face Octavia and meeting her gaze with a sorrowful intensity. "Unless the elements will release Mistress from her imprisonment within the next cycle... even then, I don't think it's possible... I'm sorryâ.
Octavia looked down at the ground where the saddlebag lay, her gaze heavy with determination. "We must go and help Princess Celestia to save her Highness," she declared, âWe must assemble-â
Februus's voice cut through Octavia's determination "No , we were commanded by the Mistress to get away as far as possible from the castle and assemble to fight that thing IF Celestia and the Elements of Harmony fail. Only then!" .
âBut-â Octavia tried to intervene only for Janus to continue from where Februus started, "Going there is a risk. We don't know if she can cause another wave of mind manipulation. What if we get corrupted? What will we even do once we arrive, even if she does not corrupt us?!â
âWe can help Princess Celestia! We can ââ , âwe cant do a single damm bucking thing Octaviaâ Janus interrupted with speech filled with hate, âwe neither have the strength or the numbers, the Solar Guard almost got wiped out in the first blast, that thing forced the strongest of us to run like foals , only reason we are alive is because all of us were warned by her highnessâ ,
âThe rest who were in the dream realm are now in her serviceâ Junon said softly, placing his wing over Octavia and planting a kiss on her cheek. âIts hard⊠I know, but we must trust both of our rulers to overcome thisâŠâ.
âYou are right⊠Iâm sorryâŠI pray to the Moon and the Sun that this is all a dream and that I will be in the awakening world⊠this canât be happening, all of this should beâŠâ Octavia let a single tear slide across her cheek, glistening in the moonlight â⊠just a nightmareâ.
At Octavia's anguished words, Junon dropped to his knees, his face contorted in pain. He clutched his chest, gasping for breath. "It hurts... can't hold the pain," he managed to say, his voice strained.
Octavia fell to his side, her eyes wide with fear. She placed her hooves on his bloody chest, trying to find the reason for his pain, the cuts were indeed not deep, but bloody and surrounded by a dark substance. "Quick, help him! Bring a physician!" she cried out desperately.
Decima approached the pair swiftly without hesitation, she took Junon by her side. "Quick, help me take him to the tents!". As both of them flew off with Junon in their hooves, Februus fixed his gaze with a threatening stare given by Janus.
Both Marchos and Augustus decided to take a step back, wisely giving Janus room to confront Februus alone. Janus closed the distance between them, his blade drawn and fangs bared, approaching Februus until they were close enough to feel each other's breath in the tense, charged air.
The atmosphere crackled with animosity.
"Your sword, armour and crest on the ground, now," Janus said with a quiet but hateful voice. Februus hissed with two large fangs and sharp teeth on display, barely managing to say âI can'tâ with his teeth clenched.
"What do you mean you can't? If you want to see your daughter, drop this blasphemous armour now!, or do you need some help with that?!â.
Februus glanced to his sides and saw Marchos and Augustus, both armed and ready to attack. Marchos looked at Februus with a mix of concern and desperation, the mace trembling in his teeth. "Just take it off... for the love of the moon".
"I tried... this wicked magic prevents me from taking the armour off," Februus said with frustration, âI cant explain how, but it feels as if it grew into my very bones, I tried to take it off once I broke free from the possession of that thing⊠it doesnât want to set me freeâ.
Janus glanced at the other two of his brothers-in-arms and signalled for them to attempt to take off the armour. Marchos and Augustus exchanged a quick uneasy glance and with a large sigh approached Februus. They tried to take the plates and the straps that held them together, but neither would yield to their attempts. Every time their hooves contacted with the onyx plates, imprinted runes began to illuminate faintly with an ominous dark purple glare. Every time they pulled the plates of their bodies felt to grow weaker. At one point Marchos felt as if the, already dim light from the moon, was getting fainter and darkness began to surround them. No matter how hard they tried, the armour clung to Februus, refusing to give in.
"...enough..." Decima's voice cut through the struggles of the two stallions. She approached from the side of the camp; her eyes resolute. "Take his sword, unless that thing is also embedded in his very flesh, and take him to his daughter⊠we will leave within the next quarter of a cycleâ.
"How is Junon?" Februus questioned the re appeared knight,
Februus, flanked by Marchos and Augustus, approached a cliff located behind the tents. From this elevated vantage point, the night sky spread out before them, revealing the moon and stars that had been liberated from the stormy clouds. In the distance, the silhouette of the castle of the twin sisters stood, marked by sporadic bursts of fire and explosions emanating from the ongoing battle they had been commanded to avoid.
Seated just ahead of the trio were two ponies. One, covered in a blue and silvery tunic, was a small pony, a young one with a fur coat as white as the moon. Beside her sat a larger, much older and fragile mare, also adorned in a tunic, albeit of lesser quality, with patches placed all over. Her membrane wings covering the younger one in a tight embrace. Their eyes were fixed on the distant castle and the chaos of battle that surrounded it.
As the trio approached even closer, Februus made a quiet cough to announce his presence to the two ponies before him. The older one turned her head around, tears running down her fur. Fixing her gaze on Februus, she leaned over to the young one next to her and whispered something in her ear.
Februus, with his keen hearing from birth that was further enhanced by his mistresses gift, caught the faintest of whispers carried by the wind. " I'll beest backeth, mine own young mistress," the old mare whispered. With these words, she lifted herself up and wiped the tears off her coat. Steadying herself, she began approaching the trio before stopping before Februus.
"Mine lord..." she began, her voice shaky and filled with fear. Her eyes wandered over his Onyx Armor, and confusion clouded her expression. "Is - is't very much thee?" she stammered, her legs wobbling under the weight of old age as she bowed in a gesture of respect, still keeping her gazed fixed to him.
"Forsooth, 'tis," he replied, a faint nervous smile forming around his muzzle, âHow is mine own daught'r, is the young lady well?â.
With a sigh the old mare turned to look at young filly still gazing in the distance, as if in a dream like state, âThe lady is ⊠(sight) not unwell mine own l'rd, but i doth feeleth the needeth to sayeth this nonce hath left a scar on h'r mindâ she said with sadness surrounding her words, âI prayeth, just liketh the rest yond this tragedy shall all but endeth with nay m're teen f'r neith'r the mistress and h'r sist'r 'r usâŠâ
Once more, Februus advanced forward, his escort stopping silently by the old mare, understanding the difficulty for Februus. They gave him space, for now. The small filly, clothed in a blue and silvery tunic, didn't show any acknowledgement of her father's presence, or his changed appearance. Her distant gaze remained fixed on the far-off horizon, seemingly lost in her thoughts.
As he sat down next to her with a soft, fatherly voice, he spoke, âHow are you feeling Stargaze? Are you alright?â Without moving her gaze from the scene ahead, she said in the faintest voice, âI'm well, father. Mine own nanny and the brave lunar nights tooketh most wondrous careth of us. Though t breaks mine own heart what hath happened to our oth'r companionsâŠâ. Februus slowly hovered his wing over his daughter to provide comfort, trembling⊠thinking⊠if he should touch herâŠ
The mistress said that the dark powers are locked within me, within this Armor, if I touch her ⊠will she feel pain, or comfort? Will it corrupt her pure little soul , will it turn her int-
His chain of though was broken as his daughter spoke up once more, âthee shouldst not beest afraid mine own fath'r, h'r moonlight p'rhaps didn't manageth to cleanse thy soul of the darkness of the demons of shadows. But yond doesn't matt'r , as the lady hast subdu'd darkness within theeâ.
Februus face, previously covered by a mask presenting only strength and coldness, was replaced with confusion and feeling of fear. With a trembling voice and wide eyes looking over his daughter he whispered, âH-how do yo..u know all that? How did yo-â.
For the first time his offspring looked directly into his eyes, turning her head to face Februus, revealing faint purple and a milky eye. Her muzzle holding a light smile , with a note of amusement âThe stars ,they speaketh to us, fath'r⊠those gents speaketh to all of us, but not all harks to their voicesâ.
Februus nodded in an attempt to show acknowledgement, his gaze lingering on his daughter for a moment longer. There was both reassurance and uncertainty in his eyes as he gently squeezed her. "Fear not, my little stargazer," he whispered, hoping his words would bring solace to the fragile heart of his beloved child. "Peace will soon find its way back to us."
I beg every deity that ever lived or will live that this is true and not a lie to comfort ⊠he though withing the confine of his mind.
A voice from behind whispered, "Mine own l'rd , mine own apologies f'r the intrusion, but lady Decima wouldst liketh to speaketh with thee, i believeth t is urgent and i shall faileth to holdeth h'r longeth'r "
Februus turned his head slowly, acknowledging the voice. He gave his daughter a reassuring squeeze with his wing before rising. "Thank thee," he said softly to the old mare, acknowledging the urgency. With one last glance at his kin he rose up.
Februus stood before the remaining knights, his eyes meeting the steely gaze of Decima. There was a tension in the air, an unspoken understanding of the gravity of their situation. The absence of Octavia and Junon did not escape his notice, but he chose to focus on the task at hoove.
"We will keep a vigilant eye on you," Decima declared, her tone as cold as the winter winds. "But make no mistake, give us a reason, and we will not hesitate to bind you in chains" Janus added from the shadow.
Decima's voice cut through the tense silence, her words resonating with determination and purpose. "We must decide our next course of action now," she declared, her eyes meeting each knight's gaze in turn. "Our ponies are in motion, making their way north to the ancient caves that our ancestors once called home. Until then, our duty is clear. We must scout the surrounding area, seeking out our fellow troopsâcorrupted or not. We owe them our allegiance, whether it means granting them mercy and peace or guiding them to safety."
Cold ⊠It felt really ColdâŠ
A biting chill settled in the air, seeping into their bones like an icy breath of winter. "Did it get colder all of a sudden, or is it just me?" Decima said trembling slightly, her voice barely audible above what seemed to be creeping darkness.
âThe beginning of a new st'ry hast did start and we wilt prepareth f'r what is aheadâ a soft voice said from the side of the cliff Stargazes sight now fixed on the bright moon.
Octavia's worried voice cut through the biting cold, echoing the concern that gnawed at their hearts. "What is going on? Why did it get so cold?" she questioned in worry as she landed before the group
Februus, his eyes narrowed against the chill, looked into the distance from the cliff. "something isnât right, as if darkness itself is consuming the world," he said with his breath becoming deeper and prolonged. " The shadows themselves are watching, waiting..."
"Be on guard," Februus warned, his voice low and steady despite the rising tension. "We must-â
In the distance, a colossal sphere of light burst into existence, outshining even the sun itself. Every member of the group became silent and found their gazes irresistibly drawn to the spectacle. The sphere, though situated far to the south above the castle of the twin sisters, possessed an undeniable magnitude.
Then, in a heartbeat, the luminous sphere transformed into a beam, a vivid amalgamation of red, orange, green, blue, pink, and purple hues. The beam shot forth with unstoppable force, slicing through the vast expanse of the night sky. Its trajectory was unmistakableâit was headed straight for the moon.
The tranquility of the night shattered as the winds surged with an unimaginable force, sweeping over the land like a tidal wave.
Trees quivered, their leaves rustling in protest. The very ground beneath their hooves trembled. The group stood firm, their eyes wide staring directly at the moon.
The group stood in stunned silence as the large, dark imprint covered the moon, distorting its once serene glow. The outline etched against the lunar canvas was unmistakableâit bore the shape and essence of their mistress⊠Princess Luna herself. Her regal form, now tainted by shadow, loomed ominously over the moon, casting an eerie silhouette.
A collective gasp escaped their lips, a mixture of disbelief and horror filling the air. The very embodiment of the night, their beloved Princess Luna, appeared to be consumed by an otherworldly darkness. Her once-gentle countenance was now twisted into a grimace of anguish, her eyes hollow voids that seemed to peer into the depths of their souls.
We have failed her
"We have failed her," Janus whispered in anguish, his voice cracking under the weight of their collective guilt. With a heavy heart, he sank to his knees, unable to tear his gaze away from the burning sight before them. "We have failed her!" he cried out, his voice echoing the despair that gripped them all.
Augustus's voice quivered with desperation, his eyes darting between his companions as if searching for a glimmer of hope. "This can't be true, can it? There must be an explanation, a reason... She's alive, right?".
Stargaze turned to face the group, her eyes glowing with a brilliant white light, illuminating the darkness that surrounded them.âIn a thousand years from this day f'rth, the stars themselves shall aid in h'r escapeth and shall finally bringeth the dark night et'rnalâ Stargaze said to the astonishment of the entire group, everypony was looking at her. "The years ahead shall beest hard, many shalt falleth , but as longeth as one soul remains to aid h'r in the square 'gainst the goodyear of the void, th're shalt beest desire".
"ⱧĂâ±É âŽâ±§âłâ± â± àžżÉ ÄÉVĂÉâ±€ÉÄ àžżÉ âźâ±§É VĂĆÄ, âłâ± â± ÉĂÉâ±€ âŽĂÉⱠ⎠âłâŠÄ âźâ±§É â± ĆâČⱧ⟠ÉĂÉ â”ⱧÉâ±€ĆâŽâ±§ â©Ćâ± â± àžżÉ â”ĂâŠâŽÉâ„ÉÄ àžżÉ â±§Éâ±€, ĂâŠâ”É âŽâ±§É â±€ÉâźÉâ±€âŠâŽ âźâ±§Éâ±€É â©Ćâ± â± àžżÉ âŠĂâźâ±§ĆâŠâČ ÉĂÉ â”âłâŠ ÄĂ âźĂ âŽâźĂâ± ÉâŽ!!!"
A sinister, demonic voice hissed through the air, sending shivers down the spines of the gathered ponies.
A sight of horror it was... The demonic voice emanated from a four-legged creature, calling him a pony would be a grave mistake . His fur was darker than the deepest shadows he emerged from, absorbing the light around him. His wings, more akin to skeletal structures, were shrouded in darkness, with wisps of smoke evaporating into the surrounding gloom. His teeth were numerous, each sharper than a Hydra's fang, creating an aura of malevolence that sent chills down all the onlookers.
His eyes were pitch black, devoid of any discernible pupils, yet within their depths glowed a sinister purple light, like an ethereal flame flickering in the abyss. Tears welled up in Octavia's eyes fear and pain was an expression shared by all ââŠJunon ⊠noâ.
âTh're shall at each moment beest hope , th're at each moment shall lunar lighteth to guideth us⊠thy mast'r shall faileth, we shall suff'r, our mistress shall suff'r greater, but we shall winnethâ Stargaze proclaimed with her eyes illuminating like the moon the surrounding darkness emitted from within the corrupt soul before her "we shall standeth, as longeth us th're shall beest one yond shall holp in the years aft'r!".
"âźâ±§É âłâ± â± Éâ±€É Ă⣠ⱧĂâ±É àžżâ± ĆâŠÄ⎠ÉĂÉ" the demon sneered, and with speed matched by lighting launching himself forward in a swift motion aimed directly at Stargaze, his sharp fangs bared menacingly.
As an enveloping darkness shrouded the group, two voices pierced through the void. One was a father's voice, trembling with fear and anger, and the other was a sister's voice in the distance, laden with anguish and pain.
âNOOOOO!!!â
âLUNNNAAA!!!â
Fear breeds anger, anger begets pain, and pain ushers us into the boundless abyss of suffering...
Author's Note
Hi!
Chapter 8 - Into the dark
Mayor Jelly, a short yet confident unicorn stallion with a perfectly groomed white Mustache, stood proudly at a large stage Infront of the power station covered with colourful decorations. To his left and right, Edison Sparkwire and Tesla Coil stood proudly , with especially Sparkwire not losing an opportunity to pose for the numerous cameras around them, while Coil was looking at the large mass of ponies. Thousands managed to fit in the area Infront of the power station with Pegasi sitting in the clouds above.
As he spoke her name, the crowed shifted. The crowd's applause was scattered, some showing enthusiastically, while most hesitant. A soft murmur of voices could be heard as the Princess of the Night stepped from behind the curtains onto the stage. Her navy blue dress shimmered like the night sky, the silver celestial patterns catching the light with every step she took.
"Is that really her?" whispered a unicorn in the back of the crowed, leaning toward her friend.
"Her dress is amazing though,but shouldnât her mane be magical or something?â another said.
The quiet murmurs rippled through the crowd, as Luna walked to the podium, standing beside Mayor Jelly.
At this, Mayor Jelly stepped forward, holding a small velvet pillow in his magical aura. Resting atop it were two golden medals, each gleaming in the afternoon light, engraved with intricate patterns and a large golden sun.
"Your Highness, esteemed citizens of Manehattan," Sparkwire began, his voice excited yet an attempt of formality still there "it is a profound honor to receive this recognition. Years of relentless dedication and innovation have led us to this moment. I stand before you humbled by the opportunity to contribute to our great cityâs future. Thank you, for believing in me and the power of progress."
While Luna still maintained an eye contact at his business partner, Tesla Coil approached, his expression calm, ignoring the applause and attention of the crowd.
Lifting the second medal from the velvet pillow with her magic, her brow furrowed slightly. She could feel it ...a faint but distinct magical pulse.
âSomething is wrongâ Coil said âYour Highness, Mayor Jelly keep the crowd calm and order an evacuation! I have to contact security and-â
âYour Highness, move! Thereâs somethingââ
Luna barely had time to process what happened in those chaotic seconds. Frozen in place, she felt Tesla Coil shove her with all his strength. The moment she stumbled out of the way, a bright orange beam sliced through the air where she had just stood. The searing light tore through Tesla Coilâs side, spraying crimson across both their coats and Lunaâs muzzle.
'This taste⊠itâs familiar'
Tesla let out a agonized wail before collapsing to the ground, his side bleeding profusely, his wing badly severed with a large burn with open wounds across his entire barrel. Luna's heart raced, attempting to apply any healing spell she could, but within seconds the same orange beam scorched past her, shooting dangerously close to her muzzle any closer, and her muzzle wouldâve been burned off clean.
"Run... leave me... run...its not..." Tesla Coil whispered from beneath her wing, his voice strained with pain.
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