Alicorn: The Lost Princess

Chapters

Part Five
Prologue
Celestia
Cadence
Twilight Sparkle
Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Part Four
Part Six
Part Seven
Part Eight
Part Nine
Part Ten
Part Eleven

Part Five

“Well… if I was born a Pegasus, and you were born an Earth Pony…” Cadence began, as the trio trotted out to the edge of town.

“I was born a unicorn.” Twilight added. To which they all nodded.

“Where is the fourth Alicorn?” They did not stop, their plan was to search the forest, but their reasoning was not quite put in place.

Twilight hopped ahead of them slightly. “It was said, while I was in school, at least… that Alicorns once lived in this forest.” She cleared her throat as they stepped under the tree cover. “Perhaps the last one is the last born Alicorn!”

Celestia groaned, having been born an Earth Pony to Alicorn parents weighing on her. Perhaps that was their reason for giving her up. “I have to confess.” She said. “I cannot recall having told you, but The Great… Gusty… she foretold that one of the prophesied Alicorns would be my biological sister.”

The stopped, nearly tripping. “That is wonderful! Perhaps you will recognize her?” Cadence asked.

“I never knew her… the day she was born was the day they left me on the farm.” She lamented. It was silent for a moment, darker now under the leaves, but in tension as well. “Perhaps she was born an Alicorn too, and that is why they gave me up.”

Cadence narrowed her eyebrows as Twilight shook her head in disappointment. “That’s ridiculous… if they- if they couldn’t love you because of what type of pony you were-“ it was evident that Cadence had taken it quite personally. “Then maybe it’s better that they didn’t raise you at all.”

Twilight nodded. “She’s right, any pony who would give up their foal for such a terrible reason. I don’t know...”

The two huntresses were sore and tired from being beaten and evaded. “It’s enough gold bits for a lifetime!” Trixie whined.

Starlight huffed as they walked, too exhausted to teleport them any longer. “I’m not planning on giving up, I’m just quite tired of being duped or beaten.”

Trixie shrugged in a goofy manner. “You kind of just get used to it.” She trotted, not nearly as fatigued as her partner, as Starlight had been doing all the work. “Where are we going anyway?”

“Ponyville.” Starlight said through gritted teeth, for the thousandth time.

“I thought you said you were tired of being beaten?”

The sound of breaking twigs and strapping branches could be heard, followed by crashing leaves and a shake of the ground.

To their shock and dismay a large grotesque looking creature leapt out of the darkness towards them. The three Alicorns, who, up until the day prior, had been complete strangers: clung to one another.

The creature was large, but dog-like. Made of wood and other natural materials. It seemed to be occupied by some sort of spirit as it should, by no means, have sentience.

In an act of bravery, Celestia rushed forward, on foot, horn ablaze. Cadence took her natural stance, skyward bound. And Twilight threw out a blast of magic into the beast. The magenta blast bounced through their attacker and shot out its back legs. It was resistant to that sort of magic. Cadence flapped her wings with all her might, creative a gust of wind that only pushed the monster inches backwards. This clearly agitated it.

Celestia charged and shot up a blast of golden light, stunning the creature. “We have to work together!” She shouted over the crashing of the animals limbs.

The three shared a knowing look before powering up their magical horns. And in a swoop of their multicolored power, the creature fell. It’s wood and leaves scattering across the path before them. “This place isn’t like our home. Magic doesn’t work the same way.” Celestia said, clearly recounting what she had just discovered.

The girls shook as they caught their breath. “Let’s just keep moving, the faster we find your sister, the faster we can get back home.” Cadence replied.

King Sombra’s eyes glowed with clouds of uncertainty. There had been no report from his ordered huntresses, and there was no certainty that any attack could be fulfilled without knowing where the Alicorns were.

The captain reluctantly crept into the throne room. “Your highness…”

“Any word on the Alicorns?” He asked with extreme urgency. He paused in his pacing and looked down at the cowering stallion before him.

“No notice from the students… huntresses as you call them…” he replied, not looking up to meet his gaze. “But, the battalion is prepared for the second stage of invasions.”

The king stomped, demanding his attention. The captain shook as he lifted his eyes. “We must know the status of the Alicorns before deploying any invasion!” He shouted, pointedly. The captain nodded. “We must move our battalion plan to Cloudsdale… then, once we are sure the Alicorn Pegasus… or how ever it shall be referred to as… once we are sure that that pony will not hinder us…” he sighed. “Then we will proceed.”

Prologue

Author's Note

Inspired by Avatar: The Last Airbender

Prologue

Eons ago, what is now referred to as Equestria was in a colossal state of disharmony. In the south sat acres and acres of farm land. The fields stretched as far as the eye could see. The highest quality food was grown here, with the most attentive farmers. Earth Ponies occupied what could only be classified as a farm-town. They were stronger, sturdier, and more capable of growing and building. Their skills were practical, but also creative.

“Ponyville” as they called it, boasted some of the best architects, carpenters, and blacksmiths in all the world. Despite being widely accepted as the lesser of the three tribes, Earth Ponies were a force to be reckoned with. Also boasting some of the most ruthless and powerful warriors. Their might and strength set them apart.

Earth Ponies were on the front lines.

In the north stood a massive city. Its occupants were almost all unicorns, and that was preferred. As unicorns had very little interest in associating with other types of ponies. The city was home to some of the most intellectual minds in the world. Science and magic flourished here.

In the institute, scholars could learn spells of any kind. Learn the ways of the natural world as well as the mystical. Within Canterlot’s walls, they feared little.

The cities guard always providing with a secure place to prosper. No threat shook Canterlot.

Atop the clouds sat the city of Pegasi. Only pegasi could reside in such a place. Far above the other flightless ponies, they reserved themselves to unique talents.

Up in their cloud-top home, was the weather factory. In this unusual land, the weather was created by winged-ponies. Their most proud accomplishments lie in their power to control the weather for all types of ponies.

Though, pegasi were some of the most swift and agile creatures. And their ability to move quickly and precisely was an added bonus

A greedy unicorn king sought to rule all three tribes. His interest truly wasn’t to integrate or unify their society, but to take control of Earth Ponies and Pegasi alike. His superiority-complex leading him to believe them easy prey.

“Bring me to the oracle mare.” He said, commanding his captain. His blackened hooves clanked against the crystal tiles in the castle.

The guard bowed to him, speechless. The king did not take kindly to responses, be them positive or negative. Perhaps it was that another pony’s voice would interrupt the sound of his own ringing in his head. The pair trotted out to the castle grounds. Reaching the dock, a heavy harness and frame was slammed onto the guard’s back. He grunted, but accepted it, for the tyrant may have his life if he dare protest. The king loaded into the attached carriage and the single guard pulled him.

They traveled out into the dim city. The only light coming from the orange of the sky, where the sun lay on the horizon. Once they stopped, the guard unleashed himself from his harness. “We have arrived.” He said simply, it was simple enough that the king did not lash.

“Finally.” He said, the fiery red in his eyes.

The unicorn guard bowed, lifting one hoof to the warped old door. A swift buck was all it took for it to crumple.

There, in the darkness, sat an old mare. White in color with a festively colored red and green mane. At least, it once was. Now the colored had long faded. “I have expected you, your highness.”

Sombra bowed to her “I have heard a fable of the great mare and her oracle powers” he said, he looked up to her. It was unheard of, this politeness.

“And I, too, have a story for you.” The Great-One said. “Though it shan’t suit your ideals of war.”

Sombra sat, as the guard stood at the now-buckled door. Face to face with the Great-One. “I must know my fortune.” He commanded. “Should I rule this land? The great farms and food. The weather control?”

The Great One shook her head. “King Sombra, you will face a terrible war indeed.” Her eyes were closed, but it mattered not. In her old-aged she had gone blind. “But you shall not rule all.”

Sombra rose, growing agitated, but still knowing it best not to aggravate someone with such power. “Why shan’t I?”

Her eyes opened now. “I shall tell you, for there is no course of action you may take to alter this.” She released a long exaggerated breath. “The lands shall only be unified by a new race of ponies, leading, to create harmony across this world and the next.”

Sombra stomped in anger, believing this mare to be nothing more than a farce. “A new race? What planet do you heed from?”

The mare chuckled. “The same as you.” She replied. “In two weeks time, a solar flare will turn a young mare. And in a symphony of mystic miracles, three more will be transformed.” She began to laugh, it was unsettling. The laugh growing louder and less like it was coming from the mare. The abrupt silence was deafening. “One from each tribe.” She said finally. “Four of a kind, and they will unify us all. With equality and harmony.”

Sombra flew out of the broken old hut. “We will declare war with the Earth Ponies, then we shall move our troops to their so-called town.” He ordered. It was difficult for his captain to comprehend, but he did his best. “And we will torch that hellish hut where that supposed oracle resides.”

Unicorn soldiers stood at full attention. In the boarder of Ponyville they sat behind a rugged and hastily built wall. “So much for great builders” one murmured, earning a chuckle from his comrades.

In the dust of the old town emerged a mare. The unicorn men ready to fire, but lowering their horns at the appearance of a single filly. Gazing upon her, the bulk of them were bewildered.

“Alright hun’ bring out your leader.” One demanded.

“We’re not gonna fight some little girl.” Another insisted.

As the sun lit the sky, it slowly began to move. If they hadn’t known better, they would’ve believed she had willed it to move at such velocity. Until it seemed to circle the unnamed mare lying on the horizon in what should’ve been mid-day.

A blast of sudden, unheard of, radiation sent the soldiers scattering across the grass and dirt road. Engulfing the small mare and lifting her from the ground.

The terrified and shocked army flailing to their hooves. The orb of light spinning in strips and sparkling sun. The mare returned to the ground, changed.

Brandishing now, what had never been seen. Both wings and a horn, when neither had been before.

Fluttering her abnormally large wings, she sent the soldiers to the ground once more. She smiled. “I’m glad you didn’t want to fight me.” It was a sweet voice, but so regal and also threatening. “It would not be much of a fight.” She replied cutely. A blast of her unicorn-esque magic sending the message and carving the ground into a scar.

The men retreated without hesitation and without word.

This war was far from over.

Celestia

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Cadence

In the cloud-top land of the pegasi was a small family of three. For years the couple had pleaded for a child with the powers above. Be it the universe, nature, or magical beings. They desperately wanted for a child to share their love with.

When the miracle had finally found them, it came in a bundle of pink blankets. They were much older than most parents, and ponies said it to be impossible, but the truth often does not care what ponies believe to be possible. Their blessing was to be called ‘Cadence’.

A pink foal, grew into a spunky filly. Small, thin, and frail, but full of life. Her ailments were evident in her appearance. Half the size of her peers, in height and weight. However, her spirit was twice the size of the average filly.

She was energetic, and outgoing, but despite her likable personality, she lacked meaningful friendships. She had often blamed her small stature, or her general frailty. But, it came down to one factor. Her blank-flank. Cadence, unlike other fillies her age had yet to get her cutie-mark. And well into teenager-hood, it was a source of great embarrassment.

Not only was she small and blank-flanked, but her ideals were often discredited as well. It seemed she was very difficult to take seriously.

Despite years of dismissals and rejection, Cadence’s heart never hardened. She never gave up home that friendship and love were worth looking for, even if years of searching had proved fruitless.

Cadences sat on her bed, beside her mother. “You have so many friends, Cadence. What do you mean?”

“I have so many acquaintances, mom.” She insisted. “Nopony ever gets too close… nopony wants to be seen with such a social parasite.“ she lamented. “I don’t understand why I can’t just move to Canterlot and go to the Unicorn Institute.”

Her mother wrapped one wing around her. “You know they don’t let Pegasi attend…” she reminded. “You can always go to Cloudsdale Community College!” She said, as if it were a consolation prize.

“Mom!” Cadence shouted. “Everypony I go to school with now will be at Cloudsdale Community… I just want a fresh place to start over.” She huffed. Her mother’s sad expression shook her. “It’s not that I want to be away from you…”

Her mother nodded, disappointed. “No, I know, I understand… it’s just… these are the cards life has dealt us.”

Cadence rose from her seat. “I am proof that life can be changed.” She said stamping her small hoof to the floor in her bedroom. “You have always said I was born from a miracle.” she thought for a moment.

Her mom rose to meet her. “Now Cadence, everypony says things like that…” she gulped. “Miracle is such a vague term.”Cadence looked her mother over for a moment. Silence fell over them. “That’s quite enough for tonight, let’s get you into bed.”

As the light flicked off, Cadence threw the covers from her body. Using her small wings, she fluttered about the room throwing clothes into a bag. Tossing a water bottle and emptying her forbidden snack stash into it as well. Saddling herself with her belongings, she set out to prove her family and everypony else wrong.

Making her way to the edge of the clouds, she stood and looked down at the earth far below. What a long drop it was, it made sense why no pony dared enter their city… well… how could they? Only Pegasi were light enough to walk on the clouds.

Stepping off she allowed her weight to fall. It was a soft fall, until she opened her wings and began to soar, for the first time really flying. Sure she had flown from place-to-place, but this was something else. Flying with no direction, no constraints.

Below her, as she glided across the air, was a tiny white speck of a stallion. His brilliant coat reflecting the light of the moon back at her. Blasts of magenta fluttering through the air around her.

She spiraled down, landing harshly in the brush. The sounds of shaking leaves and breaking twinge startled the unicorn stallion. “Who goes there!” He shouted. He was only a little older than Cadence, but to him she probably looked like a filly. He was just older than teenage, probably fresh out of school as well. Cadence stayed behind the brush, heart beating nearly out of her chest as she watched him slowly creep toward her. His glowing horny growing unsteady. “I’m not afraid!” He shouted, though his body language begged to differ. When he saw the tuft of tricolored hair, he paused. “Come out of there.” He commanded.

She reluctantly complied, tucking her wings into her sides as she slowly climbed out of the crash site.

He stared at her, small and thin, but evidently a mare and not a child as he had suspected. He looked her over, taking note of her wings, but showing no aggression. “You should not be here.” He spoke softly, “it is not safe.”

Cadence stretched her legs as he spoke. The ground down here was not as forgiving on the joints. “I know, I know… I just want one chance to prove I can-“

The stallion cut her off. “Our king, he is a tyrant. That is why I am out here so late into the night.” He released a breath. “I am training for the war he has proposed… it is not safe for ponies like you here…”

Cadence frowned heavily. Taking a seat in the grass. It felt so strange against her flank and legs. Itchy and cold, but also calming. “If I could show him… show everypony… I’m smart and-“ tears welled in her eyes. “They don’t like me back home either.” The confessed interrupting her own statement.

The stallion sat down beside her, “eh, if you know you’re smart, being popular isn’t all that important.” He sighed. Looking over at her. He’d never seen a Pegasus in real life. She was stunning. “My name’s Shinning Armor.”

“And you’re a soldier?” She asked.

He hemmed and hawed. “I guess so.” He replied, knowing what that meant.

“Then why didn’t you slaughter me? If you hate Pegasi and Earth Ponies?”

Shining Armor gasped. “I do not hate anypony.” He insisted. Returning his eyes to the sky. “It is not my choice to fight in the king’s war.” He explained. “My dream was to learn the protection spell, to create and protect… not to fight and steal land of other ponies.”

Cadence looked him over. “My dream is to…” she thought for a moment. She had spent all her time thinking of ways to be more likable…but in doing so she’d lost what she’d really wanted. To be loved for who she is, in all that rejection and turmoil about who ‘liked’ her or how many friend she had… she forgot about those that loved her. “I guess to be loved.”

Shining looked back at her and their eyes met. “I think we all want to be loved.” He replied. They stared at each other for a moment. “Would it be insane…”

“If we kissed?” She asked, their minds melding to one another. “Why would we do that?”

Shining Armor looked away. “I don’t know, for the hell of it I guess…” he muttered. “I’ve never kissed somepony.”

“Me neither.” Cadence looked away too. “Though, we’ll probably never see each other again.” The turned back to one another.

Slowly they leaned in, the forbidden, and unheard of titillated them. As their lips pressed together an orb of teal magic surrounded Cadence, pulling her away from him. By no effort of her own, she floated into the sky and in a painless transformation took a new form.

Her small frame now replaced with a still slender, yet tall build. Completed now with a horn to match her wings, and fresh crystal-like heart for a cutie-mark. She fell to the ground, stumbling to catch herself. “Your… horn…” Shining stammered in disbelief.

“My… horn?” She replied, feeling the top of her head. It was new to her. “Oh God what has happened to me…”

To be loved, is to be changed.

Twilight Sparkle

The stars gleamed in the sky, the day she entered the world. What they had anticipated being their second and final child, turned middle-child. Twilight Sparkle was gifted with unfathomable magical prowess from the day she learned to wield. By the time she could walk, she could hover just as well. Teleportation came soon thereafter.

Her first year in school, a challenge was given to all newcomers. She was astonishingly young for the institute, and no pony had ever successfully completed the challenge. To use their magic to hatch a dragon’s egg.

Where they had come upon such a thing, no one seemed to question. That was of little relevance… as was the issue of possibility. Twilight Sparkle was the picture of impossible. A filly afforded a spot at an institution for adult ponies.

The egg task proved challenging, but entirely possible. As in a blast of light, Twilight’s power swelled. The egg shell cracked and out burst the baby dragon. Cute, and chubby. Their family decided to raise him as their own son.

From that day forward, Twilight had cemented herself a magical legend. Spending days and weekends honing her craft. Once she had reached maturity, she was well versed in nearly all forms of magic accessible to her… even some that were forbidden.

“Twilight!” Her mother called. “A summons from the king…” she gulped. “You haven’t been doing any of those military spells your brothers taught you, right?”

Twilight trotted down the stairs of her family home. “He probably just wants to show me off to his delegates again. He said I am a true testament to what a unicorn should be.”

Her mother released the bated breath. “Just make sure you get there on time. You know the king doesn’t like to be kept waiting.”

Twilight nodded, dawning her cloak and taking the summons scroll with her magic. “I’ll go straight there and straight back.” She promised.

Twilight made her way up the step of the castle. Escorted by a gaggle of guards toward the king’s meeting chamber.

When they arrived, she looked up to the king in his platformed throne. She bowed as their eyes met. “Good afternoon, Twilight Sparkle. As our most decorated student and role-model to all Canterlot I took it upon myself to welcome you back to my home.” The castle was cold, and a chill flew up her spine, but she knew better than to speak in the presence of the king unless instructed. “Your power is one I would like to harness… for my wartime efforts. I need someone with your skill and knowledge to guide me.” He chuckled. “Not that I need guidance, more servitude.” He said cockily. “A servant to advise my magical exploits.”

Twilight released a breath of fear and disinterest. She did not believe in the war, she did not stand for it. She was a believer in learning, and would much rather live unified with the other tribes and learn from them.

He noticed her hesitation. “Or…” he thought for a moment. “That brother of yours, I suppose he would make a fantastic front-lines man.” His highness laughed. The twisted horn in his head drawing her eye. “And that dragon? A child, but a fantastic puff of smoke and fire. I’m sure the brothers you hold so dear will make hearty sacrifices indeed.”

Twilight gasped, gulping back her reluctance. “I should have but a moment to gather my thoughts.”

The king hummed, hating the sound of her voice. “You shall do it. Beginning tomorrow, and it is not a request. If you attempt to flee, you will be considered a traitor, and your family too.”

Twilight walked slowly, hanging her head as she went. The town seemed so loud and aggravating. Every noise threatening to send her over the edge. Soon, she came upon a building with nothing but burnt posts where structure used to be.

The Great One sat in the midst of the rubble, silent as the sun shone down on her. No pony else around, it was such a strange vision, Twilight nearly thought she was imagining it.

She approached carefully, as the Great One summoned her with a small motion of her hoof. She stepped over debris carefully as she moved.

“You are the one.” She said. The Great One was vague, and it seemed like she wasn’t all there. “The last Princess, the fourth.”

Twilight swallowed back the nervousness she felt. She had heard of The Great One and her bizarre prophecies. She had also heard that she had never been incorrect. “A Princess?” She asked.

The Great One swayed with the wind, almost holographic. “Each tribe will have one, and you are the fourth.”

Twilight’s mind reeled as she hopped now, trying to reach her more quickly. “Did you say four? But there are only three-“ The Great One was gone. It was a vision… or a spirit? And if it were just a vision, perhaps Twilight was losing her mind.

That night, Twilight stole away into the grassy knoll behind her home. The stars were easy to see, the sky was clear. She looked up, never having been a spiritual pony, but wondering if there were something in this universe that could save her from the king’s wrath.

Footsteps came up from behind her. The bipedal dragon waddled up behind her. He was small and purple in color, like her. Only he had complimentary green scales, unlike her who had no scales at all. “You don’t seem like yourself tonight.” The dragon said. It sounded so critical, but it was compassionate.

“The king commanded I be his… servant advisor for the war.” She confessed. “I don’t know what to do, Spike.”

Spike sighed. “That’s rough.”

“And I saw The Great One.” She added.

Spike looked over at her with his mouth agape. “No rest today.” He said simply.

She shook her head. “She told me I was ‘the last princess’ whatever that means.”

The pair giggled for a moment and the absurdity of such a sentiment. As the looked up, a star shot across the sky. “Make a wish!” Spike shouted urgently.

Both closing their eyes, it seemed they wished for the same thing. And in a sudden blast of magic Twilight was overtaken by a whirl of magenta, glittering, magic. Without word or reason, she emerged utterly unscathed… save for the new wings.

“Twilight… you… you look like those ponies from the stories.” Spike stammered, pointing one claw at her wings.

Instinctively, Twilight’s wings shot open, revealing them to her. “Oh no… oh no no no!” She shouted in sincere panic. “Spike this is awful… I’ve been transformed into a Pegasus!” She rationalized, she began to rub her forehead, but slammed her hand into the horn on her head. “Ow-“ she cried. “I’m , oh no Spike… I’m an Alicorn… oh no.”

Spike jumped to his feet trying to quiet and calm her. “No, no Twilight… this is good… aren’t Alicorns supposed to be especially powerful? Maybe this is how you can stop the king!”

Twilights mind reeled… “she said I was one of four… the last one…” she gulped the lump in her throat. “That means I have to find the others.”

Part One

Celestia marched home after the easy battle. In the time between her visit from the Great One and the battle, she had really racked her brain. Coming to terms with her biological parents being Alicorns and apparently abandoning her was a lot to take in.

But, in looking to her adoptive family, she found solace. If it were necessary for her to be raised an Earth Pony for her to have the compassion and knowledge it took to wield the alicorn power… that was how it was meant to be. And if she hadn’t been given up she would have missed out on such a wonderful family life.

Celestia was often a glass-half-full pony. Accepting her fate was simple for her… and it was driven by the love of her family. If, as an Alicorn, she could save even one pony it would be worth it. She knew what it was like to lose some pony she loved. She would never wish that pain on anypony else.

Her mother waited for her, with her niece, Apple Jack. “Celestia!” They both shouted in unison. Shocked by her new wings and horn. “You- you’ve changed?” Apple Jack said. She was young, barely in maturity. Brave, and strong, despite having just recently lost her father.

Celestia stretched her wings. “I suppose I have.”

Applesauce rose to meet them, older in years, it was more difficult to stand. “Suppose I always knew something was special ‘bout ya’” she smiled proudly.

Apple Jack turned toward her grandmother “Granny? You knew?”

The old mare laughed “just an expression, Apple Jack.” Her voice was old. Now scratchy on their ears.

Celestia sighed. “I know it’s gonna be… hard.” She started. “But I have to find the others.”

“The other… horned, winged ponies?” Apple Jack asked.

Celestia laughed at her niece. “They’re…” she thought for a moment “we’re… called Alicorns.”

Apple Jack stomped her hoof, young, but hard-headed. “You ain’t going alone.”

Celestia held up one hoof to calm her. “I have to. There’s one of us in each tribe, it’s up to me to find the others and stop this war before it does irreversible damage.”

Granny Smith held Apple Jack back. She seemed so wise in that moment. “We have to let her go. You’ll have your chance to fight, Apple Jack.”

Apple Jack relented her protective behavior. And the three mares embraced. Wrapped in the new white, feathery wings.

Twilight began to panic. Despite being warned vaguely by what must’ve been The Great One’s spirit, she could have never expected a full metamorphosis. Spike held up his hands attempting to calm her.

She bent the wings and stretched them out straight. “Spike!” She exclaimed, spinning around trying to get a good look at herself.

As she shouted she could see, in the distance, the glow of the guards patrolling the street in front of their house. They fell silent. “We have to run.” Spike whispered. “Who knows what they would do to you if they saw… the wings.” Twilight scooped him up and retreated back into the house.

As the sky twinkled, Cadence returned home. Back through her bedroom window and down the steps toward the living room.

“She’s just so different, we had always known she’d have a hard time making friends.” Her father said monotonously.

Her mother huffed out a sigh. “I just want her to be happy.” She repeated. It was like this, this was a frequent conversation they had had.

“She’s gonna be alright, dear.” Her father said.

Cadence burst into the room, large now, no longer small and timid looking. Her parents shook in fear, screaming at the intrusion. They took one look at her, and could hardly contain their fear.

A moment of peace came, as they stood still and silent. Slowly, her mother approached her. “Cadence?” A mother could recognize their child in a crowd of a million faces. “What has happened to you?”

The captain scampered into the king’s meeting chamber. His discomfort and fear clearly evident on his face. He bowed until all four of his joints were against the floor, in a more groveling position than a bow.

“Speak!” The king shouted urgently.

The captain began to stammer. “The Ponyville battalion was defeated before any invasion” he blurted.

The king’s eyes burned with rage. “How is this possible? The Earth Pony militia could never defeat us?!” He screamed. He trotted down the steps over to where the captain cowered before him. “Tell me how!”

The captain hid his face for fear of being struck. “The fable Alicorn has returned.” He reported.

The king stomped his hoof into the ground with full force, inches away from the guard’s head. “You take me a fool?” He yodeled in rage. “That supposed oracle is dead, her prophecy is worthless!” The guard began to shake. He had nothing else to add to his report so he did not bother to speak up again. The king stared off into the distance, “call for a public meeting. I have an announcement for my kingdom.”

Twilight burst through the back door and threw the curtain closed. At that same moment, her brother, Shining Armor entered in through the front door. They locked eyes, and when he realized she had wings, he did a double take.

“No time to explain. We have to go.” Shining began to speak, to tell her what he had just seen moments prior, but she wouldn’t let him get a word in edgewise. “Mom and Dad, pack a bag.”

Her parents stared at her in awe, shock and pride filled them. Pausing, until she rushed them into their room.

Once packed, Twilight Sparkle and Shining Armor pooled their magic and teleported them out to the no-pony’s-land miles from Canterlot.

“Do you care to explain?” Her mother said finally, as Twilight caught her breath.

“I saw a spirit… of the oracle mare.” She confessed. Her family listened with confusion and disbelief. “I didn’t believe it at first, but now… I know what I have to do… I have to find three other Alicorns to stop the unicorn king.”

At first, her parents began to laugh. She and Spike stayed silent, sharing a look of disappointment. It was then that they realized she was serious.

Shining Armor swallowed awkwardly as he pushed gently past his hysterical parents. “I know somebody who can help… or rather I know where to find an Alicorn.”

Part Two

The king paced nervously. This was an unusual behavior, but as his greed had grown she had also grown quite unusual. Since the decision to declare war, and the days following in which he planned his next moves, he had grown uneasy.

One thing was certain and the same, however. His dream of controlling all ponies in the land. And in controlling all the ponies he would have control over the weather and the agriculture. As well as the building force and the Air Force.

Two cloaked mares entered the meeting room, but they did not bow. Their faces were straight and serious. One a lavender and another a rich blue. Both were students at the institute, classmates of Twilight Sparkle.

It was evident that Twilight had fled, but despite his threats, it was clear he had bigger fish to fry.

“Greetings.” He said as he noticed their stillness. “I have summoned you both in secret.” The girls exchanged annoyed glances. “I need you to hunt down the pony known as Twilight Sparkle.” They shared another glance that began to itch at the king’s irritation. He cleared his throat. “She is a traitor to this nation and I do not have time for a military manhunt.”

They nodded, slowly, understanding his request. “And our reward for her capture?” The lavender mare asked.

“The price of two traitors.” The king declared. The corners of their mouths began to lift as devious smiles formed. “In the meantime, I will declare that any pony who brings me an Alicorn… dead or alive… will be rewarded the price of four.”

“So if we capture Sparkle and an Alicorn?” The second mare added.

“Six heads of gold.”

They showed their pleasure through grinning smiles. “We will not disappoint you, your majesty.”

Celestia flapped her wings heavily as she pressed towards Canterlot. She was aware how dangerous it would be to arrive in the city that had declared war on the world, but she needed to find the other Alicorns, and she would do whatever it took.

As she reached the base of the force field surround the city, she slowly fluttered to the ground. She wrapped the blue clock around her shoulders, concealing her wings. Just as she did so, she noticed two mares heading toward the edge of the city.

The cloaked mares met her, opening the force field and stepping through. “What are you doing out here?” One asked.

Celestia stammered. “Hey, who are you anyway?” The blue one asked. “I’ve never seen this mare in my life, Starlight.”

Starlight looked her over. “So what? You don’t know every pony.” She elbowed her partner. “Hey, you’re right I don’t recognize her either. What are you?”

Celestia twisted her hooves in the dirt. “I am homeschooled, grew up chronically ill so I couldn’t be around too many ponies.” Her lie was effortless, and she had no idea where it came from.

Starlight stood up straight and cleared her throat from the award situation they’d been put in. “Oh. Our apologies…” she said, using her magic to open a split into the force field for Celestia to enter.

Celestia made her way through the opening, thanking them as she went.

As the glowing orb surrounding the city of Canterlot closed it caught her cloak. Pulling it and revealing her true form.

The blue mare hopped excitedly, pointing as she did. “An Alicorn!” She shouted.

“Shut up, Trixie.” Starlight replied. Turning slowly in disbelief. Immediately she jumped to offense. “Oh my- what the-“ she shot a blast into the force field burrowing a hole into it as she did.

Celestia spun up and away from the blast. Her wings propelling her upward. As the two unicorns chased her on foot.

She retreated back out of the orb of protection, into the open air and toward the sun. Trixie bolted after her, throw a blast of smoke into the air, which entirely missed Celestia.

Pattering her wings, Celestia pulled away from the cloud. Trying to catch her breath. Without a moment to think the purple mare barreled toward her in a leap and blast of teleportation.

Starlight tossed her weight at Celestia, crashing into the flying mare. The pair wrestled psychically as they tumbled out of the air.

Acting quickly, Celestia used the spell of teleportation on herself. Disappearing entirely.

Starlight capsuled herself in a small ball of protection, fluttering gently back to the ground before she could be injured. “Where did she go?”

Trixies coughed from the smoke, “not sure, but she couldn’t have teleported too far.”

Starlight’s bubble burst as she growled. “She’s an Alicorn… their magic doesn’t work like ours.”

Trixie gasped for air as she shrugged.

Shining guided his family out into the field below Cloudsdale. The sun had just begun to raise, and the sound of the weather factory overwhelmed them. The city was much larger than they had ever anticipated. A city balancing entirely on clouds sounded so small in scale, but this cloud-top paradise sprawled out for miles over the grassy knoll. “She’s somewhere here.” He said finally.

“In the Pegasus city?” Their father asked, a sleeping baby dragon riding on his back.

Shining Armor nodded proudly. But his family was not as enthusiastic. “How did you say you met this supposed Alicorn mare?” Twilight asked, skeptically.

Shining began to blush, “happenstance?”

The collective shook their heads, knowing he must’ve gone outside the city. “Well, that doesn’t matter, the better question is: how are we going to get up there?” Their mother asked finally.

Shining scoffed, gesturing grandly at his newly-winged sister. It was as if it were obvious. Twilight stammered. “I can’t fly with these things!” She complained, stretching the wings out.

“Sure you can…” Shining insisted. “I don’t know, just flap them?”

Twilight began to flap her wings, awkwardly getting only inches off the ground. She folded her wings suddenly and landed firmly. “I have a better idea.”

In a large blast of golden light the white Alicorn appeared before them. Canterlot had been a bust, but perhaps Cloudsdale would be different. Everypony gathered around to gawk at the sight. An Alicorn had not been seen in 100 years, and despite the rumors of the last pair living deep within the everfree forest, many ponies had believed them extinct. Celestia flared her wings, giving herself a bit of space. “I’ve come to find another, like me.” Every pony awed and murmured, they hadn’t seen even one Alicorn in 100 years, let alone two. “Has any-pony seen such a mare?”

There was no reply. Celestia huffed in defeat, pushing past the crowd, but it began to follow her. Wondering what such a mythical creature could want, and what had lead her to suspect another Alicorn may even exist. How could she exist? It was all very impossible.

Twilight and Shining Armor floated along in their respective hovering bubbles. Down below, their parents, and a sleeping Spike, awaited their return. “Do you know where this mare even is?” Twilight asked as she floated along.

Shining gave a grimace. “Not exactly?” He laughed awkwardly. “She’s pink!” He said, looking around at a gaggle of shocked Pegasi. Many of which were some shade of pink.

Twilight groaned in exasperation. “Do you know her name?”

Shining clapped his hooves together. “That’s it! Hey, hey you!” He grabbed a timid pony about his sister’s age with a long, curled, pink mane. “Do you know any pony named Cadence?”

The yellow mare murmured a sound that was hardly audible.

Twilight floated over, brandishing her wings. “Can you speak up?” She asked politely.

The mare used her wings to cover her face, murmuring the same muted response.

“This is a matter of life and death!” Shining shouted urgently.

The mare shakily used one of her front legs to point toward the houses just past them. More precisely, she pointed toward the house with the heart-shaped glass window on the door.

“Thank you!” Twilight shouted. As they scampered away.

Cadence and her parents sat drinking tea, pretending as if all was normal. When the door began to shake from the knocking.

Cadence flew to the door instantly, peaking through the window, which was something she never would’ve been capable of before. Seeing the purple Alicorn accompanied by the man she had met just the day prior, she threw the door open. Doubly excited.

“Shining Armor? How did you find me here?!” She asked, but her tone implied the answer did not matter, she was clearly excited to see him.

Twilight put herself between them. “My name is Twilight Sparkle. I see you’ve met my brother, how wonderful.” Her tone however, held no excitement. “It’s is our duty to end the war and unify the kingdoms. Hooray. Now let’s go.”

Cadence dug in her heels, literally. “What? I’m not going anywhere.”

Shining sighed defeatedly. “I think you came on a little too strong…” he mumbled to his sister.

She huffed. “You don’t want to go save the world, I don’t want to have these clunky wings. We can’t always get what we want.”

Cadence took offense to that. “And you think I wanted this horn?” She grumbled, because, truly she was quite pleased with her metamorphosis. The horn, the stature, the figure. She was complaining for the sake of doing so.

Shining gently pushed his sister to the side. “Cadence, I know we just met, and I know you’re scared. But, you and Twilight might be our only chance at stopping the Unicorn King from taking over.”

Cadence counted with her hoof. “What are two mares going to do to stop a whole army?”

Twilight butted in once again. “Four, actually. We’ll have to find the other two to unlock our ultimate power… or something.”

Cadence gave them a confused glare. “Are you being serious?”

Twilight sighed. “Well that’s what The Great One told me.”

“The oracle unicorn?” Cadence interjected.

“Yeah- that’s the one.” Twilight replied.

Cadence hummed. “Well if it’s the only way to stop the Unicorn King… I guess I don’t really have much a choice…”

Twilight grabbed her hoof, “Fantastic! Pack a bag, we’ve got to move!”

Part Three

Twilight and Shining Armor pooled their magic to teleport the bulk of their family and Cadence. Upon landing, they realized they were at the edge of the Earth Pony village. This place seemed so simple and cozy, even slightly antiquated. They mad their way into town, passing into the market.

No pony seemed to take a second glance at them. There was no pandemonium. It was almost disappointing, but also welcome, as it caused no hindrance to their mission.

Approaching a fruit stall, Shining Armor and Spike placed a handful of gold bits on the platform. In exchange, the orange mare manning the booth handed them a bunch of apples and pears.

This mare, stared longer than necessary. “Them mares you’re with… they’s Alicorns ain’t they?” Her facial expression gave no indication of interest or distaste,

“Um… yeah.” Spike replied, awkwardly.

“We’re just passing through.” Shining insisted, waving her off. “We’d better be on our way, Spike.” He said, scooping the baby dragon up with his magic as he rushed back to their group.

The huntresses slowly patted their hooves outside over the hills. It would be faster to teleport or hover, but it was less practical considering they had no way of knowing where Twilight or the Alicorn had fled to.

“Why can’t we just pop into a bunch of places?” Trixie asked.

Starlight Glimmer hushed her. “I’m looking for clues.” she insisted. “Even some pony as smart as Twilight leaves clues.”

Trixie galloped ahead brushing through the dirty path. “I haven’t seen anything. How do you know they went this way?”

Starlight huffed in an aggressive breath. “I don’t. That’s why I’m looking for clues. No pony even saw them leave.”

“And even if they had, they wouldn’t tell us.” Trixie added.

“Exactly.” She grumbled.

Celestia trotted half-heartedly following her niece into the town. Moments earlier, Apple Jack had burst into the family room announcing that she had discovered not only one, but two Alicorns. It seemed so difficult to believe. It was almost nerve wracking. Celestia knew she had to find the others, but she was also afraid.

Afraid, because despite her parentage, she hardly knew anything about being an Alicorn. It came naturally, the magic and flying. But still, she found herself wondering how life would’ve been if she’d been raised by her Alicorn parents.

“There!” Apple Jack said, grandly pointing toward the small bunch of unicorns. So evidently out of place, but in their center were the promised two Alicorns.

Celestia’s face lit up. “I guess… I guess you were right!” She chuckled, Apple Jack grumbling at her aunt’s disbelief.

Celestia trotted proudly up to the gaggle of ponies. “Good afternoon, I am Celestia.”

Startled the ponies stared on at the suddenness of her appearance. And the coincidence that the third Alicorn would just happen upon them. “Good day, Celestia.” Twilight said, pushing to the front of the group. “My name is Twilight Sparkle, this is my family.” She turned toward the pink Alicorn, gesturing her hoof toward her. “And this is Cadence of Cloudsdale.”

Celestia looked them over, wondering if perhaps one of them were her fabled sister. Given the context that the unicorns were Twilight’s family… it seemed Cadence were the most likely to be. “Are you on The Great One’s mission, as I am?”

Twilight nodded eagerly, being interrupted by Cadence’s voice. “Man, you got to talk to The Great One too?” She tapped her foot awkwardly, feeling left out. “I didn’t even get a warning.”

Celestia smiled a straight smile that told how uncomfortable she was. “I’m sorry…” she reeled through her mind. “How about we take this conversation back to my family’s farm…”

Applesauce set the table with Apple Bloom’s assistance. “Hope you city-folk like a good ol’ pot pie.”

“And mashed’ taters.” Apple Bloom chirped.

The guests filed into the dining room, the house was cozy, but the dining room appeared to be a place meant for large gatherings. Applesauce had had many siblings, who went on to have children, and their children in tow. The family farm had been a place to congregate.

“We are more than grateful for your hospitality.” Mrs. Sparkle said as they took their seats.

“Togetherness is what us Apples do, ain’t that right, Celestia?” The old mare said.

Celestia smiled, nodding as she sat down. “I have to wonder, what encouraged you to bring your whole family along, Twilight?”

Twilight pulled a face, passing the food around the table as she thought of an appropriate answer. “Well…” she hummed. “We are actually on the run from the Unicorn King, so I did not have much of a choice.”

The food continues to make its rounds, but the faces turned to confusion and dismay. “You are all fugitives?” Apple Jack asked.

“We prefer the term refugees at this time.” Spike insisted. “Fugitives is so… negative sounding.”

“The king wanted me to advise his war… that is something I will never do. So, we fled Canterlot.” Twilight explained. “Until we can find somewhere safe to stay, we will have to keep moving together.”

Applesauce scoffed loudly. “That just won’t do!” She shouted. “Your family will stay here on the farm til’ yall find that fourth Alicorn Celestia keeps on talking about.”

“Oh no, we could never impose…” the father unicorn insisted.

“Ain’t no such thing as imposition, y’all are gonna stay here, I ain’t gonna argue ‘bout it!”

Part Four

As everypony climbed into their bed and make-shift pallets. The three Alicorns stayed downstairs.

“I know what you two must be thinking…” Celestia started. Her mind reeling, trying to come up with a nonchalant way of probing to see if Cadence could possibly be her long-lost sister. “I was adopted by the Apple family at a very young age.” She sighed. “It is strange, but The Great One told me my biological family were all Alicorns. Except, I wasn’t.” She confessed.

Twilight sighed, sipping a mug of hot cocoa. “I think adoption is a wonderful thing. Spike is adopted.” She replied, as if him being a dragon had not made that obvious.

Celestia and Cadence exchanged an amused glance. “I was born in Cloudsdale.” Cadence added. “Before I became… well this… I was small and well sick. I was born sick, somehow becoming: what did you call it? An Alicorn? It healed me.”

Celestia placed her mug down on the rug, this confirmed that Cadence could not possibly be a relative of hers. “I’m sorry you grew up sick, Cadence.”

Cadence recalled her loneliness and all that had ailed her. It had always driven her to keep going, to prove herself. “I guess it made me resilient.”

There was a lull, until Applesauce joined them. “I hope I’m not intruding, ladies.”

Starlight groaned as she created a hovering bubble around Trixie and herself. Trixie was skilled in the art of performance, but in actual performance she was lacking. Starlight strained as she lifted their collective weight up towards Cloudsdale.

Their cloaks fluttered in the wind as they rose upwards, not unnoticed by a vigilant flier. “Hey, can I help you?” The rainbow-maned mare asked.

The unicorns glared in their bubble of protection. “No thanks.” Trixie replied as Starlight struggled upwards once more.

“It wasn’t really a question.” The colorful stranger insisted. “We’ve had a bunch of strange horned-ponies coming into town, whatever you’re up to, we’re onto you.”

In an act of aggression, Starlight shot out a blast toward the stranger. “Leave us alone!” She shouted, barely having missed her.

“Yeah, we’re just looking for the Alicorns and Twilight Sparkle.” Trixie confessed with a proud smile.

Starlight sighed, teleporting them up to the cloudscape and capturing them in another bubble. Huffing for breath as she pressed forward.

The mare was beside them in an instant, her speed impeccable, almost impossible. “Alicorns? What are you crazy?” Her tone showed her insincerity.

“You’ve seen one?” Starlight asked through gritted teeth.

“One? Never.” She stated plainly, for this was true. “You guys better get out of here before you get into trouble.”

Trixie chuckled. “So you’ve seen two?”

Starlight shoved her partner, angrily now. “Who’s going to get us in trouble? You?”

It seemed this Pegasus took that as an invitation, given the look on her face. But rather than make a move at them, she flew off without another word.

Applesauce sat down with the three other mares. “Ya’ know, the world wasn’t always this way.” She started. “When I was but a filly, the nations worked together. We Earth Ponies manufactured countless exports and agricultural products… man my ma’ and pa’ sold fruits across the whole place.” She chuckled. “Back then… the unicorns were ruled by a wise woman, young but real wise.” She sighed. “Suppose’ her name was Gusty. Cause her magic was particularly strong during windstorms.”

Celestia recalled her meeting either The Great One, the whirl of wind that surrounded them. It must’ve been the same kind of magic.

“What I’m gettin’ at is that I always wondered when we’d go back to helpin’ one another.” Applesauce said finally.

Twilight leaned forward, “but why did the tribes separate and stop helping each other?”

Applesauce shrugged. “The Unicorn King came from somewhere, no pony knows where… and challenged the order of Gusty.” She explained. “Gusty was a wise mare by then, and far too peaceful to fight. It was a willing abdication.”

“Where did she go?” Cadence asked.

“Why didn’t she fight?” Celestia demanded.

Applesauce waved them off. “Gusty always said that where there is peace, there must also be chaos. For Harmony to exist, we must know disharmony. A weird old sentiment, but she was the all-seeing one.”

A gasp covered the room. “Gusty The Great…” Twilight snapped as the pieces clicked. “She must’ve known there was something far worse coming if she did fight.”

“I guess, I meant to tell you all… there’s still hope, and even in this chaos we can all get back to harmony… someday.”

Starlight and Trixie slowly trudged through the cloud top town, though no pony seemed all that welcoming. “What clues are we even looking for, Starlight?” Her partner asked.

“Well, signs of an Alicorn, obviously.”

A tall slender and greasy looking stallion poked his head out at the mention. “You two are looking for an Alicorn, well it just so happens I know of not one, but two. Yes you heard that right, two. And I am happy to help you find them… for a price.”

Starlight and Trixie exchanged an evil little smile. “Sure thing, we’ve got bits to spare.” She lied.

Celestia packed non-perishable food into a saddle bag. “We won’t be gone long.” She said, but her voice sounded so unsure. “We will be back with the fourth Alicorn as soon as we find her.”

Applesauce nodded, the sun had begun to rise. “Better head out before it gets too hot out. You wanna be in the forest under tree cover so you don’t burn up.”

Celestia embraced her mother with urgency. “I love you.” She said sincerely.

“I love you too, and I know you’re gonna find her.”

As the two girls followed the slimy looking stallion, a sudden burst of circular, rainbow energy filled the air. It was astonishing, the two unicorns had never seen such a sight.

They stopped, dead in their tracks. Staring up at the sky above them. “What was that?” Trixie asked.

Starlight couldn’t look away as the rainbow spread further and further. “Only an Alicorn could do such a powerful stunt!” She insisted. “Thanks for nothing, but we had better go check that out.” She said, the greaseball stammered for words.

Starlight seemed to trip through the field of magic as the long-limbed stallion stuck out his leg. She quickly snapped her attention back toward him, when he only shrugged “my bad.”

Without notice, a sheepish yellow mare appeared before them. In a swarm several small birds dove at the unicorns. It was as if the yellow mare guided them.

The unicorn mares swatted their hooves to shoo the birds away, but they persisted. Thinking quickly, Starlight shot a small poof of magic to scared the birds. In doing so, she took her attention away from the hovering bubble.

Immediately, it was evident that the unicorns were too dense to stand on the clouds. Falling through the watery softness, Starlight blasted Trixie and pulled her toward her, enveloping them in an orb of protection before they hit the hard ground.

Burning with rage, Starlight stretched her hooves, revving her magic, aiming a blast directly up at the city.

Shockingly, a terrible amount of water poured down, drenching them. The rainbow mare jumping on a small rain cloud. “Next time, it’ll be worse!” She said scarily chipper. “Now run!” She said. And they did, as lighting dashed into the ground just before them.

“I forgot Pegasi could control the weather…”

“Or could be so crafty.”

Part Six

The Alicorns sped through the forest, steering clear of any potential hazards. “The castle cannot be far now, all the stories said it was at the heart of the forest.”

Cadence brushed her legs off as they reached the clearing “and how can you be sure we’ve reached the heart? We only have a hastily drawn map and no idea how big the forest really is.”

Celestia looked up to the sky, the sun was directly overhead and peering through the leaves. It was mid-day now. “She’s right. We’ve been walking for hours.” It was impractical for them to fly, the forest floor was the clearest as it had been traversed by Earth Ponies far more often than any other.

“We’re nearly there, I’m sure.” Twilight said, sprinting ahead to a tall bunch of bushes. Blasting the hedge with a fine pin of magic, she cleared an opening. Beyond this stood an old castle. Black in color, but that was likely due to its age. “The Alicorn Castle…” she said, it seemed to even shock her. Despite her seemed certainty, it was still astonishing.

Trixie and Starlight walked proudly into Ponyville as the sun beat down on them. It was a hot day, and they’d been traveling for days. “We need to stop for food and rest.”

Eyeballing a bakery in the town center, the pair made their decision. ‘Sugar Cube Corner’.

Upon entry, they were greeted by the most enthusiastic pink bundle of curls. “Good afternoon!” She shouted as she sprung up from behind the counter. “Welcome!” It was clear she was taking stock of the unicorns with her eyes. “What brings you in today, ladies.”

Starlight trotted up to the counter nonchalantly, as she was actually not up to something for once. “We would like two sandwiches, please.” She said simply.

“Two sandwiches coming right up, anything from the desert case? We are world famous for our baked goods.” The pink pony reported.

Trixie hopped from side to side. “I want a raspberry balloon tart with mascarpone and marshmallows!”

Starlight shot her a glare, holding out a few gold bits, just enough for the sandwiches. “How much for… whatever that is?”

The mare punched something into the cash register. The old machine making strange dinging and chiming sounds. “How about ten?”

Starlight narrowed her eyebrows “if the sandwiches are five…”

“Yeah I know. You can just have it for free!” She said happily. “I get a couple snacks for free each day so you can just take one of mine.”

Starlight’s face eased up, hearing the sound of happy hopping from her partner behind her. “So what did you punch into the register?”

“Oh nothing, I just like the singing sounds it makes!”

The trio approached the castle. It was crumbling, charred from long-ago fire. And rusted from years of rain. It was a shell of what it must have once been. Entering from the opening, where the door once stood, the pair scanned the massive foyer.

“They said the last Alicorns lived here?” Celestia asked, stepping ahead of the others. “Do you know what happened to them?”

Twilight shook her head. “All I know is that when the Alicorns disappeared, their royal family fled to this forest. The forest and its creatures protected them, until one day they were just gone…” she swallowed, looked at the older mare before her. It was evident that this was a lot for Celestia. “That’s just the story they tell, of course. We may never know what really happened to them.”

Cadence elbowed Twilight, sending a reminder that the supposed ‘last’ Alicorns could have very well been Celestia’s birth family. “They could’ve gone some place else.”

Celestia’s eyes welled with tears, approaching the steps of the throne room. Behind the four thrones hung a large tapestry with the sun and moon embroidered into it. “Hey… that looks just like your cutie-mark!” Cadence said, pointing up. It was true, the sun emblem was identical to the mark on Celestia’s flank.

Celestia smiled through the tears. “I knew it meant something… why else would I not have gotten it until adulthood.”

Cadence trotted up beside her now. “I didn’t get mine either.”

Twilight stood back. Now well that she’d gotten her cutie mark earlier than everypony her age. “What do you mean…”

Celestia raised her wings “my mark… it must be familial… important to the Alicorn kind-“

Cadence spun to see her own flank. The crystallized heart shape hadn’t meant much to her before, but now she wondered what it could be. Twilight reviewed her own. “Perhaps I was never meant to become an Alicorn… if you both only just received your cutie marks…”

They both turned to her. “Perhaps you were born ready.” Celestia smiled. “It just took us two time to find ourselves…”

Twilight hummed a tune of uncertainty.

The three stood and stared now in silence. The moon emblem standing out against the blue fabric. “Do you think your sister will be the moon?”

Celestia sat on her flank. “I’m not sure… I’m not even sure she’s here… The Great One said there would be one from each tribe, what other tribe of ponies could she yield from?”

Cadence used her wing to wrap around Celestia in an attempt at comfort. “Perhaps the Alicorn tribe? Is that not why we came here?”

Celestia hummed out a half-hearted sound of agreement. “Yes, but now that we’re here I’m not so sure… I always thought the Alicorns were not their own race, but an amalgamation of all things…”

Twilight sighed, “I guess my plan was a bit of a dud-“ she said, until the footsteps were heard.

The trotting seemed so soft and comfortable, but in the dreary castle, they were severely unsettling. Glued to each other. The trio walked hip-to-hip. Slowly approaching the source of the noise…

“So, what brings you to Ponyville?” The pink pony asked as she delivered the sandwiches and the fancy dessert.

Trixie happily snatched the sweet treat from her hoof and began to dig in. Starlight, on the other hand, was a little less eager. Though she was definitely getting pretty hungry… she wanted to get on the road. “What makes you assume we aren’t from around here. I know this place lets anypony move here… even if it is mostly Earth Ponies.”

The clerk turned waitress smiled. “I know every pony in town, and I think I would remember a unicorn couple with such brightly colored coats and personalities.”

Starlight huffed, “we are not a couple, and if you must know: we are on business for the Unicorn King. He doesn’t like to be kept waiting.”

The other pony’s smile soon fell, and in an unsettling turn of events her bouncing curls turned to deep-pink straight strands. It was as if the color had been ripped from her at the sound of her words. “The Unicorn King?” She asked.

Trixie turned her head up, mouth covered with pink frosting. “Yes, real important business. We’re bounty-hunters.”

Starlight waved her hooves, signaling her partner to stop, having become discomforted by the sudden change in the server. “What she means, is that… well…” she stammered. “That we’re looking for someone in particular.”

The pony turned, slowly, deliberately. The pair of unicorns could’ve sworn the lights flickered… until another patron entered the shop. Instantly, the pony turned chipper again.

The new face was an orange mare with golden blonde hair, topped with an old cowboy hat. The pink one turned to tend to her, saying some inaudible nonsense that couldn’t have been heard or even understood by Starlight or Trixie, and without purchasing anything… the mare booked-it out of the sweet shoppe.

As the footsteps approached, Twilight, Cadence, and Celestia took the corner with caution. Creeping side-by-side to find the creature that had made the noises.

A white mare with red and purple in her mane sat on the castle floor. She looked so content, reading her book. Twilight bolted ahead of the others as soon as she came into view. “Moondancer?!” It was evidently a unicorn known to Twilight.

The mare looked up from her book, half amused. “Twilight Sparkle?” She rose, closing the book, and setting it down. “What are you doing all the way out here?”

Slowly the other two took the corner and trudged over. “I could ask the same of you?” Twilight replied awkwardly. “You disappeared from our classes weeks ago… is this where you’ve been?”

Moondancer laughed a strange far-off laugh. “Of course… when the rumors began to spiral about the return of the Alicorn race, I came here, to see for myself.”

The three looked on with hopefulness. “And what did you find?” Celestia asked eagerly.

“The Queen of the night!” Moondancer declared, proudly. “The bringer of eternal night!”

The three exchanged confused and disinterested glances. “The Queen… of the night…” Celestia asked. While that did sort-of align with their theory. It didn’t seem likely that the pony they were searching for would be ‘the bringer of eternal night’… that sounded like a bad thing… and the pony they were searching for was meant to help them save the world.

“Bringer of eternal night.” Moondancer repeated. “Once her army is complete, we will all be loyal to her.”

“Right…” Cadence began. “And where might this Queen be?”

Moondancer looked around aimlessly. “Don’t know.” She shrugged. “Probably beyond Tartarus, in the land of the malevolent.”

Part Seven

Cadence flapped her wings, fluttering ahead of the other two ground-bound ponies. “You two can fly, you know…” she said, in an attempt to encourage them, but also to speed up their journey.

Celestia widened her wing span. It was becoming evident that though Cadence’s metamorphosis was the most severe… she was still growing in stature. Celestia had once been a height match to Cadence, Twilight the smaller, now she had surpassed her. “I know we can fly.” She said, it was almost sarcastic. “Some of us aren’t accustomed to doing so.”

Twilight nodded in agreement, holding the wings tightly to her torso, she had tried to ignore them. “I’d rather stay hooves-to-the-ground, honestly.”

Cadence flew, her stomach facing the sky as she let out an exasperated sigh. “Fine.”

Apple Jack burst into the family home with aggressive urgency. “There are unicorns in search of the girls.”

Inside, upon the sofa sat Twilight’s parents, her Granny, Apple Bloom, and Spike. They all rose with the same urgency upon hearing. “If they come here they will know we fled Canterlot.” Velvet said. Her husband hung to her in a comforting manner.

“Well then, we ain’t gonna let ‘em’ find ya’.” Applesauce insisted. “We’ll hid you all out in the orchard if they come a-lookin’.”

Spike and Apple Bloom looked around. “Where’s Shining Armor?” Spike asked.

“And Big Mac…” Apple Bloom added.

Below the cloud-top city the sound of marching hooves on the ground could be heard. It was a soft sound, given how far up the Pegasi lived, but it was audible.

Below, stood a grand battalion of Unicorn soldiers. Far larger than their previous group, those that had been stopped in Ponyville. This was partly due to their defeat, but also partially due to the fact that the Unicorns considered the Pegasi a far worthier opponents.

Having had days of forewarning, the Pegasi Air Force had built up their ranks… but the Unicorns had been preparing for this far longer than the formal war declaration. In perfect unison a skilled group of magicians sliced their magical rays through the base of the city.

Civilians flittered away as the blasts shook the city. Retreating back to the west away from city hall. But, city hall was not their target.

The Air Force retaliated… bolting down with precision and speed. Able to fully evade any blasts to make physical contact with their targets. General Spitfire floated at the ready, taking note of all her soldiers in battle… but also noting that unlike an ordinary battle, their attackers did not help their brothers-in-arms. Though disturbing the force, the unicorns did not focus on fighting back. Those who were hit fell back, while the others marched past them.

It was evident that the Pegasi Air Force was out numbered, and though they could hold their own in a battle… the unicorns hadn’t come to fight. They arrived for one reason. Once the task force reached their location, they began the mission. The Pegasi rained down on them, but the combined blast was too quick to be halted.

In a moment a circular ring of power swirled upwards from the unicorn soldiers in the field. It spun until it sliced through the clouds directly above. The unicorns immediately fell back, sprinting at top speeds as the weather factory came hurdling down. The Pegasi’s pride and joy, their contribution to the nation: Fallen.

The crushed building spread shrapnel flying and a cloud of dust as it collapsed onto itself. Ponies only just managing to escape being crushed entirely. Even the most severely injured were fortunate to not face such a fate.

The Pegasi retreated. The unicorns returning the way they had come. It seemed their mission was over.

The entrance of Tartarus was atop a sky-lining mountain. A million or more steps to its peak. “I think we’d ought to set up camp here. It’s getting late, and it’s better to not be climbing in the dark.” Twilight said.

The other two agreed, Cadence starting to get weary and hungry, Celestia a bit fearful of what the future held for them. “Alright. well let’s get set up for the night” the pink one said.

A yellow Pegasi fluttered into Ponyville, around one hoof was a blue ribbon tied to a scroll of paper. “Um… excuse me…” she tried, but no pony seemed to hear her. “I’m looking for-“ ponies walked past, unphased by her and uninterested in talking to a stranger. Curiously, she wandered into the local sweet shop.

As she entered, a pink pony slowly peered over from behind the counter. Her long muted straight mane was sort of unsettling. “Good afternoon… or maybe evening… my name is Fluttershy and I-“

The pink cashier bound over the counter without a second for Fluttershy to think. She pounced on her like prey. “A Pegasus? Are you after something too?”

Fluttershy cowered. “No- I mean- yes, but-“

The pinkie pony noticed her fear and loosened up a bit, still skeptical and still disturbing to look at. “I had a couple of unicorns in here… hunting Alicorns… know anything about THAT?”

Fluttershy peaked out from where here hooves had covered her face. Unfortunately for her, she did know something about that. “I um- actually-“

“Well let me show you what happens to ponies like that around here!” She shouted, revealing the large blue cannon. “They call this the ‘party cannon’, but I just call it ‘my little friend’.” She said laughing manically.

Fluttershy gulped “I- I- I fought off two unicorns too… in my city…” she confessed.

The pink one’s face fell, “you… fought them?” Fluttershy nodded uncertainly. “Oh and here I was thinking you were working with them!” She laughed as her color returned and her mane bounced into a coily, pink, tuft of curls. “I’m Pinkie Pie.” She said holding out one hoof for a hoof-shake.

“N-No.” Fluttershy said finally. She rose, awkwardly shaking hooves with the new acquaintance. “I’m looking for mayormare… my city… Cloudsdale. It was attacked today and well, the governor sent me with a message for your mayor.”

Pinkie Pie hopped from side to side excitedly. “Oh Mayor Mare I know her, yeah, come on I’ll take you to her house! Let’s go!”

The trio sat around a small fire, eating what they had each brought. Twilight ate a small apple Celestia had given her. Cadence eating a snack cake manufactured by the unicorns. While Celestia ate some sort of berry cobbler made by Cadence’s mother.

“I know we barely know each other,” Celestia began. “But… what made you guys I don’t know… want to fight? To stop the unicorn king, I mean no offense but, especially you, Twilight.”

Twilight chewed and swallowed. “No none taken. Our king…” she thought for a moment, making sure no loyalists could hear her, though it was pretty clear they three were alone. “Is a tyrant. And even though I never wanted to be-“ she raised her wings for emphasis “this… I know I have to follow my destiny.”

Cadence nodded wiping her horn off for the same effect. “I didn’t know I was going to have to fight until Twilight and her brother showed up at my door, and you know, I guess I just knew I had to go.” She shrugged. “I hardly even thought twice about it.”

Celestia nodded slowly, “I’ve thought a lot about it…” he thought was interrupted but the sound of crashing branches that they had grown to expect this time around. “Are you serious?!” She called out in desperation.

A zip of a shadow pierced through the center of their camp, blasting into their fire and subsequently leaving them in the dark. The shaddows leaked across the moonlit ground.

Swiftly, Twilight lit the ground with her magic, but as she did, she watched the shaddows engulf her friends. She ran toward them, but no matter how swift she was, she was no match. They were gone.

Part Eight

King Sombra paced the floor of his chamber. Hung before him was a grand mirror spanning nearly the whole wall beside his bed. The metal of his armored boots clacked against the tiled floor. He looked into the mirror through clouded eyes, hardly able to recognize himself.

He wondered how some pony could escape fate, to defeat a prophecy. Though, he believed he’d done it once before:

Sombra was born in a far away land. And his birth was one of great excitement. The first male born to their city in the generation. He was intended to woo the unborn princess, due to proximity to the throne. These proceedings were extraordinarily common at the time of his birth. Which, perhaps… he did not even know the date of.

Born to a mother, without a father, or rather: one who had since passed. A warrior for their nation, his father had been killed in the line of duty. To add insult to injury, Sombra was born in his father’s spitting-image. Save for a severely bent horn and other abnormalities.

Still, he was born royal, and from the time they had found him male, it had been decided that he would be duke someday: once the, remindedly, unborn princess became queen. Additionally, there was one other extraordinary circumstance surrounding his birth.

A memo, of sorts, sent from a kingdom ruled by Unicorns on the brink of prosperity. It was received just days after his arrival. Stating that: Sombra had been born from incredible darkness. And that he would be the last born of his kind. All others would need to be forged by prophecy. To contain the darkness, the powers that be had determined it too dangerous, for such a horrible evil to spread through such powerful ponies.

“He is just a baby, a foal. There is no darkness in his soul he is pure!” His mother plead with their leaders. Though she was lowly compare to them, his father was the regal of the pair and he was not there to stand at their defense.

The pregnant queen was wary. Uninterested in having her child corrupted, and displeased with the fact that her daughter and all children in their kingdom were foretold to be born… lesser. “You have brought the spirits and terrible foretellings to our land.” She declared.

Only, the mother was innocent. What had caused this, she had no clue. She had no part in it. Clinging to her child…

“Your child must be banished, for fear of contagion.” The royals decreed. “Until resolution and prophecy have come to fruition-“ she stopped, holding her hoof to her rounded stomach. “We must prioritize our own.”

Shining Armor stood in the plaza with Big Mac, waltzing home as Spike bound towards them. The pair of stallions stood, smirking, rather amused at the baby dragon’s stumbling run. “Shining!” He shouted, the tone sent a chill down his spine as their smiles fell.

“What happened?” Shining Armor asked urgently.

Spike began to ramble aimlessly, until he spotted the pair of girls. “Wait- I know those ponies… they were Twilight’s school… classmates?”

The stallions could not piece together what he meant. “What are a couple of unicorns doing here?”

Spike huffed. “They’re after Twilight… and well Cadence and Celestia, too.” He replied as if that were obvious given his disjointed speech just moments prior.

“After them?” Big Mac asked, finally speaking up. He was a pony of very few words, but he never lacked in action.

In that moment, the mares turned and made eye contact with their fellow unicorn. Trotting toward him, though they didn’t seem to recognize him at all. “You.” Starlight said demandingly. “Do you know of any Alicorns, you seem like a sensible stallion.”

She attempted to charm him, but he was far from a fool. “Because I’m a unicorn, I seem sensible?” He asked sarcastically.

Trixie chuckled, as the response was clear. “Of course.”

Starlight shooed her off. “I just meant, you look strong and wise.” She insisted phonily.

“We haven’t seen any Alicorns.” The stallion replied. It was simple, believable.

Starlight stamped one of her hooves on the broken cobbles of the plaza. “We are the world’s worst bounty hunters.” She mumbled under her breath.

Spike smiled cockily as it seemed she had believed Shining’s simple statement. “Yeah, and even if we had, why would we tell you?” Spike added with an exaggerated grin. Starlight leaned towards him, her eyes burning into him. Soon his ego had begun to fall, Shining and Big Mac staring daggers into him. “What I meant to say was-“

Big Mac was a broad stallion, tall, intimidating. Years of pulling in the fields had made him strong and stocky. Pushing Spike slightly to his side, he took a step between the baby dragon and the two mares. “You’d best be on your way.” He said sternly.

Starlight and Trixie fell back, relenting. “Fine.” The leader said. Turning, she huffed out a breath. “They know something.” She muttered.

“Let’s follow them…” Trixie suggested lowly so that the men couldn’t hear her.

Emerging from the dark clouds stood a complete stranger. So similar to Celestia, only… if her colors had been inverted. Regal, but dressed head-to-toe in metallic blue armor. “Twilight Sparkle.” She said, so certain and monotone.

“H-How do you know my name?” Twilight murmured as she stumbled backwards, falling flat on her rear.

The Alicorn before was so obviously the fourth they’d been in search of, but her intimidating demeanor made Twilight second guess that fact. “I know all about you and your prophecy.” She said. “I come to you, as you are evidently the most intelligent… and Twilight- the most beautiful time of day, like mine, is a time of darkness.”

The purple mare was unsure, confused, actually. “I’m not sure I know what you mean…”

The strange pony wore a dark coat and multi-shaded blue mane that moved in some kind of unyielding breeze-motion. “You’ve never been much for friends, have you. Nor was I.” She monologued. “The two of us, we could rule this land. Consider it: your knowledge of magic, and my capacity to rule.”

To Twilight, this seemed all too familiar, it began to strike against her nerves. “I will not help you rule a thing!”

The stranger scoffed. “No, of course, how could I forget. You’re loyal to the Unicorn King?”

Twilight’s wings flared as her horn began to glow in a ball of rage. “I am loyal to no ruler, loyal only to the freedom of all ponies!”

She laughed now. “Interesting, you sound like my mother.” She leaned over her. “Luckily for me, my mother is dead.” She stamped about embracing herself in an orb of magic. “And you’ve not even noticed… all this time, your friends are missing… you really ought to be looking for them.” She said, before seeming to poof out of existence.

Celestia weakly used her magic to light the pitch-black cave she’d been pulled into. In the glowing light sat a broad stallion. One so familiar it brought tears to her eyes. He sat, yellow fur without a hair out place, his red mane plush over his face, hat on his head.

Just as she’d remembered him. “Bright Mac!” She shouted. Deluded momentarily by the trickery. She rushed toward him and embraced him. The gravity had begun to set in as she pulled back. Looking him over, her brother. Though he couldn’t be. “Bright?”

He smiled ear to ear, actually it was an unusually large smile. “Sis!” He said in a bizarre tone. “I’m so glad I found you!”

She gulped back her disbelief, only comforted to see him again after all this time. “What happened? Where have you been?”

He ignored her. “No time for that, let’s get out of here!”

Celestia looked back, although she wasn’t quite sure which way she had come. “I can’t leave now… I have something I have to do…”

The pony rolled his eyes. “More important than hanging out with your own brother?” He asked playfully.

Celestia grumbled, in actuality, it was incredibly important. This was all incredibly impossible… the tears spilled over her white cheeks. “You’re not him.” She swallowed. The conversation growing unsettling. “He’s gone…”

Celestia jumped back away from the identified imposter, but as she moved to wield a blast of power, he was gone.

Cadence sat, unamused in the darkness. Around her sat a group of uniformed Pegasi. They could’ve been the wonderbolts to unknowledgeable ponies, but Cadence was anything but a fool. “What?” She asked.

Their leader was a small mare with a firey attitude. “Cadence, you have to join us. A skilled flyer such as yourself?”

Cadence scoffed. “Yeah, uhuh.” She waved them away with disinterest. If they weren’t in a group, she’d have bolted away from them in an instant.

The three ponies realized they were getting no where with her. “You’ve always wanted a place to belong, right?” She spoke. This caused Cadence’s ears to perk up. This was true… she had always dreamed of fitting in… the strangers took note of this. “You could belong with us.”

Cadence pulled a face, shaking her head. She began to think of the past few days… she opened her eyes, returning to disinterest. “I know where I belong now.” She said finally.

The huntresses tiptoed about the barn house. Peering into the windows, they watched the three males convene with what must’ve been their family. “What are we looking for now?” Trixie whispered loudly.

Starlight hushed her harshly. “Just listen.”

“We’ll hide in the orchard.” An old stallion reported from inside. “The mares won’t find us there, and even if they do, at least it’ll be a diversion from them finding the girls.”

All the ponies seemed to concur. “They’re probably well into the forest now.” Apple Bloom chirped up. This earned agreement as well.

“Catching a couple fugitives would surely throw a wrench into their plans.” Shining Armor groaned. The three eldest of the group enveloped everyone in hugs.

“Did you hear that, they’re fugitives!” Trixie whispered happily. “We’ll probably get some kind of bounty for turning them in!”

Starlight scoffed, dead set now on finding the Alicorns. “You missed a more crucial detail: the Alicorns are in the Everfree Forest.”

Part Nine

The dark clouds miraculously cleared, and the entrance to the cave was now visible. The light of the setting sun still shining. Celestia sat alone in her tears, but her solitude was short lived. Soon, Twilight Sparkle bound into the cave followed by Cadence. “Celestia!” They shouted in unison.

Celestia wiped her tears from her eyes, comforted by faces that were, to her knowledge still on this plane. She rose, but was still shaken and unsure. “How can I be sure you’re really my friends.”

They stopped, hooves basically squealing at the suddenness of their halt. The pair shared a confused glance. “What do you mean?” Cadence asked abruptly.

Celestia pointed her horn angrily, “I won’t be tricked by you twice!”

The pair toddled backwards away from her, but refused to bolt believing they could prove they were… who they were.

“While I would love to watch you tear each other apart, I have a better idea!” The booming, unfamiliar voice rang through the dimly lit cave. It was recognizable to Twilight, but the other two linked in confusion. A glowing orb of light burst into glittering particles as her hooves met the rocky ground. Before them stood the last Alicorn, their search seemingly concluded here. “Let us work together!”

Twilight bolted to the front of her pack, swinging blades of magic threateningly. “She’s evil!” She declared aggressively. “She was trying to convince me to help her bring eternal night!”

Celestia rubbed the moisture from her eyes and cheeks and pulled behind Twilight, followed promptly by Cadence. The stranger chuckled, her laugh seemed sincere and not in the least bit menacing. “You think, because of my appearance, I am the mare in the moon?” She slowly approached them, menacing and intimidating, but truly skipping as she went. “I understand, ponies for ages have sought to find me, the fable of the last Alicorn so intriguing. When you’re all alone out here… you come up with stories to scare onlookers away.” Twilight raised her head to get a good look at her. “So tired of being a spectacle…” she raised her large dark wings. “Now I see I am not alone.”

Celestia worked up the nerve to speak. “You’ve lived here… alone?” She asked, voice shaking, not from fear, but from sadness.

The other mare looked her over, white coat and gently motioned mane, only just coming into her truest form. This was evident. The dark one was observant. “I know who you are.” She said suddenly, not exactly answering the question. “I am sorry to say they have passed on. They gave up their power so that I-“ she gulped back her emotions. “That I could become an Alicorn in their place.”

The three Equestrian Alicorns yielded, stepping down from their offensive positions. “So… you were the first?” Cadence asked. The answer was affirmative.

“Then why did you want me to join you in ‘ruling the world’?” Twilight asked, still not entirely convinced.

The pony sat flat on her behind. “It was a test. I offered each of you something you want. For you, it was power. Cadence, belonging, and Celestia, Family.” She looked up at the cave walls. “You were all loyal and refused to give in… that is how I knew you were the ponies I’ve waited for.”

In the orchard the sun had set. The Apples and Sparkle family hid out, but not no avail.

Shining burst from the trees. “I’m sick of this hiding, they are not coming!” He began making his way back up toward the farm house. Spike and Big Mac taking off after him. “And even if they were… I’m tired of running I’ve got to fight back.”

Big Mac’s mouth made a flat line, confused and somewhat in agreement. Spike was smaller, but ran to keep up with the older stallions. “What can we do?”

The orange mare joined them in their uphill race. “Where in the hay do yall think you’re going?”

Shining stamped his foot into the dirt. “I, for one, am going to join the army in this town so that we can fight back, this war isn’t won yet. I’m going to fight back!”

Big Mac looked at the trees, then at his sister, remembering small Apple Bloom hiding somewhere in the trees. He wondered what his father would have done… “I’m goin’ too.”

Spike clung to Shining’s tail, catching his breath. “Well I’m a guy too, so I’d better go.”

“Spike! You’re just a baby!” Shining Armor rebutted.

Spike waved him off tiredly, “a baby dragon.” He emphasized the final word of the sentiment. “I can handle myself.”

Apple Jack’s eyes narrowed. “Well don’t think y’all are just going cause you’re a bunch of men.” She trotted in place, “I’m goin’ with ya’.”

Pinkie Pie banged her hoof against the Mayor’s private residence. When the door opened, a butler revealed himself. “To what do we owe the pleasure, Miss Pie.”

Pinkie Pie aggressively shoved Fluttershy forward. Peaking through the heavy bangs over her eyes, Fluttershy murmured her reason for interruption, but nopony could hear her.

Pinkie Pie waved wildly. “Listen, the Pegasus city was attacked and the weather factory was destroyed. Which is hot, hot, HOT mess for every pony, and the Government? The governor?” She looked back to the yellow mare, who nodded in the affirmative. “Yes he sent her with a letter requesting our assistance, because working together is the only way to stop the Unicorn Kingdom from concurring the entire world!”

The butler stated in disbelief. “Well…” he looked back, revealing the mayor who stood behind him.

“Let them in.” She said, rather fatigued.

The mother clutched her new born son to her chest. Rage, bitterness, pain, and loss plagued her mind. Her horn smoked and sparked, a blast of flame erupting in her anguish.

It’s true, she hadn’t meant to start the fire, the fire that burnt down half their small city. It was uncontrollable, a mother’s heart burdened not only by the loss of her husband but in the cruelty of her son being banished. It could not be contained.

And so, they were faced with a dilemma. Rebuild their down, with a delinquent mother and cursed son on the loose… vendetta strong to her chest for the royal family. Or the King and Queen could turn to the oracle in Gusty the Great.

So, the king and queen left. Their declaration held no value after their abdication, so his mother brought him up there as she’d intended.

And without their rulers, the village fell to ruin. But, to Sombra’s benefit, he was raised there without banishment. Sure, the land was a shell of its former self. Buildings left toppled after families refused to reconstruct, preferring to follow in their leaders footsteps and take their leave. The scar of the fire a reminder of a woman scorned and her need to protect her child.

Inevitability, they became the last of their kind. To their knowledge, it was. And the prophecy proved defeated…

“You could have all you’ve ever dreamed, my son. Though, the ties that bind you to this land will hinder you from reaching your true potential.” The ghost’s lived within his mind. Haunted by the voices of the past, often taking the appearance of what he believed to be his own father. “There is a land not far from here…” his whole life he’d battled the demons telling him of this great destiny. His mother grounding him in her goodness and repentance. “Though the pain you must inflict… onto yourself… you are not equipped for.”

The mare protested none, looking back toward her son as he approached from behind. “Sombra, you’re just in time dinner is almost-“ he looked different, disheveled and- she couldn’t quite put her hoof on it. He was wounded in two places, and that what when it clicked for her… that was the last time she’d seen her son.

Part Ten

The morning came, and Celestia rose with the sun. Strangely, the new and unusual comrade they had acquired had awakened before the dawn. “Good morning-“ Celestia began, approaching cautiously.

The new mare turned slowly, she appeared so different without the metal armor. So soft and beautiful. “My name is Luna, you may address me as such.” She said, speaking so formally. “I know you have many questions for me.”

Celestia crept up and slowly sat beside her. “Hi Luna.” She said, there was a lull as it was clear she was thinking of what to say first. “What were they like?”

Luna looked up at the multicolored sky as the sun rise shone behind her. The contrast of her dark coat and mane against the bright and colorful backdrop was stunning. Her large wings rested partly open at her sides. “I know you were older, but you can’t remember, can you?” She pulled a sad smile. “They were wonderful, it was difficult… we lived among some of the most vile creatures, but somehow they always remained kind. Our mother was ill after my birth and our father had tried to teach me his resilience, but an alicorn teaching a mere Earth Pony proved to be rather fruitless.” Celestia was glued to her every word. “He knew, that I was foretold to transform, but they grew impatient. In giving up their power to me, I was able to take this form, but it left them vulnerable.” Celestia looked away, knowing the story had no happy ending. “But, you asked what they were like.” Luna continued. “Our mother always waited for you. She was loving and had a longing in her heart… I always wondered why I wasn’t enough, but I guess I cannot begin to fathom the loss it must have been to them. I wondered why they hadn’t split up, but if they had our ill mother and I would have never survived in the isle of the malevolent.”

Celestia spoke up finally, “I don’t resent them, I had a loving family.”

Luna nodded “No, I know.” She responded. “Our father was dark like I am. Brave and selfless.” She nodded. “And he trusted that Applesauce, your mother as you know her now, would give you a life full of love.”

“How did you know about Bright Mac?” She asked suddenly. “In your ‘test’, Bright Mac…”

Luna pulled a face at her own cruelty. “I’m sorry for that, I saw him in your dreams.”

Her biological sister furrowed her brows in confusion. “My dreams?”

“I can see the dreams of ponies, it was cruel of me to give you such hope.” She swallowed “I hope you can forgive me.”

Shining Armor, Big Mac, and Apple Jack sprinted through the town square. Spike clinging to the mane of his adopted brother, barely able to hold on at such a speed.

Clumsily, Big Mac’s hooves caught on a pebbled out of place, and ordinarily he was not very accident-prone. But, ordinarily he was not running with such urgency. As he tumbled he took Apple Jack with him, and as they both rolled, they caught their footing again by some miracle. In their falling, they lost their direction, and ended up plowing through a local flower stand. “Sorry, Rose!” Apple Jack shouted as she sped past.

On the cobbled plaza sat trampled flowers galore. The Rosie-maned pony began to cry. “My Roses!” She fell to the ground in anguish. “Not my roses!”

The huntresses scaled the forest bravely, despite it being the early morning, they faced very few foes. They had spent the night in camp, just outside the town, concocting a plan. The forest was large, but given their unicorn schooling, they recalled the Alicorn castle fable.

The reason they were safe to travel lay in Starlight’s magical prowess. While Twilight shone above every other student, Starlight was not far behind. Taking third place, though the second-place pony was no where to be found, Starlight was the most capable pony the king could find. And Trixie, with her rough and tumble performance and trickery, she was a good diverter. Both of them strove for excellence and being that their excellence was hardly awarded; especially when compared to other ponies… they each had a chip on their shoulder.

As the reached the castle, the sunlight shone through all the many holes in the ceiling. The rays of light creating a pattern of spots in the stone floors. A pony sat alone, cream in color, sat upon a throne, facing away from them. “Reveal yourself!” Starlight shouted commandingly.

Slowly the pony moved, she was obviously a mare from her size, but all that was visible was her limbs. “Starlight?” The confused and groggy voiced asked. “Did Professor Cinch send everypony out here to find me or what?” As she turned, her red and purple mane came into view. She pushed the glasses up onto the bridge of her muzzle.

Starlights eyes fell to a state of dissatisfaction. Trixie on the other hand was just happy to see some pony familiar. “Moondancer!” She cheered giddily.

Moondancer did not look all that pleased to see them. “What do you two want?”

Starlight unreservedly trotted closer. “We’re looking for Twilight and a group of Alicorns, you wouldn’t have happened to see any pony… would you?”

Moondancer scrunched up her nose, while ponies may have thought she’d gone mad, she had not become stupid. “Why are you looking for Twilight? I never thought of you two as being ‘friends’.”

Starlight smiled a fake smile. “Well, you know, competition in school can hold ponies back. But! After graduation we really found… we have more in common than we thought.” Her lies were effortless, and if Moondancer were some pony else, she might have believed them.

“Right…” Moondancer replied, “I have seen her, in fact.” She said, this was half the question she’d been asked, and after all, her answer was true. She went back the way you just came from, though, sorry you must have just missed her.”

Starlight could tell they were now in a combat of lies. Trixie, accepting her answer as the gospel truth, she began to leave the way they’d been. But, Starlight grabbed her and pulled her back. “I don’t believe you.”

“It’s a big forest.” Moondancer continued. “She could’ve gone anywhere.” Her tone sounded mocking. “Why don’t you tell me what you want her for and if I see her again I’ll let her know.”

“The Unicorn King sent us!” Trixie announced proudly. “To capture Twilight and the four Alicorns, and you know, I didn’t believe that any pony could even be anAlicorn, but we saw one. Didn’t we, Starlight?”

Her partner grumbled lowly at her willingness to expose their mission at any given moment. “Where do your loyalties lie, Moondancer? To the kingdom of the Unicorns… your home… or an old friend who’d drop you like a day old loaf of bread?”

Moondancer pretended to think for a moment, knowing full-well her loyalties lied with Queen Luna… and by extension, in defense of Alicorns as a kind, Twilight Sparkle. Moondancer aimed her horn, which was answer enough.

Starlight was far too fatigued to fight, but Trixie was able and willing. With a smoke bomb and light blast, the pair disappeared from her sight.

The unicorn king sat on his throne in silence. The mare approached him, only he didn’t exactly look her way at first. Lost in thought, or madness, or some other occupation of the mind.

This fine mare stood still, clearing her throat to draw his attention. He gave no look of distaste, for this mare, he had finally found some pony whose voice and presence was not an annoyance. “They have sent me here to inform you that the weather factory has fallen.”

The king turned his clouded eyes to her. The pure white fur, with never a spot on it, perfect purple mane always well-kept and never a hair out of place. She couldn’t have been an imposition even if she were horribly rude and destructive. She would still be adored by him. “Fallen psychically?”

The mare nodded in the affirmative. “To the ground.”

The king stood now, giddy with the small victory. “So, now is the time to rebuild it and make it a unicorn run-facility, oh yes that will be beneficial to our war efforts… and if the Pegasi can do it, we certainly can…” his voice trailed away looking over the beautiful mare, they had sent her to keep him in good spirits. He was aware, but he also was not complaining. “But you needn’t worry yourself with such matters. A mare like you belongs safe within the city… a mare like you…” he looked her over throughly “belongs on a throne.” She seemed to wince, though he didn’t notice, or perhaps he just didn’t care. “You’re free to go, Miss Rarity.”

“It will be better for us to fly.” Luna said opening her wings as she stood the clearing. “There are a pair of unicorns on the hunt for us.” It was a report that came as no surprise to them, Celestia had warned them.

Twilight hummed. “You three fly ahead, I’ll take the path by hoof.”

“It’s best for us to stick together.” Celestia insisted.

Cadence was already fluttering about, more than willing to fly the way back. “C’mon, Twilight. It’s not that bad.”

Twilight shook her head. “No I think I’d just rather walk.”

Celestia flapped her wings reluctantly “Twilight-“

“I just really don’t want to, okay?!” She snapped, starting the way back down the hill and into the forest on the ground. “I’ll meet you there okay, once I get down to the castle, I’ll teleport myself out… that way I can pick up Moondancer on the way. We shouldn’t just leave her out here on her own.”

“Aw yes, my one and only disciple.” Luna hummed. “Very well, Sparkling one. We are off.”

Part Eleven

Twilight approached the castle, hastily making her way back toward her former classmate. She had never been much for friends, but she knew deep down, leaving her out here was wrong. She stretched the strange wings that had imposed themselves on her sides. She wasn’t much for them either. They made her more bulky, they made her… uncomfortable. Twilight was so used to knowing, well, everything there was to know. The wings presented a state of unknowing that was foreign to her. She was exactly interested in being embarrassed by her inability to fly. If she could not execute flight perfectly, she would not make an attempt.

“Moondancer!?” She shouted, peering through the tattered banners that hung on the fragmented walls.

In a moment, Moondancer bound out from her place on the backwards throne. “Twilight Sparkle! We haven’t time to speak, we must flee!”

Twilight held up her front legs, waving her hooves, believing the other mare to have gone even more mad than she’d previously been. “Calm down.”

Moondancer tapped her gently with a bolt of magic that left her frozen in her place. “Listen to me!” She demanded. “Starlight Glimmer and Trixie, the weird show magician filly- you know the one-“ she gasped for a breath as she released Twilight from her grasp. “They are after you, they came here with a bounty for you just minutes ago.”

Twilight settled back onto her hooves. “They are the mares chasing us?” She shook her head, disappointedly. “I should have known, Starlight Glimmer has always had a chip on her shoulder.”

Moondancer moved towards her, “they are in the forest, I can’t imagine they’d gone too far, as we can really only teleport places we’ve been before…”

Twilight nodded in understanding, “then it’s best if we get out of here and try to avoid them.”

The Pegasus Air Force settled on the ground of Ponyville. Met by the newest battalion, Shining Armor stood at attention, meeting with the general known as Spitfire. She was their leader, crafty, but she knew when she was beat. “Our commander would have met you, though he’s readying other troops.” The white unicorn stallion reported.

“A unicorn captain of a Ponyville Battalion?” She asked skeptically. She looked behind him at his rag-tag bunch of new recruits. “You cannot blame me for not greeting you with… open arms, Captain.”

Shining nodded in complete understanding. “We are all new recruits… I, like you all, am a refugee in this village.”

Spike toddled over to his brother’s side. “A unicorn, a dragon, a mare, two colts… both the size of a single one of my horseshoes“ she looked over his team. As a flamboyant pink pony hopped up with chipper joy in her step.

“A pink party pony, aaaaand!” She shouted as she stopped. Revealing that behind her stood a striped pony unknown to the pegasi. “A zebra!”

Fluttershy soon fluttered up and over toward Pinkie Pie, bowing to the general as she moved. “And me, too… well… I’ll- maybe I’ll try.”

The general narrowed her eyes. “Great!” She said sarcastically. She nodded to the messenger pony as she left her post, joining the rag-tag bunch and standing beside her Earth Pony pal. Her snark soon fell as the seriousness of her predicament settled on her mind. “I guess we all have to work together if any of us stand a chance… so… let’s get started. Pegasi! Fall in line.”

Celestia, Luna, and Cadence flew above the crowded forest, Celestia hadn’t flown much since the transformation, but somehow it had come naturally to her. The magic as well, as if the metamorphosis had unlocked something inherent within her. She was not the greatest flyer of all time, but she was we capable enough to keep up with Cadence, a born Pegasus, as well as Luna, who had come to her true form long before she had.

As they landed, then sipped water from their canteens. “Twilight should be here any moment.” Cadence said, squinting her eyes against the sunlight.

Luna huffed out a breath. “It will be much longer than a moment, she is moving on foot. Additionally, she is conducting a rescue mission for my sole disciple.”

Cadence’s face twisted. “Then we’re just going to have to wait for her.”

There was a strange sound that cleared the sky’s and echoed across the land, then, as quickly as the sound had broke, the ground shook as if something had slammed against it with all its force. In the distance, a dome of magic covered the village of Ponyville.

As the dome settled, a pair of unicorn mares were set hurdling to the outskirts of the city. As their body’s screeched to a halt on the unforgiving ground, they groaned in pain. “That king-forsaking unicorn, using our own protection spell to protect Earth Ponies!?” The lavender-coated mare growled. She was covered in broken twigs and completed disheveled. There was a fire in her eyes, such that hadn’t been seen before. She began brushing herself off, completely oblivious, she trotted up to the force field protecting the village.

Trixie opened her eyes, still lying still in the scar of dirt they’d formed. The orb of protection had shot them back, despite teleporting out of the forest… they were forced back to its entrance. As the blue mare opened her eyes weakly, she believed she’d begun to hallucinate. Before her stood three Alicorns. Two very large mares a deep blue, and a white. The other slightly smaller and pink in color. The three all seemed so dainty and shiny. “Pretty-“ she muttered. Bewildered, beaten, and exhausted. “Pretty Princess” she giggled, clearly not gathered.

The trio watched the mares, confused at their sudden arrival, and disturbed by their evident discombobulation. As they watched, a sense of familiarity found Celestia. “Those are the mares… the huntresses…” her voice was barely louder than a whisper, but it seemed to trigger something within the giggling mare.

“Princess- ALICORN!” Trixie shouted as she captured her thoughts and came to her… relative… right mind.

Starlight snapped her head around with the most aggravated expression any pony there had ever had the displeasure of witnessing. “Do not mock me!” A silence fell over them as the duo measured up their foes. Starlight crept toward Trixie. “How… vigilant…” she said slowly, her tone had become more… chipper… for the first time offering her partner what seemed to be a compliment.

“Celestia, you can take us three to any place you have been. So, take us to your home within the protection spell!” Luna encouraged her.

Celestia groaned, having to act quickly, she she stopped for a moment before firing a blast toward the huntresses. They both scampered away from the ray, having well-anticipated such a move.

Luna shot a blast, and with that act of aggression the unicorns charged, perfectly evading their shots of magic.

Celestia stumbled backwards getting behind Luna. “Okay, okay I need to think!“ she thought for a moment. Sure, flying had come naturally, and magic seemed so as well, she lacked the education Luna and Twilight had had in wielding it. “I’ve never teleported anybody besides myself!”

As the huntresses barreled toward them, Cadence bound over them on wing. Her hooves hit the ground like lightning bolts. A flash of light pulsing through her as she swung her magic aimlessly. The unicorns playing hopscotch with their lack of skill.

“You have to be the on to do it, we have to go some place these ponies won’t be able to follow!” Luna insisted. She blasted around cadence striking Starlight clear in her abdomen. The unicorn tumbled into her friend stunning them both.

Celestia revved her magic as she thought of her home. She was nervous, but the thought of her family filled her with determination. As the orb began to form, an exhausted and aggravated Starlight fired one last shot. A sharp and pointed blast, one strong enough to take a life, flew toward the white mare. As the orb shut around them, Cadence bound between her and the blast.

As the pink Alicorn fell, the orb surrounded the sisters, and without time to think or even react, they were gone.

Cadence lay there, dazed and barely breathing. Starlight Glimmer weakly rose to her hooves. “These Alicorns are strong, but not skilled enough to fight…” she recounted, making her way to their new captive. “Strong enough to survive my most mighty of blasts…”. She looked down at the far larger mare.

“Starlight…” Trixie started, coming to the wounded one’s side. “It’s not right...”

Starlight swallowed as she winced at her abdominal injury. Almost contemplating stomping out one of the Alicorns while she had the chance. But there was good inside her. At least, she believed there was. “I know, let’s just take her to the king.”