When Shadows Rise And Light Dims

by Lord Drayvon22

Rating: everyone
Tags: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark, Alternate Universe, Main 6, Drama, Rainbow Dash, King Sombra, Cutie Mark Crusaders, Adventure, Twilight Sparkle
Length: 4757

Sombra is back, Rainbow Dash is lost and Twilight is corrupted. And yet, the world isn't plunged into war. The remaining Main Six and thier allies must find out thier game before Equestria is plunged into eternal darkness

It started mundane enough. Twilight and Rainbow Dash were dealing with a minor Friendship Problem north of Canterlot; not all too serious. Frankly, something the ponies could have dealt with but the Cutie Map decided otherwise. Dispatched to the Crystal Empire to investigate mysterious disappearances, things swiftly begin to go downhill. In short order, Sombra makes his return and Rainbow Dash is lost to the tyrant’s power whilst he consolidates control. Forced to find a way to stop him without their friendship powers, another of the five is lost to Sombra in short order; now becoming his student. However, even that is not all as it seems as Sombra’s plans now go far beyond conquest. They seek to reshape the very existence of many creatures. With two of its greatest heroes now working for their enemy, and Sombra’s plans slowly coming to fruition, how will Equestria stand against the greatest threat of all?!

Timeline note; You can place it comfortably between "A Horse Shoe-In" and "The Ending Of The End-part I."

Published 2024-08-13 22:50:00 UTC
Last updated 2024-08-22 14:58:05 UTC

Act 1; A Perfectly Normal Day… From Tartarus

It is a warm day in Northern Equus. As far as Tuesdays go, not a very interesting one for most creatures; warm and muggy but not the kind where you feel like collapsing throughout. Besides its newfound multi-racial status, Equestria is adapting very well to suddenly having what were a load of enemy species inside its borders. Besides the more conservative factions in Canterlot throwing a daily hissy fit, ponies have adjusted very well and the School of Friendship has likely has a lot to do with that. Overall, Equestria’s a fresh and happy place once again with a few hundred new residents and more on the way. A new utopia, not seen since Equestria’s golden age that ended with Nightmare Moon.

All has been overseen ostensibly by Princess Celestia and Princess Luna but both are mere figureheads; symbols and duds. In spite of their rule over Equestria, the power that makes Equestria so strong is in a “lesser” Princess and her confidantes. The true, unifying power and strength behind their rule comes comes from Princess Twilight Sparkle and her friends. Now, realising their redundancy, they plan to step down and be replaced by Twilight and her friends as a ruling government. Besides hiccups and the sabotage attempt made on the recent Summer Sun Celebration, all are poised for the upcoming exchange of power. However, the troubles for Equestria are far from over and it will be some time before it can properly enjoy its newfound prosperity. In fact, they are all about to enter a whole new dark age; one unlike any it has ever seen before. One only glimpsed in a alternate timeline accidentally created when a once enemy inadvertently tried to destroy all they ever held dear. And this dark time starts… With a simple message.

The lands to the north of Canterlot, The Friendship Express

“Did ya see what I did, Twi?” Rainbow Dash boxes the air. “Did you see it? I WHOOPED HIS FLANK!”

Twilight rolls her eyes fondly. “No you didn’t, Dash. You wrestled and won. Well done.”

Dash folds her hooves and frowns. “Yeah? Well, I still won! Beat that!”

Twilight fights back a giggle. “Whatever you say, Dash. Whatever you say.”

Dash pouts. “Darn well better believe it! I won fair and square!” She stops showboating for a moment though. “Seriously though? We were called because of a hoofboxing tournament?!”

Twilight rubs her head. “I know, I know. These problems keep getting more and more minor.” She gazes at her Cutie Mark. “Maybe there’s just not notable friendship problems to deal with anymore. At this rate, we won’t have any to deal with.”

Dash grins. “Darn right we wo-“ She blinks as a familiarly marked scroll materialises. “Huh? Uh, Twi? You expecting a letter from Celestia today?”

Twilight shakes her head. “No but we’d better read it. There’s got to be trouble.” Dash nodds and Twilight lovingly unfurls the scroll to read aloud.

Dear Twilight and Rainbow Dash,
I’m sorry if this message reaches you at a bad time. I hope your friendship mission went well. Dash glances at Twilight in confusion and her Alicorn friend shrugs before continuing. I’m sorry if you wanted to return to Ponyvile but something has come up in the Crystal Empire that requires your attention. You and Rainbow Dash are the closest but we’ll send your friends if you need them. We don’t know what the problem is yet but it seems important. Please keep us informed.
Your friend,
Celestia

Rainbow Dash blinks a few times but then smirks. “Cadance and Shining having trouble, you think?”

Twilight shrugs. “Maybe? I know Cadance has sounded stressed in her letters recently. Just assumed it was because of Flurry and the rebuild after Sombra.”

Dash nods, scowling. “Did you ever figure out how he came back? Don’t want his ugly puss showing up again.”

Twilight shakes her head. “Maybe he can just come back ever now and again and it just takes time?”

Dash throws back her head on the seats and groans. “Great, that’s exactly what we need. That freak and turning our friends against us every few years.”

Twilight snickers. “Aren’t you the great and powerful Rainbow Dash? I thought you never worried about anything.”

Dash glares at her friend who can’t quite hide her grin. “Hey, I am cool but…” She huffs. “Just don’t like seeing them like that, y'know? Not nice.” Her eyes narrow. “And hey, that’s Trixie’s catchphrase!”

Twilight giggles, forcing herself not to laugh. “Okay Dash, whatever you say. If you need me, just shout. I’m getting the conductor to turn the train around.”

Dash shoves her playfully. “Me, need you? She scoffs and waves a hoof dismissively. “Please! Yeah, right Twi.” Twilight walks away, giggling violently as Dash rests her head on the seat cushions. “Aaah…” She stretches out her wings as best she can and lies down to have another of her signature naps. In fact, that is her very plan indeed but her mind first drifts to the idea of what could be happening in the Empire. Had better not be you, Sombra. Got sick of your manure last time. If it is you, I’ll look forward to stomping your flank myself.

An hour and a half later, the Crystal Empire’s station

“AAAAAAGH!” Rainbow Dash stretches her wings out and feels every muscle in them pop. “Feels good tah get out of that cramped carriage, huh Twi?” She blinks at the silence that greets her. “Twi?”

“Huh?” Twilight looks up from yet another of her many, many checklists. “Yeah Dash, it’s great. I liked the buffet too.”

Dash rolls her eyes. “What’re you doing that’s so important anyway?” She rudely glances over the Alicorn’s shoulder. “Uh, Twi? Why're you writing about cabbages?”

Twilight giggles. “Preeeeetty…” She pokes Dash’s mane.

Dssh raises an eyebrow. “Oooookaaaaaayyy…” She glances around. Guess she really does have sleeping problems again. She shakes her head. “Maybe you should have a lay down, Twi. Before you-“ Thunk. “Pass out.” She sighs. “Now what?”

“Excuse me?”

Rainbow Dash turns to see a shining silver Pegasus mare with a shiny black mane streaked through with an arctic blue. Her eyes though… Her eyes seem to stare into her soul but they’re accompanied by a friendly enough smile. “Hi?”

The mare smiles slightly more warmly. “I see you and your friend have been having some problems?” She giggles. “Need a hoof?”

Dash sighs. “Yeah, Twi’s been pulling an all-nighter again. Seriously, just because it’s a friendship problem, doesn’t mean she should freak out this badly. It was so easy in the end!”

The mare nods. “Things often are, aren’t they?” She clears her throat. “Like I was saying, need a hoof?”

Dash huffs. “Don’t think so but thanks fo-“ Twilight slid off her back. “Didn’t know Alicorns were so heavy. Thought it was easier to lift her before.”

The mare shrugs. “They’ve a load more magic than other ponies. Must make them weighty.”

Dash snickers into her hoof. “Probably. Just look at Celestia and Luna!”

The two share a snicker before the mare’s eyes widen. “Wait…” Her eyes dart over Dash in shock. “Are you Rainbow Dash?!”

Dash rubs a hoof on her chest and grins. “That’s my name, don’t wear it out.” She blinks as the mare begins bouncing up and down. “Uhhhh, you ok-“

“EEEEEEEEEEE!” The mare bounces up and down, clapping her hooves excitedly. “I’m meeting a hero! I’m meeting a hero!” She gasps. “Where am the others?! They can’t be too far behind, right?!”

Dash sighs. “Just us, Princess Celestia sent us to investigate something strange going on since we were on our way home anyway. The others ain’t comin unless we need them.”

The mare pours. “Ooooooh… I was so looking forward to seeing them!” Her face lights up. “Oh, I’m Silver Shard by the way! I’m like your biggest fan ever since you saved me during King Sombra’s return! BOTH times!”

Dash bumps her in the wither. “Hey, it was no sweat. Old shadow face didn’t stand a chance.” A shadow passes over Silver’s face. “You okay?”

Silver rubs the back of her neck. “Yeah… It’s just…” Her head drops and she shuts her eyes. “It’s nothing.”

Dash raises an eyebrow. “Silv-“

Silver suddenly perks up. “That reminds me! I was going to ask if I could help get Princess Twilight somewhere other than…” She snickers. “The floor.”

Dash blinks at the sudden change in topic but smirks. “Hey, she’s fallen asleep weirder places before. The roof, atop Sweet Apple Acres' barn, the bathtub, that one time at the Castle of the Twin Sisters, both times Sombra caught her in a fear spell, atop a bookcase.”

Silver giggles. “Does sound pretty silly.”

Dash chuckles. “You bet it does.” Her eyes narrow in a wider smirk. “Hey, between you and me, she always claims to hate sleeping on clouds due to her ‘Unicorn birth’ or something but I once caught her napping on one.”

Silver sniggers. “Think it’s those Pegasus instincts I hear so much about?”

Dash shrugs. “Maybe, probably, dunno. Never had the heart to tell her I saw her, just waiting for the right time.” She shakes her head with another chuckle. “Anyway, don’t want her to wake up with a bad back whenever. Sure you wanna help out?”

Silver giggles as she snaps a salute. “Ready and waiting!”

Dash nods, grunts and heaves Twilight back onto her back. “Just get her other end, makes sure she doesn’t slip.”

Silver nods and gets Twilight’s head on her back, trying not to squee at having one of her six heroes relying on her. “Ready?!”

Dash nods with a smile. “Ready.” With that, and a newfound spring in her step, the two new friends quickly but carefully and safely make their way towards the Crystal Palace.

A short time later, the Crystal Palace’s throne room

With her friend safely under guard in her designated room, and Silver having left promising to return tonight, Rainbow Dash breathes a heavy sigh of relief. One less problem to deal with. Just… The biggest now. She huffs. “Well, no use bellyaching around here.”

Dash nods to the Guard who goes inside and checks with his superiors before returning. “They’re ready for you.” Dash nods her thanks and enters.

Despite the absolute Tartarus it went through five months ago, the Crystal Palace’s throne room has recovered well. Sure, there are still a fair share of Sombra’s crystals they haven’t managed to get out yet and a scar around the base of the throne but otherwise; you’d never be able to tell. Having not seen the royals in a while too, Dash releases a breath she didn’t know she was holding to see Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and Prince Shining Armour are fine. “Princess.”

Cadance smiles as Dash just nods respectfully instead of bowing. “Rainbow Dash.”

Dash returns the warm grin. “How’s Flurry?”

Cadance rolls her eyes like only a mother can. “Probably running Sunburst ragged again. She seems to have gotten it into her head that the spell Starlight and him used to turn into foals was a good idea.”

Rainbow Dash snickers. “Figures.”

Shining chuckles with an equally warm grin but the glances around. “No offence Dash but where’s Twiley? Celestia said you were both coming.”

Dash huffs. “Twi passed out when we got off the train. Had to carry her to her room.” She rolls her eyes fondly as Shining splutters and makes to run out. “Relax, she’s just been run off her hooves the last few days. First, had to help her fly for her coronation flight. Then she had another… Twilightism whilst thinking about leaving us behind despite the council idea. And then, just as she put her head down, she gets a summons about a Friendship Problem just to the south of here.”

Shining nods, slightly relieved. “But she’s otherwise fine, right?”

Dash sighs and rubs her forehead. “It’s just been a hard few days. She’ll be fine after some shut-eye. Got problems though, so here I am.”

Cadance sighs, visibly relieved. “And we’re glad for it. We’ve been having… Problems lately and we thought it would not get through.”

Dash frowns. “Why?”

Cadance clops her hooves with an air of nervousness. "Follow me."

Rainbow Dash nods, unaware that this merely begins the first in a long chain of events that may very well change the face of Equus itself. Unknowingly, Cadance has begun a downward spiral that will may very well end in the darkest day in the Crystal Empire since Sombra’s banishing a thousand years ago. It may even be worse for, not so far away, a dark ritual is unfolding.

The Arctic North, ???

Deep inside a cave, its existence long lost to history, one can find an extremely strange sight. Instead of being empty and dusty like one would expect, or even inhabited by a wild animal, the inside is instead occupied by what heavily resembles a lab. A very old fashioned lab filled with books of Old Equestrian and devices straight of a Geiger Counter novella but definitely more “organised chaos” than “existential horror” (unless your name happens to be Twilight Sparkle). Sat amongst the mental menagerie of maddening maladies sits a mid-sized pony in a winter blue cloak that completely obscures her features. It’s so tight and thick that it’s impossible to even tell what race she is but her tone says it all.

” A hint of Cerberus’ Claw…” She drops it into a potion she’s been making. “The eye of a Cockatrice…” Plop. “The tail of a Dragon...” She pulls it from her bag and in it goes. “The heart of a Timberwolf.” She doesn’t even flinch at the splinters it gives her. “And now, one final ingredient.”

The mare eyes the book but suddenly begins shaking before bursting out laughing; possessing no mirth in the completely monotone voice. “What do you know?” She looks up, two icy blue orbs glowing from within. “The mane of the mare who beat him.”

The Matter At Hoof And A Nasty Discovery

Rainbow Dash frowns as she is led further from the heart of the Empire. “Uh, where’re we going?”

Princess Cadance looks back uneasily. “The Empire’s central square. C’mon.”

Dash looks around as the three of them ran and fly respectively. At first glance, the Crystal Empire appears as serene and peaceful as ever. Sure, they’d had that… Business with Sombra a few months ago but you’d never know with how every-creature continues like nothing ever happened. The damage has been repaired and everypony is wandering around; some talking, some buying or selling goods and some just enjoying the feeling of being alive. Even the Crystal Heart seems stronger than ever as Dash can feel its warming presence washing through her soul. Clingy and yuck but awesome! Dash smiles slightly but then it fades as she notices something ever so subtle.

Although every-creature seems happy and amiable, and Dash has never been the most… Observant pony, she can see it in their eyes and body language. In their slightly clenched jaws and hushed whispers; how literally no-creature travels alone; even if one just lingers whilst their companion does the actual work. Each shows evidence that can only lead to one conclusion. “Cadance, what happened? What’re they all so afraid of?”

Shining Armour smiles but it is much more of a grimace. “So you noticed, huh? Just a bit further.” Dash frowns but nods as he continues running. “Have they figured out what’s going on yet, Cady?”

Cadance shakes her head. “I don’t know, I really don’t.”

Dash frowns. “What’re you talk-“ Before she can finish, they arrive and she frowns. “Uh, what’m I looking at?”

Cadance sighs. “Exactly what it looks like, I’m afraid.”

Dash gives her a funny look. “It’s a house, an ordinary house. What’s so special about it?”

Shining huffs. “It’s empty, like so many are lately.” Suddenly, Dash’s head spins around as he lets out a nasty hacking cough. “Sorry, just been under the weather lately.” He smacked his chest. “This is the fifth loss just this week.”

Dash nods. “Right, so a load of ponies have been vanishing. Any ideas where?”

Cadance shakes her head. “We’ve searched the entire Empire back to front but nothing. Not so much as a tail hair, it’s like they never even existed.”

Shining crosses his hooves with a huff. “Doesn’t matter how many Guards we put out on patrol, a member of a family always goes missing. Sometimes just one, sometimes a whole house is emptied.”

“Ah.” Dash frowns. “Wait, why’d you bring me here insteada just telling me? Would’ve been quicker.”

Cadance smiles a little at her charmingly blunt question. “Because of this.” She gives Dash a tiny black object. “We’ve found one of these at each of the scenes.”

Dash peers at the object with a deepening frown. “Looks like a normal spoon-“ Her eyes widen as she gets a proper look at the splinter. “Wait a minute.” She peers at it through the dying Sun and sure enough, this isn’t a splinter. “I ain’t no mystaographist-“

“Crystallographer.”

Dash shoots Shining a glare. He really has too much in common with Twi. “Whatever. I ain’t one of them but I’m pretty sure it’s a crystal.” Seeing Cadance nod, she continues. “Well, was it there?”

Shining shrugs. “No idea, it’s never there until the kidnappings. You do know who it looks like, right?”

Dash shudders lightly. “That’s one way to put it. Could also be whoever’s doing this is trying tah scare us. Chrysalis is still out there, after all.”

Cadance grunts. “Don’t remind me. That would explain a lot of what’s been happening though.” She sighs. “I’m sorry, it’s just… It’s been a stressful few weeks.”

Dash’s eyes bulge. “WEEKS?!” She shakes her head. “Why didn’t you contact us?! Thought it just started!”

Shining frowns. “Our messages never seem to arrive and any trains we send always turn up empty within the hour. I’m surprised this message got through.”

Dash nodds but her eyes noticeably narrow. “Yeah, real surprising.”

Later, the Crystal Palace

Twilight grunts as she opens her eyes. “Wh-Whe-AGH!” She shields her eyes from the blinding light. “What happened?”

“OOOO, YOU’RE AWAKE!”

Twilight blinks. “Pinkie? How’d y-OOF!” She is swamp hugged by a pony easily as big as she is. “Who-“

“HI PRINCESS!”

Twilight blinks at the excitable teenager. “Hi. Uh, I’m sorry but… Do i know you?”

The teen grins like a whack job. “Nope! But your friend Rainbow Dash does.”

Twilight nods. “Makes se-“ Her eyes widen when she recognises where i am. “Wait, what am i doing here? Where’s Dash?! Are my brother and sister okay? What-“

The teen stuffs a hoof to her muzzle with a giggle. “It’s okay, Princess. You fell asleep from exhaustion, Dash is with Prince Armour and Princess Cadance, they’re all fine and i think they’re telling Dash what’s going on?”

Twilight lets out a massive sigh of relief. “Thank Celestia.”

The mare frowns. “Are you sure?”

Twilight forces a smile. “I’m sure.” In reality however, something’s been eating away at her these last few days. It isn’t just a normal lack of sleep She’s known about Shining's recent bout with whooping cough, a very deadly disease and she’s been losing plenty of sleep over it; hence her collapse.

The mare frowns. “Please, Princess. Be honest with me.”

Twilight sighs. “Sorry, I’m just stressed lately. What’s your name?”

The mare smiles and clops her hooves happily. “Silver Shard and I’m REALLY glad I met my personal hero!”

Twilight smiles. “Thanks.” She sighs. “It’s just… No, it’s nothing.”

Silver frowns. “Princess, please. I might be able to help.” She watches Twilight since. “It’s got to do with your friends and brother, hasn’t it?”

Twilights eyes widen. “How did you-“

Silver giggles. “Know? My talent’s helping others to understand themselves.” She waves a hoof over her Cutie Mark, a clipboard and pen overlaid on a comfy chair. “I’m a therapist and I…” She sighs. “Let’s just say I got a lot of work after you defeated King Sombra.”

Twilight cringes. “I can imagine.” She huffs. “But I didn’t really do anything. me and my friends just found the Crystal Heart, it was Cadance and the rest of you who destroyed him.”

Silver rolls her eyes. “Yes, but we couldn’t have done it without you.” She smiles more mischievously. “And who defeated him twice recently?”

Twilight rolls her eyes. “That was six months ago.” She sighs. “Okay, you’ve got a point. I’m sorry about snapping at you before. There’s no excuse.”

Silve smiles comfortingly. “We all have our problems, Princess. Even Princess Cadance came to me once.”

Twilight blinks. “Huh?”

Solver nods. “But I can’t say anything. Patient confidentiality so you’d have to ask her.” She puts a hoof on her wither. “If you ever need an ear, just come to me.”

Twilight smiles. “Thanks, Silver.”

Silver smiles sweetly. “You’re welcome, Princess.” Her face breaks out in the enormous grin as before. “Now c’mon! Let’s go find Dash and see what’s up!”

Twilight can feel a headache coming on as Silver hurries away. Wonder if Pinkie has a family branch in the Crystal Empire? She shakes her head. Ask her later. With that, she flaps her wings and rushes to catch up with the surprisingly fast mare.

Presently, the Crystal Palace’s Throne Room

Rainbow Dash huffs as she eyes the three dozen or so crystal fragments around her. “And this is all?”

Cadance nods. “Yes, all from a kidnapping.”

Dash nods. “Okay…” She raises an eyebrow. “And what am I supposed to accomplish? I ain’t a Unicorn or some Egghead.”

Shining sighs. “We’ve got a theory, a loose one at that. Crystals in the Empire can sometimes… Resonate with certain types of ponies.”

Dash nods slowly. “Uh huh…”

Shining sighs. “To put it simply, the Crystals in the Empire react in strange ways some ting, some twang, some vibrate and some just explode. Depends on whose using it.”

Dash huffs and tries not to roll her eyes. “And this involves me because…?”

Shining realises he’s ranting and clears his throat. “Sorry.” Dash rolls her eyes, he really can be just like like his sister sometimes. “You’re strong in perhaps magic, right?”

Dash puffs out her chest proudly. “I’d like to think so. I am the coolest Pegasus there is!”

Shining resists a very violent eye-roll. “We know.” He rubs his mane uncomfortably. “We just want you to take this and focus all your magic into it.”

Despite herself, Dash raises an eyebrow. “Why?”

Cadance sighs. “Because we need to test something and the spell to do it’s in place but only incredibly strong Pegasus magic can make it work.”

Dash nods, taking that as enough for now and taking an full minute to press her hooves gently on either side of the fragment. Despite her reputation as an over-energetic and seemingly uncontrollable pony, Dash can be surprisingly gentle as she crystal doesn’t shatter despite her firm grip as she closes her eyes and “pushes” her magic into the crystal which began to hum quietly. “Great. Now what?”

Cadance’s smiles slightly. “We wait. Twilight should be here soon, I felt my monitoring spell break a moment ago.”

Shining breathes a heavy sigh of relief but Dash frowns. “Wait, you’re an Alicorn. Why couldn’t you do that spell? And weren’t you a Pegasus once too? You should be like the strongest ever.”

Cadance sighs. “I was, once. However, I was always pretty normal in terms of strength and being an Alicorn… Dilutes my power. I’m stronger than I ever was but now it’s more spread out so I’m just as strong an Earth Pony and Unicorn too.” She smiles sheepishly. “That’s how Twilight explained it anyway. I just accepted how things are.”

Dash nods. “Yeah, that egghead can do just about anything.” She opens her mouth to ask again only for a loud crystalline twang to fill the air. “It’s done, right?” Shining nods and Dash puts a hoof on the shard. “AGH!” She rips her hoof away. “It’s burning hot!" She frowns as they exchange worried looks. “What?”

Cadance is visibly grim but another voice cuts in. “Dash…?” She turns to see a shocked Twilight. “That means… That means a Pegasus is behind the kidnappings. Some-pony’s working for Sombra.”

Dash rolls her eyes. “Course they probably are. Remember the helmets from before? Or those weird glowy eyes? Probably yoinked one when no-one was looking and now he’s using them to do his deeds.”

Twilight nods. “Probably. Still though, I’d better send a message to Princess Celestia. She should know all this.”

Cadance nods. “I hope it works. We’ve been having trouble lately.” Twilight nods to show she already knows and she and Rainbow Dash head for her tower chambers.

Half an hour later, Canterlot Castle

As the Sun begins to set after another long if boring day in Canterlot, the city begins its evening routines. Most ponies go home for dinner, some crash on their beds after a horrifically tiring day, a hoofful head to work as part of their usual night-shifts and a few get in the Friendship Express to go home. A few hundred though, now those have a more specialised role; getting into various suits of armour to protect Canterlot Castle and the Princesses within.

Of course, as the rulers of Equestria, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna have been rather busy trying to help Canterlot adjust. It ranges from anything from holding rallies and helping with the adjustment all the way to forcibly cramming legislation down the more nobles’ throats just to keep them from starting race riots. It’s tiring, long and painful work on many levels but it’s worth it to pave the way for Twilight’s rule and the new golden age yet to come. And of course, as such highly revered and feared but respected ponies, they are doing only the more dignified and proper things one would expect of their station.

Luna rolls her eyes. “Sister, do you have to eat so loudly?”

Celestia looks up from where she’s practically been embedding her face in the cake. “Hm?” She blushes lightly as she realises she’s caked in… Well cake. “Sorry.” She wipes her face on a napkin. “It’s just that Pasty Tin’s really outdone himself today.”

Luna can’t quite hide her giggle. “I know. Really need to increase his pay if he kee-so this up.” They share a laugh before they get down to business. “Did you find out what’s happening in the Empire?”

Celestia shakes her head. “No, Cadance’s message just asked for us to send help immediately. Maybe Tw-“ A ,loud sizzling pop is heard a familiarly signed scroll appears. “Speaking of…” She looks at Luna who nods so she opens the scroll and reads it alive.

Dear Celestia,
I know you’ll want to hear back from me so I just thought I’d update you. I passed out upon arriving so Dash took care of the initial investigation. Looks like ponies are being kidnapped every night and they used a Find Me, Describe Me spell to determine the kidnapper is a Pegasus. I’ve also made a new Pegasus friend, Silver Shard who Dash befriended earlier who’s even apparently a therapist. I’ll let you know more as it happens.
Your friend,
Twilight Sparkle.

Luna smiles. “She really is a good note taker, hm?”

Celestia nods. “Yes she is and let’s keep ready to act in case there’s-“ Suddenly, her eyes widen ever so slowly and drag themselves over to the scroll.

Pegasus friend… Silver Shard… Kidnapper is a Pegasus… Therapist.

Luna frowns as a look of deepest horror passes over Celestia’s face whilst it turns a funny colour. “Sister, what’s wrong?”

A deep shudder passes through Celestia’s body. “Please send for Twilight’s friends immediately.”

Luna frowns in confusion, especially as Celestia jumps to her hooves and makes to hurry away. “And where are you going?”

Celestia pauses but only for a moment. “To send an emergency message to Twilight.”

And she’s gone before Luna can ask more, leaving her sister deeply worried and confused. “Tia, what aren’t you telling me?” She sighs though and goes to send a message. She’s only ever seen her sister this utterly shaken once, the same night she became Nightmare Moon. Whatever the reason, it can’t be good.