A Dance Between the Sun and the Voice in Her Head

Chapters

Chapter Twelve - Congregation
Chapter One - Yearning
Chapter Two - Preparation
Chapter Three - Return
Chapter Four - Recovery
Chapter Five - Dark Omen
Chapter Six - Revelry
Chapter Seven - Longing
Chapter Eight - The Amulet
Chapter Nine - Study
Chapter Ten - Confrontation
Chapter Eleven - Theory
Chapter Thirteen - Cracks
Chapter Fourteen - Decipher
Chapter Fifteen - Kindle the Spark
Chapter Sixteen - Voluntary Exile
Chapter Seventeen - Nomad
Chapter Eighteen - Last Gasp
Chapter Nineteen - Enroach
Chapter Twenty - Eclipse
Chapter Twenty-One - Ever Faithful
Chapter Twenty-Two - Cracking the Code
Chapter Twenty-Three - Celestial Onslaught
Chapter Twenty-Four - A Cycle Broken
Chapter Twenty-Five - A Cycle Anew
Epilogue

Chapter Twelve - Congregation

The pen rose then fell. It rose as if with the tide then fell to the page with each lull. Every cycle a new page was shifted to the front of the pile. Her eyes scanned over it, reading at a speed that would make a librarian jealous, before moving to the next paper.

Celestia was signing documents, again. A dragon had appeared near Ponyville some time ago and now the deluge of documents about it were coming in. Thankfully Celestia knew the dragon and that it wasn't hostile, just old and grumpy. She had sent Twilight and her friends to deal with that one.

Her head was throbbing fiercely. Ever since drawing blood last night, she had felt woozy and nauseous all day. Somehow Celestia had made it through day court and now she was signing documents. The words almost seemed to blur as she read, but she was able to keep them clear enough in her mind to perform her duties properly. If she skipped any of this, it would pile up rapidly.

She wrote until she felt like she was going to fall over. Groaning, she laid her head on her newly repaired desk and stared at the wall. The pen she had been holding dropped onto the floor with a clack. Her strained eyes closed, and a pleasant darkness shrouded her vision.

Then her stomach growled. With an exaggerated groan she pulled herself out of her seat. She was starving. She had opted to skip breakfast in favor of catching up on sleep from a late night. Now, she needed something good to eat. Preferably something hearty like hay... and cake. Cake and hay, that sounded like a blessing.

Celestia limped over to the door. Before she exited, she straightened her posture and poise. With mane flowing and little to no apparent sign of inner state, Celestia walked out of the door. Guards saluted her as she walked past them to the dining room.

The dining room was a large pristine room with a massive rectangular table. There were plenty of large windows here that illuminated the whole room with natural light. The entire room was empty other than a single attendant.

"Excuse me, could you place an order?" Celestia asked.

She told the attendant what she wanted from the kitchen. Then, she sat at the end of the long empty dining table. The chair she was in was comfortable, it was cushioned nearly to the point of her throne. On the other hoof, the white and gold tables and chairs nearly blinded her in the light. Her eyes at the moment were sensitive, this must be how Luna felt during the day.

Luna, what was she going to do about her? Once she got rid of Nightmare Moon then what? Would her relationship with her sister would magically fix itself? If anything, it would get worse. There had to be something she could leverage to show her sister the issue.

Celestia got her food a short time later much to her delight. There was a healthy serving of hay fries, some daffodil salad, and a slice of cake. For a drink she had a simple glass of water. While not a popular or ideal combination, it was all the foods she wanted at the moment. Without waiting any longer, she grabbed her fork with magic and dug in.

Half-awake she barely noticed a trio enter the dining room. To her shock she saw Cadence, Nightmare Moon, and Luna enter while chatting to each other. her gaze immediately went to the pink coated Cadance. When did she get back?

"Auntie!" Cadance smiled as she spotted Celestia. Her multicolored purple, magenta, and cream-colored mane bounced as she approached.

"Cadance! You didn't tell me you were back." Celestia smiled even through her nausea. Cadance was always a blessing to see. "How as your trip to Silver Shoals?"

"It was great auntie! The coasts were so romantic, it was something out of a fairy tale." Cadance sat at the table and folded her wings. "I don't know why you sent me on that vacation but I'm glad you did."

"I'm glad you enjoyed it." Celestia didn't mention that she had sent Cadence there to get her out of a possible Nightmare Moon's vengeful path. Especially since there was a shadow that called herself Nightmare Moon currently in the room.

Celestia avoided making eye contact with Luna who was staring directly at her. No sense in letting her see her probably bloodshot eyes.

"Your majesty, this is a table of princesses, if I am not welcome..." Nightmare Moon began to say.

"Nonsense, you can sit where you please." Luna said as she sat at the table as well. "Isn't that right dear sister?"

"Of course." Celestia focused on her food. "Nightmare Moon can sit wherever she wants to."

"That sounds excellent, wouldn't thou agree Cadance?" Luna asked.

"I agree. After all, she was your friend on the moon. Why would I want to reject her?" Cadance said. "I couldn't see why anypony would be upset with that."

"Exactly our point. Cadance, you are an inspiration akin to the likes of poets of old." Luna sent a pointed glare towards Celestia.

Celestia said nothing and continued to eat her food. Luna continued to stare at her while Nightmare Moon sat next to her. Cadance sat next to Celestia. There was a massive thirty pony table and everypony was sitting directly around her as if she was some kind of heater in winter. The attendant came and went, taking their orders. Their food was then delivered all without anypony saying a word. The tension was so thick in the air it was palpable.

"Is everything alright?" Cadance hesitantly asked.

"Everything is quite alright." Luna instantly said.

Nightmare Moon sipped her glass of water.

Celestia held in a sigh. Her food was almost done and then she could get out of this situation. Luna clearly wasn't going to see sense right now, and she just wanted to get away. Cadance was a welcome sight though; her little niece always brought her joy. She didn't want her to get involved in this conflict.

Nightmare Moon and Luna began to whisper to each other from across the table. Occasionally Luna sent a glance her way. Celestia pretended not to notice. Her head was throbbing, and she felt sick, she didn't want to start anything right now.

"Are you alright auntie?" Cadance asked.

"I'm alright, Cadance. Thank you for asking." Celestia said with a smile. Another section of food on her plate disappeared. One half was left.

"Your eyes are bloodshot." Cadance had a worried look on her face. "Are you getting enough sleep?"

"I am getting as much as I can." Celestia said.

"You should get more." Cadance ran a hoof through Celestia's mane which was flowing behind her chair. "Your mane looks a bit limp, are you running low on magic?"

"I had Twilight visit yesterday. Teleporting her here used a fair share of magical energy." Celestia failed to mention the teleportation circle. It was her personal secret after all. There were few things she didn't share with her fellow princesses, that was one of them. For security reasons of course. She loved Cadance but her ability to keep secrets was... questionable.

"I just missed Twilight?! A shame." Cadance sighed. "I was looking forward to seeing her again."

"Indeed, she arrived through the teleportation circle in the throne room." Luna sipped on a red wine.

Celestia paused halfway through a bite before forcing herself to finish it. In a moment she had regained her composure. Of course, it would make sense that Luna knew about it. She had used it to teleport her here after all.

"Teleportation circle?" Cadance asked. "I have never heard of one of those before."

"Our apologies Cadance, we thought thou would have been told by our sister." Luna said.

"It is for specific uses. It just never came up." Celestia took another bite of her food. There was only a sliver of food left on her plate.

"Is there anything else you want to share?" Luna asked.

"Whatever do you mean?" Celestia finished her plate. She didn't like where this was going.

"Do not be coy with us sister, thou know what we speak of." Luna said.

"Spying, dear sister?" Celestia pushed away from the table.

"Nay, we were doing no more than you were doing." Luna set down her glass and glared.

"I have duties to attend to. Thank you all for the pleasant lunch." Celestia turned to a particular pink pony. "And welcome back to the castle Cadence."

"T-Thank you auntie." Cadance glanced around the table as a bead of sweat formed on her forehead.

"Leaving the table before everypony is done? That would have counted as rude in our time, perhaps things have changed?" Luna said.

"Apologies, but I must be going." Celestia quickened her pace.

"Tia, stop!" Luna jumped to her hooves. "Do not run from us!"

"I am not running." Celestia said. "I have duties to attend to."

"They can wait. We are solving this issue right here, right now!" Luna started to speak in the royal Canterlot voice, a booming voice.

"What issue?" Celestia turned to face her sister. "There are no issues here."

"No issues? You know exactly what issues we speak of." Luna said. "We do not wish to choose between our friend and sister. Today is the last day this argument persists."

"Do not raise your voice at me Luna." Celestia felt a swell of rage ignite in her chest. Her frayed nerves and growing nausea and headache only added fuel to the fire.

"We will raise our voice as we please. Why can't you be happy for us?! We finally found a friend, isn't that what you wanted?"

"That is all I ever wanted. I only wanted to protect you from danger!"

"The only danger to us is YOU!" Luna pointed a hoof in her direction, her face twisted in anger as tears welled in her eyes.

"So be it, enjoy yourselves. Enjoy yourselves all you want without-" Celestia's yelling stopped as her vision swayed.

The whole world seemed to spin in one impossibly long second. A blur of colors passed her by. Her legs threatened to crumble beneath her. She staggered on her hooves. Had she... had she almost just fallen over? A little blood loss shouldn't have been enough to affect her so much.

"Auntie!" Cadance called out.

"Tia? We did not mean to-"

"Enough. You have... made your point clear. Now, I will be departing and nopony will stop me." Celestia spat. "Is that clear?"

The ponies she called family were silent. Nightmare Moon in the back of the crowd met her scathing eyes and immediately looked to the floor. From that brief glimpse of Nightmare Moon's eyes, she could see sorrow and tears starting to form. She looked guilty, tortured, repentant. Celestia felt a sucking feeling deep in her chest. Those were not the eyes of a monster.

Nopony stopped her as she left the dining room and slammed the door shut behind her. Her body felt light as blood rushed to her head. A faint ringing sounded in the back of her head that slowly began to grow to a crescendo. She made her way to the secluded tower. She went to the balcony then flew up into the tower, all the while fighting through a fog in her mind. She felt weak and all she wanted to do was be alone. Nopony could be allowed to see her in this state.

She locked the balcony door with a simple spell. Then, she collapsed onto the cold stone floor. Her body was numb, and her ears were ringing. Emotions tried to flow through her but found no purchase in her body. One moment she could feel, and then she couldn't. The last thing she saw was the amulet in the center of the tower room before her consciousness faded.

Celestia awoke again moments later. She focused on the rise and fall of her chest, and she breathed. Slowly, feeling and thought returned to her mind and body. Nerves reconnected like the threads of a spell matrix. Out of the fog a voice sounded. She heard it over and over again until finally she got some semblance of meaning.

"Celestia? Are you okay?" It was Void.

"Why do you care?" Celestia stared across the stone floor from her prone position.

"We may have had a little argument, but I still love you." Void said. "You need to stop pushing yourself, you're falling apart."

"Thats what you want isn't it?" Celestia said. "Well forget it, I won't stop until I get you out of my mind. I don't care about Nightmare Moon anymore. I saw the look on her face, she isn't a threat, you are. All I want is for this game to end."

"What happened to your fighting spirit? Your unending resolve?" A wicked tinge touched Void's voice. "Gone just like that?"

"It's not gone; it will never be. You don't know what's coming for you Void. You don't know just how brightly I can burn." Celestia thought back to her dream from last night. The dream of flame. A dream she barely understood. She focused on that feeling of power she had from it, the unstoppable power. "When I get my hooves on you, all that is going to be left is cinder."

"No more Tartarus? Looks like I'm moving up in the world then." Void chuckled. "You have to admit though, I never lied to you about anything, and that includes Nightmare Moon. Wasn't she just the sweetest friend?"

"You drove my sister and I apart." Celestia growled.

"No. I don't think that's quite true, is it?" Void hummed. "Make sure to keep yourself safe my darling sun, I will be back later. These shadows of mine need strict management every once in a while."

Celestia laid on the floor and closed her eyes. She would never let Void beat her.

No matter the cost.

Chapter One - Yearning

Celestia looked to the moon.

It was the prison of her sister Luna, turned Nightmare Moon. She could see the outline of her even now, emblazoned into the surface in the form of craters. Soon her sister would return to this realm, and they would be reunited once more, for better or for worse. It was her fault that such a thing had happened. She should have been there for Luna when she was hurting, she should have noticed the signs. Instead, she was too wrapped up in her own troubles to notice. Running the kingdom and raising the sun had taken up most of her time that she should have spent on her sister, the other small fragments had been taken up by something else. Something she could not tell anyone.

"Feeling nostalgic Celestia?"

Celestia sighed as the voice rang throughout her mind. Over the centuries she had been hearing it, the voice no longer surprised her. The voice was smooth and slick, and with each word it reverberated throughout her mind like a bell.

"Must you intrude and comment on every part of my waking day?" Celestia whispered beneath her breath. Even if she was on a secluded balcony it wouldn't do for her guards to hear the princess whispering to herself.

"In case you haven't noticed, the moon is out. You could hardly call it day."

"You are insufferable Void, the day you are out of my head will be the day I declare a national holiday."

"That sounds wonderful! When I am out of your head and at your side I would throw a party as well." The voice she knew as Void said.

Celestia shook her head and tuned her gaze down upon her kingdom. Her little ponies slept peacefully in the moon she had raised. Little did they know their ruler had a voice in her head.

"Something wrong dear?" Void snickered.

"What do you want from me?" Celestia already knew the answer, but she couldn't help but keep asking the question.

"You already know my sun. I want you by my side as we rule together. I would treat your ponies as you do now, fair and benevolent, the only thing you have to give to me is you."

The words struck a chord in her that made Celestia nearly grind her teeth together. As always it was the same words she always heard. Never in her life had she been in any sort of romantic relationship, her first would not be with some mysterious and sinister entity. She didn't know why Void was so adamant about his decision. It was the same one she heard centuries ago when she first heard the voice and it had been the same since.

"You will never enter this world, Void." Celestia growled. "Especially after what you did to my sister."

"I didn't do anything to her, darling. She was hurting and I offered her a little friend to help her out. In fact, you should be thanking me for making sure she had company on the moon for all these years. Poor little Luna, banished to the moon by her big sister. If only her big sister was smart enough to know a gift when she sees one."

"You corrupted her. You are the monster; you are the one who I will banish to Tartarus, along with the nightmare that is attached to my sister."

"Come now, we all know exactly how it all would have gone. Your sister was already on the path to Nightmare Moon. Even without my intervention she would have risen up against you. I suspect when she returns even if you used the elements of harmony on her she will still be bitter. After all, what is life while living in the shadow of the sun? I know the feeling myself you see. Your sister and I are kindred spirits with the pain you caused us. Why, I suspect that-"

"I am done talking to you!" Celestia snapped, "Leave me be!"

"As you wish my sun." The voice of Void faded from her mind. "Don't be afraid to call for me if you need me."

Celestia could feel her blood boiling. The things that could make her this angry were few and far between, but Void always managed to a find a way beneath her skin. She needed to be calm and collected. She was the princess and ruler of the kingdom; she must be in control of every situation. Celestia took a deep breath in and exhaled. She imagined all her anger and stress leaving her. It helped a little.

It was true though, was it not? If only she was a little stronger, a little more perceptive, if only she could have seen her sister's plight. Her gaze went to the moon once again. She wished she could say sorry face to face with her sister, maybe then things could change. That time would be coming soon.

The pieces were already put into play. Twilight Sparkle, her most faithful student, would be sent to Ponyville. She didn't know if her student would be okay, but she had faith. With a little luck Twilight would be able to make some friends and use the elements of harmony to purify her sister of the nightmare.

It was not right to play behind the scenes in such a way. Celestia knew that, but what other choice did she have? There was no universe in which she would be able to kill her sister. They had been together since they were foals. The bond they once shared had to be restored, otherwise.... Celestia didn't know what she would do.

It would be a good thing for her student as well. Twilight needed to make some friends; she was far too isolated from the rest of the world. It was just another one of Celestia's many mistakes. She should have pushed harder for Twilight to make friends; she was her teacher after all.

With a sigh Celestia turned around and closed the door behind her. The Summer Sun Celebration was coming up soon and she needed sleep. After all, she had to meet her sister. If Nightmare Moon did win, then Celestia would most likely be banished to the sun. At least while in the sun Void wouldn't be able to get out into Equestria. Every piece had been set into play with thought and direction, now she only needed to wait to see what played out.

Her room was warm, a fire was burning in the fireplace and her bed looked more welcoming than it ever had before. Gold lined the walls which swirled into a motif of the sun over the fireplace. What use did she have for romance anyway when the sun was practically her foal? She nodded to herself and laid down on her cushy bed.

Sleep eluded her for a time but eventually she was able to slip into dreams. That night she dreamed of failure and of a dark figure at the edge of her vision. The flash of a twin winged red amulet passed by. In her troubled dreams, dreams bordering on nightmares, she could hear a voice in the fog of semiconscious, words that would be forgotten upon awakening.

"Your promised me forever my sun, so don't you agree that is what I should get?"

Chapter Two - Preparation

The next day began as it always did. Celestia rose to the night and walked out to her balcony to raise the sun. With her wings spread wide and horn glowing with a brilliant gold hue, Celestia wrapped her power around the brilliant sun and rose it into the sky. Unlike the moon, the sun was easier to raise for her.

Celestia nearly groaned as she flexed her frayed magic reserves. A thousand years of both raising the sun and moon had nearly stretched her magic thin. At the moment she could scarcely beat a changeling queen. Still, despite it all, the sun would rise today as well. Tomorrow might be different story. She had faith in Twilight, hopefully eternal night would not come to pass.

With her most important task done for the day it was time for the mountain of smaller ones. She stood taller, and then looked in the mirror. As always, she looked like she just got mauled by Cerberus. Her multicolored pastel mane consisting of pink, turquoise, cobalt, and cerulean colors was haggard and twisted together into knots. Even now it tried to sway with the fragments of her power in an unseen breeze, which created a scene much like a tattered battle standard.

After a moment of staring into her magenta eyes with dark bags beneath them the color of tar, Celestia rang a small gold colored bell by her bedside. A few seconds later there was a knock at the door.

"Permission to enter your majesty?"

"Permission granted, Raven." Celestia said.

A moment later the door opened, and a crowd of mares walked in. There were at least four maids who quickly set to work untangling her mane and applying powder over her eyebags. One brought up a stool to reach the top of her head and quickly began brushing. Celestia winced but said nothing as they strangled the tangled mane into submission. Raven, a mare with a white coat and dark brown mane closed the door behind her. Immediately she held up a clipboard and withdrew the pencil which was behind her ear.

"Would you like to hear the schedule your majesty?" Raven adjusted her glasses as they glinted in the morning light.

"I told you to stop calling me that in private. Especially in the morning, I'm going to be hearing that all day." Celestia gave her a gentle smile which turned into a wince as her hair was pulled.

"Of course, princess."

"That one as well." Celestia said.

"Very well... Celestia... the brilliant sun." Raven coughed.

"Let me hear the schedule then." Celestia sighed.

"Beginning at 6:30AM with the sunrise. 7:00AM is breakfast. 7:30AM is your personal response to letters from the populace. 8:00AM begins day court which lasts until 1:00PM. 1:00PM to 2:00PM is your break which includes lunch. 2:00PM to 5:00PM are for documents you need to sign as well as general managing. 5:00PM to 6:00PM is dinnertime. After dinner you will need to head to Ponyville for the Summer Sun Celebration. Unfortunately, governmental review and night court will have to be canceled."

"What about the shipments?" Celestia already felt tired at the day ahead but kept her voice full of energy.

"The shipments have been sent out to farms across Equestria." Raven noted.

Celestia felt a great weight be lifted off her shoulders. Ever since she had banished her sister, she had been working on imbedding the power of her sun into small stones. It was draining to create them, but it would be worth it if she really did get sealed into the sun. Each stone had the power to emit daylight, hopefully in the case of eternal night it would be enough to nourish crops. It was not ideal, but it was something.

"What about Twilight? Did she make it safely to Ponyville?"

"The carriage is prepared for her. She will most likely leave soon." Raven said.

"Wonderful as always Raven." Celestia stood, her fur brushed and her mane waving. Upon her head was her golden crown and around her neck her royal regalia. Her mane drifted in an unseen wind, filled with magical energy. The bags beneath her eyes were hidden beneath a layer of practically invisible makeup and a hint of illusion magic. "Thank you for the help my little ponies."

"Our pleasure princess!" The maids evacuated the room in the next second. They were quite quick on their hooves; it was part of the reason Celestia hired them.

"I need to see Twilight off, I'm afraid that I can't attend breakfast." Celestia towered over Raven and was careful not the bump into her as she exited the room.

"I will have a slice of cake sent to your study while you respond to the letters." Raven scribbled on her notebook.

"You know me too well, Raven." Celestia smiled. The thought of cake immediately made her feel better. There was no food as good as cake in this world.

"If you ask me, maybe you should go for some greens instead." Void snickered in her mind. "The flanks are getting a little... robust."

Immediately Celestia froze. The light smile on her face immediately turned to a frown at the voice and her mane whipped as if in a windstorm.

"Something wrong your majesty?" Raven looked up at her.

"Nothing Raven, just had a thought." Celestia forced herself to calm down, her mane returning to a gentle breeze. "Let us head to the carriage."

"Of course, your majesty."

Void just had to ruin her mood again. The stallion was insufferable, and the greatest day of her life would be when he was gone from her head. She couldn't even respond back in public without seeming like she was going insane.

Celestia knew the pristine white halls of the palace like the back of her hoof. It was because of this that she found herself at the castle gate in moments. The golden carriage was already prepared and waiting. The two guards that pulled the carriage didn't even glance in her direction as she arrived. They were well trained.

Twilight sat next to the carriage practically biting her hooves. Spike was next to her with his arms folded as he gave her a disgruntled look. Even as Celestia approached she could hear Twilight's murmuring.

"Heading off soon my most faithful student?" Celestia stepped into the daylight at the front gate.

"Princess Celestia?!" Twilight jumped into the air at her voice.

"That would be me." Celestia hummed, stifling a laugh. It always felt good to have a little mischief.

"What are you doing here?" Spike asked. In his hand was half of a gem, it seems he has been snacking.

"Spike! Show some respect." Twilight said.

"It's quite all right Twilight. I just wanted to see off my student and her reliable assistant." Celestia said with a smile.

"T-that's me!" Spike puffed up his chest with pride.

"Princess, you didn't need to see me off. I got everything under control!" Twilight chuckled with a nervous laugh her eyes drifting to the ground.

"I am sure you do. Remember, you're not just there to oversee the celebration, make sure to make some friends!" Celestia said. "That is what is most important."

"B-But what about the book I found? Nightmare Moon is going to return tonight! Shouldn't we be coming up with a plan to stop her?" Twilight jumped to her feet. "The world will be covered in eternal night by a wicked mare of darkness!"

"I told you not to worry too much about that book, Twilight." Celestia sighed, it hurt to beat around the truth in such a way, but it was necessary. If she told Twilight everything about the situation then any relationships she made would be forced and at the most vital moment the elements would not bond to Twilight. "Even if it was true, there is nothing that we can do in such a short time."

"I guess you're right." Twilight's head drooped.

"Don't be so down Twilight. Your theories have always been exceptional, no matter what they always seem to hold a grain of truth." Celestia said. "Now, do not wait much longer. Sometimes you have to be the first one to extend the hoof of friendship!"

"Yes princess!" Twilight hopped onto the carriage and dragged Spike with her. "I will not wait a moment longer!"

"Hey!" Spike shouted as he was grabbed. "Watch the dorsal fin!"

"I'm ready! Let's get going!" Twilight shouted with a maniacal glint in her eyes.

In nothing more than a moment the stallions pulling the carriage started running. The carriage took off with the sounds of Spike's yelling growing fainter with each second. Celestia found herself standing alone in front of the gate. That was until the clack of a pencil reminded her of Raven's presence.

"Do you think I did the right thing?" Celestia wondered aloud. "Sending her to Ponyville?"

"I think you made the best decision with what you were given." Raven said. "Mothers and teachers across Equestria ask themselves the same question every day."

"I just hope she will still speak to me. What if she doesn't want to talk to me anymore after meeting friends?"

"I am sure that she will still speak to you princess, she adores you."

"I just hope she is alright." Celestia looked to the blue sky, thinking of what was to come.

Of course, Celestia knew that Raven did not know what she really was asking about. To send your student out for the first time was one thing, to send them out against an angered Nightmare Moon was another. Despite it all Celestia was hoping that Nightmare Moon would not hurt her student or her new friends, after all the one she truly despised was her.

"It is time for the letters your majesty." Raven knocked her pencil on her clipboard.

"Of course." Celestia sighed. "I will be up in my study, also, please double the portion of cake sent up."

"As you wish your majesty." Raven bowed lightly and walked away.

"Sure you need that? I'm mean, I'm not complaining about a larger sun cutie mark but still-" Void's voice crawled its way into her mind once again.

"Shut your indignant mouth, Void." Celestia murmured as she walked to her study. "I will have my cake and you will be silent."

"Then maybe we can talk about what you just did? I mean, sending your student to face your dear sister? I know that you are grooming her to be Equestria's next ruler, but that seems like a little much for such a little pony."

"It had to be done." Celestia said beneath her breath as she walked the halls. "She is more than prepared for the task ahead."

"They are all just pieces of your board, aren't they? You have been moving that piece up the board for a while now. You are going to promote that pawn to queen and then dump all of your responsibilities onto her when you retire. I admit, the plan is sinister enough to nearly bring me to tears."

"She is not a pawn. None of my ponies are pawns." Celestia resisted the urge to stomp in anger. "If anything, you are the only pawn here. I could play this game for an eternity."

"Your right, I'm just a pawn in your game. I always have been." Void trailed off, his voice low and beaten. "I'm never going to be free, am I? I'm never going to be by your side. I am never going to feel the warmth of your sun ever again."

"Not if I can help it." Celestia's heart nearly softened. She had to remind herself it was just another one of his games. "The only place you will see is Tartarus."

Void did not respond the rest of her way to her study. No guards bothered her as she walked. She took a moment to look out one of the glass windows looking out over her kingdom. Green grew as far as the eye could see and, in the distance, if she looked hard enough, she could see Ponyville. Twilight was not just a pawn in her game, she was her faithful and beloved student. Nothing Void could say would change that.

She wished she could tell Twilight about Void; the mare was brilliant and could probably come up with something to help her. Yet, she knew where Void's power stemmed from. With every soul that knew of Void's existence his power would grow. It was unexplainable how it worked but it was proven. The last time she had told someone, Void's whispers had nearly drowned out her own thoughts. She had to wipe that part of the unfortunate mare's memory with a spell steeped in dark magic. It had not been her brightest moment.

Celestia stepped into her office and sat down in front of her desk. Even if she had to face her sister today there was no excuse to put off the duties the kingdom required. Her horn glowed and a stack of letters floated to her desk. She opened one and began reading.

One of her duties was to listen to the woes of her subjects. This task took up most of her day through a combination of letters and day court. Day court often consisted of listening to her subjects personally. For now, she would attend to the letters which was another way to reach her.

The first few letters were nothing of real note, an ask for tax breaks and a request for the guard to be sent to some far-off town. She wrote her responses, letting them know that guards would be on the way and putting the tax break into consideration. It was when she was halfway through the stack of letters that a letter really stood out to her.

The letter was from a merchant. It spoke of a triangular red and dark metal amulet. At first, she thought it was another "historic artifact" but as she read, she grew more concerned. The merchant spoke of receiving it from a few adventurers who raided an ancient temple. Apparently, it made ponies around it uneasy. The whole thing sounded like dark magic.

"Sounds like my kind of item." Void hummed in her mind.

"You are always quick to return." Celestia said.

"I have a knack for it I do admit. So, what are you going to do? Wait for another evil to fester into a problem again? You are quite good at postponing things instead of taking care of them."

"I do not blow things off as you say, I do what is needed." Celestia said.

"I'm sure your sister would agree."

Celestia took the quill in her magic and put pen to paper. Despite her budding irritation at Void, she said nothing and instead began to write. If she was banished to the sun this night, then she could do nothing about the amulet. Within moments she had a response written and sent it off with a flare of magic.

"Bury it? What kind of advice is that?"

"It is what I have available to me at the moment. I cannot have it sent to the palace if Nightmare Moon wins, an artifact of mysterious origin could prove catastrophic to my little ponies in the hooves of a tyrant." Celestia said. "If I come back tonight then I will handle it."

"Once again, pushing something off to handle later. You never change, do you?"

"You never change either." Celestia said.

"Touche."

The door to her study opened revealing one of the kitchen staff. She noticed the large slice of pink-frosted cake and practically began salivating. That was just what she needed. If she was going to be banished to the sun, then she should at least have some cake before she was starved of food for a thousand years. The thought of Luna suffering through such a fate caused a pang in her heart.

Today would be the day her plans would be tested. It would be the day that would decide if she could get her sister back, the day she would see if her sister still loved her. The thought of it going any other way made her heart ache. She wouldn't blame Luna if she never forgave her. Banishing her for a thousand years... it was the only choice she had but it was not one that was ideal. Celestia could only hope that everything would turn out okay. All her hopes rested on Twilight.

"Princess, one slice of cake, double portion." The stallion who brought the cake stood rigid as a stone pillar. Few knew of her love of cake with the kitchen staff being the main exceptions. It was simply not a regal thing to enjoy cake, so she made sure the information didn't leave the palace.

"Thank you, Frosted Sprinkle." Celestia said with a gentle smile.

"It was my pleasure princess." Frosted Sprinkle bowed as he exited. It was such a low bow that Celestia was surprised he wasn't scraping the ground on his way out.

"You can walk, I don't mind."

"O-Of course princess." Frosted Sprinkle jumped to his feet and quickly walked out as if on peg legs. She had to hold in very much not regal giggle at the sight.

Celestia turned to her cake. Just before she was about to dig into that delicious strawberry frosted delight, she stopped.

"Not a word." Celestia growled.

"I wouldn't dream of it."

While today might be her last day on Equestria, Celestia was just glad that she could see her sister one more time. To look at the only family she had left. As far back as she could remember it had always been just the two of them. They had made a promise together all those years ago. Immortality was forever, and they would spend it together until the end of time. She could only hope they could reconcile. She loved her little ponies with all her heart, but her sister always held the largest portion.

Also, she was glad for the cake.

Chapter Three - Return

The time had come. Celestia lowered the sun and brought up the moon. It might be the last time her ponies saw the sun for a thousand years. Everything was in place, now she needed only to return to her old castle and meet her sister. Any time she could buy her student would be priceless.

With the door shut behind her Celestia stood on her balcony and opened her wings. It was cold tonight but the inner warmth within her banished the bite. She let the wind flow through her feathers and coat. She relished in the feeling of the air in her lungs and the sight of her peaceful kingdom sprawling before her. Then, she took flight with a single beat of her powerful wings. Nothing else mattered at this moment, nothing but flying to meet her sister.

She powered up through the cold air with mighty beats of her wings. Magic fueled her as she flew higher and higher until she broke the cloud cover overhead. She soon reached the warm air coming off the face of the mountain where Canterlot was imbedded into its side. It aided her flight and soon she was coasting along with the wind at her back. The homes of her ponies were specks below her at this height. The moon seemed closer than ever, the presence of the mare in moon reminded her that she still had time.

"Not breaking out the old battle armor? Not even the royal poker?" Void's voice crackled to life in her mind. "A shame, those things really bring out the vengeful sun look."

"I will not fight Luna again." Celestia said. "The most I will do is delay her and buy time for Twilight."

"Is it because you know you can't beat her? Admit it, you have grown weak. You aren't the skull smashing mare you used to be."

"So says the voice in my head."

"You didn't deny it."

Celestia coasted on the warm wind towards the Everfree. Its twisted boughs and wild nature were visible to her from this height. The moon was bright and cast the land in an otherworldly glow. It only grew brighter as she glided closer, as if spiteful at her approach.

"What would you have me say? My magic is nothing like it used to be. Maybe some time in the sun will do me good." Celestia glanced towards the baleful moon. Why did it have to come to this?

"Don't get too guilty now. Tonight is a big night for you, and a big night for me."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Don't you worry about a thing my dear, just focus on getting your sister back."

Immediately Celestia began to think through any possible way Void could play this situation to his advantage. He was just a voice in her head, what could he do? There was Nightmare Moon, supposedly some dark force that infected her sister and orchestrated by Void, but was that really true? Luna had been harboring discontent for a long time, it would make sense for her to have become Nightmare Moon on her own. What was Void planning?

"Is there a parasite in my sister or not?" Celestia snapped.

"You tell me, you are her sister after all."

"Why you-"

"Ah, ah, ah, Showtime princess."

Sure enough, the Everfree was below her now. Its twisted branches almost seemed to reach towards her like claws. Its dark confines sheltered the Castle of the Two Sisters which stuck out of the gnarled woodland. The sight of the old castle brought forth memories she thought long buried. Ruling together with her sister, creating a peaceful kingdom, and finally, banishing her sister that one fateful night.

Despite her worries Celestia knew that Void was right. Now was not the time to think about anything else. Now was the time to face her sister.

She dropped into a dive towards the old castle with wind rushing past her ears. A hole in the ceiling, one created from her long ago battle with Nightmare Moon, provided easy access into it. Gently, she slowed until she landed so softly on the stone floors that her gilded hooves made a noise nothing more than a light clink.

The air inside the old castle was dreadfully silent. It was the old throne room which held two ancient thrones side by side at the far end. One for the princess of the day, the other for the princess of the night. Two tattered banners hung silently behind the thrones depicting stylized versions of the two sisters in gold and dark blue respectively. The entire room was covered in rubble from their previous battle. It was a scene she had moved to Canterlot to escape.

Through the hole in the ceiling the moon shone down directly overhead. The mare in the moon, her sister, was forever still in the form of distant craters.

Celestia took a deep breath to calm herself. She thought about what to say to her sister, but nothing came to mind. She felt muddled and her chest was already seizing up. With a shaky breath she looked up to the moon overhead.

The mare in the moon was as still as ever. And then it wasn't.

The craterous form of her sister on the moon shifted and reared back and appeared to laugh. It leaned forward as its form shifted like a puppet show on the moon. It looked down at her as it leaned closer until only its eye was visible. Celestia felt as if she was a bug beneath a magnifying glass. Then, the spell snapped.

The mare in the moon vanished from its prison. Moments later a dark fog drifted through the hole in the roof. Slowly it pooled on the ground in front of the two thrones. The darkness swirled, building from the ground up as it coalesced. First the hooves were built, then the body, the flowing mane and tail, and finally the slit draconic turquoise eyes of a living nightmare, or perhaps a bitter soul. Ancient dark blue armored covered her, and across her chest was the symbol of her cutie mark, a crescent moon.

As she landed a dark fog seeped out behind her before creeping away into the dark.

"Luna." Celestia looked into the eyes of her sister and her heart softened. "You have returned."

"Who are you speaking to sister? Luna is gone, only Nightmare Moon remains!" Nightmare Moon spread her wings wide a wicked grin on her face that reveals sharp incisors. "Where is your armor and spear sister, do you think you can defeat me with just your hooves?"

"I didn't come to fight. Please Luna, we don't have to-" Celestia took to the skies as a blast of wicked blue energy scorched the spot she had just been.

"My name is Nightmare Moon! Luna is gone forever!" Nightmare Moon cackled as her horn glowed. "I will not tolerate any other name!"

"Very well, Nightmare Moon." Celestia landed back on the ground as she scanned her sister's eyes. She was looking for any sign that Luna was still in there. Was this just a parasite, or was it her sister? "Where has my sister gone then?"

"She died in your sun long ago." Nightmare Moon grinned as she stalked forward. "Now I will rule forever, and you will feel the pain of being locked away for a thousand years!"

"Luna, please." Celestia felt her heart squeeze uncomfortably at the hateful look in her sister's eyes. "I made a mistake; I should have seen what was happening. I know we might never go back to how we used to be, but I can't rule without you. I can't live in eternity without you! You are my sister!"

For a moment Celestia swore she saw the eyes of the nightmare shift. Beneath the haze of bitterness and hate something sparkled through. After living with her sister for countless years she could recognize it, recognize her sister's eyes softening just the slightest. It was a sign that secured Celestia's suspicions. There was no parasite, Void had lied to her, this was her sister. It was her sister, shrouded in her hate and bitterness, but it was her sister. As quick as the eyes softened, they returned to bitterness and rage with a vengeance.

"So now you come crawling back dear sister? You come crawling back after realizing you can't be a tyrant all on your own? Are you tired sister, tired of managing the sun and moon? I can feel it, you are weak." Nightmare Moon strode forward, her mane a borderless cloak of flickering night and stars that swayed with magic. "It is too late for amends sister. Luna is gone, and soon you will be too."

"Luna..." Celestia took a step forward, she couldn't stop the tears threatening to spill from her eyes. "I never wanted to rule alone. Please... come back to me."

"NO!" Nightmare Moon reared back as her mane turned into a swirling windstorm of darkened night, her voice boomed loud enough to shake the stones of the castle. "LUNA IS DEAD!!!"

Celestia dove out of the way as a blast of powerful magic screamed past her. It singed her white coat, but she pushed through the pain to take to the air. Adrenaline surged through her as she rose into the night. Even with blood and adrenaline racing through her veins she felt lethargic and slow. She felt like her wings were covered in sludge and her once battle honed instincts were dulled as a rusted edge.

"Where are you going dear sister?!" Nightmare Moon rose behind her laughing. "Running from your problems once again?"

"I am not going to fight you, Luna!" Celestia barely evaded another blast of dark magic. "We are meant to rule together!"

"The only one who is meant to rule-" Nightmare Moon leveled her wickedly long horn towards Celestia. "IS ME!"

Heat scorched Celestia's back as a massive blast of magic burrowed into her. With a scream Celestia dropped from the sky, her wings locked up from the pain. She smashed through the window of one of the old towers and landed in a smoking heap on the floor.

She didn't feel like fighting her sister. She didn't feel like fighting against this fate. Maybe she deserved it. For a moment she laid there, thoroughly and utterly beaten. It was pathetic. What she had become was pathetic.

"Is that all? I expected more from you." Nightmare Moon landed next to her with a thud. "Where has that rage gone? That power?"

"I won't fight you." Celestia wheezed as she forced herself to her feet. Pain which was once common to her had become an unwelcome oddity.

"FIGHT ME!" Nightmare Moon screamed in her face. It was loud enough to send Celestia's mane flying back. "FIGHT ME, HATE ME, DO SOMETHING BESIDES FALL OVER LIKE A WET RAG!"

"I could never hate you." Celestia spoke softly and gently reached towards her sister. "How could I ever hate my sister?"

"No. No! NO!" Nightmare Moon screeched as her horn began to glow as she stepped back. "I won't listen to your tricks any longer. Rest your silver tongue in the sun dear sister!"

"Luna! Wait-"

Celestia was cut off as a wave of dark blue magic hit her in the chest. For a moment she felt nothing. Then, she felt herself begin to rise. The wave of magic washed over her like a tidal wave. She soon found the breath from her lungs gone and all feeling in her limbs vanished. Where there was once flesh was only a cloud of white mist. She rose into the sky in seconds. Equestria was swallowed up by distance beneath her as she was sent careening into the dark beyond.

In the next moment she realized her form was headed straight for her hidden sun. She went flying into the flaming ball which wrapped her in its fiery blaze. As she entered it the sun sealed itself around her then almost solidified which locked her in place. She tried to wiggle free but found herself unable to control her body. Celestia was thoroughly trapped.

Celestia knew that this was going to happen. There was no way to avoid it. Now all her hopes rested on Twilight Sparkle. She knew Twilight could stop Nightmare Moon. It was only a matter of fate now.

She floated in the sun. Amidst the blaze there was nothing she could see. It was all fire. It welcomed her, the sun was hers after all, but she could see nothing beyond it. She wondered if Luna had to endure something similar.

Perhaps there had been another way through this. Perhaps it would have been better to eliminate her sister and secure the kingdom's safety. Was it selfish to want her sister back so much that she risked it all?

"So all your pieces come into play now hmm?" Void hummed merrily. "How will the kingdom do without its princess? Will it crumble? Thrive? Or perhaps they will never know because their princess will have a glorious and swift return?"

"You seem to be enjoying my suffering." Celestia didn't speak so much as radiate a noise like a hymn in her gaseous state. It was much like how Void spoke in her own mind.

"Don't mind me my dear sun. It has been a good day is all."

"You lied about the parasite; my sister was not infected."

"Did I ever say she was? I only said I sent her a friend with her to the moon."

"What is that supposed to mean? Stop speaking in riddles Void." Celestia fumed, the events with her sister and now Void grated her nerves. She just wanted to be left alone. "Is there something infecting my sister or not?"

"Fine you worrywart, no, I would never hurt Luna. She is going to be family after all when this is all over." Void sighed loudly. "I didn't lie to you my dear sun, there was nothing of my doing or an accomplice of mine infecting her or harming her."

"Then who or what did you send up to my sister?"

"Well, telling you would spoil the fun, wouldn't it?" Void snickered.

"Enough games Void!" Celestia felt rage ignite in her heart. "Who did you send to my sister?!"

"Getting frustrated my dear? I'm afraid that this move in our eternal game is mine. Oh, winning a move against you feels so very nice! It brings me just a bit closer to securing your heart, my beloved manipulator."

"I am not a manipulator; I am a teacher and a ruler." Celestia sighed. "It doesn't matter anymore; I'm stuck here and so are you. Nothing you do can affect my little ponies or me for a thousand years."

"You think so?" Void asked. "I feel as if a little sparkle is about to shine on your dark cloud."

"If Twilight frees me then I will root out your plan and stop it." Celestia said. "My sister will be restored by the elements of harmony, and we can rule together once more. That is the best-case scenario."

"It is, isn't it?" Void snickered.

"It is. If I can rule with together with my sister again... I wouldn't dream of having anything more." Celestia said. "That is all I have wanted for the past one-thousand years. None of your games or tricks will change my heart."

"I know."

Celestia said nothing more. For once she did not know what to say or do. If Twilight freed her and cleansed her sister of bitterness, then everything would have gone perfectly. She could reconcile with her sister, and everything would be in harmony once more. Why did something feel off then? What was Void planning?

For once in her life Celestia didn't know where the next piece was going to be placed.

It didn't matter though, as long as she had her sister back it would all be worth it. She only hoped that she could unravel whatever Void's plan was. For now, all she could do was wait and hope that Twilight had made some friends.

Celestia was counting on it.

Chapter Four - Recovery

Just when Celestia was starting to lose hope of ever getting out of the sun for the next one-thousand years, a crack appeared in the wall of fire in front of her. It was a searing scar amidst the flame, a burning rend that beckoned her. Without hesitation Celestia willed herself forward and through it. The rend sucked her out into the emptiness before immediately launching her back towards the planet.

Relief filled her as she shot towards Equestria in the form of a ball of light. The landscape revealed itself to her and she willed the sun to rise as she reentered the world. Her student had done it, bless that brilliant purple pony!

"Why, I reckon we do represent the elements of harmony!" A voice touched her ears.

"Indeed, you do." Celestia dropped into the room in the form of a ball of light. She began to materialize from the ground up as the sun rose behind her. Outlined against its radiance she spread her wings wide as she raised the sun and hid the strain behind a straight face. Immediately light filled the room which cast golden rays across the darkened stone.

All the differing ponies, ones Celestia had seen before in passing, immediately bowed. Her attention was ripped from them as Twilight met her gaze.

"Princess Celestia!" Twilight ran up to her and immediately hugged her. "I thought you were gone forever!"

"Twilight Sparkle, my most faithful student." Celestia warmly smiled as she patted her students back. It was because of Twilight that she was back.

"You should have told me." Twilight buried her face in Celestia's coat. "I knew I was right, why would risk yourself like that?"

"I am sorry for not telling you everything. I knew that Nightmare Moon would return, and I knew that you had the magic to defeat her." Celestia gently tried to step away from her student only for Twilight to run forward again and wrap her hooves around her.

"You should have told me." Twilight sniffled.

Celestia nearly felt her heart break as her coat was soaked with tears.

"You could not make true friends with such a task hanging over you." Celestia gently pushed Twillight away as she looked around the room. "You let true friendship into your heart, and I hope another will as well."

Celestia saw her. Luna was laid out against a wall. Scraps of her armor were scattered around her form. Where once a massive mare stood, equal in height to Celestia herself, a smaller alicorn laid. Dark blue fur covered her and her once wild starlit mane shifted more easily now.

"Princess Luna." Celestia approached her, everything else around her faded to a blur. Her sister looked just the way she remembered her all those years ago.

As she approached Luna gasped and tried to shift away. Her eyes were wide with fear.

"Please, sister." Celestia kneeled down next to her. "We were meant to rule together, will you forgive me?"

"W-We are sorry!" Luna leapt towards her and wrapped her hooves around her. Celestia returned the hug. Tears began to pool in her eyes. Finally, they were together once more. "We missed you so much!"

Everything had been worth it. Everything had been worth it for this moment. Celestia sobbed as she hugged Luna. It had been many years since she had hugged another pony and longer still since she had hugged her sister. All her worries faded away in that moment and she relished in the feeling of her coat against Luna's.

Then somepony had to ruin it.

"This one is a real tear-jerker, a real end to the drought that is my eyes." Void sniffled. "Even my friend got out okay, it turned out that everything was going to be alright after all!"

Celestia froze. How had she forgotten about that?

"Sister?" Luna looked up at her, her eyes watery. "Is everything okay?"

"Of course, how could it not be okay after you have returned to my side?" Celestia hugged her again.

"This calls for a party!" A pink pony, one of Twilight's friends was jumping up and down rapidly. For some reason there were two pools of water on either sides of her.

"Indeed." Celestia smiled. "All of Equestria shall celebrate Luna's return."

"Not to be a stick in the mud but I am kind of tired." One of the ponies said. "No partying for me today I'm afraid."

"Applejack! Thats the princess!"

"I'm just sayin-"

"It's alright my little ponies, the celebration will need to wait." Celestia said. "Go on back home, the Everfree will not bother you today."

"Princess." Twilight stepped forward. "Can we-"

"I am sorry my most faithful student. I need to tend to my sister." Celestia said. "We will speak later."

"A-Alright..." Twilight looked down at her hooves.

"Twilight Sparkle, you and your friends are the cause of this joyous occasion. Without you I would never have my sister back." Celestia felt terrible for brushing her off but her sister took priority at the moment. They had been seperated for a thousand years after all. "I will speak to you soon. Please dont hate me for this."

"I-I could never!" Twilight shouted.

"Thank you, Twilight. You have done more than you know." Celestia stood and extended a hoof to her sister. "Are you ready Luna?"

Luna looked towards the hoof and hesitantly nodded. Celestia took her hoof and channeled a teleportation spell. In burned her horn like a flare but she powered through it. In the next moment all that was left of their departure was wind over the stone. The last thing Celestia saw was Twilight's stare.

In the next moment Celestia and Luna appeared in the castle throne room. A hidden runic circle in the center of the room glowed through the long red carpet before fading. It was a teleportation circle Celestia had inscribed herself years ago. She couldn't even remember the last time it had been used. Upon arriving Celestia immediately hugged her sister again.

"I am so glad you are back." Celestia said.

"We can't believe we are back. We have missed you sister." Luna said. "We... we let bitterness into our heart for too long. We thank thee for believing in us."

"I will always believe in you." Celestia said. It seemed that Luna still used the royal 'we'. Even though she was speaking softly Celestia could still hear her sister's voice clearly. It seemed that she would have some adjusting to do. A thousand years was more than enough time for things to change.

They stayed there for another long moment. Everything was right in the world.

"We learned something sister. Something so that this will never happen again." Luna's mane was starting to regain its starry look. It gently lifted with magical power.

"You don't have to worry about that Luna. I will never neglect you like I did before."

"It is not that sister. We have learned a new type of magic. A type of magic that will allow us to walk in our subjects' dreams. We will never be bitter about thy day again." Luna said.

"Dream walking?" Celestia asked. "Such a thing exists?"

"It does sister. While you rule the day and receive the love of our subjects, we can enjoy the admiration of our subjects at night." Luna said. "It is the key to our problems. We will safeguard the night and you the day. It has been our duty before, but now we can do it much more thoroughly."

"I am glad Luna. I am happy you found this spell." Celestia felt her heart glow with pride. "How did you learn to... dream walk?"

"We discovered the power when becoming Nightmare Moon." Luna turned her gaze away, her eyes watered. "It was... we used it for horrible things sister. Such horrible things."

"It's okay Luna. Everything is okay now." Celestia wanted to ask who she had learned it from but felt this was not the right time. It was entirely possible that she learned the spell on her own and it wasn't through Void's 'friend'.

"How can we ever live with what we have done?" Luna asked. "What could we ever do to fix this transgression?"

"You are already fixing it. You are planning to use your powers for good, you have come back to rule with me. What else could you possibly do?" Celestia turned her sister's head towards her to look her in the eyes. "You are a good pony, Luna. Once we ruled together in harmony, why could that not happen again?"

Luna gently released the hug. She stood there with bags beneath her eyes and her legs shaky. Celestia took a moment to relish in the fact that her sister was standing before her. She even came back with an ability that would make sure such bitterness never festered again. Celestia's heart glowed. Yet a question remained, just where did such a power come from?

"We... we are tired sister. We do not wish to part but the day has always been our time of rest." Luna said.

"I have your room prepared already." Celestia said. "It has the finest blackout curtains I could find."

"You prepared for our return in such a manner?" Luna's eyes began to water again.

"I knew you would come back to me, either now or in a thousand years." Celestia moved her sister's flowing mane out of her eyes. "Come with me, I will show you your room."

The two sisters walked side by side through the castle. Stoic guards nearly broke character as the two sisters walked by. Celestia had not told any of her sister's impending return. It had hurt too much over the years to have others speak of Luna. It was a constant reminder of her failure. She left only a mention of a bitter young alicorn in the history books- one that was in need of redemption. It was shameful, she only hoped that her ponies could recognize the good in her sister. In too short a time the two arrived before a black double door with a crescent moon on its front.

"This is your room, Luna." Celestia stood rigidly.

Luna opened the door which revealed a starry room. A large crescent bed, almost like a cradle, dominated the center of the room. On the far side of the room were massive blackout drapes. The room was all dark and pleasant hues of blue, purple, and gold. Covering the ceiling was a hoof-painted depiction of an ancient night sky. A night sky Luna had created long ago. Celestia never had a knack for moving the stars, Luna's nights had always been more enchanting and beautiful.

"This pleases us sister." Luna stepped into the room. "We wish to speak more but we are exhausted."

"It's alright Luna, feel free to rest. Do you want me to stay with you?" Celestia hoped that the answer would be yes.

"We do not wish to part, but we know thy kingdom does not run itself." Luna said.

"I can take a break for a day. What about attendants? Do you need a bath? How about some food?" Celestia's thoughts raced. "I can fetch a massage-"

"We are alright sister! If... if you wish to join us then we would not deny it." Luna didn't meet her gaze. "Just until we fall asleep."

"I would be happy to." Celestia turned to the guards. "Tell Raven to cancel all meetings and day court. Afterwards secure this room, no pony gets in. Also, tell her to send a letter to Cadence. She can return now."

"Of course, your majesty." The guards bowed.

"Thank you, my little ponies." Celestia smiled at the guards. Then she shut the door behind her.

As Celestia tucked in her sister into bed for the first time in a thousand years, worried thoughts began to bubble up.

Luna had received some king of dream power from Nightmare Moon. While this made Celestia nearly leap with joy, it also made her think. It must have been taught to her by Void's friend, a friend she was not sure even existed. The friend had to exist though, did it not? How else could Luna have learned such a spell or wielded such powerful magic? It was now more than ever that Celestia wished her limited clairvoyance would return to her. Seeing the future was a powerful tool, a tool that abandoned her when she used the elements of harmony. The visions she once received had stopped being useful over nine-hundred years ago.

For now, though, there was something more important to do.

"Sleep sister, I'm not going anywhere." Celestia closed the blackout curtains and sat at Luna's bedside.

"Would... would we be in the wrong to say that you can sleep on the bed as well?" Luna said in the dark.

"Of course not." Celestia gently climbed onto the bed and laid next to her sister.

Back-to-back, Celestia listened as Luna's breathing evened out.

Then something came to mind, Void had barely said anything all day and it had been one of her best ever. If that was not saying something, then Celestia didn't know what was. It did make her wonder why the voice was so quiet. Maybe he had grown a conciseness and recognized she needed time with her sister.

No, that would never happen. It must be because of his friend. Tomorrow Celestia would go back to the Castle of the Two Sisters and look for any sign of the friend. This time she wouldn't allow a problem to grow. She would snuff it out before it got out of hand.

Today she would keep vigil over her sister. Tomorrow, she would hunt.

Chapter Five - Dark Omen

The Canterlot castle vault was usually merely a container for things best left in the past. Old weapons, racks of forgotten laws and orders, and various magical artifacts that didn't belong in the hoof of just anypony. Accessible only by the horn of Celestia and located in the deepest reaches of the palace it was as secure as a place could get. Not to mention the place was laid thick with magical wards that Celestia had put into places years earlier, even she would have a hard time breaking in with her diminished strength.

It was where Celestia stood inside of now. The elements of harmony were contained within in this place. Honesty, Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Loyalty, and in the center of them all, Magic. It was here where Celestia had them stored. She stared at them from their place in a cushioned box. She had them retrieved from Twilight and her friends for safe keeping, but now that she was face to face with them once more a question came to mind.

"Why did you abandon me?" Celestia stood over the elements. "Once my sister and I were able to use the power of the elements. You even allowed me to use all of the elements together on my own. What happened?"

The only answer Celestia got from the gems was a faint gleam from the element of magic.

"They clearly don't want you anymore. Too hypocritical and manipulative for their tastes." Void said.

"Hypocritical? I am not-"

"You preach about the magic of friendship, but you have no friends. Tartarus, even I have friends! And I'm just a voice in your head!" Void laughed.

"I can assure you that I have friends." Celestia closed the box to the elements or harmony and reapplied the ward around them.

"Who?"

"Cadence and Luna." Celestia trudged through piles of gold as she walked deeper into the vault. Priceless ancient artworks and historical artifacts passed her by as she went deeper. She really needed to clean this place up one of these years.

"Those are family, and Luna just came back from a thousand years, so she doesn't count."

"Luna still counts. Also, Twilight is my friend."

"She is your student, just admit it, you have no friends."

"What do you want Void? My position does not make it easy to create such bonds with ponies." Celestia thought back to her friends from all those years ago. Their faces were blurry now though she could still recount their names. She shook her head as her throat tightened. There wasn't a point in thinking about it anymore. She had Luna and Cadence, she had Twilight, and that was all that mattered.

"Dust in the wind am I right? They will be dead long before you are." Void said. "No point in making any friends with non-immortals. The only mortals you make friends with are ones you plan on turning into an alicorn."

"Please, I am not in the mood for this right now." Celestia ignored the sucking feeling in her chest and turned it into seething anger. "You gave me time with Luna, and I thank you for that, but I will not tolerate such words!"

"Simmer down Tia. Don't you think I deserve to poke a little fun with what you are about to do?"

"Don't call me that, that is reserved for Luna alone." Celestia nearly froze at the nickname. It had been so long since she had heard it and to hear it come from Void's mouth was more infuriating than she would have thought. "And what do you think I'm going to do?"

"I know that wicked gleam in your eye. You are going to hunt down my poor little friend. How could you?" Void sobbed extremely loudly and annoyingly. "She was only trying to help!"

"Give me one reason to not hunt down your dark magic ridden spawn." Celestia reached the end of the treasure hoard where another door was deeper into the vault. A similar horn keyhole to the first door was on this door as well.

"Well, if you really want me to give you a reason..." Void trailed off. "She is a gather good friend. Especially to Luna!"

How had she forgotten about that? If anyone knew anything about Void's 'friend' it would have to be Luna. She was the one who was on the moon with it after all. The idea had slipped her mind somewhere amidst her reunion with her sister. How was she supposed to bring it up to Luna without being confrontational?

"Why are you helping me root out your friend?" Celestia paused just before the inner vault. Behind it was all the tools she would need to face any conflict. It had not been opened in over a hundred years.

"I want to extend the hoof of friendship first. Ill prove to you that I am not so bad after all. I will reveal my friend to you when you meet with Luna. I can promise you no one will be harmed, infected, or afflicted with disease in any way. So, what do you say my beloved sun?"

"I..." Celestia stared at the inner vault. She didn't want to open it, not after all this time. Behind that door was her spear and armor, things best left behind. "I will meet with your friend."

"I knew you would come around eventually. We are meant to be together after all." Void said.

"I am not doing this for you, I am doing this for Luna." Celestia strode away from the vault and let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding.

"Now I just feel underappreciated." Void sighed. "My life never seems to change, I guess some things are just meant to be."

Celestia ignored the whining and closed the vault behind her as she exited. The royal guards stood to attention as she made her way through the castle. Day court had already been canceled and now she wasn't even going to go anywhere. At least it gave her time to speak to Luna.

She made her way straight to Luna's room. It was unlikely that she was awake, but she couldn't resist the urge to check in on her sister. Especially not when she had something to ask her.

As she approached the door, she could have sworn she heard whispering on the other side of it. Luna must have been speaking to herself in her sleep. Celestia smirked wickedly to herself. It had been far too long since a proper prank between them had been done. Maybe she would magically record her mutterings for use a few weeks later.

"Luna?" Gently Celestia cracked open the door.

Sitting on her bed with her horn glowing was Luna. As Celestia entered Luna nearly jumped out of bed, her hooves fought for purchase on the sheets before she fell onto her stomach. The next moment she was standing up again.

"Are you alright Luna?" Celestia scanned the room, there was nothing of note. "I'm sorry for waking you but I couldn't help but hear whispering."

"Tis quite alright. We are merely speaking to ourselves." Luna yawned heavily and rubbed her eyes.

Something was off. Luna refused to meet her eyes.

"Did you have breakfast yet? Were you able to control the moon well last night?" Celestia had immediately let Luna go back to her old duties in controlling the moon. Despite wanting to allow her sister to relax, Luna had been adamant about the task. The thought of it filled Celestia with pride. Her sister had always been strong of will and heart.

"We set the moon without trouble to make way for thy sun. As for breakfast, we have not left the room yet." Luna said.

Celestia scanned the room once more. What was that feeling?

"Let's have breakfast then." Celestia smiled as she stepped into the room. "It has been too long."

"We- We agree sister." Luna leapt off the bed with a smooth movement. "Let us depart with haste!"

"Wait just one moment Luna." Celestia lit her horn with magic. "Something is here."

"We do not-" Luna started to speak before Celestia stomped forward.

She looked to the top of the dome-like roof of the room and ripped the curtains open with her magic. Immediately light filled the room with the blinding intensity of the morning sun. Yet still, the darkness at the top of the ceiling remained. It clung there like a gelatin, shifting smoothly in a smoky form. From it, two glowing yellow eyes stared back into her own.

Rage unlike anything she had felt in a hundred years filled Celestia. How dare this creature reside near her sister? How dare this monstrosity stalk the halls of the palace she thought safe for Luna?

Immediately she surrounded the dark cloud with her magic. In a moment she ripped it off the ceiling like a loose bur. The thing squirmed in her grasp, so she tightened her grip with a surge of magic. As it struggled, she slammed it onto the floor before charging her horn. All it would take was one precise blast to banish this dark spawn.

"Wait sister, thou do not understand. Do not hurt her!" Luna jumped in front of her horn.

"Luna! Why are you standing in front of that thing? Get away from it, it's going to hurt you!" Celestia directed her horn away from her sister.

"This hath been our friend for a thousand years! She is the one who hath taught up spells and been there in our time of need. Lower your horn, Tia!" Luna spread her wings as she stood in front of the cloud with burning eyes. The remnants of her booming royal Canterlot voice echoed in the room. The sound of it used specifically at her shocked her.

At the sound of the old nickname Celestia hesitantly held her spell instead of blasting the cloud into a scorch mark. She grit her teeth. This was clearly Void's friend, a servant of the thing that had been tormenting her forever. Yet, Luna was defending it, and she did agree to Void to at least meet the friend...

With an unheard curse Celestia let the spell in her horn fizzle into the air. She still held the creature in her magic in case it tried to get away.

"Would... would you explain this, Luna?" Celestia took a step back. "What is that thing?"

"When we were lonely amidst the dark days this creature approached us. We confided in it, and it in us. It... it gave us the power to face you. When we were banished, it was there for us, when we returned it was with us. It is something that we would call a friend." Luna sighed and stared at the ground. "We were scared of what would become of it, so we didn't tell you. Would you forgive me Tia?"

"I- of course I will forgive you." Celestia said, she couldn't stand seeing her sister staring at the ground like that. "What do you mean it gave you power, how did you confide in it?"

"It would be best that we show you." Luna turned to the shadow. "Please release her, no harm will come to us."

Feeling as if she was mortaring the seal to her own casket, Celestia hesitantly let go of her hold on the shadow.

The shadow swirled on the ground. For a moment nothing seemed to happen then it formed into the shape of a pony. It built itself from the ground up and appeared with a flash of sharp fangs.

Where there was once a shadow, Nightmare Moon remained. It had her wild starry mane, her wicked fangs and teeth, her ancient armor, her black as death fur. Yet, it was only as tall as Luna. It was smaller than it was before. The nightmare smirked at Celestia as it appeared, the manifestation of all her failures standing in front of her like a dark omen.

"My most sincere apologies for not announcing my presence sooner your majesty. My name is Nightmare Moon, friend to Luna, and hopefully will be a friend to you." Nightmare Moon bowed. "A pleasure to meet your acquaintance, I have heard much about you from Luna."

"I hope you like my friend; she is quite the charmer. Not a parasite mind you, but a separate entity entirely."

Celestia was dumbfounded.

"You- you infected my sister, didn't you? How did you survive the elements of harmony?" Celestia tried to prevent herself from smashing the shadow with her hoof then blasting it through a wall with her magic. It was barely working.

"We know that she did no such thing! She has the ability to grant us power through assimilation. It was in my own bitterness that I asked her to empower me." Luna said. "She survived the elements of harmony because she is not corrupted as we were, she has always been a friend to us, willing to be with us even on the moon. Please, you have to believe us sister!"

"I can assure you your majesty that I mean no harm." Nightmare Moon didn't rise from her bow.

Patience frayed as her magic, Celestia was just able to maintain a facade. She could hear the guards lining up behind her at the commotion. They didn't say a word, but she could feel the tension in the air. Looking down at Luna standing in front of the deeply bowing Nightmare Moon made her feel like a tyrant.

"Go back to your posts. There will be no violence today." Celestia said.

"B-But princess, that's Nightmare Moon!" One of the guards said.

"Thank you for your commitment but I have this under control." Celestia's eyes never left the nightmare.

"Yes princess." Hesitantly the guards began to disperse.

The two groups stared at each other. There was little that Celestia wanted to speak of other than a quick eradication but for her sister she would persevere. Slowly, Nightmare Moon opened a single eye from her bowed position only to meet Celestia's own. Immediately it closed shut.

Celestia mentally shook herself off and soothed her ruffled feathers.

"Rise. There is no need to bow even for a shadow." Celestia said.

"Thank you, princess." Nightmare Moon rose. "My back was starting to hurt."

"So... you are... friends?" Celestia felt like the word was strange to her now after what Void had said.

"We are friends." Luna said.

"The best of friends, until the end!" Nightmare Moon chimed in. "Wouldn't you agree Luna?"

"Indeed, thou knowest me so well." Luna said.

"What do you call yourself then?" Celestia said. "You look like Nightmare Moon, why do you look like that?"

"My name is Nightmare Moon. It was the name Luna gave me when I appeared at night in her window. She thought that I was some kind of nightmare come to life!" Nightmare Moon nudged the mare next to her.

"This is true sister. We named her that phrase when first seeing her. Ever since then it stuck." Luna said. "We took her name when... changing. We did not wish to be Luna anymore."

Those words stung her heart. Celestia walked until she towered over the two. She looked deep into Nightmare Moon's eyes. How was she supposed to trust this shadow not to hurt her sister? She had just come back; she couldn't lose Luna. Then again, Celestia couldn't just eradicate somepony Luna cared about.

This had to Void's friend as well. Was this all part of his game, or was this something genuine?

"I will allow you a chance to prove yourself. If I see any sort of maliciousness...." Celestia couldn't believe the words coming out of her own mouth.

"Yes! Tis a day to be remembered for us!" Luna hugged Nightmare Moon. "She will show thee sister, she is good of heart."

"I aim to please." Nightmare Moon returned the hug.

"Would you join us, Tia? A hug to commemorate this great occasion. To show that our friendship shall last forever more from this moment on." Luna extended a hoof towards her.

Awkwardly Celestia moved into the hug, it was impossible to resist that nickname. The two hugged her more than she hugged them. Celestia wrapped her massive wings around the two. While Luna's embrace was more than welcome, the coldness of Nightmare Moon chilled her side. She towered over them. A giant amongst little ponies. The taller she got, the more distant she felt. In a situation like this though, she was glad for her size. If only so that she could hold more of her little ponies beneath her wings to shelter them.

"Isn't the magic of friendship just wonderful?" Void chuckled.

It was a shame that Celestia had to prepare for her sister's welcoming celebration otherwise she would be asking Void some very pointed questions within the next hour. That could wait for the moment though, there was much work to be done still and very little time to do it. For now, Celestia took what joy she could out of the hug and forced a smile.

Void would answer for this.

Author's Note

Hello everyone, I changed the title and description to better reflect the story and its contents. I hope you like it!

Chapter Six - Revelry

The celebration in Ponyville was going well enough. It was a joyous occasion for Luna's return and the supposed end of Nightmare Moon. It was also a celebration for the ponies who ended it. One pink pony in particular seemed to be having a good time. She bounced as if made of rubber and shot confetti out of a cannon. It was one of the more illogical things Celestia had seen, it was something more in line with Discord's magic. Maybe she was a distant cousin of the chaotic gremlin. Something to look into later she supposed.

The thought of Nightmare Moon back at the castle soured her mood. After the hug they had gone separate ways while Celestia caught up on her duties. On the day of the celebration, they left Nightmare Moon behind at the castle. It was not ideal, but the sight of a living nightmare so recently after Luna's return would surely scare the ponies. It was something that Celestia was going to have to think on how to handle. It was an unexpected variable to say the least. Who knew what she was doing at the castle while Celestia was away? Certainly nothing good.

Celestia waved and smiled to the ponies of Ponyville as she was pulled through the town on a golden carriage. Streamers covered her and Luna and the joyous cheering was a boon to her ears. It was a stark yet welcome difference to the monotonous governmental meetings she always attended.

"Are you alright Luna?" Celestia spoke through the side of her smile.

"We are glad for the joyous appreciation of our subjects." Luna stayed close to her. "We only wonder how they could forgive after such a short time; we do not deserve it."

"They know that you were not yourself. It is written in fairy tales that the Mare in the Moon was a threat- but also that she was in need of redemption and had a possibility for good."

"Thou did too much for us sister."

"I did not do nearly enough." Celestia said.

The celebration continued as they were pulled, as if following them through the town. Celestia wished that for once she wasn't the center of attention. Maybe then she could actually enjoy the festivities. That cake they were passing out looked delicious.

Alas, they were just passing through. The celebration was across all of Equestria and they had a few other key places to visit. All ponies must know that their second princess was back. Most of the celebrations in other towns and in Canterlot would take place at night. It was only fitting for the princess of the night after all.

It was far too soon that Celestia and Luna reached the end of their ride through Ponyville.

She could see Twilight and her friends at the end of the ride, waiting for them. Her student was dragging her hooves with her head down as she walked towards the carriage.

"I will be right back Luna." Celestia stepped off the carriage. "Twilight has something to say."

"We will be here sister." Luna edged towards the center of the carriage and sat with her back straight. Her gaze wandered to the surrounding ponies before snapping back to attention.

"Why do you look so glum my faithful student? Aren't you happy that you get to return to Canterlot and continue your studies?" Celestia strode towards Twilight.

"Princess... It's just... I made five amazing friends and now I have to leave them." Twilight's ears drooped.

"Spike, take a note." Celestia said. It seemed that Twilight had made true friends, just like she thought. Celestia had been waiting for this moment. The little dragon immediately whipped out a scroll and began to write. "I, princess Celestia, hear by decree that Twilight Sparkle shall take on a new mission. She must continue to study the magic of friendship and report to me her findings from her new home in Ponyville!"

"No." Twilight shook her head. "I can't, it just doesn't make any sense."

"What?" Celestia didn't believe the words she was hearing. "Do you not want to stay with your friends?"

"How can I just leave you behind? You have been teaching me since I was a filly!" Twilight hesitantly raised her eyes to meet her own. "Maybe we can bring my friends to Canterlot or- you can come here!"

"Twilight, you know that I have duties to take care of in the castle and I am sure that your friends have responsibilities as well." Celestia said.

"I see." Twilight deflated, her dark mane drooping.

"How about this..." Celestia paused as she considered her options. It was absolutely vital that Twilight continued to be amongst her friends for the good of Equestria. There were many forgotten evils about to surface, (many she had buried herself) and Equestria would not survive without the elements of harmony. "I have a secret code that I have never given anypony before."

"Really?" Twilight's eyes lit up. "A code to what? Is it magical?"

"Indeed. Remember, you must not tell anyone." Celestia said. "Are you ready to hear it?"

Twilight nodded.

"There is a teleportation circle in Canterlot castle." Celestia whispered.

"TELEPORTATION CIRCLE!?!" Twilight nearly jumped into the air. "The level of magic behind such a thing is nearly impossible! To simply begin to inscribe such a spell matrix is-"

Celestia made her displeasure very clear with a simple hard look.

"S-Sorry princess." Twilight rubbed the back of her head.

"I will send you the codes to it later through Spike. Make sure that you warn me in advance before you use it." Celestia said. "The first code will bring you to Canterlot, the second code will return you to where you teleported from. Remember, burn the codes once you memorize them."

"Thank you, princess, you don't know how much this means to me!" Twilight threw herself around Celestia. The surrounding ponies awed at the sight. Celestia knew that this was going to be in the news when she heard the click of a camera somewhere amongst the crowd. Twilight's friends crowded around the purple unicorn cheering all the while.

The sight caused Celestia to smile. It seemed that Twilight was in good hooves after all. Her attachment was a factor she had not considered but it seemed like everything was going to turn out okay.

"I must depart for now my most faithful student. Make sure to send me reports whenever you learn a valuable lesson!" Celestia turned to the colorful cast of ponies around Twilight. "Make sure to take care of her for me, she tends to stay up past her bedtime."

"Yes princess!" The rainbow maned pony saluted while the others laughed.

"Princess!" Twilight blushed.

"Sorry Twilight, I couldn't resist." Celestia said. "Have fun my little ponies!"

Celestia boarded the carriage again and within moments they took off from Ponyville. The town vanished below them as they rose above the clouds. Hopefully Twilight would be okay. Now though, it was time to visit more towns and cities for the continued celebrations. The thought of it was draining, but it was so the citizens could see that the princess of the night had returned. It was necessary.

With a glance at Luna to give her strength, Celestia prepared for the long day ahead.

By the time they visited towns and cities across Equestria, it was the middle of the night. They had just finished moving through Canterlot and were on their way back to the castle. The night air was filled with fireworks, and even the Wonderbolts were flying, leaving behind glowing trails of white and blue to celebrate the night. It was a city-wide celebration that would leave the streets of Canterlot filled with streamers for days to come. Paper lanterns with cutouts of the moon and sun filled the sky. Unfortunately, some of them were blasted by the fireworks. Every time one of them was blown up there was a city-wide cheer. It was a rushed celebration to say the least, there was not much time to think of how the different pieces would go together. At least her little ponies seemed to be enjoying it.

"Did you enjoy the celebration, Luna?" Celestia asked as they walked towards the entrance to Canterlot castle.

"We did enjoy the celebration. We only wish that our subjects would not be so afraid of us." Luna glanced back at the city. "While our subjects seemed to relish in out arrival, some did seem to fear us still."

"They will come around in time." Celestia said. "They haven't seen the real you yet."

"We suppose you are right." Luna said.

Celestia yawned as the gates to the castle opened. The day had been long, and she felt exhausted.

"We will stay up longer, you should rest sister." Luna said. "You cannot put off day court forever."

"I guess you're right." Celestia sighed. "You did good today, Luna."

"To you as well." Luna looked as awake as ever. "We will watch over thee dreams tonight."

"Thank you, Luna." Celestia stood next to her sister in the hallway awkwardly. She really didn't want to leave.

"We will leave, rest well sister." Luna awkwardly stood there as well before shuffling away.

"Be safe." Celestia whispered as she stared at Luna walking away. In a few moments Luna vanished into the dark halls of the castle.

Celestia walked into her throne room. During the day this room was filled with brilliant light from the many stained-glass windows on both sides of the hall. During the night the throne room was much darker, but it held a unique beauty to it. Moonlight and starlight glinted off the stained-glass windows spreading a constellation of tiny silver lights across the red carpet leading to the throne. The throne itself, made of gold with two small trickling fountains next to it, almost appeared silver in the lighting.

Behind the throne were two massive banners. At the moment they were both of her sun, brilliant and bold, but in the future, she wanted to have one of them replaced for a moon. She also wanted a second throne for Luna, she should have done that before she returned now that she was thinking about it.

Each of her steps echoed in the empty hall. There was a pristine floral scent in the air that calmed her nerves. The carpet beneath her hoof was soft and supple. She found herself staring into one of the pools next to the throne. It had been a long day, that was clear from cracking makeup around her eyes. Using a bit of the water she wiped it off, revealing her racoon-like state. Then, a wicked smile graced her face.

Today had been a success. Celestia glanced around. For a rare moment, she was completely alone. A surge of relief and excitement filled her. It was done, she had successfully integrated Luna as a princess back into the eyes of the ponies of Equestria. It was only up from here.

With a subdued shriek of joy Celestia pranced back and forth in the throne room. She didn't expect it to go this well, but she was glad that it did. If only Luna could forgive herself, then things could truly go back to how they used to be. Two sisters, ruling together in harmony, bound by love and friendship.

Somepony coughed.

Celestia immediately froze in the middle of the throne room. In a moment she stopped prancing and held herself high once again. Her gaze slowly swept to the source of the intrusion. There was nothing.

"Got you there, didn't I?" Void laughed.

"Of course it was you." Celestia shook out the nervous jitters in her body. If somepony had seen her little outburst the news of it would be in every tavern across Equestria in a day. "You have been silent recently."

"My attention was elsewhere. So, how did you like my friend? Isn't she nice?" Void said.

"I was meaning to ask you about that." Celestia sat on her throne and leaned back into it with a groan. Her body ached from the long day. "What are you planning to do with her?"

"With who? What could I possibly be planning?"

"What are you planning with to do with Luna? You must have sent Nightmare Moon to her for a reason." Celestia leaned into the cushion on her throne and closed her eyes. Now there was just her, her thoughts, and the grating voice of Void.

"I already told you I wasn't going to harm Luna. What more do you want from me?" Void groaned, and she could imagine him reeling back in exasperation. "Nightmare Moon is her friend, nothing more."

"Even if that is true, Nightmare Moon is also your minion." Celestia said. "I just don't understand how her being here is going to help you break out of my head."

"The great Celestia, dumbfounded? I thought I would never see the day." Void gasped.

"I should have never asked." Celestia shook her head.

"Wait just one moment. We were just having our first civil conversation in years and you're already going to throw it away?" Void said. "How about this, you indulge me, and I will give you a little hint."

"I won't play your games Void." Celestia said.

"Just listen to me. I have a juicy piece of information for you, you just have to do one tiny thing for me." Void said.

"...I will hear your request."

"Okay, are you ready?"

"Is this going to do something to me?" Celestia narrowed her eyes.

"No. I'm just asking if you're ready to hear the request."

"I am ready then."

"Look behind you."

Celestia nearly snapped her head at the speed she looked over her shoulder. She half expected Nightmare Moon to be standing there or for Void himself to somehow have found how to materialize himself, but there was nothing. It was just the back of her throne which she was sitting in. There was nothing above it, or to the sides of it. The tension in her body slowly relaxed.

"What am I supposed to be seeing?" Celestia asked.

"My brilliant sun, I didn't mean to look at the back of your throne," Void sighed. "I meant to look behind it!"

"What could possibly be behind my throne?" Celestia asked. "If it is Nightmare Moon then you should just tell me now."

"Just go look, trust me."

While the last thing Celestia would ever do is trust Void, she decided to get up. Carefully, she maneuvered around the side of the throne. After a brief moment to prepare for what may lie in store, Celestia took a look behind the throne. As she expected, the most she could see was a stray bit of dust.

"Look at the window." Void whispered.

On the wall behind her throne was a stained-glass window. It was not one that Celestia could recall she had ever seen before, which was strange because she was the one who had them installed. The window depicted two alicorns. One was clearly Celestia herself and the other Luna. They faced each other from the edges of the glass. In the middle of the two was... there was nothing in the middle.

"What do you see?" Void's voice was breathless.

"Something is missing." Celestia took a step closer to the window.

"Notice anything in particular?"

Celestia looked closer at the center of the window. At first, she didn't see anything. Yet, as she looked closer, she realized something. There were minute waves in the glass near the center, like it had been repaired after something had broken it. The nearly invisible line could be traced to nearly the entire center of the window. Whatever was once there had been shattered, and then repaired without it.

"The entire center of this window was shattered. Whatever was once there is gone." Celestia stepped back. "What is the purpose of this?"

"This window was from the old palace."

"It is? I would have remembered if I brought from a window from there." Celestia couldn't tear her eyes away from the window. It felt oddly familiar for some reason.

"Think. What belongs at the center of this window?"

Celestia tried to imagine what was at the window's center. Maybe a sun and moon to complement the rest of theme. Maybe it was a peaceful valley. Perhaps they were charging a spell to best a dark foe. Maybe there was-

Her head started to hurt. When she tried to think again it began to pound.

"I can't think of anything." Celestia turned away from the window and winced at the pain in her head. "I did as you asked, now fulfill your end of the bargain."

"You really are a hateful little thing, aren't you?" Void sighed. "Fine, I will give you a hint about Nightmare Moon."

Celestia listened closely. She wasn't sure exactly what Void would actually offer her, but she wasn't expecting much.

"I sent her there to act not only as a friend to Luna, but a friend to you. I want you to use her as you wish. Preferably as a friend, but feel free to use her as fodder or even fuel for spells if you must." Void said. "That is the unaltered truth. She was merely sent there to... shake things up a bit. You have so much on your plate that you don't have time to chase after all the little leads. I want you to use Nightmare Moon to do that."

"Why should I believe that? Why would you want to help me?" Celestia asked.

"Because it is the truth. Why don't you try it out, send her to fetch something and I am sure she will bring it back without fail." Void said. "Besides, wouldn't you prefer to befriend Nightmare over extinguishing your sister's only friend? Not including you of course."

"Nightmare Moon will stay in the castle where I can see her." Celestia said. "No words you say can convince me otherwise."

"I was only offering." Void said. "Well darling, it was a pleasure hearing your soothing voice again, but you look exhausted. Why don't you get some rest and ill wake you up in the morning?"

"Please keep your insufferable voice out of my mornings." Celestia could already imagine Void's sarcastic voice waking her up. It was not pleasant.

"As you wish my sun."

Void did not speak again after that.

Celestia walked back to her room. There was much to think about, but her mind was foggy from exhaustion. Long days on top of long-term exhaustion were not a good mix. Despite the scattered thoughts and worries racing through her mind Celestia soon found herself laying in her bed. It would be a while before she slept, the worry about Nightmare Moon and Luna was enough to keep her awake. Not to mention Void. In time though, she slipped into an uneasy sleep. Whatever nightmares that would have manifested were crushed by Luna. The princess of the night never rested.

That night Celestia dreamed of a window in an old castle room. Luna was there, and together they looked at the window. In the center of the window, framed by two alicorns, was a giant, gilded, horn lock.

When Celestia woke again, memory of the dream faded like stars before the sunrise.

Chapter Seven - Longing

Day court began as it always did- with a noble who had something to say.

Celestia's duties could not wait any longer. Day court had to be held, everypony who had been waiting for it to reopen was lined up in front of the castle. The purpose of day court was to listen to her subject's problems personally. While Celestia wanted to listen to her subject's problems and find solutions to them, it unfortunately gave the nobles an excuse to speak with her directly. With them came all their ridiculous attempts at grabbing wealth.

"-there is the problem of the ponies who live there, but with a little help from your majesty I am sure this little problem can be easily solved." The heavily mustached noble finished his speech on why he should be able to build a massive factory in the middle of Canterlot.

"Those have been the homes of ponies for generations. Why should I tell them to move out of the homes that their grandparents built?" Celestia glared down at him from her throne.

"Why, the money we could generate for your majesty would be-"

"If you are able to get every pony in the area to sign a petition to move out, I will consider it." Celestia said. "You are a valuable asset to the economy of Canterlot, but I cannot crush the homes of my ponies to make room for industry."

The noble opened his mouth to say something but stopped.

"I will see myself out." The noble walked out with his head down.

Celestia closed her eyes and took a deep breath. The ridiculous requests of the nobles were always quite something to hear. It did kind of make her feel a little bad seeing the noble walk out with his head down. A little. A grain of sand on the beach little.

"Send in the next pony please!" Celestia called to her guards.

It was hard to focus for Celestia. There was much to think on, Nightmare Moon and Void most of all, but she was stuck in day court. It was necessary to hear her subjects but with every lull in speaking her thoughts couldn't help but go back to the two.

The rest of day court passed in slow suffering. She wanted to see Luna but the waves of ponies coming in made such a thing impossible. For hours she sat and spoke. Thoughts of Nightmare Moon and the horrible things she might do clouded her mind. The end of day-court couldn't come soon enough. When day court finally ended, her patience worn thin but never shown, she made her way to her office. Unfortunately, she now had to work on documents.

Later that day Celestia was in her office reading documents. As she sifted through them her hoof knocked over a letter. Curious as to why an opened letter was still on her desk, she turned it over to read it. It said something about an old amulet with two alicorn's on it. Then, Celestia remembered.

It was the amulet she had told the merchant to bury. She had told herself before that she would handle it if she returned from saving her sister. It would be buried if the merchant followed her advice.

She set the letter back down. What was done was done, no sense in digging it up now.

"You are just so boring." Void sighed in her head. "Are you serious? Didn't you say that you were going to take care of that after dealing with Luna's return?"

"Some things are best left buried." Celestia said.

"Just like Luna right, and Discord? How about the uncountable ancient evils you banished that are just waiting to be released into an unsuspecting pony populace?"

"That is different." Celestia shook her head. "I didn't have a choice."

"And you don't have a choice with this one either?"

"Enough, Void, I have things to take care of and your voice is distracting me."

"Fine, but don't come crying to me when all the things you locked away come bursting out at the seams."

Celestia sighed as his voice faded from her head. It was necessary that these evils were locked away. What other choice did she have? Once again, this was just another one of Void's games. She would endure this one as well. Still, she couldn't help but wonder if Void was right. When did she start locking problems away instead of dealing with them?

She tried to keep signing documents and writing but couldn't get her mind off Void's words. After staring at a document for an unhealthy amount of time, Celestia stood and walked to the kitchen. Maybe some cake would soothe her mind.

As she drew closer to the kitchen she could hear giggling. It was a strange sound to hear in Canterlot castle. There was usually little time or place for joy as a princess.

"We are interested in this manner of device." Luna's voice was muffled through the wooden door.

"It sure does spin fast. What do I do now, stick it in the dough?" Nightmare Moon, her voice just the slightest bit harsher than Luna's, spoke from the other side of the door.

"We believe so. Stand thee back and prepare for the mixing!" Luna shouted.

If Nightmare Moon was with her sister, then she should at least make sure she wasn't doing anything suspicious. She was a servant of Void, if anything was amiss then Celestia had to catch it. Otherwise, Void might get the upper hoof in this game of theirs.

She couldn't help but stop for a second and listen to their laughing and giggling. Why didn't her sister laugh like that when with her? Hearing a sound she treasured being directed at the servant of Void hurt. No pony every laughed with her anymore.

Celestia knew the reason Luna didn't laugh with her anymore. The reason Luna always had walls up around her. The reason she hid Nightmare Moon from her. Celestia had banished her sister to the moon for a thousand years. The scars of that would never heal, would they? To Luna she was a threat, a jailor, a tyrant.

She turned away from the door. Cake could wait until the two were done.

Instead of getting cake, Celestia walked back to her office. Once she was there, she closed the door and sealed it shut. For a long moment she stood alone in her office and looked out the window. Her ponies walked the streets in the lone sun, joking, laughing, playing together. This was the peaceful kingdom she had created, a kingdom that she rose from the earth with her own blood and sacrifice, a kingdom with loving ponies that would always be just out of reach. A kingdom with ponies that she just kept failing over and over again.

Celestia cast a silence spell on the room around her. Then, she turned to her desk. It was a good desk, a desk made of sturdy wood and crafted by fine artisans. It was a thing of simple and elegant beauty, and it was something she treasured. This desk would probably last for more than a hundred years if it was treated right.

A scream of rage left her throat as she reared up into the air. With one single earthshattering stomp the desk exploded into a million different shards. Papers went flying everywhere like startled doves.

Celestia glared at the shards.

"What did that poor desk ever do to you?" Void hummed. "Was it the slightly wobbly leg? I mean, I understand that a wobbly leg can be annoying but to smash the poor thing..."

"Shut your insolent mouth, Void. I won't tolerate your blabbering any longer." Celestia stomped on one of the wood shards again, turning it to mere fibers and sending cracks up the stone wall. "This is all your fault. How dare you trick my sister with that... thing!"

"Trick? Their friendship is no trick. Just accept it Celestia, they are friends, and you aren't included. Too much baggage I would say, it really sours in the whole flavor. Don't worry though, I love you all the same."

"Baggage?! What baggage do I have?!" Celestia snarled.

"With how often you put things off the baggage is really piling up. Princess-ly duties, ancient evils wanting your head. I mean, I could go on forever, but it all comes down to the fact that you don't do anything besides sit on your deliciously plump rump all day."

"I am the princess of a kingdom. Every hour of my waking day is spent speaking with my subjects and solving problems."

"Not those problems my dear. I mean the forgotten problems, the old problems, the problems you refuse to confront. If you really want to get rid of your baggage, then that it where you need to start."

"Why are you trying to help me? We are enemies, bitter enemies." Celestia asked.

"Why are we enemies?"

"Because... because you are my enemy." The words almost died in Celestia's throat. It was a question she had never asked herself before. Why were they even fighting? Why did she never even question it?

"You don't even remember why we are fighting, do you?" Void said.

Celestia said nothing. How could she have forgotten why they were fighting? It just didn't make any sense. Trying to think about it just made her head hurt.

"Why are we fighting?" Celestia's head was throbbing. "Why do I hate you so much, why are you playing these games with me?"

For a long moment nothing was said between them. The air was still, and the room was silent. The only sound that could be heard was from Celestia's ragged breathing.

"Because I love you."

Celestia felt the presence of Void leave her mind again. Her heart throbbed painfully at the words though she didn't understand why.

It was nothing new that Void had said. It was something she had heard a thousand times before. Now though, now she was actually thinking about it. Why did he love her? Attraction? How could a voice in her head be attracted to her? It wasn't true, it was just another one of his games. One more tally on his side in this eternal war of theirs.

Celestia lifted her hoof from the fractured stone beneath her. Her single stomp had shattered the stone floor. Cracks ran up the wall and all over the room from the impact.

Stuck to her hoof, miraculously in one piece, was a familiar letter. On it was a drawing of a dual sided alicorn amulet. Void was a trickster, a manipulator, a charlatan. But- he also spoke the truth. Celestia could not remember the last time he had lied to her directly.

If Void was right about one thing, it was her inaction. For too long she had been letting these greater problems grow beneath her watch, it was time to do something. She would show Luna that Nightmare Moon was a menace. She would root out Void's intentions and malice. She would show Luna that she was good, that she had the best intentions at heart.

The amulet reminded her of something. The stained-glass window with two alicorns on it. It had to be connected to Void in some way. This amulet would be that ignition point. If she could deal with this amulet, then she could deal with Nightmare Moon is her castle and restore her relationship with Luna.

She would end Void's plans once and for all.

Celestia grabbed her quill and a fresh sheet of paper. Then, she began to write.

"Dear Dust Mane, it has come to my attention that you are in possession of a dual sided alicorn amulet which I previously told you to bury..."

Chapter Eight - The Amulet

There had to be order in her mind. Her thoughts had to be structured and precise. She had to be kind and insightful, brilliant yet humble, she had to be everything she was and more. She had to root out the corruption until it withered, and feed harmony until it flourished. She was Princess Celestia, one of the rulers of Equestria. Not a single move could be out of place.

It was undetermined when the amulet would arrive, but Celestia couldn't wait. The thought of that thing befriending Luna was enough to make her want to bash her head against a wall. Void was clever, his minion wouldn't slip. She would have to make it slip. That started with the amulet.

There was a knock at the door.

Celestia straightened herself. She had just finished sending Twilight and Spike tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala. Hopefully they would enjoy it, she sure wouldn't. The nobles at the gala often watched her every move, waiting for a weakness to exploit, waiting for the slightest lapse in her concentration. She would never let them see it.

"You may enter." Celestia said.

Slowly the door opened revealing a pleasant surprise. Luna stood in the doorway.

"We would like to ask you something sister." Luna looked healthier than she was before. Her starry mane shone with the brilliance of the night.

"You can ask me anything." Celestia smiled. Seeing Luna never failed to brighten her day.

"We... we would ask thee to join us this night. We plan to have a comet grace the night sky to inspire the hearts of our subjects." Luna said. "Would you join us?"

Celestia almost immediately said yes before she remembered something. There was a meeting tonight between the representatives of the different cities. She would have to be there. It was something impossible to cancel.

"Luna. I'm sorry but I can't go, there is a meeting tonight I have to attend." Celestia's heart nearly cracked at the disappointed look on Luna's face.

"We understand sister." Luna slowly turned away. "We will be in our room. Mayhap Nightmare Moon will see the stars with us tonight."

"Wait." Celestia said. "How has night court been going? I know it has only been two days since you returned but..."

"There have been none out of our subjects that attend night court. We find that our time is often wasted." Luna said.

"Do you want to attend the meeting tonight? Maybe it would help you understand some of the issues Equestria is facing." Celestia said.

"We would join but we wish to create a comet tonight. Besides, our presence would hold thee back." Luna said.

"It wouldn't! Luna, I would never think that you were holding me back." Celestia said. "We ruled together for centuries, I know you have what it takes to overcome any task that comes your way."

"We need time sister. Our knowledge on the current time is undeveloped. We do not know how to act or proceed." Luna sighed. "We wish to rule with thee, but now is not the time. We will stick to what we know best for now, creating beautiful nights for our subjects. Once we learn about our subjects, then we can learn about the intricacies."

"That sounds wonderful Luna. I'm sorry that I couldn't join you tonight." Celestia said.

"There is no need for apologies. We will still have Nightmare Moon to enjoy the night with us." Luna turned away. "Good day to thee Tia, we shall see thee tomorrow."

"Have a good rest, Luna."

Celestia watched as her sister gently closed the door. It was midday so Luna was probably going to bed. Their conflicting sleep schedules often made it hard for them to see each other. That wasn't the case for Nightmare Moon though. The creature could spend all the time it wanted with Luna while she was stuck in a meeting.

It was infantile, the jealousy that was burning in her chest. It was not a feeling fit for foals, not the princess of Equestria. What she should be focusing on was getting Luna out of the claws of Nightmare Moon. That amulet couldn't arrive soon enough.

The sun was high overhead. She just had a few more documents to finish signing and some proposals to look at and then she was done for the day. Well, at least until the night. With renewed fervor she turned back to newly constructed desk and began writing. Repair spells did wonders for the thing.

When Celestia finally finished looking over the papers the sun was starting its arc to set. She had a little bit of time until the meeting. Luna would most likely be asleep so spending time with her was out. What could she possibly do with her free time? Nothing really came to mind.

Then she remembered the stained-glass window. Void said that it came from the old castle. If there were any clues, then they had to be there. Unfortunately, there was not a working teleportation circle there. Whenever she tried to link to it the spell fizzled out. If she wanted to go, she would have to fly.

The old castle was a stain on her mind anyways. She didn't want to go there and be reminded of all her failures. The place was lost, grown over by the Everfree. If something had been there it was most likely gone. There had to be something else she could do that didn't involve old haunts.

Celestia left her study and began walking to the library. There might be some information about the amulet. If nothing else she could look over texts on dark magic. A brush up on the subject would help for the task ahead.

The halls of the palace were lined with stagnant, identical looking guards. Their armor was enchanted to made them all look the same. It was a matter of safety for the guards. Nopony would be able to recognize them and follow them home after detaining criminals or enforcing the law. Of course it was also for uniformity in the guard.

One armor wearing figure in the hallway was different though. To Celestia's surprise she saw Nightmare Moon walking down the hallway. Each step of her plate boots echoed on the stone floor.

"Nightmare Moon. What are you doing here?" Celestia asked.

"I am just enjoying a walk around the castle your majesty." Nightmare Moon bowed as she approached. "If I have erred, please let me know."

"Rise. You can walk around the castle if you wish." Celestia watched her every movement. All she needed was the slightest lapse to find a chip in Nightmare Moon's armor. "I was just surprised to see you up during the day. Luna usually sleeps at this time."

"I have no need of sleep." Nightmare Moon said.

"Then perhaps you would like to join me. I need to study dark magic for a problem that needs fixing. You seem well versed in it; I could use your expertise." Celestia said.

"Dark magic? I will admit princess, I have a mastery over the subject. However, why would you need my help?" Nightmare Moon asked. "Your manipulation of the art far triumphs mine your majesty."

"What do you mean? The knowledge I have on dark magic is superficial." Celestia narrowed her eyes.

"My apologies Princess Celestia. It is just..." Nightmare Moon trailed off and closed her eyes. A shaky breath went through her body. "Do I have permission to speak clearly your majesty?"

"You may speak." Celestia said.

"You are steeped in dark magic. It radiates from you, simply being near you in enough to invigorate every pore in my body." Nightmare Moon shivered and her eyes sharpened. "Your mastery over dark magic is far greater than mine. I would be of no use to you."

The words made little sense. Celestia knew a few dark magic spells but nothing that could create nightmares or do anything of severe consequence. She had always preferred regular unicorn magic. It was more reliable, and it also didn't carry the taint of corruption.

"Did he tell you to say that?" Celestia said.

"He? The only pony I have been in contact with is Luna." Nightmare Moon said.

Celestia saw no signs of a lie. Nightmare Moon truly was a good liar. How else could she possibly not know about Void? It seemed that rooting her out was going to be harder than she thought.

"You must be mistaken. I have not used dark magic in years." Celestia said.

"I am born of dark magic, your majesty. With all due respect, I know the scent of dark magic, and you are," Nightmare Moon closed her eyes and inhaled. "...fragrant."

"That is enough." More than a little creeped out, Celestia took a few steps back. "Thank you for your insight but you are mistaken."

Nightmare Moon followed her movements with glowing yellow eyes.

"Of course, your majesty, you know yourself best."

"Indeed, I do." Celestia said. "Now, I must be going. Enjoy your walk Nightmare Moon."

"I will your majesty. If you want to talk again, I would be more than happy to help." Nightmare Moon bowed lightly.

Celestia walked past Nightmare Moon. She watched the pony. At her passing the creature shivered and stopped before mechanically resuming its walk.

This was strange. Nightmare Moon had to be acting. Unless the dark magic she sensed was Void in her head. It would make sense for a dark presence like that to appeal to the nightmare.

She expected Void to enter her mind a send a barb her way but there was nothing. It seemed that after their talk in the study he had been doing something else. Maybe he was laughing at her for actually thinking about what he had to say. If Celestia was him, she would be laughing too.

Celestia continued on to the royal archives. It was a sect of the castle hidden away to most ponies. While it contained a wealth of information access to it was restricted for most. The knowledge within could be dangerous if used with ill intent. The two guards gave her a slight nod as she entered.

As she entered the archives the scent of dust and old books hit her like a wave. The librarian was on vacation if she remembered correctly. The empty front desk contributed to that line of thought. She didn't hear anyone else in the archives either.

Her hooves echoed through the empty archives. It was darker in here than the rest of the Canterlot castle. The few windows that were here were barred as to prevent Pegasi from flying in. Lanterns hung from the ceiling. Their flickering light cast long shadows to the darkened edges of the room.

Celestia decided to start scouring the shelves for books on dark magic. She was not expecting much here, more forbidden texts were kept in the vault, but she was sure that there would be something here. Opening up those darker texts wasn't necessary for something like this.

The texts here were sorted alphabetically as well as by subject. She started in the magic section. Most were books with information she had taught Twilight. Basic spells like levitation and power beams. Others were of a more advanced nature like magical theory. There was nothing on dark magic itself.

She did find a book that sounded like it may be of some use though. It was titled, "Magical Artifacts of the Celestial Era". Celestia levitated the book from its shelf and opened it. After skimming the book front to back she found no sign of the amulet. At least she learned that there was an artifact that gave the pony wearing it a flowing mane like hers. The thought of somepony creating a powerful magical artifact just to have a similar mane to her was flattering as much as it was slightly disturbing.

With that book being a bust, Celestia turned to the next of its kin. This book was titled, "Sir Lancelot's Powerful Artifact Compendium of the Discordian Age". She read through that one as well, then continued reading through the long line of magical artifact books. By the time she set down another book there was only one left. It was a tome with no title. Its cover was old and made of leather- a long forgotten material used in times of ancient war and trial. The only reason that this ancient book had not fallen apart was from the strong magic binding it together.

Reluctantly, Celestia pulled the book off the shelf. She was not going to touch the leather, that was for sure. Who knew where it came from.

With a gentle tug of her magic as to not shatter the ancient enchantments, Celestia opened the book. It was another artifact compendium only this one held exactly what she was looking for. Cursed artifacts. The way the author wrote the book was more of a diary than an actual compendium. Times had certainly changed.

Carefully she flipped through it looking at artifacts of a time long gone. Most of these had been destroyed if she remembered correctly. The fog of lifetimes lived usually swept the distant past to the edges of her mind. She began to read.

The Chakram of Velin, cursed to the touch. The Guide to Alicorn Immortality, stained with blood of unicorns and Pegasi. The Five-Fold Hoof of Grabbing, an attempt at improved dexterity with hooves to say the least.

As she turned another page a small rectangular piece of paper fell out. It drifted to her hooves. Gently she picked it up with her magic and turned it over. On the back there was small black text written. It looked much more recent than the faded in the rest of the book.

"Spare yourself the pain." Celestia read aloud. It must have been a warning written by the librarian to any thieves. She always did have such beautiful flowing writing. Celestia had considered hiring her to help her sign documents, it flowed much like hers that she was sure nopony would notice if she signed a few.

Her gaze dropped back to the book. On its wrinkled pages was a familiar sight. The dual sided alicorn amulet. She smiled at the sight and brought the lantern she had been using for light closer. Then, she began to read.

"I was travelling the distant darkening reaches of the ancient frozen north in mere dalliance when my beloved mare told me of something of utmost inspiration. A cursed amulet located amongst the ponies of a cultish temple called the Alicorn Amulet. Of course, before I could go explore such a mystifying prospect of an accursed amulet I had to of course, accurse her if thou knowest-" Celestia skipped ahead in the text. Sometimes the diary like text of ancient times had a few details nopony really wanted to read.

"-after saving the day yet again, I decided to bestow upon the captives of the temple a gift of knowledge. I was in fact, the strongest unicorn of-"

"Once I put on thy dastardly amulet it accosted me in a most foul manner. I found myself sworn to it will like a cat to its nip. My actions to the prisoners I saved turned to menace and malintent. I do not remember much of the possession, only that the power it gave me was enough to make one of the sisters of sun and moon struggle against it. Attempts to remove it all failed."

"It was only through the intervention of my most beloved, Knightess Night Sky, that I was able to be convinced to remove it from my foolish self. I made sure to give my mare friend a most wonderful reward-"

Celestia scanned the rest of the book for anything important before shutting it. That was not something she wanted to read right now. This trip had not been what she was expecting but it was insightful. The amulet could not be put on as it possessed some sort of possession magic. It also granted great power but corrupted the pony wearing it. This was all useful information.

Her gaze went to one of the few windows in the archives. The sun would be setting soon, and she needed to get to the meeting. She only hoped that Luna would be okay with Nightmare Moon.

The meeting would be of no issue, she was used to such things, she just hoped that Luna wouldn't hate her too much for missing the comet.

"I will solve this, Luna. I won't let Void get to you."

Chapter Nine - Study

Last night's meeting had been useless to say the least. Celestia had the final say in anything the representatives wanted to implement, and most things consisted of tax breaks, expansion, and exploiting the populace in a roundabout way. There were a few real threats like gem-dogs, but other than that it had been a meeting with as little happening as it was impressively long.

Celestia had just finished another session of day court and was in her office when there was a knock at the door.

"Come in." Celestia signed off on another document.

Raven entered the room with a box on her head. Her face was dead serious as always.

"Princess Celestia, your package has arrived." Raven set the box on her desk.

"Thank you, Raven." Celestia smiled as the box was placed in front of her. She could already tell from the hint of dark magic inside that this was what she had been waiting for. "Please, take a break once in a while. Your eyes are bloodshot."

"Yes, your majesty." Raven left on heavy hooves. All the recent celebrations seemed to have taken a toll on her poor assistant. Without the strength of alicorn biology she looked ready to fall over.

Celestia waited for the door to close before unwrapping the simple brown box with her magic. In moments she had the knots of rope around it undone. She considered closing it up and sending it back but ignored that thought. This was something that needed to be done. She levitated the lid off the box.

Inside was a simple amulet. It was triangular in shape and made of a dark metal. On its side were two wings that stretched out and were outlined in red. On top of the amulet was the metal head of a unicorn and a single red gem used as an eye. In the center of the amulet was a large red gem. Bracing the gem on both sides were two alicorns inscribed onto the amulet's face.

The Alicorn Amulet radiated with dark magic. Gently, she picked up the amulet with her magic and pulled it from the box.

"What's this? A little dark magic to start the day? Delightful." Void's voice echoed in her mind.

"Void." Celestia said. "Where have you been hiding?"

"Just been doing a little sightseeing. There are some wicked things down here, let me tell you."

"Down... where? My mind?" Celestia asked.

"Unfortunately not. Well anyways, how are you doing with that little amulet? Looks like quite the piece of work."

"I haven't started yet." Celestia turned over the amulet to look at the back. It was blank. "Do you know anything about this?"

"That would spoil the fun, wouldn't it?"

"You were so helpful before." Celestia hummed as she drew the amulet closer. "I admit, my expertise with dark magic is limited."

"Don't worry my sun, even a glacier eventually farts."

"How delightful."

Celestia took a long look at the amulet. It was in pristine condition. The edges were sharp. She looked deep into the jewel eye of the alicorn and got the prickly feeling in her coat like she was being watched. The red gem almost seemed to swirl as she continued to stare. From the depths of the gem, she could swear that she heard a whisper.

Staring at the amulet was getting her nowhere. If she wanted to truly understand this thing then she was going to have to analyze it. She could ask Twilight to help, or some of the mages under her payroll, but it didn't feel right. The alure of a powerful magical artifact to any unicorn could be tempting. This was her problem, and it was one she would solve alone. Besides, Twilight had friends to make.

There were the books in the inner vault. No, there was no point in accessing those old tomes. She had all the knowledge she needed. A simple spell matrix would do. She couldn't remember the last time she had made one, but it couldn't be that hard. After all, she was a master at the things. She had created teleportation circles; a simple analyzing spell matrix would be easy enough.

If she remembered correctly, the first thing she needed was... paint. Celestia needed some kind of paint. She couldn't remember if it was paint based on crushed ruby... or maybe it was berries.

"What are you brooding about?" Void asked.

"Trying to remember something that you no doubt carved out of my head." Celestia huffed.

"Well, let me see if I can dig it up for you my dear. I aim to please after all."

"Do you know what the paint used in a spell matrix is? I know that it is red, but the rest eludes me." Celestia said.

"Why don't you ask Twilight? I'm sure your faithful student would know something from all those dusty tomes she spends her days reading."

"You can't tell me?"

"Maybe if you ask really nicely."

"Predictable."

"What did you expect? We are still in this game after all, don't expect me to give you anything without getting something in return."

"What do you want then?"

"A little respect. As your future co-ruler and special somepony, I demand that-"

Celestia ignored Void and focused back on the amulet. His constant affections were grating, and she still wasn't even sure if they were real.

"Fine, I see how it is. Let me tell you the truth, I can't tell you."

"Can't or won't?" Celestia asked.

"That is up for me to decide and you to worry about." A crunching sound echoed throughout her head.

"As I expected. We are still at war no matter how much you say you love me."

"Thats a low blow Tia." A loud obnoxious crunch sounded in her head.

"Are- Are you eating?"

"What? Can't a voice in your head have a snack once in a while? The pretzels suck but eh, what can you do?"

"Where would you even get pretzels from?"

"Discord taught me the trick. It's actually pretty nice once you get the hang of it. Give it a try some time."

"Of course, Discord, how could I forget." Celestia stood from her desk. "One of my greatest enemies in the past is friends with a voice in my head."

"He isn't so bad once you get to know him. Well, he did kind of go a bit wild, but you and Luna sorted him right out. How's that spell on him doing by the way? Breaking anytime soon?"

"Twilight and her friends will be ready for his return." Celestia said. "Now if you will excuse me, I have a spell matrix to craft."

"As you wish my sun, give it a shot. I'm sure that no matter what happens it will at least be interesting."

Celestia ignored the demeaning tone. She was a master of the art of the spell matrix. Even Star Swirl the bearded had not been her equal. She had practically invented the art herself. Well, he had helped with the teleportation circle. Now, if only she could remember what paint she needed.

She tried to think on where to inscribe a spell matrix. There was an old room at the top of one of Canterlot castle's towers that would do. It was a secluded area if she remembered correctly. Celestia put the amulet back into the box it came from and levitated it as she walked.

Thankfully nopony stopped her as she walked to the secluded reaches of the tower. While she could take the spiral staircase up, she opted for a nearby balcony. She had not flown in a while and her wings itched with the need to fly.

Overhead was the glorious sun. Its rays warmed her body and face. She took a moment to bask in its glory before spreading her wings wide. Warmth soaked into her wings as she faced the sun. Then, she took flight. Warm wind aided her ascent as she flew to the top of the tower with powerful beats of her wings.

The whole of Equestria was spread out before her. She longed to go out into it, to explore every nook and cranny it had to offer. The adventures that could be had out there were endless. How many challenges might await on the road? What could be out there that she might find? Alas, it was not to be. She was ruler of Equestria and its protector. There would be no time for adventure in her future.

Celestia landed on another balcony at the top of the tower. She tore her eyes away from the enthralling landscape and opened the door leading inside. A dark, circular room awaited her. Unlike the rest of the pristine castle this room was covered in dust and spiderwebs. It had probably not been visited since the castle was built.

There was nothing in the room. It was bare and empty. It would do perfectly. She set the box in the center of the room. Now, all she needed was a bit of paint. Maybe crushed ruby paint would work. It would be a starting point at the very least. With that in mind she set up a ward on the box with the amulet before shutting the door to the tower. It was time to get her hooves on some paint.

After asking a few attendants to fetch her some paint, Celestia had three kinds of paint in her hooves. One was a paint made of crushed red ruby, the other of a red berry, and the last which was a simple flower-based paint. She brought all three buckets up inside of the tower.

"Now... how did that matrix go again?" Celestia hummed to herself as she looked over the three buckets of paint. She decided to start with the crushed ruby.

She carefully poured the paint onto the floor in a circle. Unfortunately, it wasn't really pouring in the right way. As she didn't have a brush and didn't feel like flying back down, Celestia took off her golden shoes and set them to the side. It was time to get her hooves dirty.

The paint was cold to the touch. Celestia began to draw with her hooves. The movements were half remembered and foggy. She closed her eyes and focused on the feeling of remembrance. Her hooves moved in large swathes then curled inward. Lines like lightning formed in her mind as she drew. She saw the circle form in her mind's eye. When she opened her eyes again, a circle had been formed before her.

It was created of lines of red. Its border was that of a circle which swirled inward. In the center of the circle was another smaller circle. That was where the item being analyzed would be placed.

The red paint in such a fashion reminded her of cultists she had dealt with in the past. It was not a pleasant sight, but it was simply the art of the spell matrix. There was no good or evil about it, it simply was. She just had to remind herself of that.

Carefully Celestia removed the amulet from the box and levitated it into the center of the circle. Now that the preparation was complete, it was time for the magic needed to supply the spell. She focused on the lines, then the amulet, then started to connect them in her mind. Her horn began to glow with a golden light.

Magic flowed into the circle, and it began to glow faintly with her magic. If she wanted to stop the spell, now was the time. She considered it, but the flash of Nightmare Moon's face in her mind fueled her resolve. This was for Luna, and besides, it was nothing more than a simple analyzing matrix.

Her magic flowed into the circle with renewed vigor. The lines which were once glowing faintly brightened to near blinding. The light followed the swirling lines inward to the center of the circle in a hypnotic dance. When it reached the inner circle the entire matrix flashed. Celestia connected the threads of magic from the inner circle and into the amulet.

The spell matrix held for a moment. Then, it started to burn.

Flames rose from the inner circle. Celestia redoubled her magic into stemming the sudden tide of magic that was emanating from deep inside the matrix. Something was fighting back against the matrix itself.

Celestia felt sweat dripping down her brow as her horn thrummed with magic. She tried to pull away from the matrix only to find she was connected to it too thoroughly. The threads of magic in the matrix she had made were weaved too tight and were too unfamiliar to unravel.

The flames burning in the inner circle of the matrix turned black. Slowly they began to creep along the swirling lines to the outer edge of the spell matrix. The presence of dark magic filled the room, powerful and virulent. There was a pressure building in the air, the pressure of powerful magic.

Celestia felt a flicker of panic in her chest. This spell had to stop. She scanned the entirety of the circle with her magic for a weakness in the matrix. The edges were too strong, they were the foundation. The middle was woven too thickly for her to find the proper threads.

She turned her magic to the inner circle. There were three threads that connected themselves to the amulet. They held all the thrumming power of the ritual. Celestia leaned forward and directed all of her magic into her horn that she could muster. Then with a flare of magic, she cut the three threads that were connected to the amulet.

The magic in the matrix pulled inward to the amulet and collapsed into that spot in a moment. Then, it exploded.

A powerful wave of black flame erupted from the amulet with a shockwave that shattered every window in the tower. Celestia was smashed with the brunt of the shockwave with such force that all the air was knocked out of her lungs. Her body was sent flying through the air as black flame scorched her.

Pain erupted from her entire body as she was hurled into the stone wall of the tower. The flames licked at her naturally heat resistant coat. It still hurt with such agony that she had the urge to scream. Yet, there was no air in her lungs to do so. Her ears were ringing, and she could barely think.

She stood on shaky hooves. The flames didn't burn her, but they still hurt, nonetheless. Dark magic was woven deeply into them.

The entire room was on fire with the black flames. They crawled up the walls and onto the ceiling where they began to eat at the wood like a ravenous demon. Hissing filled the room as the flames danced, for a moment they seemed almost alive.

Celestia forced her mind to focus. These flames could not be allowed to spread to the rest of the castle. She gathered her magic into her horn until she felt like it was going to crack. With a scream she let out a nova of purifying magic out of her horn that blasted the flames.

The flames shrieked as the light touched them and they were unmade. Where the flames once were only a low hanging dark cloud remained. It filled the room of scorched stone.

Celestia groaned from where she stood. Her white coat and golden regalia were covered in a thick layer of black soot. Her mane was a dark banner that blew in the wind. Pain radiated from the front of her body where the shockwave had hit her.

"Are you okay?" Void asked her. "That looked like it hurt."

"I- I am fine." Celestia coughed and a puff of smoke came out. "I may need to look into this further before attempting it again."

"You think? Why not look at your old tomes in the inner vault?"

"No, those were stowed away for a reason." Celestia gently laid on the floor. "I... will have to find another way to relearn these spells."

"You're doing so fine on your own, why stop?" Void said.

"Your mockery is not appreciated." Celestia cast a cleaning spell on herself with a glow of her horn. The soot from her body slid off her and onto the floor.

"I see you are not going to ask for help."

"Nopony should be exposed to an artifact this volatile." Celestia said. "It is my duty as princess to handle this problem for my subjects."

There had to be another way to perfect her spell matrix. Looking at her old spell circles might help. There was one she could think of off the top of her head. The teleportation circle in the throne room. It didn't have the exact purpose as the one she was trying to use but it could serve as an example. The problem was that it was supposed to be secret and hidden under a rug. She couldn't just look at the circle while there were guards and attendants in the throne room. She would have to do it at night.

With her next plan in mind Celestia turned to the tower she had destroyed and sighed. It was time to start cleaning this mess up.

Chapter Ten - Confrontation

It was time to look at the circle in the throne room. She had cleaned herself up and repaired the tower room. The moon was out in all its elegant splendor and the stars shone more brightly than Celestia had ever seen before. This had to be one of Luna's most splendid nights.

Celestia made sure there were no other ponies in the throne room before gently moving the rug out of the way. The teleportation circle was revealed to her.

It was a beautiful thing, seared into the stone like a brand. The lines of the circle were elegantly carved in a similar swirling pattern to the previous circle she had tried to make earlier. Within the circle were three alicorns which circled the center in an eternal dance. The design of it was similar to her own, what was she missing?

The sound of two sets of hoof steps echoed through a nearby corridor. Quickly, Celestia moved the rug back over the circle as they drew closer.

"We do not know where to go from here." Luna's voice came from down the hallway. Celestia's shoulders relaxed, it was just Luna.

"Maybe I could be of some use? I can listen if you want me to." Nightmare Moon's voice grated on her ears.

"We would have thee listen if you would. We... we do not know how to approach our sister."

Just when Celestia was about to reveal her presence, she stopped. This was a chance to learn how Luna thought of her. It wasn't right to eavesdrop, but the thought of Nightmare Moon being the one to hear her sister's weakness was enraging. Against her better judgment she silently flew to the throne and hid behind it. Her mane was waving out from behind the throne, so she stifled the magic flowing to it which caused it to fall down like a wet rag.

"Why not just try talking to her? She is your sister; I am sure that she would hear you out."

"It is not so easily done; we have differing schedules of day and night. Our duties differ and it is not easy to find time."

"Celestia is quite busy. Though that can't be the only reason, can it?"

"Indeed. To be forthright, we have a middling fear of her. While we know that she loves us, we cannot help but remember those years on the moon."

Those words were what Celestia was scared of all along. So, her sister really did fear her.

"That will do it."

"How... how should we approach this problem?"

"Just go and tell her what you think."

"This is not as easy as you make it out to be."

"Well, I think that..." Nightmare Moon's voice faded as the duo continued walking through the palace.

Celestia sighed and looked down at her hooves. It was a strange time indeed that she was hiding behind her throne and eavesdropping on conversations. Luna found her terrifying, and Nightmare Moon was closer than ever to her. Her days would be spent alone with just a voice in her head for company.

No. She refused to let her relationship with Luna fall apart. The amulet had to be deciphered, Void had to be vanquished and with him Nightmare Moon. After the wildfire, then there could new growth. Then she could finally begin to rebuild. Slowly, Celestia stepped out from behind the throne. The coast seemed clear, so she returned to the rug.

She ripped the rug off of the circle and began analyzing it again. Just looking at it was not going to help, she needed to analyze its workings with magic.

Celestia threaded her magic into the circle. Unlike the one she had made earlier; this spell matrix was much more stable. It was solid and unshakeable. It resonated with her strangely, as if it was a part of her. The connection thrummed through her entire being. Magic flowed through her like lifeblood.

Then she understood. It was not red paint she needed; it was something stronger. It was something that could hold the powerful magic of a spell matrix. What she needed was the blood of an alicorn.

Celestia cut her magic to the circle. That couldn't be right, such an ingredient was not right to harvest. Unless she harvested it from herself. Even then, it wasn't right. That was something in line with dark sorcerers that belonged with the likes of Sombra.

There had to be another way. Then again, all magic wasn't inherently evil. It was the intent behind it. She could ask another pony for help, but that would draw them near a cursed artifact. A little blood might be worth it for keeping her ponies out of danger and solving her problems.

She shook her head. There was no telling what the consequences would be. More information was needed in order to proceed. There was always the inner vault, but then again, the things inside were locked away for a reason. The archives had been helpful in a way, but it wasn't enough.

"Getting cold hooves my dear? I think I know what you realized you must do." Void spoke in her mind.

"And what is that?" Celestia covered the teleportation circle once again.

"Spill a bit of blood, crack open a few old tomes. Hit the books if you know my meaning."

"You mean the inner vault. Uncover my old books on magic."

"You are quite clever I must say. A real bright spot."

"I buried those books for a reason." Celestia said.

"Not that you remember, do you?"

The words rung true. Once again there was a hole in her memory, a gaping hole that shouldn't have been there. Those books, her armor, her spear, they had all been locked away and she could barely remember why. Something told her they should never be looked upon again. Yet, the reason eluded her.

"Why is my memory fractured? What did you do to me?" Celestia's wings drooped.

"I didn't do anything to you. In fact, I am trying to help you remember." Void said.

"Don't lie to me Void. I know you would never help me willingly-"

"Never help you willingly huh? NEVER HELP YOU?! If only you knew my sun, if only you could open up that fractured brain of yours to the truth." Void snarled.

Celestia nearly reeled back from the sudden explosion of noise in her mind.

"I... my apologies. I had a little outburst there." Void said. "It seems that we need some more alone time. I'll be back later."

Void did help her often, didn't he? It was in a roundabout way, but more often than not it ended up to her benefit. Then again, he sent Nightmare Moon to torment her and her sister. Now that she was thinking on it, what had Nightmare Moon done that was actively malicious? She was most likely acting, but was she really? No, this must be another one of Void's games. She couldn't let her guard down even for a second. Void needed to be destroyed, and the key to that lay with the amulet.

Celestia was going to have to make a choice. It was impossible to relearn the spell matrix on her own and if she didn't ask somepony for help, nothing was ever going to happen. She could tell Luna what was going on, but the thought of speaking to her after what she had just heard was too much. Luna thought she was a monster. Unlocking the inner vault was also out of the question. It must mean something important if Void wanted her to do it.

There was only one pony she could think of that could help her. A pony that she trusted enough to help her with this. A brilliant pony with a group of friends she got closer to every day. That pony was Twilight Sparkle. She was a magical prodigy, if anypony could figure out exactly how these spell circles worked, it was her. It was unfortunate that Celestia would have to involve her in all of this, but she believed that Twilight could handle it.

Then, Celestia heard a familiar voice.

"Sister? Why are you awake at this hour?" Luna stood in one of the hallways leading to the throne room. Her strong yet kind eyes locked onto her.

"Luna. I was just having a late-night walk." Celestia noticed a distinct lack of nightmare at her sister's side. "Where is Nightmare Moon?"

"We went our separate ways for now." Luna said. "Sister, we wish to discuss something."

"You're scared of me, aren't you?" Celestia whispered.

"What? Tia, I could never-" Luna stopped herself. "No, there is no use in hiding it. We noticed thy hair flowing behind the throne. You never were good at hiding."

Celestia felt her stomach drop.

"We just wish to say that we saw you. Ever since we introduced Nightmare Moon, we have noticed your resentment towards her. It is understandable, but we cannot allow this to continue. We will not choose between friend and sister." Luna said.

"Luna! She is made of dark magic! That creature could hurt you." Celestia said.

"Creature?! Sister, she is no creature!" Luna straightened her back and her eyes lit with anger. "Take back thy statement this instant."

"Luna, please. Nightmare Moon is tricking you. You don't understand who is behind her." Celestia took a step back from the anger in her sister's eyes.

"Who then, pray tell, is behind our dear friend?" Luna followed her with every step she took back.

"I... I can't tell you." Celestia met her sister's eyes. If she told Luna, then Void's power would only grow.

"No. You will not tell us; you never tell us anything." Luna spat. "You are just jealous of our affection for Nightmare Moon, as always, you covet the attention of ponies while we are destined to lurk in shadow. Not this time dear sister, we will not fall to bitterness once again, we have the affections of our ponies through the realm of dreams. Nightmare Moon is a better friend and confidant than you will ever be, and that will never change."

"Luna! Please, I love you with all my heart. How could you choose that thing over me?" Celestia felt tears prick at the edges of her eyes, but they never fell.

"THING?! I never chose you over her, you chose not to accept her." Luna's eyes wavered. "We have no more to say to you. Goodnight to thee."

Celestia wanted to call out to Luna as she walked back down the hallway she came from. Yet, she could think of nothing to say. Her back was up against the stone wall. Drops of water hit the stone floor beneath her, staining the stone a darker shade. Was she crying? It was hard to tell through the water in her eyes.

That was it, Luna truly hated her now. All that waiting and preparation only for her to screw it all up.

She could see it now. Countless lifetimes in the palace as she ruled Equestria forever. Any friendships she would happen to make every other century would end in the ravages of time. Her sister would always be there, perhaps in the castle, perhaps not, but she would always be out of reach. Void would mock her forever; his minion Nightmare Moon would continue to drive a wedge between them. She would be alone in her immortality, the princess of the sun and beacon of harmony, a lonely living lie.

That could not be allowed to happen. Her sister was her only family in this world besides Cadance. Even then, Cadance had been alive for such a short time compared to her. Luna was her sister; it just wasn't the same with any other pony.

Every bit of Void's influence had to go. No, it had to BURN.

Celestia shook her head and wiped the tears from her eyes. No, it didn't have to burn. Where did that thought come from? It just had to be removed. Twilight could help her with the spell matrix, if only she could understand exactly what Void was, then she could face him. That started with the amulet.

On shaky legs, Celestia stumbled towards her chamber. That night nightmares plagued her. Nightmares that she didn't really understand. She dreamed of being powerful, unstoppable, and filled to the brim with potent magic. She dreamed of crushing Void into the dirt with her hoof, she dreamed of being beloved by the ponies around her without having to watch her every move. She dreamed of destroying every threat to Equestria in a matter of moments. She dreamed of Luna looking up to her with... fear.

Then, then she dreamed of flame.

Chapter Eleven - Theory

Celestia waited for Twilight to arrive.

She had sent Twilight a letter asking for help on her spell matrix only to receive a letter back that she wanted to visit. Celestia had responded with an affirmative.

Now she stood in her empty throne room, alone on the throne. Day court was over, and she had everypony vacated from it in preparation for Twilight's arrival. She would have tried speaking to Luna but the recent memory of what was said to her hurt too much. It would take some time before she could speak to Luna again.

Her heart ached at the thought, but she hardened her resolve. As Luna's sister it was her duty to defend her, even if she didn't want the help. In time she would see.

The circle began to glow beneath the rug. In the next moment there was a blinding flash and then Twilight appeared.

"Wow, that really was a teleportation circle! A long-distance teleport of such range, it couldn't have been possible without a powerful spell matrix." Twilight scanned her hooves and body. "Nothing seems to be out of place either."

"Twilight Sparkle." Celestia said to get her attention. Her student was lost in her own world when she found something that excited her.

"Princess! Sorry, I just can't wait to get to the bottom of this!" Twilight glanced around, her eyes shining. "Where is it? The ceiling? Wall? Hidden in one of the stained-glass windows?"

"Before we start, I wanted to ask you about your stay in Ponyville." Celestia said. "How are you and your friends?"

"It has been hard princess, but it has been worth it." Twilight nodded to herself. "They are wonderful, and I have learned so much about friendship!"

"I read your letters. They sound like excellent friends." Celestia felt her heart warm at the thought. A group of friends to share doubts and troubles with. That sounded like a beautiful thing.

"Yes princess. Applejack is so honest, oh and Rarity knows how to-" Twilight Sparkle rambled on about her friends with enthusiasm.

As the warm words rolled over her Celestia's smile slowly faded to a thin line. These wonderful things, they were things that she was never going to have. Not unless she did something. What exactly that was she did not know.

"-ess? Princess?" Twilight called out. "Are you okay? Is it magical drawback from your failed matrix? Oh, this isn't good at all!"

"No Twilight, I'm alright. It just warmed my heart so much to hear you talk about your friends that I got lost in my thoughts." Celestia stood from her throne. "What do you say to a study session?"

"That sounds like the best thing ever!" Twilight nearly jumped before stopping and awkwardly rubbing the back of her head. "Ahem, excuse me princess."

"No harm done Twilight." Celestia hid a giggle at her antics. "Now, I am going to show you something that you must promise me not to touch. I debated on whether or not to show you this because it is dangerous, but I need your help. Can I trust you?"

"Yes princess. I won't let you down." Twilight said.

"Very well then, here is our ultimate goal." Celestia levitated the Alicorn Amulet out of a box at her side. "This is why I am exploring my old spell matrix, it is a cursed amulet that needs to be understood and then taken care of."

"A cursed amulet?" Twilight asked.

"Yes, it is known as the Alicorn Amulet. Its exact origin is unknown even to me, but it has the power to corrupt ponies that wear it." Celestia said. "I was attempting to use an analyzing matrix on it, but I must have done something wrong. It fought back against my matrix and fought back against me."

"Fought back?" Twilight eyed the amulet as it slowly floated towards her. "What do you mean?"

"When my matrix failed it exploded. It mixed with my magic and released a wave of black flames." Celestia said.

"Interesting..." Twilight eyed the amulet closely. "Is it safe for me to levitate?"

"It has not reacted to me, but I wouldn't risk it." Celestia said. "I am an alicorn, its effects may be lessened on me."

"That is reasonable." Twilight hummed. "It's not possible to learn much from just the amulet without magic. Maybe it would be better to work on the spell matrix?"

"That sounds like an excellent idea." Celestia flew down from her throne to land next to Twilight. "The teleportation circle right here."

Celestia moved the rug off of the circle so Twilight could see. The intricate spell matrix was revealed.

"This- This is a real authentic teleportation spell matrix!" Twilight's eyes sparkled. "The lines of magic are incredibly well made and drawn. It has Star Swirl the Bearded all over it!"

"I helped to make this one long ago, but I can't remember exactly how I did it." Celestia admitted.

"You forgot? But, but the level of mastery here is beyond even what the most advanced books have! The concept of a teleportation circle is still in development to this day. How could you have forgotten?!" Twilight squawked.

"I am not exactly sure myself." Celestia said. "My memory has many holes in it from over the years."

"That is a shame. I would have loved to see you at peak!" Twilight said with an excited grin.

"So, are you saying I'm weak?" Celestia said with a mischievous grin.

"O-Of course not princess! How could I suggest that?" Twilight said.

"Calm down Twilight, I was only joking." Celestia said. "Now, do you notice anything about the teleportation circle? I was not able to gleam much from it."

Twilight looked back at the circle. With a gleam in her eye, she scanned the circle. Her horn lit with a lavender glow as she focused on the circle. After that she took out from her saddlebags a sheet of paper and a piece of charcoal.

"Are you taking a rubbing?" Celestia asked.

"Yes, look right here." Twilight pointed with her hoof to one of the swirling alicorns. "There is some kind of small inscription above this alicorn. I can't read it, but I can take a rubbing of it and then analyze it easier."

"Insightful." Celestia complimented.

Twilight used the charcoal and paper to take a rubbing of the inscription. Then, she levitated the paper towards them.

"It's in old ponish." Twilight said. "I know how to translate this, but it might take some time."

"I can read it." Celestia said.

The paper was gently floated in front of her. In old ponish was a single word. In simply read, "Sun".

"It just says sun." Celestia said.

"Wait, there is more!" Twilight took more rubbings from the circle. "Read these."

"They say, Moon, Earth, and... blood." Celestia read the sheets that were levitated in front of her.

"Sun, Moon, Earth, Blood." Twilight whispered to herself. "Yes, it could mean many things but perhaps..."

Her mutterings grew to a level that was undecipherable to Celestia. Not wanting to interrupt the musings of a genius, Celestia waited until she was finished with her train of thought. Instead, she turned her own thoughts to the words.

Sun had to be related to her, Moon was to her sister, Earth was to... a third alicorn? She would have remembered if there was a third alicorn. Then again, her memory had been spotty as of late. Blood was clear to her though. It was the blood of an alicorn. She had realized that the last time she analyzed the circle. Celestia wasn't sure she wanted to tell Twilight though, it wasn't something such a young pony needed to know.

"I think I have a theory." Twilight said. "These different words are meant to represent the triangulation of the spell. By using the sun, moon, and earth, the circle can determine where it is and teleport ponies who connect to it to this location!"

"That is an excellent theory." Celestia said. "But how can we use that information for a new spell matrix?"

"Princess, did you connect the spell matrix to anything?"

"I connected it to the amulet."

"Maybe it would be better to connect the spell to an idea. The teleportation circle is connected to the sun, moon, and earth. So perhaps for an analyzing matrix it would connect to the idea of the amulet. The past of it, or its inner workings." Twilight said.

"That sounds brilliant!" Celestia said.

"It's just a theory." Twilight seemed giddy. "Still, I think with the proper connections to the abstracts such as lore, history, and purpose, it could be done. The only unknown is the word blood. I can't think of a proper conclusion. Maybe its speaking of the flow of magic through the spell matrix."

"I have an idea of what it could mean. Thank you for the help, Twilight." Celestia knew what she needed to finish it. Her own alicorn blood.

"What? I'm staying here until this is done, how could I let this chance to explore the depths of the art of the spell matrix to pass me by?" Twilight said. "With respect of course to you princess."

"This is dangerous magic. I am afraid of what could happen to you if you are nearby when I try to use the spell matrix." Celestia said. "That part is one I have to do alone."

"I can help princess! I know my way around a spell matrix." Twilight said.

"My most faithful student, I know that you are skilled in magic, however this is untold dark magic and will be fueled by my power. As an alicorn I could survive a magical backlash, you might not." Celestia looked down on her student. To her surprise, Twilight met her eyes directly.

"Princess, why are you putting yourself in danger?" Twilight locked eyes with her own.

"Twilight, I am a princess of Equestria, it is my duty to protect my subjects." Celestia said. "That means no matter the danger I will be there to protect them. Especially you."

"I can help! Just give me a chance." Twilight's eyes hardened.

"Twilight, you have been more than helpful to me today, but I can't allow you to do that." Celestia said.

"Princess, what about the amulet? I can take it back to my library and-"

"That is quite enough Twilight Sparkle." Celestia frowned. "Please, this is not a matter I wish to speak on."

"You're going to get hurt!" Twilight puffed up her chest. "You told me that ponies need help even if they don't want it! I can't allow that lesson to-"

"Twilight, enough." Celestia spoke with such finality that Twilight instantly deflated. "Please, return to Ponyville, I have kept you from your friends long enough."

"...Yes princess." With her head down Twilight's horn began to glow. "Please... just remember that the friends and family around you are there to help."

A moment later she vanished leaving Celestia alone in the throne room.

Celestia leaned back into her throne with a sigh. Her student was sometimes too zealous for her own good. If she got hurt, then Celestia would never be able to forgive herself. This conversation was not all bad though, Twilight had given her many clues to how to unravel the secret of the spell matrix. With a surge of pride Celestia was reminded once again, her student was a genius.

It was also clear to her that the blood of an alicorn was required. The word blood in the center of the spell matrix suggested it was an essential component. It would have to be done.

Celestia lifted the amulet and slipped it back into the box she had brought. She had everything that she thought she would need for the spell matrix, now she only needed to try creating it again. The tower had worked well last time, the flames had not spread widely due to its stone construction. If there was another backlash there would be little damage.

The only way to know for sure if the spell matrix would work would be to try it out again. Unfortunately, she needed to begin draining her blood to draw it. It could take a couple days to get the right amount without harming herself in the process. Though, she could speed it up if she wanted to. It would just cost her a little pain. A little pain to get the Void out of her head and Nightmare Moon out of her mane? That sounded like a splendid deal.

Now, she only needed something a little sharp to begin drawing the blood. It would hurt, but it would all be worth it.

Chapter Thirteen - Cracks

More blood was poured into the urn. Soon Celestia would have enough blood to complete the spell matrix. It would only be a couple more days at most.

She had been storing her blood in an enchanted urn to keep it from rotting. It was macabre, but there was no other way to do it. The urn was stored inside the secluded tower as well the Alicorn Amulet. Soon, soon she would have more information on Void. Then, she would finally banish him from her head forever.

With the grim harvest done for the day Celestia flew back down from the tower. This time, before she left, she scanned the area for any unwanted watchers. Luna could be spying on her, and she didn't want to have to explain this to her. Thankfully, there seemed to be no unwanted eyes.

There was more work to be done today. More work, a meeting, documents to sign, it all needed to be done so she could rise again with the sun tomorrow. She also needed to speak with Cadance and keep training her to take over the Crystal Empire which was set to appear soon.

Celestia glided back down to the castle on shaky wings. A day had passed since the argument in the dining room. She had not seen Luna or Nightmare Moon since then. Maybe Luna just gave up on her. Celestia couldn't blame her.

Her hooves set down gently on the stone. With a practiced regal air Celestia walked the halls of the castle to her study.

"Your majesty!" Nightmare Moon's voice came from behind her.

Celestia stopped in her tracks.

"Yes?" Celestia said.

"Please forgive me your majesty. I- I never meant to get between you and your sister." Nightmare Moon bowed. "I can leave if you wish. It was never my intention to-"

"Enough, Nightmare Moon. I don't know if this is all just some trick, but I will say this." Celestia forced the words out of her choked throat. "You mean something to my sister. I can tell that you have a strong bond with Luna, something that I never had with other ponies. Please, I am putting my trust in you now. Take care of Luna."

"Your majesty, what do you mean you could never bond with ponies? You are the princess of the sun and ruler of Equestria. Everypony loves you!" Nightmare Moon said. "Why can't we all be friends?"

"You could never understand. You are the manifestation of my failures, how can I ever come to terms with that?" Celestia ground her teeth together, her back still turned to Nightmare Moon.

"I know that your majesty, I can't change my creation or how I look. However, if you could tell me what ails you then perhaps, we could begin to heal and come to terms with-"

"Nightmare Moon. That is enough." Celestia said. "Go back to Luna."

"...Yes, your majesty." Nightmare Moon said.

Celestia walked away without waiting. Nopony could understand her situation. The grating loneliness of being an immortal sun princess. The work, the meetings, the entire kingdom watching you every waking moment. Adventure which she used to love was now foreign to her. Luna, the only pony that could possibly understand her had hated her for the love of the ponies she received. If only Luna had seen just how valuable those few friendships she had were. Few friends, but good friends. Friends with bonds that would never break. Maybe then she never would have turned into Nightmare Moon.

Now, it seemed history was destined to repeat itself. Luna would not turn back into Nightmare Moon, as confusing at the whole situation was. There was a change in Luna, her new powers would see that such a thing would never happen again. Maybe... maybe Luna could rule for a few hundred years?

She shook her head. Celestia would never throw Luna into that situation. She had been gone for a thousand years. Maybe they would never have the relationship they used to, but Celestia would never doom her sister to such a fate. Not again. Her love for Luna would never fade, no matter the passage of time, no matter how much Luna feared and hated her. Their bond was just... simply not meant to be. At least not until she eradicated Void from existence. Maybe then she could start over.

"She is a real charmer, isn't she? I knew she was a good friend." Void said. "How is the blood collection going by the way, I can't wait to see what you do with it."

Celestia ignored the words and entered her office. She closed the door then sat down at her desk.

"This situation seems familiar, doesn't it? You alone in your office and a voice talking to you in your head."

She wet the end of her quill with ink and put it to paper.

"You know, I don't know why you think killing me is going to do anything. I'm just a voice in your head."

"I will analyze your amulet, then get rid of you. There is nothing more to it." Celestia said.

"There she is! I knew my sun still had that spark in her. Say, I can't wait until you complete that spell matrix. The thrill, the anticipation... The presentation! All of it just rings with dark magic, doesn't it?"

"Indeed." Celestia wrote another phrase on the paper.

"Boring, dreadfully boring." Void sighed. "If only you could regenerate blood faster. Say, why don't you use some of Luna's?"

"Silent, deceiver." Celestia slammed her hoof on her desk. "I would never harm Luna; I would never harm any of my ponies unless I had to."

"Morally uptight much?" Void huffed.

"I have waited for centuries; I can wait two more days." Celestia said.

"Well, I'm just a tad excited. Sorry about that, I'll leave you alone for now."

Celestia once again found herself alone. With a sigh she went back to her work. When she finally finished hours had passed. Exhausted once again, she made her way to her room for a nap. She could have lunch in the dining room but the thought of meeting seeing Luna again was enough to have it sent to her room instead.

As she started to eat there was a knock at her door. Celestia ignored it, maybe they wouldn't notice she was inside. The knocking grew louder and louder and more frantic until Celestia eventually cast a silence spell on the door. That would stop the noise.

She turned back to eating only to hear another knock. This time it came from behind her.

Hesitantly, Celestia turned to look at the source of the noise.

Luna was outside her window tapping on the glass as she sat on a cloud. Her serious face and insistent tapping suggested something that Celestia did not want to deal with. She shut the shades with her magic. With a sigh she turned back to her food. For desert today was a slice of mixed berry cake. It was a little different, but Celestia could not wait to try it. Just as she was taking a bite of the cake, the window shattered.

Glass showered the room as Luna came flying through the window. She landed with a thud, her starry mane billowing with magic power.

"Sister, we have come to discuss issues most pressing!" Luna stomped towards her, her hooves crushing glass into the carpet.

"Luna, I don't want to talk about this right now." Celestia took a bite of the cake, all the while not looking at Luna.

"Nay! We will speak sister, why did you stumble in the dining room?" Luna stopped right in front of her. "Why have you forgiven Nightmare Moon all of a sudden?"

"I took your advice to heart." Celestia chewed on her cake, she didn't really taste it anymore. "Nightmare Moon was innocent."

"Then why do we not reconcile? Let us be sisters once more. Is that not what you wanted?" Luna said.

"It is." Celestia went to take another bite of her cake only for it to be snatched out of her grip.

"What is wrong? What are you not telling us?" Luna held the cake back. "Speak sister! Why do you stumble, why do you not address me directly?"

"Luna." Celestia said with a warning tone. "Give me my cake."

"We shall not! Not until you tell us what ails you." Luna demanded.

Celestia turned her head away. She wished she could tell her sister what was happening. About the voice, about the pain, the blood, the amulet. However, telling Luna about Void would only grow his power. Telling her about her fatigue, the blood, the amulet, how could she possibly tell Luna about all of that? She was the sun of Equestria, the sun did not have time to be tired.

"Why? Why doth everything we touch fall apart?" Luna's voice seemed small. "Why won't you tell us?"

"Luna, I would tell you if I could." Celestia didn't like seeing Luna in such a state, her head down and eyes watery.

"You lie. You won't tell us because you do not trust us. In your eyes we are still the nightmare." Luna's watery eyes hardened. "Is that not it?"

"Luna, I would never see you like that!" Celestia said.

"Then why can't you tell us!" Luna shouted.

"I just... I can't. If I told you then you would be more terrified of me than you are now." Celestia looked away. "I can't tell you."

"It's Nightmare Moon, isn't it? She told us what you thought of her." Luna turned her back. "If you cannot get over yourself and open up to us, then we will not bother asking again!"

Celestia watched as her sister flew back out the window she had shattered. With her magic she pieced it back together until her window was whole again.

All of this arguing was draining. Then her gaze went to her cake, it was upside-down on the carpet. Amazing, just great, now she didn't even have her cake.

Did Luna even care about her anymore? The answer was clear, no. Nobody cared about her, her problems, her wishes, it was all for the good of Equestria. Who was she really other than a false idol? A thing to be looked up to but not touched. Who was she beneath the facade? Even Celestia didn't know anymore.

What else could Void possibly take from her? Her sister, her blood, her peace of mind, and now even her cake. She couldn't take this anymore.

The spell matrix was going to be made tonight. She was going to finish this, uncover the secrets of the Alicorn Amulet and free herself. The blood would flow, and she would be free.

Celestia walked to her balcony and looked towards the secluded tower. Outlined against the sun, it almost appeared to be on fire. Fierce and feral, the sun shone and cast away the shadows that crept. It banished them to lurk away from her ponies and allowed her subjects to live peacefully.

Yet, if mismanaged, it had the potential to cause drought, sunburn, and famine. That posed the question.

At what intensity did the nurturing warmth of the sun begin to burn?

Chapter Fourteen - Decipher

The time drew near.

Celestia stood on her balcony and looked out over her beloved Equestria. There was a storm coming today, the unicorns and Pegasi worked together in Canterlot to create and control it. The powerful winds, still far away, rustled Celestia's mane causing it to billow behind her.

As always, Celestia was proud of her ponies. A storm was a thing of beauty in the right circumstance. It was wrathful, yes, but it allowed one to huddle close to friends and tell stories, to look within oneself for guidance in the dark rains. The sounds of thunder and flashes of lighting could mask the screams of a pony fed up with life. The storm was as wrathful as it was kind and beautiful.

It was a good day for a storm.

Celestia spread her wings. Instantly the wind caught her white wings. She had to do little work as the wind lifted her into the air. A bit of drizzle from the edge of the storm sprinkled against her coat.

Lighting flashed as she flew towards the secluded tower. For a moment she half wished somepony would stop her flight towards it. What would she find inside the amulet? Would the spell matrix even work?

Then she arrived at the tower. With a single push the door flew open, aided by the rushing wind behind it. Inside, the amulet sat alone in the center of the room, untouched. Leaning against one of the circular walls of the room was the thick-bodied urn. The urn of her blood.

Celestia shut the door behind her as the wind rattled the windows. It was dark in the room due to the storm. Good, better to bind the spell matrix with. No distractions other than her own magic and the amulet. Celestia pulled the urn from the side of the room near the center.

"Oh, are you ready to begin? How fun!" Void said.

"Every one of your secrets will be made clear." Celestia lifted the lid to the urn. The metallic stench of fresh blood nearly made her gag. "Every darkness will be brought to light."

"How poetic. You're really sending shivers up my spine."

"Then once the evil is made clear, I will destroy it. Then, then I can finally move on from this. Then I can reconcile with Luna and be free of you forever."

"I don't think you have what it takes to do that." Void snickered. "Go on then, entertain me. I'll be watching."

Celestia lifted the urn into the air. Within her chest, a storm raged. She took a deep breath, then exhaled. This spell matrix would not fail.

"Let my blood reveal the truth."

She shattered the urn on the ground over the amulet. It was thick as it splattered against the stone. The stench of blood was overpowering, yet it felt oddly familiar. This was something she knew how to do- to manipulate. The lines of a spell matrix appeared in her mind like the scars of an old brand.

With golden shoes soaked in blood, Celestia began to draw the circle. As her hooves moved, they scraped against the floor, leaving thin lines. She worked the blood like an artist, drawing swirling lines around the amulet. This was her tapestry, and she was the weaver. Celestia could imagine it- each line forming, sounding, building to a crescendo.

When Celestia stepped back from the amulet, her work was made clear before her. An expertly drawn spell matrix surrounded the amulet. Each line had purpose to its placement. Each individual line was just another piece to the puzzle that was her matrix. A conglomerate, no- a congregation of half remembered movements that made her head spin.

"Now for the spell." Celestia whispered.

Her horn began to glow with a golden aura. She could imagine Luna looking at what she was doing with a horrified look on her face. She nearly stopped but shook her head. For the good of Equestria, for her peace of mind, for her sister. Then, she started to bind the magic.

Unlike last time, the matrix resisted the flow of magic. The blood of an alicorn had the potential to hold far more magic than mere paint. It was a real tangible spell ingredient. Perhaps the best of any spell ingredient that had ever existed. Celestia's blood was worth its weight in gold.

Celestia forced her magic through the circle. She directed the flow carefully and slowly, allowing the magic to imbed itself deeply into the stone. As she worked, thin burning lines were formed that scorched the stone beneath. The circle was being carved into its medium, using up the blood in the process.

Like the fuse to a bomb, each line she worked on slowly burned towards the center. Then, it came to the inner circle of the spell matrix. With an air of finality, the last of the blood burnt away and the circle was formed. Yet, it didn't have a purpose, an idea, a center.

Celestia remembered what Twilight had said. She needed to connect the magic to what she wanted. She could not connect it to the amulet itself, no, she had to connect it to something else. What exactly did she need?

Past. The remembrance of the past. That would be the first.

Celestia strengthened the inner magic around the idea of remembrance. Of learning. She felt something click into place. In the inner circle of the spell matrix, an open book appeared. It appeared that her genius student was correct in her theory. It seemed like it was working. What was next then?

Purpose. The intent of the amulet, the reason it was created. That would be the second.

Her magic wrapped around the abstract idea. Her horn began to heat up as the powerful magic took root. The sigil of a pony standing tall appeared in the circle. What was next then? What did she need to complete the spell? Nothing came to mind. As the power flowed through the unfinished spell matrix, she felt it begin to buckle. She needed a third idea to secure it, and she needed it now.

A thought came to mind then. A final thing she wished to know about the amulet.

Power. The strength of the magic inside the amulet and what it would be used for. That was the third.

The final rune was placed. It glowed into existence inside the circle, the sigil of a glowing sun. With that final rune the entire spell matrix almost seemed to shudder. The magic inside of it settled into its formation. As if releasing a deep breath, the lines released their tension and bonded with one another. Then, the circle dimmed to a dull glow.

Celestia gasped as she released herself from the circle. She stumbled then collapsed onto her stomach. Sweat prickled her coat and her horn was so hot it was emanating visible heat waves in the air. A giddy feeling erupted in her chest. She had done it; the spell matrix was made.

"Excellent work! Wow, I haven't seen magic like that in decades." Void's clapping filled the silence. "Bravo my sun, bravo!"

"You are ruining the moment." Celestia said. "Besides, I still have to activate the matrix."

"The hard part is done though, is it not? What are you waiting for, get to it!"

"Why are you so happy? I'm going to figure you out and destroy you." Celestia said.

"Suspicious, are we? Come on, what can a voice in your head really do?"

"You have done quite enough to ruin my life." Celestia forced herself onto her shaky legs.

"Stop being such a drama queen! Fine, have it your way, I'll be sitting in the back watching the show then. Take your time."

Celestia felt his presence fade. She was alone once again. The spell matrix was before her, she needed only activate it.

Was this really the right way of doing things? Void was a menace, but she could deal with him in her head. It was something she could deal with, yes, but could she live with it? Could she ever be free to think her own thoughts, be alone once in a while, speak with her sister once in a while, go on an adventure every once in a while. No, she would never be able to do those things. Maybe though, maybe she could have her mind to herself. Maybe with Void gone she could have autonomy over one facet of her life. No more hiding, no more running, now was the time for fighting.

Magic flowed from her horn into the ritual matrix. It began to smolder and glow, burn and boil. It kindled to flame. The ritual matrix began to perform its function- to inform, past, purpose, and then... power.

Celestia's eyes began to glow, and she gasped as a torrent of information flooded through her. Flashes of a past long gone went through her head in a never-ending sequence.

She saw the amulet in its creation. Over it stood a pony wreathed in flame. She wore golden armor, and on the crown of it was a ruby-red gem. Instead of a mane there a burning plume of flame. Instead of a tail there was a river of fire. Her white coat was not clean due to washing- but from a heat that incinerated anything that touched her. She weaved a spell matrix that burned with such intensity that it turned the rock it was carved upon to magma. In the center of the matrix was a familiar amulet. As she watched, two runes were burned into its face, two alicorns that supported the gem in its center.

When the blazing pony opened her eyes with a wicked smile, Celestia saw something that sent a chill down her spine. A pair of draconic orange eyes that burned with flame. The eyes of a nightmare. This was the amulet's creator.

As that vision faded another one appeared. She saw a cloud of darkness. The mere sight of it filled her with dread. From within the cloud writhed countless shadows. Fangs flashed in its dark confines and a thousand glowing eyes burned into her. Her vision pulled away from the cloud until she was looking not at a cloud but the central gem of a familiar amulet.

The purpose of the amulet was made clear, to contain.

Then another vision came to her. She saw a void. It was colored a purple hue, and the distant horizons saw tiny white dots that looked like smoothed out stars. It seemed to go on forever in all directions. Flat rocks floated aimlessly in this void. In the center of her vision was a massive floating rock. Its top half was sheared off leaving a flat piece of stone.

On this rock was carved a massive spell matrix. No, it was not one but two. Each part of it was impossibly intricate, an endless design of woven threads of magic. Each line was impeccably well drawn to the point of near pointless perfection. Power coursed through them like lifeblood, an endless pumping of magic that never ceased.

The inner spell matrix channeled the power. It drew from the air, sucking in magical energy ceaselessly. Three ideas were implemented into this rune. Power, Knowledge, Containment.

The outer spell matrix was different though. It was of a lesser quality, slight but still noticeable. Instead of the seamlessly woven inner spell matrix in the center there were small imperfections in its lines. It burned like the sun compared to the almost dull inner spell matrix.

Three ideas were woven into this outer spell matrix. Memory, Forgetfulness, Self.

Then her vision closed in on the center of the circle. Chained in the center of the two spells was a pony. A pony that rivaled Celestia in size. His coat was ashen gray like the aftermath of a wildfire. Cracks ran through his body as if he was made of stone. Dark purple crystal filled these cracks. Beholden within the crystal was a black smoke that swirled and swelled like a dark cloud.

On his sides were wings that looked as if they were carved of stone. Where there should have been feathers there was crystal. On his head was a massive horn of stone. This was an alicorn.

Slowly the alicorn looked up, the chains restraining his body buckled. He opened his crystal eyes, slit like that of a dragon. They were piercing, and they met her own with unbound emotion. Hate, and love.

The power of the amulet was made clear, and the spell was done.

Celestia's vision faded, and she found herself bound to flesh once more. Her head swam. Her magic was more drained than ever before. She sat on the ground, the world spinning around her. A thousand questions swam through her head. Yet, before she could even begin to think, a familiar voice echoed in her mind.

"So, what do you think?" Void said. "Pretty sweet digs, eh?"

"You- your real. You're not just some voice in my head, I'm not going insane." Celestia felt as much relief as she did fear. "Who- who are you really?"

"I want to tell you more than you could ever believe, but I can't. The spell matrix stops me." Void said.

"You are that alicorn. A third alicorn. Why don't I remember you? I never would have forgot something like that." Celestia's head began to throb.

"I can't tell you."

"It's the spell matrix, isn't it? Memory, forgetfulness, self... it is stopping you from telling me." Celestia said. "My missing memories... it all has to be connected... but why?"

The image of the flaming alicorn came to mind. She seemed so familiar, so powerful, so... wicked. Why did she feel so familiar, why did that alicorn in the amulet feel so familiar? Why did the thought of her send fear and guilt into every pore in her body? Her memory was shattered, broken, and in need of mending.

"You know where to find the answer my sun." Void said. "Is it somewhere you have avoided before. A place that holds the answers you seek."

Celestia tried to think. A thought came to mind then, the inner vault. A place where her old armor and spell books lay. Where she had set down her spear for the last time. Everything she hated had been locked away in there. It was a place she had been drawn to before but could never open.

The vault was a place she never wanted to go again. Its exact contents were unknown to her. It has been so long that she could barely remember it. Those things were best left buried.

Yet, the flash of her sister's words went through her mind. If she could not face herself, then how could she ever face her sister again? How could she make amends without knowing who she really was? Without knowing what lay beyond the blinding rays of the sun?

The vault held the answers she needed.

"Are you ready, Void?" Celestia asked.

"I have always been ready my sun, now and forevermore."

"Then let us end this."

Chapter Fifteen - Kindle the Spark

Each of Celestia's steps on the castle's stone halls echoed with an air of finality. She approached the vault. Its double doors stood like guardians to an ancient tomb.

Celestia unlocked the door, revealing the main vault. Gold and treasures filled this room. At the center of it was a box filled with the elements of harmony. She had been here before many times. The shine of gold nearly blinded her as she walked towards the box.

Carefully, she opened it to reveal the elements of harmony.

"Am I making the right choice?" Celestia asked the stones that were once so familiar. "Do I face what lies in the vault?"

The elements held no answers.

She walked past the elements. She walked past the gold, the artifacts, the paintings. Then she stood before it- the inner vault. The horn key had not been unlocked in forever. She wasn't even sure if it would work anymore. The things inside had been buried for a reason after all.

Was there even a point to unlocking the past? Celestia stood before the double doors to the inner vault, her hooves were firmly stuck in place.

She could go on without knowing. The things the ritual had told her, they were horrifying. The amulet she had was a container for a third alicorn who's intentions were unknown. The dark power that emanated from it was enough to tell her that they couldn't be good. What if this was all a part of his plan? Whatever that plan happened to be.

Her life would continue on, alone, dealing with the same work every day, never seeing her sister. Her failures would always weight on her shoulders as the weight of her crown did on her head. That was not what she wanted. She would NOT live like that. It wasn't even living anymore, it was existing.

"Getting cold hooves?" Void asked.

"You stopped me from entering here before, why was that?" Celestia thought back to when she was going to fetch her weapon and armor to deal with Nightmare Moon.

"I didn't stop you. You stopped yourself." Void said.

It was true. Even now the thought of unlocking the vault was enough to make her want to run the other way.

With a deep breath Celestia calmed herself. She looked at the door to the inner vault. It was time to face what lay within.

With rigid grace and reluctance Celestia lowered her horn towards the horn key. Then, she locked it into place. Magic flowed through her horn. For a moment nothing seemed to happen. Then, she heard the snap and release of the doors to the inner vault.

She pulled back. The doors creaked open like an old coffin lid. Inside it was as pitch black as a tomb. The light from the room seemed to shy away from it.

Celestia lit her horn and walked into the dark room. As she walked, ancient magic from when the castle was built began to ignite. Lights flickered all over the room. Small orbs of light came into existence, they were trapped like fiery spirits in orbs of glass that hung from chains.

As the lights came into existence, the rest of the room was revealed. Unlike the rest of the castle the stone here was grimy and worn. It was a simple box of stone. There was no gold to be found here, no treasures to look upon. The only things in the room were a simple wooden table with a book on it, a suit of golden armor, and a long spear.

The armor immediately caught her attention. It was mostly a darker orange as if from the depths of flame. Intricate swirls were carved into it. As she looked closer, she realized that they were the network of a powerful spell matrix. On the front breastplate of the armor was a golden and orange sun. The armor would cover the entirety of a pony's body in thick plates. On the flank of the armor, where a cutie mark would be, were two twin suns.

The helm of the armor was the centerpiece. Made in the mockery of a crown it was formed from gold and more orange metal. At the center of the crowned helmet was a large red gem. A gem that reminded her of the one on the Alicorn Amulet.

The armor looked like the one that the alicorn of flame wore. Why was it here? It just didn't make any sense.

Celestia eyed the armor wearily as she walked further into the room. Then her gaze turned to the book on the table. It was a massive and thick book. Its cover was brown and unremarkable, and its pages were large and yellowed. It was a forgotten piece of herself. It was book she could hardly remember; it was her old spell book.

It had no title, it never needed one. It had always been her spell book, no one was ever supposed to look at it besides her.

She could feel Void's presence in her mind, but he said nothing. It felt like he was waiting with bated breath.

Celestia gently grabbed the book with her magic and turned the first page.

The first few pages were simple spells. Spells she already knew. Her old notes were scribbled alongside them. It was strange to see something she couldn't even remember writing. The first half of the book went over these spells. Spells that anypony could aspire to cast if they wanted to. Yet, as she flipped further into the book the spells got more and more complex. More powerful, more ambitious. They turned to the spell matrix, how to improve it, how to pull as much power from it as possible. Celestia could barely understand what she was looking at anymore.

Her notes described living in a scarred world. A world filled with hate and darkness. It was cold, bitterly cold. All she had were two ponies by her side, alicorns like her. One was Luna, smaller than her, and the other an alicorn her age. Yet, as she tried to learn the other alicorn's name, her mind just wouldn't take to it. Even as she read it on the page it failed to take root.

Then she saw a drawing. A drawing of a black cloud. She described it in her notes as the prime evil of Equestria, the thing that stood in the way of harmony.

The next page was a drawing of a spell matrix. Celestia immediately recognized it from her vision. It was the inner spell matrix. It was a matrix to strengthen and reinforce. It used the knowledge ponies had of the one inside the matrix to power it, allowing the pony within to endure containing the darkness. All it needed was a vessel to contain it. A living vessel. That vessel was her.

Another page was flipped. It was of the amulet. The notes described it as a place to keep the matrix and the vessel. A place outside of the world where nopony would be able to find them and break the matrix. A place that lay between places.

Celestia felt something open in her mind. She saw herself sitting in the middle of the spell matrix, screaming. Two other alicorns looked in with worried faces, one was Luna, and the other...

Her head throbbed and she grit her teeth against the pain. Who was that alicorn? Who was he?

Celestia continued to flip through the pages. The notes got more and more deranged. They described little happening in many words or too much in too few. The thoughts grew darker, they turned not to beautiful spell work, but to escape. She had brief moments of return to the world to be gifted with gold and love, but it was never enough.

Her notes described her switching places one day with the unknowable alicorn.

Another matrix appeared in the notes. This was one the second spell matrix. It was one designed to incite memory loss and forgetfulness. It would be placed around the second circle in the amulet to... make the pony within forgotten forever. They would be erased from history and memory. The only one who would remember was the caster.

At the end of the book Celestia saw one last spell. A spell seething with dark magic that made a pony forget. A spell to erase something from their mind forever. Next to it, written in small text, was the counterspell.

Celestia stared at the counterspell. It was so simple. All it would take is one spell to restore her memory. One spell to get it all back. Why then, did she not want to know what it would tell her?

"You promised that we would be together until the end." Void's voice echoed in her mind. "I told you that before, didn't I?"

"What does that have to do with anything?" Celestia felt sweat drip down her brow. Her gaze drifted over to the orange and gold armor.

"Remember me." Void whispered. "Quickly, your sister coming."

Celestia could hear hoof steps coming from behind her. She turned to see Luna approaching with Nightmare Moon at her side. Held magically in Luna's grip were the shattered pieces of the urn she had used for the spell matrix. Her gaze was full of determination and sadness all the same.

"Sister! You will tell us what this is all about THIS INSTANT!" Luna screamed as she approached with tears in her eyes, each step flung gold out of the way. "WE DEMAND YOU TELL US WHAT AILS YOU. WE WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO SUFFER ALONE AS WE DID!"

Celestia froze at the voice of Luna. She nearly turned then, spouted out all her worries and problems to her sister, released it all, apologized for everything. But that wouldn't change anything would it? The cycle would repeat over and over until it was done forevermore. Void would sink his claws into her life every time she tried to turn away. Her relationships would crumble, everything she worked for would be in ruin. There was only one way this could end.

She cast the spell.

Celestia started to scream. Countless lifetimes of memories ran through her head. A gray alicorn revealed himself. A confidant, a dear friend, a champion of harmony. Together they worked to combat the darkness. Each day they would fight for harmony in Equestria, yet with the darkness it could never exist. It was impossible to defeat, only to hold back. The shadows it cast were too long to ever escape.

Together they created a spell matrix to bind it. It only required one thing- a vessel. Celestia took it upon herself to house the darkness. It worked, and for a time harmony was allowed to exist. Yet, the darkness was too much to bear alone even with the power of the matrix. It turned her into something not quite herself, a wicked mare of sunlight. She wanted out of the matrix. The alicorn offered to switch places with her.

She spent her days enjoying the world. Gorging herself on power and tyranny. As time drew close for her to return, she found that she didn't want to go back.

The other alicorn was not as strong as she was. He turned just as tyrannical and cruel as she. He played with the lives of ponies, exerting his power. His love for her, once gentle and kind, turned into something darker. He demanded that she come to him. Seeing this, she came up with a plan.

A second spell matrix would be crafted to limit the power of the first. The first spell matrix relied on knowing, it granted power as long as a pony knew of their existence. The second matrix would make them become forgotten forever. She put the two spells into an amulet to contain them, so they would be forgotten forever. Then, she told the alicorn she was ready to accept him.

When the alicorn came to her she locked him away into the amulet. Sealing both spells, old and new, in a separate dimension forever. A place between places.

Time passed and she realized what she had done. Her guilt grew too much to bear. She made herself forget all about the event forever. Yet, once in a while a voice would whisper to her. She would come back to her book and armor she once wore and remember who she used to be. Then, the alicorn would make a chip in the outer matrix. The cycle repeated on and on and forevermore as she made herself forget.

That alicorn's name was Gaiya, alicorn of the earth, and Celestia remembered him.

"Yes! YES! Another chip in the matrix, the last chip, the final chip!" Gaiya's voice echoed through her mind, giddy and excited. "You can't forget me anymore! No, NO, NO, never again, NEVER again! I am going to be free, free and by your side!"

Celestia reeled back from the book. How could she have done that? To lock a pony away in the dark forever. To erase them from the annals of history forever. That wasn't something she would do, was it? Even if they were a tyrant.

It was, wasn't it? She had done the exact same thing to Luna. Deep down, past the blinding sunlight, past the kindness and gentle facade, she was nothing more than a monster. She was not a nurturing sun- she was a ball of roiling flame. A thing that burned everything it touched. A thing that needed to be kept alone, floating in space far away from anything else.

"Sister! We demand that you explain yourself!" Luna shook her. "Sister!? Do you even hear us?"

Her sunlight hid nothing more than a shadowed core.

"Get away from me Luna." Celestia pushed her sister away. Something was boiling in her chest. Something that was fueled by centuries of playing the same game. Fueled by centuries of wasting away behind her facade.

"We will not!" You will get over your obsession with Nightmare Moon and stop this madness! We are not her anymore- tell us what we can do to help you! And this! is not you-" Luna pointed to the shards of urn she had. "A spell matrix of blood? A cursed amulet? You are Equestria's princess of the sun and my sister, this is not you!""

"Not me?" Celestia whispered. "What do you know about me?"

"We are thy sister. We know you-"

"You know nothing about me." Celestia growled and gave Luna a glare that could cut glass. "Nopony knows anything about me."

"Sister, you are thy beloved princess. Everypony knows about-"

"No, they don't." Celestia snapped. "Nopony knows anything about me. Nopony knows what it's like being me. Nopony cares what their princess of the sun is like as long as she shines bright, don't they?"

"Tia, you have all the love of the ponies, what else could thou possibly want from them?" Luna grabbed her wing. "Please, think clearly, speak to us the truth. We need each other, we cannot handle this alone."

"I don't need them; I don't need you." Celestia's breath quickened, and her eyes dilated. "I can handle this. I can fix this. I am the protector of Equestria, I can handle anything."

"Nay, you cannot handle this alone!" Luna said. "Look at thyself, you are falling apart and yet still you will not open thy heart to us."

"I can handle this." Celestia felt something building in her chest, a power forgotten, a power buried deep within herself. It yearned to be free, to lash out. It sung to her. It had always been there, everything she had been holding back. Everything that she hid all these years. "I can handle this! I can handle anything!"

"Tia, cease thy-"

"I don't need you, dear sister." Celestia sneered and tore her crown off. It clattered onto the stone before coming to roll along its side on the ground. "You wanted the love and affection of little ponies? Take it, I don't care anymore."

"That is not what we desire sister! We need each other to rule. We have seen what our absence has done to you!"

Celestia could feel the well of energy deep within her begging to be released. It seethed, boiled, and burned like a lake of magma. It was something she always knew was there- something she always kept locked away. It was something she swore to never let the world see. Now though, it was too hard to keep inside any longer.

"I was doing just fine. I didn't need you. Well then, take all their love, I don't want them, I don't need them." Celestia yelled. "In fact, dear sister, "I DONT NEED ANYPONY!"

The last thread of the masquerade was torn away, and then nothing was the same anymore.

The energy inside of her swelled in her chest and it began to glow with the intensity of the sun. All the breath was ripped from Celestia's lungs in an instant and replaced by sheer heat. Solar winds began to blow in the room, swirling around her in a maelstrom of gathering flame. Her throat felt like it was being strangled as she was lifted into the air by an unseen hoof. Choking on her own spittle and rage, Celestia levitated in the air. It felt like she was being hollowed out from the inside by a burrowing, scorching blaze.

"Sister?! No! No, this is not happening to us!" Luna's voice came through the storm. "Nightmare Moon, we have to stop this!"

"What are we-" Nightmare Moon's voice faded away to Celestia's ears.

Flame coalesced around her and wrapped her in its embrace. She could feel herself rise higher, higher, and higher. The armor in the room was pulled into the vortex as it started to seal itself to her coat, half melting into place. For a moment she was the sun, beautiful as it was terrible. Untamed power coursed through even vein in her body. In her mind she saw that wicked mare of flame once again. The burning yellow draconic eyes met her own and a sinister smile graced her face. In that mare Celestia saw herself.

And then Celestia was no more than embers, and from the ashes was reborn a new mare. A mare known as Daybreaker.

Daybreaker released the energy inside her with a scream of fury. A wave of heat blasted outward with the intensity of the sun. Stone was scorched black then began to melt. Gold was turned molten, priceless paintings turned to cinder. Banners of the sun burned to ash.

Through the haze of heat Daybreaker could see Luna and Nightmare Moon holding up a barrier. Around them everything turned molten from the intensity. Everything was cracked and glowing as if magma was bubbling up from beneath to earth to take its wrathful due.

In Luna's eyes she could see something she never thought she would see. Something that struck her even through her fiery core. Fear. Raw, primal fear.

Daybreaker gasped and withdrew the power of her solar flare. Smoke filled the air. It was choking as the feeling in her chest.

"...How is that for a friendship lesson?"

Daybreaker grabbed the Alicorn Amulet and lifted it towards her. Then without another word she flew out of the smoking half molten hole her transformation had carved into the wall of the palace.

She flew away on white wings trailed by flame. Daybreaker didn't know where she was going, but it had to be anywhere but here.

Chapter Sixteen - Voluntary Exile

So, this was what it was like to have nothing left to lose.

Where had it gone wrong? Maybe it was all those centuries ago when she locked Gaiya away. Maybe it was when she started banishing her problems instead of dealing with them. Maybe it was when she tapped into that darker side of herself.

Or maybe, just maybe, it was when she banished Luna to the moon. A thousand years on the moon. She couldn't control what the elements of harmony did, but it was still her fault. A thousand years in the moon, watching down as the world passed by. How alone would she have been? She only had her shadow for company, and she had made friends with it. That was the friend that Daybreaker had spurned. The friend that was actually there for her sister the whole time.

Daybreaker supposed that she knew how her sister felt now in a way. All her failures and desires had erupted into something that should have stayed buried.

Why did she feel so free then? No longer would she hide behind her gentle facade. It was time to let loose a little, she had been holding back for far too long. The power flowing through her was incomparable to what she had before.

"Did you forget about me, Celestia?" Void's voice- no. Gaiya's voice echoed in her mind.

"My name is Daybreaker, whelp." The sound of his voice filled her with memories of what she had done to him. Guilt welled up inside her. "And you, I will just forget about you again. I don't need to live with you any memories of you any longer."

"You think you can forget about me? Well, you can't my sun, I broke your spell matrix. Nopony can forget me anymore. You will never forget me again." Gaiya growled.

"You are in this amulet." Daybreaker glanced at the Alicorn Amulet she held. "All I have to do is repair the spell matrix and you will be locked away again."

"I would like to see you try darling. We made the power matrix I am in together. You can never beat me while it is running."

"Hah! You think I can't beat you? Your right, all I can do in incinerate you to ash." Daybreaker watched the world pass by beneath her. She was flying high, so high that the homes of her ungrateful ponies were mere dots on the landscape below her.

"Come in here and face me then, princess. I'm ready for you." Gaiya said. "Look at my prison, it already cracks, soon I will be free and then I will have everything I have ever wanted again."

"I won't face you, not yet." Daybreaker glanced at the amulet. Hairline cracks were forming on its central gem. The two alicorns supporting the central gem had disappeared leaving only the one made of metal. It took three to hold the darkness. One could not bear it alone.

"What could possibly be more important than dealing with me?" Gaiya asked. "Can't you just not wait to forget what you did to me?"

"What could be more important than you?" Daybreaker let fury burn away the rising guilt and tears. "Letting lose for once."

"Letting lose?!" Gaiya snarled. "Im breaking free and Luna will be coming to destroy you with the elements of harmony, and you want to let lose?!"

"Yes. The amulet will hold you for a few days yet. Might as well enjoy myself." Daybreaker said. "Take some time to brush up on my power so I can seal you once and for all. This time, there will be no cracks in my spell matrix."

"You will never be able to create a spell matrix stronger than what you made before. Nopony can do that alone." Gaiya said. "What happened to all your bravado? Your alone, your sister will never forgive you, Twilight wouldn't even recognize you. Give it up, face me, and let's end this."

"Get out of my head!" Daybreaker shouted. "I can handle you alone, so be silent and wait your turn!"

"Time is ticking my sun. Soon our eternity will begin together. I will have what I am owed, I will not be forgotten. So, spend your time wisely, Celestia. I'm coming back, and when I do, I will make my happy ending myself." Gaiya growled. "No more running. Happiness has to be fought for, isn't that what you told me when we sealed this darkness inside ourselves?"

Daybreaker shut him out of her mind. She remembered those words. She remembered speaking those words to him all those countless years ago. Happiness has to be fought for. What a joke. Naive, foolish, the dream of a foal. Happiness was something that ponies could have, not monsters. Monsters like her and Gaiya. Happiness could never belong to tyrants and monsters.

Ahead of her was the badlands. A barren place of red sand with nothing else around for miles. How fast had she been flying that she was already here? It was better that she was here, Luna would have a long way to fly to reach her now.

Daybreaker dove towards the red rock and sand. Maybe it would be better to hit it, to let body break upon the earth. At the last moment she changed her path and flew low over the ground. She looked for a target, for something to burn. To let lose all the anger she felt.

She saw a large pillar of red rock ahead of her. It was an ancient thing, formed by eons of wind, rain and erosion. The layers of rock stowed a hidden history of the ancient past. Each layer was a different color, a different time, a different life.

Daybreaker channeled her magic into her horn. It began to glow with a sinister red hue. She nearly gasped as the power flowed through her. Every vein in her body was a line in the spell matrix that was her. Every hair in her coat was a conduit, every bit of living flame in her mane and tail were beacons. The spell matrix in her armor, sealed to flesh by melting, resonated with everything.

Above her horn a ball of flame grew. At first it was orange, but as it began to grow it turned red. As if she was raising a red sun, Daybreaker held the ball above her as she rose. Its heat was bone-blackening. The sand beneath her turned to glass from the heat. A red sun rose and then threatened to collapse on itself. It yearned to be released.

Daybreaker hurled the red sun. It moved slowly through the air towards the rock. She pushed it forward with laser of red flame. Screaming with every raw fiber of her being she pushed out all the hate she could muster.

The red sun floated towards the rock formation. As it approached stone glowed red hot from the shearing heat. Then it exploded with all the power of a dying star. An ear-shattering explosion of flame and molten rock erupted from the pillar. The force of the shockwave buffeted Daybreakers wings, stalling her in the air.

Chunks of rapidly cooling rock fountained from the explosion and fell down to hit the earth and reveal their molten insides. As the smoke cleared, only a crater remained of the ancient stone pillar, blasted deep into the earth. Smoke and vaporized material billowed from it.

Daybreaker laughed as the sight. So, this is what she could have done the entire time? The power to defend Equestria had always been hers, she had just been too weak to take it. What could possibly stand in the way of her power? Nothing in this world could stand in her way.

Why could she not find herself to care then?

She flew away from the crater. The amulet was clutched tightly against her body. It was time to end this, so why was she hesitating?

Nothing made much sense anymore. Daybreaker didn't know where she was going, what she was supposed to do. So, she flew.

She felt hollow as her wings took her away.

A memory came to mind. It was her and Luna. It was a normal day before the banishment. A simple time where they shared a dinner together. They laughed over old stories, shared cake, and talked about how to nourish their kingdom. Those times had passed.

The landscape was barren. It was dry and desolate here. The sun had turned whatever chance there was for life here to sand and dust. The pillars of rock sprouting all over the badlands stood as solemn guardians to this wasteland. She felt as if they were judging her as she flew by them.

For a time, she flew in silence. The landscape never seemed to change. For all its hostility and bareness, the place had an odd beauty to it. Like Luna's night, it was beautiful in a serene kind of way. It made one feel alone, secluded from their troubles.

The tension slowly left her body as she flew. In this lonely place, her mind drifted from her worries. She focused on the wild, lonely, fierce, yet beautiful atmosphere. Now that she was looking closely, she saw small signs of life. Little shrubs crawled their way out of the cracked earth with a resilience. They grew in clusters, grouping together for shade from the heat. Within these clusters she could see jackrabbits huddling together, together they forged a life beneath the shade.

Daybreaker sighed in a way that sounded more like a snarl.

Luna was probably collecting the elements of harmony right now. They were sitting in the vault, Daybreaker didn't know why she didn't take them with her. The elements would destroy her. They had never liked her after all, they stopped responding to her ages ago.

It was funny how everything worked in cycles. She had banished Luna, and now she would probably be banished as well. She had locked Gaiya away, and now she was going to be locked away as well. Even if she beat Gaiya the elements would be used upon her after. Maybe she deserved it. The sun wasn't that bad from what she had seen. Maybe it was time to take a walk in her sister's silver shoes.

That couldn't be allowed to happen though. She needed to bear the burdens of Equestria, or else who would? For Luna and her ponies, she would bear any burden no matter how big. If Luna came with the elements to seal her away, she would fight. She would defeat Gaiya, and she would do it alone.

Daybreaker saw something different in the landscape. A river flowing through the desolate landscape. Foliage grew along its sides and to her surprise she saw a small collection of tents alongside its banks. There were about ten tents situated in a circle. In the center of the tents was a burnt-out bonfire. She could see ponies wrapped in worn cloth walking between the tents and talking to each other.

She wasn't even aware that ponies lived out here. As a princess of ponies, it was a surprising sight to say the least.

Well, she wouldn't bother them. No point in scaring the ponies to death no matter how fun it sounded. She would just stop for a drink at the river's edge, they seemed like they had hard enough lives.

Daybreaker flew down to the river's edge. With a thud she landed. The water at the edge started to steam and the foliage around her withered. Where she stepped the sand turned to glass. her flaming mane whipped in its wind, scattering embers in every direction. The sight of the dying plants made her wince. Even her arrival was an ill omen.

She willed the heat coming off her body to reduce. Smoke rose from her body with a hiss. When her blazing heat had reduced enough to not burn, she was surrounded by a circle of plant ashes. Daybreaker approached the water and put her hooves in. The water hissed as they entered. She leaned down to drink.

In the water she saw herself, an incarnate of the wrath of the sun. She stared at the image, unsure of what to think. Then, she heard a voice.

"Hello?" It was a voice that was old and weathered. "Are you a vengeful sun goddess or have I gone blind?"

Daybreaker looked over at the speaker. Standing no more than a trot away was an old earth pony stallion. Immediately she straightened her posture and allowed her fiery mane to blow.

His coat was the color of dust, and his tired brown eyes were full of awe. Around his body a white cloth was wrapped tightly which obscured most of his face and body. As they stared at each other a dry wind blew sending streams of sand between them.

"I'm not a goddess." Daybreaker looked back into the water, her reflection met her eyes.

"Then what are you?" The stallion's words chipped at her core.

"I don't know." Daybreaker said.

The two were silent for a moment. They listened to the wind blow and the ripple of water washing against the shore.

"Do you want to come back to my camp? We could use your flames for lighting the fire tonight." The stallion said.

Daybreaker didn't say anything and continued staring into the water.

"Come with me. I'll show you the camp." The stallion started walking away leaving no hoofprints in the sand.

Daybreaker watched him leave. She had a spell matrix to perfect. There was no reason to follow him at a time like this. Gaiya was growing closer each minute. Yet, when she thought of working on the spell matrix, she couldn't bring herself to do it. She just felt empty. At least checking out the camp was better than sitting around with these hollow feelings inside. If nothing else, she could use the camp as a place to sleep as she worked on how to repair the old spell matrix.

Hesitantly, Daybreaker followed after the old stallion.

Chapter Seventeen - Nomad

The old stallion guided her to the tents.

"My name is Sandy Kicker in case you were wondering." The old stallion said. "What's yours?"

"Daybreaker."

"Pleasant name." Sandy glanced over at her fiery mane. "Fitting too."

"Why are you taking me to your camp?" Daybreaker asked. "Are you not afraid that I'll turn you to dust?"

"Not particularly." Sandy kicked some sand out of the way.

"Then you are a fool." Daybreaker hissed.

"When you get to be my age you stop caring if ponies see you as a fool." Sandy said. "Look now, here we are."

Daybreaker was hesitant as she saw the other ponies turn to look at her. Once again, she was the center of attention. She stood taller, her mane and tail straightening out. The ponies, all dressed in cloth, looked up at her with wide eyes. A foal took one look at her and shrieked before running behind her mother.

"She won't hurt nopony. I know she looks like some kind of vengeful sun goddess come to burn us all to withered husks, but she seems nice enough." The old stallion said.

The ponies said nothing as they stared at her with wide eyes. The ponies seemed to be move strangely amidst the sand, as if gliding over it rather than touching it. They must be experienced with life in the desert.

"Come on then, Daybreaker. These ponies won't hurt ya." Sandy said. "I've got something that might take your mind off of whatever troubles yer dealing with."

"Troubles? I have no troubles." Daybreaker said. "I tend to leave such trifling things behind."

"Rubbish. I know troubles like yours when I see them. Now shut yer trap and come along." Sandy said.

Daybreaker had half the mind to burn the stallion to ash. But she didn't. Instead, she followed him towards a large tent. On the way they passed the bonfire. It was a strange bonfire. It looked burnt out and old with charred logs stacked in a log-cabin formation. It was much too organized and blocky for a normal bonfire. In the old ashes beneath she saw shards of something white as porcelain.

She walked past it and followed Sandy into the large white tent. The tent was a tattered thing of cloth strung up on old wood. Scattered around the tent were lockets and trinkets half-buried in the sand. There was no soft bedding to sleep on or anywhere to store belongings. It was bare as bare could be.

"You can stay here." Sandy said. "This is the main tent, but you can use it."

"Nopony else is using it?" Daybreaker asked. Now that she was looking at it, that wasn't a question she really needed to ask.

"Not at the moment." Sandy pointed to one of the half-buried trinkets. "They left some time ago."

"I see." Daybreaker said. "I will remember your hospitality."

"Don't mention it. Now that you know where you're going to stay, I have something to show you." Sandy said.

"Well, what is it?" Daybreaker huffed.

"Follow me." Sandy said.

"Again?" Daybreaker snorted.

"Just do it." Sandy walked out of the tent again.

Feeling as if she was chasing after a wayward wind, Daybreaker rolled her eyes and followed him again. Maybe she would burn him, just a little bit off the back hooves...

Sandy walked out into the middle of the camp and Daybreaker followed. As the eyes of the camp's ponies went onto her once again, she straightened her posture and poise. She gave them a wicked smile that caused them to step back. The sight of them moving away from her in fear reminded her of her last encounter with Luna.

"That's what I wanted to show you." Sandy gestured to her.

"Me?" Daybreaker looked down at her body. "What? My posture is perfect."

"Exactly. You're scaring the ponies." Sandy gestured around him. "You need to loosen up."

"What is the point of this? I am a princess, my posture-"

"You told me you don't know what you are." Sandy said. "How are you ever supposed to know if you hold up invisible walls to every pony you meet?"

"This is ridiculous." Daybreaker snarled.

"Give it a shot." Sandy said. "They won't judge, I promise. They are well past that point."

Daybreaker turned to look at the ponies who watched her. She could feel their eyes burning into her. They were her ponies; they could never see her weakness. They would never see.

"As I said before, your hospitality is appreciated but I won't entertain this ridiculousness any longer." Daybreaker turned back to the tent. "I will be in my tent."

"If you say so." Sandy shrugged. "Nopony has to listen to an old stallions' words."

Daybreaker shut the tent flap behind her. That pony acted like he knew her, what a joke. She was immortal, she had been alive since the dawn of time. What could a mortal teach her that she didn't know already? She had better things to do than listen to an old pony's ramblings.

She set down the amulet on the sand in front of her. With a blast of magic, she turned the sand to glass to create a flat surface. Then she weaved her magic until the molten glass was turned into a flat plane. She set the amulet on top of it. The small hair-line cracks had grown just a bit further.

Without hesitation, Daybreaker cut her leg with the sharp edge of her horn and splattered blood onto the glass. Then, she began to weave a small spell matrix around the amulet. She forged one idea into the matrix, Containment. The matrix burned into place with a surge of her magic. That would hopefully slow Gaiya down.

"Cute spell." Gaiya said.

"It is nothing more than a temporary measure." Daybreaker snorted. "Now, begone with you again."

She forced him out of her mind before he could respond. It didn't work forever, she had learned that long ago, but it gave her another moment of peace. The spell matrix needed work. It couldn't wait any longer.

The original matrix was easy for her to remember now that her memory had been restored. While not all of it was, this was one of her prime memories. Daybreaker drew the spell matrix in her mind. She analyzed it as much as she could. Every line and angle she looked at, thought about, pondered on. How could she improve its design to make sure this never happened again? A design to make sure that Gaiya stayed buried forever in lost memory. The last matrix had clearly been flawed; this one needed to be perfect.

Yet, even as she mulled over for hours, nothing came to mind. It was simply impossible to improve. There was nothing that she could see that would make it better. The only thing that she knew she could do was repair the spell matrix already there. She would have to go into the amulet and repair it.

It was hard to improve something only she had looked at. If only she could get Twilight to help her with it again. How could she face her student like this though? She wasn't the princess she was before. No, she wouldn't get Twilight involved in this again. Her student deserved her happy little town in Ponyville. Besides, Daybreaker was sure that she would see Twilight soon enough. Only Twilight would be holding the elements of harmony, and they would be aimed at her.

Daybreaker laid down with a grunt. The sand here was hardly comfortable. She felt something stabbing into her side. Daybreaker huffed in annoyance and shuffled over. Where she had been laying there was something half buried in the sand. It was an old, tarnished gold locket. It was oval in shape and had a worn chain hanging off of it. She gently picked it up in her magic and placed it in her hoof. Curious as to who had left this tent behind, Daybreaker opened the lid of the locket.

Inside of the locket was a small photo. It lay behind the teeth of cracked glass.

The photo was of two ponies. One was a dust coated stallion, it was Sandy, except he didn't have the cloth wrapped around him. The other was a brown coated mare with a bright smile and a dark red mane. They stood together, the mare hugging Sandy to her side. Only, Sandy had a hard look on his face as he looked into the camera. He stood rigidly and proudly; his head held high.

Daybreaker set the locket back on the sand. Why would Sandy have a locket in a tent that wasn't his own?

She sighed and laid her head on the sand. It wasn't something that she should ask about.

The events of the day weighed on her. She was tired, it seems that even the overwhelming power of the sun still needed sleep. A spike of excitement shot through her at the thought of sleep. She could finally try sleeping in for once! With that in mind she settled down into the sand and closed her eyes.

As time passed, she felt a tug in the sky. Something was trying to move her sun from the sky. That something had to be Luna. Daybreaker smirked and held her sun firm in the sky as the moon rose. Maybe she would pull a little trick on her dear sister, show her how fun it was to deal with the panicking populace. Daybreaker had always dealt with that before.

She stuck her head out of a hole in the tent to look at the sight.

Both the sun and moon were high in the sky. The two sisters, moon and sun, both in the sky at the same time. It was a sight that was strange to Daybreaker because she had kept the cycle perfectly for thousands of years. The stars could be faintly seen behind the blinding daylight.

Daybreaker snickered as she moved her sun behind the moon. A celestial event that few ponies had ever seen occurred then, an eclipse. The world went dark. The moon was ringed with a blinding ethereal light. She locked her sun into place. Somehow, it didn't make feel any better. It just made her hate more. What she hated she didn't know anymore, she just hated.

"Having fun?" Sandy said from behind her.

"With what, this eclipse?" Daybreaker turned to look at him. "Only Princess Celestia can control the sun you know."

Sandy gave her an unimpressed look.

"The celebration is starting." Sandy said. "It can only take place at night."

"Celebration?" Daybreaker asked. The mood had not exactly been festive when she arrived. In fact, nopony besides Sandy had even said a word to her or the ponies around them.

"Yes. Celebration. Your invited." Sandy said with a straight face.

"What for?" Daybreaker glanced behind him. The ponies in the camp seemed unbothered by the eclipse. "This isn't exactly a party mood and yet everyone seems so unbothered. Is my event that dull?"

"The dead." Sandy said. "Tonight is a celebration for the dead."

"The dead." Daybreaker said. She thought constantly of the dead as an immortal. Of all the friends she had lost. Of the times that had gone spinning by. Lost forever to the sands. "Why would you celebrate what is already lost?"

"To move on and be made whole once more." Sandy turned to walk out of the tent. "I need you to light the fire for the celebration. I can't do it alone."

Daybreaker looked up to her eclipse. Suddenly, it didn't seem so great anymore. With a magical tug she pulled her sun from the sky. Immediately the stars brightened, and the full splendor of the moon could be seen once more. A thought came to mind then, Luna's night was much more beautiful than the eclipse. Daybreaker resisted the urge to shout from the sudden seizing in her throat. She stomped out of the tent.

So much for sleeping in.

Chapter Eighteen - Last Gasp

It didn't seem like much of a celebration if you asked Daybreaker.

The wrapped mummy-like ponies sat in a circle around the central unlit bonfire. The night ruled now, overhead the moon seemed larger than ever. The stars overhead felt like eyes pricking into Daybreaker's coat. She could imagine Luna looking down through them at her. She wondered if Luna would visit her dreams if she slept? How did she forget about that?

Their eyes followed her as she walked. In the night Daybreaker stood out like a flare. The flames of her body produced a light that made it hard to see the stars but illuminated the area around her.

"You need me to light the bonfire?" Daybreaker asked. "Let's get this over with then."

"Not yet." Sandy said. "Sit first, join the circle."

Not really understanding what the point of all this was but not wanting to disrespect the dead, Daybreaker strode towards the circle. The dead may be gone but there was no need to step on their graves.

Ponies moved out of the way as she approached. When Daybreaker sat in the sand the circle of ponies shifted into more of a half circle. She felt like she was at the head of a crowd and addressing her subjects. With her wings folded and golden armor shining in the firelight she looked like a conqueror of old.

"Now, before we can light the fire and begin the celebration, we must complete the circle." Sandy sat on the opposite side across from Daybreaker. "Spread out a bit ponies, this isn't a circle."

The ponies didn't budge as they watched Daybreaker.

"Try loosening up a bit, would you?" Sandy walked over to her. "You look like your about to issue an execution order."

"This again? I already came out to this celebration, isn't that enough?" Daybreaker sighed. The urge to just leave was growing with every passing second. There were better things to do with her time.

"Loosen those shoulders, nopony is going to judge you." Sandy said. "Make yourself at home. You look like you have a stick up your rump."

"I should turn you to ash for that." Daybreaker snarled.

"Don't you want to get this over with?"

"Fine." Daybreaker said.

She tried to relax a little. Yet, every time she tried to; she could only see the ponies staring at her. It was impossible to relax in these conditions. How could she relax when other ponies were looking at her? No, she wasn't going to relax. Nopony could see her weakness, no pony could-

"Are you a fire spirit?" A small but chipper voice came from her hooves. "Mommy told me about you, you must be here to release the dead!"

Daybreaker glanced down to see a filly next to her hooves. It was a tan coated filly she had seen before. He looked skinny but full of wiry muscles. While his coat and green mane were dull and full of sand, his blue eyes sparkled like Luna's stars. The sight caused her to pull back her hooves, she didn't want to accidentally burn him.

"I'm just here to light the fire, nothing more." Daybreaker looked down at him with a grin. "What about you?"

"I think your cool, your massive too!" The filly poked her in the side. "Nopony new comes around anymore."

Daybreaker tensed up as the hoof poked her. Where were this filly's parents? Oh right, frozen in place on the other side of the fire.

"I'm on fire." Daybreaker scoffed. "I don't think that counts as ...cool...as you say."

"Don't care, doesn't matter, your cool and that's final." The filly jumped between her hooves. "Your warm, it makes me feel comftorable... your here to release us, aren't you?"

"Release you?" Daybreaker said.

"Release me from this boredom!" The filly smacked her leg then wrapped himself around it.

For a moment everypony froze. Daybreaker glared down at the little filly. She met his sparkling blue eyes and sighed. The little pony was too precious. She saw all her ponies were her filly's, but that didn't make the little ones any less cute. She relaxed her shoulders and smiled; a sight full of sharp teeth that the filly didn't seem to care about.

"Yes. That is what I'm here for." Daybreaker her leg up, causing the filly to dangle from it. There was no weight to him, the filly clearly needed some more food. "Your princess of the sun has come to release you!"

"Finally!" The filly shouted. "I was getting sick of waiting!"

The ponies at the other side of the fire stood up. Their tired gazes warmed a little. A few shuffled closer until the circle was complete. Daybreaker still wondered why they didn't say anything.

"That wasn't so hard, was it?" Sandy chuckled. "Now we can actually start the celebrations!"

"What exactly does this celebration entail?" Daybreaker glanced to her sides where ponies now sat close to her. She forced herself not to tense up again. They weren't even looking at her anymore, they were looking at the fire. For once, she wasn't the center of attention.

"We don't have much, but we have each other." Sandy said. "Once the fire it lit, we will dance and play games until sunrise. This day is for the dead, they will be with us tonight, and we must show them a good time!"

"When do we begin?" Daybreaker asked. To get these celebrations over with faster of course.

"On your mark Daybreaker. When you light the flame, the celebration starts." Sandy said.

Daybreaker stood and walked towards the ashen cold bonfire. It looked old, ancient even, but it would burn. With her magic, Daybreaker directed her flaming mane towards the bonfire. It waved ethereally through the kindling. Then, the match was struck, and the long dead embers began to ignite once more. Flame caught to the charred wood, and it began to burn. In the dark night, the light of her fire spread.

"The fire is lit." Daybreaker turned to the ponies. They all stared at her in a way that made her want to say something. It reminded her of the looks her ponies gave her when she was orchestrating a celebration. They wanted a cue to begin, a signal. "Let the celebrations begin!"

Immediately cheering filled the night. Ponies grabbed each other and started to dance. They seemed ethereal in the moonlight, like dancing shadows. They danced with passion, it was not the fake elegant twirls of a ballroom, it was filled with meaning as if it was their last night on the world.

"Come on. Let's forget the dancing and play!" The little filly grabbed her leg again. "This night won't last forever!"

Daybreaker huffed as the filly tried to pull her along. This once, she let him. His little friends came out of the crowd until she was surrounded by a two more of them. One of them shyly approached her.

"Sorry I ran away." A little filly with a white bow on her head approached. "Do you want to play with me?"

"Very well. If you wish to play tag then I have one question to ask," Daybreaker stood tall, her flames billowing behind her as a wicked smile crept across her face. "Can you outrun the sun?"

They shrieked and started running, and she gave chase. She made sure to give them plenty of time to get away. Daybreaker held herself back from catching them, she played out the chase with a smile on her face and she listened to their giggles and shrieks of joy and playful fear alike.

A distant memory came to her then as she chased them. She saw herself chasing a little Luna. Back before they were alicorns, back before the darkness came, a millennia ago. They laughed in the chaotic world they lived in, a place where the sun and moon had no one to control them. The world spun on endlessly in an unpredictable cycle. A time of hardship.

Then she saw a little Gaiya. He stood proudly as he blocked Luna's fleeing. Together they caught her and went down in a laughing, screaming pile of limitless energy. That night they watched the stars and moon together, they took in the feeling of the earth beneath them and relished in their existence. They existed in a strange, cruel, and dangerous world. Yet, it was bearable. It was bearable because they existed together in that strange world, and together they could face any darkness that came their way.

As Daybreaker chased her littlest of ponies, she could barely see them anymore through the tears building in her eyes. Where had the time gone? What happened to them? What happened to those three little fillies who were there together and forevermore?

Those times were never coming back.

Daybreaker stopped in her tracks. She held back the choking sobs that threatened to force their way out of her throat. There could be no princess who showed cracks, as surely as the wind blew the next morning, she would stand forever. No matter what came her way she would endure it. Alone she stood, protector of Equestria. There could be no consolation for the sun because the sun didn't need it. She couldn't need it.

"Hey, what's wrong?" The filly ran up to her. "Are you tired of playing tag?"

"Nothing is wrong." Daybreaker said. "I'm just... tired of playing."

"Aww, your done so soon?" The filly whined. "But we don't have much time!"

"The night is long." Daybreaker gave him a sad smile.

"Don't pester her." Sandy's voice came from behind her. "You can't force somepony to play if they don't want to. It ruins the fun."

"Alright. I'll see you around then Daybreaker!" The filly gave her a salute. "Maybe I'll see you later sometime!"

The filly ran away chasing his friends around the fire. They disappeared into the throng of dancing ponies. Daybreaker was left alone with Sandy. He sat next to her. Together they watched the festivities play out in the camp. They looked so happy, playing and dancing with each other.

"You seem sad." Sandy said.

"I am not sad." Daybreaker said with a spiteful tone.

They watched the ponies dance. For some reason there seemed to be fewer of them. Some of them must have gone to bed. Even though Daybreaker sat only at edge of the light from the fire, they seemed so far away. Maybe it was the moon behind the flames. It reminded her of something distant, something fated to be.

"Do you want to hear an old stallion's story?" Sandy stared into the flames.

"Why would I want to hear your story?" Daybreaker kicked some sand near her.

"Because it might help you. You helped us, so it's only fair that I help you." Sandy said.

"All I did was burn something, it's hardly difficult for me."

"It means more than you know to me." Sandy glanced over at her. "Hear my story, if only so I can repay you."

Daybreaker sighed. She just wanted to be alone again, flying over the endless sands until she could forget it all again. Why did she have to stop here?

"Okay, I'll hear your story." Daybreaker said.

"Good. I wasn't going to take no for an answer." Sandy said. "Now, where to start..."

Daybreaker nearly got up and walked away after that remark, but she didn't. She was curious as to how these ponies had come to live in the badlands. It wasn't a hospitable place to say the least.

"We have lived in the badlands for generations; I was no different." Sandy said. "However, there lived a clan of diamond dogs nearby. They demanded gems as tribute."

"Gems?" Daybreaker asked.

"Aye, gems. We lived in this here camp, and our gems were running low. I had heard tell-tale of gems deep into the badlands. Mountains of it, so many gems that nopony could ever dream of bringing it all back. So, I decided to set out."

"A noble goal."

"Thats what I thought too. Yet, when I told my wife I was leaving, she begged me to come with. My entire family did." Sandy looked down at his hooves.

"You didn't bring her with you then." Daybreaker said. "Everyone is still her after all."

"No. I didn't." Sandy met her eyes. "I left them here and set off on my own. I told them that I would handle everything. I packed everything I had and set off for the badlands. I thought I could support my family alone."

Daybreaker looked back to the camp. About half the ponies that once danced were still there.

"I found myself in the middle of the badlands, alone, drying out like a dead fish." Sandy said. "The only thing keeping me going was my drive to support my family."

"So, you took their burdens upon yourself." Daybreaker said. "Is it not a powerful feeling to do so?"

"It was. I felt like nothing could stop me. Nothing could stop me from finding those gems. I walked for days, I walked until my legs felt like dust and my coat was stripped from the sand. I walked until I found it buried in the mountains. Chunks of gems, enough to feed my family forever." Sandy sighed. "Unfortunately, there was no way to bring it back. I was alone, and the gems were too much to carry. I picked up what I could and started making my way back."

"Surely even one cluster of gems would have been enough to pay the tribute?" Daybreaker asked.

"It would have been. But when I returned..." Sandy's voice shook.

Daybreaker froze.

"The Diamond Dogs had come while I was away looking for the gems. There was nopony left." Sandy's face was hard as stone.

Daybreaker looked towards the dancing ponies. Only a few remained.

"I thought I could bear all of their burdens, that I could do everything on my own. Yet, when they needed me most, I wasn't there. I was too wrapped up in being the figure everyone could rely on to realize that if only we worked together, things would have been okay." Sandy's form seemed to shimmer in the moonlight. "I tell you this because I see myself in you."

"How could that story be true?" Daybreaker scoffed and gestured towards the tents. "Your family is dancing right over there."

"Are they?" Sandy asked.

Daybreaker turned to look at the tents. The bonfire burned but there was nopony around it. There were no tracks in the sand or cries of joy. The tattered tents blew in a cold desert wind like hollow vessels. Where had everypony gone? Slowly, her gaze turned back towards Sandy.

Instead of the old stallion she knew, something else stood. A withered, dried out corpse of a pony. His skin was pulled taught over his dried flesh and where there were once brown eyes, only hollow pits remained. His bones could be seen, blasted by sand to a smooth porcelain like texture. The cloth wrapped around him blew in an ice-cold wind like the drapes of a fallen battle standard.

Daybreaker leapt to her feet and took a step back. A shard of ice went down her spine at the sight.

"I stacked them on a pyre to send them off. I was never able to light it." Sandy's voice almost seemed to echo, as if he was speaking from away but close all the same. "I could never leave this place while bound by my guilt, they stayed here with me until I could. Thank you for lighting the fire, now that they have been sent off properly, I feel as if I can finally move on."

"Your... dead?" Daybreaker eyed the specter. The mere sight of him made her feel cold, as if she was stepping on somepony's grave.

"We all died long ago. I stayed here, bound by regret. My family stayed with me, not able to move on until I did." Sandy appeared to almost blow in the wind, his form flickered and faded. "I never forgave myself for my failures. If only... if only things could have been different. If only I hadn't been so foolish. Then maybe we could have got out of this mess together."

"How is this possible?" Daybreaker said. "When a pony dies that is it, they are gone forever."

"The past never dies. Sometimes, no matter what you do, it won't stay buried." Sandy said. "It has taken me centuries, but I think I am finally ready to forgive myself."

"Failure never leaves you." Daybreaker snarled. "Just look at yourself."

Sandy regarded her with his empty eye sockets. It was unnerving, no, it was haunting.

"I will give you one warning before I leave Daybreaker, no... Princess Celestia." Sandy stepped forward until his dried skeletal face was right in front of hers. "Continue down this path...and you will share my shoes."

The wind blew once more, and the form of Sandy faded into streams of sand. In his place, only bones and a single polished skull remained.

Moonlight gleamed off the edge of the eye sockets as if sealed within.

Then there was a sound like shattering glass which came from her tent and Daybreaker went running.

Chapter Nineteen - Enroach

The amulet was shattered. The hairline cracks in its central gem had grown. Now it was a kaleidoscope of fractured crystal that reflected the light of the moon. The magic still held, but Daybreaker knew it wouldn't hold much longer. Two to three days at best. She still didn't have a new spell matrix to apply either. She needed to find something faster.

"Time grows short, my sun. I think I'll chain you in an amulet for a few years, just so I can wear you around my neck." Gaiya laughed bitterly. "Then you can never forget about me again."

"It doesn't matter what you think you can do; you will burn all the same." Daybreaker grabbed the amulet and left the circle of tents. There was no point in staying here anymore. The spirits of the dead had moved on, it was time for her too as well.

"Don't you worry your pretty little head about Luna either. I'll make everything okay again. What was broken will be mended, what is shattered will be made whole. What YOU shattered will be made whole." Gaiya said.

"This is as much your fault as it is mine. Don't bring Luna into this." Daybreaker took to the sky and gave only a glance back at the tents. She still wasn't sure to make of what she had seen.

"You fell to the darkness first. It was you who became Daybreaker first. Now look at you, simply remembering what you did turned you back into her." Gaiya said. "You are broken, and you will never allow yourself to be made whole. Somepony will have to do it for you, and that pony is me."

"I am no more broken than you are. I could play this game forever." Daybreaker snarled.

"Then enter the amulet, finish this!" Gaiya yelled. "Do you have to wait for everything you locked to come breaking free? Can you never face what you did?!"

"Silence. I still have time, and your mocking will not sway me." Daybreaker's voice boomed over the empty landscape. "I am powerful, unstoppable. Nothing could stand in my way when I am in this form."

"Using the old Canterlot voice, eh? Thats charming, it's hilarious in fact. Reminds me of Luna when she stabbed you in the back as you did me." Gaiya said. "A trio of backstabbers, fighting on until the end of time. Don't you worry darling, I'll stop it all, and I'll stop if for you and Luna."

"You will be forgotten." Daybreaker said. "I will forget you again."

"Give it your best shot darling, I'm waiting right here."

Daybreaker felt the connection fade. Once again, she was alone. Alone, drifting in wind.

She could imagine Sandy standing in the camp alone. She could imagine him coming back from his trip, packs laden with gems only to come back to an empty camp. There had been no point to his struggles.

She felt tired. Exhausted. The princess of the sun was not meant to be up at night. Daybreaker landed on one of the stone pillars with a thump and tried to curl up on it. The spell matrix could be worked on tomorrow. There was no use in trying to make it with a muddled mind. She couldn't get her thoughts off of Sandy either, his skeletal face kept showing up in her mind.

It was nowhere as comfortable as her soft bed at the castle. It dug into her sides as she laid down. She laid there and looked at the moon while the cracking amulet laid next to her. If she slept, she had no doubt that Luna was going to enter her dreams. Ever since Luna had got the power, she used in nearly every night to fight off Daybreaker's nightmares. Now, that tool would be used for something else.

Daybreaker thought of what to say but nothing came to mind. So, she simply laid her head down on the stone and closed her eyes.

It took forever to sleep, but when she did, Daybreaker found herself somewhere else.

Around her was a wasteland.

It seemed to stretch on forever. Black ash coated the ground and with each step Daybreaker found her hooves stained black with it. There was nothing for miles other than dunes of ash. In the sky was the sun and moon, eclipsed in an eternal war. It was black as pitch with the only light coming from the faraway red skies and her own flaming mane.

As the wind blew it revealed the polished bones of ponies. Their eyeless sockets stared at her. Even in death they watched, eyeing her movements, waiting for a crack in her armor to exploit. Daybreaker wandered amongst the ash, passing by the bones of those she had failed to protect, that she had burned herself. This land would never heal.

"Tia." A familiar voice came from behind her.

Daybreaker turned, her hooves shifting in the ash.

Before her stood Luna. She was out of place here, perfectly whole amongst the shattered landscape. Nopony belonged in this place besides herself.

"Luna." Daybreaker felt hollow. "What are you doing here?"

"We waited for thee to sleep sister, so we could talk to thee." Luna's ethereal starlit mane blew in the wind.

"I don't want to talk." Daybreaker looked over the empty landscape. "Leave me be."

Her own form was fractured in this dream. The golden armor was tarnished and dull, a crack ran up the length of her horn, her flaming mane had turned red, the color of a dying star. Black sludge dripped from a painless wound in her chest, viscous and virulent with an inner darkness.

"We remember." Luna said. "We remember everything."

"So, you know what I did then." Daybreaker's wings drooped.

"We do."

"Then you know why it must burn." Daybreaker stared into the ash.

"Sister. We wish to help you, even if you wish to bury this forever, we wish to help you." Luna stepped towards her. "Look at thy surroundings sister. Is this what you want? To burn? To turn the world to ash?"

"I have to find a way to make this all okay. I have to fix this." Daybreaker shook her head, a single molten tear dripping from her burning eyes. "This future will never come to pass. I won't let it."

"Please sister, we need thee to realize. Open thy eyes, we need each other. We need each other in this world. This is not a place you can live alone." Luna gently wiped the tear from her eye. "Open yourself to us, and we can work together on this. Whatever comes our way, we can face it together."

Daybreaker closed her eyes. There were a million things she wanted to say but she had no way to say it. The words wouldn't come to her.

"I don't care anymore. The chance for that passed." Daybreaker said. "I chose my path, and that path is alone."

"It doesn't have to be." Luna said. "When we fell to darkness we felt the same way. We just never realized that you felt the same all along. You were always the figure we looked up to sister. You were always so impossibly bright that it never occurred to us such a thing could happen. That beneath the light you shed you were alone."

"I am NOT you." Daybreaker pushed her sister's hoof off her shoulder. "I am not alone..."

"We are sorry sister; you are your own pony with her own problems. We just want to be here for you. Do you know how hard it is for us to see you like this?" Luna said. "This was always our greatest fear, and to see it realized... we cannot let that happen."

"So, you're afraid of me." Daybreaker said.

"We will not deny it." Luna said. "Yet, we know that we can move past it. Who else in this world can understand a pony like her sister? Only you Tia. Without you... we would be alone. Nightmare Moon is a good friend, but we could never forgive ourselves if we lost you. All we have is each other in eternity."

"Eternity..." Daybreaker whispered. Old thoughts, new thoughts, freshly opened scars of memories came to her. The lives of ponies she had seen that passed on without her. When did she begin to shelter herself behind a mask of sunlight? "Will eternity ever end? Where does our road go? When does the cycle end?"

"We don't know." Luna buried her face into Daybreaker's side, staining it wet with unshed tears. Her voice choked. "But we can face it together."

Daybreaker felt the flames in her mane flicker. She could feel the hate within her, the urge to lash out at Luna. To show her everything that she had locked away for more than a millennium. To hate her for not noticing. Yet, she could only hate herself. She had done the same thing. She had not noticed the rise of Nightmare Moon, so caught up in her own problems as she was. She had not been there for Luna when she needed it most. What did they make them then, if they had both failed in their duty as sisters? Who was wrong, and who was right?

"I love you Luna, more than anything in the world, but I can never forgive myself." Daybreaker gently pushed her away. The grief-stricken shocked eyes of Luna met her own. "This is my burden; I will not allow you to suffer because of it."

"No." Luna shook her head. "No. We will not let this happen to you sister."

"I won't let you get hurt Luna." Daybreaker said. "I will make sure that nopony will suffer for my mistakes. I will fix all of this."

Luna took a step back. Her eyes, beacons of moonlight and herald to dreams and stars, glistened. Then, they hardened, hardened to sharp points like the spear Daybreaker had left behind. It was a look that Daybreaker had only seen once before. The day she turned into Nightmare Moon. The day that she decided to do something, and that nothing would stop her.

"Tia...If thou will not open your eyes." Luna's voice grew low and dark, foreign to Daybreaker's ears. "Then we will make thee."

"I don't have time for this Luna." Daybreaker growled. "I have to repair the ritual matrix when I awake."

"Fear, Daybreaker, fear the pale-mooned night. We will show thee the warmth of light and love once more." Luna said. "And when we are done, Daybreaker will never be again."

The ash blew past them in streams of black, shrouding the eclipsed moon and sun.

"Sweet dreams are overrated. So be it."

Chapter Twenty - Eclipse

It was a good day to burn.

All the things that could have been swum through Daybreaker's mind. Possible futures, plans, understandings. None of them mattered now, all that mattered was burying this forever. Every single one of her failures, she would bury them all forever. She would protect Equestria and all its inhabitants. She was powerful, strong, and she would carry all the hardship in this world.

The withered image of Sandy flashed in her mind. Maybe when this was all over, she would be just another spirit in the room... a mare in the sun, banished by her own sister. Soon, she would be withers. Fate must be laughing.

Daybreaker carved away with her magic on the top of one of the stone pillars in the badlands. A sharp superheated beam of energy carved the basis of a ritual matrix into the stone. She had to see the matrix in its entirety to try and understand how to make it better. It would be unpowered by the blood, but it would help her visualize, to understand.

No matter how she looked at it, no matter how she carved, she couldn't figure it out. The intricate lines of the spell matrix didn't look like they could be improved. Nothing she could do would make it better.

The amulet was holding for now, but it would only take around two more days for it to break. She could feel the seething of dark magic within.

She sighed and looked out over the badlands. Maybe a moment of thought would help her recalibrate. The sun was out today, she had raised it whenever she woke up. Its invigorating rays filled her with strength. It was the source of her power, when it was out, she felt stronger and could think more clearly.

Then she saw something on the horizon. Two small black dots were coming towards her. The dot flew closer and closer. As she watched she could see wings appear out of the dot, and then a starry mane. The other black dot was similar but was covered in armor, and much, much darker.

Luna and Nightmare Moon were approaching.

When they got closer, their determined eyes locked onto her. At the sight of her Nightmare Moon turned into a cloud of black smoke. It seeped onto Luna and sunk into her. They were both obscured by a cloud of impenetrable darkness. Then, bursting out of the dark cloud with an echoing whiny, the massive form of Nightmare Moon emerged with trails of black smoke following her wake. Unlike her little sister Luna and her friend, this Nightmare Moon was as big as Daybreaker.

Her starlit mane darkened to a void of tiny lights. It surged with power as she flew higher into the air. Bluish green ancient armor coated her like a second skin. On her sides were two black leather saddlebags.

"Daybreaker! Give us back our sister!" The Nightmare Moon's voice boomed over the empty landscape.

"Release my sister Nightmare Moon!" Daybreaker snarled.

"We are still Luna. We have told thee before, when we merge, we become more powerful. Together, we can cleanse you of your hate." Luna yelled. "Please! Open your eyes Tia, can't you see what you have become what you swore to stop?"

"Maybe this is how it was always meant to be. I can't turn back now." Daybreaker stomped, smashing a crater of cracks into the stone. "Go home Luna, go home Nightmare Moon, I will take care of this."

"Nay. This twisted future will not come to pass!" Luna opened her wings towards the sky. Backdropped black against the sun behind her, Luna appeared to wrap it in her wings. The moon rose from below the horizon and sealed itself over the sun. The world was cast into a display of darkened red skies. "See the truth sister; see how we were meant to be! We will open your eyes!"

Daybreaker felt her power reduce as the moon covered the sun. When they fought, when they truly fought, there was always an eclipse. Each celestial body was the source of their power, so it would only make sense to try and raise it. The appearance of an eclipse meant one thing. The two sisters were fighting.

Luna aimed her horn at Daybreaker. It surged with impressive power and glowed blue. A beam of cyan energy blasted towards her.

Daybreaker surged upward as the blast eradicated where she just was. She took one look at Luna, the determined and angry look in her eyes. She would protect her, even if she didn't want it. If she wanted a fight, then she would give her one. A little pain now to save her sister more later. It was a simple choice. She let the inner flame within erupt.

Her flaming mane extended like a solar flare, blasting backward with all the fury of the sun. The spell matrix in her armor channeled power through her and into her horn causing it to glow with a sinister yet wrathful dark red.

"Stand down dear sister!" Daybreaker laughed as power flowed through her. With every failure that came to mind, with everything she had to protect, with all her hate, it grew and grew until Daybreaker felt like she was going to explode. "Stand down or be burned!"

Luna said nothing, flying towards her with her horn extended. Another blast was unleashed.

Gravity pooled in her chest as Daybreaker dropped below the blast. She focused the energy on her horn, then released it. A searing beam blasted by Luna as she narrowly avoided it.

Then the princesses of sun and moon eclipsed in battle.

Beams of searing flame and chilling blue filled the false night. Daybreaker weaved between the blasts. She channeled magic through her horn, building it to ignite. A powerful beam of flame scorched across the landscape towards Luna, melting everything in its path.

A blue bubble wrapped itself around Luna, deflecting most of the flame as she flew out of its path. Her horn glowed brightly, and a storm of dark clouds formed above her. Lighting flashed as her eyes glowed pure white with untold power. With a scream and a crack of lighting Luna released a mighty beam of her own.

The met beams met in a clash of writhing energy. At first the beams were small, but as Daybeaker poured in more power Luna matched her every step of the way. It grew with every passing second until each beam was as large as a building. Sparks of power crackled around the beams, as wild as the thunderstorm above.

Each one held strong. Daybreaker poured in more power, channeling more hate and flame. Her eyes turned into pits of devouring fire. The balance swayed and Daybreaker's beam ate away at Luna's. It pushed it back, flame eating away at night.

Luna pulled out of the clash with a crack of thunder as her shield shattered with nightmarish force. Daybreaker felt the backlash, sending her beam careening off aim and into a nearby stone pillar. The pillar was sliced in half with an explosion of superheated ash and lava.

Daybreaker felt agony as Luna's beam cut deep into her chest. All the air was knocked out of her lungs as she was blasted out of the sky. Smoke surrounded her as she fell, the ground rising up to meet her. She glanced down at her white coat to see a deep cut. Fiery blood spilled from it, glowing with power.

"NO! I can handle it, I am UNSTOPPABLE!" Daybreaker opened her wings, swooping out of her fall and back towards Luna. Flame swirled within, begging to be released. "HERE AND NO FURTHER!"

Daybreaker released a barrage of scorching rays. Luna weaved between them with the grace of the night. Only, all nights come to an end. One of the beams cut across the back of Luna, scorching her armor black. She fell before straightening her wings out, no doubt fighting through the pain.

Luna's pain caused Daybreaker to pause for just a moment. Her flaming eyes flickered and she grit her teeth. She had to end this now, before any further pain was caused. Power gathered at the tip of her horn. It ballooned, fueled by a drive to protect, to leave behind what was lost, and to burn. The small bead of power grew and grew until a searing red sun rose above her.

"You can't handle this alone! Accept that Celestia! You told us yourself; we cannot rule alone!" Luna screamed.

"STOP IT, SILENCE!" Daybreaker gathered more energy into the red sun. "ALL THE BURDENS OF THIS WORLD BELONG TO ME!"

Then, she threw the red sun. It traveled forward, the heat radiating. Everything it touched was turned to glass and ash. It traveled towards Luna, whose eyes widened at the sight. A blue shield surrounded her that turned black as it pulsed with the enchanting power of the night. Then, she vanished under a tide of flame.

The red sun exploded with all the power of a dying star. A massive shockwave exploded outward, sending black ash in every direction.

Daybreaker watched the crater. At the bottom of it was Luna, lying on her side in a bowl of glass and scorched stone. Luna was an alicorn, durable and powerful and immortal, but she still hoped that she was okay. With her out of the way she could get back to her spell matrix.

Then Luna started to stand. Her legs were shaky, her armor charred black, but she still stood. The saddlebags she had brought were completely incinerated.

"You should have brought the elements Luna!" Daybreaker yelled.

"We will not banish you." Luna stomped.

"Then leave."

"Nay. We will stay, we will not give up on you."

"Then you will burn." Daybreaker snarled and started gathering her power for another blast.

"We hope thou have brought your best then." Luna sat down in the crater, her body shaking. "Fire away Tia."

"I will." Daybreaker rose another red sun, her body shook as she looked at Luna sitting there.

"Steady Tia. Take your best shot." Luna met her eyes, soft and sad.

"I have no choice!" Daybreaker yelled as the sun above her grew.

"Thou knows thyself." Luna closed her eyes.

Daybreaker held the red sun above her. It burned and boiled, and she felt the feeling resonate in her chest. She looked down at Luna, sitting there with her eyes closed. Her heart stung, but this had to be done.

The phantom whisper of Sandy's face came to mind. Its skeletal eyes boring into her. She remembered a landscape of ash for miles around, the bones of ponies looking into her soul. She remembered Twilight's words in the throne room. Her gaze dropped back down to Luna. The flames flickered weakly in her mane at the sight.

It just had to be this way.

Daybreaker threw the red sun with a raw scream filled with every last bit of hate she had been holding in for thousands of years.

It sailed through the air. In its path everything was devoured, turned to ash. It was the hotter than the last red sun, it was as if a miniature sun had been reborn.

The red sun exploded behind Daybreaker in a fountain of ash, dust, and magma.

Daybreaker flew towards her sister and landed next to her with stomp that shattered stone.

Luna slowly opened her eyes.

Daybreaker pulled Luna towards her and wrapped her wings around her. Fiery tears streamed from her eyes, but they did not burn. Her fiery mane flickered down to no more than a thin trail. Her gut felt like it was twisting, her throat was constricted with emotion, a choked sob came from her mouth.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry." Daybreaker sobbed into her sister's shoulder. "I don't who I am anymore. I'm not who I used to be; I can't be who I used to be."

For a moment there was silence between the two. Then, Luna's wings wrapped around her as well.

"You scared me, Tia. You scared me more than ever before." Luna sobbed. "We will be here for you, no matter who you are."

Daybreaker didn't know what to say anymore. She just relished in the feeling of Luna's coat against her own.

"Will you let us help you?" Luna asked.

The words stung. How was she supposed to let Luna help her? This was her burden, everything in Equestria was hers to protect no matter what. She had hurt her sister, she deserved better. Daybreaker didn't need any help. She had never needed any help; she could handle everything on her own.

But maybe Celestia couldn't.

"Please. I can't do this alone." Daybreaker sobbed. "I can't face what I did to Gaiya alone. I can't solve this problem alone."

"Then we will be here. We will be here for eternity as long as you will have us." Luna hugged her harder.

Silence passed between them as they just focused on the feeling of each other's heartbeat.

Overhead, the moon fell, bringing way to the day once more. The eclipse was over.

Chapter Twenty-One - Ever Faithful

When they finally pulled away from each, at least ten minutes had passed. They looked at each other. Yet, there was much to be done still.

"What do we do now?" Luna asked. "How do we seal this forever?"

"We need to perfect the spell matrix." Daybreaker wiped the last remnants of tears from her eyes. "It needs to be better, perfect even."

"Would thou say you need a genius?" Luna asked.

"Are you talking about Twilight?" Daybreaker asked.

"Indeed." Luna said. "We do not know the art of the spell matrix very well; she is perfect for this."

"I don't want to involve her in this." Daybreaker shook her head.

Luna glared at her.

"Okay, but we have to be quick. The amulet is cracking." Daybreaker said. "How can we make it Ponyville in time?"

"Do we not have a teleportation circle to Canterlot? Use that and tell Twilight to meet us there." Luna kicked some sand with a small smile. "Cadence would like that too."

"Where is Cadance?" Daybreaker asked.

"We left her at Canterlot to calm down our subjects. An eclipse was already enough to cause panic in thy populace, but three..." Luna said. "They are likely running around and screaming. Our subjects will need their princesses to calm them down."

"This form of mine. It would only cause them panic." Daybreaker glanced at her flames.

"Why are you still in that form?" Luna asked.

"I don't know. I can't let go of it." Daybreaker said.

"Then we will solve the amulet first, then calm the populace. Maybe that act will free you from that form." Luna said. "Speaking of changing our forms..."

A black smoke floated off of her. She shrunk as the smoke coalesced into a solid form next to her. It was Nightmare Moon. Once again Luna was smaller than her.

"Your majesty." Nightmare Moon bowed.

"No need for that. You have more than earned the right to address me as a friend." Daybreaker said.

"Then what should I call you? Your form is..." Nightmare Moon gestured to the flaming mane.

"...you can call me Celestia." Celestia said.

"I am happy to have you as a friend, Celestia." Nightmare Moon said with a smile.

"And to you as well, Nightmare Moon." Celestia replied with a smile of her own, fangs sticking out of her grin.

"Let us be off then. Gaiya will not wait." Luna said. "We will need to perfect your spell matrix if we are going to end this."

"That is a most excellent idea." Celestia's horn began to glow with red energy. "Are you all ready to depart?"

"Yes Tia." Luna walked closer. She was slower than usual; her coat was scorched by flame. The sight caused guilt to well up inside Celestia. However, there wasn't much time to wallow.

After grabbing the Alicorn Amulet, Celestia focused on the teleportation circle. She touched the two aspects of night and released the spell. Unlike when she had cast the spell last time, she could barely feel the tug at her magic. While wrapped in her flames her power was immensely higher. It was as if she had been rekindled. The fatigue of a thousand years of raising the sun and moon had all but vanished.

With a flash they disappeared from the badlands. The next moment, they all reappeared in the throne room. There was nopony in sight which was strange considering the throne room was usually filled with guards. It felt good to be back in the castle though, it was home.

"Where is everypony?" Celestia asked. "I would have expected to be at spearpoint by now."

"They are dealing with the populace." Luna said. "Our subjects are panicking."

"That isn't good." Celestia said. "They need us."

"Then we must finish this quickly." Luna turned to the circle. "Send Twilight a letter, we will collect the necessary resources."

"Resources?" Celestia asked.

"Paper for concept, sharp tools for the drawing of blood, and of course, your old spell book." Luna said.

Celestia had nearly forgotten that blood was needed for a proper spell matrix. It would not be easy to install a new one within the amulet to say the least. Blood would have to be brought in, kept safe, and then drawn into shape. Not to mention that Luna would have to cut herself in order to draw blood. The thought made her uneasy. What other choice did they have though?

"Go. I will send the letter to Twilight." Celestia said. "Thank you for this Luna."

"We would have it no other way." Luna nodded to her. Then, she flew off into the castle to collect the supplies with Nightmare Moon.

Celestia flew to her study. She wove through the castle halls until she reached it. Then, she withdrew a piece of paper and one of her quills. Without waiting a second, she began to write. She asked for aid for a spell matrix and made sure to include that this was very urgent. With a flare of magic, she sent the letter off then returned to the throne room. There was absolutely no time to waste.

She landed in the throne room. As Luna and Nightmare Moon flew back in with a stack of papers and a large bowl, Celestia shut all the doors to the throne room and locked them with magic. It would be unfortunate if a pony came in at this moment to say the least.

"Did thou send the letter?" Luna asked.

"It's sent. Now we just have to see if Twilight will respond." Celestia said.

"Is that even a question?" Luna scoffed. "Thy student seems like she idolizes thee."

"I wouldn't take it that far." Celestia said. "We will have some time before she responds. She never sends me a letter until later."

"Are you sure she isn't just trying to seem like she was not waiting all day for you to send a letter?" Luna asked.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, if I had somepony that I looked up to, I wouldn't immediately respond to their letters. It would make me seem needy." Luna said. "This is traditional letter etiquette in our time."

"I can assure you that she does not. What are we talking about anyways? An ancient evil is about to break free of its confines."

"We are just passing the time. There is not much else we can do."

The teleportation circle flashed gold. A lavender unicorn appeared there, her horn glowing. Twilight's head drooped from the drain on her magic before she raised her head again. Her mane was a mess of tangles and knots. Her eyes had bags underneath them.

"Princess Celestia, what's wrong?!" Twilight's voice was hoarse as she looked up to see a flaming Celestia, Luna, and Nightmare Moon. "What IN CELESTIAS NAME WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?!"

Celestia quickly realized the issue. She had forgot to mention their current state. Not to mention, Nightmare Moon was still a secret from the public. It probably looked like every single thing from Twilight's worst nightmares had just appeared in front of her.

"Twilight, I know I look different, but I am still Celestia. Will you help us?" Celestia said. "We need you."

Twilight looked between them, her eyes wide.

"Are you... the dark side of Celestia? I mean, after Nightmare Moon I assumed that it might be possible but to see it for real..." Twilight trailed off. "How can I know that you aren't evil or that you're really Celestia?"

"I can fetch the scrapbook if you would like." Celestia said. "I am sure there are plenty of photos to share."

"No need!" Twilight blushed. "I can see that you are Princess Celestia. How did this happen?"

"We don't have much time." Celestia glanced over to Luna. "Let's just say we had a little fight, and I learned a friendship lesson of my own."

Twilight looked confused by nodded anyways.

"We need to perfect a spell matrix." Celestia said. "Luna, do you have the spell book?"

"We do indeed." Luna set the spell book on the ground and flipped to the page with the binding spell matrix.

"Spell matrix? Another one?" Twilight looked down at the book. She looked at the matrix and her eyes went wide. The book was snatched up into her hooves as her eyes scanned over the page. "This- This is incredible! Look at the lines of magic and how they connect, only a genius could have made this!"

"It needs to be better." Celestia said.

"Better!?!" Twilight continued to scan it. "Wait- these notes- did you make this princess?"

"I did."

"And you never taught me this!" Twilight screeched. Then she looked sheepish. "I'm sorry princess. Please forgive me."

"All is forgiven. To be honest my faithful student, I didn't quite know until recently myself." Celestia said. "We need your help to improve this."

"Improvement? I can't see how." Twilight glanced between all ponies gathered. "That is... unless... no that wouldn't work."

"Will thou speak anyway? We will use any clue." Luna said. "What is locked away cannot be ever released. This matrix will ensure that."

"Locked away? What is locked away?" Twilight's gaze slowly traveled to the amulet. "Oh, evil amulet, I should have foreseen this."

"I can help." Nightmare Moon cleared her throat. "I am a shadow, if anypony can understand the magic, it will be me."

"Thank you, Nightmare Moon. Now, Twilight, can we hear your theory?" Celestia asked. "It is of utmost importance that we figure this out."

"This is just a theory. However, I immediately noticed that this spell matrix while beautiful is missing one thing." Twilight said. "It lacks a core fundamental of magic."

"And what pray tell is that?" Luna asked.

"Balance. The matrix seems to be powered by rigid lines of power. It's a small improvement but it could be a little more flexible. It's as if the matrix is trying to hold in all the magic on its own instead of drawing from the environment." Twilight scratched her head nervously as she noticed the three alicorns staring at her, they were of varying degrees of potential world ending threat. "Haha, to put it short, it can never draw in magic from the environment. It's a simple mistake really, anypony could have seen it."

Celestia looked down at the spell book. Sure enough, there was no way for the circle to restore its power. It was something that Celestia should have known herself. She was a master of the magic after all. Why did she leave that in there and why did she refuse to acknowledge it no matter how hard she thought?

"A genius as always Twilight." Celestia gave her a smile full of sharp teeth. "It was right there; how could I have missed it?"

"Sometimes dear sister, it takes another pony to see." Luna said. "The answer might be right in front of you, but you shall never see it without another."

"When did you become the wise one?" Celestia hummed.

"We have had a dear friend to guide us." Luna smiled at Nightmare Moon before looking back. "And a dear sister to mentor us."

"Then, let us begin." Celestia said. "Twilight, what we are doing is vital to all of ponydom. What you are about to see is something most ponies will never see, but I won't hide anything from you any longer. Your view of me may change forever. Do you want to hear it? If you wish to you can walk away now, you have already done for than enough for us."

Twilight's looked frightened. She looked between all those around her. Her eyes closed and a long moment passed. Then, they snapped open.

"No matter what, my friends are there for me and will be there for me, I will be there for you. Do I need a notepad?" Twilight asked.

"Not today." Celestia's smile faded to a stoic line. "The reason I am like this right now is because long ago I was once a dark magic sorcerer. I still am. While I am powerful without its use, or at least I once was, it is nothing compared to what I could have been. This form I am in now, Daybreaker, represents what happens when I let my darker side take hold of me. When I stop showing restraint for my little ponies. "

Twilight's mouth dropped wide open.

"Long ago there was a great darkness in Equestria. I created magic based on it in order to seal it. The magic was much more powerful than regular unicorn magic. Only it contained the potency to do the task." Celestia walked over to the large bowl Luna had brought. "Every spell matrix is based on my original designs. While the newer circles use ingredients like paint and chalk, the original and most powerful circles use a different ingredient."

"Different ingredient?" Twilight eyed the instruments around the room now. The small blades and bowl.

Celestia levitated a small blade over.

"The blood of an alicorn." Celestia cut a small incision on her leg. Her blood dripped into the bowl. "Only it contains the potential to create the most powerful spells."

"This is... not what I was expecting." Twilight looked queasy as she eyed the blood dripping into the bowl. "Is that really you if you gave into the... darkness?"

"It is. This is my greatest shame." Celestia looked down at herself. The flames never stopped burning. "When you truly give into it, not even the elements can stop it. Yet, so long as a scrap of yourself remains it is possible to break free of it."

"How could Equestria survive if you went full... nightmare?" Twilight asked.

"It wouldn't." Celestia's voice did not waver. "Thankfully, that will never come to pass. The darkness is sealed away for now, but it yearns to break free. It is locked in this amulet. That is what we must seal. So, I ask you this Twilight, give it everything you have to improve this spell matrix. Everypony in this room must help to perfect the matrix. Once that is done, the darkness will be locked away forever. I ask you all, will you help me?"

"I already said I would help." Nightmare Moon said.

"We are here was thee sister. Luna said.

Twilight looked hesitant as the sight of blood but nodded.

"I will do what I can princess!" Twilight saluted.

"Thank you all." Celestia smiled, a warmth filling her heart. "Then let us begin. Draw up the matrix, draw the blood, and draw this darkness from Equestria's mind forever!"

The ponies she called friends nodded.

Celestia looked down at the matrix in the spell book and frowned. Why did something feel off? What was she missing? How could she have missed that simple mistake in the spell matrix?

There was something she was missing, and if she didn't figure it out in the next day, her future looked uncertain.

She didn't know what exactly it was, but guilt still clawed at her belly like an angry cat. What she had done to Gaiya, what she was going to do again...

She waited for the voice that had haunted her for so long to pipe up. It always seemed like Gaiya knew when she was feeling wrong and always snuck a barb in. At the moment though, she heard nothing. As she thought about it, she realized that she hadn't heard him yesterday either.

There was no time to think though. The spell matrix needed all ponies to perfect. Then, they would have to enter the amulet and draw it. A seemingly impossible task but Celestia had faith. Her gaze wandered to Twilight, Luna, and Nightmare Moon discussing over the spell book.

What could possibly beat them when they all worked together?

Chapter Twenty-Two - Cracking the Code

The throne room was a mess. Piles of books pulled from the archives were stacked around in a disorderly fashion. A spell matrix of chalk was drawn out on the ground while the rug was thrown to the side. A bowl of blood was slowly being filled by Luna while Nightmare Moon worriedly looked over her shoulder.

The stained-glass windows in the throne room each depicted heroes and historical events of the past. They almost seemed to watch the proceedings, as if judging their methods.

"Why don't we use the elements?" Twilight asked as she finished drawing another chalk line.

"The inside of the amulet is fatal to non-alicorns." Celestia flipped through a book, looking for any helpful information. "You and your friends would not survive. Also, Gaiya is too far gone to purify with the elements."

"You don't think there is even a scrap of his old self left in him?" Nightmare Moon asked as her shadows stretched towards the amulet. She was searching for its magical signature personally. "He was my creator, but I never really knew him."

"There might be, but it's not worth the risk." Celestia said. "The fate of all Equestria is in the balance."

"It is still strange to hear that there is a third alicorn. To have it wiped from memory entirely..." Twilight shuddered. "This matrix is as powerful as it is terrifying. I don't want to forget about him, it feels wrong to willingly sacrifice your memory."

"It has to be done. As long as a pony knows Gaiya's name the inner spell matrix will stay powered." Celestia said.

They worked in silence, drawing lines and searching old tomes. It was a mystery to Celestia what was going on outside the castle, but she hoped that Cadance was mitigating the damage. To have two princesses suddenly vanish was not good for Equestria to say the least. They had to finish this research quickly.

Celestia glanced up to Luna. They nodded to each other and Celestia switched places with her at the bowl. Blood flowed and flourished in the bowl. It would be close, but they might be able to get enough in time. The act of draining blood was making her feel weak though. It was no doubt that Luna felt the same, probably worse.

"How do you enter the amulet?" Twilight asked.

"A single touch to the central gem and a code that I have." Celestia said. "Then you are transferred to the realm within the gem."

"Incredible. To think such magic exists." Twilight made another line with chalk. "How did you do it?"

"I made it alone long ago. The spell matrix within was made by all of us three alicorns together." Celestia sighed. "If only I wasn't so foolish."

"There is no changing thy past dear sister. We can only move forward." Luna piped up from where she rested on the ground.

The basis for the spell matrix was nearing completion. With two alicorns, a shadow which was the incarnate of Nightmare Moon, and a genius on par with Star Swirl the bearded, it was only a matter of time until they succeeded. Yet, as they were working the amulet was cracking.

"And so the game comes to a close." Gaiya's voice echoed through her head. "Have fun with your little tantrum darling?"

"I made a mistake and I intend to fix it." Celestia said.

"Who art thou talking to?" Luna asked.

"Gaiya." Celestia said. "He has been lurking in my head for as long as I can remember. Which is to say, a very long time."

"Thou hast never told us such a thing!" Luna frowned, a disappointed look on her face.

"He tricked me into thinking his fake name, Void, helped grow his power." Celestia sighed. "That is why I never told you."

"A heathen then to drive Tia to such lengths." Luna said. "He will do well to be forgotten."

"Okay, that is it." Gaiya's voice grew low. "After all I have suffered, everypony still hates me? I can see I'm not wanted; I will be waiting for you in the amulet. Then I will show you all just what you have been missing out on. Let me tell you, it is going to be beautiful. Oh, the things you will see..."

The presence of Void left her mind. Or was it Gaiya, the real alicorn? What would happen after all of this? They would forget this all ever happened. The spell matrix would be perfect, and the darkness would be locked away forever. Yet, he would also be locked away forever. Did he really deserve that? Or were those words his final game? One last barb beneath her skin, one last whisper in her ear.

This had to be done.

"I think I got it everypony!" Twilight drew one last line in the chalk. "According to my calculations, the existing spell matrix could be modified like this in order to perfect it. Even with the amount of... blood... we have available it should still be possible."

"This is most brilliant dear subject!" Luna looked over the circle.

Twilight looked like she just got blasted by an airhorn from Luna's booming voice.

"It looks perfect, well-done Twilight." Celestia looked over the spell matrix herself. It looked perfect to say the least. Now, there was one last thing to be done. "Now we need a plan. Time is of the essence, but we cannot go in without an idea of what to do."

The sound of an explosion outside echoed throughout the room. Stone dust trickled from the ceiling. Outside one of the castle's windows a group of screaming ponies ran by.

"They seem to be having fun." Nightmare Moon gestured to the window. "They also seem to be destroying the city in a mass induced herd hysteria."

"Then we shall come up with a plan in haste." Luna said. "How can we do this with only two ponies?"

"Three ponies." Celestia glanced over at Nightmare Moon. "If you would join us of course."

"You can count on me, Celestia. I will merge with Luna to grant her more power." Nightmare Moon said.

"Are you sure I can't help princess?" Twilight shuffled her hooves on the ground. "I mean, my friends and I are the elements of harmony, I am sure that we could help!"

"I am sorry Twilight. The space inside the amulet is not fit for anything besides an alicorn. You would suffocate in the void without air." Celestia said.

"Then at least take the elements with you!" Twilight said. "I know that they don't work with you anymore, but maybe they could help!"

Celestia sighed. The elements would not help. They could push back the darkness but could never destroy it. The elements did not eradicate, they purified. Even they, they could only purify if there was something left of the pony to begin with. However, there was no point in not taking the elements with them. They would not stop Gaiya if he broke free, and if he did... it would not end well for Equestria.

"I will take them with. If only to make you feel more comfortable." Celestia said.

"Thank you, princess."

"It is of no trouble. Now, it is time to devise a plan. We will need to carry the bowl of blood to the matrix without spilling it, then we will need to carve the new lines of the spell matrix into place. We will need to do all of this while the central spell matrix is active, giving Gaiya untold magical power. Not to mention, the ancient darkness will be within him and supplying him with further strength." Celestia said.

"How about we use something other than a bowl?" Nightmare Moon asked. "Maybe a closed container."

"Jars?" Twilight suggested.

"That is agreeable. I will fetch them at once." Luna flew and came back with four glass jars. She dumped the jam out within them onto the ground creating a pile of fruity mash.

"A waste..."

"It was necessary. Now, what of the spell matrix? How will we carve the new one in?" Luna asked.

"It is simple, but we will need to subdue Gaiya while we do so. He will be stationary while locked in the spell matrix, we can use this to our advantage." Celestia said.

"So, a classic beatdown? That is something I can get behind." Nightmare Moon slammed her hooves together. On the elegant, wicked looking Nightmare Moon, it looked a bit out of place.

"That is a surprisingly simple plan." Twilight tapped her hood against her chin. "A simple solution is often one of the best."

"Then are we all in agreement? We do not think thy city is going to last much longer." Luna said.

Celestia took a deep breath. This was it; it was time to face Gaiya. The font of her failures. The place that she had begun to fall all those years ago. It was her mistake which had led to all the others. And now, it was time to bury it forever. To be forgotten forevermore until the end of time.

That thought hurt more than she thought it would. The little Gaiya she knew all those years ago flashed through her mind.

"I am ready." Celestia stood. "Will you all stand with me?"

The amulet thrummed with dark energy in response to her words.

"Thou already knowest our answer, Tia." Luna stood.

"I'm not giving up my only two friends." Nightmare Moon glanced over to Twilight. "Unless..."

"I don't know exactly what your story is, but you can call me a friend." Twilight smiled. "I would love to do research on you later!"

"That is... both terrifying and heartwarming." Nightmare Moon nodded. "Then I will call you friend as well!"

"Then let us depart. Twilight, please stay safe for me. I would suggest returning to Ponyville in case things go poorly." Celestia said.

"Wait, you almost forgot the elements!" Twilight said.

"We have them." Luna opened up one of her saddlebags revealing the box of the elements of harmony. The same saddlebag she had been wearing when they fought. Celestia then realized that Luna had the elements during their fight. If things had gone differently... What was done was done and everything had turned out for the better. "We also have the jars of blood."

"Okay... please be safe princesses." Twilight said. "And you as well Nightmare Moon."

"Gaiya should be scared." Nightmare Moon turned into a cloud of dark smoke and enshrouded Luna. A moment later the much taller and powerful Nightmare Moon stood in her place. "Just look at us!"

"Indeed. We do make an imposing sight." Luna stretched her new form.

"It is time!" Celestia felt a burst of energy at the sight of them standing together. Her flaming form and her sisters dark one were indeed intimidating. "Touch your horn to the amulet and cast the entrance spell!"

"Stay safe!" Twilight yelled.

Celestia touched her horn to the amulet. Her horn began to glow red as it resonated with the amulet. Shadows swirled around her like a maelstrom. Luna stood next to her at the eye of the storm. As the dark magic embraced them, she could feel themselves begin to be pulled into the amulet. With a lurching feeling in her chest, Celestia felt her vision fade.

When the maelstrom vanished, all that was left was Twilight who was chewing on her hooves and an ominously pulsing amulet.

Chapter Twenty-Three - Celestial Onslaught

It went on forever around them. An endless purple tinged void of a shattered existence. In the distance, impossibly far away were tiny balls of light. Perhaps they were stars, or perhaps they were something else entirely. Rocks floated in this void aimlessly, as if remnants of a shattered world. Each rock had its own gravity, as if it believed it should be the center of everything. This was not Equestria, this was somewhere else. A place that didn't quite exist. A place between places.

Celestia found herself standing on a long stone bridge. Behind her it ended into the oblivion of void but ahead of her, it extended. Far in the distance she saw a massive carved rock floating in the void. From overhead a powerful beam of purple energy shot towards the sky. Even from here Celestia could feel its power, the air itself was charged with palpable magic.

This was a place she had been before, and never wanted to return. A place she had created with the strength of the darkness that once flowed through her, a place that was embodiment of her failures.

Luna appeared next to her, standing tall amidst the void. Her gaze traveled the unknown horizons of the forgotten dimension.

"This... reminds us of the moon." Luna said. "We do not wish to be here long."

"Then let us move." Celestia said. "Please, be safe Luna. I don't know what I would do if I lost you."

"Do not fret about us sister, we will watch each other, and we will win." Luna's face grew determined. Her eyes shined like two vengeful stars. "Today your pain ends."

"Then let us be done with this." Celestia opened her wings. There was no air here, but it didn't seem to matter. It was as if the rules of reality had been shattered. Perhaps it was the thick magic that seemed to enshroud every inch of this place. "For Equestria, and for a better future."

The two took flight. It was a long way to the giant rock.

This place was lonely. That was the thought that came to Celestia's mind. There was nothing in every direction. There was nothing to find here, nothing new to experience, nothing new to see. There was nopony to talk with and share your feelings. Nopony was coming to hear your screams of rage and torment. It was a place that didn't belong anywhere. Was that paradise, to not feel the weight of burden on your shoulders, cast out of memory and space and time, or was that the deepest of damnations? There was the smallest piece of Celestia that might've wanted this fate for herself, if only to feel nothing ever again.

Immortality was long. It was an existence based on the passing of time. Its approach never stopped, tearing the ponies who you came to know away from you. The ponies you loved away from you. Celestia could not even remember her parents anymore. That was a memory long ago lost.

Her gaze wandered to Luna. The tips of their wingtips touched. Their eyes met and Luna gave her a reaffirming smile.

An immortal life was worth living if she could have others at her side. If she could share the world with somepony else. If she could share her burdens, and experience joy and happiness. If she could face her past and move on. That would be a life worth living.

Celestia turned her gaze back towards the rock. It was closer now, and its details began to reveal themselves. It was what she had seen in her dream. Two impossibly large spell matrixes that glowed with power. The outer one, a beautiful network of golden lines, was cracked and flickering. That one was for memory. The inner spell matrix, for power and containment, glowed with an ominous purple.

In the center of all of it was an alicorn. His coat was stone itself. Purple crystal grew in his coat, creating a network of cracks that pulsed with dark power. His wicked horn was a conduit that touched the void and released a beacon of endless energy. His wings were sheets of purple and gray, carved into shape with stone and crystal. His eyes glowed with the power of both the matrix and the darker power it contained.

From the cracked crystal seeped an endless darkness. Its fog swirled around the alicorn, wreathing him in it, embracing him in it.

Chains bound the alicorn. Some were snapped and thrown off to the side, others still held fast. They were taught against the strain of the alicorn held beneath them. Even as Celestia watched another chain was ripped off, snapping to the side with such intensity that it cracked the stone beneath.

It was Gaiya. The alicorn of the earth.

"My sun! My little Luna!" Gaiya strained against the chains as his eyes locked onto them. "It has been so long since I have seen you two face to face."

"It will not be for long." Celestia flew closer and landed at the edge of the ritual matrix.

"We have come to bury thee forever." Luna landed next to her.

"Bury me? Why would you ever want to do that?" Gaiya reached towards them desperately, stuck in place. "Come closer, so I can just touch you again. So, I can feel another pony again... my darling sun, please come closer..."

"I can't do that Gaiya." Celestia said. "We will repair this spell matrix and lock you away forever."

"Why?" Gaiya growled, his eyes flaring with power. "I just want to make everything complete; I want to make everything whole again. What's a little darkness if we can be together again? Those ponies don't appreciate you anyway, they take it all for granted. It infuriates me, it makes me want to really bury them. If only they knew just what they really had... what we all gave up for their happiness."

"Our sacrifices were for the good of Equestria." Luna said.

"Luna, you know that this isn't right. Nopony was ever meant to endure this darkness alone." Gaiya said. "Let it be free, that is what it wants. That is how it was always meant to be."

"Equestria would suffer." Celestia said.

"So what? I'm suffering! Can't I have a little happiness in this life?!" Gaiya snarled. "You promised me forever, why won't you just accept me?! When we switched places, you promised me you would come back for me. What happened?"

"Do not listen to the heathen Tia. We must finish this." Luna said.

Celestia stared into Gaiya's eyes. In those pits, she saw nothing. It was time to leave the past behind forever.

"Work on the spell matrix." Celestia said.

"You think I will let you forget me again?!" Gaiya strained against the chains and his horn began to glow. From the cracks in his body shadows seeped out. "You can't, I will not allow it. You want to forget the past? Then face it darling. Face ME."

The seeping shadows grew eyes and claws. Shadowy ponies regarded them with no emotion. No emotion other than a burning hate in their glowing yellow eyes. Their stares were soul-numbing. Then, they charged silently, running through the air on hooves of mist and shadow.

"I will hold it back, Luna! Fix the spell matrix!" Celestia channeled the flame burning through her body.

"We have already begun!" Luna withdrew a jar of blood and smashed it onto a part of the outside matrix.

Celestia took to the sky as the shadows leapt for her. They swarmed like a dark tide as she flew higher. Adrenaline surged through her veins, she had faced this before, long ago. A blast of searing energy shot from her horn, eradicating one of the shadows. Ten more took its place as a wall of glowing yellow eyes surged towards her, hungry for more.

As they swarmed around her, Celestia gathered the burning energy in her chest until it was red hot. With a scream she released it around her. A scorching nova radiated from her, causing the shadows to shriek and pull away. Some of them dissipated only to reform once again a moment later with renewed hate.

"ARGH." Gaiya gurgled as he strained against the chains. He lifted his hooves up off the ground. Shadowy power gathered around then. "Back away from that matrix. AWAY!"

He slammed his hooves on the ground. Waves of purple crystal erupted for the stone, their sharp ends punching through the air.

Celestia drew in the fire she was emitting inward before launching it at the alicorn. The beam tore into his back, blasting the stone coat black. Immediately afterward the shadows enclosed around her. Their claws ripped at her coat, drawing lines of blood.

A beam of blue energy broke through the swarm of darkness. Celestia fought through the pain and took the sudden path Luna had opened with a burst of speed. The shadows reached for her as she surged out of the cloud, screeching in rage as their claws narrowly missed her back hooves.

Just as she thought she was free, she noticed in the corner of her eye a gathering of energy. A beam of purple energy blasted into her side as she raised a flaming shield in the nick of time. The unstoppable beam smashed into her barrier with all the strength of an unyielding mountain.

With a scream fueled by all her memories and the fear of failure, Celestia held the barrier around her. The swirling flames brightened, then turned red. A burst of flame exploded outward in an incinerating explosion that scorched the shadows that hungered. She felt drained, impossibly weak. Then, she fell.

"Hold on Tia!" Luna grabbed her and soared away; her hooves stained with blood. "I will keep them back you work on the ritual; can you fly?"

Feeling the weight of worlds, Celestia nodded. She forced her aching wings to move and detached from Luna. Then, she swooped towards the spell matrix. The shadows chased Luna, a cloud of swirling darkness and hungering eyes.

Celestia hit the ground near the matrix on shaky hooves. Her fiery mane flowed as she looked over the circle. Quickly, she found an imperfection and took some of the blood off her coat to smear another line into place. The sight caused Gaiya to smash his hoof on the ground. A spike of crystal nearly impaled her as Celestia felt it scrape across her back.

"We do not think this is working!" Luna was flying up, a swarm of hungry shadows clawing at her hooves.

More shadows were slipping out of Gaiya and materializing.

"Keep it up! We are getting closer!" Celestia flew as a massive crystal shattered right next to her.

"No. You aren't." Gaiya said. He aimed his horn at Luna. The ridges of his horn glowed with purple energy. He started to scream as it only got brighter and brighter with each passing second. The earth around him sundered, cracking beneath the pressure.

Time seemed to slow as Celestia flew towards her sister. That was not an attack any pony could handle. So, she began charging a beam of her own and flew in front of Luna. She faced the beam head on and released her own.

Beams of fire and dark clashed in the void. Celestia poured in more and more power as she matched it. Her flame ignited, her mane and tail blasting outwards with immense heat. It crawled through her veins, turning blood to searing fluid with no purpose other than to burn.

Her eyes met Gaiya's. They burned with longing, hate, perhaps regret. His beam surged against hers. The power grew, and the beams widened to pillars of world-shattering magic.

The shadows latched onto her, clawing into her coat. They sought to crawl into the cracks they made, but her fiery blood seared them to retreat with screams.

It was impossible. Celestia realized that with a drop in her heart. Even with every last drop of hate and rage and flame, it was impossible alone. The purple was just in front of her face, devouring the flame as it sought to devour her.

"Together sister! Thou will not fight alone!" Luna flew over the top of her head. An avenging goddess of the night, cloaked in a swirl of hungering shadow and rotating stars. Her horn glowed and a beam of shot past Celestia's head and into Gaiya's horn.

As the long claw of night struck the horn, all the power racing through Celestia found ground. Her inferno engulfed Gaiya, completely engulfing him. A purple barrier surrounded him as he screamed in agony. Beneath the flames she could see his cracked stone skin shattering further. Like shattering shale pieces of him fell away revealing pure crystal beneath. Inside the crystal, a darkness with no equal swirled.

The three powers of sun, moon, and earth clashed. The gravity of this false world sucked inward like a vortex to the ritual circle. It pulsed, wavered, then swelled like an overripe fruit. Then, it exploded.

A devastating explosion of multicolored purple, red, and blue magic engulfed Celestia's vision. It blasted straight through her hastily made barrier, shattering it in a second. Shards of crystal sliced across her coat, creating thin sharp lines across her body. She fell from the sky, choking for air. Her wings wouldn't extend no matter how hard she tried. With a harsh thump she slammed into the ground.

Her ears were ringing and everything hurt. Was Luna okay?

Celestia forced her bloody body to stand, her legs shaking. She saw Luna, collapsed in a pile on the opposite side of the stone platform. She did not rise.

"Luna!" Celestia stumbled forward, crystal cutting at her hooves. As she walked, she used her blood to seal more of the ritual matrix. They were so close, so close to victory.

"ARRRRRRRGGGHHH!!!!" A raw scream of pain came from the center of the ritual matrix. Cracks ran through the crystal of his body. Shadows seeped out, dripping onto the floor like blood. Gaiya was crumbling apart in chunks of crystal. He strained against the chains only for his front left hoof to crumble beneath him, shattering into mere shards. "WHY!? WHY!? WHY!? I DESERVE HAPPINESS, I DESERVE IT ALL."

Celestia collapsed onto the ground. The last bit of the ritual matrix was impossibly far from her. As she looked, she noticed that there were still many sections to repair. It was impossible, they were finished.

"I'm falling apart. Look at me, I'm dying." Gaiya managed to break another chain off of him. "Luna, oh Luna, why? Why did you make me do that? Why Celestia? Why? My only love, my sun...I will endure this all for you."

Celestia breathed, her lungs filling with air before she could exhale once again. The world around her grew dark and the creeping shadows closed in. The phantom voices of those she had heard before swarmed over her.

"You told me that ponies need help even if they don't want it! I can't allow that lesson to-"

"if you could tell me what ails you then perhaps, we could begin to heal and come to terms with-"

"THING?! I never chose you over her, you chose not to accept her-"

"You can't handle this alone! Accept that Celestia! You told us yourself; we cannot rule alone!"

"Continue down this path... and you will share my shoes."

Her gaze wandered towards Gaiya. The alicorn of earth, one of the original protectors of this world. Instead of the monster, the font of failure that she thought him to be, she saw him as he really was. A broken stallion, falling apart, wronged and engulfed with darkness. This was all her fault.

This was her fault, and it was time to stop trying to bury it.

Celestia forced herself to her shaking legs and began to walk. She stumbled over crystal, barely able to keep herself standing. She passed the outer spell matrix and stepped into the inner one.

"Tia?" Gaiya's shattered crystal eyes turned to her. "Come to finish me first hoof? Come to lock me away forever? To forget about me?"

The shadows gathered above them, swirling in a frenzy. It seemed almost mocking, as if they knew they had already won.

"No, Gaiya. I am ending this. This cycle, this hate, I am ending all of it now and doing what I should have done long ago."

Celestia gathered all of her remaining magic and focused it on the inner matrix. It responded to one of its original creators and flickered as if in joy at her return. With a single streak of her bloodstained hoof Celestia changed the intention of the matrix. She ordered it to destroy itself. The powerful threads of magic inside the circle, bound to her command, simply unraveled. The circle went dim.

Immediately the swirling shadows shrieked in joy as they felt the connection shatter. Then their shrieks quickly turned to rage as they felt themselves being drawn towards Celestia. She willed them into herself as she stepped into the circle with Gaiya.

"What are you doing?" Gaiya struggled to move, his crystal body failing him.

"Tia?" Luna's voice came from behind her. She stumbled towards the circle. The sight warmed Celestia's heart. At least her sister was okay.

"I am taking the darkness within me. Too long have I tried to outrun the past." Celestia gasped as she absorbed a shadow. "Gaiya does not deserve this, nopony deserves this."

"My sun..." Gaiya looked at her with disbelief in his crystal eyes. "...you can't handle it alone."

"I know, but I have to try." Celestia gasped as the first screaming shadow entered her. The fire within burned brighter. "I can't let this out into Equestria, and I can't let the past control me any longer!"

"We will help thee!" Luna stepped forward.

"No. This is my final burden. My failures! My fault!" Celestia gathered more of the shadows within her and felt them pool in her fiery blood. Her magic was a vortex, sucking in every last screaming shadow. She could not let Luna bear this. This was the incarnate of everything that Equestria stood again, the shadow that stalked every evil, a substance as dark as it was powerful.

"Please Tia, let us help." Luna stepped into the circle. "We can handle it together."

Celestia grit her teeth against the darkness, it flowed through her and infected every pore of her body. It clawed within, and dark thoughts swirled immediately. Her flames ignited with a new hatred, a hate for the world itself, a hate for everything that breathed, that was the darkness. It felt like shards of glass were burrowing out of her body. Then looked to Luna. She was standing there, her starry mane billowing in the mind. Her face was bloody, but her eyes were shards of starlight.

Nopony could bear this alone.

Gently, Celestia touched her horn to Luna's. They clicked together, and the darkness entered both of them with fervor. The stream of agony lessened, and her thoughts returned to more gentle places.

It was still too much. Old shadows threatened to leap from within, to shred those that bound them.

Gaiya looked up at the two sisters, then down at his crystal hooves. Then, he forced himself to stand.

"So now you come back for me!? After all these years!" He yelled; his voice raw with rage. "After you abandoned me for thousands of years you want to come back and make it all right!?!"

"I know you won't forgive me, but I won't let the past swallow my life any longer." Celestia spoke over the roaring and shrieking darkness. "This is my fault, I will fix it, and this time, I won't do it alone!"

"Your sick Celestia, after everything you have done to me you try and come back like some sort of savior." Gaiya's crystal eyes looked down. "I should leave you here, locked in this place for a thousand years. A taste of your own medicine for once your life."

Celestia said nothing, she knew he was right.

"You wiped me from memory, wiped me from existence." Gaiya spat, his downcast eyes full of rage. "Why did you do this to me?"

"I was scared. I thought that it was the only way." Celestia held her horn against the darkness, trying to keep it steady to keep it from escaping. Overhead rends were opening in the void. The amulet was collapsing. "I didn't want to live with this darkness, I had a duty to Equestria. I'm sorry Gaiya, I'm sorry, I wanted to live, and I denied you that."

Gaiya's eyes burned into her, the sadness and rage in them cut deeper than the sharpest crystal.

"After everything you have done, I still can't stop loving you. Even after you tore me apart. I remember what we used to be, what we used to have. Us three, together to the end." Gaiya pushed himself to his remaining hoof. On it, he balanced and stuck his horn towards them. "You cursed me, but I will never stoop to the same. One last ode to the past then, for better or for worse."

Gaiya's horn clicked against her own.

The shadows screeched as they were swallowed by the three alicorns. One by one they screeched as they were sealed. The vortex swallowed them all, and they split three ways. The darkness was overwhelming, tearing the three of them apart together. Without the power of the spell matrix, it was simply impossible.

Something rattled in Luna's bag. Gems, elements, beacons of harmony. They began to float out of the satchel and thrummed with power. They shot up into the air and swirled around the three alicorns. They spun faster and faster, vibrating with the essence of all that was order and good. Rainbow lights began to form from their spinning, creating chains that entered their chests.

It was a sight for sore eyes.

With one final rush of energy the might of sun, moon, earth, and harmony came together. It seeped into them; shadows of the past finally contained.

And then the world ended.

Chapter Twenty-Four - A Cycle Broken

Celestia laid on the ground with her head flat on the floor and looked into her own eyes.

It wasn't really her own eyes. Or maybe it was. They were fiery orange and connected to a white coat. As she stared more and more, a realization occurred. She was looking into the eyes of Daybreaker. Somehow Daybreaker was laying across from her.

They laid in a field of green grass that swayed in a gentle wind. The sun was directly overhead as it warmed her with its gentle rays. The sky had a few white puffy clouds that floated lazily along. Birds chased each other playfully in the deep blue sky.

"Who are you?" Celestia asked, her scattered thoughts swimming.

"Daybreaker." The pony across from her said. "At least, that who I think I am."

"Where did you come from?"

"You." Daybreaker said.

"Me?"

"You."

Celestia groaned as she slowly stood up from the grass. A mane of multicolored hair waved past her vision. It was her original hair, before she became Daybreaker. As she looked at her hooves, she noticed a distinct lack of flame surrounding her. She was truly Celestia once again. It was a feeling that made her as giddy as it made her confused. She glanced around with a muddled mind.

"What are you going to do?" Celestia eyed Daybreaker wearily.

"I don't know, what should I do?" Daybreaker asked.

"I thought you were going to burn something."

"Is that what I should do?"

"No." Celestia shook her head. "I... I think you should follow me. If you really came from me, then I have a responsibility to you."

"Okay. Should we be friends?" Daybreaker stood. "I think that is important, but I don't know why."

Celestia looked at Daybreaker. She was everything she hated about herself, everything that would happen if rage overcame her. Her thoughts shifted to Nightmare Moon. Was this something similar? She sighed.

"Yes, we can be friends." Celestia gave her a warm smile. "Now, we need to find my other friends. Have you seen them?"

"Do you mean those three?" Daybreaker pointed with her hoof to her right.

Celestia's gaze followed the hoof. At the base of the hill, her friends were piled up in a slumbering pile. The sight caused tears to well up in her eyes. Luna was snoozing softly while Nightmare Moon snored with such vigor the ground seemed to vibrate.

Then there was Gaiya. He laid on the green grass, the sun shining down onto him. His crystal and stone body reflected the light in a kaleidoscope of rainbow colors. It was as if the elements were within him. Chunks of him were missing still, forever lost. He was looking out over the environment, the warm sun shining down onto him.

"Can I have a moment alone?" Celestia asked Daybreaker.

Daybreaker nodded and sat down, looking at the area around her. In her hoof she picked a daisy and looked at it, mesmerized by the little bee that was collecting pollen on it.

Celestia then turned back to look at Gaiya.

He was looking off into the beautiful blue skies. The wind rustled past him, and for a moment Celestia could imagine the mane he used to have blowing in it. Though he was missing a front hoof, and his body was cracked all over he didn't seem to be in pain. In fact, he seemed at peace.

"Thousands of years in darkness, thousands of years seeing the world only through your eyes." Gaiya didn't even turn to look at her, completely entranced by the world around him. "And now, a blue sky and a beautiful sun."

"You helped me." Celestia stood behind him, the wind blowing her mane. "You helped us after everything I did to you, why?"

Gaiya sat for a moment.

"Because I never stopped loving." Gaiya turned to look at her, his eyes meeting her own. "Not only for you, but for Luna, for what we once had. We three were beautiful. Us against the world, us for the world. Even after all those years in the amulet I never forgot what that felt like. Even as the darkness tried to rip me apart."

"I... I can't love you the same way." Celestia said. "I don't know what we are anymore, but I have never seen you that way. I'm sorry. I have never seen anypony that way."

"I know. Take your time. And if you ever find it in yourself to love me, I will be waiting." Gaiya said. "Until that possible day though, I would like to have what we once did. Friends. The three of us, or... perhaps five."

Daybreaker sneezed in the back.

"I don't understand. Why is Daybreaker separate from me?" Celestia asked.

"We all have a shadow inside of us. As alicorns our power attends to attract the most powerful of them. They feed on your insecurities and doubts and grow to overwhelm you." Gaiya said. "I sent such a shadow to Luna all those years ago to befriend her, and to grow her into Nightmare Moon."

"Then why are they..." Celestia turned to look at Daybreaker who was swatting at a bee. "Not evil?"

"Only when you forgive yourself for your failures and overcome the shadow within will they become like this. Cleansed of the hate they once embodied they are born anew. Shadows outside the hive mind that dwells." Gaiya touched a crystal hoof to his body with a clack. Deep within, a faint darkness swirled. "It seems I still have some learning to do."

"Then... Luna forgave herself. For what?" Celestia looked to her sleeping sister. "I was the one who wronged her."

"I don't know. But the proof is clear as crystal." Gaiya gave her a light smirk. "And you as well. You have a friend of your own now. A boon if you will for your troubles."

"Then are we immune to doubt and insecurity?" Celestia asked.

"Of course not. It could grow and fester again, perhaps not. Perhaps Daybreaker will be shunned for what she looks like and turn into the real thing, perhaps you will become something darker once again. It is up to you where the road goes." Gaiya said. "Daybreaker is a cleansed piece of the darkness and nothing more."

Celestia noticed something in the grass. The elements of harmony, once again dull. As she touched one, it glowed faintly before flickering out. She did not feel a connection to it.

"What about the elements?"

"Do you think I know everything?" Gaiya chuckled. "You really are foolish."

"Have you really forgiven everything I did? I... feel like I should have suffered more." Celestia said.

"No. Do you see me restored to my previous self?" Gaiya gestured to the area around him. "But I want to try. I don't want this cycle of hatred to continue any longer. We have contained the darkness inside up for the final time, and I just want to move on."

"Then let's move on." Celestia gently sat next to him, hesitant as to how he would react. He didn't move. "Slowly. Will you come back to the castle with us?"

Gaiya looked up at her.

"The castle? Ha!" Gaiya laughed. "Maybe once I've traveled the world and seen the sights! If... if you could keep a room ready for me though... perhaps a throne...a nice big throne."

"There will be many more thrones." Celestia smiled. "Yours included. Equestria cannot be maintained by one princess any longer. There will need to be more, and of course... a single prince."

"The only prince in Equestria!" Gaiya laughed. "That. That would be nice. Make sure to put me in one of those stained-glass windows of yours. I always loved those."

"I have a few to commission and work on myself." Celestia said. "One for you, one for our battle, one for Luna and Nightmare Moon, and of course... one to restore."

The thought of the old stained-glass window came to mind. That was one that had to be restored.

"I do have one more question." Gaiya looked at the slowly awakening pile of ponies.

"What?"

"I do believe that your kingdom was in a... what did she call it? A mass induced herd hysteria." Gaiya said.

"Oh. Your right." Celestia stood immediately as a shot of panic flowed through her. "Do you... want me to pick you up? Can you move on your own?"

"I'll be fine. Go on without me." Gaiya gave her a smile. "I need some time to think. Say, how about I visit the castle in three days' time? After everything is stable there again."

"Are you sure? You have been alone for so long..." Celestia felt guilt well up in her heart.

"I'm sure. I just want to look at this beautiful world." Gaiya said. "You really outdid yourself Celestia. This land is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Almost as beautiful as you."

"I-I couldn't have done it alone." Celestia coughed an unknown feeling of heat rising to her face. Was she becoming Daybreaker?

"Go on then. I'll be right behind you." Gaiya said. "They will want to see you when you awake."

"Please, be safe." Celestia said.

"I'll be fine. Now go on, I've been haunting your head for long enough."

"Wait, I'm sorry Gaiya. I'm sorry for everything I did to you. I know it may never be right, but I just wanted you to hear that." Celestia said.

"Then you will have to make it up to me, won't you?" Gaiya waved her off. "We will make it right in time, go on Celestia, one day, I will forgive you."

Celestia reluctantly stepped away. She took one last look at the tortured soul that was Gaiya. This could have ended many ways, but she was glad that this was how it ended. One more alicorn, looking out over the world, and enjoying the moment. Then she ran down to Luna and Nightmare Moon. Daybreaker followed her, shaking the bee from her nose. The wounds on her body hurt, but it was nothing in the warmth of joy that she felt.

Luna groaned as Celestia approached her. Tiny cuts covered her body, but it didn't look as bad as before. Maybe the elements had healed them?

"Sister, is this thy afterlife?" Luna groaned. "It seems... painful still."

"No Luna, we won." Celestia said. "It is done, the darkness in contained."

"Then the elements, they actually came to our aid?" Luna asked. "After they abandoned us?"

"They did." Celestia levitated the gems of harmony over.

"We are not ungrateful, but we cannot help but as why." Luna sat up and winced as the light of the sun caught her eyes.

"I don't know." Celestia hummed as she floated the elements into Luna's saddlebag. "But they do not respond to me again. Maybe it was one final burst of energy, for old times' sake."

"Then we are glad they still saw good in us." Luna said. "Now, where is Gaiya? We wish to see him again and thank him for what he has done. It takes a good heart to do such a thing."

"He is over there." Celestia pointed. "However, he said he wishes to be alone. He will be at the castle in three days' time."

"Then we will wait." Luna said. "There is another question on our hooves though."

"Yes?"

"Why is there you and Daybreaker?" Luna asked.

Celestia started to explain what Gaiya had told her.

"We see. So now their future will be decided by us." Luna said. "Either a life full of hate and loneliness, or a life full of love and friendship."

"I think we both know what to choose." Celestia pat her sister's shoulder. "Now, I don't know where we are, and Nightmare Moon is still snoring away. We have to get back to Canterlot and announce that we are back. The place is in chaos without us."

"Indeed." Luna shook as a loud snore rumbled out of Nightmare Moon.

"Can you activate the teleportation matrix?" Luna asked.

Celestia reached out with her magic. She could still feel the spell matrix. It would be impossible to teleport alone though, her magic was simply too drained. It was a good thing then, that she had three alicorns around her to help.

"I need your help." Celestia said. "I cannot power the power the teleport back alone."

"We thought you would never say that." Luna smiled.

Daybreaker looked confused as she stepped in near them but applied her magic to the cause anyways. Celestia could feel the raw power coming from Daybreaker. She wondered if it would be possible for them to merge as did Nightmare Moon and Luna. Daybreaker was the same size as her so if they merged together... how big would she be? This was not the time for such thoughts though, Canterlot was in need.

"Nightmare Moon!" Luna shook her. "We implore thee to wake up!"

"Wha? Did we win?" Nightmare Moon pulled herself to her feet.

"Indeed. We need to get back to Canterlot now, we are still needed." Luna said.

"Count my shadowed self in." Nightmare Moon said. "I havent slept since I was created and it is the most wonderful thing. Wait, who is that?"

"There is no time. I will explain later." Celestia said with a smile. "Now, everypony gather close to me."

They all gathered together. Celestia extended her wings around them all, pulling them all beneath her large wings. Wings that could shelter a nation, and all the friends she loved. Their horns began to glow together, sticking into the sky like four swords. One red, one gold, one blue, and one of a darker hue. Then, they vanished with a sparkle of magic.

Gaiya glanced over to see the sparkle and gave a slight smile. Then, he turned back to the beautiful world before him, the wind blowing over his body, and laughed.

A single crystal tear fell from his eyes and into the grass. It nourished it, and in turn, it nourished him.

He was broken, yes, but he was back, and the world was beautiful.

Chapter Twenty-Five - A Cycle Anew

Celestia looked to the moon.

No longer was it the prison of her sister, but it was now a beacon of elegant beauty and of hardships gone. There was no voice in her head to mock her introspection either.

Fireworks burst in the around it, sending explosions of color in every direction. It was an amazing display to say the least. Overhead, the Wonderbolts flew leaving storm clouds behind them as they did. They were always something special. The best flyers of her little ponies.

It didn't take long after Celestia and Luna returned to calm the ponies down. In the following days Nightmare Moon and Daybreaker had been introduced to the public. The process of learning that there were two more alicorns in the castle was going slowly, especially with their frankly terrifying appearances. Still, it was progressing. That was what was important.

"Tia?" A knock came at the door behind her. "Are you coming out? It's the Grand Galloping Gala, thou cannot be sleeping surely?"

"I'll be right there Luna." Celestia took one last look at the moon before opening the door behind her. Her sister met her eyes immediately.

"Let us be off then." Luna said.

"I hope this party isn't going to be as boring as always." Celestia said with a sigh.

"Surely not Tia. Do you not remember who is attending?"

"Oh. How could I forget?" Celestia said with a smirk. "Twilight and her friends, Daybreaker and Nightmare Moon, and... Gaiya."

"Then shall we go? Thy ponies are awaiting us." Luna gestured.

"Let's go." Celestia walked side by side with Luna through the halls of the palace.

Guards moved in rank behind them as they walked until an army of armored stallions followed behind. They were as disciplined as always.

"Your majesty." Raven ran up beside her from an adjacent room. She didn't look nearly as tired as before, she actually looked lively for once. More ponies sharing the workload had done wonders for her. "Everything is in order."

"Excellent Raven." Celestia said with a smile. "Make sure to enjoy yourself tonight."

"Yes, your majesty." Raven bowed as she backed away, the slightest hint of a smile on her face. "You enjoy yourself as well."

They continued walking. The halls of the palace were filled with new paintings. Paintings of the moon, sun, earth and stars. Paintings of Daybreaker holding a daisy with a bee on her nose, a painting of Nightmare Moon looking out over the night from a rooftop. There were painting of Celestia and Luna sitting together and looking at an eclipse, hugging each other with their wings.

Then there was a painting of Gaiya as he relaxed in a pool of steaming mineral water, a slightly regal air around him. He had a smug smirk on his face. He insisted the painting be put up, not her.

"Auntie! Luna!" Cadance stuck her head from an adjacent room. "Are you both headed to the party?"

"Indeed, we are." Luna said.

"Join us, it will be more fun" Celestia said. "We can walk there together."

"I think I deserve it after you disappeared. Do you know how stressful it was trying to calm down Canterlot?" Cadance huffed before a smile appeared on her face. "I will take you up on that offer though. Let's go!"

The three entered the throne room together.

Instead of the single throne that sat there before, there were now five. The central throne was her own still, gold and exceedingly comfortable. On both sides of her throne were two more. One throne for Luna, silver and elegant as the night, and another throne for Gaiya, rocky and made of pure crystal.

A level down from the three thrones were two more. On the left side, next to Luna's throne was a throne dark as night. It was a glossy black with blue cushions. A throne for Nightmare Moon.

On the opposite side was the last throne. A throne of gold and fiery orange. On it was a familiar pony. Daybreaker snoozed away as she lounged in her throne, eyes shut and a phoenix sitting on her head. It was Celestia's pet phoenix Philomena. She had taken a liking to Daybreaker. Perhaps due to their sharing of flames.

"Should we wake her up?" Cadance asked.

"Tis the Grand Galloping Gala, we should wake her. It will be her first after all." Luna said.

"I'll go wake her." Celestia said.

She walked forward and admired the surrounding stained-glass windows. Their recent journey had been immortalized in the glass. Daybreaker and Nightmare Moon, Gaiya and the darkness, and Luna and Celestia. Then, the central window, moved up to above the throne instead of behind it had a familiar alicorn remade into it. Three alicorns, one of the sun, one of the moon, and one of the earth. Once again, the window was made whole.

"Daybreaker." Celestia shook her shadow awake. "It's time for the party."

Daybreaker open a single eye then shut it again. A moment later she snorted, a puff of flame coming from her nostrils.

"Come on, this event doesn't happen often." Celestia said. "I want you to be there."

"...Okay." Daybreaker stood with a groan and stretched. "Can I go to the garden after? I want to see the birds."

"Of course you can. The Gala is exceedingly boring, but I want you to see it at least once." Celestia said. "Though... I am sure Twilight Sparkle, and her friends will make it a little more interesting."

"Oh, I can't wait to see Twilight!" Cadance said. "It has been far too long."

"Then shall we go?" Luna said.

"Onward!"

Together they walked from the throne room. They walked further and further until they reached the doors leading to the gala. As they approached a shadowy figure fell from the ceiling onto the ground in front of them.

"Boo!" Nightmare Moon landed on her hooves in front of Luna. She jerked back, her eyes wide. "This night shall last forever!"

"Thou. Art. Not. Funny." Luna said with a straight face before slowly cracking into a smile.

"Very clever." Celestia said. "Now, are we all ready to enjoy the party?"

"Indeed sister."

"You all are no fun."

Celestia opened the doors with her magic.

Before them was a large set of staircases covered in red carpets. Gold lined the walls of the white castle walls. The large ballroom had many of the upper-class ponies milling about and drinking wine from tall thin glasses. Everypony seemed to sparkle. Banners of night and day hung on the walls. As she entered their eyes turned to her.

"Welcome everypony, to the Grand Galloping Gala!" Celestia said. "Let the celebrations begin!"

A cheer rang out in the room as the ponies rushed to greet her. Some shied away from the fleet of alicorns, but many came up to greet her. She addressed them courteously but made sure not to let herself fall back into a facade. She was honest, but kind.

"This is boring." Nightmare Moon said. "Hey, Daybreaker, want to get out of here?"

"Wha?" Daybreaker shook her head as it was drooping. She seemed to be falling asleep.

"You, me, out of here." Nightmare Moon said.

"Yes. To the gardens?"

"To the gardens."

"Go on ahead you two." Celestia said. "Though, Nightmare Moon can I say something?"

"Yes, your majesty." Nightmare Moon bowed.

"Thank you for everything. You allowed my sister and I to reunite and tried to be my friend even after I shunned you." Celestia bowed her head. "I thank you from the bottom of my heart."

"I-It was of no trouble!" Nightmare Moon scratched the back of her head with her hoof. "I must be going now, have fun tonight!"

The two aspects of their darker selves flew over the party in trails of fire and shadow. The ponies screamed as they flew down a nearby hallway, ducking their heads. Celestia couldn't help but let out the smallest chuckle.

"Please don't mind them everypony!" Celestia said. "They are young after all!"

"Tia. We shall be quick to admit as well. The greeting of everypony is quite... boring." Luna said. "We would much prefer to enjoy the party with you."

"I do agree that it is boring." Celestia said. "Well then, shall we see what the party has to offer then?"

"We agree." Luna said.

Celestia and Luna walked down the stairs and into the party. The ponies surrounded them as they walked and Celestia gave them all a pleasant smile and greeting but continued without stopping. She grabbed a slice of cake and sat down at a table. The eyes of the ponies watched her every move.

She took the cake in her magic. And then she ate it. And it was delicious.

The ponies screamed and what seemed like a thousand cameras clicked as she ate the cake. She could see the headlines now, princess enjoys cake, just like us.

"They are quite loud are they not?" Luna asked as she sat at the table as well. "All thou art doing is eating cake..."

"It is not something they see often." Celestia wiped her mouth with a napkin. "Speaking of something you don't see often..."

Cadance had discovered Twilight in the middle of the party. They were doing some kind of dance, clapping their hooves together and shaking their rumps. The ponies around them looked as if they had just seen another eclipse. Their eyes were bugging out of their heads and their jaws practically hit the floor.

Afterwards the two walked over to the table.

"Princess! I'm glad you told me Cadance was going to be here." Twilight smiled. "And I'm glad to see you doing well again."

"And to you as well my most faithful student." Celestia gestured to two more chairs next to her. "Why don't you two sit down?"

They all sat at the table and watched the party go by. Celestia looked at all her friends and family around her and smiled.

"Where have your friends gone Twilight?" Celestia asked.

"Oh, I am sure they are doing fine." Twilight said. "This is a party to remember after all!"

There was a distant crash somewhere in the party.

"I'm not so sure about that." Cadance said. "Should we go find them?"

"Princess Celestia. I wanted to spend time with you." Twilight said with sad eyes. "Especially after what happened."

"You can always spend time with me. In fact, I will always be here. Make sure to treasure your friends." Celestia thought about Twilight's possible alicorn ascension. It was a hard decision to give somepony that. It was a curse as much as it was a blessing. In the end, Celestia decided that it would be up to Twilight to decide if she wanted it or not. That time was still far away though and today was a day for celebration. "Go on Twilight. We can speak tomorrow, I'm just a spell away."

"Yes Princess!" Twilight saluted. "Come on Cadance, before they destroy the party!"

"Haha! This is so much fun!" Cadance chased after Twilight as they ran into the party.

Celestia was left alone with Luna once more. Time passed and they both sat in silence, simply enjoying each other's company. There was still one pony that needed to show up though, one last arrival.

He arrived through the door. The crystal form of Gaiya, wearing a black trench coat and a large top hat. It looked ridiculous. He glanced around the party before his eyes fell onto her. He approached; a new leg made of stone in place of his broken one.

"Gaiya." Celestia said.

"Celestia, Luna." Gaiya tipped his hat to her.

"What art thou wearing?" Luna turned up her nose at him.

"What? This old thing? Picked it up on my travels. Manehattan is quite the place. Full of stone jungles, questionable fashion, and blue coasts as far as the eye can see." Gaiya sat at the table and his eyes went to the cake. "Tia, are you sure..."

Celestia glared.

"Ah, well. I'll have one as well." Gaiya floated a piece of cake over before stuffing his face. "Thats good."

"It is indeed." Celestia smiled.

"I didn't think I would ever be here." Gaiya said. "Thank you for keeping your promise, even if it was a little late."

"A little late?" Celestia sighed. "I should have come for you long ago."

"Then shall we have something we should have had long ago?" Luna grabbed three glasses. "How about a toast to us three and what we have built, what we have sealed away, and what we have finally forgiven and set right?"

"Thats sounds delightful. Hoof over that one." Gaiya snatched a glass with his magic.

"A toast to us then, and to Equestria and kept promises and conquered pasts." Celestia raised a glass of her own.

"An ode to what was and what will be." Gaiya said.

Their glasses clinked together and then the party really started.

That night the sun, moon and earth reunited once more. What was broken was made whole, what was shattered was mended, what was dark was bound once again, what was unforgiveable was forgiven, and what was lonely found solace in another's company.

There was still one last thing to do for Celestia.

Later that night she found herself flying over the gentle night towards a distant place. In her magic was held the shattered and broken Alicorn Amulet that had collapsed in on itself. It was merely a shell of what it once was.

Tired but content, Celestia flew over the badlands and soon saw something amidst the sands. A river, and then a circle of tents. In the center was a burned-out funeral pyre, its inhabitants put to rest. She landed there, her hooves sinking into the sand.

"I knew you would come back." Sandy's voice came from behind her.

She turned to see Sandy. Only, his form was not rotted and withered. He was whole once more, the cloth gone from his body. His pelt was whole, his muscles strong, and his eyes bright.

"I didn't expect you to still be here." Celestia looked down at the amulet. "I just wanted to thank you."

"Thank me? I should thank you. In helping you I could finally forgive myself." Sandy said. "I hope that you find peace in your immortal life, it will not be easy to hold the darkness in eternity."

"With my family and friends, there is nothing I can't handle." Celestia said.

"Then it seems I have done my duty." Sandy sat in the sand and bowed his head. Moonlight glimmered around him, as if the streams of starlight were arriving to pick him up. "Farewell, Princess Celestia."

Celestia watched as he vanished into starlight. He had moved on as well. She looked down at the Alicorn Amulet in her hooves and wondered what to do with it. Only, when she looked down, it was no longer there. Where did it go?

She glanced around her, looking for the amulet. It was nowhere to be found. Well, it was broken anyway, it couldn't cause any problems down the line surely.

Celestia looked towards the moon. Her mane shifted in the starlight, and she raised her wings and started the long flight back to the castle. She would have to raise the sun tomorrow and have day court, but she had Daybreaker, Luna, and Nightmare Moon to help her with all her duties. The council of alicorns would work together to run the nation from now on. Gaiya was still adventuring, but he promised to return once he had come to terms with everything.

Friendships were hard to maintain, but it was worth it. Nopony could handle everything alone, no matter their origin. This was a world best shared with others. It was one where the road was long and unknown, but it was one worth walking with others.

It was time to forgive. Nopony was perfect. The shadows of misdeeds would seethe and fester when left forgotten. They would grow, and ponies would seek to avoid them. Every mistake would claw at them, ripping into what made them whole. Every single ageless regret would forever remain a stain on their soul. However, in each pony, there a graceful and hopeful light. A possibility for redemption and forgiveness that incubated between the grasping shadows of faceless pasts.

The choice to break the cycle, belonged to them.

That night Celestia took flight towards her warm castle full of friends and family, and the world rejoiced.

Epilogue

Discord sat sealed in stone. It was nearly time to break free of his thousand-year prison. How long had it been since he had wreaked chaos in the world? It would be good to stretch the old paw and claw. A glass of chocolate milk would do him good. No, an entire cotton candy cloud raining chocolate milk would do him good! An entire swarm of them in fact!

He would dismantle the elements, pry them apart with the discordance of chaos. It would be simple really, a few barbs here and there, a game in the maze, a reordering of the natural laws to bend to his will. His reign would last forever, and nothing could stop it. Celestia was weak, never solving any of her problems. Luna was a shadow of herself no doubt, even after returning from the moon she wouldn't be up to facing him. The world was his oyster, and he would pick the pearl from its open jaws.

The stone began to crack as he flexed against his bonds. He stretched, the stone shattering away and crumbling. The body beneath revealed itself. A wicked talon like an eagle and the paw of a lion adorned the ends of his twisted arms. His horns shaped strangely and without reason cracked the stone. His snake-like body which stood on the foot of a goat and dragon alike smashed through the stone.

"I'm back!" Discord shattered the last of his prison and leapt into the sunlight. "Hello Equestria! Prepare to become the chaos capital of the world. And OH, MY CELESTIA WHAT IN THE WORLD IS THIS- GAIYA IS THAT YOU?!?"

Standing before him in a semicircle was something even Discord could barely comprehend. Celestia sat in the middle, and to her sides was Luna and a pony he never thought he would see again, Gaiya, alicorn of earth. Next to them was Nightmare Moon, a wicked smirk full of fangs on her face. Then there was some sort of flaming pony that looked like it came straight out of Tartarus, burned it to ash for fun, and then came flying back to kick him in the face. She looked bored, tired, and why did she look so much like Celestia?

Behind them were six ponies. Each one held an element of harmony that was clearing glowing with power, perfectly attuned to their user. In the center was a purple unicorn, the element of magic on her head glowing. Her eyes held a vicious determination.

"Hello Discord." Celestia stood, a warm and sinister smile on her face. "Are you ready for your second chance?"

Discord looked between the literal army of alicorns, most he had never seen before, then sighed. He created a glass of chocolate milk out of thin air and actually drank the milk instead of the glass this time. Then he threw it behind him, and it shattered on the ground, actually following the rules of reality for once.

"Oh, you have got to me kidding me."

Author's Note

Thank you for everyone who read my story. I wrote this as part of a writing challenge to get myself out of a writing slump. Overall, I think that the story could have been better, after all there is improvement to be found everywhere, but I am happy with what I wrote. If you have anything to say about the story, please let me know. I am looking to improve my writing and any constructive criticism you have I would be happy to hear. Also, I am interested in your general thoughts on the story. I hope that you enjoyed the story and I wish everypony a good day.

-Written by, MistOverMoon