20 Years, Celestia

Chapters

The Spell
Empress Midnight
Realization
She is Coming...
Where Did Rarity Go?
The Dark Days After
Plans
The Citizens of Infinity

The Spell

Celestia sipped her tea thoughtfully. This was big. Very big. Tomorrow was a big day. Luna’s birthday. All of a sudden, a scroll appeared. Was it one of Twilights friendship reports? Celestia’s horn glowed, and she picked up the scroll.

Dear Celestia, it read. Strange. Twilight always puts ‘Princess’ before Celestia. Celestia read on.

I have found a most interesting spell. I myself have tried it, and it is very useful. It works best in high places. I think with your level of magic you should go to the highest mountain in Equestria. Here are instructions:

Go to the highest mountain in Equestria. (Mount. Nevermare)

Works best when facing shield to the changeling realm.

Recite these words:

Shadow and light

expand my sight.

Open a door

To a time before

Guardians of the dream world,

I call you to my side.

Reveal my spirit,

my protector and guide.

Show me the power, beauty, and grace

In the radiant eyes if my guardian's face.

Good Luck,

Twilight Sparkle

What a strange spell, Celestia thought. But she trusted Twilight. She folded the scroll and tucked it into her shoe. This was going to be a light, quick trip. She then disappeared in a bright flash of light. Then, faraway, near the border, on the very top of freezing Mount. Nevermare, stood Celestia. She pulled out the scroll, and recited the words, her horn glowing. She disappeared in a flash of light.

Luna waited. And waited. And waited.She thought her sister would at least come to her on Her birthday, but no. Not a word. She didn’t even show. So Luna cried. She walked over to where she saw Celestia last, but didn’t see her. Luna searched the whole castle. Pacing in the throne room, Luna had ordered a search. This was just perfect. Celestia gone on her birthday. Just then, the guards fell over. Luna looked up. A figure walked in. It was a mare, unicorn. She was as tall as Celestia. The unicorn had curved ears and horn, and had a very unkempt mane. Her eyes were closed, and her head was lowered. Luna stepped forward.

“Who are you?”

The unicorn raised her head, eyes flashing. “Hello, dear Luna.”
The whole palace was silent as a scream shook it, and Canterlot faded to grey.

Celestia fell over in exhaustion. That spell had taken up a lot of her magic. Facing the border, she got up. She turned around, and choked on her breath. Equestria, or what was left of Equestria, was in ruin. Countless fires dotted the land, most of the major cities were in ruin, and countless changelings and black-coated pegasi flew around in the air. Smoke was coming from everywhere, especially from the blackened, charred ruins of Ponyville. Or, where Ponyville was. A black pegasus spotted her, and raced towards her with some others. Celestia ran down the mountain, into a cave. She bumped into something. A spot of light appeared, from a unicorn.

“Hello?” Celestia said, and the light grew bigger. There was a mare, dressed in armour. She was light blue, with violet eyes and a lighter blue mane and tail with white stripes. Two stallions stood behind her, an earth pony and a pegasus. They had the same symbol on their armour that the mare had.

“Oh my Luna..” The mare whispered. “It can’t be...Celestia.”

Realization dropped like a stone in Celestia stomach. She had been gone a long time.
The mare peered over Celestia’s shoulder. “We best be going. Follow us.” The mare and stallions walked away, and the alicorn followed. What? Celestia had expected the mare to say ‘Princess,’ or ‘Your Highness’. The mare and guards trudged quickly down the slope and too a forest.

“How come they didn’t see us?” The Princess asked.

“Simple perception filter. They can see us, but they don’t want to. Empress cast it on all soldiers, unless we fight.” The mare stopped at a tree and turned to Celestia. “Oh, and by the way, my name is Trixie.”

Trixie kicked the tree, and a spot in the ground opened up, big enough for a pony. The two stallions jumped in. Trixie turned to Celestia. “Jump in!” she yelled as she jumped into the hole. Celestia peered into the hole, and jumped in.

Empress Midnight

Celestia landed on her stomach. “Oooh...” she moaned. Trixie helped her up. Celestia looked around. Tents were scattered everywhere, there were fires, a mare hushing her crying foal, Ponies were gathering spears and swords and shields and putting on armor, and there was something that caught the goddesses’ eye the most. It was the biggest tent. Two flags were in front of it, with the symbol that was on the armor. The tent was so covered with dust and dirt, that it blended in with the ground. Celestia cautiously took a step towards it. Ponies started to notice. They dropped their swords and shields and food and blankets to gape at her. They were dirty and pale and looked like they hadn't seen sunlight in a long time.

“Uh, Celestia, come with me,” Trixie escorted Celestia to the tent. When they got there, Trixie put her hoof out, telling Celestia to stop. Then the unicorn walked into the tent. Celestia waited, and heard voices, slightly muffled.

“Empress, there is somepony here to see you.” That was Trixie’s voice for sure.

“They will have to wait. This is very important. Thank you General, but they will have to wait,” said a regal but stern voice. Celestia’s eyes widened. She felt she hadn’t heard that voice in 20 years. It had grown, and become more graceful.

“But Your Highness, this is big. Very urgent. They have waited for a long time to see you,” Trixie pleaded.

“Ah think we should let ‘em in,” a new voice said. “If they are a threat, Ah’ll buck ‘em mahself.”

“I can kill them if they are a threat to you, Empress Midnight,” another voice said. It was more of a growl, and Celestia had a feeling that voice was supposed to be a cheerful voice, not a deathly one.

“Fine. Let them in,” Empress Midnight said with a huff. Trixie came out and held open the flap for Celestia. Celestia hesitated, then walked in. There was a table, a bed, and there were papers everywhere. At the table, there were six ponies. Two earth ponies, a unicorn, and three pegasi. There was also an alicorn. Celestia’s jaw trembled. They all stared at her.

One earth pony was a muted pink with a darker muted pink mane. She had a dried blood stain below her showing eye; the other was covered with her mane. She had a hostile look, that turned to shock when she saw the goddess. There was a black gem shaped like a balloon on her necklace. The other earth pony was orange with a long, messy blonde mane and green eyes. On her head was a 10-gallon stetson, and she had three freckles on each cheek. She was wearing a necklace with a green gem on it shaped like an apple.

The unicorn had a purple wavy mane, blue eyes, and an ivory coat. She looked once-beautiful, but now she had some wrinkles, and her mane looked lifeless. She had a tired look on her face. On her necklace, there was a purple diamond. There was also a silver ring on her horn.

The first of the three pegasi, was butter yellow, with a long fluffy pink mane. She had soft eyes, and one metal wing. She had blue eyes, and a pink gem shaped like a butterfly in her necklace. The second pegasus had a cyan coat and a rainbow mane. She had an eye patch, and her wings were rimmed with gold. She had a stern look on her face. On her necklace, there also was a gem. It was magenta and shaped like a lightning bolt.

Celestia knew who these ponies were. They were the Elements of Harmony. But where was Twilight? Celestia needed to see her. The alicorn looked at the third pegasus. She was light grey, with a ruffled blonde mane. One of her eyes had a scar through the middle, and it had gone glassy. Her eyes were yellow. She had the same stern look on her face as Rainbow Dash. All six ponies were wearing the same armour as Trixie.

Celestia looked over to the other pony. She was midnight blue with a blue mane, dotted with stars and had a semi-transparent rim. Her eyes were blue, and were welling up with tears. She also had armour, but it was silver, not gold. Luna’s jaw trembled. The two alicorn sisters stared at each other for a while, silent tears falling from their eyes. Celestia took a step forward.

“Ah, Celestia. Come back, have we?” said a oh-so-familiar voice. Hearing this, Celestia froze. She slowly turned around, and faced him.

“Discord.” She said through gritted teeth. How had he escaped?! All feelings were lost, only to be replaced with hate and loathing. She unfurled her wings, and raised both front hooves, to hit Discord in the jaw, then get out. Luna jumped in front of her.

“Stop! He is on our side,” She said, walking backwards to him. When she did so, Discord looked at her, and his eyes softened. Celestia put down her hooves, and got back on all fours. Her wings rested back on her sides, folded. She then noticed that Luna had a diamond studded ring on her horn, and was looking at Discord in a way that she had never done to anypony. Discord also had a ring, but on his finger.

Celestia took a step back, and bumped into the table. Pinkie Pie growled. Celestia suddenly felt dizzy. Her legs wobbled, and everything went fuzzy. Then she collapsed, unconscious.

Luna screamed.Tears mixed with blood on her cheeks, and she couldn’t move; her hooves were chained to the ceiling and floor. The mare in front of her laughed as she dragged a dagger through Luna’s arm again.

“Oh dear Luna,” She sneered. “It’s a shame your sister couldn’t be here to see this.”

“Where is she? Please tell me...it’s been 18 months...” Luna gasped. But the mare just smiled. Luna only had one choice now. Her sister would never approve, but it had to be done. Fuzzy darkness was creeping into the corners of her eyes.

She focused all her remaining energy into her horn, and cast the forbidden spell. Discord... Luna squeezed her eyes tight, and hoped for it to work.

“Oh, you can’t escape me!”

“I’m not trying to.” And with that, Luna’s eyes rolled back into her head and her head fell forward.

Lightning flashed. The mare looked around. It wasn’t raining. She took a step back. One of the windows shattered. It was the one portraying The Elements of Harmony defeating Discord. Lightning flashed again, and thunder followed very quickly. And a figure appeared. It was a Draconequus.

“Discord,” The mare growled through gritted teeth.

“Ah, yes, and whom might you be?” He replied, stepping closer.

“Oh, dear Disord, you really don’t recognize me?” She asked, stepping into the torchlight. Her features were exaggerated with shadows, and her slitted eyes glowed.

“Oh, it’s you. Grown a bit, haven’t we?”

“Yes. And why are you here? How did you escape your stone Prison?” She asked circling him. The two moved in a wide circle, trying to figure out each others weak spots.

“Luna summoned me. We were together before the first imprisonment. But its a long story. I killed them all. Well, three survived. But enough talk. I have to get going.” Discord snapped his fingers and Luna’s chains disappeared. He snapped them again, and just before Luna hit the ground, she appeared in his arms, still unconscious. Then Discord disappeared. The mare heard his voice echoing, bouncing off the walls.
“Goodbye, Twilight Sparkle.”

Realization

Celestia woke to the sounds of laughter. She opened her eyes. Everything was a little fuzzy at first, but it cleared. Luna and the others were gathered at the table, along with Discord, Trixie, and another pony, one that Celestia didn’t recognize.

“And then he said, ‘No, please, I didn’t choose to work for Her, she made me! Please, let me go! Show some mercy! Please!’ What an idiot. I killed him,” The pony said, who, judging for their back was to Celestia, was an earth pony. The voice sounded feminine, but gruff.

“I do kinda feel bad for him though. Poor Clyde,” Luna replied.

“I can’t believe my father sided with Her,” Pinkie said.

Celestia sat up. Luna saw, and smiled. The Sun goddess walked over to the table and stood over the ponies.

“Alright. I have some questions. Where is Twilight Sparkle? Who is ‘Her?’ How long was I gone? What are those black pegasi? How did he get out of his prison?” Celestia glared at Discord. “Why is Equestria in ruin?”

It was silent for a long time. AppleJack and Fluttershy looked away. It was Luna who answered.

“You were gone for 20 years. The pegasi aren’t real. They are slaves to Her. I summoned Discord. I was in prison. Tortured. By Her.” For the first time Celestia noticed the long scars running down Luna’s arms and back. “There was a war. Well, is a war. its still going on. Started sometime after...after you disappeared. The barrier went down, and the Changelings invaded. Equestria isn’t the same”

“What about Twilight?”

Celestia’s question was met with silence.

No. She can’t be. Celestia took a step back. How could she be dead? Her magic, her potential...

“Twilight...Twilight is Her. She sent you that spell, the forbidden spell. Time travel. During the search, we found remains of paper. We were able to find out the spell. Somepony cast it, and disappeared. We have not heard of them since,” Luna said.

This was even worse. Twilight betrayed her. Sent her a forbidden spell. Tears pricked at Celestia’s eyes. Luna walked over to her side. Celestia drew away from Luna’s outstretched hoof. Luna put her hoof down, her face unreadable. Celestia sat down, stupefied. How....how could this have happened...how could I have been so stupid? Luna motioned for everypony else, including Discord, to leave.

After they did, Luna crouched down to Celestia.

“I know it’s hard. How do you think I felt when I found out that you were gone? I thought you were dead.”

Celestia didn’t reply.

“Big sister.” Celestia looked up at Luna. “I’m glad you’re back.” Luna smiled, eyes brimming with tears. Celestia smiled back. The two alicorns hugged.

“Are you ready?” Luna asked, getting up.

“For what?”

Luna started walking to the entrance of the tent. She looked over her shoulder. “For the announcements.” Celestia got up and walked over to her sisters side. Luna and her beloved sister walked out to the center of the underground camp. Ponies were scattered everywhere, there were even some buffalo and dragons.
“Attention, everypony!” Luna said in the Royal Canterlot Voice. “I have some news!”

She is Coming...

“Its Her,” He panted. “She’s coming.”

“Pound! Pumpkin!” Pinkie yelled. “I told you not to leave! And you!” She walked up to the earth pony, and grabbed for her sword. “If I find you with them again especially Pumpkin, I swear, I will kill you myself. Is that clear?!” Pumpkin ran in front of Pinkie, separating the two.

“Please! Pinkie! Don’t hurt him, please. For me,” Pumpkin pleaded. "I love him," She whispered.

“Fine,” Pinkie growled. “And my name is Pinkamena.” She walked away, over to the table. Three more ponies came through the opening. An earth pony, a pegasus, and a unicorn. All mares. They had news too.

“We saw Her! We barely lost Her! Sweetie Belle hid us at the last moment! They passed to Spot, but lingered near it!” The earth pony cried. Luna turned to the crowd, who had dropped their food, and was gaping at the six ponies and Luna. Some had their mouths open.

“Listen, everyone. Stay calm. Just continue eating your food, and I’ll sort this out later,” Luna ordered, and the crowd obeyed. But there were mutters going around. The six ponies went to a table, were other mares and stallions their age were. A cream pegasus, much like Pound, hugged the earth pony with a bow in her hair, and Sweetie Belle sat next to a handsome orange unicorn. Sweetie Belle...I know I’ve heard that name somewhere...Oh yes! Sweetie Belle was part of the Cutie Mark Crusaders! Then the orange pegasus must be Scootaloo, and the earth pony must be Apple Bloom!

Then another thump. Another pony? Who could it be? Luna got up and investigated. A sharp gasp was heard. Luna came running out from the tunnel with a pony on her back.
“Oh my Celestia, Film Reel!” A pony shouted, and ran after Luna. “Medic!” She shouted, and a brown stallion ran after them to a tent. Discord also followed Luna.

The crowd went wild. Ponies grabbed others and ran towards tents, some got weapons and started to arm themselves. Celestia had to do something. She flew up into the air, and yelled in the Royal Canterlot voice, “STOP!”

Everyone stopped. It was silent. Everyone stared at her. Celestia lowered down, and stopped using the Royal Canterlot Voice.

“We need to stay calm. Everything will be fine. I know its has been 20 years since you have seen me, and Luna is your leader now. I have not seen my beloved sister in twenty years, and she has not seen me. Things have changed, yes. But we are still strong! We are Equestrians! We will fight Twilight Sparkle, and we will win!”

The ponies and dragons and zebras and others cheered. They cleaned up the messes, and started doing their daily work. They sew and knitted, they polished their armor and weapons, played with their children, and started plotting attacks.

“Good work. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you do that.”

Celestia turned, and saw Luna leaning against a rack of spears.

“How long have you been there?” Celestia asked.

“In the middle of your speech. It was good.” Luna walked over to Celestia’s side, just like the good old days.

“Thank you. How is Film Reel?”

“Doing better.”

“That’s good.”

“She is a savage. Twilight. It’s been along time since they heard that name used, instead of ‘Her’. Especially The Elements. Well, it’s getting dark. We should go to bed. I’ve gotten someone to set up a tent for you. It’s next to mine,” Luna and Celestia started to walk to Luna’s tent. Surely enough, there was a tent near Luna’s.

“How can you tell that it’s getting dark? Why aren’t you raising the moon and lowering the sun?”

“They move themselves now. Good night, dear sister,” Luna walked into her tent, and Celestia heard voices. Luna must be with him. Celestia still shuddered when she thought about them being together. And the sun and moon? Move themselves? That is crazy. Celestia walked over to her small tent. There was a bed, and a small table with scrolls, ink and a quill on it. Celestia collapsed on the bed, and quickly fell asleep. Her sleep was unsettled, and she woke up many times in the night. Twilight Sparkle haunted her dreams. When Celestia woke up in the morning, she heard something. A laugh. It turned her blood cold.

Hahahahaha...Oh dear teacher, I can’t wait to see you again.....

Where Did Rarity Go?

Rarity got out of bed and quickly wrote a note to her husband. She set the note next to Braeburn and quickly walked out. She was meeting Pinkamena in the streets of Nedra. Rarity ran into the tunnel and climbed up the hole. Pinkamena was nowhere to be found. She must already be there. Rarity put on a cloak and started to walk to Nedra. Owls hooted and shadows lurked in the dark forest. When Rarity got to Nedra, she saw another cloaked pony.

“Pinkamena?” Rarity stepped towards the cloaked pony. The pony took off her cloak. It was Pinkamena. Pinkamena turned towards rarity. Her irises were small, and she had a devilish grin. She was holding a butcher knife.

“Pinkie...?” Rarity stepped back. Pinkamena jumped at Rarity. Rarity screamed.

Pumpkin snook out of her tent she shared with her twin and Pinkie, to a tent close by. She walked in.

“Pipsqueak?” She asked. The tent was dark. There was a form in the bed. She walked over to it. It was Pipsqueak. He was fast asleep. Pumpkin kissed him on the cheek, then got into his bed and snuggled up with him. I don't care what Pinkie says. She is not my mother..Mother died. Pinkie is my sister. And she has changed. Pumpkin Cake fell into a troubled sleep. What if Pinkie never changes back?

It was morning.

“Mornin’ sweet’heart,” Braeburn yawned, putting his hoof out to hug Rarity. But his hoof feel and hit the bed sheet. There was a crunch of paper. Braeburn lifted his hoof and read the note.

“No,” Braeburn got out of bed and ran out of the tent. He knows what Pinkamena can do. He saw her murder his and Rarity’s first daughter, Amore. But he didn’t tell Rarity. He looked around, and saw Trixie. He ran to her.

“Trixie, have you seen Rarity or Pinkamena?”

She put her hoof to her chin and stared off for a bit. “No, I don’t think I have.”

“Oh no. Gather some ponies and arm yourselves. I think I know where she is. It may be too late.” Trixie nodded, and gathered some passing ponies. They gathered some spears and swords. Braeburn lead the small squad to the tunnel.

When they got out, they saw hoof prints. They followed them, and it led them to the city of Nedra.

“Do you smell that? It smells like death.” Braeburn and the others followed the smell into a dark alley, where the stench was strongest. Braeburn signaled for light. Trixie lit her horn, as well as the only other unicorn in the group. They saw a body, slumped against the wall, back to them. They stepped closer to it. Braeburn saw who it was.

“No...not Rarity....No!” He ran towards the body.

Rarity’s beautiful ivory coat was now dark red from stained blood. Her mane was still there, stained with blood, but her tail was completely torn off. Hair scattered the ground around her. Her right foreleg was torn off and laid in front of her. There was a butcher knife embedded in her stomach. But the most horrifying thing was her horn. It had been broken off, and was buried in her body where her heart was. Rarity's eyes were open, filled with fear,but glassy. Tears filled Braeburns eyes. Trixie walked over to his side and put her hoof on his shoulder. He pushed her away.

“Should we take the body to Infinity?” Trixie asked. Braeburn nodded. The others picked up the body, and Trixie led Braeburn to the Spot. They went down and went through the tunnel to the clearing. A unicorn and two earth ponies rushed to Braeburn.

“Father? Wh-what happened?” One of his daughters asked. Her name was Joanna, an earth pony. She got her strength from her father, and looks from her mother.

Braeburn didn’t answer.

“You’re mother..was murdered.” Trixie answered for him. Joanna buried her face in her unicorn sister’s shoulder, and the other earth pony hugged them both. The group of ponies carrying Rarity’s body carried her into a tent. Two hours later, they came out with her on a bed. By then, most ponies were in the clearing, including both alicorns. The team of ponies made her beautiful again. They had washed her up, removed to blood from her coat and mane. They had conjured her up a new tail, and brushed both mane and tail. They removed the horn and knife, and sewed up her cuts. Then, with great difficulty, put her horn back. And they closed her eyes. It looked like she was sleeping. Braeburn and his three daughters sat together. Sweetie Belle pushed through the crowd and saw.

“Sis!” Sweetie Belle rushed towards her dead sister, crying like a filly. Luna and Celestia walked over to the body as well. Their horns glowed, and cast a blessing over Rarity’s body. Red rose petals appeared and floated down onto the body and bed. Sweetie Belle was pulled away, still crying, by her friends. AppleJack took off her hat and put it to her chest. Anyone else who was wearing a hat or helmet, lowered theirs as well. The remaining Elements gathered together, except for Pinkamena.

“We have lost another Element today. Whoever murdered Rarity, we will hunt them down, and kill them!” Luna shouted.

“Ah know who did it.” Braeburn raised his head. “It was Pinkie!” He glared at her. Gasps and murmurs filled the room. “In Rarity’s note, she said she had some business to do with Pinkamena! It was Pinkie! Ah saw her murder mah first born daughter with mah own eyes! She killed Amore and Rarity! She probably killed a great number of innocent ponies!”

Pinkamena looked shocked. But then she grabbed her sword and lunged at Braeburn. AppleJack and Rainbow Dash lunged in front of her and held her back. Yells and screams filled the crowd.

“That’s right! I killed them! I also killed Dinky, Diamond Tiara, Carrot Top, Cherry Jubilee, Fleetfoot, Big Mac, Caramel, Cheerilee, Granny Smith, Mayor Mare, Ace, Aloe, Lotus, and many others! I work for Twilight Sparkle!” The yells and shouts of mournful ponies wanting to get revenge on their lost loved ones quickly quieted down after that sentence.

Luna walked towards Pinkamena. She looked extremely menacing. Pinkie stood her ground as much as she could with AJ and RD holding her down.

“We are not going to kill you. We are going to erase your memory of all information.” Luna’s horn glowed, and Pinkamena fell asleep. “Take her away. And don’t kill her." The Remaining Elements carried Pinkamena Diane Pie out to The edge of Nedra. After they left, the crowd went nuts. Luna was flooded with questions why they didn’t kill her, and Discord and Celestia did the best they could to hold them back. Luna walked into her tent, and soon the crowd went on mourning the loss of Generosity, and the rest of their loved ones. Sweetie Belle still bawled her eyes out, and Braeburn silently cried, dignified tears streaming down his cheeks. His daughters did the same. The remaining Apple Family gathered around them. Sweetie Belle was one of the only remaining of her family.

Celestia walked towards Rarity. Tears streamed down her cheeks as well.
“You were a wonderful pony. Generous, beautiful, loving,” Celestia remembered all of Twilights letters that included Rarity, and she mustered a small, sad smile. “You will be missed greatly, and dearly. But you are with your parents, and Amore now. You are safe now. Rest In Peace, Rarity, Element of Generosity.” Celestia conjured a white rose and laid it between Rarity’s hooves, making it look like Rarity was holding it. “Rest In Peace.” Celestia walked away to Luna’s tent sadly.

The Dark Days After

The next few days were dark. Rarity had a funeral, and was buried in her first Gala dress, complete with the makeup, hairdo, and accessories. In the casket, there was a framed picture of her and Sweetie Belle, and a plain picture of Braeburn. She was buried outside the ruins of Carousel Boutique, and Luna crafted a plaque that was indestructible.

Here lies Rarity Elizabeth Caressa, Element of Generosity.

“Beauty is found in many forms, and one of those forms is you.”

Celestia didn’t see much of the Citizens of Infinity, most of them only came out to get some food, or see another friend or family member. Some of the others went outside to get food, and gather more supplies and refugees. Luna didn’t come out of her tent at all, and neither did the Remaining Elements. Celestia came out from time to time, to get food for her sister and The Remaining, and to help other ponies mourn. One day she was laying down by a very small, very young colt. Celestia had a wing wrapped around the sniffling filly. They were mourning his dead mother, Fleetfoot, who had gone missing a few days before Rarity got killed. Since Pinkamena admitted to killing Fleetfoot and the others, the little pegasus colt, who’s name was Rush Flight, had the same reaction as Sweetie Belle did when she found out what happened to Rarity. Celestia looked up at the ceiling, wishing she could see the sky and her beautiful sun, or Luna’s magical moon. I swear, I will find a way to stop this, to go back in time. I’ll fix this. Even if I have to die, to save my sister and Equestria.

Pumpkin and Pound cake found themselves staying in Fluttershys tent. She wouldn’t let them step a hoof in Pinkie’s tent. “I don’t want you in there, Pinkamena’s essence may still be there.” She had said, shooing them into her tent. The only time they were allowed to go in there, was to get there things. Now Pinkie’s tent was closed, deserted. The only thing in there, other than her things, were two empty, neat beds. The tent now just stood there, abandoned, gathering dust. There was some upsides living in Fluttershys tent, though. She was caring, and let them roam as they pleased, as long as it wasn’t dangerous, like going outside. They had to ask her if they wanted to do that. But she always shook her head. She was like a second mother to them. Pinkie never cared for them like that, not after Twilight had gone evil. Pumpkin really liked living with Fluttershy. Fluttershy liked that Pipsqueak and Pumpkin were together, and let them be together. Pumpkin also really liked that because Pipsqueaks tent that he shared with the CMC was very close to Fluttershy’s. So the Cake twins enjoyed their life living with Fluttershy, but still thought of Pinkie when she was Pinkie.

Pinkamena was found on the edge of Nedra. Some un-horses found her and brung her to Her. Twilight Sparkle checked Pinkamena. She was well, just unconscious. When Pinkie woke, She couldn’t remember much. She told Twilight, or Queen, what happened. She did kill Rarity. Twilight Sparkle was happy. She led Pinkamena to a room, Luna’s old room, and told her she could stay there. Pinkamena obeyed.

The days passed, and still a solemn aurora encased Infinity. The Crystal Ponies living there had gone dull, and the rest of the ponies and zebras and dragons and buffalo had turned grey, like they were Discorded. Celesia had confronted Discord, but he said he had nothing to do with it. Celestia also told him to stay away from Luna, or he would get hurt. He told her if he did, Luna would get hurt as well. Not physically, of course. Nothing really happened other than that. and sometimes when Celestia tried to comfort the young ones, their mothers picked them up and took them away. They were still wary of her. Celestia felt like Luna had felt like after she had turned back from NightMare Moon. Celestia talked with Trixie, the Elements, and some other ponies. at least they trusted her. So Celestia gathered them, and started to plan an attack. They would present it to Luna, and hopefully, she would accept it. And they would attack.

Plans

Celestia sat in Fluttershy’s tent. Her’s was one of the biggest, considering she was a medic and she cared for the animals. Celestia had asked the grey pegasus, whose name was Derpy, the Remaining, Trixie, The Cutie Mark Crusaders, Pumpkin and Pound, and about twelve others. They had seemed like a good militia. They gathered around a couple tables pushed together, and sat on the beds around it. Some stood. There was a large scroll in front of them, a map. They had set little blue flags to represent their militias, and red flags to represent Her forces.

“Alright, this is Infinity,” Rainbow said, placing an old coin where Infinity was. “Twilights forces are advancing here,” She pushed a red flag near Nedra, and a flag near a city called ‘Death’s Aisle’. “We should attack here.” Dash moved a blue flag to Nedra, and one to the Castle of Nightmares.

“Are you sure we should take the castle?” Scootaloo asked her former idol. “It’s..M.C. Escher-like. You can get lost the moment you step in. Only Twilight knows how to move through it. Even her Captain gets lost.”

“Then we ask someone who knows Twilight,” Rainbow smirked, looking at a particular silver mare.

“Oh no. Just because I am a spy, and one of Twilight’s many Generals, doesn’t mean I will guide twenty ponies through the castle!” Silver Spoon banged her hoof on the table with so much force the flags and coins jumped in the air a few inches. Another pony, light cream with a curly messy red mane put her hoof on Silver Spoons shoulder.

“I know it’s hard, Silvy. I know what you felt...when she was murdered. I’ve gone through that too. Many of us have,” The red-maned mare looked at Sweetie Belle, who gave her a knowing look.

“I know Twist, I know.” Silver Spoon looked up at Rainbow Dash. “I’ll do it.”

“Good. Then we present this to Luna at sunrise! Beer for everyone! On me!” Rainbow shouted, walking out of the tent. The others cheered and followed her. Celestia stayed behind. Twist was the last pony to leave. She turned and looked at her.

“Would you like to come?” Twist asked softly, kindly. Celestia shook her head. “alright.” Twist responded quietly, walking out of the tent. Celestia sighed, and laid her head down on the table. She fell into a troubled sleep, not sure what to do about all this.

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She stepped in to the town. Ponies stopped what they were doing and froze. There were only ponies. Nedra was one of the cities that only had ponies living in it. it was law. She walked on, flanked by her Captain, Pinkamena, and Silver Sword. Nedrans ran into their houses.

“No. You will come out, and gather in the clearing. I have an announcement. Do not run away.”

The citizens cautiously came out of their houses and homes.

“Now. Your dear god Celestia is back. She is hiding. If any mare, stallion or foal were to help her, they would face death. Not a quick,painful death, but slow and painful. So, if any of you wish to live, I suggest you step forward.” Silence. Nopony stepped forward.

“What of an alicorn?”

She grinned. She had waited for that voice. Ponies gasped and drew away as a certain dark blue alicorn walked through the crowd.

“Dear Luna, it’s been so long.”

“Yes, it has, Twilight Sparkle.” She flinched at the name. The true and false started circling each other. Silver Sword and Pinkamena edged back to a house. The Captain followed. Pinkamena glanced at Silver Sword. The silver-maned mare looked strangely familiar. Pinkamena drew her attention away from Silver sword and looked at the two circling alicorns.

Luna shot a beam of magic at Her. She dodged this, and shot a beam at Luna. This repeated for a while, with the occasional hit. They went into hoof combat, and She got hit pretty badly. Pinkamena yawned. Silver Sword had gone to polishing her glasses, and the Captain had fell asleep. It was a boring battle, considering it was just, fire, miss, fire, hit.

The battle was finally over. Both alicorns, true and false, stood panting, facing each other. Luna flew away, to her domain. She turned around and walked to the palace, and her goons followed her. Pinkamena caught Silver Sword glancing back at luna and raised an eyebrow. Pinkamena made a note to ‘integrate’ Sword. She raised her chin and walked on, to the castle.

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Cadence opened her eyes. She was in some sort of small cave, but she couldn’t really tell, it was so dark. She felt a throbbing at the top of her head, where her horn was. She tried to cast an illumination spell, but nothing happened. She reached up to her horn. Her horn was not there. What? She thought. She looked down at a puddle. Her-her horn was gone! She tried to remember, and memories flooded into her vision.

“Dear brother, don’t you learn? I always win.” A pony said. It was Twilight. “So you can’t stop me.” She cut of his head.

“No!’ Cadence yelled, her vision brimming with tears. Shinings head rolled over to her hooves. His body fell with a thump as Twilight dropped it.

“And now for you, dear foalsitter.” Twilight walked over to Cadence, and lit her horn “Now this is going to hurt.” Twilight ripped off Cadence’s horn, and dropped it next to her brothers head. Twilight turned and walked away as Cadence screamed. She screamed for a long time. Twilight had her guards hold Cadence in place, as she thrashed about, trying to get to Twilight. Twilight came back, with a sword.

“Bye bye.” She teased, raising the sword. Before she could, glass shattered as hundreds of Changelings flooded through. They took out the guards, and took Cadence. Twilight was battling Chrysalis, and saw that they had taken Cadence. She fired a death spell, but it hit a changeling, then Cadence.Then all was black.

Cadence blinked at her reflection. She sniffled.

“Shining...” A single tear fell into the pool, rippling her reflection. A sliver of moonlight danced upon the water as Cadence silently cried her heart out. Moonlight...? Cadence looked up, and for sure there was a small opening in the roof of the cave. She spread her wings, and gathered her remaining strength. Cadence leaped up high enough to reach the hole. she started to fall, and grabbed the edge with her hoof. Chunks of rock fell down on her, and she shook them off. Cadence grabbed the edge of the hole with her other hoof, and held on. Her crown fell off and clinked down the rocks. She flapped her wings and pulled herself up into the barren wasteland. She looked back down the hole, and saw the glint of metal. Cadence dragged herself away from the hole, and faced the freezing wind.

The Citizens of Infinity

She sat on her throne. Looked out on Equestria. Looked out on the chaos and the havoc and the destruction. Looked out on her un-horses and the changelings scattered through Equestria. Looked out on her game board. But, something was wrong. A powerful surge of magic washed through Equestria. Her curved horn glowed, and summoned her captain. He came quickly; flew through one of the broken windows.

“Yes, my Creator?” He bowed in front of her, wing folded. She liked her Captain. He was the first she created. He was with her when Luna was tortured, but not when the alicorn had escaped with Discord. He was more developed than the others. He had emotions, he knew what life was. The others just...were there. They knew how to talk, to fly, to kill. That was really it.

“Did you feel that surge of magic?” She asked him. He looked up at her. She was cast in shadow, even though it was the middle of the day. He could only see her mouth and nose. There was not a glow, her slitted eyes must have been closed, and her wings must be extinguished at the moment.

“Yes. Um, and I have some news to report..”

“Well?” Her curved horn glowed, and a torch flew out of the rubble lining the walls, and lit itself with black fire. She was not cast in shadow anymore. The Captain could see her clearly now.

She was as tall as an alicorn. Her coat was lavender, and her dark purple mane was long and unkempt. She had wings made of blue fire, and her hooves were black fire. Her ears were curved, and horn was chipped and curved as well. Her fangs glinted in the torch light. But the thing that was most interesting was her crown. It was magnificent, gold with swirling designs. and in the middle, the was a large gem. It was shaped like her cutie mark; a six pointed star. It was black.

“A-a scout saw a white pony on top of Mount. Nevermare. But they got away.”

“What the pony look like?” She got up, and slowly started walking towards the Captain.

“I-it was an-an al-alicorn. Wearing a gold crown. W-with a r-rainbow mane” The Captain stuttered edging back away from her.

“Ah. So my dear Celestia is back,” She smiled cruelly.

“What are we going to do?”

She stopped. The Captain’s eyes widened, but he stood his ground. She turned around slowly, with a grin that turned the Captains blood cold. Her eyes flashed.

“Well,” She said, “We are going to pay her a visit.”

“Refugees! Citizens of Infinity! Celestia is back!” Luna shouted. There was silence for a few moments. Then the crowd erupted in cheers and stomps.

“So now we shall have a feast in celebration of my sisters return! Bring out the food!” Ponies carried out platters and bowls of food. The Citizens of Infinity gathered tables and benches and chairs, and sat down and ate. Ponies and buffalo and dragons and zebras sat together in harmony. Luna started to walk to a table and when Celestia didn’t follow her, she turned and smiled. Celestia walked towards Luna, and started to walk with her. They sat at a table with the Elements, Trixie, The yellow-maned mare the pony that killed ‘Clive’, Discord and a few others.

“Let the feast begin!” Luna shouted and every pony, dragon, zebra, buffalo and anything else that was there started to eat. Luna dug into hay fries and a daisy sandwich, and Celestia took a slice of apple pie. Indistinct conversations were heard, and laughter echoed through the cave. Celestia smiled. Maybe this isn’t so bad after all.. she thought, taking a bite of the apple pie. It tasted like heaven.

Then there was a thump. Celestia heard it. So did Luna. They exchanged a glance. They hear hoofsteps. Many others heard them too. Conversations died down as a shout was heard.

“Empress Midnight!” A pony came it view. It was a young stallion, a pegasus, about 19 years of age. Two more ponies followed him. A mare, unicorn about the same age as him, and another stallion, earth pony, a bit older than them. The mare had a bow in her mane and tail, the earth pony had an eye patch, and the pegasus had a big hammer. They all wore armor.

“What is it Pound?” Luna stood up and walked toward the trio.
“Its Her,” He panted. “She’s coming.”