Dusk Shine's Fatal Flaw

by The Snek

Chapters

Prologue - One Prince
Chapter 1 - Three Princesses
Chapter 2 - Into the Mind (Part 1)
Chapter 3 - A Dream and A Story
Chapter 4 - Into the Mind (Part 2)
Chapter 5 - Memories within Dreams
Chapter 6 - Into the Mind (Part 3)
Chapter 7 - Troubled Hearts

Prologue - One Prince

Think....

Okay, think....

Just give it some time...

...and truly commit.

Start off small....

Start of with your name.

My name....

My name is Dusk Shine. It feels the most right, so that's what I've chosen.

Start from the beginning.

Which beginning?

Either. Just start somewhere.

I left home when I was little. I roughed it for a few weeks until going to Canterlot. I found a library on the lower levels, old and abandoned, but grand and welcoming for somepony like me. I made it my home and took pride in where I lived.

Somepony saw my efforts to restore the library to what it once was and they decided to visit the collection. One turned into two, then three, then four, then suddenly I was a librarian. It wasn't something I asked for, but I was never troubled by it. I honestly enjoyed the process of organizing and maintaining the books alongside the rest of the building and it served as an excellent excuse to purchase more for the collection and practice my magic skills.

One day, a pony asked to speak with somepony else. I wasn't thinking at the time and just gave them my honest answer. Turns out, it's unusual for a colt to both live in and run any sort of business by their lonesome. Word spread and letters had been written to the higher ups of Canterlot.

I knew my time there was limited. Logically, I should've left the building behind, but the library had become my home. I didn't have the heart to abandon another one so soon. It's a decision I've thanked myself for making time and time, again.

I wouldn't have met her otherwise.

That day, I returned to the library with my most recent find for the collection. My heart stopped when I saw the door ajar. I had placed protection wards for this very reason, yet still my home had been broken into. I readied myself for what was to come.

"Finely crafted. I see now why my guard had such difficulty validating any claims." As Princess Celestia casually lounged on a couch, my mind shut itself down. "If not for my very eyes, I'd assume you couldn't possibly be a colt or filly. Those spells should be far beyond somepony your age."

That day was definitely a hectic one for me. It took some time and some convincing, but I was able to stay in my new home. The only caveat was that I'd have to take some time off being a librarian to attend lessons: lessons with the Princess of the Sun herself.

I was the first pony in several centuries to be taught by Celestia directly. I still don't know why she thought I was worthy. Those defense runes were formidable but simple spells that were built more on sheer force rather than technique. I've pondered it during several sleepless nights, but never settled on an answer. Maybe her 3000 years of life gave her a sense of who had true potential with the right push, maybe she just thought I was a cute kid. Regardless, her decision gave me the best days of my life.

I was self taught when it came to magic and confident in my abilities, but I utterly flourished with Celestia's resources and guidance. I found my Specialty (the one type of magic I could master above all else), Shield Magic, to be such a useful and beautiful tool. I learned of the world I had been sheltered from and got to see many sights I never would've had the chance to otherwise. I felt what it was like to have somepony in your corner, supporting and loving you no matter what.

Princess Mi Amore Cadenza was tasked with making sure the seclusive student of her aunt got out of the library and actually talked with somepony every now and then. From what I remember, Cadance held a grudge against me for a while. Not that she ever showed it past a tired sign or eye roll. I couldn't hold that against her. I can understand not taking to the colt you were forced into foalsitting despite him being barely any younger. However, she became my best friend, and I'd like to think she still thought of me in kind.

She'd visit me even on my study or practice days to just hang out and be around. Soon, we were spending just about everyday together. (Allegedly, there were rumors going around that we were an item, but I've never been good with keeping track of that sort of thing. Gossips will see two friends hanging out and assume all sorts of things). Apparently, I was one of the only ponies who would talk to Cadance like she was an equine pony and not some untouchable mare to be put on a pedestal. Not that I ever noticed that myself. I can be quite dense at times.

That's an understatement.

Bold coming from you.

Like Me? You say that like we're We.

We? No, it's I. Is it not? Should it not? Why would iteverb-

Calm yourself.

Calm myself.... I am calm. I am focused. I am Dusk Shine.

Now continue.

The last few years have so much to think about, yet it happened all too quickly.

I hatched a dragon egg. Now I have a little brother whom I love. His name is Spike.

I mastered the final tier of Shield Magic. It was equal parts liberating and frightening to be free to forge my own path when it came to learning other magics.

I was sent to live in Ponyville for a few months. Celestia said that a change of scenery would push my studies further as I adapted to a new way of life. Cadance was upset, but I promised to write often until my return. Spike's dragonfire was awesome like that.

I met five ponies who became very dear to me. I can barely remember having a sibling before Spike, but the feeling I have when I'm around them all reminds me of just that. I'd do anything for them even....

What did I do?

I made a sacrifice.

Why?

I was told time and time again about the Magic of Friendship...

...and the importance of following my heart.

The Elements were not enough,

But I knew of one spell that was.

It meant giving myself up, which is why I exist here now.

When Mayor Mare learned that Ponyville was hosting the Summer Sun Celebration, she also asked me to help with the set up. Celestia later told me it was a test from her to make sure I was actually getting out and forming connections and not just wallowing alone in the library. I'd like to say I passed that test with flying colors, the girls made the celebration an excellent affair, even if Nightmare Moon ruined things.

Well, not really ruined. In hindsight, it was still a great day.

The girls and I travelled through the Everfree Forest and awoken the Elements of Harmony. We'd use the Elements that day to purge the Nightmare and reveal Celestia's long lost sister, Luna. She's great, legitimately one of the most interesting and beautiful ponies I've had the pleasure to have a conversation with.

The next morning, Cadance arrived in Ponyville. She had wanted to attend the Celebration, but couldn't make it in time. I had a blast showing her around town and introducing her to the ponies I've met. At the end of the day, we stood on top of a hill outside of town watching Celestia's Sunset.

Cadance eventually asked when I'd be returning to Canterlot. I saw the hope in her eyes diminish when I told her that I wanted to stay in Ponyville until further notice. I was so happy with the town and the ponies I met that I failed to see how my words hurt my first friend.

I still kick myself over that. How could I miss something so vital? I don't think I ever apologized.

Wait.... No, I didn't.

I know I didn't because I can think. I can think and recall my past without burden. Had enough time gone by? I started this exercise two weeks ago, about a week into my partial isolation. Is a month really enough time to iron out such a huge change? Should I write another letter?

"Spike?" My voice was weak. The Sun had just risen, but drapes kept out the light. When no response came, I tried to move. Immediate regret. One more try and I was on the floor. Immense regret. "Spike?" My already hush voice grew silent after a few repeated calls.

Time felt like it flowed in fast forward. It seemed to be that way ever since I returned from the Crystal Empire. Time was so fickle when I put thought to it. It felt like mere minutes when Spike came to my room holding a tray, yet I knew he held dinner in his hands when I should have just woken up.

The poor drake nearly dropped his hard work on the ground when he saw his big brother's state. I felt awful relying on him so much for simple things like returning to my bed.

"Spike." It took several tries and some water before the baby dragon could hear my voice in spite of his enhanced hearing.

"Yes... Dusk?" I hated how he hesitated to use my name.

"Paper and some quill."

"Need me to take a note?"

"No, I think I'm ready." I could feel my horn well with power atop my head.

I let out a small chuckle. Spike did not.

I'm so sorry Spike. I'll make this up to you.

I'll make it up to you all.

Author's Note

This isn't the first thing I've written, but it's the first time I've gotten my rear in gear to actually post something. This Prologue is supposed to be a bit obtuse to read, its style doesn't reflect how most of the story is to be written.

Overall, I hope there are those who enjoy the later chapters and that those who don't voice their concerns. Questions would also be helpful, knowing what information I'd need to elaborate on in the future.

I'm a very slow writer and only have the next two chapters """ready""", so I can't promise to upload often.

Chapter 1 - Three Princesses

Dear Princess Celestia,

I know I promised in my last letter that I would leave my isolation in "just a couple weeks" after what had happened, but I am going to have to extend that period til the end of the month.

Spike has remained at my side within the castle and continues to be a rock for me to balance myself. He's gotten my flank in line more times than I can count and has made sure that I'm well fed. I'm definitely going to have to spoil him when things are said and done.

I've also talked his ear off to the point that I am sure that my last letter was just full of random non sequiturs. It's honestly kept me up more than the growing pains have. Regardless (and this may be wishful thinking), I feel my mind coming back into alignment. Slowly, but surely, I'll figure out just who I am.

Until then, I hope you may approve of me continuing to use this name. It feels the most comfortable and Spike's reminded me to not over think it. Besides, it would be easier legally. We will have to talk about my title, but that can come with time.

Please give my regards to my friends and condolences to Cadance. Promise them that I will do so in person at the earliest opportunity. Oh, and say, "Hi," to Luna for me. I miss our talks.

Sincerely,
Dusk Shine

. . . . .

Celestia's used her magic to roll the parchment one more time. She's read it over and over the past few weeks and was already feeling the itch to pour over it yet again. So many lines have kept her up at night. She tapped the scroll against her head a few times, pacing back and forth. Her metal shoes clanked loudly against the wooden flooring as she tried to get her bearings.

"Princess?"

"What did he mean by 'growing pains?'" Celestia said.

"Excuse me?"

The princess snapped her attention towards Mayor Mare, the smaller pony nearly falling back out the door in shock. Celestia quickly used her magic to gently right her and close the door.

"I am so sorry, Madame Mare. Both for the intrusion and the scare."

"It's not a problem at all. When I was told I had a visitor, I was not expecting the Alicorn Princess of the Sun." The Mayor dipped her head in respect before adopting a serious expression. "Is this about the castle?"

Celestia let out a sign and let her gaze wander out the window. You couldn't see the Castle of Friendship from City Hall, but she could feel the presence of powerful magic. Their magic. Magic that suddenly surged the day before.

"Not many of us noticed the barrier at first." The Mayor looked over her desk. "I had a few complaints from our pegasi about the skies around there, but the young prince has always been up to something, even before he ascended, so I swept them under the rug until his return. It wasn't until his friends came back without him that rumors began to circulate. Then word got out about something happening at the Crystal Empire."

The princess sat in silence, her mane waving in nonexistent wind and her eyes looked far away. The Mayor Mare had seen that look before.

"Celestia, what exactly happened to young Dusk Shine?"

The princess just slowly shook her head.

. . . . .

"Right this way, miss."

Cadance nodded in thanks as she left the train station. It had been a while since she had been in Ponyville. It was a pleasant little village that was home to a lot of interesting characters, but after her crowning ceremony, the Crystal Empire just took too much of her time. The last time she'd even been in this part of Equestria was to see-

Cadance quickly cut that thought out of her head before she could dwell on it. With a huff, she used her magic to affirm her transition spell and took to the Ponyville streets. Ponies milled around her as she did her best not to get in the way. It was very different than back home, where city crowds would just push pass each other like streams in a river. It was nice to be away from the corporate world and back to where families ran their own livelihoods. It was so much like the lower levels of Canterlot, where she spent so much time watching over-

'Stop.' Cadance urged herself not to get lost in thought, again. She'd been an utter mess for over a month. She's the alicorn Princess of Love and was yet reduced to a ruler barely capable of holding herself together long enough give commands to her trying nation.

Cadance felt disconnected from her body as she stopped herself in the middle of the street as two very familiar magical signatures hit her like a stampede.

She shouldn't even be here. Her people needed her, yet she's selfishly pursuing her own goals. If she pooled her magic now, then she could teleport back in a few trips before collapsing from magical exhaustion and waking up the next day. She would be out of this town and away from its horrifying implications.

She'd be away from that hideous signature, but also be away from the one she loved more than anything.

Cadance's breathing got heavier as she just stared straight ahead. If one looked at her closely, they'd see a double image as her spell began to unravel.

"High-Low, new friend that I've totally not seen before! I, Pinkie Pie, will do the thing I am very well known for and whisk you away for a happy welcome party celebration! 'Let's-a go,' as they say in Neighpon!"

In a puff of blue and yellow confetti, the two vanished from sight. Leaving a few confused residences behind.

"Looks like Pie's feeling better."

"Good for her."

Everyone went about their day after that.

. . . . .

"Are you sure, Princess?"

The hoofmaiden, a young mare who went by "Hearted," received only a glare. There was no real heat behind it, but its intention was clear. The maid had unfortunately grown very accustomed to interpreting her Highness' looks this past month.

"Forgive my questioning, but you already haven't been sleeping well. Now you're covering for your sister on top of your nightly duties? I'm worried for your health." She pleaded.

Luna, Alicorn Princess of the Moon, looked outwards into the morning sky, a glow fading from her horn as the Sun found its place. To most, she was still one of the most stunning and beautiful mares in the country, even as her mane hung low, but the hoofmaiden could only see a mere shell of the beloved princess.

She walked towards her vanity without a word. The maid was downtrodden, but got to work. They brighten sullen eyes, brush a tangled mane and don the princess in royal attire that seemed to grow looser by the day. With a finishing touch, the hoofmaiden cast a revitalization spell.

Luna stood up, fixed her posture and took a good long look at the mirror then an even longer one outside her balcony. The maid waited by the door for her to join them. When she did, the princess readied herself before giving the signal.

With a smile and gleam that would fool almost anyone, Princess Luna stepped out into the public.

. . . . .

"Which is why I stopped here first." Celestia said.

Her and Mayor Mare were talking over tea in her office. Mare had barely touched it as she just stared at the murky reflection.

"I trust you, Mare. Enough to be fully honest with the whole story. The ponies of this town may be in danger. If- if it comes to it, then I'll do everything in my power to stop it, but-"

The Mayor looked up at her friend as the princess' brave facade began to break down. With news like that, she was having a hard time just wrapping her head around it. As an earth pony, unicorn magic was already a step above her pay grade, much less the further reaches of what true masters of the craft could bring forth.

"Celestia, do you believe Dusk Shine would harm us? That he'd bring irreparable damage to the town and people he's grown to love so much? Even after what he put himself through, do you truly think he'd let anything like that happen?" Mare gave up on the tea and walked over to the window, forcing the princess to look at her. "Ask anypony in this town about Dusk Shine, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie or Rainbow Dash, and while it wouldn't be all positive, I'd guarantee you that each and every single one of them would have utter trust in them."

The mayor saw the princess brighten up at her comment. For just a moment, she saw a look of pride and love that reminded her of Celestia the pony, not the princess, before that look disappeared when her gaze returned to the window.

"A lot has happened in just a few short years compared the thousand that came before it. So much of it because I refused to act decisively. Chrysalis, Discord-" Celestia's eyes narrowed. "Sombra and even my own sister were left to plan, escape and suffer over the course of those thousand years. My poor student and those innocent mares were forced into catastrophe after catastrophe to fix problems I found excuse after excuse not to handle."

Celestia abruptly turned to leave. "Not this time, Mare. My student followed my teachings to fix yet another one of my mistakes and has been left to suffer for a month too long. Whether it be to help or..." The words died in her mouth. She hated even the thought.

"Whether it be to help or handle the situation, you must act now." Mayor Mare finished. "I'll warn my messengers. If Prince Dusk Shine really is no more, then we will be prepared."

Celestia nodded. Her horn flared with a burst of illusion magic and a much smaller, cream colored earth pony stood in her place. "Thank you for your words and your time, Madame Mayor. I'll update you after everything is said and done."

. . . . .

"Are you sure she's an earth pony?"

"Eeyup."

"No horn or magic trinket hidden away?"

"Nope."

"Yeah, Pinkie's always had a knack for knowing when someone new is in town." Rainbow Dash said.

Cadance, in her true form, furrowed her brow at the pegasus as they lazily sprawled themselves across the couch in Applejack's home. The mare in question was in the kitchen nearby while Pinkie Pie was upstairs getting the others.

"But what about her seeing through my disguise?"

"You weren't disguised when you got here."

"Eeyup."

Applejack appeared around the edge of Cadance's chair holding a mug. She took it with a small thanks and stared at the warm cider within in awe. The earth pony gave a small smile before disappearing back into the kitchen. Cadance took a careful sip and felt to warm liquid nurture her soul. No wonder Sweet Apple Acres was so revered.

"What about the teleporting?"

"What teleporting?" Rainbow asked. "You two just walked in here."

"Really?" Cadance knew she was a bit out of it, but walking-several-miles-without-noticing out of it?

"You seemed troubled."

Cadance gave a yelp unbecoming of a princess at the sudden new voice. Only an instinctive use of magic kept her from spilling her drink.

"Oh, did I scare you?" Fluttershy's wings bent forward to cover her face. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to surprise you. I'm really really sorry."

"Darling, no need to lay it on so thick." Rarity spoke up from the stairs. She trotted over to gently pull Fluttershy's wings from her face. "It's absolutely grand to see you, again, your majesty. We haven't fully seen each other since the Crystal Fair."

"Oh, Rarity, it's just 'Cadance.' It's nice to get away and see you all, too." She turned to the yellow pegasus. "That includes you, Fluttershy. There's nothing to be ashamed of, I was just deep in thought."

"That's cool, now where's Pinkie?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"She's been working on her... hair."

"And failing!"

Pinkie Pie's abrupt appearance next to Rainbow Dash absolutely confirmed Cadance's suspicions that the pink earth pony somehow had access to some sort of greater magic. The princess felt the need to start questioning how, but couldn't bring herself to do so when she got a good look at her. The bubbly party pony still rocked the same wide grin she always seemed to have. She bounced lightly in her seat and even spoke with the exact same, recognizable cadence, but it still took Cadance a moment to equate the pony she was seeing with the one she remembered.

Cadance didn't know Pinkie Pie especially well, but she vividly remembered and associated the mare with bright pink coloring and hair as aloof as her personality. Seeing her coat, while still pink, darkened to an almost gray and her mane lacking even a single curl sent a maternal pang through the Princess of Love. It was a sensation she'd fostered ever since she took up looking after Spike while D-"

'Right.' There was an elephant in the room who didn't deserve to be ignored.

"Are we all here to see him?"

The whole house fell silent. No sounds from the couch nor the kitchen.

"We're all worried about him." Fluttershy said slowly. "It's not like we aren't used to him disappearing into his home every now and again, but with what happened-"

"Egghead's fine." Rainbow Dash interrupted. "Like she said, he gets caught up in his nerd stuff and we have to drag him out to touch some grass. If it weren't for that annoying barrier, everypony would've stop their crying already."

"Shame though." Pinkie Pie giggled. "I was this close to winning by finding a way inside after Dashie couldn't break it, but then the whole thing went kablooey."

"Kablooey?" Cadance tilted her head.

"Yeah, I bet he quit because he knew I was about to win."

"She's talking about last night, Cadance" Rarity clarified. "When the field went down and that, uh, signature started blaring."

"Signature." Cadance could feel the signatures she was talking about, especially now that she was so much closer to its source. "Wait, you can feel it, too?"

"Eeyup."

Applejack came back around the corner and took the surprisingly empty cup from Cadance's hooves. She turned and lightly prodded Rarity's horn before signaling towards the kitchen to the others.

"Yippie! Free grub." Pinkie jumped in such a way that knocked Rainbow Dash off the couch.

"Hey!" The pegasus gave chase.

"Please, don't run." Fluttershy followed the two as they went into the kitchen.

"Excuse the noise, Cadance. Would you do us the pleasure of joining us for lunch?"

Rarity didn't get a response as the princess studied the unicorn's horn or more specifically, the band wrapped around the base that Applejack had pointed out. She had the misfortune of being subjected to one of those and was confused as to why the white mare would willingly use one on herself.

"The signature." Rarity answered.

"Huh?"

"Oh, sorry, Cadance. You were speaking out loud."

The pink alicorn just sighed and sank into her chair. Between apparently walking several miles while completely unaware and speaking her thoughts without realizing, she believed she'd finally been driven mad.

"Nonsense! It's a fair question to ask." Rarity winced. "Oh, you did it, again. Moving along, I just couldn't bare that signature all night, so I donned this magic dampener that Dusk Shine gifted me to block it out. I may not be the most magically inclined, but those Elements of Harmony have a habit of boosting things like that. This dampener helps me until the effects wear off and I can comfortably control my magic.

"You used the Elements of Harmony?"

"No, not since a month ago. I felt absolutely fine up until last night."

Now that was news she'd have to process. As an alicorn, Cadance really didn't think about the signatures she felt beyond their abnormality. She had been trained in the art of sensing the signatures of other magically inclined creatures, but was also aware of how to block out signatures so that she wouldn't be overwhelmed.

As a unicorn who has chosen not to become a mage, Rarity shouldn't even be able to sense magical signatures without outside help, yet was so overwhelmed by a signature coming from halfway across town that she chose to remove her magic entirely?

Just what did that say about the signatures coming from the Castle of Friendship?

"I haven't the foggiest idea."

Cadance took a moment to look at Rarity, then at the ceiling. "I need food."

"Is that 'yes' to lunch?"

"Yes, please."

. . . . .

Midday court had progressed nicely, all things considered. There was some confusion when the guards announced Princess Luna's presence instead of Celestia's, but the noise was quelled and things proceeded. Luna had a sharper tongue and was much more blunt than her sister, but otherwise, she was well aware of the issues passed on from previous meetings.

"Next on the agenda is our continued relief for the Crystal Empire." A delegate said.

"Approved."

A small wave of mummers fill the air.

"Now, now, and please excuse any perceived rudeness, Princess, but we're going to need to have words about the events at the Crystal Empire."

"What words?"

"We've been offering relief to the Empire for over a month now. I, and I'm sure others will agree, full heartedly support taking kind actions for the simple sake of kindness, but we're heading in blind here. The Crystal Empire has been hit with what has only been described as 'a coup,' and as a reminder, this has all occurred less then a decade after the Empire reappeared from its unexplained disappearance nearly a thousand years ago."

The delegate looked to their sides to see others agreeing while the princess sat resolute.

"This is in addition to the Changeling Invasion that occurred at Princess Mi Amore Cadenza's coronation as ruler of the Crystal Empire. Now, said princess is rarely seen by her people and the Princess of the Sun has left us without warning. I want to reiterate, that the ponies have trust in you all, but I do not like letting what seems like a growing issue stew under our noses."

Luna narrowed her eyes before closing them entirely. She took a calming breath. "I will be convening with my sister before the Sun sets tomorrow and I'll be sure that we meet with her niece before next week's court. Until then, it is my promise to you that a full press conference will be held where all of our knowledge of the events that have taken place will be revealed."

After a moment of silence to confirm that that was the princess' final word, things moved on.

"Last on the agenda is relating to our Prince Dusk Sh-"

"No comment."

The delegate nearly crumbled the paper in their hooves as they screwed their eyes shut. "Please, Princess, our prince's disappearance coinciding with the events at the Crystal Empire has many of us worried about hi-"

The delegate doesn't notice their fellow ponies stepping away from them as a shadow loomed. A thud boomed as Luna landed in front of the pony. She craned her neck to eye level and stared directly into their soul and beyond.

"No. Comment." After a tense silence, Luna stood at attention, dismissed the court with a flap of her wing and stiffly left the room.

"I told you we should've scratch that off the agenda when the Night Princess showed up."

"Shut up, Scribble."

"Okay."

. . . . .

Everything mostly looked as it did when the castle was first brought into existence by the Tree of Harmony. Its purples were darkened and its blues dulled, but the structure and the crystalline tree it sat upon looked pristine otherwise. While walking through Ponyville, a part of Celestia hoped that her journey would never end.

However, she found herself in front of the Castle of Friendship far too soon.

The princess steeled herself and dropped her illusion. She flexed her wings and brought herself into the air around the castle. She could feel the magical signature as it wound its way throughout the castle's entirety to the point she couldn't pinpoint exactly were the true source lied.

It reminded Celestia too much of when her sister had succumb to darkness and became Nightmare Moon, of when the tainted signature filled every hall of their old home in Everfree. It was almost enough to cause the princess to pause and delay her actions even further, but instead she filled her lungs and let loose the Royal Canterlot Voice.

"Occupants of the Castle of Friendship -- one Spike the Dragon and The-One-Who-Called-Himself-Dusk-Shine -- make your presence known!"

"Hey, Princess, no need to yell. I- I'm right here."

Celestia dropped her gaze to the castle's main balcony, where the baby dragon in question was waving nervously before slowly moving to twiddle his fingers. She drifted down to hover in front of him.

"Spike, are you well?"

The dragon gave a little salute. "Yes, ma'am. A little stir-crazy, but nothing a nice camping trip can't solve."

Celestia felt a bout of warmth in her heart, but kept it in check. She couldn't be careless. With a glow of her horn, Spike glowed in kind.

"Wha- Princess?"

"It's a truth spell, Spike. I can't take any chances. Now, are you well?"

"Y-yes, Princess. I'm worried sick over my big bro, but I want to get out of here, but I would never leave him behind, but the gems here are all starting to taste the same, but he's going through something so much worst, but-"

"Spike." Celestia's voice was soft as picked him up with her magic and brought him towards her. It was a bit of a dangerous move, but she couldn't resist. She's avoided making contact with the castle at all in fear of traps or other dangers. It couldn't be discounted that the baby dragon wasn't part of some machination meant to lure her in, but Celestia would gladly risk her safety to reassure another. "You are exhausted, young drake."

"Yeah, I was up early today." Spike melted into the princess' embrace. "This reminds me of when Dusk would hold me, but softer."

Celestia giggled, but reminded herself of why she was here. "Spike, is there any reason I shouldn't set foot on the deck."

"No? Not that I can think of."

"What about inside? Any reason to be on guard?"

"I mean, other than the fireplace while it's lit, the laundry room on a bad day, the bathroom while I'm using it or the library while we're organizing it." Spike's face scrunched up. "Or my room, because my stuff is there, and while I trust you not to go snooping, I'd feel better if-"

"That'll do, Spike." The Princess of the Sun hovered over the patio. She placed a hoof on the flooring, then another until she was flat on the ground with the dragon on her back. She was probably being overly cautious, but if that monster had Dusk Shine's mind and a month to prepare, she wasn't going to trust any of the detection spells she'd already cast. She couldn't even take Spike at his word under the truth spell since the stallion had a whole month to orchestrate his memories.

Celestia entered the Castle of Friendship. She sent out repeated detection spells that pulsed around every corner. The signature had reached maddening degrees. It felt like the same individual was everything, everywhere, all at once. She despised how much she'd allowed herself to rely so heavily on sensing the magic of others. It only served to make her blind.

As the pair entered the main hall, the princess spoke quietly. "Where is he?"

Spike was confused, but answered in the same low tone. "Dusk was in his room last I checked. He didn't take any pain dampeners yesterday, so I'm sure he's sore and hasn't gotten up yet." His eyes widened. "Ohsh, I haven't finished breakfast yet!"

The dragon slid off Celestia's back and scampered off towards the kitchen. The princess' first instinct was to stop the young one in his tracks, but she was already in the middle of channelling another detection spell for her to redirect her magic. She went to physically snatch him with her wings, yet froze in her tracks.

Celestia's detection spell had gone off and had finally successfully found somepony. It was useless though as the magical signature that had been overwhelming her senses had now focused itself into one point. The princess slowly arched her head to the top of the grand staircase. Standing there, shrouded in darkness, was a silhouette that made her teeth clench.

"Sombra."

Chapter 2 - Into the Mind (Part 1)

"Princess."

The masculine voice was slow. It wasn't loud, yet it radiated throughout the main hall of the Castle of Friendship.

It was a voice she immediately recognized, but its timbre was all wrong. There was a deep and powerful quality to it that she also recognized, but from somepony else entirely. Bits and pieces from two different individuals she had once held dear rang in Celestia's ears. Her gaze drilled two holes into the one at the top of the staircase.

With a gradual step, the pony left the shadows.

And her heart dropped.

She thought that a month of preparation would have been enough for her to come to terms with what she needed to do, but time after time today, she's found herself dreading it more and more.

How could she not when staring at the tainted form of her precious student?

'Dusk Shine' had his head held low. His mane was longer than Dusk's, so much in fact that it hung over his eyes and dragged on the ground along with his tail. Across his body, Dusk's colors were present but darkened and near black in some places. His horn was straight and came to a sharp point. His wings were proportionally larger than Dusk's ever were, even compared to her own.

The stallion was wearing a recognizable set of regalia. Sombra's silver armor was resized to cover the larger male's neck, chest, and lower legs. A deep purple cape styled like the previous King's was worn over his back, modified with new holes for his wings. On top of his head, partially obscured by his mane, was Sombra's crown holding Dusk Shine's Element of Magic.

There was so much wrong with what she was seeing. Celestia stood at the ready as the stallion before her descended the steps. Her head lowered as his slow gait brought him to her level. When he finally stood before her, Celestia realized that she was still looking up, that this stallion was taller than her.

She didn't say or do anything at first, neither did he. The mare couldn't see the stallion's eyes under his mane, but she could feel his gaze.

He made the first move. Celestia readied her horn and took a defensive stance. She expected an attack of some kind. Whether it have been a physical strike or spell, but neither came. Instead, The-One-Who-Called-Himself-Dusk-Shine buckled his forelegs and lowered the front of his body to the ground.

He was bowing to her.

"Prin... cess." The word was drawn out like it took great effort to say. He lifted his head to look at her, his mane shifting to allow Celestia to finally see his eyes.

He had Dusk Shine's eyes.

The entire display was a lot even for her.

Despite all her years of rule, despite all the lives she's outlived, despite all the decisions and all the personal sacrifices she's made, Celestia could never part with the piece of herself that cared far too much. It was the piece that held a firm attachment to a select few, a piece that she'd try to suppress during times of great need, but could never do so for long.

So, when the stallion righted himself and charged at her, Celestia hesitated. She had the time and power to ready any spell or prepare any defense, yet she chose not to. His body collided with her's and she did nothing to stop it.

"It's so good to see you, Princess." He hugged her tightly. She could feel him shaking. Despite his size, he felt so brittle for a moment. "It has beena rough month."

He pulled away. His mane had shifted, again, which revealed his smiling face to her. It was Dusk's smile. The same smile he made when he showed her a newly mastered spell, when Spike took his first steps, when he finally got to see a friend after a long time apart.

But he wasn't Dusk Shine. This stallion was just wearing his face.

"Back... up."

"Princess?"

"Back away from me this instant!"

The stallion braved the Royal Canterlot Voice without moving. He looked shocked before his expression melted into resignation. He stepped back two lengths.

"Princess Celestia." He was muttering desperately. "I promise I have an explanation for all of this. There's this spe-"

"I know what Fusion Magic is, Sombra."

There was a long silence between them. The stallion stood for a moment before falling to his haunches. He was stunned at first. She could see the gears turning behind those stolen eyes.

"O- of course. If anypony were to know, it would be you." He focused his gaze back on her, that stolen smile timidly on his face. "But then you know what I am. You know I'm not a threat. I have my Element here to prov-"

"'Not a threat?'" Celestia spoke lowly. It didn't take much effort to put some anger behind her words. "After all you've done, after enslaving your own subjects, after attacking the Crystal Empire on multiple occasions, after stealing my pupil's body to enhance your power, you expect me to believe that you are not a threat!?"

Like before, the Royal Canterlot Voice didn't seem to affect the stallion like it would a normal pony. However, he shifted uneasily under her glare and hung on her words, thinking about what to say next.

"I- I don't...."

"You don't what, Sombra?"

"Dusk Shine.... Please." His voice got quieter as he spoke. "I'd prefer to be called Dusk Sh-"

He felt the attack coming before actually seeing it. He threw himself to the ground before Celestia's hoof could connect. The alicorn princess then stood over the laying stallion, her Sun's shine came through the windows behind her to silhouette the princess in its light. The only detail he could make out was the dangerous glow of her eyes.

"Silence, Sombra! I once put my trust in you. You were my deepest friend, my confidant, my fellow ruler, but you threw that all away. There was a piece of me that was foolishly hopeful upon the return of the Crystal Empire. There was a chance you'd be there, a chance that with new found power we could restrain you and talkyou out of your decisions.

"It was so stupid; I was so stupid. I just wanted you back. I was the luckiest mare ever to have been blessed with my sister's return. Now, I'm the most foolish for expecting the world to give my love back as well.

"I put so many others on the line for you and for what? I've lost my student. You took him from me with a spell my mother spent her life eradicating. He will never reincarnate. He's gone with you."

"The Prince of Friendship was the one to introduce the spell."

It was so quick and simple. Dusk Shine was good at that; being able to find just the words to say if you gave him the time to think. It's what made him such a breath of fresh air when otherwise confronted with nobles who always found the need to inflate everything that came out of their mouths.

Celestia reeled away from the stallion.

"My namesake was the one to approach Sombra with the spell." He stayed on the ground, eyes directly meeting hers. "He was the one who explained fusion and even pushed for it when Sombra denied him."

The Princess couldn't begin to fathom it. So many questions were popping into her mind to an overwhelming degree. However, they would have to wait.

Wordlessly, Celestia dug the sharp end of her shoe into the crystal flooring. She ignored his questioning look as she carved a symbol. With a flourish, it was done and she moved onto the next. It wasn't the most dignified or safe way to create such a rune, but she has had a lot of experience over the years using any number of implement.

The stallion continued to lay there as he watched. "A glyph?" He frowned. "Teleportation?"

"Did you pry that information from Dusk Shine's studies or Sombra's experience?"

He grimaced. Was she being too harsh? He certainly wasn't acting like a threat. Yet, acts were meant to be deceiving.

They both wallowed in silence for a few moments. Celestia continued her work even as the stallion perked up. His head turned to focus on a rapidly approaching signature.

"Cadance." He looked excited, eager even.

"No." Celestia held out her wing, stopping the stallion from moving. "I won't let you see anypony until I'm certain you're safe. I hope that isn't an issue." The amount of venom in her voice squashed any objection.

"Yes, Princess." He looked so dejected. She decided to pay him no mind and just focus on the task at hoof. "May I leave them a note?"

Celestia didn't respond and just continued her work. She had just about finished a full circle when a quill and parchment appeared before him. He nodded in thanks, that weary smile on his face, as he began to write. Oddly enough, he held the quill in his hoof as he wrote instead of using telekinesis. A habit she didn't recognize from either of his donors.

They both finished their tasks at the same time. He fashioned the letter into a little airplane and let it fly out of the room towards the kitchen. How unusually childish. She let her magic flow into the first sigil, which caused them all to light up.

"Prepare yourself." Celestia stood within the circle.

The stallion got up and stood by her side, his gaze drifted toward a wall. Through it, she could feel her fellow princess' magical signature closing in. She must've been galloping down the halls now.

'I'm sorry, dear niece. I'll make this up to you.'

"I'll make it up to you all."

She cast her eyes to those of the stallion. Those stolen eyes shone with a familiar determination. One that reminded her of two very distinct, yet ever similar ponies that are dear to her.

'Were.' She reminded herself.

. . . . .

There was a reason Rune Magic was so rarely used as the years waned on. It cost the user less magical energy to cast, yet it took time to set up the necessary runes to form a complete glyph; each of which had to be recreated to perfection or else the desired effect would never be reached.

That was in addition to the advancement of technology. Why bother having a series of unicorns power a movement rune for a train when a steam engine would allow anypony to perform the job?

However, as all things, it had its uses.

With a bright flash, Celestia and her companion warped into existence. The stallion looked around inquisitively.

They were in a cave-like room, its walls and floors carved from rough stone. It was mostly barren, barring a kitchenette and sitting area pushed off to one corner. There was also a severe lack of any doors or windows.

"Where are w-" The stallion cut himself off, his head swiveling around.

Celestia didn't blame him. Once one became used to sensing the magical signatures of every living thing around them, their absence rang like a deafening silence.

"This is an old safe house of mine. Sparsely used over the years and left abandoned until I refurbished it before Discord's reformation." The princess gestured to a table with a wing as she walked around it to the kitchenette. "Located deep within Mount Canterlot, it was constructed with materials from the mines that would spark the founding of the Crystal Empire. No magic passes, impacts or escapes these walls."

"Anypony who enters would be trapped unless they knew the exact location and combination for the exit portal." The stallion spoke with a bit of awe in his voice as he studied the runes at his hooves. It sent a pang of familiarity through the mare. She could see either of the stallion's donors giving the same response. "Wait, we're under the Pillar of Twilight?!"

Celestia raised a brow. Dark purple wings were bristling and lavender eyes contained pinprick pupils. Where had this fear come from? Had he just realized the situation she put him in, or was there something else spurring that feeling?

"That's the mountain's original name, yes. Although, I'll remind you that it hasn't been called that since I declared Canterlot as the capital of Equestria."

"Yes, of course." He muttered quickly. "To confirm, this room isn't connected to any tunnels or passageways, correct?"

"No, I made sure of it myself."

The stallion oddly sighed in relief. Celestia narrowed her eyes for a moment. Shouldn't her confirmation ring as a bad thing to him? Shaking her head, she once again gestured to the table. "Take a seat, please. We can discuss things over tea."

The room was mostly silent as she prepared a pot. When she turned to face him, she saw that he had yet to move from his position. He was looking at her quite oddly.

"Don't you hate tea?" He said. "Or is that something that changed with time?"

Celestia didn't respond.

"Sombra clearly remembers you admitting to hating the stuff. That would make me lean towards the latter, but then, again, the Prince of Friendship doesn't actually remember you ever drinking any. Every cup you were given always seemed to be mysteriously empty." He chuckled as he made his way to the table and took a spot. "Not that it really matters, but I'll be the first to tell you 'I told you so.'"

Celestia held her breath for a moment before letting out a long sigh. She used her magic to place down the pot and cup near the stallion before sitting across from him.

"I know, I know. But they looked so earnest at the time. I couldn't just squash their little heart. Then one batch turned into two, which became a weekly shipment to the castle."

"Of course, Tea Leaf would earnestly wish to share her craft with the Princess of the Sun, and of course, that craft would be tea. When I was offered that hideous portrait, I smiled, thanked the artist, and moved on. I di-" The stallion stopped as realization struck. He took a moment to catch the mare's eyes, a mirthful little smile gracing his lips. "You got the stainedwindows?!"

Celestia groaned and covered her eyes. "Please don't start. I get enough of that from Luna."

He chuckled. "Riiight. Luuuna. Your siiiister. How did that come to be? Your parents aren't still out there, are they?"

"She's my best friend and I'd think of her no other way. Regardless of blood."

"And Cadance?"

"I'm sure if you put your minds together, you'll figure it out."

"Prince Blueblood?"

"Distant relative of Clover the Clever. His entire family line has called me 'Aunty' for about two millennia now. The fact that his family name is 'Prince' is completely unrelated."

"Dusk Shine?"

"He was a dear friend and a most faithful stu...."

Was.

The atmosphere between them chilled.

"I'm right here, Princess."

"You may be, but my student is gon-"

"No, I am not, Celestia!" The stallion slammed a hoof onto the table, cracking the reinforced material. "I have all of his hopes and dreams and memories. I feel as he did, as I do. I know I'm not the same as I was, but I am Dusk Shine. I just have more to me than before."

"'More to you?" The mare straightened herself. It was as if she was lecturing a rather daring, but foolish noble in her court. "If I mix blue and yellow paint, can I truly look at the green and still call it 'blue?'"

"If the paint was sentient and capable of claiming an identity, I'm sure it could convince those closest to it!"

"Dusk Shine would never lash out in his anger." She gestured to the now damaged table. "He's never addressed me without my title."

"Sombra didn't either at first. As I became familiar with you, he dropped the semantics, I'd do the same as Dusk grew more comfortable. That's how friends behave. They bond, share and don't sit around while another is disrespected."

"Calm yourself, alicorn." Celestia's voice darkened. He stuttered at her tone. "Before, I could recognize who I was speaking with, but now your identity is slipping. Dusk Shine entered this place, Sombra teased with me about those windows, and now the husk of what they once were has damaged my table."

"H-h- I am me." The stallion gibbered to himself. His head dropped, causing his mane to cover his eyes. "I. I. I."

Celestia just watched the display in front of her with a small shake of her head. She's seen such a reaction before. When two ponies of equal experience were merged, their identities tended to conflict. In the past, the fusion would simply choose a new identity, one which saw their progenitors as parents. There would be no reason to try and disregard one of their histories to adapt to just one. That would just hint at a deception of some kind, but then again, who was to be deceived?

Shame of one's past was a powerful motivator.

"Princess?"

When he got her attention, she felt the need to do a double take. The stammering stallion, near a mental break of sorts, had calmed and was looking at her with focus. That was certainly fast.

"I've kept you waiting." He bowed his head in apology. "May, I ask why you've brought me here?"

Had she been waiting? Celestia's connection to the Sun may have been broken while in this room, but her internal clock stated that barely a minute has passed since she last spoke. Another concern for later.

"This safe room isn't to keep any one pony safe. It's to keep the masses safe from one pony. If our conflict couldn't be contained to the Castle of Friendship, this site would be known as 'Celestia's Last Stand.'"

His eyes widened. "You think I'd attack you? That I'd strike you down?"

"You've done so before. Have you not, Sombra?"

"Dusk. Shine."

The two just stared at each other, the tension building.

Celestia allowed her stoney expression to fracture a bit and adopt a small smile. "No, I no longer think you'd attack me so brazenly. From what I've seen and felt, you are not a threat." She saw a bit of hope in his eyes. "However, that does not mean you have my full trust, nor that I don't have questions."

The stallion took a calming breath. "That's understandable. Please, ask away, Princess."

"I have something else in mind." She focused power into her horn, which spread until coated it coated her body in its aura. A single strand roped off and to float loosely in the air between them.

He stood and urgently backed up. "That is-!?"

"Do not be alarmed." Celestia cut off gently. "This is not the spell you are thinking of, I'm simply borrowing aspects of it. Are you familiar with my sister's Dream Magic?" She got a nod. "I'll never be able to accomplish the incredible feats my sister has, but I've learned what I could. Combining that knowledge with Fusion Magic has resulted in this spell, which will allow me to enter the consciousness of a willing creature. A grievous invasion of privacy that I couldn't and wouldn't force on even my hated enemies."

The stallion kept his distance as the silent question hung in the air. He gazed at the strand of magic waving in the air above the table. She could feel his magic probing hers, validating her claim and learning from her in equal parts. It sent a pang of painful familiarity through her heart.

After what felt like minutes, he approached and sat down. "What do I have to do?"

. . . . .

Celestia felt herself falling. Falling without wings or magic to catch her. Falling without an end in sight.

It was why she dubbed this spell "Memory Dive."

The first time she cast this spell was in the trusted company of Starswirl the Bearded.

The second was with her sister shortly after she recovered from the Nightmare.

Now, its third ever use in 3000 years was put upon an enigmatic fusion. Another strain of magic that hadn't been seen in a similar amount of time.

Celestia felt as if days went by, yet her fine-tuned internal clock disproved that. When she was finally standing, she couldn't recall ever landing. She stood in the darkness until it was finally given color.

Perhaps color was the wrong word to use. Celestia was in a hospital wing. Despite being crafted from crystal, the walls, floors, drapes, and beds around her gave off that sterile white color. The only sources of variety were two unicorns who were the room's sole occupants.

A dark gray colt with black mane lain still while a purple coated filly with an arctic blue mane sat beside him. Her head rested on the colt's chest, Celestia could pick up quiet hums of some nameless melody.

"Why must this be what you dredge up?"

The Princess closed her eyes. "The strongest memories are always the ones to materialize first." When she opened them, she was no longer alone. "I'm sorry, Sombra."

Beside her, facing away from the memory and into the black empty, was the Sombra she remembered. His silver regalia wasn't composed of armor meant for war, none of his colors invoked a blood red, and his horn and eyes weren't tainted with Dark Magic. When he turned to look at her, she could see the emerald green eyes of the one that had been her closest confidant, unmatched by any other than Starswirl.

She wasn't meeting the gaze of the Shadow King Sombra, but of just Sombra. "It's good to see you, again."

He turned back towards the darkness. "Bask as you please. It is only by the mercy of this spell that this form has been brought from the brink of nonexistence. By that same mercy, a dear friend will endure her fate a second time."

She couldn't respond to that. Even if she had the words, they would've lodged themselves in her throat.

A groan interrupted the silence. The filly hastily lifted her head to see the colt's emerald green eyes wearily staring back at her.

"R-Ra-Radi-" His voice was far raspier then anypony his age should ever sound. The words refused to leave him without a fight.

"Stop, stop. Please, stop." Her voice was quivering, her blues eyes swollen red. She pulled herself close to the colt, burying her head into his neck. "The doctors tried. They all tried, Somby. They couldn't- couldn't- couldn't-" The filly just repeated the same word, unable to complete her thought.

"Radi... ant... Hop...."

"Stop!" Her voice cracked as she pulled back to look at him. "Teacher said that it'll just make the bite spread quicker!" After her outburst, she couldn't meet his eyes and just sank back into his chest. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry." Just like before, the filly couldn't help but utter a repeated phrase.

"I... chos... t...."

"You didn't choose this! I went looking around after I found that stupid book. I was the reason Teacher asked you keep me out of trouble. I just had to ignore every. Possible. Sign! And, for what?! Some stupid myth?!"

"I... chose... to."

The filly covered the colt's mouth with her front hooves with more force than necessary. "Stop!"

He managed to bring his hooves to hers, but couldn't move them with any force beyond what gravity provided. After listening to her spiral into another bout of repeated muttering, he eventually moved his hooves to gently cup her face. He gently pulled her close until their horns touched.

All noise quieted as a spark of magic passed from one horn to the other and back again. The pair closed her eyes as she wrapped her forelegs around him and he returned the gesture. The two little unicorns held each other close as if the world disappeared around them.

"I love you, Sombra." She opened her eyes to see that his were still closed. "Sombra?" She shook him. "Somby!"

"Enough of this."

"Somby!" The unicorn filly ordered. "Wake up, right now!" She touched her horn to his, a spark rippled through the colt. "Wake up! Wake up! Wake up! Wake up! Wake up!"

"I said enough."

Another, larger spark of magic surged from the filly. Then another. Then another. Then another. Each more concentrated than the last.

"Celestia, please!"

The memory began to fade and waiver until it cut completely; taking with it the cries of a filly following a powerful and painful cracking sound.

The two found themselves standing in the void. Celestia looked upon the floating, glowing orb that carried the unfortunate scene away. Sombra still stared into the darkness, a hoof resting on the protective brace he wore around his neck.

Without a word, Celestia slid over to wrap both wings and forelegs around the other pony. He didn't rebuke her, nor did he accept the embrace. He refused to meet her gaze and didn't make a single noise, but she could feel the occasional tremble.

There was a long silence as more orbs began to drift around the darkness. When they passed by, the Princess glanced, but dared not touch. In their glow, she saw simple images that gave her context to each one.

A younger version of the filly holding fiercely onto the colt of equal age as she stared resolutely at a large, light pink unicorn mare. Two nuns watching on in slight horror.

The two ponies were sitting at desks in a small, private library with that same mare serving as a teacher. The colt was scribbling something in his notebook and didn't seem to mind that the filly was using his shoulder as a pillow.

The filly was on a stage, reading a story while a nun performed a puppet show. The colt looked on from a bit of a distance as he hauled a cart, a small smile gracing his lips.

The same library from before was devastated. The teacher hugging the colt tightly as they both cried into each other. White bandages around his neck stuck out against his dark gray coat.

A battle raged within a cave system as a full battalion of armored guards laid waste to a collection of large snakes with rhinestone fangs. The colt was in the thick of things, his horn aglow with some of the most potent Combat Magic a pony would ever see.

The colt, now a stallion, laughed alongside a few friends. Their attention focused on an orange pegasus walking away dejectedly from a rather irate looking barmaid.

The stallion was in full armor as he kneeled before the teacher as she sat upon a throne. Celestia thought glumly that she looked a bit thin. She never had the pleasure of meeting Princess Amore. From all she's seen and heard, the mare was a just ruler that Celestia would've been proud to work with and was a fellow specialist in Light Magic. In addition, she was one of the few unicorns that had mastered the ability to slow her aging with magic.

But there were limits to what a spell like that could do.

Sombra's hoof reached out and touched the next memory before she could see it. They were brought to what Celestia recognized as the Crystal Palace's throne room. The normally ornate windows were blocked out, the darkness that resulted was weakly fought off with torch and candle light. A circle of ponies hovered around a table in front of the throne. They each pointed and shouted at different parts of a map, their voices creating a cacophony of noise that she struggled to understand.

Doors slammed open to reveal the stallion, marching swiftly toward the group. His plate armor was spotted with numerous scratches and dents.

"Captain!" An orange pegasus stood at attention and saluted. The others quickly following his example. "Thank the heavens you could make it so soon."

The stallion growled and removed his helmet. "I didn't abandon the front line for formalities, Sentry. I need an explanation now." He slammed a piece of parchment on the table.

"Sir." Sentry at eased and took a shallow gulp. "I'm afraid it’s exactly what's on the tin."

"You mean to tell me that in our most dire moment, our Princess has vanished without so much as a trace of magic?"

"Yes, sir." He nodded solemnly. "A week's worth of search and investigation of both the physical and magical nature has resulted in nothing. She was last seen in her bed chambers that night and was missing the next morning. The guards outside her door had nothing to report."

The stallion narrowed his eyes and looked upon the group. Each of them crumbled slightly under his glare, but remained resolute, not a hint of subterfuge or evasiveness in the slightest. Then, several of them quickly made their way to his side as his stance wavered. They assisted him to a spot at the table as the stallion's facade of indomitable strength broke for just a moment.

"Tha- that just cannot be."

"We wouldn't believe it ourselves if we had not exhausted every other possibility."

"Do they know?"

"The Princess' whereabouts have been questioned. Since the griffon's first attack, she's made consistent public appearances. Her sudden absence has left many to assume that the tide of the war must have shifted. An official statement from the Crown has not yet been made."

"'The Crown?'" The stallion scoffed. "Now, who would that be? Amore never declared a successor and... left no heir."

Sentry hesitated before exchanging eye contact with the others.

One spoke up. "At the time of our founding, back in the era of the Queen's Rule, it was decided that, during times of war, greater powers and domain would be granted to the Guard. Particularly, its Captain would hold sway only superseded by the Crown themself."

Another followed. "Our Princess took on many a protégé. Without fail, every single one of them has become legendary figures within our culture. Somepony so close to the Princess would be ideal in carrying out her reign."

A third added her thoughts. "With these times especially, a ruler who has shown the ability to prolong their life through the use of magic would also be ideal. They would be able to steer our nation for centuries to come."

They all stood at attention with eyes on the stallion. From his seat, he stared back with visual confusion on his face that was quickly melting into realization.

"We have all come to an agreement." Sentry cleared his throat. "There is no better pony for the role. There is not one living today that would uphold the Crystal Empire and the lives of her subjects with as much care and precision. I have proudly served as your second in command and would gladly continue to do so as captain of your guard."

Like before, the pegasus performed an action. Like before, the rest followed suit. Unlike before, they were not saluting and paying resects to the Captain of the Crystal Guard. This time, they were bowing and pledging fealty.

Celestia found her gaze wandering to the Sombra beside her, who had his eyes closed in resignation.

"All hail, the Crystal Empire. All hail, Prince Sombra!"

Chapter 3 - A Dream and A Story

Chapter 3 - A Dream and Story

Cadance relaxed into a recliner at the Lower Canterlot Library. She had a warm drink next to her and a book in hoof. Between the quiet atmosphere and the tiring day of classes, she was just about to fall asleep, but sounds from down the hall kept stirring her awake.

"You shouldn't worry about it so much!" She shouted. "You know she adores you! She wouldn't honestly expect you to learn a master level spell so soon!" The teenaged alicorn flittered her wings. Her tone was snippy, but she had a fond smile on her face.

"Adoration shouldn't mean anything when it comes to academic excellence! Unless, you're calling your Auntie 'nepotistic'!" Dusk Shine's voice rang from the other room. "I'd like to think she expects my best regardless of how realistic the goal is!"

Cadance rolled her eyes at the colt's response. It was admirable to not let being Celestia's private student go to his head, but she'd wish he'd give it a rest. He was barely a couple years younger than her, but acted so childish at the same time.

'Although...." She looked around the empty library. One that had been abandoned not too many years ago before a certain pony made it his home. 'It's much better than how he used to act.'

"Oh? Oh.... OH! Cadance! Ca-Cadance come quick! I got it! I got it!"

The princess-to-be giggled lightly as she hastily got up and trotted down the hall. She rounded the corner and found herself in the Crystal Empire. Her eyes widened in realization as she felt the soreness of battle hit her body all at once.

This, right now, was a month ago.

The adult alicorn came to her senses and galloped through the halls of her castle as it shook from the battle happening above.

Cadance had just escorted her people to safety, leaving the so-called 'King' in the hooves of the Element bearers. She had turned right back around as soon as she confirmed her wards' safety, fully intent on lending her strength in any way she could. She'd been knocked over as the first burst of magic radiated from the throne room and jolted through her system. By the time of the second burst, she'd readied herself to avoid being sent down a flight of stairs. Cadance moved as fast as her legs allowed. She had to make it this time, she had to be there to stop him.

"DUSK!" The mare burst into the throne room to find that she was too late.

"Cadance, look it! " Dusk pranced around the old library's main hall like an excited foal. He was separated from her by a glowing barrier wide enough to cover the entire room.

Cadance's jaw dropped. "The whole room?" She crept closer to the field to give it a tap with her hoof.

"I am Dusk Shine the Invincible now! No enemy will pierce my-" The shield broke the moment Cadance touched it. "-impeccable defense."

The two looked around at where the barrier stood for a solid minute before their eyes met.

"I am become death, destroyer of shields."

That set them off as they both fell into a laughing fit. Literally falling over each other as they struggled to breathe. When things calmed down, the pair settled themselves against the wall, leaning heavily against each other.

"Dusk, how are you so heavy for someone so small?"

"Not small, you're just big." Dusk replied with a quiet voice.

Cadance rolled her eyes. "You drained all your energy, didn't you? Pushed your magic too far, again?"

"M--b-." The colt was half asleep.

She chose to assumed that it was Dusk's way of admitting fault and asking for both her help and forgiveness. Oh, how fortunate was he to have such a gracious princess-to-be watching over him. She touched her horn with his and allowed her magic to restore his.

"Mmm, love magic."

"It's just a restoration spell."

"You say that like everypony can do it, Princess of Love." Dusk sprang back to life before she could retort and surprised the mare by pulling her into a hug, minding her wings, of course. "Thanks, Cadance. I don't think I could ask for a better friend."

'Friend. Right.' Cadance thought with vitriol before blinking. 'Where did that come from?' She chose to ignore it and returned the gesture with gusto. "I'd hate to see where the bookworm would be without me."

"Probably, locked in some old library in Upper Canterlot, left to rot by his lonesome until he dredges himself from the depths upon the discovery of arcane knowledge lost to time." Dusk broke away and put some distance between them. His horn coated itself in a light purple aura as he focused. In just a few short moments, he replicated his spell and the barrier stood once more. "Let's see how durable this spell is when I'm bearing straight."

Cadance resisted the urge to roll her eyes and stood up to meet Dusk with a smile. She raised a hoof and he stood boldly at the challenge.

She brought her hoof down on the field, again and again. "DUSK SHINE! PLEASE, DUSK!"

"Please, watch over them, Cadance." Dusk faced away from her. He stood boldly against the approaching silhouette of a figure she's grown to hate more and more. "We've never used the Elements of Harmony twice in row like that, so I'm thinking they're just as exhausted as I am."

Cadance's memory told her of the five unconscious ponies by her side, but her mind refused to see them in the moment. This was the last she'd seen of him and it took in every detail.

"I guess some things don't really change." Dusk's body lightly shook under the strain of his own weight. The remainder of the Mane Six were out of commission and Cadance's own magic was depleted. He couldn't stand against this foe alone, but he'd do so for the sake of his friends. It was a fatal flaw of his that grew and festered over the years. An otherwise heroic trait that Cadance loathed for moments like these. "Don't worry, please don't worry. I have an idea. One that will save everyone."

What Cadance could see of Dusk's face displayed confidence, but her heart knew the truth. Whatever action he'd commence would take him away from her. Whatever false bravado he put up was meant to ease her worries in the moment, but did nothing with the passage of time. Tears streamed down her eyes as she threw her body against the barrier.

"Please. Please please please please...."

The world around her went dark. She lost consciousness around this time, so there was nothing for her memory to bring forth. Regardless, she refused to leave this moment. Staying within those last moments.

"Prin-, er, Cadance? I'm sorry to disturb you, but we'll be going soon and-"

Cadance's eyes blinked open and she found herself back at the Apple home. Her eyes met Rarity's who looked back with a sad smile and a tissue. It took her a moment longer to feel the dampness underneath her own eyes.

The princess shook from her shock and took the tissue. "I'm sorry, Rarity. I must've dozed off."

"I'll have none of it. I'm sure you needed it." The white pony waved off the apology. "We're about ready to go. Would you like a moment to prepare?"

Cadance thought for a moment. She looked towards the direction of the Castle of Friendship. She felt those signatures, again, but this time it steeled her resolve. "I'm ready. Let's be going."

. . . . .

"It was not long after my coronation as Ruler of the Crystal Empire. The ponies, my ponies were in such a confusing state. They couldn't recall specifics about their lives before vanishing and lacked the shining luster that made them crystal ponies, but they were otherwise fine."

"Physically fine. but scared out of their wits."

Cadance nodded towards Rainbow Dash, who lazily flew above the party as they made their way to the Castle of Friendship.

"I had initially put this down as a reaction to the Changeling attack, but something felt... off. So, I sent an invitation out to the Holders of the Elements of Harmon-"

"Just call us the Mane 6!" Pinkie Pie yipped as she bounced along.

"Uh, yes. So, I invited you all to the Crystal Empire." Cadance ignored a low 'Boooo' from Pinkie. "Slowly, but surely your collective efforts began to draw my little ponies out of their homes. I began to see genuine smiles and hear shouts of happiness throughout the city. To celebrate and really put a capstone to everything, I organized the Crystal Fair."

"Oh, and it was a really nice fair. Thank you, again, even if I don't like being celebrated. I know that Spike loved it though." Fluttershy spoke up.

"Eyyup." Applejack agreed.

"Fluttershy, Applejack, dears. I'm sure the comments are appreciated, but please allow Cadance to finish her story."

"You're mothering, again, Rares. Knock it off."

Rarity scoffed. "I'm not 'mothering' and stop with it that nickname. Two extra syllables aren’t the end of the world." Rainbow blew a raspberry in return. "Oh, don't make me come up there, missy!"

Cadance smiled at the exchange. Regardless of the circumstances, getting out of the castle and away from worried glances has been a pleasant experience.

Her smile disappeared.

Now, here she was making her way to another castle hosting something much worse.

Looking amongst the group, she was glad to not be alone. There weren't many ponies willing to brave what they were approaching after experiencing what went down last month. Then again, these five ponies have become quite used to besting immortal figures of power.

Which made it all the more surprising that none of them had been told of her and Dusk Shine's first encounter with Sombra. Sure, she had him promise to not frighten her citizens with the story, but she hadn't expected that to extend his sisters. Now, he's locked himself away for over a month without reason.

"Why keep secrets from those who love you?"

"It was no matter, Fluttershy, Applejack. You've all been nothing, but kind to me during our every interaction. The celebration was the least I could do." Cadance looked at the still grumpy Rainbow Dash. "Thank you, all, for being there for us."

Rainbow's expression softened before she muttered something and picked up the pace.

"What did she say?"

"It's no matter. Why not pick up the story?"

"Right, sorry." Cadence shifted her gaze to the sky under the sinking Sun. "While you all were helping the citizens, I felt a dark presence around the empire. Dusk and I were investigating when we discovered a secret passage...."

"Down here, Princess." Dusk Shine said with a sly grin. He stood in front of a staircase that hadn't been there moments prior leading down into the depths. "A secret staircase to a secret library found right within your new un-secret throne room, your highness."

Cadence rolled her eyes with a smirk. "Okay, okay, you did good. This wasn't mentioned anywhere in any schematics or documents I've read. How did you...?"

The stallion pointed down the stairs. "Library."

"And...?"

"Do I really need to explain why I, Dusk Shine, notorious book worm/nerd, was able to find a library?"

"I... guess not?"

"Good, because admitting that I've been spending the last few days blindly wondering the halls with a sensory spell would've been embarrassing." Before she could reply, he was already jumping down the steps. "Now, come on, your grace. I've got to show you the cool stuff I found."

"I should push you down these steps!"

"He explained to me that it must've been the personal library of the previous King. It wasn't large, but it housed all manner of tomes and relics. Above all, it held the...."

"The Crystal Heart? So, the legends are true?!" Cadance looked on in awe. "The King must've kept it hidden. Even from the Crystal Ponies."

"I can see why."

The Princess of Love jumped slightly as a loud thump rang through the air. She looked back to see Dusk standing next to a book he just dropped. "Shiny?" The stallion's eyes were transfixed on to the floating relic before them. He took a step forwards, placing a hoof firmly on the tome. "Dusk Shine!"

He seemed to snap out of it, blinking his eyes and shaking his head. When he came to, his first instinct was to gasp in horror and scoop up the poor book in his forelegs, whispering sweet nothings to it. "Sorry, your excellence. I don't know what came over me. It's real... pretty... that."

She noticed that he refused to look directly at the Crystal Heart, again. Probably for the best.

"We looked into the Crystal Heart for several days after. I found that most of the legends were true. That it was a relic of a great energy, similar to my Love Magic, in the same way the Elements were to Harmony Magic. It drew dark energy into itself and eradicated it over time.

"It also seemed to have an odd pull over Dusk. Multiple times I'd have to stir him from his daze as he tried to approach the Crystal Heart until I had to ban him from the study entirely. More worryingly, dark crystals, which had been present before, started to grow in size and number around the study. The relic itself even seemed to cry out directly to my Magical Core.

"It's so obvious to me now what was happening, but I was too dense to see it. The entire Crystal Empire had been sealed away somewhere for unknown reasons, yet each and every one of its structures and citizens returned without warning. All of them except...."

"King Sombra!" Dusk practically fell down the stairs. While the populace had been celebrating outdoors, the two continued their research in the increasingly cramped study. "It's King Sombra!"

"That was the old King's name?" Cadance flinched as a dark crystal poked its way through the ground and into her hoof.

"More than that!" He practically threw a book open on the desk next to the Crystal Heart. His horn glowed and the princess could see the text of the book warp and alter. "He was also a brilliant mage! He hid his texts in plain sight, he's the one who sent the Crystal Empire away and he's the one responsible for these dark crystals!"

"Responsible?" She looked around the private library idly casting a detection spell. "Where? If his handiwork is right in front of us then where can he be?"

"I'm looking right at 'em."

Cadance saw Dusk staring into the Crystal Heart. Unlike before, his eyes weren't clouded over, instead they were blazing with a righteous fury. It was a good look on him.

She followed his gaze to stare into the relic as well and felt a now familiar jolt to her Core. As she looked, not at the Crystal Heart, but into it she realized that it wasn't the magical artifact that kept pulling Dusk Shine's attention, it was the being inside that had been beckoning.

A being the relic of light refused to let go of despite the waning curse, for it was the Crystal Heart's duty to eradicate all darkness.

Even if that process was fruitless.

"It all happened so quickly after that. It was as if we set off a trap, and to an extent, I think we did. I'm still not sure how a being so evil could take refuge within something as soft and harmonic as the Crystal Heart, but it had been biding as much time as it could. It saw us trying to figure it out and was going to gather as much strength as it could.

"I hate to say it, but there's not much left for me to add. The darkness I'd soon know was Sombra burst from the Heart. Dusk cast a shield, but the torrent was so strong that he couldn't both hold it back and move. I just grabbed him and took flight....

"We didn't make it. That dark energy took him away and I thought I lost him. It seemed... distracted with him. It bought me just enough time to feel that pulse, again. It was the Crystal Heart reaching back out to me. Without its prisoner, it was already regaining strength and more than willing to take up the task yet again.

"I really can't remember what I did. It was all base instinct and emotion, but I united with the Crystal Heart the same way I believe you all unite with your Elements. All that I can recall is feeling more powerful than ever before while simultaneously feeling more exhausted than I have in my life.

"I- I also remember that face, those eyes. Those were not the eyes of a pony or any of Equestria's creatures.

"Other than that, we both got out of there safe. We told Aunty Celestia and she did a thorough search of her own. There was no telling when or if the Crystal Heart would fail, again, so the agreement was to be ready at moment’s notice."

"The rest? I trust you already know. We gathered and shared our strength. We bore down on the King and that thing with everything we had and it still wasn't enough.

"And, now...."

Everypony let the silence hang. What was left unsaid was pretty obvious. While hopes were high, they could very well be walking into the very same situation, again. Now, without their Prince of Friendship.

"I just thought y'all were bangin'."

The Mane 5 all broke into laughter when the Princess stumbled and her face went from pink to red.

"WHAT?!"

"Rather uncouth, but the point stands. You two spent nearly every waking moment alone together and were quite secretive about the whole thing. Even showed up fashionably late to your own fair. Ruffled mane and everything."

"There was no doubt in my mind. Plots were being clopped!"

"Eyyup."

"Like rabbits."

As the five's laughter continued, the princess' shocked face slowly softened until she was laughing with them as well. It was such a juxtaposition to what happened, but Cadance couldn't lie and say she didn't see it as well.

'No wonder the servants were so keen on giving us alone time. I thought they were reading into the gravity of the situation. Although, I suppose they were it was just a different type of situation.'

Cadance brushed aside tears. She hadn't laughed that hard in quite a while. Such a joyous re-

The princess stopped in her tracks. The group had just crested a small hill that gave them clear line of sight to the Castle of Friendship. As if on cue, she felt a sudden change to the signatures radiating from it.

The overwhelming presence had calmed and, in its place, she could feel...

"Princess Celestia?" Rainbow Dash was squinting into the distance.

Cadance took off flying.

Chapter 4 - Into the Mind (Part 2)

Celestia watched as the stallion vehemently rejected the position of Prince, claiming that he was unworthy of such responsibility and perhaps holding onto hope that Amore would return. It was almost comedic seeing how hard he was fighting to refuse such power considering what he would one day become.

She wouldn't see just how the lobby managed to convince him as the memory faded. Sombra had let go of the orb and was looking up at the now dozens floating around. He reached out a hoof and a particular one broke its course to float into his grasp.

"Did you ever find her?"

"I did." He breathed.

"And, she wished not to return?"

Celestia could tell that Sombra picked up on what she was implying. He swirled his hoof and a collection of memories rotated around him. He touched one and the scene changed.

"To explain it to you. I need you to understand the state of her citizens."

They stood in front of a large white tent and the princess' heart dropped a bit when she saw the red cross emblazoned on it. She was familiar with the setup of a field hospital, but nearly 1500 years of peace had left her defenses lowered. Celestia looked one way to see another tent, then craned her neck to see another and yet another beyond that. The tents stretched on and on, each one easily capable of holding a dozen ponies. She looked the other way to see....

"The Crystal Empire." Sombra had finished her thought. "Shortly after the war began, ponies began falling ill. It's unknown whether the cause was intentional." He gestured to the ring of harsh mountain ranges that could be seen in any direction. "Or, if our isolation just left us unadapted to some strange strain. Either way, it did not help in our fight against the gryphons. It carried a number of symptoms that varied from pony to pony, but across them all it left them lethargic, regardless of how much rest they had and it even stripped a pony of their magic."

Celestia's could barely contain her shock as he continued.

"On the frontlines, we were losing more to sickness than any attack. We'd quarantine those who showed signs of infection, but the spread was rampant. Until my hasty return, I hadn't expected things to be worst all the way back home." He looked all around. "I could only thank the heavens that it was not fatal, but the pressure it put on our hearts...."

Celestia felt a fraction of the relief he must've gone through. How come she'd never heard of such a virus?

"That was until one week after I was crowned." He tapped into the memory.

Her heart fell as soon as she heard that. She looked at the tents around her as the memory came to life. She prepared herself for the worse, but was greeted with... cheers and laughter?

Everypony around her seemed jubilant. Tents were filled with families hugging loved ones, weary looking staff had tears of joy. Some ponies ran every which way, some let out hoots and hollers just because they could.

Celestia heard a snicker. Sombra was giving her a coy look.

"You did that on purpose."

"Possibly. We shall never know. Though, I can't be held responsible if you chose to assume the worst."

She was about to reply when she noticed the parting crowd. Without a guard or escort of any kind, the stallion, now the Prince waded his way through the gathering ponies. Most were happy, some gave respects, others watched on in confusion until given an explanation. He was moving rather slowly, whatever destination he was meaning to reach, he probably would've gotten there sooner if it weren't for the torrent of foals running around his legs.

The Prince would raise a hoof and wait for the perfect moment to take a step that wouldn't harm a squirming youth. Celestia was filled with mirth when she saw the Prince throw away his serious demeanor and let out a few laughs.

"Ah, children. The Warrior Prince's one weakness."

Sombra rolled his eyes. He still had that smile on his muzzle. Good.

An orange pegasus flew in from the sky. He made a move to create some space between the Prince and his new subjects, but was signaled to stop.

"Uh, your majesty, this is a security risk."

"Come now, Blaze. If I were to be killed, it would not come at the little hooves of a tiny tyrant." Sombra looked up at the new captain. "Besides, this is cause for celebration."

"Do you think the guys and gals back out there are feeling the same way?"

The Prince became serious for a moment and began to concentrate. "I checked before and I can feel it now. The magical signatures of all my little ponies have returned. Their might is renewed and focused. I can feel those of the griffon's growing more and more distant."

Blaze Sentry had a look of restrained hope. "Do you mean that? Are you saying that you feel the end to this war?"

"I'll have you be the judge of that, Captain. Give Iron Valiant my regards and my apologies."

The pegasus saluted and sailed off. It was quite an impressive speed for an armored pony.

Sombra cut the memory, his expression turned somber. "Under the effects of that disease, ponies would lose their magic. Earth ponies would wither and our crops would suffer. Pegasi would become flightless and the Winter claimed our skies. Unicorns...."

He looked at her meaningfully. Celestia understood.

"It's my thought that Amore felt the onset. Whether it was a spell that took too much effort or some weakness in her step. If Amore could be defined in any way, it would be the love she held for her ponies. If she could manifest that love into something tangible, something that could ward off whatever dark influence this illness had, something that would cost her everything she was capable of giving, she'd do it in a heartbeat."

The scene changed to a cavern. Celestia recognized it as a battle site, the last known sighting of the now extinct Rhinestone Rattler. Except now it shown with a bright light, a bright light the Prince gazed into without flinching. He stood strong, he always tried to show strength. Even when tears flowed from his eyes, he tried to be strong.

Celestia looked through the light to witness the Crystal Heart, a myth no more, at the peak of its power. She remembered her first time encountering the Elements of Harmony and could only assume the pressure one would feel being in its direct presence.

But that had nothing to do with why the Prince was crying.

"I found her." Sombra waved and image changed to now show the Heart within his secret study. The Prince was poring over a desk full of books. "I even returned her, but...."

"...She had already given all she could." Celestia shook her head, piecing things together. "Whatever process she underwent was completely undetectable. The Crystal Heart doesn't radiate power that can be sensed, it drains it. It draws in dark energies and purges it with the pure light of its creator."

"Its creator, and in a sense, its mother." He looked at Celestia knowingly. "I'm not sure if Amore knew she was carrying, but the child would arrive eventually."

She laughed softly. "I knew you'd figure it out."

"It's already common knowledge that Mi Amore Cadenza is related to Amore." Sombra chuckled. "Her resemblance to my Princess is uncanny."

"Also, her cutie mark is that of the Crystal Heart, long after it faded into legend and before she rediscovered it." She chuckled. "And, she appeared through a glyph portal that hadn't worked in two millennia." Celestia's smile disappeared when she saw that Sombra's had.

"Cadance appeared in your room. It was all over the papers." He was gathering knowledge from two different minds. "You moved the portal to your room?"

'Oh.' Celestia suddenly found various points of the void interesting to look at while lightly tapping her hoof. It would've been bizarre to most to see the oldest, wisest, and most powerful pony to exist look so bashful.

The Crystal Empire had long been landlocked from the rest of Equestria since the time of her mother's rule. Harsh weather and daunting mountains kept all but the most foolish from even attempting. It's what allowed the empire to have its own monarchy separate from the Princess of the Sun. It would take a combination of earth pony skill, unicorn ingenuity, pegasus strength and her very own control over the Sun to fashion a wing chariot capable of surviving the journey.

The first of only two flights to successfully make the trip throughout her rule.

"Well, I couldn't allow the portal to simply be destroyed, nor could I allow just any of my little ponies to watch over it. It had to be the keen eye of a pony who wouldn't ask questions."

Sombra started laughing. He let out more than a chuckle or puff of air, he truly and genuinely lost himself to the whims of his laughter. Celestia watched in mild confusion before she was infected with the same bug.

They both laughed together. It grew like a wave before crashing down.

"Heavens, I was dense. And, I had the gall to tease Scout about that." He took deep breaths. "You literally called me your love not a day ago and I still didn't get it. Yet, somehow, the mention of you moving the one link between my empire and your kingdom to your very bedchambers is enough to finally ring a bell." An ear perked up suddenly as he heard a strange noise, like a mouse or some other rodent. He looked over at the princess to see her staring wide eyed at him, absolutely frozen. "You... hadn't meant to say that had you?"

Her face took on a crimson hue, which stood out against her alabaster coat like no other. "It was in the heat of the moment." As he continued to look at her, as he started to adopt a teasing grin, that red blush just spread until it started encroaching onto her neck.

With a wave, they were in another memory. It was a hill side, the Everfree Forest within view. Just above the trees, she could see the structure that would be rebuilt, renovated, and renamed several times over until it fell into disrepair as the Castle of the Two Sisters.

Within walking distance of Outer Everfree, the city that would one day become the town of Ponyville, the Prince rested in the shade of a tree. The warmer climate of Equestria meant that he was without the cape that helped his large frame stave off the cold. He was also without any of his regalia, only his neck armor remained, leaving him mostly bare.

'Oh, be still my beating heart.'

The serene peace was broken up by a cry. The Prince was immediately aware of three foals chasing a colt with a light-yellow coat up the hill, each carrying wooden sticks. When they caught up, each took turns playing out parts of a great battle, making all the appropriate sounds effects as they went.

"Avast, ye!" Said a filly as she slowly spun around to hit her stick against Light Yellow's.

"Avast, yourself, you scurvy swine!" The colt rolled out of the way as a smaller colt with red coat did a jumping attack. He then counter attacked with a soft poke to the side.

"Oof, ow, ouchies, mommy, oooohhhhh!" Red, dramatically threw his stick away and laid on the ground. He started throwing red streamers around while holding his barrel. "I'm dying, Captain! Tell my father his sweet potato pie is mediocre at best!" He rapidly panted for a few seconds too long until abruptly stopping and going limp. "I'm... dead... ugh." He let his tongue out of his muzzle.

And scene.

The three remaining foals stared for a moment before Light Yellow raised his stick. "Huzzah! Your first mate has been slain! Now how do you and Dr. Blankflank plead?"

"Hey, Ma, said you can't call me a blank flank no more!" The last colt, one with a dark yellow coat whined.

The filly gasped dramatically. "My loyal doctor, related to my greatest adversary?!?!?!? I cannot... believe it!"

"He is no brother of mine. Not since the dreaded Blankflank killed, and I mean absolutely..." Light Yellow glanced at something written on his foreleg. "...e- vis- er- ate- ted... yeah, the love of my life. All because she made fun of his blank flank!"

"I'm telling Ma!" Dark Yellow started to run off.

Light Yellow groaned and dropped his act. "If you don't want me callin' you somethin' then stop bein' somethin'!" He skidded to a stop when he saw his brother standing stiffly near the hilltop. His eyes then followed the younger colt's until he too saw the bemused Prince lying there.

Red and the filly followed behind and stopped just as suddenly.

"It's Sombrero!" Red pointed.

The filly hit him on the back of the head. "Sombra."

"Ain't that a girl's name?"

She hit him, again. Harder this time.

"Now what's so wrong with being a blank flank?" The Prince said with an amused look.

"Well, um, he, uh." Light Yellow scratched the back of his head. "Nothing?"

"That is the correct answer."

"Oh, nice. Good for me." Light Yellow looked around, before raising a hoof to cover his mouth. He then spoke in a shrill voice. "Red Velvet! You and you friends need to be heading home soon!" The colt returned to his normal voice. "Ah, shucks, looks like Mama Cake's calling us. You'll have to excuse me, your majesty, sir." He stood there for a moment. "Bye." Then ran off, the other two older foals following along.

The Prince watched him go and turned his attention to the younger brother. Dark Yellow wasn't meeting his gaze, but instead looking at the stallion's side.

"Mister, I mean, Prince Sombra? Can I ask you a question?"

"Ask away little one."

"How do I get my Cutie Mark?"

The Prince shrugged. "I'd say you just need to follow your passions and see where they lead you. What interests you? What things do you like doing?"

"I...." The colt pondered for a bit. "I like writing." He became excited. "We were gonna put an ad in the paper for our farm. I wrote this whole-" He held his forelegs out wide "-story about how a delicious basket of pears brought two friends together!"

The Prince smiled wide. "Well, it looks like you've already found your passion. Find joy in your writing and I'm sure you'll be a blank flank no more."

"But-" The colt hesitated. "There's a lot of work to do on the farm."

"Enough work, that you can't find time to create?"

"Yeah. Sunup to Sundown." He looked up at the stallion. "My family needs me, you see. Not enough hooves and too much work now that uncle's gone."

The Prince opened his mouth, then closed it. Opened, then closed. About a minute passed when they heard Light Yellow calling for his brother. Dark Yellow gave him a sad smile and waved. The Prince's mouth opened one last time, but no words escaped until the colt was long gone.

With a series of grumbles, he turned his head to look at is own side, where the lack of a Cutie Mark was readily apparent against his black coat.

"Ah, the Prince hides amongst the shadows."

He jumped then let out a sigh. "Not in the mood, Celestia."

A younger Princess of the Sun, mane and tail as pink as sunset, sauntered up to the Prince. "Oooh, noooo. He's all grumpy. Like a grumpy wumperson."

"Celly, please."

She laid beside him and lightly prodded her hoof against his stomach. "Grumpy wumpy wumpus woo."

Despite himself, the Prince found himself trying to stifle a laugh, which failed spectacularly when he saw the face the Princess put on.

"Ah, there's that smile! Now scoot." She turned over and slid herself back into his chest, mindful of her wings of course. She let out a sigh of relief. "I am so glad to be out of all those meetings."

He hummed in agreement. "A troublesome effort, but worth it in the end." He hugged her close. "From both myself and those under my care, thank you. Thank you so much."

"The greatest thanks you can give is this right here." She pressed back a bit further and felt her head hit his neck armor. She reached over her shoulder and tapped it with a hoof, she missed how he flinched. "Can this go?"

"I'm sorry, but it stays."

"So, it stays on during? Oh, I can work with that."

He frowned in confusion. "Stays on during what?"

The Princess didn't answer and the Prince couldn't see her face, but the on lookers could see mild irritation mixed with amusement. Time passed and the two stayed close and content, neither one of the two seemed willing to break the embrace. It wasn't until it was time for one to set the Sun and for the other to return home did, they part and return to business.

Celestia let out a groan of frustration. "All of that and you're saying you didn't get it?"

"Yup." Sombra's said popping the P, which seemed weirdly out of character for him.

"We cuddled for hours. I was without my garb. I had asked you to remove your last piece of clothing as I pressed myself against you."

"I know, I know. Tease away." He smirked. "But, be careful, I might find the need to mention those stained windows, again."

Celestia huffed. "To be fair, I was in my pink phase back then." She brushed a hoof through her mane. "The Celestia of today would have just confessed her feelings."

"Did you ever?"

"Ever what?"

"Did you ever confess your love for another?" Sombra waited, but Celestia didn't answer. "I'm sorry."

"My choice to stay away from romance didn't involve you." Celestia took a breath. "I'll admit that your betrayal stung. It broke my heart and made me distant. Yet, with time and dedication, I recovered and learned to love, again." Her lips upturned. "I have a sister, Sombra. A niece, a stu-" She cleared her throat. "A plethora of ponies who I love dearly."

She did it, again. She refused to acknowledge that Dusk Shine wasn't gone. He found that it irritated him, but he couldn't find himself willing to bring it up. It was a slight against him he deserved.

"Do you remember the point of those meetings you mentioned? What they were for?"

Celestia grew serious. "How could I forget? Your crops were failing, each year brought less and less of a harvest. Nopony of the time could figure out why."

"We thought it was a curse from the griffins, meant to soften us up for a second war. But looking back at it now, it was obvious."

"It was a mystery to me as well, but I think I understand now." Celestia's eyes narrowed in thought. "Earth ponies' attachment to the very ground they walk makes them the most efficient and skillful farmers one may have. Their magic energizes the ground they sow, ensuring that it would grow a full harvest year after year. The Apple family has farmed the same land for generations now and it shows no signs of stopping."

"Nevertheless, there's a slow process underway with any plot of land." Sombra continued. "While magic can restore the nutrients needed for plants to grow, we ponies will always take more than we give. Modern practices have long since gotten rid of this issue, but given the Crystal Empire's isolation and our lack of knowledge, we were in decline. Throw in a war, which limited our earth pony population and a certain illness that kneecapped the remaining population's magic-"

He didn't need to continue, she understood. Another memory started to play.

Fully prim and proper, the Princess and Prince walked a forested path. Surround by their respective guards, they were the height of nobility.

"This train, as you call it, is powered by the same magic as your portal?"

"Yes. It isn't as instant, but it will allow the transportation of ponies and supplies between our kingdoms at a mere fraction of the cost."

"Once all the infrastructure is in place."

The Princess nodded. "To me it will be a small price to pay to ensure that the Crystal Empire isn't lost to us, and that her ponies may be relieved from their woes."

"I would be honored to do my part." The Prince smiled. "I prayed for a miracle and the heavens delivered unto me."

She giggled at that.

They entered a stone structure, a sizable temple that was all but empty. The Prince and his guards stood on a raised platform, one etched with various symbols. Pleasantries were exchanged and the portal was activated.

Sombra waved the memory away and brought forth another.

They were in a valley surrounded by snow and harsh winds. Celestia had chills just looking at it all, but she also recognized this path. In the present, the Friendship Express ran through this valley as least once a week. Concentrated pegasus magic would ensure that the weather was never as brutal as this, yet in front of her now were scores of workers pushing through it.

They wore heavy garments, wielded heavy tools. They worked in unison, planting spikes, driving them in, and moving on. A foreman, an orange earth pony, barked orders and pointed in different directions, she heard a muffled explosion just behind her.

Two unicorns were flanking the Prince, their horns lit up with Sound Magic, a dampening spell. The large stallion readied his own horn, a brilliant green surged forth and carved a path through the snow. An absolute clean cut. Celestia hadn't seen such a mixture of power and precision, such a control over Combat Magic, before or since.

The Prince let out a breath and signaled the foreman, who in turn began ushering ponies forward. He took a step and stumbled just slightly, barely enough for any pony to notice. He stamped his hoof against the ground and pushed forward.

The memory shifted, again. This time they were in a tent. She could still hear the beating winds, but it was much more bearable. The Prince sat at a table, sunken eyes gazing listlessly at a letter.

Celestia's heart tightened. She knew that contents by just looking at it, she was the one who penned it.

"Sir!" A gaurdspony, armor replaced with cloth and wool but still recognizable, entered the tent and saluted. "May I have some words, sir?"

"Drop the formalities, Ironhide."

The pony seemed taken aback, not by his words but his tone. She hesitated before clearing her throat. "Sentry's wondering when you'll be getting your flank back out there. We're running out of ground."

The Prince let out a groan and messaged his temples. He waited a full minute before droning out something.

"Come, again?"

"Equestria's ceased development."

"Wh- one more time, sir?"

"Development has ceased, Iron. The project is cancelled until further notice." He slid the letter towards her.

The mare was in shock. She moved over to the table and began to read. "An accident?! They ceased all construction because of one accident?! They couldn't go a few miles in the snow before causing an avalanche?!"

"Ten ponies won't be returning to their families, Captain."

Ironhide whipped toward him. "And, I have a stallion back at home who has collapsed powering that Tartarus sent portal of hers. I haven't seen Pinpoint in five years, now my foal's father is in the hospital and still hasn't woken up."

The Prince pulled his captain close. Sobs were heard over the beating winds. He looked up to see the foreman standing there, his entrance having almost gone unnoticed. The orange earth pony had a far-off look to him.

"Ten years down the bucket. We don't have what it takes to go all the way. Shoot, I was doubting we'd meet those Equestrians in the middle until you joined the effort."

"It's not in vain, Sent-"

"We're through, Princy. I'm calling the folks in." The foreman turned to leave. "I'll spout some malarky about inclement weather until you're ready to break the news."

There was nothing but the empty beating from the wind. The Prince and the Captain stared blankly at the letter before them.

"Iron, have my chariot readied and send a missive. We'll be home on the 'morrow."

The scene changed, again. To the Crystal Empire's throne room. The Moon's light shone through the windows as the Prince and Princess argued. Celestia felt a stab through her heart.

She hated this memory.

"I can't keep doing this, Celestia! My people can't keep doing this!" The Prince pleaded.

"I know!" The Princess' voice cracked. "The portal drains my strength just a fervently as it does yours. Have you not looked upon the sky and wondered why the Sun hangs so low? Or questioned why the Moon remains for a few extra hours before setting?"

"The fact that you find the strength to power that magic on top of your responsibilities should be commended. How many ponies have you had to sacrifice? How many loved ones have you had to see crumble at the news that their father, mother, brother, sister, son, daughter have pushed themselves into a coma?

"I've seen so many brave souls volunteer. I've seen them volunteer out of a sense of duty. I've seen them volunteer so that their friends and family wouldn't go hungry. I've seen them volunteer so that no pony else would have to.

"That portal is our lifeline as much as it is a beast. It was manageable at first. A well-trained mage could go a week before they felt any effects. However, as each year ticks by, as our need for supplies becomes more vital to our survival, the beast's hunger grows and grows.

"Even I can't keep the portal running on my own. I've been trying to ever since I returned. In the end, the explanation is clear: I am but an unicorn. I can slow the process, but I'll age and wither like any mere mortal. As an unicorn, I cannot secure the safety of my people., but if you co-"

"We've spoken about this topic before. It's just not possible." The Princess lowered her head. "From my childhood, I've researched and tried to find an answer to my mother's ascension. Even after I became an alicorn, I still cannot give you answer. There's no spell or rune or process that can be followed. One cannot choose to become an alicorn, it is merely an act of... of...."

Celestia scrunched her eyes, wanting to delete the next words that would come from her previous self's mouth.

The Prince looked sullen, resigned. "Of what, Celestia?"

The Princess looked up and met his gaze. "It's an act of desperation."

Celestia could feel the memory shift, but their location did not. They were still within the throne room albeit during the day this time.

The Prince rested upon the throne. Her eyes widened.

He looked awful.

Mane grayed, face wrinkled, armor hanging loose off his body, a black coat spotted with white patches. It looked like he had aged a hundred years.

Because he likely had, she realized.

A knock at the door stirred the Prince. "Enter." His voice still carried that deep timbre, even when it came with a heavy rasp.

"Sargent Scout Sentry repor- what the buck?" An orange unicorn arrived and saluted, but just as quickly lost his composure and dashed across the room. He skidded to the Prince's side and looked him over. "Tartarus below. What in blazes happened to you?"

The Prince let out a laugh, one that quickly reduced to a small cough. "My apologies, young Sentry."

"You have nothing to be sorry about." He lifted the stallion's head. "Just tell me what happened to you, Princy."

His response was a good-natured chuckle. "This is what a month of running that portal does to a unicorn who relies on magic to cease his aging."

"You've- All by yourself?" Scout frowned in thought. "Of course, you have. The captain should've stopped you."

"Ironhide's been discharged with honors." He gradually stood, causing several bones to creak and pop. "As of right now, I'm naming you Captain Sentry."

"The captain was-? Wait, me?! But, why? Why me?" Scout stumbled back a full length at the news.

"Your father slaved away with me in those mountains. His father was right alongside me when we first made contact with Equestria." The Prince adopted a small smile. "His father before him made the best lemon tart I ever tasted. His grandmother had an... unique artistic taste." He looked at his new captain, there was a distinct fondness in that gaze. "And her grandfather served as my very first captain."

He stood tall and lit his horn. It flickered green at first until it shifted to a purplish, yellow. Celestia narrowed her eyes in recognition.

A staircase leading down appeared in the middle of the room and the Prince made his way. Scout looked on confused before descending behind him.

"I'm not sure, I completely follow you, sir."

"I'm sorry to drop all of this on you so suddenly." The Prince took a breath. "I'm not long for this world."

The orange pony nearly found himself rolling down the stairs. He opened his mouth but no words escaped, just strangled noise.

"You're not the first to be informed, nor the last. I've already set in place individuals who will take over in my stead. You'll be briefed when need be."

They reached the private library. Scout tore his eyes away from the Prince to look around the room until its centerpiece caught his attention. He looked upon the Crystal Heart with awe.

"However, there is one chance for me, for all of us really. A chance that'll save us from feeding our friends and family to that glyph." The Prince stood beside the Crystal Heart. "This relic draws in and eradicates dark energies. It has protected this kingdom for centuries."

"It's incredible."

"I'm going to damage it."

If Scout Sentry was in his right mind, he would've exclaimed at the mere suggestion, but the poor pony was already so far out of his depths to react beyond an expression.

"I'm going to create a hairline fracture, just thin enough that some of that energy will escape. Once it does, I'll supplant a bit of my own magic into the Crystal Heart. Instead of internalizing that energy, it'll flow into my reserves instead."

Celestia's jaw dropped. "That's foolish. No, it is downright insane."

"It's desperate." Sombra mumbled.

"But, sir, it's dark energy. Every grade school unicorn could tell you that messing with such mana isn't safe."

"Of course, Captain." The Prince fixed him with jovial look that felt wildly out of place. "It's a stupid, foolish, downright insane idea. If successful, it'll both taint my soul and sabotage the one relic capable of restoring it."

Scout's eyes widened. He shook his head and jumped in front of the larger stallion. "No, I won't let you. Endangering yourself is one thing, but you speak as if you're sure this is going to harm you! Are you even hearing yourself, Sombra!?"

"The number of ponies I've seen throw their lives away for their greater good outmatches the stars. I could assign each to a year of my life thrice over before I start recounting those I never knew the name of. Even if I fail, I'm already dying. Even if I last only a month, that's 30 families who won't have to say goodbye to a loved one, that's 30 days where not a single soul in my empire has to go hungry." The Prince leaned down, his eyes staring directly into the other unicorn's. "Do you think all those lives are worth mine?"

They shared eye contact for an uncomfortable amount of time. To Scout Sentry's credit, he didn't yield to the stare down. He was not a pony who would fold on his morals that easily. However, it was those very morals that convinced him to stand aside.

Chapter 5 - Memories within Dreams

Luna remembered their first meeting after the Elements purged her of the Nightmare.

She was having some of her first independent thoughts in a millennium. Her senses were overwhelmed and forced her still. It was as if hours passed before she felt her first sensation. Luna felt strong forelegs wrapped around her so securely that it brought back distant memories of when she was a foal. A little while later, she was capable hearing the garbled mess of several ponies talking over each other, mainly the sole masculine voice that was also closest to her.

"...s Luna i..."

The voice wasn't addressed to her, but it was the call that pierced all other sounds and brought her from the darkness of slumber. For the first time in over 1000 years, she saw with her own eyes.

His purple coat was mucked up with dirt and grime from the recent battle, his eyes were lightly sunken in from lack of sleep, his dark blue mane was frazzled with a twig sticking out of it and there was an ill-fitting crown containing the Element of Magic sitting atop his head.

He was glorious. Not counting her stint on the Moon, Luna had been nearly five centuries old, yet she was swooning like a filly. It was embarrassing.

In the coming weeks, she returned to Canterlot with Celestia. As she recovered and her magic began to return to her, she began to wander the dreamscape once again.

Luna had planned on simply testing the limits of her strength before retiring for the night, but felt drawn by a powerful signature completely unlike her sister's. She approached the floating sphere containing a freshly started dream and delved into it.

Luna was in a recreation of Ponyville. She stood on the balcony of the library under the stars as day finally gave way to night. Her only company was a single telescope. The town appeared empty. Other than what nature provided, not a light was lit nor noise was made.

She gazed into the night and found herself lost. Stars sprawled across the infinite black to a degree she'd thought impossible in this modern Equestria.

"Truly a wonder to behold."

The Princess of the Night jumped slightly at the voice. She turned to see Dusk Shine materialize into his own dream. He looked up at the sky with her as he approached the telescope.

"When I first left home, I slept under the stars with nothing but their light and the Moon's for company. It was a scary couple of weeks, but I wouldn't do things any other way." He prepped and adjusted the device before looking into it. "Not only did those couple of weeks give me the life I have today, but also gave me an appreciation for the night sky."

Luna watched as a table, with a rolled-up scroll on top, appeared. The scroll unwound to reveal a detailed sky chart. She blinked as she actually recognized the sky depicted.

"Tis the sky from 1000 years ago." Luna looked back up in awe. "Tis the sky we remember."

"Yeah. The real Luna's return renewed my interest in the stars and how their pattern's changed over the years." He broke away from the telescope long enough to catch her eyes, the absolute glee and adoration he held in those lavender orbs made her heart rush. "Absolutely that best use of Dream Magic since I picked it up." The stallion went back to his stargazing. "I wonder if the princess would be willing to share notes with me."

Luna stirred from her daze at that. She looked around and felt her surroundings with her magic. With each passing moment her eyes widened further. Everything was too well constructed and too consistent to be the product of a normal dream. "Tis dream magic?"

"Of course it is!" Dusk tore himself away to look at her, again. "Don't you remember last night? We've had this conversation before."

Luna just looked on confused.

"Wh- what about the night before?" Dusk leaned further back from the telescope.

Luna caught on and gave him a mischievous grin.

"You're not the Luna I dreamt up, are you?"

"Tis flattering that thou'd use thy magic to dream me up night after night. Although, should'st I be offended or disgusted at the implications?"

"NO! No, no, no, no. It's not like that at all!"

Dusk Shine's scrambling gave Luna one of her first genuine laughs in a long while.

Turns out, Dusk initially dabbled in Dream Magic to help fix his horrendous sleep schedule (didn't work). Only a few weeks later, he started using it to help compartmentalize his memories and experiences to at least ensure his existing sleep was as restful as possible. After moving to Ponyville, Dusk Shine learned that having somepony to talk to really helped organize his thoughts and improve his social skills (even if he was ultimately just talking to himself). Then, when the stallion had picked up stargazing, his companion of choice had been hers truly.

Funny how that one incidental meeting turned into them seeing each other almost every night. At first, Luna's excuse was "sharing notes" as Dusk put it. Then it was "good practice for her returning magic." Soon after, she didn't bother with a reason. Her invading his dreams in the late evening or early morning became a welcome meeting between two friends.

Yes. Friends.

Just friends.

As Luna began to reintegrate with the public and the """joyous""" world of nobility, those talks were what gave her the strength to face the day. Dusk's stories of his exploits in Ponyville never ceased to entertain. It seemed like every week would bring something new to that small town. Luna admired his determination to break old habits and truly learn what it was to be a good friend.

It inspired Luna to do the same. It was that drive that kept her sane in such an alien world.

He was what kept her going.

"What's even the point?"

"Pardon, my lady?"

The Princess of the Night roused from her thoughts. Her mind caught up to her surroundings and recognized the voice of her hoofmaiden. Another annoying meeting, another annoying worried look.

"It's none of your concern, Hearted."

Luna only took a few steps before she stumbled. The servant was at her side in a moment.

. . . . .

During Nightmare Night (one of the few times a year where the populace would stay up late into the night and effectively grant her a day off), Luna had the opportunity to meet Dusk Shine face to face. Luna was so giddy that she could barely sleep and took off from Canterlot the moment she raised the Moon. She forwent the train and flew to Ponyville under her own power.

The Princess of the Moon had never quite taken to flying after becoming an Alicorn. It was something done out of necessity rather than her first choice. On top of that, she hadn't flown much in over a millennium, which left her woefully rusty and out of the practice.

Needless to say, when Luna crashed into the Ponyville Library and wound up through its wall, it shouldn't have been a surprising affair.

Thankfully, her fall was broken by a comfortable bed. Un-thankfully, she wasn't the only occupant of that bed.

"Why?!" Spike the Dragon cried out in sorrow. "I just got my own room!"

"I guess we'll just have to room together until its fixed." Dusk Shine consoled his little brother.

"Which will be very soon! I'll have Canterlot's, no, Equestria's finest craftspony on it by the 'morrow!" The Princess was beside herself. "Under no cost to you, of course. I can even provide accommodation, if need be!"

"We'll make do. We're used to sharing a space." The stallion ignored the dragon's grumbling. "As for the repairs, perhaps this would be a good excuse to expand that room a bit."

The drake perked up. "Wait, honestly?"

"It was a broom closet before we cleaned it out. You deserve more." He rubbed Spike's head and turned to her. "Could that be arranged, Luna?"

The smile he gave her and the casual use of her name threw her heart to heaven and back. Not trusting her words in the moment, she just nodded with a goofy grin.

"Good, thank you. Now about tonight, we hadn't expected you so soon."

Spike jumped onto Dusk's back. "Yeah, I thought the Sun wasn't set to, uh, set for another hour."

Luna stared dumbly for a moment then looked around for a clock. She caught a glance outside the hole she made to see that her sister's Sun was indeed still up, eclipsed by her Moon. "Oh...."

Thankfully, Luna's mistake in jumping the gun was well timed. If it had occurred earlier in the day or at any other time in the year, then passing it off as her way of showing some Nightmare Night spirit wouldn't have worked. She still remembered Celestia's long lecture about it.

Regardless, after that kerfuffle, the boys got ready and they all went out.

Spike was dressed in an absolutely adorable dragon costume only slightly different than the one he wore a few years back. Dusk had gone all out with a genuine looking set of Crystal Empire armor. He promised her that it was made of a mixture of polished plastic and tinfoil, but her eyes were fooled every time she looked at it.

As for the Princess of Dreams, there was a sneaky trick in play. Luna's costume was no costume. Some low powered Transition Magic to make her shorter as well as some restraint to her normally floating hair was all that was needed to allow her to walk amongst the masses without a hint of suspicion.

"I was going to dress up as a Lunar Guard so we'd match, but I was not going to risk getting mistaken as an actual guard, again. Too risky being a night guard at night." Dusk waved his hoof dismissively. "Besides, I think the steel gray goes better with my coat anyway. No offense, my Princess~."

"None taken. I agree that the reflective blue would've clashed with the blues of your mane and the purple of your coat." Luna did her best to not let the tone of his last line get to her. "Perchance, did your trip to the Crystal Empire have any effect on your decision? I haven't heard much about your journey."

"Oh, it was great!" Spike jumped in front of the princess disguised as a Princess. "Everyone was acting all strange at first, but then they were really nice. They even threw a fair for u-" The dragon disguised as a dragon trailed off as somepony caught his eye. With hearts in his eyes, he was gone in a moment. "Rarity, Sweetie Belle! Happy Nightmare Night~!"

Dusk and Luna watched him run off while chuckling to themselves.

"I see that crush you told me about."

"Yeah, hopefully she lets him down easy. Or maybe he'll take a liking to Sweetie Belle instead. That'd be cute to see."

Luna saw the animated conversation Spike was having with the two sisters and how excited the younger unicorn was about whatever they were going on about. With a fond smile, she turned to look over to Dusk doing the same.

Her Moon caused his eyes to sparkle in the twilight and armor to shine an ethereal glow. The purple, blues, white and red of his mane were even more organized and straight than normal. His cutie mark, a dark lavender shield housing a light red sparkle (as he called it) and topped by three blue stars while further surrounded with six, smaller white stars, was on proud display.

In another life, Dusk Shine would've made a fantastic addition to the Royal Guard.

"Dusk Shine, what really happened while you were staying at the Crystal Empire?" Luna was hesitant to continue. "Your dreams have been distant. We haven't talked in weeks. Is everything alright?"

The stallion didn't turn to face her as she spoke. He continued to stare off at his little brother's interaction. His smile was gone. There was a cold air about him.

Then, like a snap, he was back to himself.

"Everything's fine. Just a weird experience is all. The magic of the Crystal Empire is fascinating." He reared up and pointed in a direction. "Let's say we join the festivities, oh Mare in the Moon."

Dusk then settled himself and offered a hoof. A gallant knight looking to escort his princess.

She just couldn't deny him.

The stallion's dreams (more like night terrors) wouldn't improve until months later. They were distant and repelled her every attempt to intrude. That was her job, to search the dreamscape for dangers and nightmares that threatened her little ponies, but when one she cared about so much seemed to be suffering, she couldn't reach him.

The only other beings capable of keeping her out of their dreams were her fellow alicorns, that draconequus, and a few other notable users of magic. No one could accidentally lock away their dreams from her.

Why was he rejecting her? Did he just not want to see her?

She must have been overthinking things.

Luna's attempts were soon able to get her close enough to feel the emotions his dreams held. So much fear, panic and disgust with equal parts longing, interest and lust.

She'd felt such emotions within a dream before. They often indicated ones she'd steer clear from in order to give the dreamer their privacy so to speak. Trotting into some pony’s fantasies unannounced wasn't a good experience for either party.

These emotions felt so much darker though. Was it a mere coincidence that such dreams appeared after Dusk Shine's visit to the Crystal Empire? That after spending a week in the hooves of another princess, he'd reject her company?

Was she overthinking things?

Salvation came one night when she felt a familiar pull. She immediately made her way within Dusk's dream and had to stop herself from practically tackling the stallion.

"This feels nice." He wrapped his hooves around her to return her hug.

"I apologize for the forwardness, but it's a good feeling to see a dear friend, again."

"I'm so sorry, Luna. I should've talked about what was happening." He broke the hold and stared up at her. He'd grown a lot since becoming a prince, but was still a bit smaller than her. A thought that made her giggle internally. "Good news, though, I think I won."

"Won?"

He thought for a moment, likely coming up with an explanation when a ripple ran through the dream.

"S-sorry, Luna. I think I need some actual rest. I haven't been sleeping well at all."

'Again?' She thought unhumorously, before the implications set in. "Wait, Dusk! Just a tab longer, if you wouldn't mind. What ails you so? I can't stand to see you suffer."

Another ripple put a damper on that. He glanced at the sky and his eyes widened. He took her hooves into his and stared directly at her with those beautiful lavender orbs. "Tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?"

A larger ripple. "Yes, there's a meteor shower tomorrow night. I'm sure plenty of ponies will be up late into the night to watch it. Either way, I want to see you tomorrow, face to face, just the two of us. I'll explain everything then."

"J-just the two of us? Alone and under the falling st- stars."

He nodded, not noticing the blush rapidly spreading across the mare's face. "By that tree. The one near Lower Canterlot that you left from last time. I'll meet you there by the time you set your Moon."

He faded from his dream and she was alone. She shortly found herself out of the dreamscape and back in her room. She calmly, stiffly brought her front hooves to her face, rolled over into her bed and stared at the vaulted ceiling. All of this in an effort to contain herself (didn't work).

She had to make up a story for Celestia as to why she was squealing loud enough to alarm the royal guard all while prancing around like a little filly. Luna was quickly figuring out that her sister was easy to lie to.

Like before, the princess was having a horrible time containing her excitement. It was positively infectious to the staff of the castle other than Ms. Hearted who was beside herself in trying to keep up with her princess.

This time, Luna left before setting the Moon. Performing such a magical feat wasn't something she needed to do from within the safety of Canterlot Castle, but since it left her quite vulnerable during and after, it was always the safest bet. However, the remoteness of their location and security of a nearby prince was all she needed to feel comfortable enough to do such a thing.

Besides, it meant seeing Dusk just that much sooner, so totally worth it.

She arrived at their meeting spot and waited.

She lowered her Moon and waited.

She watched the gradually appearance of the stars and waited.

She turned her back towards the meteor shower to instead look fervently in the direction of Ponyville.

It was near time for her to lower her Moon when she arrived at his front door.

After Discord """accidentally""" burned Ponyville library to the ground, the Tree of Harmony created Dusk Shine and Spike a new home. It had been called the Castle of Friendship (after Dusk's unofficial title) and its doors were currently being beaten down (both metaphorically and literally) by the Princess of the Night.

Within moments, the double doors were pulled open by a frantic dragon. Before she could even make a comment, Spike was already speaking.

"Princess! Do you have news? Is everything alright? Can you tell me what's going on?"

Recovering from the bombardment, Luna felt her anger and pain fade away to confusion. "Spike? I'm sorry, but what is it you're talking about? Is Dusk Shine here?"

It was the drake's turn to look confused. "N- no. He left yesterday. Did you get his letter?"

"Letter?"

His eyes widened as he stepped away and gestured for the princess to come inside.

"Dusk had me send a few letters before he teleported away. One was for you. Gimme a sec." Spike closed his eyes and focused for a couple minutes. Just as Luna was getting antsy, a pillar of smoke came through the window, it swirled and sparked and flamed; within, a piece of parchment rebuilt itself. The whole process looked like it was burning in reverse. "Ah ha! Return to sender!"

She took the offered scroll and opened it immediately. Her heart sank.

Dear Princess Luna,

I'm so sorry to be cancelling on you last minute. Celestia's Sun is still in the sky, so I'm hoping this reaches you before you depart.

I have just received a letter from Cadance about an urgent matter at the Crystal Empire. I really can't afford to explain further, time is dwindling. The Princess* already knows of the predicament and I'm sure she'll be able to fill you in.

I promise that I will do everything in my power to make this up to you, Luna.

Sincerely,
Prince-to-be Dusk Shine

*Spike's note: To clarify, he is talking about Princess Celestia.

Luna let the letter fall out of her magic and onto the floor.

"Princess?"

Without missing a beat, she adopted a cold, serious demeanor. "My apologies, Spike. I am as out of the loop as you are. My presence is needed in Canterlot, so I shall leave immediately." Her horn welled with power.

"Wait!" Spike jumped in panic. After a breath, he calmed down and twiddled his thumbs in embarrassment. "Pl- please help him out, if you can, Princess. He can be a bit paranoid at times, but this time he looked scared." The dragon's eyes drifted to the ground. "Really scared."

The drake felt a wing rub his head and he looked up to see Luna's reassuring smile. A gesture that reminded him so much of his Big Bro.

"I will do everything in my power to assist Prince Dusk Shine, young dragon. You have my word." Then, the Princess of the Night disappeared.

"Princess, we need to stop this. You can't go on like this much longer. You'll die if you keep pushing yourself. Please."

Hearted stood beside her Princess, whose strength faltered yet again. She leaned heavily against the wall of one of Canterlot Castle's more out of the way halls.

"This is where I was." Luna spoke with a hollow tone. Her eyes focused on something far away.

"My lady?" The hoofmaiden's voice was coated with such annoying worry.

"Much like today, I had taken over each and every single one of my sister's duties, so that she may journey to the Crystal Empire without disturbing the peace here. I wanted to go myself, but even with my emotions running high, I knew that Celestia's presence would be infinitely more helpful than anything I could provide. She's stronger, wiser and more experienced than I'll ever be.

"She returned a few days later, having arrived on her own wings with zero fanfare. When she met with me, she was devoid of emotions, but I've called her my sister for over five centuries, I knew her. She's always been a rock for me and any pony to have met her, yet I have never seen her so shaken.

"Celestia asked that I venture into the dreamscape and look out for any sign of Dusk Shine or anything even remotely pointing towards him. I searched and searched for days, which turned into weeks. Not only at night, but at all hours of the day. I constantly roamed that realm and I couldn't find him. I told my sister; she must've had a solution. Why else would she press such a request upon me?"

Luna slid down the wall and found herself lying on her side. All it would take was a single member of staff rounding the corner to see the state of their Princess of the Night. The hoofmaiden could only watch.

"She told me he was gone, that if I couldn't sense his consciousness then a spell had taken him away. His life was gone, yet he wouldn't die. Everything that made him 'Dusk Shine' would be stripped away and repurposed.

"She didn't elaborate on what type of spell it was, but I've seen the dreams of six other ponies. I've seen a pony of shadows, a being of pure Dark Magic capable of overpowering even the most powerful relics and holders of Harmony Magic. It was a nightmare.... A-a-an actual Nightmare, just like...."

Luna tapered off, tears welling in her eyes. Her breath started to hasten and Hearted could only stand there.

"I was lucky, fortunate that I was connected to a celestial body that the Elements of Harmony could send me to. I could be quarantined away, unable to do harm to any pony until the Elements were re-energized and new bearers were chosen. Only then could their collective might purify Nightmare Moon. But this Nightmare survived the Crystal Heart, it survived the Elements of Harmony, it found a host we have no answer for."

Luna turned her gaze to the hoofmaiden. Tears freely fell down her face. Sobs began echoing.

"The elements are useless without their spark. Even if we could send or lock the Prince of Friendship away, the Element of Magic wouldn't find a new bearer. Not until... until...."

"...until the prince is dealt with. Dusk cannot be saved without the Elements and no pony can use the Elements without him." Hearted watched as her charge collected herself. The Princess wiped tears and slowly brought herself up to once again lean against the wall. Hearted watched on without moving, without a single emotion.

"My sister left this morning to do that very thing. For the past month, she has withheld from using any and all magic. She's preparing for a clear and concise bout." Luna locked eyes with Hearted, the sorrow within beaten back through sheer force of will. "If my suffering allows the one I love to suffer no more, then so be it. I ask you to support me just a few more days. In a few days, I promise my suffering will end."

Hearted continued to stand by and watch. Her demeanor was stiff and her face like stone. The silence was deafening until the spark of a unicorn's magical aura cut through the lack of sound.

Chapter 6 - Into the Mind (Part 3)

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Chapter 7 - Troubled Hearts

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