The town was calm. Not a soul stirred, nor gave any hint of emotion. It was a cloudy day, and if one were to look around, they would immediately notice the dull and gray atmosphere.

Twilight walked through the town with her bag slung over her back. It was this world that the villains ruled. It was this world that the villains won.

She headed through town until she reached the flower shop, where she found no one attending it. “Hello, is anypony there?” She called out into the shop.

Lily Valley exited the shop looking wary at Twilight, “Oh, hey there Twilight… is it, well… you?” she asked.

“Yes it’s me,” Twilight replies, “and relax, I don’t need anything from you that would require you being sure of that. I just need one bunch of black roses.”

“Oh! Ok then, one moment please.” Lily responded heading back towards the shop to fetch the flowers.

While she waited, Twilight glanced back towards the town, a desolate and empty scene. Windows everywhere were barred up, and most doors were shut except for a few places owned by braver ponies. Even the flower shop she was currently standing right outside of was shut from the outside world. It had been shut ever since her sisters Daisy and Rose had moved away.

“I’m back!” exclaimed Lily as she returned, “and, here you are,” she said, handing Twilight the roses. Lilly pondered for a moment before asking, “What exactly are you going to use those for?”

“Oh! I… Well I just needed them for a small art project of mine” She replied with a smile.

That was a good enough explanation for Lily so she waved Twilight goodbye and returned to the shop.

Twilight felt bad for lying to her, but it was for the best. She couldn’t raise any suspicion about her latest activities and the less people who knew, the better. In reality, the black roses were for a certain spell she’d been learning with the help of some books in her library. She could get in a lot of trouble for doing this, but it was her best plan to get rid of the Changelings who tyrannized Ponyville.

It had been over a year since Chrysalis took over Ponyville and Cloudsdale, bringing her love-feeding subjects with her. She had forced everyone in Ponyville to allow any hungry Changelings to take their love. Of course, the other places in Equestria were no better, being cut up into various provinces controlled by a different tyrant.

Black roses were known to have magical properties associated with bringing heartbreak and rage, making it taboo to work with them, since no one wanted anyone to break up loving relationships. However, because of this property Twilight theorized they would be perfect against the love-sucking Changelings.

She peered up at the sky, her mind wandering with worries about whether her plans would be successful.

As she returned to her library, she carefully avoided running into any Changelings, and warned a few others if one was coming. Most of the ponies around her looked tired. Still, she much preferred it to her old home in Canterlot, controlled by Nightmare moon and her eternal darkness. With a solemn face, she remembered the day, two months ago, that she had to leave.

It had been a peaceful night outside. Twilight walked in the darkness as she returned to the Canterlot castle. She trotted up the steps, escorted by guards, and was let into the throne room.

“Greetings your Majesty,” Twilight said with a bow, “I’ve come to report my current studies on the current plantlife of the area.”

“Alright, you may continue,” replied the princess.

“Well, the mushrooms are doing okay,” she started, “But.. Well, most plants aren’t doing very well. Dare I say none of them are. Unicorns have had to shift all their focus on using magic to keep them alive. I know it’s not much of an issue since Canterlot doesn’t grow much food, but…”

Twilight hesitated, not wanting to speak out of line, “I think that the plants would do much better if you brought back the sun here.”

Nightmare moon looked at her with sharp eyes glaring. “Oh… do you dare question my reign?”

“No of course not!” Twilight quickly interjected, “I just wanted to suggest the notion that we occasionally remove the dark dome surrounding Canterlot purely for the benefit of the foliage! Not to take away your beautiful night!”

“Very well then. I will consider this option out of respect for you, my current student. However, do not forget your place Twilight.” Nightmare Moon replied sternly.

“Yes Ma’am” She replied with a little guilt in her voice. “If you’ll excuse me, I will be going back to my room-”

“Not so fast” interrupted Nightmare Moon, “I have an important assignment for you, Twilight. It is of utmost importance that no one else hears what I’m about to tell you.” she shot a glance at the guards.

Hearing these words, the guards promptly left the room.

“I require you to continue your studies in a small town called Ponyville.” she finally stated.

“I beg your pardon?” Twilight gawked.

“As you know, Queen Chrysalis controls that area, however I need you to be there to ensure that she does not get any more powerful. I fear that with all the love she has been consuming, she will believe it to be acceptable to attempt to take over my Canterlot.”

“W- what?” Twilight sputtered, “But your majesty isn’t the counsel supposed to intervene if something like this happens?”

“ ‘Supposed to’ yes, but I suspect that the others wouldn’t mind looking the other way if they obtained a larger share of land. And I believe that if Cozy Glow wanted, she would convince our mighty leader that I am a traitor of some sorts.” she huffed.

“Well, how can I stop her?” asked Twilight.

“Simply put, you will have to take her down.” the princess insisted, “I know what you are capable of, and truly believe that you will find a way on your own. I’ll have Shining Armor assist you with moving. You will be operating in the guise of a pony who’s taking refuge from my lands, and had to move into the town library. Is this understood?”

“Uhh… yes your highness.” Twilight sighed.

“Very well, I dismiss you now.”

“... Goodbye princess.”

And with that, Twilight left.

Author's Note

Constructive Criticism is appreciated. :)