My Little Pony: Reconnect

by Gweat and Powaful Twixie

Rating: everyone
Tags: Dark, Tragedy, Adventure
Length: 32683

Celestia's desperation in the years leading up to Nightmare Moon's return. A Prequel to SE01 EP01

Luna had been trapped away for almost 1000 years and her mind had been shattered. A broken shadow of what she once was, Celestia watched her sister with sorrow, unable to reach out for her. Despite her care for her sister, she saw signs of the return of Nightmare Moon and knew she needed to prepare for the worst.
With a painstaking attention to canon, this prequel tells the stories of Celestia's search for the Elements of Harmony and of Luna as she attempts to escape from the moon with the help of the stars.

Thanks to *Equestria-Prevails* for letting me use their imagining of Concordia and Princess Rosetta. Sorry if I deviated a bit from the description.

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2012-12-12 19:59:40 UTC

1.0

My Little Pony: Reconnect

1.0

The ringing in her ear and the searing, white vision persisted. She didn’t know how long she had been like this and part of her didn’t want to accept it. For hundreds of years she had been in a white abyss. She was sad, alone and unfeeling. What was worse was that she didn’t even remember why she had been sent there. All she could remember was bits and pieces of the life before it and that she didn’t belong in the prison.

She was under the impression that she was dead, but some part of her believed she wasn’t. Death couldn’t be this sad and this meaningless. It was blank and white and miserable. She wanted to cry but didn’t remember how to. She cried a lot when she “died” but not anymore, now she was lonely. She, for a while, tried to reason with her situation, what it meant, but had given up on that too. It just made no sense. What sort of magic would turn a pony’s mind in such a cruel way? She had come to terms with it and accepted her deteriorating mind.

The worst part was when she stopped remembering what things sounded like. After hearing that ringing for years, it overtook her. Whenever she could remember the face of one she loved all she heard was ringing leave their lips. She wondered how long it would be before their faces become blank and she lost herself entirely.

She was trapped on a vast, featureless plane. She had spent eons running as much as she could to hopefully reach the end of the world, but that hope had long been shattered. She had considered killing herself but was unable to inflict damage on herself, she could feel pain, but could never maim herself. After a few years of trying to constantly end her own life, she figured out it wasn’t possible.

Her only comfort was that she could still feel herself. She felt her body against itself. Many times she would jab herself in the ribs, just to make sure she was still alive, so to speak.

A hallucination passed in front of her. Not quite everything was right with her. Her lips moved yet, no words were heard.

“Sister, stop playing around,” said the silent pony.

It was one of her favourite things to say. She would sometimes imagine that she was back in Canterlot with Celestia and that she just casted a playful spell on her and would soon lift this maddening curse.

‘Thou hast not found me yet,’ replied the silent face in her mind.

Often, she saw and heard things that weren’t entirely there. Her madness had compounded, leaving a torn psyche, flayed by time. Day after day or the torturous prison did things to a pony.

Luna jumped in delight and giggled as she scurried across the scape. Upon arriving where she saw the face, her heart dropped an eternity. The face was merely blank, whiteness. She had thought blank whiteness was her sister’s face. She stared blankly as she had for years now, at the most destroying space of white she ever witnessed. She attempted to remember what her face looked like and could see nothing but the white void. As her soul tore it self in two and the urge to break down set in, she tried desperately hardest to remember one detail of her sister’s face. As she began to sort through every memory she could only see blankness in her mind. She felt a tear well up in her eye. The cataclysmic desolation was hitting its climax as Luna finally resorted to her most cherished memory of her and Celestia.

She was exploring the castle grounds as a young filly with Celestia while their parents were away. Usually they were surrounded by guards or their parents and seldom had any time to themselves. Luna and Celestia resented this but this time they managed to sneak out and get to the grounds undetected. Luna was excited to see the animals and woodland creatures she heard about. She had never gotten close to one because the guards always seemed to scare them away.

“Tia, pray tell, what hast thou stumbled upon?” Luna whispered quietly eyeing a butterfly.

“Oh Luna tis but a butterfly,” her sister replied

“Is it dangerous?”

“In not the slightest,” Celestia said, nudging her closer.

Luna carefully inched her way towards a butterfly on a blue flower, sneaking quite ably towards it. Luna’s eyes grew wide as she saw the beautiful colours on the butterfly’s wings. She had never seen anything quite like it so closely before. Its delicate wings and insect features were enthralling. She looked back at Celestia who was sniffing a flower and watching a bird serenely a few feet away. Luna looked back and the butterfly was now looking straight at her. Terrified, Luna stared back at it too afraid to move.

“… Tia…” she said nervously. Her sister was too far away to hear her.

Suddenly the butterfly launched itself directly at her. Luna screamed.

“Oh my, no! Tia save me!” as she ran back towards her sister.

Celestia embraced her sister.

“What is it dearest?”

Luna tearfully latched onto Celestia and pointed back at the butterfly. Celestia held her hoof out and, gracefully, the butterfly landed on it. Celestia nuzzled Luna’s tears away and held the butterfly up to Luna’s nose. Luna looked up at Celestia whose horn lit with magic. In front of her eyes, the butterfly shone brighter than fire and the wings became a dazzling array of colour. It lit up Luna’s already bright face. She reveled in this moment.

Luna clearly recalled what had happened that night but could not remember what her sister or the butterfly looked like. She tried as hard as she could to remember but as the crushing realization set in her mind, she began to cry, a long and silent cry. She felt the tears fall down her face and began to wonder if she’d lose that feeling too. This would be her eternal prison, a white, ringing prison devoid of love and compassion. This only doubled her misery.

Sometime later she got up and began to walk her long, featureless plane, blind and deaf.

1.1

1.1

Canterlot shone in the sun. From its mountain side perch, the city was that of a rare gem in a miner’s lucky vein. The spires of the castle gleamed like reflections on a diamond. The high sun brought a quality to the white city unlike an opaque dream. Princess Celestia sat in her observatory in a deep trance. Surrounded by open books and scrolls, endless pieces of parchment and artifacts used for observation, it was clear her studies had reached an apex. Above her was a massive glass ceiling that the sun poured through. Over-sized magnifying lenses connected on an enormous circular apparatus lined the sky way. Book shelves covered her walls of the circular room.

She broke her trance with a look of determination. She willed magic to move an enormous lens, trimmed in gold across the glass ceiling. The day’s light shone through the glass dome, but under the lens, the night sky appeared, bathing Celestia in the moon’s light.

After peering through the lens, she wrote down a few measurements. She smiled and shifted another, slightly smaller lens in front of the previous one. This lens brought insight into a world unknown. Celestia continued gazing and shifting lenses periodically for some time. Her magic lenses allowed her to see peer into different worlds and dimensions.

A pink unicorn with a purple and white mane entered the observatory later during the night. She brought with her a letter.

“Princess, I have news from Trottingham,” said the unicorn.

Celestia shifted the great lenses back into their original resting positions.

“I hope it is good news Lady Rhyme,” answered the princess with a tiny hint of impatience.

“Royal Navy won’t allow a higher levy. He claims that he is pressed for ponypower and cannot send aid to Manehatten or Baltimare,” explained Rhyme, “I’ve seen the damage and it is vast.”

“I understand…” replied the princess thoughtfully, “Send them our second pegasus wing. Canterlot is safe and we can afford the sacrifice. Tell Lord Navy that we need those ships to get supplies to the other cities. In this time of crisis, we need to come together to overcome.”

“Most merciful your highness, I’ll dispatch that message with haste.”

“Before you go Lady Rhyme, may I ask you something,” inquired the princess.

“Anything, your highness.”

“Come here and tell me what you see.”

The princess brought the great lens down so that Rhyme could see what Celestia saw. Shifting down three smaller lenses, Rhyme gathered the image. Celestia closed her eyes and braced herself.

“I see a pony,” Rhyme said, closely studying the lens. She paused for a second, “Why? What should I be seeing?”

“Look closely, what else do you see?” Celestia prodded.

Rhyme studied the pony closely, taking in every detail of the picture. The pony was just lying on the ground in an unassuming position, so still she wasn’t entirely sure she wasn’t looking at a photograph.

“Maybe this will help,” Celestia said swinging a lens in front of the previous ones to allow anew filter.

Rhyme gazed through this new, royal blue lens and saw that the pony disappeared.

“I see nothing now, Princess,” Rhyme said enthusiastically.

Celestia peered through the lens and frowned. She turned to Rhyme and shrugged.

“Oh well, it seems like I still have work to do on this lens. However that will have to wait until later, these next few days will be busy so we better get some rest,” the princess explained cheerfully.

1.2

1.2

Early the next morning Rhyme awoke to the sun shining in her eyes. She squinted as soon as she opened them, the sun blaring through the window. She noticed a letter hanging in mid-air. The princess already was awake and sending her letter. Obviously, because she is the sun princess after all.

She brought it closer and opened it. It was an assignment from the Princess to go to Trottingham as her diplomat and make sure that the naval support was procured. Rhyme knew that she was already going to be sent there, but the letter was for sake of professionalism.

“Harps?” Rhyme called out through her suite.

“Yes milady?” answered a white unicorn with a golden mane who entered the room.

“Take a note.”

Harps quickly levitated a quill and parchment.

“Dear Princess Celestia. Your judgment is sound and your mercy, legendary, I will go to Trottingham as an instrument of your will, your diplomat, Lady Rhyme,” Rhyme dictated

Quickly finishing the letter, Harps flashed her horn and instantly the letter had vanished.

“Anything else milady?” Harps asked.

“Hmm, I think that you’ve now known me long enough that you could probably call me Rhyme and get away with it,” Rhyme answered smiling.

“Oh umm, I don’t know,” Harps replied gingerly.

“Well try it!”

“Ok… Rhyme, can I do anything else for you?” Harps asked even more estranged by the new idea.

“Hmm, maybe you’re right. I still need to know you for about two months longer. Call me Ms. Rhyme instead,” Rhyme observed wearily.

“Ok Ms. Rhyme.”

“Well let’s go, we’re off to Trottingham, Harps.”

Rhyme and Harps left their suite and opened the door to the busy Canterlot street. Business ponies and nobility populated the walkways. Carriages flooded the streets and pegasi, the skyways. Rhyme joined dutifully in to the shifting masses.

“No carriage today, Ms. Rhyme?” Harps inquired, she was levitating most of their luggage and traveling supplies.

“No, don’t be ridiculous, it’s such a lovely day and I’d hate to miss it,” Rhyme replied cheerfully.

Harps moaned and trudged through the crowd after her. Rhyme informed Harps of the Princess’s intentions and their assignment as they trotted on towards the station.

“Ms. Rhyme, how are you so sure this is the best decision for Equestria?” Harps asked, weaving clumsily through the oncoming crowd.

“I not sure, it’s the Princess’s call. I’m just delivering the message,” Rhyme replied.

A group of soldiers zoomed in front of them, their spears only barely missing Rhyme’s nose. She could actually smell the cold steel as it passed in front of her. Rhyme didn’t like being almost eviscerated so early in the morning. Flustered, she quickly caught up with them.

“Watch where you’re going! You soldier, what’s your name?!” demanded Rhyme.

The group turned around. There were five pegasus guards in total. Upon seeing Rhyme, the one furthest away from her stood at attention and saluted. He the one leading the squad through the station and was dressed more officially. However the one that Rhyme questioned walked up to her with a big stupid grin on his face. He sized up the mare in front of him and returned the question.

“Heh, how about you tell me your names first?” replied the guard smoothly.

“I beg your pardon?!” Rhyme blurted taken back.

Despite his discipline the furthest guard had a look of horror on his face, and bellowed out in a commanding voice.

“Royal Diplomat, Lady Rhyme. Sergeant Feather Flight of the 2nd,” said the pony with more of an aim to alert his comrades than to salute Rhyme.

Immediately the other four guards stood at attention nervously. A bead of sweat fell down the sly guard’s face. Rhyme was annoyed by them but happy that she had been given the respect she deserved. She began to pace back and forth in front of them.

“Well Sergeant Feather Flight, as part of the 2nd you should be aware of your new assignment and are heading towards Trottingham as am I. Since your squad seems to have taken a liking to me and my assistant, I’m sure you’ll make excellent personal guards,” explained Rhyme.

The captain nervously looked from side to side, desperately thinking for a response.

“I apologize milady, General Typhoon requires that all of us report to his station. I cannot disobey the orders of my commanding officer,” he returned confidently.

Rhyme glared at him. Nopony treats Lady Rhyme like that. Feather Flight smiled back victoriously, meeting her eyes. Rhyme ignored him putting a hint of worry in his expression.

“Harps, you know what to do,” Rhyme dictated.

“Yes, Ms. Rhyme,” she replied

Harps quickly jolted down a letter and flashed it away.

“Well that’s too bad, I would have enjoyed the extra protection from your experienced squad, oh what ever shall I do?!” Rhyme announced dramatically, “I suppose I will be weak and defenseless as I carry out the Princess’s orders.”

One of the other guards shuffled his hoof and looked down.

“Maybe Lady Rhyme is above the General in the chain of command and her orders supersede Typhoon’s,” he said to the captain.

“You idiot, Lady Rhyme isn’t even of military rank, she can’t order Typhoon around.”

“Hey don’t call me an idiot. I just don’t want to get in trouble!

Quickly then began to argue and squabble. Butting heads and shoving, they bullied each other around, attempting to get the others to agree with them. One of the guards stood to the side and took a pass at Rhyme.

“Let me be the first to apologize for my comrades’ boorish behaviour. I’d never behave such a way in front of a mare such as yourself,” he said, inching closer to Rhyme.

“Save it kid,” she snapped quickly.

While they were busy fighting, a letter flashed out of the air.

“Finally!” Rhyme exclaimed happily, “Read it Harps.”

Harps opened the letter and clearly read aloud to the guards. They briefly paused to listen.

“Dear Lady Rhyme. I am assigning to you the squad of Captain Feather Flight of the 2nd Royal Air Wing as a personal body guard. Their commanding officers will be notified of their reassignment and they will meet you at the station before you depart. Please forgive me for not assigning body guards to you sooner, sincerely, Princess Celestia.”

The squabbling guards froze in position and looked up at Rhyme humiliated.

“Well boys, let’s go. We have a train to catch and please, get my things from Harps. She is most exhausted from all that heavy lifting.”

Harps dropped all their things on the unsuspecting soldiers, burying them underneath the luggage. They waltzed off towards the train.

“Hurry up! It’s not polite to keep a Royal Diplomat waiting!”

1.3

1.3

Luna’s absolute misery was reaching its breaking point and complete madness was setting in. She felt like she spent years flaying as high as she could and trying to fall down on her neck in such a way that it may break and she could happily die. She wasn’t capable of injury of any sort.

In a sick sort of way, she almost forgot what it was like, to not being constantly trying to kill herself. She had done it for so long it. It took her several days to remember what it was like to be at peace, but finally when she set herself down she concluded that she was dead and that nothing would save her from this torment.

She set her head down and thought of what Celestia felt like when she hugged her during her cherished memory. Her last comfort never lost its ability to calm her down and dull her sharpest sadness. She laid there for some time.

Luna felt herself begin to fall and felt her stomach in her throat Almost as if the group disappeared beneath her, she felt gravity force her towards inevitability. Taken back by this sudden explosion of sensation Luna’s heart jumped. This had never happened while she was in her prison and perhaps this meant something. Luna enjoyed this free fall and for the first time in an eon, she felt like something in her existence may conclude. Her mind raced with possibilities. Perhaps she was being freed or maybe she was at last dying. Something inside her made her assume the latter. She cherished the thought of seeing her beloved sister again, but she knew that it most likely wasn’t so and a beautiful sadness welled up inside her as she faced the end of her torment.

Determined, she faced her destiny head on, hopes high.

Hours later Luna had already lost that feeling of falling she felt so long ago. Additionally she couldn’t feel herself any more, her wings, hooves and body. She was a completely featureless, senseless entity of existence. Luna had felt like she cried but couldn’t tell any more. She wanted so badly to feel anything besides sadness. Having hope had crushed her and now it felt like the misery would compound upon itself in ways unimaginable.

“Pray, I am so sorry,” she silently screamed in her mind.

And with words the whiteness faded and the ringing stopped.

Silence. For the first time in eons, Luna heard silence. And before her was blackness. Luna hit the ground softly and stood up. Hardly able to believe it and willfully refusing to, she stared into the black, silent void. It was beautiful to her. Almost too afraid to move or think she stood there, basking in the brief moment.

After some time she still hadn’t moved. It was clear that her new prison was black and silent, but at least she could feel herself again. For this she was much happier, but years of unexplainable conHowever she felt herself getting stiff and wished to move again. Hoping for the best she took a step and something she never thought would happen, did. A voice spoke to her.

“Open…” said a mare’s voice.

Startled she began to run, where she began to hear her own galloping. It had been eternities since she heard hooves against ground and her heart leaped with hope. Her mind was racing with possibilities. It felt like this was the end of her torment. She was going to go home. She galloped faster and faster.

“Your…” came the mare’s voice again.

Moving faster and faster, she began to hear and see the faces of her memories. Immediately she relived her treasured memory with Celestia and saw the butterfly. Even now she felt and saw and heard Celestia. She was running to Tia and never more in her life did she know she was going to be in Tia’s hooves. Finally, all she wanted for the last 1000 years was to be with her big sister.

“Tia! Save me!” Luna called out, tears streaming down her face.

“Eyes…” the Mare’s voice replied.

Luna opened her eyes and as she ran, her hoof prints left behind her, marks of colour where she previously galloped. And slowly each of the marks grew wider and wider, colouring more and more of the world. She turned around and watched with glistening eyes as the world around her was brought into reality. The circles of colour left behind walls, furniture, floors, light and an entire world for Luna.

It was a moment of wonder, hope, terror, happiness and every emotion Luna could name as she stood there in the center of her old bedroom in Canterlot. Her bed sheets and books and windows through which the moon shone, all was as it should be. With her lips trembling she looked down at the marble floor and saw a distorted reflection of herself. Tears came streaming down her face and fell to the floor in front of her. She began to sob. She was terrified of moving though, lest the world fall away from her like the falling did.

Fear began to fill her as she began to question if this was permanent or if it was just a sick part of her torment. Summoning all her bravery she took a step towards her bed. She heard a simple clop that briefly echoed inside the room but for echoed inside her mind for what could have been another eternity had she not been interrupted. She eyes grew wide as she stared at her own expression in the floor. It was real. She fell to the floor and broke down.

“Princess Luna? Are you there?” called out a familiar stallion voice.

Completely dumbfounded, she looked up and stared at the door, still over-whelmed with tears. There was another pony in this world. Luna had no seen another pony for lifetimes and now one wanted to talk to her. She sat there, sobbing even harder for longer, her cries echoing through the room. Soon a knock came at her door.

“Princess Luna? Art you okay?” called the voice again.

“Midnight Sky? Tis it true?” Luna replied shakily, enraptured even by hearing her own voice.

A powerful, dark blue stallion with a purple mane entered quietly. Upon seeing him she jumped up to him and hugged him, burying her face in his chest. The feeling of another pony was euphoric.

“What is the matter, my princess? Why dost you weep so?” he comforted, distraught by the princess’s outburst.

“I am sorry, I just… Give me but a moment,” Luna said, holding Midnight Sky closer.

She felt the close warmth of another pony and in this moment she had never been happier. Nothing could contain the joy she felt, she had returned, she had finally made it through and now she could finally be home.

“Oh Midnight, I have missed thou. Thou may never leavest me again,” Luna said sweetly to him, “That’s a royal decree.”

Midnight Sky blushed and held her closer.

“Oh my Princess, what hath gotten into you? I am sure I shan’t ever leave you,” he replied, grinning and holding her closer.

Luna smiled at him more, the tears still streaming. Midnight wiped the tears away and together they reveled in that moment.

1.4

1.4

Rhyme stood in the bathroom, watching herself in the mirror. She was mentally prepping herself for the meeting that was about to take place. It was of utmost importance to the princess that the naval aid be obtained from Lord Royal Navy. After giving herself one last pep talk, she left for the meeting.

Walking down the main foyer to the grand assembly chamber, she saw a familiar stallion.

“Rhythm?” she called out, quickly trotting towards him.

“Rhyme!” the stallion returned, embracing her.

“It’s so good to see you! What are you doing in Trottingham? I thought you were in Canterlot,” Rhythm exclaimed.

“Yeah, I was, but I got a quick reassignment, I only just got it, so I’m sorry I couldn’t send a letter,” Rhyme replied, “How’s Cadance?”

“She’s fine, you should come see her after your meeting! She’d love to see her mother for once,” Rhythm said, letting his tone speak his mind.

“I know I know, it’s just so busy in Canterlot, I can never find a moment to come here, but I promise that I’ll spend as much time here as I can with Cadance. Maybe I can drag out these negotiations for more time,” Rhyme schemed.

“Just get the job done, maybe if you do it quick enough, Celestia might give you extra time off,” Rhythm suggested.

“Good idea, well I’m off. I’ll be home as soon as I’m done here,” Rhyme said, giving Rhythm a quick peck on the cheek and then dashing off through the assembly doors.

The grand assembly chamber was a fairly large room with stadium style decks arranged in a half circle around a central seating area and podium. Behind the central seating area was a statue of Princess Celestia, flanked by dual stained glass windows full of various important and influential ponies.

Rhyme hurried to her seat. Harps was already there taking notes.

“Nice of you to join us Lady Rhyme of Canterlot, what does the Princess will?” asked Lord Royal Navy who was standing at the front podium.

“Your lordship, the Princess has offered…”

Rhyme arrived at her husband’s house some time later. She tapped the doorbell and knocked a few times. After hearing quick hurried hoof steps, a filly she knew and loved opened the door. Cadance stood there, her face beaming at the sight of her mother.

“Mom!” she yelped jumping into her mother’s arms.

“Cadance sweetie it’s so nice to see you, how have you been?”

“I’ve been good,” she replied shyly, “Guess who’s here!”

“Who?”

“The princess! She’s here! She’s really, nice. She said one day I might be a princess just like her,” Cadance explained, cheerfully.

Cadance ran off, leaving Rhyme puzzled. If the princess was planning to come here anyways, why did she send Rhyme to negotiate and not just do it herself? She walked inside and went into the living room. Luxurious couches and a high ceiling decorated with plaques and coats of arms gave it a traditional feel that Rhythm and she decided on. She lit a fire. Cadance brought the princess who had apparently had a tea party with her. Cadance was now wearing the princess’s crown. Celestia was wearing a folded, paper crown and brought a plastic teacup with her.

“She says she wanted to talk to you, so I guess I’ll go over here now,” she said climbing back upstairs to her room. Halfway up she slipped and came crashing back down the stairs. Cadance jumped up immediately, ignoring the fall.

“Sweetie, are you ok?!” Rhyme called out.

“Stairs! My only weakness! I will be nice to you so you’ll love me again. Cast love spell!” Cadance declared as her tiny horn began to glow slightly. She set a spark off that fell onto the stairs, satisfied she ran back up the stairs.

“Kids, I hope she wasn’t too much of a hassle Princess…” Rhyme started, apologetically.

“Oh no, she was a delight to spend the afternoon with, but I’m afraid there are more pressing matters that I need to speak with you and your husband about,” the Princess started solemnly.

Rhythm peaked his head around the corner and told them dinner was ready. Agreeing to hold off the discussion until later they sat down for a nice meal.

After dinner Cadance had gone out to play at her friend’s house, leaving the three alone.

“You both must be wondering why I came here on such short notice,” Celestia explained, “I believe that Equestria is in serious danger.”

“So soon? We haven’t even recovered from the Dark Invasion yet. We’re still finding pockets of those creatures,” Rhythm explained.

Only less than a week ago, the major cities of Equestria were attacked simultaneously by an army of dark winged creatures. They attacked during the night and left in their wake, destruction and disharmony.

“I know and I think I know the reason for the Dark Invasion, my sister Luna.”

Rhyme and Rhythm looked at each other in confusion.

“My sister Luna is a dark and evil pony. 1000 years ago I used ancient artifacts called the Elements of Harmony to combat her after she rebelled against me.  I imprisoned her in the moon with them. Now I think she is planning to escape,” Celestia explained.

Rhyme looked at Celestia concerned but unsure. Rhythm spoke next wasn’t sold on the idea

“I don’t mean to question your reasoning, but what evidence do you have that the two are connected and that your sister is planning to return?” Rhythm inquired.

“I have… been watching her,” Celestia began, swallowing hard, “I can see her making a move, but I don’t know what she’s doing exactly.”

There was a moment of silence and consideration.

“You can count on us to help princess,” Rhyme declared, shooting Rhythm a glance, “What do you need us to do.”

“I know of an ancient enchantress in the Everfree Forest, she is able to use magics that I am unable to conjure. She will be able to tell us if my suspicions are true and how we might stop her. Since I can’t leave my duties for that long and remain undercover, I must ask you two do it,” Celestia explained, “I will take over your duties here in Trottingham during your absence.”

“Understood, anything else you need before we leave?” Rhyme asked.

“Here take this with you, it’ll help the enchantress in her casting,” Celestia added.

Celestia presented a dark blue tiara and necklace to Rhyme. Both shone silver in the moonlight and had crescent moon emblems adorning them. Rhyme took them and placed them on the table.

“I’ll take Cadance in your absence, she’ll stay with me in my suite and at the castle. Now go and travel swiftly,” Celestia declared.

Rhythm and Rhyme looked at each other and nodded. They ran upstairs to gather supplies.

1.5

1.5

Luna had finally gathered herself and followed Midnight Sky to the dining room. He was confused by Luna’s affection, but she was able to convince him that she had a bad dream. Strangely enough, the madness she experienced for the imprisonment was dissipating with haste. She was remembering her old life at a rate that surprised even her.

Luna walked back into the castle’s grand dining area. She smiled because of all the fond memories she had in this room. However, more than the food, she was excited to finally see Celestia once more. She wasn’t sure if she could prevent herself from breaking down or making a scene, but she didn’t care.

Dinner commenced as it would have and Luna sat next to Midnight Sky instead of her normal spot at the foot of the table, much to his protest.

“But you mustn’t, tis not proper,” Midnight Sky half-heartedly pleaded.

“Nonsense, I am the princess and I wish to sit next to my childhood friend, I am certain thou will object no further,” Luna dismissed.

Midnight sky smiled, enjoying the increased attention. As everypony sat down and the servants began bringing out tray upon tray of food, Luna looked around desperately.

“Where is Celestia?” Luna asked.

“Who?” replied Midnight.

Luna looked at him with a puzzled.

“Princess Celestia, she rules Equestria…?”

“But Princess, you rule Equestria,” Midnight Sky answered, wearily, “Art you sure you feelest alright, I do find you acting quite strange tonight.”

“Uh yes I am, that’s right of course I rule,” Luna replied with dashed hopes.

Luna retired to the study after dinner. It was simply euphoric to have a full belly again. However she wished to see her old mentor, Starswirl the Bearded, as Celestia’s absence disturbed her. Perhaps he knew something of Celestia and what happened to her, the imprisonment and release. In the east wing of the library she found him, quietly reading.

“Starswirl, may I trouble you for a moment?” Luna approached.

“How now. Come my Princess, come. How may I be of service  to you?” he said motioning her to come forward without looking up from his book.

“I have something that may seem improbable and I askest thou to hear me out. I trust that thou dost have an answer,” Luna said uncertain.

“I cannot promise, only hope to answer your inquiry,” he said, idly turning a page, adjusting his glasses. He didn’t seem fazed by the princess, nor her worries.

Luna began pacing, readying her words that even she was unsure of. She stopped to look out the large window and stared up at the full silver moon. She spoke as if straight to the celestial object.

“It may be hard to believe, but I am not quite sure where I am. It would seem like I have returned to Canterlot, but I cannot be sure. Celestia is missing and I only recently returned from an imprisonment challenging even your willpower,” Luna explained.

Starswirl looked up from his book and met Luna’s gaze with a mix of concern, interest and annoyance on his face. Luna returned the look with great severity.

“So, you hath returned from an imprisonment. Was it not but a frightening dream,” he taunted narrowing his eyes.

Luna turned around to glare at Starswirl. She slowly walked up to him and thickened the tension.

“Master Starswirl, I implore you to reconsider thy tone. May I remind thee that I am your princess?” Luna scolded heavily.

Surprised by the harshness of the princess he changed his approach, obviously the princess was serious. Luna could sometimes be an overbearing pony, but never was she frivolous over matters.

“Excuse me Princess. I’ve forgotten myself. So am I assume you are not the same Luna I had conversed with yesterday?” he began.

“Naturally, I do not recalleth that conversation but I knoweth everypony and their character. It feels like I hath returned to an alternate world.”

“To where do I begin? Thou art still obviously a Princess Luna, so thou holdest all the title you do in this realm, unless the previous Luna were to suddenly appear, then we would have a very unfortunate scenario on our hooves. It would seem like you have memory of us in general, but not of our specific interactions. Perhaps you existed in a separate world,” he said, deducing her state with the speed of a great wizard.

“I am fairly sure I replaced or embodied thou Luna when I was released from my horrible prison only but a few hours ago. Tis a spectral prison, my very soul was trapped in an eternity of blindness and deafness,” Luna said shivering. She was starting to feel odd and out of place in this world. Like an alien, impersonating someone else.

“Most extraordinary, but what dost different things appeal to you in this world than the one of your memory? Something meaningful of great displacement,” he prodded.

“The most devious difference is that Princess Celestia rules Canterlot no longer. She is my sister and it appeareth that she is completely absent.”

With this information, Starswirl set his book down and began to immediately rummage through various books throughout his shelves. Up and down ladders he went, pulling out books and then replacing them. He looked distressed.

“Starswirl, what is it? Dost thou know Celestia?” Luna asked hopefully.

He looked back at her gravely from the top of his ladder. The look in his eye was sincere and true.

“Celestia is foreign to me, but I know of your sister. A pony, she shineth of the sun. She departed this world long ago and took the day with her,” he explained returning to his desperate search.

“Aye that is her! What can you tell me about her, can you help me reach her?!” Luna said even more excitedly.

“Yes… yes… Perhaps…” he mumbled locating the book he sought. He took a moment to read a passage, “Princess… how far will you go to find this Celestia?”

“I do not belong in this world Starswirl, once I find Celestia you shall get thou Luna back and I will be go home.”

“A most reasonable compromise. It says here that the pony who shone like the sun left behind four stars, which when assembled, will allow thou to followest her,” Starswirl started, “But they reside in perilous corners of the world.”

His worry grew as he read.

“The Morning Star dawns a quest anew, a search for answers in the morning dew. The light to grow and build a plenty, is locked away in a sanctuary.”

“The Rising Star leads the stars as your power and grows wide and far. In this orb you will find, what you need in a darker time.”

“In a desert of the far south east, awaits a tyrant who slumbers deep. In their kingdom you will spar, to turn them into the Falling Star.”

“In the end of your quest, you will take a moment’s rest. In that time you will find, the Evening Star’s bitter mind.”

Starswirl stroked his bead and thought heavily about the passages.

“Your majesty… This is not a task for the faint of heart. This is a true adventure that may cost us more than time and sweat, but blood,” he warned.

He looked up from the book and noticed the princess was ignoring him.

“Luna…? I am not sure that we are capable of the errand… Luna are you listening to me?”

Luna gathered her thoughts and looked back up to the full moon. Suddenly, from the dark corners of the room a swarm of bats flew towards Luna. They melded together and formed a dark cloak around the princess. Outside a storm began to brew. Storm clouds spun around in the distance and lightning cracked across sky. In the eye of the distant storm a ray of sunlight shone through it like a beacon. Luna smiled darkly and spoke.

“Tell the Crown Prince that he is now my regent, call my guard Midnight Sky for there is no pony I trust more than him and prepare yourself Starswirl, for thou will guidest and aid us in this endeavor.”

1.6

1.6

Rhyme and Rhythm arrived at the edge of the forest. The dark mossy smell filled their lungs and the farther they stared into the tangle, the more wicked and twisted it became. They had supplied in Ponyville and readied themselves for the trek ahead. They talked to a few young store owners who had told them rumors of a dark pony who stalked the town every few weeks. Despite their superstitious protests, they pointed them in the general direction of the enchantress. Rhyme thanked them and purchased a few baked wares.

Rhyme was nervous because the Everfree Forest was fabled to hold terrifying creatures in its thicket and she was not a rough pony. She spent most of her life in either Trottingham or Canterlot, pampered as a royal cabinet member. She certainly didn’t spend time in the wilderness hunting enchantresses, yet there at its edge she stood in the name of her Princess.

“Ready dear?” Rhyme asked, looking to her husband.

“Ready,” replied Rhythm.

“Ready!” piped a young pony.

Shocked, Rhyme whipped her head around trying to locate the source of the voice. Much to her horror, she saw her daughter Cadance standing happily next to them.

“Hey mom!” she chimed.

Rhyme sat there in a silent moment of disbelief. Here was her daughter, a young filly, standing right next to her, hundreds of miles away from where she should be. Her daughter not only followed them some great distance completely undetected, and then even up to forest’s edge without Rhyme or Rhythm noticing, but she also escaped the Princess’s careful eye.

“Cadance?! What?! How?! Did you… what...?” Rhyme choked out, “I cannot comprehend what I just witnessed...”

Rhyme just stood there dumbfounded by the filly. Rhythm didn’t even speak. Cadance just danced around excitedly.

“So are we going to go find the enchantress yet? I am so ready for this royal mission,” she said jumping around and facing them.

Rhyme took a moment to consider what just happened. Now her daughter wants to know if she can come on a top secret assignment that only three ponies in all of Equestria know about.  In her head she tried to make sense of it but gave up anyways.

“I should probably have you watched after by those nice Cakes, but honestly, I think I’m already a terrible parent as it is, so yes… we are going to find the enchantress, I hope we don’t all die…” Rhyme said, defeated, “Just first… how did you get here?”

“I followed you! And look! I still have the Princess’s pretty crown!” she said cheerfully, brandishing the tiara and putting it on her head.

“And you still have the Princess’s tiara, of course you do…” Rhyme sighed, now completely defeated, patting her on the head.

Cadance blissfully trotted off into the forest in front of them

“…This is the greatest day of my life,” Rhyme mumbled, sarcastically, “Come on dear, don’t let Cadance get too far ahead…” she said to her husband, his mouth still agape.

They cut quickly through the thicket and made their way in the direction of the enchantress. Cadance nimbly weaved in and out of the trees, undergrowth and vines, but Rhyme and Rhythm had more trouble. Rhythm wielded a machete with mixed results.

“Aha, I think it’s this way,” Rhythm said, cutting cleanly through three vines in three motions, so fluid it appeared as one.

“Nope, it’s right there,” Cadance pointed out, motioning towards a giant sleeping manticore.

In a clearing in front of the laid a massive creature with the body of a lion, the wings of a bat and a scorpion’s tail. It rested there peacefully, undisturbed by the world. Cadance snuck towards it, hiding from bush to bush.

“NO CADANCE!” Rhyme screamed as Cadance went out to poke the manticore.

Rhyme’s scream awakened the slumbering monstrosity. It woke up groggily and began to bat at Cadance who was happily jumping around its paw, almost playing with it. Rhyme dashed forward and put herself between Cadance and the manticore. Startled by this new pony, the manticore snapped awake and assumed an aggressive position. Rhythm moved out and begun to swing the machete at the beast, keeping him at bay.

“No daddy! He’s just a big silly kitty! Cast love spell!” Cadance declared closing her eyes and focusing.

Cadance’s horn began to glow and from it a tiny heart drifted up between Rhythm and the manticore. The heart flashed and disappeared. Immediately, the two assumed a docile state of staring into the other’s eyes. Rhyme watched in complete disarray.

“Look mom! My cutie mark!” Cadance exclaimed watching a diamond blue heart with gold trim appear on her flank.

Rhyme just stared from one situation to another. It seemed like comical madness, the way events were playing out in front of her.

“Cadance... what, did you even? I don’t even know... ” she sighed, “Can someone just explain to me what the flying feather is going on…?”

“I cast a love spell!” Cadance explained still admiring her new cutie mark.

From the shadows, a hooded figure silently watched the impasse, stepped out into the open. Menacing golden eyes shone from its shadowed face. It tossed back its hood revealing a white head covered in black stripes.

“Oh what now...?” Rhyme moaned, burying her face in the ground.

The zebra walked towards Rhyme and bowed.

“The princess’s diplomat, an enchantress she searches. Come with me and I will lift her curses,” rhymed the pony.

“I found her!” Cadance squealed out.

Cadance followed the cloaked pony into the tangle. Rhyme tore Rhythm away from the manticore and dragged him along after them.

“Come on dear, I have a feeling this enchantress also talks exclusively in rhymes,” Rhyme said, quite ironically.

The three sat in a hut full of mysterious, strange objects, runes, ingredients and pots hung from the ceiling, a giant cauldron sat in the middle of the hut and old musty books cover the walls. The zebra was busy gathering reagents and books. Cadance looked in wonder at the objects around her.

“So you must be Zecora,” mentioned Rhyme.

The zebra looked around and threw a few more plants in the cauldron that was brewing and spinning and bubbling.

“Yes that is my name, but I know for sure, that is not why you embarked on this adventure,” Zecora replied.

“Yes, Princess Celestia asked us if you could tell us if Princess Luna is planning a return and if she is, if you know of a way to stop her,” Rhyme said directly.

Zecora looked at her carefully.

“The Princess’s sister is a darker pony, for this I require a ceremony,” Zecora replied, “First an item Luna once adored and then a crown Celestia wore.”

Cadance popped her head up and placed Celestia’s tiara on the table. Rhyme pulled the necklace that Celestia gave her and placed it next to the tiara. Zecora looked and examined the two with great interest. She took a bowl of the boiling stew in the caldron and slowly poured it over the two royal pieces. As the liquid touched the metals, they turned into vapor. After dumping the whole bowl out over the jewelry, the cloud of vapor spun around quickly like a storm cloud. Faster and faster it spun like a tiny hurricane. Smalls streaks of lightning randomly struck the pieces, completing the effect.

Zecora’s eyes glowed dark blue and she began to float slightly. She exhaled a great breath onto the tiny storm, momentary calming it and then inhale deeply over it. The clouds when through her nostrils and filled her lungs. She left a bit of vapour that calmly swirled. Cadance jumped onto the table and inhaled the last bit of it before her mother could stop her. Zecora had already fell under a trance.

Both of them began to float and shake slowly at first and then violently. Suddenly a bright white flash erupted between the two regalia and Cadance and Zecora were left on the ground, smoke trailing from their bodies. Zecora was the first to recover, while Cadance laid there awkwardly, twitching slightly.

“Ughhhh….” moaned Cadance.

“Little filly, your heart is wild, but remember you are just a child,” Zecora began said, rushing an herb over to her mouth.

Cadance ate the herb and passed out. Zecora assured Rhyme and Rhythm of her safety. Zecora eyes then glowed dark blue again and she rose and began, reentering her trance. The voice she spoke with was unnatural and made Rhyme unconfortable.

“I am sure you are wondering, why that storm was thundering. I have many stories of the Princess of Night, it was surely, a dangerous sight,” Zecora started.

“The princess’s sadness knew no bounds, her punishment to her, was unfound. In her mind she created a world, and a dangerous task, herself, she hurled.

“She plans to escape with the stars, there are four. The rising, falling, evening and morn.”

“Her misery ended, and her mind was freed, but her intentions and will, I cannot see.”

“The elements of harmony, still hold the power. To hold her off in the final hour.”

“However, the elements by the sun, who in the last fight won. Will not win for sol’s influence grows thin.”

“As the moon and sun meet at last to fight, place your hopes in the magic of twilight.”

Zecora fell to the floor after citing her message. Rhythm rushed to make sure she was okay, but, Rhyme furiously scribbled down the enchantress’s words. This is exactly what the Princess wanted to hear.

1.7

1.7

Luna’s chariot arced across the sky. The torrential storm settled itself as she flew forward through it. Flying slowly but surely towards the storm’s eye, Starswirl explained the nature of their task

“We swiftly approach the Morning Star. An ancient orb of power that gives our crops the light they need to grow despite the eternal night we live in,” Starswirl explained, “It says that it is safeguarded in a temple, presumably defended by powerful creatures and spells.

Luna looked unsure at the beacon in the distance, many thoughts were running through her mind. She missed Celestia, and above all else, it was her goal and task to leave this strange world and go back home to her sister.

“Well it should not be of any trouble for a myself, Starswirl the Bearded and Princess Luna. We are quite an unstoppable company, together we can triumph anything,” Midnight Sky declared.

“I am sure that thou are right Midnight,” Luna said, shooting a smile at Midnight Sky, “But my sister is a powerful pony, no doubt will we be challenged.”

“I hope the two of you are ready,” Starswirl started, “Because I sense evils approaching.”

Luna and Midnight scoured the dark horizons around them for any trace of creature or apparition. The storm rolled louder and louder as flashes of lightning illuminated dark flying creatures in the sky. They looked like black, featureless butterflies with long tendrils trailing out from them and many holes in their wings. Almost like a living shadow of a dismembered butterfly. The sinister spirits flew through the raging storm with impressive speed.

Several spirits rushed passed the two guards pulling the chariot, coming between then and the three and momentarily obscuring them. In the same flash the guards were gone, ponynapped in a brutally fast and dark fashion. The chariot began to hang limp as it began to lose its momentum and began to sink from the sky.

Eyeing one of the creatures, Midnight leaped from the chariot, throwing it to the ground. Luna and Starswirl dodged away from it as fell. As a dark streak across the sky, Midnight charged his magics and plowed straight into the creature. Immediately he felt a strange sense of terror fill him as he was caught in the beast. Almost like quicksand, he began to sink straight into the depths of it.

Flying through the sky at unworldly speeds he struggled to focus the spell he charged. He flipped, dived and spun all while sinking into the abyss of the creature. Finally, he discharged his spell and a brilliant ball of light erupted from him, slowly eating it. Willing it harder he burst it from him and vanquished the creature in a dazzling shockwave. .

Meanwhile, Starswirl’s eyes shone white and he hung in mid-air. Several creatures rushed at him, but were disintegrated by an invisible force field. He then erupted in an electric aura and began to dash around the sky, cleanly eliminating the other threats. He stood in the middle of his sphere, protected from the creatures and the elements.

Luna watched the two of them as she hung in the sky. She raised her hoof up to the sky and channeled her will. Winds started to spin around her at hurricane speeds, forcing the clouds into a funnel as the pressure around her increased to painful levels. The winds were even starting to sweep the other two ponies into the vicious cyclone.

“Be…” She started and then for a moment all hung still, suspended in animation. The funnel cloud around her, obscuring her from vision.

The silence of the moment was merely the calm before the storm.

“STILL….” she bellowed, as a single titanic flash of lightning cackled, illuminating her silhouette in the funnel.

Lightning cracked slowly and then more and more, lashing the ground harder and faster, showing the eerily still creatures. The creatures reflected no light as though they were an endless void until the lightning flashed through the sky making it indistinguishable from day. Some cracks of lightning hit the creatures but Midnight and Starswirl took this moment to jump from creature to creature until they were all dismissed. Leaping across the sky were two parts. One a jagged, dark streak and the other a soft, light streak, together they dispatched them all. At the end of the attack, a blinding flash left them alone but safe.

As Midnight Sky jumped to the last creature to destroy it, he jumped off towards Luna but fell short. Luna went to meet hum halfway and levitated him while they both eased their way to the ground far below. Starswirl had already teleported to the ground and met them there. They looked at each other disappointed.

“I assume we are walking the rest of the way,” Luna said discouraged, looking at the cloud break in the distance.

As the three of them neared the eye of the storm, where the Morning Star lied beneath, the storms intensity increased. Gusts and torrential rains pounded the wills of the ponies. Lighting tore the sky and thunder deafened them. It felt reminiscent of her prison. The whiteness and the deaf ringing of the storm scared her. She winced as a particularly heavy strike shone the sky, which was only the short warning of a deep thunder, which coursed the clouds. She huddled close to Midnight.

“What is the matter Princess?” he asked concerned.

“This storm rages as my mind did during its imprisonment. During it all I wanted was company to save me from it. Now that worry is alleviated by thine presence,” Luna replied, smiling weakly.

Midnight Sky let Luna walk close to him to keep her warm and steady her from the fright.

They reached the eye wall whose winds almost pulled them away with it. Barely breaching the threshold, the three stepped into an eerily calm, perfectly tranquil space. The rage of the storm was silent to them and warmth filled their hearts. Above them, the sun shone down golden light on them, as if placed to be in the perfect center of the circular cloud break. The air was thick and hazy and sparkling dust was constantly settling, giving it the illusion of a dream. Luna breathed lightly, and watched a butterfly daintily flutter across the air. With the storm as a backdrop the weirdness compounded. Luna’s nerves told her that this perfect tranquility was to be feared more than the storm.

Before them was a ruined but sacred temple sitting amoung a vast, overgrown garden in the depths of a forest. It was in a slight clearing and rather underwhelming in size. The ceiling and majority of the walls had given way to time. Many of its arcs and masonry had been covered in a gentle moss and fallen through. It was a an old forgotten temple that should not have been.

Through the missing doors, Luna saw an orb on the pedestal, glorified by the sun’s light.

“The Morning Star, I do not think this is to be as simple as appearances suggest, remain alert,” Luna ordered

1.8

1.8

“Twilight… What does this mean?” Celestia asked herself, pacing back and forth. “What is the magic of twilight?”

“It must be cryptic your highness,” Rhyme suggested.

Rhyme and Celestia sat in her observatory, carefully analyzing the Zecora’s words. Meanwhile Cadance rummaged through some books. Rhyme and Celestia weren’t worried she’d make a mess because the place was already a mess. Books and scrolls laid around the cluttered room.

“I think I got it,” Rhyme said finally, “You are the day and Luna is the night, right? Well between that is a moment of twilight, neither day or night. Settle your differences, make peace and maybe get lunch afterwards.”

“I considered that, but Zecora mentioned that the Elements of Harmony were key to all of this,” Celestia replied, “For this reason I am sure that Luna’s heart is filled with bitterness and that needs to be soothed by the elements.”

Celestia thought a bit more.

“There is no other reason that the elements would be necessary,” Celestia added.

“You can still use them right?” Rhyme asked.

“Not exactly, I could only wield half of them truthfully. The other half rebelled against Nightmare Moon and altogether was I able to seal her into the moon. For all I know, Luna could still control the other three.”

“I think we need make sure we at least have the elements and then worry about the meaning of the twilight riddle,” Rhyme suggested, “Also lunch, because that would be lovely too.”

Celestia nodded her head in agreement to both.

Later that day, Celestia entered one of the castle’s many private courtyards after preparing herself for her task. Rhyme and Cadance stood at the edge of it, watching closely to observe any occurrences.

“I have not done this in centuries Lady Rhyme so when I attempt to tap into the elements, I need you to note everything that occurs so we can begin to measure their strength,” Celestia said sternly, focusing ahead.

As Rhyme readied her notepad Celestia braced herself. Her horn shone a brilliant, blinding white as she began to rise in air.  The spheres of light rose from the ground and slowly circled around her, leaving tracers in their wake. Celestia opened her eyes, revealing a glowing gold hue and clenched her teeth, focusing harder.

Much to her mother’s horror, Cadance also began to rise in the air. Three additional spheres of light floated up around Cadance as she began to take the same position as Celestia. A silly look came over Cadance as she began to grit her teeth like Celestia.

Shells of light formed around the two until they were two balls of light, the larger one holding Celestia and the smaller one holding Cadance. They slowly moved until Celestia was sat a few feet above Cadance slightly askew from perfect centering, hanging in perfect harmony, the six smaller balls of light sitting in a circular pattern around each pony. Suddenly Cadance’s sphere turned dark and Celestia’s sphere shot searing light down towards the ground, catching Cadance’s sphere in the brilliant ray. For moments there was blinding light.

After the light dispersed, Cadance laid on the ground next to Celestia on top of a new burned image of a crescent moon on the ground. Cadances’s sphere had create a shadow when Celestia’s sphere shot her light downward. Cadance stood up wearily next to Celestia.

“Cadance! Are you alright?!” Rhyme shouted out.

“Yeah mom, my head hurts a little bit though….”she replied dazed.

Cadance looked down at her side and screamed.

“Mom! Look I’m a princess just like Princess Celestia!”

Celestia and Rhyme looked down at the pony and saw both wings and a horn on her body. Celestia looked at the filly and then the smoldering moon symbol on the ground. Suddenly it was all clear to her.

“Well my little pony, it would appear that you are indeed a princess,” she said, smiling warmly at Cadance, lying beside her

Celestia dusted herself off and stood tall in front of Cadance. She stood with an air of authority and honour.

“And as a Princess you should remain here in Canterlot with your mother. You do have royal duties now,” she commanded gently.

Cadance lit up and began jumping around Celestia.

“I’m gonna be a princess! I’m gonna be a princess!” she chanted cheerfully.

Rhyme looked up at Celestia worried. Celestia returned her gaze sternly.

Later that night Rhyme went up to Celestia’s observatory. There she found her gazing through her lenses. Cadance had already gone to bed in her temporary room in the castle while arrangements were being made for a more permanent room.

“Princess, I was hoping I could talk with you about Cadance,” she said, quietly entering the room.

“Yes, I knew you would,” she replied briefly.

Rhyme bit her lip before speaking, but continued anyways.

“What is it that you plan to do with Cadance?” she asked, “Because for some reason I don’t think you made her a princess merely because you liked her.”

Celestia sighed and looked back at Rhyme solemnly.

“I didn’t make her a princess on purpose. I had no control over her receiving the mark. However, it is obvious that she is linked to the elements and to Luna in some way. I predict that she will play a pivotal part when Luna returns,” Celestia explained, “If the hope of this kingdom lies in Cadance, she simply must remain safe and be ready to fulfill her purpose.”

“What purpose is this? What will she have to do?” Rhyme prodded.

“I do not know,” Celestia said, looking down, “I will not lie to you, when I used the elements to stop Discord, something happened and caused me and Luna to change permanently. I cannot tell you what will happen to Cadance.”

Rhyme stared at Celestia in disbelief.

“So you plan to use an innocent little filly for this? What if something goes wrong?” Rhyme demanded, outraged, “Luna was trapped away forever when you last used them! How do I know Cadance won’t suffer a similar fate?!”

Those words cut deep into Celestia, but she didn’t show it.

“She represents the hope of Equestria, if nothing else, she will be a pony of legend worth remembering,” Celestia rebutted, scornfully. She saw the sadness and worry in Rhyme though. She had let her duty get the best of her and she was ashamed.

“I’m sorry Lady Rhyme, it’s a lot to ask of you, but I promise you, I will do everything I can to learn about the elements to protect Cadance, if you allow me to use Cadance to save my kingdom should the time arise, I will do my best to keep her safe,” Celestia promised.

Rhyme didn’t feel like she had much of a decision, but she trusted the princess and it made her feel better that she was insuring Cadance’s safety, despite the inhumanity of her dealing with her daughter in such a practical way.

“Ok, please keep her safe princess,” Rhyme submitted.

“She will have everything she could ever ask for,” Celestia assured.

Rhyme nodded reluctantly, she didn’t like the princess using her daughter in such a way, but it was for the best. Mostly she was worried about Cadance. In a short time span, she inhaled unknown fumes from Zecora’s mixtures, came in touch with very powerful and dangerous artifacts and sprouted wings. Rhyme had no idea how any of it worked, but Cadance seemed healthy and she was the same Cadance she had a week ago, except airborne… and legally outranking her.

A few weeks later, Cadance was inducted into the royalty of Canterlot and became Celestia’s royal protégé. A grand ceremony was held and the aristocracy of Canterlot was all in attendance. Cadance’s typical hyperactivity was slightly disruptive, but well met. Rhyme kept on her like a hawk to stop her from doing anything stupid.

“This is Fancy Pants the Lord Minister,” introduced Rhyme, motioning towards the white stallion of Canterlot.

“Hey Mr. Fancy Pants, Lord… uhhh what’s a mister?” Cadance asked.

“Lord Minister your highness, I just make sure that everyone knows what the princess wants,” Fancy Pants explained warmly.

“Why is your name Fancy Pants? You’re not even wearing—“ Cadance started. Rhyme interrupted her quickly.

“Is that Hoity Toity?! Well we should probably go meet him! Look at his cool sunglasses dear,” Rhyme interjected, grinning awkwardly at Fancy Pants, pushing Cadance somewhere else.

After clearing Fancy Pants, Celestia approached them.

“Good afternoon Cadance. I trust that you are fulfilling your royal duties and socializing with your subjects,” Celestia said with a wink.

“Oh yes, your highness, I talked to Fancy Pants and a guard and then I ate food…” Cadance replied, half-distracted by a butterfly.

“My dear, no need to address me as, ‘your highness’, we are both princesses now….” Celestia began, but trailed off. Cadance was already eyeing down a butterfly and sneaking up on it slowly.

Celestia enjoyed the wonder on Cadance’s face. She had spotted a butterfly and was slowly moving in on it to prevent herself from startling it and scaring it away. Before Celestia knew it, she had already cast her Brilliance spell on the butterfly. The butterfly shone a spectrum of colours in a dazzling display. Cadance didn’t run away, instead she stood there and called her mother over to see the butterfly too. Celestia thought quiet thoughts to herself as the young princess in reveled in the moment. Thoughts she thought she had long buried away.

She saw a filly in front of her, but it wasn’t Cadance.

1.9

1.9

Luna slowly, but powerfully approached the pedestal. She had considered these stars left by her sister and thought of what they may be.  Since these stars were left be Celestia, Luna wasn’t afraid. Her sister was neither cruel nor deceptive, she may even have a strange sense of morality in the ways she defended each star to their seekers. She expected the peril to be fair and just.

She looked down at her hooves as she walked and was disturbed by the tracks she left. Every inch of grass and every spec of dirt seemed so perfectly placed and every step she took through the dream felt like a desecration of its fantasy. A darkness hung over the steps and she became uneasy.

“Starswirl, the place is not natural and I feel uneasy. Pray tell, what is it that we have stumbled upon?” Luna asked gingerly as they entered the temple.

“Oh? You want to know why this place terrifies you?” he started, “It doth could be of many different things. All of them equally dreadful, shall I describe them to thou in the greatest detail or most excruciating detail?”

“Briefly describe the three most likeliest possibilities,” Luna replied, annoyed.

“Very well, we have either stepped into a false consecration, a dream field or a terrifyingly peaceful temple that your sister particularly adores and protected with magics unknown,” Starswirl explained, “The first one, we will be judged by celestial cardinals and most likely attacked, the second one we will need to find a way to escape the dream field before our spirits leave our bodies or the third one some else bad happens. Oh also you might just be afraid of living dreams.”

“Most wonderful,” Luna responded sarcastically.

The three had reached the pedestal and had the fabled orb. Sitting in front of them was a rather unassuming glass orb. Vaguely opaque with a whitish hew, it was a smaller gem that sat on a musty old pedestal in front of them. Luna wasted no time picking it up and stowing it away.

“Luna, dearest sister…” a familiar voice quietly spoke to them.

“Celestia?! Show yourself!” Luna said excitedly.

“I’m sorry, I cannot because your quest has only just begun,” Celestia’s voice continued, “You have much to learn before you can return. We are a balance sister, one no more powerful than the other. We will need to work together when you return. Take my Morning Star and with it, the strength of morning’s light.”

Luna let Celestia’s words ring in her ears as it trailed off. It had been a long time since she heard that voice, and needed to wipe a tear from her eye after hearing it. She had only half-hoped that this adventure would yield what she thought it would, but now she was certain.

“Let us go, we have three more stars to acquire,” Luna said, hopes confirmed.

“How simple could it have been,” Midnight Sky announced, “And to think we were certain that your sister had some sort of unfathomable horror awaiting us.”

As they strolled out of the temple their eyes met unfathomable horrors. Just beyond the eye wall of the storm Luna could see creatures whose many eyes glowed a sinister red. At the ground was a scattered sea of red eyes whose number, uncountable, whose insect bodies chittered and chattered menacingly. At the next level were nightmare spiders whose fangs reflected the light of the sacred garden. Even higher up were towering monstrosities whose shapes were various and equally sinister with great red eyes. A noisy chatter surrounded them, almost

The creatures clawed out into the daylight but were burned, some of their claws falling off and turning into boiling dark bile that ate away at the dream.

Luna screamed.

“Tis actually my 5th guess,” Starswirl began, staring up at the nightmare, “Or perhaps it was a combination of my 3rd and 5th guess. Well it would seem that we need to acquire more daylight your highness.”

It was clear that the creatures were held off by day light.

Luna stared up at the sky through the eye in the clouds. In the distance, she saw cloud slowly move in front of the sun. In only a few moments it will block out the sun’s light.

“CLOUD!!! Starswirl we need a daylight spell, now!” Luna commanded.

“Please excuse thee while I execute the talents of a fabled Princess whom livest 1000 years ago,” Starswirl replied sarcastically.

The cloud had begun to intercept the sun and cast a shadow at the edge of the wall. Swiftly the creatures filled in the shade and followed it as it approached the three ponies.

“Everypony retreat to the temple,” Midnight commanded.

They ran back into the temple and Luna recovered the Morning Star. Attempting to understand her sister’s words she began assaulting the stone with a myriad of magic, but without success. Spell after spell deflected off the ball as Luna racked her mind for meaningful or relevant ideas. The cloud passed over the sun and the shadow approached them quickly. The creatures neared them, filling the shadow of death devouring the temple in the process. At a frightening speed Luna panicked as they fell within 5 feet of them.

“STARSWIRL PUT A SHIELD UP NOW!” Luna commanded with lunar fury.

Immediately Starswirl conjured a force field that held the creatures at bay in a small sphere around them. He darkness had now fallen completely over the temple and through their force field, they could only see evil eyes and the vague outlines of claws, talons and scythes. They began to pick away at the shield, scratching and clawing at it. With every attack Starswirl grew weaker. He began to buckle to his knees and show signs of extreme stress.

“DO IT NOW PRINCESS,” Starswirl pleaded,” WHAT EVER YOU DO, DO IT NOW.

As Luna frantically tried everything she had on the orb she saw one of the towering monstrosities lift its giant sickle shaped arm and brought it down hard on the shield.

“SUPPORT HIM MIDNIGHT,” Luna desperately commanded as the darkness closed in on them.

Horn alight, Midnight took up the shield with Starswirl. For a brief moment Starswirl felt relief, before the nightmare shattered his mind. Midnight struggled to stay conscious. He stared at Luna desperately, his last thoughts of her.

“If we perish through this Luna, tis an honour to—“ Midnight began weakly.

“SILENCE FOOL, I AM TRYING TO THINK,” she interrupted briskly.

Luna saw the claw get lifted up again and frantically tried her last efforts. Channeling the magic she used to raise the moon, she hit the orb. It began to sparkle and Luna’s eyes grew wide. The orb went dull and the spell fizzled. The monster’s claw came crashing down, shattering Midnight’s mind. Luna diverted her attention to support the force field at the last moment. She began to think wildly fast under the pressure.

‘We are a balance, it is eternally night here. Don’t raise the moon, LOWER IT!’ Luna thought quickly.

Luna used her “Lower the Moon” spell on the orb and it sparked. Luna desperately started thinking of a last solution convinced that it didn’t work, but the orb shone brightly, repelling the creature and burning the ones too slow to escape its glow. Slowly it expanded and Luna could see the sky again.

Above her the sun shone through the clouds and storm’s eye began to expand infinitely, engulfing Equestria in the day’s light. At last after years of darkness, she had returned light to the eternal night of Equestria. The creatures all burn to death in horrible agony.

Seeing the creatures’ burn to death, their skeletons and flesh incinerated, Luna shielded her eyes to block the horror upon horror.

“Celestia, this is what you left for me? What has happened to you?” Luna said quietly to herself, amidst the mesh of burning body parts and writhing screams of the dark insect army.

In front of her was a smoking Morning Star whom shone brightly in the day’s light and at her feet was Midnight and Starswirl, still unconscious on the ground.  She looked at sun and morning light and reveled in the conflicted moment of hope and despair. She was sure that ponies across Equestria looked upon it with eyes of wonder and purpose.

2.0

2.0

For several years Cadance had silently reigned alongside Celestia as a quiet, but not forgotten protégé of the princess. She was much beloved and had grown into a fine young mare, even though she was still an adolescent and only a teenager. She was well known for her upbeat attitude and occasional spontaneity. Early on she was struck with tragedy. Her mother and father both died shortly after her initiation into royalty.

Her father died of a heart attack and her mother fell ill shortly afterwards of a broken heart. The illness was swift and she didn’t suffer for very long, but Cadance missed them both very much. Many thought it was a royal conspiracy for Celestia to gain control of some aspects of the Trottingham legislature, as Celestia became reagent of their titles until Cadance grew up, but the grief of the two princesses dismissed the suspicion. Not a single day passed where they were absent from Cadance’s mind. Celestia had been a mother figure to Cadance as soon as she needed one.

Now Celestia and Cadance were the de jure Princesses of Canterlot and Cadance was ready to become a full-fledged royal family member. Despite being only an adolescent, Cadance had taken to royalty quite capably and legally came of age to be a Princess. Celestia had planned for the crowning ceremony to fall on the Summer Sun Celebration as to make it a grand crowning of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, Cadance’s new royal name.

Since there had not been a crowning for a Princess of Canterlot in 1000 years, this celebration was to be truly grand. Princesses from the neighboring kingdoms were planning to make appearances because of the momentous occasion. It was uncommon for them to meet because of the nature of the Princesses special powers.

Celestia looked out into the crowd of anxious ponies. She had created a grand celebration in her Canterlot, every mare, stallion and filly attended. There was food and attractions and excitement for all. She saw a young filly in the crowd whose eyes had grown wide with wonder and was carefully watching Celestia’s movements.

She braced herself carefully took control of the magic that gave her, her awesome power, the power to raise the sun. In a mighty leap, she jump in front of them and raised the sun, so that her silhouette eclipsed it, the golden rays shining through her feathers. She looked back down at the same young filly. An indescribable majesty had taken her mind. She stared up at Celestia with wonder and purpose.

After the raising ceremony, there was a recess for the patron ponies before the crowning ceremony at dusk. Celestia and Cadance made themselves busy conversing with the subjects and mingling. Princess Rosetta of Concordia approached Celestia. She was a tall white mare with an auburn mane and emerald eyes. As she walked, ponies were careful as to not block her path and quickly scurried out from in front of her.

“Celestia, it has been some time,” spoke the powerful pony.

The buzz of the crowd began to lower its volume as they realized the impasse taking place before them.

“Yes, it has,” Celestia replied, equally strong. She was careful to not create any unnecessary tension between them. It was already a tense scenario, “I hope you may find your time in Canterlot enjoyable. Please make yourself at home.”

Despite the occasion, Rosetta was the only other Princess to attend. Technically Canterlot and Concordia were the closest of the kingdoms, but it didn’t mean much. All the kingdoms had subtle disagreements on the power distribution of the Princesses. Canterlot was most despised because of its exclusive dual Princess status, however each Princess was impossibly powerful in their own right. For the safety of Equestria, they seldom met as to not sow personal disagreements between them.

“Yes it has been most wonderful. I have yet to meet this new princess, so I cannot say that my visit is most satisfactory yet,” Rosetta casually announced.

“Oh she should be around here somewhere. Fancy Pants, could you fetch Princess Cadance for me please?” Celestia said to Fancy Pants quickly. Seeing the severity of the princess’s demand, he dashed off into the crowd.

A few moments later, they heard some loud, familiar complaining.

“What do you mean ‘summoned me’, I don’t even know what that means. Do I just follow you? Is that what you tell ponies when I ask the somepony to find another pony? ‘Princess Cadance has summoned  you.’? That’s so crazy!” Cadance blabbed to Fancy Pants.

Cadance strolled up to Celestia.

“Cadance, this is Princess Rosetta of Concordia,” Celestia introduced.

“Charmed,” replied Cadance.

“Likewise,” Rosetta responded, a little taken back, “Yes I have come to wish you the best of luck in your reign.”

“I am honoured to have your blessing,” Cadance responded, quite rehearsed.

After the chatting for a bit, Celestia and Rosetta went around the festival having a polite amount of fun. Cadance had split off and mingled with her subjects, she was often stopped by the more important ponies, but she liked the common ponies and always found ways to sneak away from the high society ponies.

She was strolling through the game stands and spotted a timid looking filly trying her luck against one of the games. She had just given the owner two bits.

“Alright, just throw the ball, if you can knock over all the bottles, you win a prize,” the pony running the stand explained, “You get two balls to throw.”

“Uhh, okay?” she said nervously. The balls were too big for her and she struggled to hold them without dropping them. She hopefully looked up at one of the prizes. She wanted the plush toy pony with buttons for eyes.

With her eyes on the prize, she cupped one of the balls in her hooves and, barely reaching over the counter, threw it at the bottles all stacked up. She cleanly knocked over three of them, but the others seem to stick to their spot. Over-joyed and smiling, the filly confidently picked up her second ball, carefully aimed and missed completely, throwing it just to the right of the stack. The filly looked desperately from the stack of bottles to the stand owner to the prize pony, hoping for another try. When the stand owner ignored the filly and continued talking to his next customer the filly sadly walked away.  Cadance’s heart broke a little bit, so she went and talked to the filly.

“Hey, what’s your name?” Cadance asked cheerfully.

The filly looked up at Cadance and jumped.

“Princess Cadance?! My name is Twilight Sparkle!” she said excitedly.

“Oh my! So Twilight Sparkle, would you like to be my friend?” Cadance asked warmly.

“Ok!” Twilight replied, as though she had completely forgotten the let-down of the game.

“So I saw you play that game, why don’t you try again?” Cadance asked.

Twilight thought back to just moments before and looked a little glum.

“Oh, I don’t have any more money. That’s all my mommy gave me,” Twilight replied sadly.

“Hmm…,” Cadance said to herself, “I’ll tell you what, we’ll go give it a try together. I throw one ball and you throw the other.”

“Really? Ok!” Twilight said bouncing back to the stand happily.

They both went back to the stand together. Cadance casually walked up and asked for a try. She gave the stand owner two bits and Twilight and Cadance each took a ball in their hooves.

“Ok Twilight, we’re gonna double team these? I’ll count to three and on three we’ll both throw, got it?” Cadance said determined.

“Got it! I won’t let you down,” Twilight piped happily, concentrating.

“One… two… THREE!” Cadance counted. On three they both threw their balls. Cadance cleanly knocked down the right side and Twilight the left. They ricocheted off each other blasting the stack apart. A giant smile grew over Twilight’s face.

“It looks like we have a winner!” the stand owner announced, “So which prize do you want little filly?”

Twilight pointed to the plush pony with button eyes. The stallion got it down from the rack and handed it to Twilight who proceeded to hug it closely.

Over the next hour, Cadance played all sorts of make believe games with Twilight in the garden, just a little ways away from the main crowd. Blissfully rolling around and chasing after her while Twilight enjoyed her new stuffed friend. Currently they were pretending to be powerful magicians casting spells on each other.

“I cast the super speed spell!” Twilight announced, swiftly galloping away from Cadance.

“Well I cast the teleport spell!” Cadance rebounded, quickly closing the gap between them

“I cast that spell too!” Twilight claimed.

“But silly filly! You are but only half the magician I am! You don’t know that spell!” Cadance declared.

“I don’t, but my smarty pants pony does and she taught me it!” Twilight said with the toy in her mouth, she ran behind Cadance and jumped on top of her, “He also taught me this tickle spell!”

Twilight jumped on top of Cadance and began tickling her. Cadance cried out.

“My famous spell! Who taught you that!?” Cadance cried, laughing.

“My Ms. Smarty Pants pony did! So take that! And that!” she replied, laughing.

Cadance and Twilight tickled each other until Cadance got the upper hand. Twilight laughed hysterically until she finally escaped and ran a short distance away.

“Ha ha! Teleport!” she claimed, still panting and giggling.

Twilight?” called a mare at the edge of the crowd.

Twilight looked for the source of the voice.

“Mommy! I want you to meet my new friend!” Twilight responded, running back to her mother.

Cadance got off the ground and dusted herself off. She walked towards the mare who seemed astounded.

“Your highness—“ she began.

“Oh just call me Cadance,” she politely interjected.

“Cadance, uhh…thank you so very much for watching Twilight for us,” she continued, still estranged by the fact that the Princess was friends with her daughter, “I hope she wasn’t too much trouble. I’m sorry if she bothered you, you must be so busy…”

“Actually it wasn’t any trouble at all,” Cadance retorted cheerfully, “She’s a darling little pony and we had a splendid time”

“If there is anything we can do to repay you,” the mare asked. It was obvious that she was in an uncomfortable spot, “This is just so kind and noble of you…”

“No, it was all my pleasure!” Cadance replied.

“We won’t take up any of your time then. We must be off and I’m sure you must get ready to be crowned,” the mare said, “Say goodbye to the Princess dear.”

“Good bye Cadance,” Twilight said sadly.

“Good bye Twilight Sparkle,” Cadance replied with an equally sad smile.

They began to walk off towards the mass, soon to be another face in the crowd and she’d lose that filly forever. Cadance thought about how this would probably be the last time she’d ever see Twilight again. In the short time they had together, she had so much fun playing with Twilight just like her mom used to play with her. Something clicked inside of Cadance as she fully saw herself in Twilight. A single tear rolled down her face. She couldn’t let her go. Something willed her to call out to them.

“Actually, your Princess does have a request,” she blurted out.

A little bit surprised, the mare turned back around.

“Anything… Cadance. How can I serve you?” the mare answered.

“I wish to foal-sit for your daughter,” Cadance explained, “Whenever you and your husband wish to have a quiet night alone, I will personally take care of Twilight. If you don’t object…”

Shocked by the bizarre turn of events the mare just stood there and stared between Twilight Cadances’ hopeful faces.

“Perhaps this coming Friday, Mrs. Sparkle?” Cadance suggested.

2.1

2.1

Midnight Sky awoke to Luna hovering over him, trying desperately to wake him back up. He had been out cold for a while now and Luna was getting worried. Starswirl awoke only a few minutes after Luna brought daylight back to Equestria. Currently Luna had been resting her head on his chest when he awoke.

“Princess…?”he said groggily waking up, noticing Luna’s close proximity.

“Oh thank the stars, he is alright Starswirl,” Luna sighed with relief.

“Is all well? Am I dead? Or am I perhaps dreaming?” Midnight asked Luna with a strange smile on his face.

Luna laughed lightly.

“He is delirious Starswirl. I suggest a jolting shock, to restore his senses,” Luna commanded.

Amused, Starswirl called down a thin jolt of lightning onto Midnight, shocking him fully awake. He flailed on the ground a little bit and came to a rest, panting slightly. Luna nodded at Starswirl and yet another playful lightning bolt shot down at Midnight.

“AYE! TIS WELL! I awakest and am well!” he cried, “Pray, abstain from conjuring lightning.”

“I am glad that thou are Midnight. You saved thee back there and art a hero,” Luna complimented, “Now let us make haste, we still have stars to find.”

Luna began to walk off with Starswirl lagging behind her slightly. Midnight shook his head and blushed before he galloped to catch up with the both of them.

“So Starswirl, where is the next star?” Luna asked.

“That would be the Rising Star, your majesty,” he began, “That falls within the mountains where dragons lurk.”

“Wonderful…” Luna mumbled.

The three began a long trek towards the mountains of which Starswirl mentioned. Famed for being the primary nesting place for the majority of dragons in Equestria, not much was known about them. No pony was foolish enough to explore them, yet that’s where they were headed. In a few days they were able to see the distant peaks and the tiny forms of the dragons surrounding them.

“So am I really a hero now Princess?” Midnight asked for the now, numerous times.

“Yes, yes thou art Midnight Sky. Thou saved us from the shadow monsters,” Luna said playfully, boosting his ego, “Fortunately for me; I will be able call upon thine heroism again when we fight the dragon swarm.”

“Ah yes, those scaly demons, I am quite prepared to defend my princess from them,” Midnight declared, “Should it cost me, life or limb, I will follow her to the end.”

Luna considered this pledge for a second. Something occurred to her.

“That is very noble of thee Midnight,” Luna began, “However, this adventure is my folly. I will not sacrifice the lives of others to accomplish this errand.”

“Princess…?” Midnight asked.

“I am quite serious, should I tell thou to abandon me and instead save thyself I expect thou will do so without hesitation,” Luna explained. She looked down and spoke in a more heartfelt tone, “During the last encounter, both of thou nearly perished at my foolishness. I already have a life debt to both of thou and I will not allow that to double.”

Starswirl looked unaffected by the princess’s new demand, but Midnight was quick to protest.

“Your highness, as a knight of your guard I swore and oath to protect you, even if I should fall in the line,” Midnight stated, proudly, “I cannot follow this order.”

“Midnight, I will not allow it. Please, for me. I don not want somepony I care about getting hurt,” Luna pleaded.

Midnight looked into Luna’s desperate eyes and finally gave in. She was pleased by this.

“Can we please continue?” Starswirl nagged.

“You heard me, corr—“ Luna began.

“Yes, yes. Save myself if you tell me to. I understand your orders in the greatest detail. Do not worry, I will follow your orders to the letter,” Starswirl interrupted, annoyed.

They continued with haste through the fields and forests in the direction of the great mountain range. Luna and Midnight spent most of the time talking and laughing. They made jokes at things and were generally merry to the annoyance of Starswirl who preferred peace to the constant banter.

“So my hoof was stuck in there, the dog had already went home and thy still had half a pie left…” Midnight explained, continuing her story before hearing a booming roar nearby.

They hear the screaming of ponies and the roars of dragons. Luna automatically began dashing towards the noise, through the woodland. Midnight followed closely behind her with a reluctant Starswirl, slowly working up to a gallop. More screaming and roars gave way to slow, lingering smoke stacks. After a few minutes, they reached the edge of the forest and saw a small village being attacked by two dragons in the meadow a mile away from them.

The massive lizards circled the town and set it ablaze. Fire raged through the town and screams of twisted suffering filled their heads. Several guard ponies had flown up to combat them, but they were sorely outmatched. The dragons batted them from the air and they dropped like flies. The townsponies had fled their town and begun making a break for the surrounding countryside, running into tall grass and towards the forest, with the dragons in hot pursuit. Luna saw that a small, desperate filly had made a break for the fields and seemingly got away, only to have a dragon land down on her and crush her. Luna looked up at the dragon, enraged. Fury filled her soul.

“Vile monstrosities! Take the wealth and go! Do not kill my subjects!” she screamed in a futile protest.

“How uncommon, dragons are not usually violent to this nature,” Starswirl mused with a disturbed look on his face.

“Midnight, you art with I on the red dragon. Starswirl, contain the black dragon until we finish him,” Luna commanded.

She took to the skies and enchanted a storm into existence. The darkness in Luna’s heart raged at the dragons. Stormy clouds appeared out of this air, almost willing themselves into existence. Slowly, rain began to drizzle, but quickly escalated into a torrential downpour, smothering the flames. Gale force winds disrupted the dragons and grounded them. Luna’s fury had only just begun.

She cleared a hole in the sky and raised the moon to shine its lunar rays onto the beast. Confused, the dragons crawled towards the new threat and began to beat their powerful wings, throwing small cyclones at Luna. Midnight Sky leaped into the air and was empowered by Luna, giving him extra power. Mid-leap he caught each cyclone that hit him, sling-shoting them around him. In total caught five cyclone and they began circling around him, shredding the area around him in a titanic power storm.

As Midnight was coming down from his jump, the cyclones disintegrated, leaving a moment of eerie silence. Suddenly a massive horizontal whirlwind of sonic speed burst from him to one of the dragons, instantly knocking him hundreds of meters in the air and dazing him.

Starswirl had teleported to underneath the other dragon and cast a spell, stopping him in time. Suspended, the dragon hung there. Empowered by the moonlight, Starswirl slowly lifted him across the sky. Luna had already been in position to catch the two dragons. Flying between them, a massive beam of light erupted from her horn at the moon straight above her.

Time seemed to stop as her beam hit the moon in the night sky. The wind was still and the raindrops were diamonds, hanging in the moonlight.

“The Princess of Night hath arrived!” she declared to the sky, her voice ringing and echoing across the plane.

The moon flashed in the sky and an instant later, a massive lunar flare shone through the perfect, circular cloud break, catching the dragons. They were disintegrated in the raw power, but every other pony was spared.

As the flare subsided, a small orb descended upon Luna from the sky. Gracefully it came before her as she hung in mid-air. She heard Celestia’s voice in her mind.

“Dearest sister, I miss you and anxiously await your return; however you still have a few lessons to learn. With this star, you are one step closer and half-way to completing your journey, but first you must awaken it. This Rising Star will rise as you and your kingdom does,” Celestia said in her mind.

Stowing the Rising Star away, Luna looked down to the ruined village below her. Some of the townsponies had returned from their escape and had cheered for Luna and praised her. She dropped to the ground to meet them.

“Fair villagers, fear no longer, the dragons are slain and thou art safe,” Luna declared.

“Huzzah!” they cheered in unison.

Luna saw their happy, but worried faces; they had still lost a lot in the attack and it would take much hard work to repair the damage. Luna thought for a second.

“Starswirl, Midnight, we will resign from our adventure temporarily. It would appear that we are needed here more,” Luna commanded, smiling to her subjects.

2.2

2.2

Celestia was in her observatory, quietly reading. The crowning had gone well enough and Cadance was now an official Princess of Canterlot, but now it was over. Celestia had retired to her study. She had spent whatever time she could spare on understanding the nature of The Elements of Harmony. Even though Lady Rhyme couldn’t hold her to her promise, Celestia loved Cadance as a daughter and was now very much concerned for her safety.

So hours upon days were spent studying and experimenting with the elements. Her only companion in all this was her pet bird Philomena. Her phoenix was busy cleaning her feathers on her perch in the corner. Celestia finished the page she was on from the notes Starswirl the Bearded left on the Elements.

“I do not understand Philomena. Luna rejected the elements to turn into Nightmare Moon which is why I was able to harness all six for the short period that I did. However they did not fully leave her,” Celestia thought out loud, “So when I sealed her into the moon, the elements should have stayed with her, yet Cadance seems to wield them.”

Philomena cawed at her in response.

“Perhaps Luna’s recent movement to escape has caused her to forsake the Elements yet again and she passed them on,” she continued.

Celestia read a few pages further.

“Oh my then it reads that ‘should the elements be used for any such unharmonious act, they will abandon their current masters and lay themselves to rest in the destined pure souls’,” Celestia recited, taking a moment to think, “Philomena, I am not sure that Starswirl kept the best notes on the elements, because this doesn’t explain the situation we are in now.”

Reading even further, Celestia found some useful information.

“Upon studying the specific elements, I have deduced that ‘magic’ is the sixth element and is also the catalyst to the assembly of the elements. The other five will be drawn to it by forces unknown,” she read.

There was a knock at the door.

“Yes, come in,” she called out without moving or looking up.

“I was hoping we could have a word, Celestia,” spoke Princess Rosetta.

Celestia glared from the corner of her eye at Rosetta. She stood there in her private study quite unannounced.

“Yes, of course, what is it?” Celestia said with a hint of scorn in her tone.

“Concerning Cadance, you very well know the magnitude of this decision and you still chose to follow through,” Rosetta said flatly, “After your sister failed so miserably and Canterlot was put to shame. You think it is a good idea to separate the throne yet again?”

“You are forgetting yourself and whose castle you reside in,” Celestia replied angrily.

“Tell me Celestia, do you plan to make her the Princess of the Night?” Rosetta said, raising her voice. She was becoming very offensive in her words.

“Rosetta, do not chastise me,” Celestia said, feeling her temper take control of her.

Celestia let out a heavy sigh. She knew nothing good would come of her getting angry.

“I know the consequences of my actions, but I did it with good cause and reason. Canterlot is in trouble and I may need your help.”

Rosetta was surprised by Celestia’s submission. It was unusual for a princess to turn over so easily, even to another princess.

“I’m listening,” Rosetta said smugly.

“My sister may be planning a return and if Cadance cannot wield the Elements of Harmony, they I may need you to,” Celestia explained.

Rosetta was now genuinely surprised by Celestia. She gave her a skeptical look, but was convinced she saw no doubt of dishonesty in Celestia’s expression.

“My my, this has become far more interesting than I suspected,” Rosetta mused as she began to slowly pace, “I honestly thought you were just trying to consolidate power in Canterlot by having two princesses, but now…”

She trailed off as she looked through skyward at the various lenses in Celestia’s observatory. She gazed up at the many worlds and viewpoints just beyond the lenses. Looking through one she stopped and stood still. Celestia turned away from them.

“Is that her…?” Rosetta asked, now truly concerned, “Oh my divine heavens. This is Princess Luna….”

Through one of the lenses she saw Luna. She sat in a white space and was quite animated. She was doing something, but it was hard to tell as the world was featureless. Celestia looked at her with increasing sadness.

The sadness that has dwelled inside her for so long was about to come out. Celestia had been so blind and now in the face of another pony, she was going to answer for her truest crime.

“Do you sit here and watch her? What is she doing?” Rosetta blurted, shooting off question after question, “Does she only see white? Celestia, answer me!”

Celestia began to sob quietly. The tone of the conversation had changed dramatically. From a standoffish power play, to a point of the greatest humility, Rosetta had not predicted this event and didn’t know how to react.

“I know your magic. That is a vacuum of infinite blindness and deafness where madness takes your soul. How long has she been there?!” Rosetta demanded, reacting with rage and appall.

“Over 900 years…” Celestia sobbed.

“I can’t believe you… The poor soul must have lost her mind by now...” Rosetta said, staring at the pony, “The pathetic creature is just wallowing in her own imagined fantasy realm. And you sat here and watched her.”

Celestia was now choking up a bit. The tears ran freely from her eyes, day after day she had watched her sister. As the years went on she saw her sister’s descent into madness. Some days she would lie there or she would walk, but sometimes for days or even months she would fly as high as she could and then dive at the ground trying to kill herself. Over and over again she would try to kill herself, Celestia could only watch those moments in tears. So many times she wished that she would be successful and that she’d end it, but she always got back up. Celestia could barely contain her own hatred for herself and the sadness she felt for Luna. Only most recently did she begin to talk often and smile and fly as though she had purpose. Celestia knew that she had gone mad, and she only felt misery and pity.

“Please, I know I cannot redeem myself for what I’ve done, but it is my duty to return her to her home, so that she may have comfort again,” Celestia cried out, through gentle sobs.

Rosetta stood there and looked from one pathetic sister to the other. Her princess’s heart got the better of her. She saw a call for help in front of her and she couldn’t ignore it. Seeing Celestia like this was beyond anything she could imagine, but thinking of her sorry situation, Rosetta didn’t think she would have fared any better.

“Celestia come now, this is no way for a Princess to behave,” she said with the tone of an old friend, “You did what you had to do. As for Luna, I will help you however I can. I does not matter whose fault it is, we just owe it to your sister to bring her back.”

Celestia looked up at Rosetta with heartfelt eyes and embraced her. Rosetta wasn’t sure if she’d regret what she just did, but Celestia had stopped crying at least.

The two of them talked out the matter of the elements and Cadance’s crowning and Luna’s return for a few long hours, eventually moving to more casual subjects and actually shared a few laughs. Rosetta retired to her suite and Celestia to her bedroom with smiles on their faces and hope in their minds.

The next day Rosetta had met Celestia for breakfast in the grand dining hall. Cadance came down too for a bowl of oats. Upon reaching the table, Cadance looked at the odd situation in front of her. Just the day before they had talked to each other as great rivals and now they seemed like good friends, she wasn’t opposed to it, just weary.

“Good morning Celestia, Princess Rosetta,” Cadance greeted.

“No need for such formalities Cadance, we are all of equal rank now,” Rosetta replied, “It would be unwise to surrender the title to me.”

“Okie dokie, so I need to tell you about this wonderful filly I met last night,” Cadance explained to Celestia.

“Oh?”

“She was the sweetest little unicorn. I’m not quite sure why, but there is something that just makes her so special,” Cadance continued. She paused to get a mouthful of oats, “She told me that after she saw you raise the sun, she was going to go home and learn as much about magic as she could.”

Celestia thought back to the filly she saw.

“How interesting, what colour was her coat and mane?” Celestia asked.

“She’s purple with a violet mane with two highlighted stripes down her bangs, no cutie mark,” described Cadance.

Celestia continued eating gracefully but was quite shocked to learn that it was the exact same filly. She remembered having a musing that, that little filly was something special.

“Anyways, I loved that filly so much, I decreed that I would become her official foal-sitter,” Cadance said smiling.

Rosetta laughed merrily.

“What a fine use of royal privilege. Very good Cadance my dear, very good, you’ll make a fine princess it appears,” Rosetta joked.

“What was her name?” Celestia asked, laughing a bit too.

“Twilight Sparkle.”

“Well if she does wish to pursue magic, give her a royal recommendation for our school once you think she is ready,” Celestia suggested, “I’d very much like to meet her.”

2.3

2.3

The moon had risen over the small, peaceful village. They had stopped their reconstruction efforts to rest for the night. A small celebration and feast was held for the Princess and her triumph over the dragons much to her quiet disapproval. She did not think that expending so much food was wise when they needed to focus on rebuilding; however it had been eons since she last had to rule her subjects and she didn’t know how to say no.

Luna cared deeply for her ponies but she lacked a certain social presence that she used to have. She would have inspiring moments where her will was strong, but she just couldn’t mingle like she used to. She could face dragons and the most fiendish creatures, but what she feared most was the interaction she had longed for but was unready to take part in. Because of this, she stayed close to Midnight Sky and talked with him most.

The feast was held in the town square and Luna’s party and the nobility sat at the head table. Several long tables hosted the rest of the town and caterers and cooks actively supported the feast to ensure that all were served.

“Tis not a trouble Princess,” Midnight said with a large plate of apples and baked foods in front of him, “The food will grow back, and they may need to work a little harder to harvest it all.”

“It is that they are demonstrating excess in a time of scarcity,” Luna complained, eating only a minimal amount of food.

Luna waved down a waitress.

“Servant, we have finished. We would like our food given to a deserving and hungry pony,” she said, giving the plate to a mare.

“Yes, your highness.”

The mare scurried off.

“You are most stubborn,” Midnight commented.

“I am finished eating and I can share my wealth with my subjects, tis a simple concept.”

The mayor had observed the act and also commented.

“Most merciful, your highness. Midnight Sky, thou should mind thine tone, this is the Princess of Canterlot,” she said with a smile.

“Find me a more stubborn pony and I shall eat my words,” he replied, almost talking more to Luna than to the Mayor. He gave Luna a nudge, “It is good though, Canterlot needs a powerful ruler in these times. The Crystal Empire encroaches on our northern front and Concordia from the south. I see war ahead of us.”

“War is a bit much to assume Midnight,” Luna said quietly, “Mayor, how has the adjustment to daylight been for your town?”

The Mayor shifted in her seat uncomfortably.

“It has been controversial,” she said honestly, “I mean, never in the stars would I imagine daylight, I only heard of it in legend.”

She paused for a bit, looking out into the crowd of her people and friends.

“Some of the older ponies are against it and the tradition of night was in jeopardy, but they soon learned that the daylight warmed our houses without fire and magic, and our crops grew without need of artificial assistance.”

“I prayed as much. It was needed for balance,” Luna replied strongly, “From what I understand, Concordia does not approve as much as the Crystals or Canterlot do.”

“Rest assured. Canterlot is very much still a kingdom of night. The tradition is strong and the night is graceful,” The Mayor supported officially.

After the feast Luna had met with Midnight to stroll through the surrounding countryside in secret. She had, had enough of the constant attention of her subjects and wished to be alone with her friend in peace. They walked down an old dirt road to an abandoned farmhouse.

“Sometimes I am not so sure that returning the day is the right decision,” Luna said solemnly, slowly walking next to Midnight, admiring the stars above her.

“You had not a choice and it has improved the lives of everypony everywhere,” he replied optimistically, “Do you remember the days of needing to have tree growing spells just to have enough timber to keep the cold out? Or when sunlight lamps or other spells were needed to grow crops? It is for the better.”

Luna felt better from Midnight’s words of encouragement, but the worries of other ponies did not bother her.

“It is something else, and I feel terrible for being so selfish but…”Luna gulped hard and took a deep breath, “Thou knowest how I was imprisoned, right?”

“I errhm… Never fully understood the nature of it,” Midnight admitted.

“Well, for some reason that has long since been forgotten to me, I was imprisoned in a place of unfeeling. All I saw was white and all I heard was a ringing,” Luna explained, distressed from remembering the details, “Nothing more than that for hundreds of years. It was maddening. I lost my mind and soul in that wretched place.”

“That must have been horrible…” Midnight said, imagining the prison.

“I cannot begin to explain the sadness and emptiness I felt. Timeless misery and suffering.”

Luna had stopped walking and her lip was trembling as she looked up to Midnight.

“Moments before I returned, I had fallen into darkness. Tis do silent and dark. I had never felt such happiness to finally be of another place. The blackness was the beginning of my reawakening and ever since I spend as much time as my eyes will allow me, looking up into the moon and stars.”

“It is… comforting in ways I couldn’t explain,” Luna continued, “Conversely, the daytime reminds of the eons spent wasting away.”

Midnight now understood Luna’s pain in ways he couldn’t before. The day was a constant reminder and flashback to sadness and the night soothed and lifted her. Midnight went to embrace her.

“You are a hero and legend, my princess. You returned day to the dark lands and brought prosperity to your people all at you ownr expense.”

“I am grateful for thou Midnight, thou are truly my greatest companion,” Luna said with a big smile on her face.

They spent the rest of the night talking and exploring the abandoned farmhouse. She almost felt like a child with Midnight, getting scared by scary stories while they made their way through the spooky old house, looking at old memories scattered around it of a family, long gone.

By piecing together a few old diary passages Luna found, ripped out and throw to the floor, she came to understand that the two ponies who lived there had fallen in love and bought the farm together. They had one child who came to own the farm, but died alone and left it to a distant relative who never bothered to come and see it. Luna recognized the name and wondered if she couldn’t find the current owner and let them know of its existence.

“What is the name?” Midnight asked, looking at a few old portraits in the wall.

“Apple. It was all left to a young filly named Granny Smith,” Luna answered.

After they grew tired of the house, they ran into the fields and got lost amoungst the tall stalks of wheat. They took turns chasing each other and trying to sneak up on each other laughing the entire time.

Luna had been stalking her navy blue prey for some time now and was ready to pounce. He seemed unaware of her and she moved silent as night. She was only a few feet away when she leaped up onto the unsuspecting the Midnight Sky.

“Thou, I haveth now!” she shouted, mid-leap.

As soon as he saw her, he faded away to the left and she landed on hard ground. For a moment she was confused by his speed until from the left dashed Midnight Sky, toppling her over. They rolled through the wheat until. Midnight landed on top of Luna and their eyes met. Luna’s striking features never presented themselves more clearly than this moment, her eyes glistening and her mane sparkling in the moonlight.  Her coat reflected the silver light in a sort of radiant blue that looked divinely inspired.

Luna blushed.

“Oh my, it would appear that thou would have me instead,” she said with a blushing smile.

“Yes, thou the most quickest,” Midnight boasted, admiring the mare in front of him, “Now that I have thou, what shall I do with you?”

Luna looked up at him and closed her eyes. She nuzzled him affectionately on each cheek and then gathered her wits.

“Thou would take advantage of a defenseless young mare? Tis brutish. Pray, let me go,” Luna accused with a smirk.

“Oh uhh… yes milady, of course!” he said getting off her quickly.

“When will thou learn?” Luna taunted, playfully nodding her head.

They spent the rest of the night teasing each other and talking before going home to rest.

2.4

2.4

Twilight anxiously waited by the door in anticipation for Cadance. It was the first official night that she would foal-sit Twilight and she had talked about it non-stop since that fateful night. Twilight’s parents were still skeptical of the princess’s promise, it was strange to them that royalty wanted to foal-sit their daughter, but they weren’t about to object. Twilight had also taken a sudden interest in magic and begged them for books on magic and enlistment in a magical school.

Initially they thought she it was just a passing phase, but after they got her an elementary spell book she showed potential. She was able to cast a spark the first day she had it. They promised that they’d look into a magic school if she was good for the princess. It was nerve-wracking to have the newly crowned princess in their home and they spent the last few days cleaning it up to look presentable. Any stain or mess could be bad for appearances sake. They tried to look at the plus side, at least they would have a night to do what they wanted.

Finally a knock came to the door. Twilight jumped up and bounced about excitedly. She went to answer the door. Before she was the mare she sought and Twilight looked up at her with bliss.

“Cadance! Look mom! It’s the princess! ” Twilight shouted out.

“What? No way,” said a colt, walking to the door.

“I told you! Didn’t I?” Twilight replied to the colt.

Cadance and the colt awkwardly caught each other’s gaze and smiled before he spotted one of his friends outside and dashed through the door.

“Hey guys, wait up! See ya, Twilly. Princess…” he said, racing out, taking a short moment for a little bow to Cadance

“See ya Shining!” Twilight called out waving.

“Your highness,” said Twilight’s mother as she came from the other room, “Thank you ever so much for your infinite kindness.”

“Oh it’s no trouble at all! I’ve looked forward to it all week,” Cadance replied gleaming.

“Well, if she’s any trouble or you need us to come back, you can just shoot us a letter,” her dad explained, giving Twilight a quaint glare, “We’ll be back by nine.”

“Nine? Go on and stay out a little later! I think you two should go on a long romantic walk,” Cadance suggested. She lit her horn and cast her signature love spell on the two.

Two broken halves of a heart left her horn and came between Twilight’s parents, forming into one. Instantly the tension they felt by the princess vanished from their faces and they looked lovingly at each other.

“Perhaps you’re right. It’s been awhile since we had any real time to ourselves,” her mom agreed.

They walked out the door together into the setting sun.

“Good night sweetie, be good for Cadance!” they called back.

After they left Cadance turned her attention to the filly. Cadance playfully levitated Twilight upside down and brought her up to her face.

“So what do you want to do first?” Cadance asked, nuzzling Twilight’s stomach.

Twilight giggled and flailed around.

“Ooh! Can you teach me how to pick things up with magic?” she replied enthusiastically.

“Oh Twilight, you ready to learn?!” Cadanced asked. Twilight nodded her head so hard it almost looked painful, “Alrighty, pay close attention!”

Over the next few hours Twilight asked Cadance question after question about magic and spell casting. Twilight showed a great affinity for it, grasping its concepts adeptly. She had actually grabbed an apple with magic, but was unable to lift it. Still, Cadance was impressed by the filly.

“Look at you Twilight! I can’t say I’ve ever seen such a young filly with so much natural talent,” Cadance commented as Twilight shot a decently sized spark out of her horn, “How do you know so much already? You’re clearly no beginner.”

Twilight focused hard on the apple in front of her. A bead of sweat fell down her face as she gritted her teeth. Cadance watched with interest. She didn’t think it was possible, but she knew Twilight was special and wouldn’t be surprised if she did move it. The apple glowed faintly before rolling over and then paused before rolling even farther along the floor. Cadance smiled to herself.

Twilight opened her eyes and after seeing the apple’s new position, was ecstatic.

“Did you see that Cadance?! Did ya did ya did ya?!” Twilight cried out.

“I did! You’re going to be a great and powerful sorceress someday,” Cadance proclaimed, “You’ve been working so hard. I think you deserve a treat. What do you want?”

“Ice cream!” Twilight piped.

“Alright let’s go,” Cadance said motioning to the door.

It was a full moon out and Twilight and Cadance walked down the lamp-lit streets to the local ice cream shop. On the way Cadance was recognized by two ponies that immediately stopped her. Two mares, rather well dressed.

“Oh your highness! What are you doing out here?” asked a baby blue mare with a white and blue mane.

“Good evening dear citizens, I’m on official royal duty,” Cadance replied, winking at Twilight, “How may your princess serve you?”

“Oh uhh, it’s nothing we were just surprised to see you,” the blue mare responded, flustered by the attention.

The green mare with the white mane made a claim though.

“Actually Princess, if it wouldn’t be too much to ask, I was wondering if I could have some advice.”

“Of course!”

“There is this stallion and he is my best friend. We’ve known each other for years now and I’m starting to have feelings for him. What should I do? I’d thought I’d ask you since you are sort of the expert on this thing.”

Cadance thought for a second. Her horn lit up and from the tip came her love spell. The two halves of the heart floated around the mare, invisible to her. She had delayed the effect of it so that it would take cast itself at the right time.

“My best advice is to confess your feelings in a slow, digestible way. Even if he seems to reject your first more, subtle advances, keep trying. He may just be thinking about what he wants. Even if rejects you if he’s truly your best friend, the friendship will persist and you will be able to find love elsewhere, it will just be awkward for a while,” Cadance explained. “Professing your love to him can even validate the friendship further is you have the right approach.”

“How very insightful,” thought the mare quietly.

“I have a feeling that it will go well for you though, call it Princess’s intuition,” Cadance said smiling. Her confidence was an impossibly powerful mark of approval. Princesses had a strange nature of controlling the kingdom with unseen force; merely speaking could bring events into existence.

They looked at each other excitedly.

“Thank you so much princess!” she replied.

“My pleasure…” Cadance started, but they had already dashed off.

Continuing on they finally reached the ice cream shop where they met a familiar face.

“Shining Armor! Ooh what kind of ice cream did you get?” Twilight said jumping up onto the table. His friends laughed a little at the filly before seeing the princess walk up.

“Hey Twilight, just the usual mint chocolate chip, want some?” Shining Armor responded. He saw the princess and quickly changed his tone, “Oh uhh, good evening your highness.”

Cadance rolled her eyes.

“No need for formalities Shining, we’ll get to know each other well enough I’m sure. Just call me Cadance.”

“Look what I can do!” Twilight shouted jumping up on the table and pointing her horn at to Cadance. She said bracing herself as her horn began to glow. She squinted and focused hard on her. Cadance gave her a confused but sentimental look. Twilight opened her eyes to look at Cadance who had not moved, but closed them again and focused harder.

She began to yell a concentrated, exasperated tone, quiet at first but building quickly. Cadance began to glow slightly with magic. Enraptured in the small unicorn’s ability they watched without interruption.

Something snapped inside of Twilight as she cracked her head back and began shimmering with magic light. She screamed at the top of her lungs, unleashing an aura of light around her. Her hooves twitching and barely able to control the magic she fired a bolt at Cadance. She screamed and before he could even think, Shining Armor flung himself in front the princess, taking the bolt square to the chest. It hit him hard and knocked the air out of him. The force of the blast tossed him through the air several feet before landing and sliding a little bit. When Cadance opened her eyes she looked around and saw the colt lying on the ground, magical mist from the dissipating spell around him.

“Shining Armor!” Cadance called out as Twilight fell back on the table exhausted. She ran over to him and cast a healing spell, soothing his chest.

“You just saved me…” Cadance thanked, nuzzling him.

“Oh man, Twilight is gonna get it,” he coughed out, the wind still knocked out of him.

“Yeah just hope she doesn’t learn how to do that again. But you are very brave and you’re my hero,” she said giving him a peck on the cheek.

2.5

2.5.

A few days later Luna had equipped a plow to sow new seeds into the grounds to replace the burnt, dead crops. She moved with great haste and efficacy. The owners of the farm were impressed by her efforts.

“It may not be our place, but I am surprised your majesty,” commented the pony planting the new seeds, “I wouldn’t expect royalty to know the trade of us common ponies.”

“My kingdom would be nothing without farmers such as thyself, know that you are the most indispensable stone in my castle,” Luna encouraged.

Wiping the sweat from her forehead she spoke again.

“Given the rain, the ashes from the old burnt crop and the new sunlight, you will soon have more food than you can eat,” Luna explained, “Which is why I am going to decree that all food thou producest be handled by my expert treasurer. Trottingham will flourish under his watchful eye.”

Over the next few weeks, Luna oversaw and personally assisted in the repair of Trottingham. The villagers did their best to shower her with gifts and praise, which she kindly refused for their sake. Because of this, she was given the surname Princess Luna the Bringer of Light. She returned to Canterlot where she was well received.

The reagent prince hosted a great homecoming for the princess. Banners of the moon and the new sun lined hung from the great walls the flanked the approach to the main castle doors. She heard the cheers of her subjects as her carriage approached the grand approach. Stepping out into the sunlight, the crowd’s energy skyrocketed. Confetti and streamers rained down on her. She had returned light to the world and despite the initial shock, the populace had shifted well.

She opened the main doors to be met by her nobles all congratulating her on her triumph. However she had an unsuspected guest waiting for her as well, a tall pony with an auburn mane and white coat.  She walked powerfully and with grace towards Luna through the crowd. Many stepped out of her way as not to come between the two.

“Luna, so good to see thou again,” Rosetta said angrily.

“Rosetta, what business do you bring to my humble city?” Luna replied, suddenly weary of her tone.

“Well I have noticed that the day has returned to our eternal night and I may be the only resident of Concordia who has seen the day before. We are not prepared to live in such a way. I petition with the full force of Concordia that thou abstain from raising the sun,” she demanded, “If thou doest  this, I may perhaps forget to ask why it is we are speaking during daytime in the first place.”

Silence fell across the room. The nobles looked from princess to princess anxiously awaiting a response. The ruler of Concordia came to meet their princess during her homecoming to demand that her deed be reversed and threatened war on top of it. Luna did not falter or look to her subjects for reassurance. She was truly appalled by the act and stood her ground. After a moment of silent resolve, Luna broke the silence.

“I do not answer to thee, nor Concordia. This is the way of the world and I shall uphold it,” Luna defied confidently. A cheer broke out in supporting Luna.

“Very well, pray that the arms of Concordia do not find a way to wrest it from thine hooves,” Rosetta threatened, turning around and walking away.

“Art thou threatening me and my kingdom?” Luna shouted, fury filling her.

“No, I threaten only thou and shall taketh only from thou,” Rosetta taunted, still walking away.

“I see a pony frightened by a fight. Why does the just ruler of Concordia walk away from her foe only to return behind an army, turn and face me cur,” Luna challenged, returning the taunt.

“Dost thou insulteth me? Thou have brought war to thine country,” Rosetta scorned, turning around with seething anger.

“Thou art pathetic and wishes to hide behind thine subjects to exercise your will. I would never sacrifice thine ponies so brashly,” Luna provoked, a smug smile crossed her face, envenoming Rosetta’s will.

Rosetta radiated anger. She had seen the suffering of her people at the hands of the daylight caused by Luna and now she was being called unjust because she wished to defend them and she had an army ready to fight her cause. It mattered not though, she would take Luna’s power now.

“ENOUGH TALK!” Rosetta ordered, horn ablaze and the nobles backing off from around her. She spoke to the nobles, “Any of you whelps interfere and you will wish death.”

“Thou can trust my ponies unlike your own,” Luna continued to taunt lighting her horn up.

Rosetta had had enough. She took to the sky and fired an energy beam at Luna. Luna returned the beam with one of her own. They locked and began to struggle against each other. Focusing intensely, Rosetta’s beam began to move towards Luna. Noticing that she was losing, Luna let the beam hit her and braced herself.

As it hit her, weakness coursed through her body. Taking a moment to recover, Rosetta dived her and was already on top of her. A ball of light was building on Rosetta’s horn as she willed the spell and was getting ready to burst. Luna was barely able to respond before the explosion blew her back against the far wall of her throne.

“Thou art weak Moon Princess,” Concordia scorned with malefic smile, “I will make thou suffer for thine insolence.”

Luna winced as she fell to the ground and struggled to get back up. Concordia had mercilessly rushed her. She stood there and fired beam after beam into the shattered Princess. She screamed out in pain with each bolt. Luna could feel herself slipping further and further into the light. Luna passed out.

When Luna awoke she had been hung upside down in chains and been put on in front of the castles doors for all to see. Rosetta stood to the side of her.

“Dost thou see what I see my little ponies?” Rosetta announced, “I see a broken princess who was willing to sacrifice all of thee in order to save herself. I had come here to negotiate an agreement over the new daylight as it has hurt my people greatly and she challenged us with war. Her wrath and malice were insatiable so I quelled her. Thou are all good and righteous ponies and I encourage Thou to stand up against Luna and make her answer for her actions.

Tears began to well up in Luna’s eyes as she struggled to grasp how she had just lost everything. In a moment she had been the most beloved pony in Canterlot and now Rosetta was tarnishing everything she had and was powerless to stop her. The nobles all shifted uneasily, unwilling to speak up against her. Luna looked to them desperately, hoping that maybe just one would stand up, but they all avoided her gaze.

“Tis a lie! Believe none of this snake’s venom,” boomed a familiar voice.

Luna saw Midnight Sky and Starswirl the Bearded at the distant, other side of the approach.

“Oh, what is this? The lackeys of Luna now come to her defense, how predictable. Thou defend her despite her evil?” Rosetta said, keeping cool.

“Thou art the most evil and vile creature here,” Midnight replied angrily.

Midnight’s reaction was utterly dwarfed by his companion. Starswirl the Bearded’s eyes went wide and he began to float. Eyes shining with power and electricity sparking around and look of anger and wrath came over his face.

“FOOL… DO NOT TAKE STARSWIRL THE BEARDED FOR A MERE LACKY,” his voiced boomed, amplified by magic across the sky, “ROSETTA OF CONCORDIA. THOU. ART. NOT. PREPARED.”

Before she could even respond, Starswirl had teleported beneath Rosetta. Surrounding himself in a field of magic. He detonated it and sent her skyward. Rosetta had recovered and stabilized herself in mid-air as Starswirl made his next move. He pulled three energy balls from the ground and accelerated them at Rosetta. She skillfully dodged all three of them.

Starswirl swung his horn upward and down dramatically. The space around Rosetta tore and from it spewed a wind of fire that spun around her. Rosetta cried out in pain as the fires burned her. Starswirl had not even started to fight yet.

Starswirl tore more space around her, revealing a dimension of pure magic. Energy spears shot from each hole at Rosetta who narrowly began to dodge them and soared away from them. Starswirl predicted her movements and spawned an invisible wall in front of her. She ran into it and Starswirl conjured up five more walls around her, putting her in an invisible box.

Midnight was already charging towards the Rosetta and brandished a blade made of pure magic. He launched himself at her and came down on her hard with it, shattered Starswirl’s box. He was going for the final blow. She had seen it coming and caught it with her horn and, bringing her back hooves around, hit Midnight Square in the jaw, knocking him out and causing him to fall from the sky.

Luna watched in horror as her friend hit the ground, bouncing and sliding a little. She struggled to loose herself from her bindings.

Starswirl enclosed a sphere around her, electric bolts shocking her from all angles. She screamed a bit before focusing on breaking the spell. Only wincing from each bolt, she redirected the energy outward and tore Starswirl’s mind. He was able to continue throwing spells at her, but it was a losing battle and he was getting weaker.

The crowd had actually begun to jeer at Luna and cheer for Rosetta much to her amusement, which crushed Luna’s heart and spirit. Luna struggled harder but it was no use, she couldn’t break free. Luna began to cry only a bit. Closing her eyes, she heard Celestia’s voice.

“As your enemies fall, rise to power.”

She looked down at the ground above her head where her tears had fallen and there she saw the Rising Star. Only moments before the space had been empty, but now it lay their peacefully, glistening in the day’s light. Knowing that the star was her only chance, she mustered her remaining strength and ran her moon raising magic through it.

The s felt the magic course back through her, filling her and revitalizing her. As it continued to surge, she began to feel like it was too much strength. She began to lose control and lost touch with reality as she dove into a magic fueled frenzy. It filled her so, that she felt like she was going to explode. Random bursts of magic were shot off in different directions. Each discharge gave her momentary relief before it was replaced with more wild magic, writhing and tearing at her. It accelerated its flow into her and soon she had broken her bonds and floated in mid-air, shaking violently as she attempted to control this inconceivable power.

She could think of nothing but discharging magic as much as she could as got closer and closer to exploding. She racked her mind for an idea, for some way to control it. At the last point of tolerance she remembered Celestia’s words from only moments before.

She directed all of it at Rosetta and let go. Instead of tearing her a new existence, Luna came back into reality with a greater understanding of magic and the world. She controlled the magic she felt before with ease, looking up at Rosetta with clarity and simplicity.

The sky’s darkened as the sun rapidly went down. The moon rose above Luna and empowered her. Rosetta witnessed Luna’s transformation and was now nervous. She shot bolts at Luna as she slowly flew up to her, deflecting harmlessly off of her. Luna came up eye to eye with Rosetta, who had stopped firing bolts and now had a look to terror on her face.

“The sun shall stay,” Luna said calmly, thinking of her sister, “I rule Equestria and I do not share power.”

Rosetta looked at her like a dear in headlights and in a massive spark, teleported the hundreds of miles to Concordia. Luna abandoned the power and looked down upon the crowd. Midnight Sky had barely come to and was struggling to even speak.

“Huzzah! Princess Luna has vanquished the tyrant…!” he coughed out.

One by one the nobles began confessing the lies of Rosetta.

The Rising Star shone in Luna’s hooves as her kingdom cheered for her. She had risen to power.

2.6

2.6

Cadance paced through the observatory hastily. A few months had passed since she started foal-sitting Twilight Sparkle and she loved her even more than she did when she started. She had become fixated on magic, whenever they weren’t playing make-believe or other games, Twilight was constantly asking Cadance questions about magic. She herself had actually begun brushing up on the finer points of magic because of Twilight’s insatiable appetite for knowledge.

Twilight’s dream was to get into a magic school so that she could learn even more. Her parents had found a school in New Colt City, but Twilight wanted to stay in Canterlot. Cadance had become so in touch with the filly that she went to Celestia to take her up on her offer and let her into her private school for gifted unicorns.

“But I’m not lying, I know what I saw. Her brother saw, I saw, some random colts saw it…” Cadance persisted.

Celestia had been skeptical of Cadance’s story but it had gone on long enough, she was ready to submit.

“Fine I shall allow it despite not having any prior training. I’m just afraid that the young filly will be sorely out of her league. They’ll be using terminology that she’s never heard before and I just don’t want to see such ambition squandered,” Celestia admitted.

“She’s a special unicorn, you’ll see,” Cadance assured her.

“If you say so, I’ll trust you,” Celestia replied, approvingly, “Here is an acceptance letter.”

Several days later, Twilight stood in an empty classroom in front of four testers for Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns. Today she was taking an entrance exam for her new school and her nerves had not settled. Cadance had prepared her as much as she could, but Twilight knew the importance of the exam and wasn’t sure if she was truly prepared for what they were going to throw at her.

“It took some time, but I finally convinced Celestia to let you into the school,” Cadance explained, pushing Twilight on a swing.

“I can’t believe you actually did that for me,” Twilight said, shining, “I’m so lucky to have you as my foal-sitter!”

“I’m the one who’s lucky Twilight,” she replied.

Twilight was flustered and laughed it off.

“You’re a princess,” Twilight said, feeling unworthy, “I’m just a regular old unicorn.”

“You are anything but a regular old unicorn!” Cadance encouraged.

Twilight thought of their “Sunshine, Sunshine” dance that Cadance taught her that same day and felt a little better. She looked up at the testers with a blank face, awaiting the exam. Her parents were over at the side of the room motioning for her to smile for the testers. Twilight’s nerves reset and she awkwardly smiled up at them. From a door to her left, a stallion rolled a cart with an egg on top of it out in front of her. Twilight had never seen one before, but recognized that it was a dragon’s egg.

She giggled nervously at it. She had to somehow hatch the egg.

“Well, Mrs. Sparkle?” one of the testers impatiently prodded.

Twilight began to try every bit of magic she knew but the pressure of the testers was clouding her mind and she just couldn’t get herself together. Desperately she tried flailing around from every angle without any real attempt to use magic. Completely oblivious the comments they gave her, her mind and heart raced and raced. Those testers were watching her every move and judging her on more than just talent.

Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns were the main pool for which royal attendants and magicians were selected, so poise and presentation were also important too.

This was her one chance at making her dream come true, but she was getting test anxiety and failing hard. Refusing to give up, she thought of Cadance one last time and cleared her mind. She focused and remembered her reading and practice. For a second she could feel the magic flow through her, but just as she thought she was going to hatch it, she psyched herself out and fell flat on her face. She wanted to cry. She let down her parents, Cadance and herself and nothing would make it right.

“I’m sorry I wasted your time,” she said, defeated.

Behind her in the distance sounded an explosion that shook the room and her soul, tapping into an unknown reservoir of magic previously unknown to her. She was about to rise to power. Twilight’s horn glowed and she shot an impressive beam at the egg spontaneously and out hatched a small dragon with purple scales and green spikes. In a moment of disbelief, Twilight hung there in mid-air dazzled by the magic, but in a crack of light, magic that she never felt before, coursed through her and filled every fiber of her body to the point of agony.

She could feel it inside her mind, body and soul, and for a moment she could see what was to come for her. She discharged as much magic as she could for the temporary relief it gave her. Every second though, it built and built pushing her closer to what felt like would be a supernova. Around her she saw her parents turn into plants, she levitated all the tester ponies and aged the hatchling dragon hundreds of years, bursting through the ceiling from the artificial growth. She couldn’t control it and was terrified of destroying herself and everything around her.

Celestia walked up to the small filly, suppressing the field of magic and returning Twilight to consciousness. Twilight looked up, confused and terrified. Celestia had her doubts, but now they were all cast aside. She looked upon her and felt a dire need to connect with her. Celestia knew of the charm and love that Cadance boasted about so much now.

“Twilight Sparkle,” Celestia addressed.

“Oh I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to—“ replied the filly, embarrassed and afraid.

“You have a very special gift. I don’t think I’ve ever come across a unicorn with your raw abilities,” Celestia explained.

“Huh…?” Twilight was confused by the princess’s lack of anger despite the fact that she just tore a hole in her roof.

“But you need to learn to tame these abilities through focused study,” Celestia criticized

“Huh?!” Twilight was now confused about the princess’s demeanor and what she was saying. It hadn’t all registered because Twilight was still a little hazy from the magical surge.

“Twilight Sparkle, I’d like to make you my own personal protégé here at the school,” Celestia offered, motioning to the semi-destroyed room.

“HUH?!” Twilight got that last part and couldn’t believe the offer.

“Well,” Princess Celestia asked rhetorically.

Twilight looked at her parents who were watching in disbelief, enthusiastically cheering their daughter on.

“YES!!!” Twilight cheered happily.

“One more thing,” the princess interrupted. Twilight had not even finished her cheer yet.

“More?!” She was starting to get worn out by all these unbelievable events that were moving to sculpt her life.

Celestia pointed at her fresh new cutie mark on her flank. The best day ever just got better.

Later Cadance had come over to hear about the story. Cadance was soon loved by the rest of the Sparkle family and now would come over regularly, even when Twilight didn’t need foal-sitting. Unfortunately she was unable to come to the exam to support Twilight because of other royal duties.

“Unbelievable,” Cadance inquired, “You heard an explosion and then you could cast the spell?”

Twilight and Cadance were off in the backyard on a quilt looking up at the stars.

“It was crazy. I’m nervous though. Being the princess’s personal protégé can’t be easy.”

“I’m so proud of you Twilight. For any other pony I’m sure it would be hard, but you’ll make it look like a walk in the park. You’re a star student in the most prestigious school in Equestria and you’re the personal favourite of not one, but two Princesses of Canterlot! Still think you’re just some regular old unicorn?” Cadance said turning over and tickling her.

Shining Armor Walked in on their tickle fight, both of them were laughing hysterically.

“Hey, what are you two up too?” he asked.

“Just tickle fighting!” Twilight cried out from Cadance’s attack.

“Sounds great. Just wanted to let you know how proud I am of you,” he said.

Cadance let up on Twilight so they could talk.

“Thanks BBBFF,” Twilight replied, heartfelt, “How are the Canterlot Cadets going?”

“They’re going alright. They are considering me, but there are a lot of other good stallions who might get in ahead of me,” he sat down nest to them and laid back to stare up at the stars too.

“You’re a natural guard Shining Armor. I still remember that day you saved me,” Cadance said dreamily, “I’ll put in a good word for you.”

“Yeah I remember that too… Well part of it… The good parts at least,” he said flustered, “But no thanks Cadance, I want to become a royal guard all on my own merits. Appreciate it though.”

The three of them stared up into the sky, watching the stars twinkle, unknown the great destinies that lay before them. They pointed out constellations to each other and told stories back and forth sharing stories, feelings and memories.

2.7

2.7

“It is troubling, Starswirl. Luck makes no mere coincidence and this move is brash and unrealistic,” Midnight protested.

“Shall I read it to thou again or would thou like to see it for thyself,” he argued back, clearly annoyed.

Luna considered the text and when they read it before, they assumed something of a more positive light, but now they knew the grave deed awaiting them. She stood in front of the great window in the library where the full moon shone down on them. It was her favourite place to sit and think.

“In a desert of the far south east, awaits a tyrant who slumbers deep. In their kingdom you will spar, to turn them into the Falling Star,” Luna recited, “Rosetta came here, humiliated me and attempted to overthrow my rule. She is a tyrant. If nothing else, she deserves what is coming to her.”

She took a deep breath and watched the moon. She felt calmer and wiser when she could see the moon and it comforted her. She thought of what it’d be like to be on the moon and gaze down at all of Equestria, watching everypony go about their nights. She turned to face them, the full glory of the moon behind her, announcing her and strengthening her.

“There is no other option or explanation. We are to go to Concordia and slay Princess Rosetta,” Luna commanded, “Our ponies are behind us and we have a reason to go against them.”

“But Luna, it is folly. We are at peace, thou would sacrifice your people for your quest?” Midnight challenged.

Midnight had become increasingly against Luna’s quest, constantly complaining about the consequences. He had always had a point and even made Luna question the legitimacy of it. She had returned to a home that she could not discern from the one in her old broken memory, her rule was strong and the only motivation she had was an old memory of her sister. More often than not, she thought about giving up on it and just living in this realm, but no more.

“It hath become clear to me now Midnight that we need to continue the quest, for our search for the stars is no longer a quest at all, tis a chain of events, preordained by the stars. By finding the one star, we set in motion events that will lead us to the next. Unfortunately, we are not the only ones affected by these events, it seems like all of Equestria is part of this quest and I will not rest until we see this though.”

Luna turned around and slowly paced around the study.

“I fear that suffering will fall upon Equestria if we fail to follow through with what we started,” Luna explained. There was silence as the words left her. Midnight was considering her thoughts.

“So be it. I know I have disagreed in the past, but I will follow my princess,” Midnight established.

Luna formally declared war on Concordia the following day, only four days after her battle with Rosetta. Chances were that she’d be too weak to rally her people and Luna was going to drive this advantage. As part of her letter she offered to duel Rosetta for the Crown of Concordia so that their people may be spared, a one on one dual to the end, to be put on display for their subjects to watch. Rosetta did not reply. So Luna pressed her army into Concordian lands.

No matter Rosetta’s response to her challenge, she would not go to Concordia without the full force of her military. Rosetta’s last incursion into Canterlot was a prime example of what happens in such scenarios.

As they passed through, Luna forbade her soldiers from any barbaric behaviour as they walked in their dark purple plate armors adorned with the sign of the moon. She knew that her claim to war was weak as it was and she didn’t want her army to second guess her command. Neither did she want her popularity with the people to diminish so, only the noblest behaviour would suffice.

She flew over the great dark army marching in lockstep and her heart beat with anticipation to their rhythm. Her pegasus knights streaked across the sky like Jagged lightning. Every thundering step was one step and heart beat closer to Rosetta, the star and Celestia.

Luna wore her Royal Lunar Armor and took her Spear of the Stars. The polished dark blue armor gleamed an eerie moonlight despite being in the sun and covered her with precious moonlight that gave her comfort and strength. Her spear was enchanted with a legendary spell that trapped the power of the 13 constellations in it. From it she could withdraw terrible power that would do more harm that good. She did not intend to use it for those purposes, but merely to make herself a stronger leader. Starswirl had warned against wielding it while retrieving it from a vault far below the castle. She reassured him that she did not plan to unleash its full power. He asked what she intended to use it for, if not for its enchantment.

“Tis the most sturdiest and most sharpest spear. Plus it looks powerful. Imagine it Starswirl! The Princess of the Night soaring across the sky in her royal armor, equipped with the Spear of the Stars. Would thou not follow her into battle?” Luna exclaimed enthusiastically, sparkles in her eye.

“Yes, I would…” he mumbled. He continued to ridicule her, increasing his volume in frustration, “As to prevent thine brash and reckless princess from releasing an Ursa Major or literally any other impossibly powerful, uncontrollable nightmare back into the world.”

“Oh look, there is my spear!” Luna shouted, as the vault opened and she laid her eyes on the weapon in front of her, “Be a good master wizard and fetch it for me, so that I may not accidentally release the suffering of a thousand years on our plane.”

The spear itself had a great magical weight to it. Even as Luna flew with the thing levitating by her side, she could only swing it so much. It had a strange connection to her though. It felt more like she was holding it in her own hooves rather than an object she moved through space with magic.

They had just reached the outskirts of Concordia’s namesake capital city as darkness began to fall. Despite being an army of the moon, most soldiers in it did not actually fight that well in the dark, so they bid to attack the following day.

A messenger had met with them and they welcomed him and treated him as a friend, giving him food and asking him to spend the evening with them. Not to Luna’s surprise he told her that Rosetta would not meet her challenge and instead would command her army against Luna’s. He sent the message and was returned one immediately.

“So it has come to this,” she said quietly to the messenger. She turned to face her anxious army, and boomed her royal voice “This good messenger has given thee news from Princess Rosetta. She has decided to hide behind her army and watch them fall for her, she is wise. Like this good stallion, they are worthy ponies and will be treated with honour and respect. And because of that you will show them no less than your most worthiest self. They will show no weakness so thou must maketh them. Give them no quarter, no mercy and not an inch of ground. No matter what.”

The army cheered for Luna, inspire by her speech.

Later that night Luna and Midnight had potentially their last night together. They snuck away from the camp and walked out into the surrounding countryside. Away from the city lights, the nebulas and depths of space fill their souls. Giant clouds of space dust painted an immovable picture of colour on the sky.

“What dost thou think the riddle of the Evening Star reveals?”  Midnight asked.

“It said it will appear at the end of my journey and that I will learn of a bitter mind,” Luna wondered, “I suppose after I find the Falling Star, the Evening Star should just appear.  As for the bitter mind, I do not know.”

“So thou shall not be here much longer,” Midnight concluded.

“I fear not.”

They came to a stop and looked at each other in the moonlight. Midnight was clearly sad at this and Luna fared no better. They had come to like each other a lot in her short time here. Luna remembered her old memories of Midnight before she was imprisoned and wished she would have been closer friends with him than she was. All the time they could have spent together was wasted with formality and pseudo-friendliness.

She wanted to see Celestia more than anything else, but it won’t be easy leaving Midnight or even Starswirl behind. Luna knew that as soon as she got back to her old time, she’d go be friends with her Midnight as soon as possible.

“But after I leave, the Luna I replaced should come back, so it shan’t be any different, right?”

“Right.”

“What was she like?” Luna asked thoughtfully.

Midnight began walking again, Luna following close behind.

“She was noble and just, always good to her people,” Midnight explained flatly.

“You like thee more, do you not?” Luna inferred.

Midnight stopped for a second. He was surprised by the princess’s accusation. However, Luna would have imagined that’s what her Midnight would have said about her.

“How could I not? To the other Luna I was just a guardian and a knight, no more. But to thou I am a friend. I care about thou and not just because of an oath,” he admitted, “I had not the heart to tell you that and I have been so selfish.”

“Midnight…” Luna replied tenderly.

“Ever since the first night that thou came here, I had secretly hoped thou would stay, so that we could be friends, I put myself before my princess, but no more. I apologize for my insolence,” he continued emotionally and shamefully.

Luna walked up to him and nuzzled him lovingly.

“Do not apologize Midnight, I am not angry and I know what thou feeleth because I feel it too. I was trapped away for hundreds of years and thou were the first pony I saw, the first pony who called me by name… my first friend…  Over this quest, I had considered staying because of thou. If we were not where we were, I would have.”

Midnight Sky hugged Luna. They held each other for what could have been an eternity. They continued walking and decided to just lie on the ground and look up at the night sky with wonder and also at each other bittersweet love. They exchanged their last stories, feelings and memories. They did not know the great destinies that await them, but they knew they’d always have the other in with them in their heart.

Quiet words were exchanged.

“I love you and thank you.”

2.8

2.8

Ten years had done many things to the three ponies. It filled their hearts with memories and made bonds completely unbreakable. They had also turned Twilight into the most capable unicorn in Celestia’s school and Shining Armor into a captain of the Royal Guard. Twilight was no mere adept but a complete prodigy. She had mastered spell-casting with the will of a master and graduated far ahead of her class as the valedictorian. This came at a price as Twilight became a bit of a shut in. Always more concerned with books than other ponies. She still had Shining Armor and Cadance, but no other ponies to call friends. Her only other companion was Spike, her baby dragon assistant that she hatched during her entrance exam. Celestia wasn’t too concerned about Twilight’s loneliness though, as she always seemed perfectly satisfied with life. Twilight was truly a marvel with spell casting though and Celestia enjoyed seeing her newest development, be it a new spell or a new imagining of an older one.

Cadance had maintained close contact with Twilight and Shining Armor, but was unable to see them as often because of her increased royal duties. Slowly, Celestia began to share her load with her and she was bogged down by various appearances and diplomatic ventures. However, when Cadance had a free day, she’d almost always spend it with Twilight. Usually in the Twilight’s library, but sometimes she’d go out and they’d do something fun.

Today Princess Celestia would reveal to Cadance what made her a princess. She had kept it hidden from her until the time was right and Luna’s return was not but a year away. Celestia had to make sure that Cadance was still capable of wielding the elements when the time came.

“You must be wondering why I summoned you,” Celestia said standing with her back to her, in the courtyard she first learned of Cadance’s powers those longs years ago. The moon was still inscribed in the floor.

“Yes, I am. I was going to see my favourite filly today and you had better have a good reason for why I can’t,” Cadance bit, clearly annoyed.

“Twilight is no longer a filly Cadance. But I assure you that this is very important,” Celestia explained, “Do you remember the day that you became a princess?”

“Yeah, you never told me why that happened, I also don’t remember very much of it. It was all such a blur. So is today the day I find this out?” Cadance replied, uninterested.

“Cadance please, I know I ruined a day with Twilight. I would feel the same way if you had done it to me, but I wouldn’t have done it if it wasn’t more important,” Celestia pleaded.

Cadance let out a deep sigh.

“Fine, tell me the story.”

“As you know, you weren’t born a princess, just a regular unicorn. But something happened to change that. You were present when I attempted to use a set of six ancient artifacts called The Elements of Harmony. Usually I am only able to use three, the other three belonging to my sister—“ Celestia explained.

“Sister?!” Cadance shouted confused.

Celestia explained to Cadance the story of her sister and the elements. She also explained how Cadance had become part of the Elements of Harmony and that Celestia needed her to fight off Luna when she returned. Cadance was quiet while Celestia spoke and asked few questions until she was done.

“Let me get this straight. Your evil sister is returning and can only be defeated by the Elements of Harmony which is a power that only works if you and I work together?” Cadance recited, “How do you know we still have them?”

“I’m going to tap into them and make sure they are still present within you. It shouldn’t take very long and you will still have time to see Twilight.”

“Well about of the magic of twilight?” Cadance asked, referring to Zecora’s last words.

Celestia shook her head. It was still one piece of the puzzle she didn’t fully understand, but she was fairly sure it referred to her and Luna’s special connection.

“Alright, do it. Make the elements work.”

Celestia’s horn began to glow as she tapped into the magic inside her. Cadance mirrored her almost perfectly, feeling a strong connection inside her to Celestia. They began to float, magical light filling the courtyard from corner to corner. Three balls of light surrounded each of them.

It had happened exactly the same way as it did all those long years ago. The balls turned to the colours of the rainbow slowly and Celestia knew they had almost reached their goal. Focusing harder, the balls began to spin and right as they began to connect and the rainbow beam was unleashed, something they did not expect happened.

The symbol of the moon underneath them glowed with the light of the moon and it shot a beam of lunar magic straight into the sky. It made contact with moon, shadowed by light of day, and flashed before the beam vanished. The beam had disrupted the two of them and they fell back onto the ground. Baffled, Celestia sat there and stared with horror and sadness at the moon.

“Luna, what have you done…?” she asked quietly.

Cadance jumped up.

“What just happened?! Was that supposed to happen?!” Cadance asked, frazzled.

“No, it wasn’t… It seems like we have fallen from grace,” Celestia choked out, despite the shock, “Go and be with Twilight, I have studying to do.”

Celestia had run straight back to her observatory and reread every bit of literature on the Elements she had. For time unknown, she fell back into an obsession with them. Months had passed and Heart Warming’s Eve was coming up. Only a few months remained until the Summer Sun Celebration. Zecora’s final words stuck out most to her.

“As the moon and sun meet at last to fight, place your hopes in the magic of twilight,” Celestia read out loud. She was confused, “What of the magic of twilight…?”

Celestia considered the phrase for a moment. It had haunted her so long now. She thought that the elements would be enough so she left that part alone, but since she lost the Elements, thats all she had to work with. What of the magic of twilight?

Obviously it referred to the magic between her and her sister, but it didn’t explain where the elements were. Celestia and Cadance no longer had them so they must have moved on to new ponies. There were thousands of ponies in Equestria and finding them would be impossible before Luna returned.

Looking through Starswirl’s old notes on the elements, she read something that blew her away. Never had she considered the possibility before.

“Upon studying the specific elements, I have deduced that ‘magic’ is the sixth element and is also the catalyst to the assembly of the elements. The other five will be drawn to it by forces unknown,” Celestia read further.

A note from Twilight Sparkle coincidentally appeared the moment she read the line, talking about her study of the anthropomorphic spell and its applications. Celestia stared from note to note. It was beginning to make sense.

“Philomena, you don’t think Zecora’s last words were literal, right?” Celestia said, jokingly. The joking tone in her voice was beginning to dissipate as the truth set in, “Oh my stars…”

“What of the magic inside Twilight?”

Philomena cawed reassuringly.

“She’s an excellent magic student, her name is Twilight and Cadance and I, the two most current holders of the elements, really like her for reasons we could never truly explain. It can’t be that simple…”

When Luna and she fought, they must have lost their control of the elements because it was very unharmonious to seal one’s sister in the moon. It didn’t entirely explain why Cadance had access to the elements, but there was something obviously elemental about her. What was more important was that Cadance and she had always had such a strong attachment to the unicorn. Twilight had drawn them to her by forces unknown. Anypony with a strong tie to the elements were going to be drawn to Twilight.

“Oh my stars…” Celestia said, dumbstruck again, “Twilight Sparkle has harnessed the Element of Magic.”

Celestia got up and began talking and pacing quickly.

“So assuming she is the Element of Magic, she should have attracted the other current elements, but that isn’t the case since she doesn’t seem to have any friends beyond her brother, Cadance and myself. This must change. Twilight Sparkle must locate the other five elements.”

Unfortunately Twilight had spent all her years cooped up in a library instead going out and finding the other elements. She probably didn’t even know of the elements yet. Celestia immediately found a book, “Old Mare’s Tales”, wrapped it and sent it to Twilight as a Heart Warming’s Eve present. She just hoped it wasn’t too late.

She needed to make sure that Twilight knew of the elements and Luna’s return so that she could activate them in the final hour. Celestia could then send her off somewhere that the elements would be attracted to her.

That Heart Warming’s Eve Twilight had anxiously awaited opening her present from Princess Celestia. It was delivered to her with a royal escort and had a powerful enchantment on it to keep it safe. Twilight figured it must have been an old and powerful spellbook. Even though the anticipation was killing her, she did however until Heart Warming’s Day to open it properly. Squeeing with delight she carefully unpackaged the book as not to rip any of the wrapping paper.

“Old Mare’s Tales? Why would the Princess give me an old filly’s book?” Twilight said. She was somewhat let down by the lack of an old and powerful spellbook that the princess usually gave her on Heart Warming’s Eve. The note simply read, ‘Please read.’

Twilight looked at the book carefully.

“Well it should go fast then. I’m sure the princess must have given it to me for a good reason.”

2.9

2.9

Luna stood at the front of her dark army. They were fresh and ready for battle and anxiously brandishing their spears. Across the meadow stood the Concordian army, clad in marron, the buzz of battle filled the air and both sides were itching for combat. Rosetta had met where they planned to meet. Even with her recent dishourable actions, Rosetta wasn’t about to risk such damning shame as to lead the opposing army into and ambush.

“My most dearest ponies, over there stand our enemy who wait to cross blades with you. Let us not keep them waiting much longer,” Luna commanded.

Luna pointed her spear skywards and upon her shone blinding moonlight. A loud sonic boom thundered as a beam came from the shadowed moon in the day’s light and hit her spear. It filled her with power and she glowed with the familiar lunar magic. She didn’t hold any punches though and brought the full fury of the moon into her, making her much more powerful than usual. She spun her spear around and from the tip of it shot a spell. A ball of light flew above her and exploded into her moon insignia of Canterlot, invigorating her army. She roared and charged the enemy line. A vicious whirlwind of spear tips and lunar magic, she cut up their front ranks and drew attention from the Concordian pegasus knights. They converged on her and she exploded with force outward, knocking several of them skyward. Her army followed her with the same primal roar.

Her army began charging. The sky filling with streaks of violet and red as the pegasi began clashing. Shouts of war  and the sounds of crossing blades filled the air as the land armies met.  Starswirl and Midnight had been leading other regiments so she was on her own with the flying knights.

She charged a wing of enemy fliers and deftly knocked all three of them from the sky, bouncing between them and landing the butt of her spear straight to their heads with cracking force. She knew that as soon as she found Rosetta, the battle would be over, so she gathered several wings and flew deep beyond the front line, searching the back for the princess. Behind her she could see Starswirl unleashing titanic spells upon the enemy, storms of fire, lightning strikes and ice winds littering one section of the field.

“I say, it is not even gentleponylike, you could have just sent Starswirl alone,” a knight commented to Luna with a smirk.

He was immediately shot in the face by stray bolt of magic and was sent spiraling to the ground.

“FOOL! Pay attention! We will have no more mistakes such as that, understand?” she roared.

The other wings acknowledged her and flew in tight formation. After skirmishing a little more, Luna saw the great, white Princess.  She dive bombed her mercilessly, the Spear of the Stars at her side.

Rosetta saw her move and quickly put up a shield to stop Luna’s momentum. Instantly her group was surrounded by the Princess’s personal guard. They fought them off nobly, but the enemy’s numbers were overwhelming them. Luna knew she didn’t have much time.

“Ready to be defeated once more?” Rosetta taunted.

“As I recall it was not I who was defeated, but thou,” Luna returned confidently.

“Oh I meant in the beginning. That is when I subdued thou.”

Luna looked around her. Two more of her knights had fallen and the enemy didn’t seem to be losing their numbers.

“Enough stalling! Face me!” Luna shouted, going straight at Rosetta.

Rosetta had drawn her own great sword. Her eyes glowed with the fury of a tornado.

Rosetta was the Princess of the wind and air. Whilst Luna controlled the moon and sun, Rosetta controlled the winds and air. She embodied all the wind in Equestria and very little happened without the wind hearing about it. Because of this, she was also one of the more omnipotent princess’s in Equestria. If she wanted to listen she could.

Skillfully they swung their weapons and blocked each other’s attacks as though they could see them coming moments before they happened. Each time their powerful weapons met, shockwaves of magic would bleed from them, disorienting anypony around them. Strong, earth shattering strikes met each other as well as great and powerful magic. Luna’s dragon vanquishing lunar flares met against the gales of Rosetta.

Luna shot a beam of the moon at Rosetta, who captured it in a tornado made of diamond.  The light reflected and refracted off the diamonds, creating a powerful moon tornado. It ravaged the battlefield, sending ponies flying. Luna dived to the middle of it, reabsorbing all the lunar magic and taking a beating from the diamond storm. With the diamonds slowly tearing her to pieces she swung her spear so hard around, it stopped the flow of the vortex and the sea of diamonds exploded out from her.

Starswirl’s magic had nothing of the truly titanic exchange taking place. Every time their weapons met, a shockwave would be heard for miles. Some of the closer ponies even stopped battling to watch the two princesses.

With no intent of slowing down they became more intricate with their attacks, diving under, flying over and working in weaker magics to try and throw the other one off for even a second if they could. They were learning the other’s fighting style and they knew big spells would be too predictable. Any advantage they made could be pressed into a larger spell to end the fight. Rosetta was the first one to find an opening. After diving down and swinging at Luna, she performed an acrobatic, backflip kick into Luna, who despite managing to block the damage, was sent flying towards the ground. She managed to stabilize herself before hitting it, but Rosetta had already dived after her. Luna deftly dodged it and swung down hard on Rosetta.

Rosetta crashed to the ground, but without missing a beat, she cast her shield before Luna reached her. . Luna pelted the shield with the spear over and over again, seeing visible cracks beginning to form. Panicked, Rosetta tapped into the power of her sword and in a mighty swing, cracked her own shield and a hurricane force wind blew Luna back hundreds of feet. Rosetta’s sword now surged with a wind magic, a vortex of magic swirling around it. She was the Princess of the Wind and Luna expected as much.

With large sweeping arcs, Rosetta spun in mid-air throwing out slashes of wind that cut through the air. Blow after blow was shot out as Rosetta almost danced with her sword. Luna carefully watched each one as they blasted towards at her. With only a moment to react she dodged through the air, flipped over certain waves and blocked others in a few clean movements.

Around her the armies still fought, ponies falling left and right. Luna watched in horror at the chaos and would now end the violence since she found her target. Drawing in a great breath she thrust her spear skywards and with the power of the moonlight surrounding her, unleashed her royal decree.

“BE... STILL…” she commanded as storm clouds materialized around her and lighting flashed. The wind knocked some ponies over and the force of the force of the shout knocked the pegasus knights out of the sky. Her voice echoed for miles and even Rosetta winced slightly at it.

“You shall fight no longer! Only one more pony will fall this day!” Luna said to the battered armies, her voicing still booming. She pointed her spear at Rosetta.

Luna exploded towards Rosetta at high speed. Rosetta threw a cyclone at Luna to delay her charge. It forced Luna to lose speed and go around it. She took this time to focus her magic and bring a heavy wind down on Luna, throwing her to the ground. Luna was trapped, unable to fly and barely able to move, she struggled to stand.

Luna didn’t think that Rosetta had this sort of power, but she wasn’t sure what that sword was capable of doing. She continued creating the invincible downdraft depressing Luna and keeping her captive while she casually walked down towards her. As she got closer, the wind got stronger and stronger, making Luna go prone.

“This is how it ends for the Princess of the Moon,” Rosetta said through gritted teeth, focusing hard and raising her blade above her, ready to release Luna from this world.

Luna was busy thinking in her head about how many constellations she should release. That sword Rosetta had, had better have something bigger than a few constellations.

“Scorpia and Aries, I release thou from thy slumber,” she barely coughed out from the intense strain.

Her spear glowed and shot two beams to different parts of the sky. The stars of the constellations shone brightly through the day. In a flash the two constellations took from and descended upon the field. A towering scorpion and ram came to each side of Luna. Rosetta looked up at them in terror. She momentarily lifted the pressure to size up the two monsters. Luna saw her one moment and rushed forward, sinking the Spear of the Stars deep into Rosetta.

Luna had never ended imagined killing a princess and it hurt her to think about. She instead though of Celestia and how this dream would all be over once she could just wake up and go back home to her.

Rosetta buckled forward over Luna and coughed a few times. Shocked by the move Rosetta looked up into Luna’s eyes sadly. She had never expected such harshness and brutality from Luna. Luna had felt such great and horrible remorse. She couldn’t believe what she had turned in to. Luna had not wasted a second to end the fight, lacking any sort of courtesy or final words. Luna shed a few tears as she stuck the spear up into her enemy. The spear cut deep into both ponies, one, into her body and the other, into her heart. Rosetta choked and essence flickered, as if she was going to dissolve at any moment.

“I… have fallen from grace…” Rosetta whispered quietly.

Rosetta began to blow away in the wind as though she was only dust. Her glorious wings and mane, her strong legs and toned body, it all fell away. Luna held up the last of her as she disintegrated into a sparkling powder. As her face began to disappear, a tear came from her eye and fell to the ground. When she was all gone Luna still had an orb in her hooves where Rosetta had once been.

She heard Celestia’s voice in her head.

“Come now sister, your journey is nearly over and once I speak with you, you will have the last star and be able to return home with me,” she said kindly.

3.0+

3.0

Twilight quickly read through the book of mare’s tales that Celestia gave to her. She was most interested by the part concerning The Mare in the Moon. She was certain that this is what Celestia intended her to take from the book. According to the legend, a villainous mare named Nightmare Moon was set to return on the longest day of the thousandth year. After much calculation she determined that this year was the year of her return and it was the day after tomorrow. It was to fall on the summer solstice and the Summer Sun Celebration

The baby dragon that Twilight had hatched all those years ago had grown into her assistant at her library and was her means of communicating with Princess Celestia.

“Spike take a note please, to the Princess,” Twilight commanded.

“Okie dokie.”

“My dearest teacher, my continuing studies of pony magic have led me to discover that we are on the precipice of disaster!” she dictated.

“Hold on. Preci… preci…” Spike struggled, trying to spell out the word.

“Threshold,” Twilight said flatly.

“Thresh…” Spike attempted to spell out again.

“Uh, brink?” Twilight tried .

Spike gave her a blank look.

“Ugh, that something really bad is about to happen! For you see, the mythical mare in the moon is in fact Nightmare Moon and she’s about to return to Equestria, and bring with her eternal night. Something must be done to make this terrible prophecy does not come true. I await your quick response. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle,” she continued dictating.

Spike sent it to Princess Celestia by blowing fire into it. It magically dissipated and the smoke flew out the window. Spike was skeptical that the Princess would be interested in Twilight’s concern. She would be busy planning the Summer Sun Celebration.

“Oh I’m not worried Spike. The Princess trusts me completely. In all the years she’s been my mentor, she’s never once doubted me,” Twilight retorted.

Celestia was busy pacing through her observatory. Luna’s return was imminent and Twilight had still shown no sign of taking any preemptive knowledge. It was all up to Twilight to learn of the Elements and then go to seek them out. Celestia had considered just telling her but then she would take it as an assignment, rather than go to genuinely make friendships with other ponies. Twilight’s anti-social behaviour in the name of study would disrupt the elements power. She would either push the other elements away or objectify the bonds between them. In order for the elements to work properly there needs to be love between the ponies that embody them. Celestia learned this from experience.

Typically the elements remove any evil spirits of disharmony from the pony they target but in Luna’s case, since they rebelled, they created an unnatural, temporary harmony, sealing her sister away instead of casting out Nightmare Moon. Celestia was afraid that if Twilight wasn’t perfect in how she made friends, the same thing would happen again and Luna would be banished. More than anything Celestia wished to avoid this.

A letter drifted down upon her and she read it quickly.

“Finally…”

She sighed upon finishing it. Without a moment to spare she eagerly wrote back, talking to herself as she did, “I trust you completely Twilight… Please bring Luna home.”

She willed the letter away and looked back up to her lenses. She saw Luna and for a moment she was happy. That pony would be home soon.

Almost as if on cue, Spike burped up a letter.

“See I knew she would want to take immediate action,” Twilight said triumphantly.

Spike picked it up and cleared his throat.

“My dearest, most faithful student Twilight. You know I value your diligence and that I trust you completely, but you simply must stop reading those dusty old books. My dear Twilight, there is more to a young pony’s life than studying, so I’m sending you to supervise the preparations for the summer sun Celebration in this year’s location: Ponyville. And I have an even more essential task for you to complete: make some friends.”

Twilight departed the next day for Ponyville she was to check on four different ponies and their preparations, after which she decided to go straight to the library to continue learning as much as she could about the Elements. Equestria depended on her learning about the elements, not making friends. Spike disagreed. He had seen what the shut-in attitude had done to Twilight.

“When will you make friends, like the Princess said?” Spike accused.

“She said to check on preparations. I am her student and I’ll do my royal duty, but the fate of Equestria does not rest on me making friends,” Twilight replied, stepping off the flying carriage.

“Maybe the ponies in Ponyville have interesting things to talk about. Come on, Twilight, just try!” Spike said, gesturing to a friendly looking pink mare that had just walked up to them.

Twilight gave her a nervous look. The mare continued looking at her unfazed by Twilight.

“Um… hello?” Twilight said awkwardly.

The mare jumped in into the air with a great dramatic gasp before darting off at unreasonable speeds.

“Well, that was interesting all right.”

Over the course of the day, Twilight had encountered four ponies she was supposed to meet with. Unfortunately for Twilight they were all friendly and interested in becoming friends with her. First was an orange pony named Applejack with a blonde mane. She was in charge of catering. Her country, farming family was hospitable. Ready and friendly enough to stuff Twilight full of all sorts of apple flavoured treats.

Second was a cyan pegasus with a rainbow mane named Rainbow Dash whose cocky attitude challenged Twilight, leaving her mouth wide open as Rainbow Dash cleared the skies of all the clouds in ten seconds flat. Rainbow Dash and Spike had a good laugh as Rainbow Dash accidentally cause a downpour on Twilight. She dried her with a rainbow tornado, but it left Twilight’s mane in a mess. Rainbow Dash liked Twilight and mentioned hanging out later.

The third one was a white unicorn with a stylish purple mane named Rarity who was in charge of the decorations. She was a prim and proper unicorn and proceeded to give Twilight a makeover after seeing the mess Rainbow Dash made of it. Despite Spike’s attraction her she was more interested in Twilight’s home city, Canterlot. From the moment Twilight mentioned Canterlot, Rarity was sure that they’d be the best of friends.

The last one was another pegasus with a yellow coat and pink mane named Fluttershy whose song birds were supposed to provide the music. Despite her overbearing shyness towards ponies, she saw Spike and proceeded to listen to his entire life story all the way back to the library.

“I am so sorry, how did we get here so fast? This is where I’m staying in Ponyville and my poor baby dragon needs his sleep,” Twilight said, fed up with Fluttershy.

She shooed her off and slammed the door shut.

“Huh, Rude much?” Spike scorned.

“Sorry Spike, but I have to convince the Princess that Nightmare Moon is coming, and we’re running out of time! I just need to be alone so I can study without a bunch of crazy ponies trying to make friends all the time,” Twilight ranted, also reaching for the light to the pitch black library, “Now where’s that switch?”

“SURPRISE!” shouted a thousand voices that Twilight didn’t want to hear. Possibly every single pony in the town had packed themselves inside the small library. Twilight just moaned in annoyance.

“Hi, I’m Pinkie Pie, and I threw this party just for you! Were you surprised? Were ya? Were ya?! Huh huh huh?!?” she hyperventilated.

The night dragged on as Twilight struggled to study and sleep with the booming party in the next room. A thousand concerns were running through her mind and she felt trapped and alone, being the only pony that seemed to know about the catastrophe impending.

“Ugh, here I thought I’d have time to learn about the Elements of Harmony but, silly me, all this ridiculous friend-making has kept me from it!” Twilight complained, turning over to look at the full moon outside her window, “Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape and she will bring about everlasting night.”

“I hope the Princess was right… I hope it really is just an old ponytale…”

Twilight stared longingly at the moon with a horrible feeling in her gut that it wasn’t just a story, but a prophecy.

“C’mon Twilight, it’s time to watch the sunrise!” Spike said, finally fetching her to go down to the city hall where Celestia would put on her sun raising display.

As Twilight begrudgingly got out of bed through the window, four stars closed in on the moon. Upon reaching it, they disappeared and so did Luna from her prison. The stars had aided her escape and she was gone.

3.1

Luna began to cry as she heard Celestia’s voice. After all this pain and misery, after the imprisonment, the quests, the war she was finally going to go home. She had never felt this close to Celestia and her heart pounded in her chest. She was ready to go home.

“I am ready dearest sister! Pray, tell me what you need to and I will come home with thou. I have had enough of the horrors of this dream,” Luna surrendered.

“I’m sure you may remember your imprisonment, but I know you have forgotten what caused it,” Celestia said, “For you to truly come back home you must learn why you were imprisoned and come to terms with it.”

“Very well then, pray tell, what atrocity did I commit to be sent there?” Luna inquired, skeptically.

“Learn and remember my sister. It was for 1000 years.”

In an instant, all the memories of her rebellion came back to her. She remembered when she would raise the moon and few ponies would ever take joy in her nights like they did in Celestia’s day. She remembered how she was cast aside in Celestia’s great shadow. She wanted nothing more than to be loved and admired like her sister and to have friends who did not sleep through her glory. She also couldn’t believe that Celestia had punished her because of her sadness and misery with more sadness and misery. Eons lost to the blinding white and deafening ring, countless tears from her bottomless eyes and a depression that could not be expressed in mere words. It could even be expressed in a single lifetime that she lived ten of. For 1000 years she had been sealed away and Celestia was finally letting her back. She would have been fine with ten years or a hundred, but at this point it was petty.

Luna begun to cry harder, tears flowing freely now, she had gone through so much torture just to serve the master who dealt it to her. Luna couldn’t believe that she called Celestia her sister. Even after her cruelest punishment, she had led her on this journey that brought her close to death, stole her away from her best friend and led her to kill another princess, a crime whose punishment is the sundering of the spirit. Nothing would make right that act. Hatred and malice filled her soul. Celestia was a monster who punished the innocent with tortures that didn’t fit their crime.

“Celestia, you will pay…” Luna said, seething with anger.

The three other stars manifested in front of her and fused into one. Before her was a glass orb, dripping with darkness, the Evening Star. It was full of shadows and black smoke. She gazed into it and beyond the smoke and its secrets, she saw herself, crying in an eternal white abyss. Spite filling her, she crushed the orb, the shards of glass fell to the ground. From it, darkness came to cover her, overwhelm her and intoxicate her. She felt the same power as before, limitless, boundless and untapped, but stronger and wilder. Celestia would be no match. She became a darker violet in colour and her mane reflected the stars that aided in her escape.

A dark portal formed in front of her, leading into an abyss. She knew where it led. The Equestria she was banished from 1000 years later. She would go there and bring eternal night. By ending the day she would end Celestia.

“I will return Midnight. I have some things to take care of,” Nightmare Moon said quietly to herself.

Slowly she walked through the portal back home.

3.2

Twilight Sparkle stood at the ceremony anxiously. She looked around and saw the other ponies, obliviously living there lives. They waited for the mayor to lift the curtains to reveal Celestia, who would raise the sun. Twilight knew as long as the princess raised the sun, they were in the clear.

Celestia nervously sat behind the curtain. It was only a few seconds until she was ready to raise the sun. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Upon opening them, she was no longer in Ponyville or Equestria. She stood on a dark street, lit by a few sparse lampposts. Over in the distance she saw Luna sitting down under a lamppost. She looked like she was crying. Celestia ran over to her and laid down beside her.

“Luna! Oh sweet sister… How I have missed you—“ Celestia said, tenderly.

Luna turned her head around to reveal a faceless shadow. Celestia stepped back from the horror. It started crying hysterically as if scared to death. It screamed bloody murder, shaking violently on the ground. Celestia frantically tried to calm it down. She cast her most powerful magic on it and slowly the shadow began to disappear, revealing Luna’s face piece by piece. A blood-curdling screech echoed around her. Celestia did not know where she was, but she knew it wasn’t a good place to be.

“Luna! Come back to me,” Celestia said, frantically trying to reach her.

“Ni… ni… nightmare…!” she choked out, as if she had almost just drowned to death. Luna’s face had revealed itself, but she looked older than Celestia remembered.

Behind her Nightmare Moon came screaming towards the Celestia. Her quick reflexes allowed her to cast a protective spell and deflect the nightmare. She vanished into mist right as she collided with the barrier and reformed behind her. Nightmare Moon did this over and over. A relentless, nightmarish assault continually charged her, keeping her on her hooves. However, Celestia couldn’t keep up with the tireless shadow forever.

It had been ignoring Luna and only attacked Celestia. Soon Celestia grew weary and called out to Luna, who had seemed to be enjoying the assault.

“Little sister! I need your help,” she pleaded, narrowly keeping her barrier up as Nightmare Moon disappeared and reformed, attacking from yet another direction.

“What do I owe to you?” Luna scolded, “I endured sorrow you could never imagine all because I wanted some of the love you received.”

“I’m sorry, I only did what was necessary. It was split-second decision and now I have paid for it,” Celestia said, disoriented by the constant change of direction.

“You have paid none of your debt,” Luna said bitterly.

“I watched you every single day though a magic lens! I had spent hours with you because I knew no other way to reach out to you, you were trapped. I tried calling for you. I read you books, I told you stories and shared our memories.” Celestia desperately explained, “I saw your pain, I saw you do horrible things to yourself…”

Luna’s expression changed, she thought she had been alone all those years, that nopony cared about her or remembered her. She couldn’t believe that the entire time, her beloved sister had been watching her and taking care of her. She came to tears

“You could see me…?” Luna said timidly.

“Yes, I could see you. I cried every single time you hit the ground, I cried harder every single time you got back up and I cried my hardest when I realized I did that to you. The guilt has torn me apart and I will never ask for forgiveness because I could never deserve it. I had devoted my life to finding a way for you to return home so that maybe you could find happiness elsewhere. I’m sorry. I was blind and I love you.”

Celestia had almost run out of strength, every barrier visually weakened her more and more. Nightmare Moon had taken advantage of this weakness and doubled her efforts. Luna sat there and looked at her dying sister.

“I…” she started.

Before Luna could finish that sentence a rainbow shot across the sky and filled their minds.

“Princess Celestia,” Twilight said, walking up to the pony of the sun as she came through the window.

They were in the old ruined castle of the Royal Pony sisters. Twilight and her friends had just used the Elements of Harmony to return purge Nightmare Moon from Luna. Celestia looked down at Twilight’s shining face with love and admiration.

“Twilight Sparkle, my faithful student. I knew you could do it,” Celestia said relieved.

“But… you told me it was an old pony tale,” Twilight replied slightly confused.

“I told you that you needed to make some friends. I saw the signs of Nightmare Moon’s return and I knew it was you who had the magic inside to defeat her, but you could not unleash it until you let true friendship into your heart. Now if only another will as well,” Celestia said to Twilight.

“Princess Luna.”

Luna had been unconscious where Nightmare Moon had stood just moments before. Luna looked up at her beloved sister.

“It has been a thousand years since I have seen you like this. Time to put our differences behind us. We were meant to rule together, little sister,” Celestia admitted.

Luna had already forgiven her in her heart. It meant more to her than anything else to know she wasn’t alone all those long years. Everypony was surprised that they were sisters, but it didn’t matter to them.

“Will you accept my friendship?” Celestia asked. Never had she asked such a heartfelt question in her entire life.

“I’m so sorry! I missed you so much, big sister!” Luna cried as she went up to embrace the pony she had missed for eons. She had forgotten what she felt like. Nothing in her life felt as good as it did to hug her sister.

“I missed you too…”

My Little Pony: Reconnect