The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse

Chapters

Prologue: Discord's Legacy
Chapter 1: End of an Era
Chapter 2: The Longest Day
Chapter 3: Rising Dark
Chapter 4: While Luna Was Away
Chapter 5: As Sanity Shatters

Prologue: Discord's Legacy

Long ago, in the Magical Land of Equestria, there was a creature born of chaos and disharmony. A freak of nature, created only as a cruel joke of nature. The lonely being sought companionship, but was always denied it, thought to be a monster, a curse, a blight upon the beauty of Equestria. It prayed for happiness, and it came in the most unexpected of ways. A propechy was soon foretold; The End of Equestria, the end of the paradise of the ponies. The creature had grown in strength, and power as well. It heard of this prophecy, which said that four figures, representing negative powers in the perfect, utmost unholy Harmony, would unite their powers, and destroy the world. The prophecy would come true in a thousand years, when Twilight fell upon the five sparkling stars. The creature was born without a name, but it chose the name Discord, for it reigned over chaos.

It's power grew over the years, from conquering a small village, to laying waste to countrysides and striking fear into the heart of an entire nation. All were powerless to stop Discord's disharmonious chaos. The Alicorns worked tirelessly to form a solution to the evil that had risen from seemingly nowhere. They found five powerful gems, the most powerful, flawless, perfect magical gems in all the land, and gave them to the legendary Starswirl the Bearded, a stallion whose magical prowess was unrivaled through neither time or distance. It would take a total of five years to complete the magical gems, but he was certain he could craft them into powerful, harmonious tools of magic, capable of returning Harmony to the land, and, of course, stopping Discord.

Meanwhile, Discord knew that a thousand years would last longer than he had time to wait. He heard the whispers of the ponies plotting. A thousand years was too long to wait for the other three "figures" to reveal themselves, and far too long for the Alicorns and Ponies to prepare to destroy him. Without haste, Discord began his search for his prophesized allies, the Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Discord infiltrated the sanctum of the Crystal Ponies, and sought their ruler, King Sombra. He was hesitant to joining the creature, even to the promise of unlimited strength and ruling all of Equestria. Discord did not care for hesitance, and corrupted his mind to his will, creating the Horseman of Conquest. Discord, having dubbed himself the Horseman of Death instructed King Sombra to enslave his people, to create resources for an army.

While Sombra worked to gather resources for a future army, Discord saw jealousy in the highest of royalty. Princess Luna, the Alicorn responsible for raising the Moon at her older sister's side, grew tireless. Her sister's subjects deemed the night frightening, and meant for sleeping through. Discord infiltrated the Alicorn Capital and corrupted Luna in the middle of the night, transforming her into a wicked mare of darkness; Nightmare Moon, the Horsemare of War. She would be the mighty General that would guide and lead the mighty army that would destroy Equestria.

Discord instructed Nightmare Moon to find the final Horseman or Horsemare, and that he or she must be an alicorn. Nightmare Moon discovered a young, banished alicorn named Charm, who had fled to the Badlands from the wrath of Princess Celestia for her obsession over personal beauty, and attempting to steal a colt from his mate by corrupting his love. Out of options, Charm took Nightmare Moon's offer to become unimaginably beautiful, but at a cost. She was cursed by the corrupt alicorn to become a hideous creature, the first Changeling; To be forced to feed off of the love of other ponies; To have her visage warped in her own eyes, to appear beautiful in her own eyes, not the hideous creature she now was. The Alicorn, Queen Chrysalis, the new Horsemare of Famine, would create an army of changelings to destroy Equestria. King Sombra would provide armor, food, weapons, and et cetera for said army. And when the time came, Nightmare Moon would lead the army on a campaign of destruction, untill the shining kingdom of Equestria were nothing but a tarnished memory, crushed beneath the power of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

Five years had passed, and the powerful tools of magic were completed. Starswirl the Bearded soon after, having exhausted his body and soul, passed away. As his will had asked, his ashes were skattered to the winds of Canterlot by Pegasi. Before passing, Starswirl had told Princess Celestia that they could only be wielded by five ponies, or two alicorns. The Five Elements of Harmony, when used properly, would create the sixth element, Magic, and only Magic could harness the other five elements. Celestia was angry; Her sister was stolen from her by the fiend Discord, and she thought that her efforts were for nothing. In a last ditch effort, she confronted Nightmare Moon, and convinced her fragile, broken mind to turn upon her new allies. The two Alicorns used the new Elements of Harmony to seal Discord in stone, and banish King Sombra to the Arctic North, taking his cursed kingdom with him into the unknown. Finally, Celestia used the Elements of Harmony on Nightmare Moon; Unable to destroy her sister, she banished her to the moon. Chrysalis continued to create her army unbenownst to Celestia, awaiting the day that her allies would return.

For a thousand years, King Sombra wandered the Arctic Wastes of Equestria, a shell of his former self, barely able to think. For a thousand years, the Queen Chrysalis built an army of her children Changelings, ready to strike when she was commanded so. For a thousand years, Nightmare Moon waited patiently to be released from her lunar prison, quietly biding her time until the stars would aid in her escape.

And for a thousand years, Discord, Spirit of Disharmony and Chaos, plotted his revenge. The world had wronged him, and the world as a whole would pay dearly.

Author's Note

Welcome! This will be my first story for FimFiction! Feel free to leave CONSTRUCTIVE criticism below. Other forms of criticism need not apply~.

Chapter 1: End of an Era

It was a time of celebration for not only Ponyville, but also for most of Equestria; After the recent victory over Queen Chrysalis, and the return and saving of the Crystal Empire, Ponyville had become a popular vacationing spot. Many ponies wished to meet the 6 mares that had risen beyond celebrity status, and were now regarded as saviors of all of Equestria. Twilight Sparkle had been stopped several times for autographs to fillies and their parents on the way back to the library, to the point where she was forced to disguise herself to make it home in time for Spike's dinner. I need to ask the mayor to put a sign up somewhere.. "Please don't bother the poor Elements of Harmony bearers, they have normal lives like the rest of us!". Twilight had nearly broken into a gallop to make it home, when something caught her eye. Something in the sky had drawn the attention of both her, and several other ponies. It appeared to be the moon, slowly moving toward the Sun. Before long, the sun was covered by the celestial twin's visage. That's strange.. I didn't think there was a Solar Eclipse scheduled for another few years. Not long after, the moon returned to it's former place behind the horizon. Ponies began to panic, some whispering nervously, and others downright screaming in terror. Most of the ponies today had yet to see a Solar Eclipse, and one so sudden would be seen as a bad omen.

Twilight continued on her way home, finally reaching the library after a few short minutes. Inside, she found Spike making dinner for two tall Alicorns. "Princess Celestia, I-I'm so so sorry! If I'd known you were coming, I would've been home sooner! I would've made dinner, I would've-" The Alicorn ruler raised a hoof, both to calm her student and to cease her nervous rant. "Twilight, it's perfectly fine. Spike was here to keep me company.. He really is your number one assistant." She rose from the table, and approached her student. "But.. I did not stop by for a mere visit. I must ask that you come to Canterlot with me. Immediately." She seemed stern, almost desperate. Maybe even a hint of fright in her eyes. Upon a closer look, Twilight noticed her eternal mentor looked slightly unhealthy. Her normally pearl-white coat was slightly faded, and her wings seemed to be missing a few feathers. Twilight wanted to cry. The sight frightened her, it made her angry, she wanted to know who had done this to her beloved mentor.

Without haste, Twilight packed quickly and lightly, and was off to Canterlot with the two princesses and Spike. When they arrived, they were greeted with several security checks, and more guards than at the Royal Wedding a few months prior. Twilight was doing a perfect job of keeping her composure, though the princess knew her student all too well. She could feel her rage quelling inside of the young unicorn, the poor mare wanting to stop and demand answers. After almost an hour of security checks, they reached the inside of the castle. Travelling to her private chambers, Celestia nodded to Luna, who left the three alone. "I guess I'd better wait outside, huh?" Spike knew that the two would likely be discussing something of utmost importance, and that he would hear it later. Much to his surprise, Celestia shook her head. "You deserve to hear this just as much as Twilight." Twilight watched her mentor wearily travel to her bed, and the unicorn was at the princess' side in an instant. "Princess.. What's going on, who did this to you?!" Celestia sighed once, and said something nopony could have imagined, foreseen, or known that she was going to say.

"Twilight.. I am dying."

Princess Celestia pulled Twilight into a hug, knowing the shock would be near unbearable for her faithful student. "No one is responsible for what is happening to me. Nothing lasts forever, not even an Alicorn. All things must end.. Even me." Celestia felt tears dribble onto her shoulder, as she herself let a tear fall to her frozen student's spine. Twilight was speechless, for the first time in her life she could not speak. Her eyes were frozen, lifelessly clinging to the wall of the room as tears flowed endlessly from the shattered mare's eyes. "But you must know.. While I myself will end, the Sun will reincarnate me with it's magic.. I will be reborn, a new alicorn. She will not know you, she will not know Luna, or Spike, or your friends, or anyone.. That is why I am entrusting you with the most valuable treasure.. You must care for her, you must teach her to be a ruler" Celestia held Twilight close, but pulled her from the hug to look her in the eyes. "And until she is ready, YOU must be the one to raise the sun."

Twilight nearly fainted. In the span of two short minutes, she simultaneously learned that her beloved mentor was dying, that she would be reincarnated as an Alicorn foal, and that Twilight Sparkle, an ordinary unicorn, must use her magic for who-knows-how-long to raise the Sun, and raise Celestia to rule Equestria once again. "H-how... How long do we have..?" Celestia nearly sobbed. "We have one week.. And in that time, you and your friends will stay here in the castle, and we will do whatever you want before I must pass away. It is truly the least I can do for the most amazing Unicorn I have ever known." The kind words helped ease the young mare's broken heart, knowing that she could do anything she wanted for an entire week with Princess Celestia, the Alicorn who she saw as nothing short of a second mother. "Th-thank you Princess Celestia.. I promise, I'll take care of your new incarnation, and I'll do my best to care for both you and the Sun." Twilight could not hold back the tears of unfathomable agony, her entire world having just been shattered around her.

Spike stood near them, shocked, tears welling in his eyes. Were it not for Celestia, Twilight may not have calmed herself the day he was hatched. He would've most likely been killed as an infant were a guard to have seen him. Twilight was his mother, and Celestia his grandmother, they were his family. Spike was so young, he didn't know what to think, what to do. Twilight gradually pulled from her mentor and approached him, and hugged the baby dragon tightly. Soon, the three were tightly embracing each other, comforting one another in a warm hug. After a necessarily long hug, the three exited the chambers and went to search for Princess Luna.

Luna was sitting alone in her chambers when the three arrived, tears still fresh in their eyes. Celestia approached her sister and embraced her tight, before finally taking a seat on the bed at her side. "Luna has been at my side ever since you saved her from the evil of Nightmare Moon. She will be taking my place on the throne until I am once again ready. She will aid you with anything you need, both while you are here in the Castle when I myself am resting, and when you take my place raising the sun." Celestia rose from the bed and lowered her head. "I cannot forgive myself for forcing this upon you, upon Luna, upon your friends and all of Equestria.. But I find comfort knowing that you, the most suitable for such a position, will accept my burden. I would choose no one else, and no one else is more capable."

Over the next week, Celestia and Twilight grew closer than they had in years. Celestia shared stories of her long life, and Twilight showed her how she had excelled in magical prowess, and stories that she hadn't written letters about. Twilight became more acquainted with Philomena, the princess' pet Phoenix, and Spike introduced the princess and her bird to Peewee, his own Phoenix. The two quickly got along great, and it seemed that they would be close friends. Twilight's friends took three days to prepare and arrive at the castle, but Celestia was easily understanding. They were forced to leave behind their friends and families, their duties, and their pets. It was only natural that they needed time, even if Princess Celestia herself were dying. Twilight did not want to think about what would soon happen, and instead had prepared a schedule for the next four days. Celestia was still well enough to travel, and would be able to do so for approximately three of the four days.

Celestia was never able to travel throughout Equestria often, so many of the famous and beautiful sights across the great nation. On the first day, they visited the Rainbow Factory of Cloudsdale. Celestia watched in awe as the factory created beautiful rainbows, which were vibrantly spread all across Equestria. Pinkie Pie warned Celestia not to taste the rainbows, naturally.

On the second day, Twilight planned a trip to the badlands, to show Celestia that even in the most barren of places in Equestria, life survives and flourishes, and beauty can be found. Travelling with a horde of royal guards, Celestia and her six subjects came across a small, beautiful bush, hosting a variety of small animals and insects. Celestia smiled at one of the creatures, as it seemed to be staring behind her. It shielded itself, just as one of the guards nearly struck the princess with his spear. Twilight swiftly blasted the tortuous guard with a powerful beam of magic, tackling him to the ground and practically screaming in his face. "What is wrong with you, you nearly killed Princess Celestia!" Twilight Sparkle, normally one of the most composed unicorns, was about ready to kill a stallion in cold blood. Before she could react, the stallion, having suddenly transformed into a changeling, swiftly bucked the mare from it's body. Soon enough, several more changelings revealed themselves amongst the crowd of guards. A battle began, with the changelings outnumbering both the real guards and the six bearers of harmony. Twilight stuck close to Celestia, easily defending her from the weak changelings. Were anyone to approach, even a friend, she would fire a warning shot from her horn, followed by a powerful blast of enraged magic had they not stepped away. Applejack's applebucking skills came in handy, convincing several guards to let her buck them at changeling enemies faster than the monsters could react. Fluttershy was surprisingly useful in the battle, having become equally angered as Twilight at the threat of her princess being harmed. Rainbow Dash's and Rarity's wings and horn worked in perfect unison as Rainbow sped through the crowd, collecting changelings, and returning them to Rarity to stun. Even Pinkie Pie, who never leaves home without her Party Cannon, was easily blasting Changelings silly.

Within just a few short minutes, the Changeling assassins were dispatched, and rounded up so that they wouldn't be a threat. Twilight took no time in beginning to interrogate one of the changelings. "Why have you returned, why was Celestia targeted?!" The changeling grimaced wickedly. "If we could not eliminate your princess, we were told to give you a message.." It leaned in uncomfortable close to the mare's face. "The Horsemen Cometh." Twilight was in no mood for riddles, and returned to Celestia's side. The princess looked grim, even more so without being near death. "We need to leave Twilight.. We need to get back to the castle."

The moment they arrived back in Canterlot, Celestia took her six subjects to the throne room. Placing her horn in the lock on the door to the elements, she watched as a massive door opened, though she was not there for the gems. Entering the door, the six ponies followed, as they trotted down a massive hallway. Inside was a spacious room, with a familiar statue; The seemingly-lifeless husk of Discord, Spirit of Chaos and Disharmony. Around the room of his new prison were several ancient-looking walls, possibly taken from archaeological digsites. They depicted suffering ponies, and four ominous, frightening figures floating above them. "These ancient hieroglyphics tell the story of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. it is said by the ancient prophecy that when Twilight fell upon the five sparkling stars, that four figures, representing negative powers in the perfect, utmost unholy Harmony, would unite their powers, and destroy the world. This prophecy was made nearly a thousand years ago.. And it was said that it would come true in a thousand years."

The six ponies continued to listen carefully. "Twilight.. I knew that this day would come. It was proven in your Cutie Mark. I kept it from you because I thought, or perhaps merely hoped, that the day would never come. But the signs have been coming true all around us." Celestia began to cast a spell, and Nightmare Moon appeared before them. "My sister's jealousy of me allowed Discord to corrupt her, and he chose her as the general for an army that he would use to destroy Equestria. Nightmare Moon was once the Horsemare of War." The vision of Nightmare Moon lept toward the group and transformed into King Sombra. "King Sombra was also corrupted by Discord. He was once a friend, but his mind became so terribly warped that he enslaved his people to create tools and other resources for an army. He became the Horseman of Conquest." King Sombra shifted into a dark purple haze, which shifted to a sickly green, becoming Queen Chrysalis. "Chrysalis was once a beautiful Alicorn.. But she was wicked. Obsessed with her own beauty. I watched as she attempted to corrupt a poor stallion and turn him from his mare. I banished her to the badlands, where Nightmare Moon found her, and cursed her. She became the Horsemare of Famine, for she and her new kind were cursed to suffer eternal hunger, to feed off of the love of ponies." Celestia stopped casting her spell, and turned to the statue of Discord. "Discord is the Horseman of Death. He corrupts and kills and ruins lives, because it is all he knows. And he will be the ultimate form of death if we do not stop him."

For the final day that Celestia would be able to travel, Twilight gave Celestia the option to choose where to go. Thinking long and hard, the Alicorn Princess, who's mane had faded to a gray color and barely could be recognizable as the Princess of the Sun, chose to travel to a foal orphanage. When they arrived, one of the ponies was frightened at first to see the ghastly sight of the Princess, but was convinced to allow her and the guards to enter. Celestia was able to enjoy the company of the many fillies and colts, telling them that she was merely sick, but would soon be feeling much better. They told her their hopes and dreams, and she told them stories of the many years of her life. Before they left, they noticed a young filly on her bed. Celestia did not remember the filly from when the other little ponies had come over to meet her. Slowly approaching the little filly, she asked in her soothing, sweet voice, "My little pony, why did you not come over to meet me? You look sad.." The filly was afraid to speak, seeing one of her bullies from across the room staring in her face. Celestia noticed this, and smiled to her. "If she is causing you trouble, why do you not tell someone?" The filly nearly broke down into tears, tiny droplets of moisture forming in her eyes. "They said they'll say they didn't do anything, and I'll get in trouble.." Celestia drew a hoof to the tiny filly's chin, lifting her head to look into her eyes. "You can't let a bully control your fear for them. You can tell someone, it will be alright." She smiled sweetly to the little filly. "Follow me little one, let's go talk to one of the caretakers." Celestia led the little filly to an older pony mare named Sweet Tooth , and told her about the poor filly's bully. Sweet Tooth was happy to help, and before Celestia left the orphanage, she gave the filly, Courage Heart, a very special gift; The Princess' own tiara. "Keep this, my little pony. You will be a strong leader, and you will never let anyone push you around. Never give up Courage Heart, you're destined for great things." With that, the six ponies and their leader left the orphanage.

Author's Note

Prepare your tissue boxes, the next chapter will make it rain tears of pure agoonyyyyyyyy! :raritydespair:

Chapter 2: The Longest Day

Twilight could barely force herself to rise out of bed. She was well rested, and her bed made it quite easy to relax in, only the best for a visitor, and soon permanent resident of the Canterlot Castle. Today was the last day Twilight would have with Princess Celestia, for she would soon die, and be reborn. Twilight was dreading seeing her beloved princess in a near-death state. The only thing that permitted her body to rise was the thought of her mentor dying without her faithful student at her side. Preparing herself as best she could for the day, Twilight left her chambers and went off to find her friends. Fluttershy was in the Canterlot Gardens when Twilight found her. She expected the poor mare to be a complete mess, and though she was surrounded by several small animals comforting her, not a cry, not the slightest whimper could be heard from poor Fluttershy. "Fluttershy.. Is everything alright?" The yellow-coated mare's head lowered slightly, releasing a tiny sigh. "I can't do it Twilight, I'm sorry.." Twilight nodded. She had been there for the past three days, and she was grateful for that. "Don't be, Fluttershy. You're a good friend, and I'm glad you're here at all. Do whatever you want for the rest of the day, okay?" She placed a hoof on the mare's shoulder. "I'm so sorry Twilight.. Th-thank you.. Tell her I'm sorry.." Twilight nodded, and went on her way.

Applejack was found in the kitchen with several chefs, and a familiar zebra. Zecora had been requested by Twilight to travel to Canterlot, in the hopes that the brewing master could make Celestia more comfortable in her final moments. Zecora was more than happy to help, and went the extra mile by helping Applejack with new recipes. Twilight took a moment to visit with the two, and they headed out to find Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash.

With the five of the six ponies gathered (plus Zecora), they traveled to Celestia's chambers, where Princess Luna, Prince Blueblood, Princess Cadence, and Shining Armor had been waiting. Shining ran to his sister's side, embracing her in a tight hug. Twilight could only bear to let it last a moment, before rushing to her Princess' side. Celestia's mane had completely faded to a grey color. Her coat was pale, and she seemed emaciated. Her breathing was calm, but slower than usual. She reached for Twilight, who took her own hoof in hers, the two comforting each other in their time of need. Celestia smiled weakly, and spoke softly. "Where is.. Fluttershy..?" Twilight held gently onto her mentor's hoof. "She said she was sorry, that she couldn't come. I told her it was okay, and that she's done more than enough." Celestia nodded sadly. "I hope she will be alright.." Twilight took a seat nearby, and then noticed that a small glow had appeared near Celestia's heart, like the glow of the sun. It was beating slower, as if it would soon fade.

Throughout the rest of the day, which had been longer than normal due to the circumstances, Zecora prepared herbal remedies for Princess Celestia to ease her pain. She had lived for an untold length of time, and suddenly faced with death, it was no surprise that her body was in agony, though she was in too much pain to make much more noise than a few gasps. Her wings were now void of most of her graceful feathers, though a few, sickly leftovers still adorned them. They occasionally spoke to Celestia, but kept everything short. She did not have much time left, and forcing her to speak would only exhaust the miniscule amounts of energy she still had. Everyone in the room was more concerned for Twilight, who could not take her eyes off of Celestia, a grim look on her face.

Zecora estimated that Celestia only had about an hour left when a familiar face entered the room. Fluttershy had braced herself for the worst, and entered the room, tears flowing down her cheeks. Celestia shed a few tears of her own as she saw the kind, gentle yellow mare arrive. "Flutter..Shy.." The yellow mare galloped to her, crying uncontrollably. "I'M SOOORRY!" Celestia chuckled softly. "If you had not come, I would not have been..nghh..upset. I am only more happy to see that you came..." Fluttershy held both hooves to her mouth, trying her best not to sob uncontrollably again. The two of them smiled, and Fluttershy took a seat near Rarity, who generously comforted the mare.

Zecora lowered her head slowly. "Celestia's time.. is long over due. It is time for her to begin anew." Celestia had long since fallen asleep. She was peaceful as the glowing presence in her heart began to fade, to dim. Twilight rested her head on the dying princess' chest, sobbing softly. She was more prepared than she should have been for this, for her teacher's death. One by one, the ponies, and even the zebra, who's life had no connection to the former princess, began to cry. Celestia's body slowly turned to shining dust, before forming a small orb, big enough for a newborn foal to fit in. The small, bright orb remained on the bed, where Celestia's horseshoes remained. Luna stepped forward to speak, her regal voice falling apart in front of everypony as she threatened to lose her composure. "That is Celestia's soul. In two days, it will open, and her new form will be born. Take it, Twilight Sparkle. Cherish it like your owl foal." Luna stepped away from the group, and made her way toward the door. "I know what you are going through, Celestia was my sister, and in a way, your mother. But hear me, if anything befalls my sister's newborn form, you will pay dearly. You are a friend, and that is why I trust you." With that, the new ruler of Equestria left the room.

And now, after all the pain, agony, after twelve hours of watching the supreme ruler of Equestria die before a small group of friends, it was only mid-day, and there would still be time for Twilight Sparkle to lower the sun for the first time. And not far away, in the sealed prison behind the royal throne, a presence was stirring. Discord's stone prison, now weakened by Celestia's death, was slowly unraveling. The Horseman of Death's return was inevitable, and sooner than anypony could have imagined.

Author's Note

:pinkiesad2: :fluttercry: :raritydespair:

My face when CELESTIA DIEEEEEES

I felt it was neccesary.

Chapter 3: Rising Dark

If there was one regret that Princess Luna had now, it was that she never told Celestia how sorry, how grateful, and how adoring she was of her beloved sister. Now, she would never have the chance. It likely did not matter to Celestia, but Luna never physically told her that she forgave her sister for what she had done. She had long since forgiven Luna, and even apologized for her actions. But not once was Luna able to come forward and tell the truth; Luna was sorry. The guilt had been eating her alive for two whole days, ever since her sister was reincarnated into a new form. The princess was now nothing more than a sphere of light, a womb for Celestia's new body. All her accomplishments, her relationships, her memories, everything that was the Princess of the Sun was now lost, forced to be reborn with her.

Luna could only ever bear to leave her chambers when the need arose, such as to perform her new royal duties, or to raise and lower the Sun and Moon. It was there, in her chambers, at mid-day, that she felt a filthy, wicked presence enter the room. The presence of a being not bound by the laws of nature in neither form nor existence. She knew this feeling, but she had not felt it in over a thousand years. Luna rose from from her bed, exiting the room and traveling to the Royal Gardens, where she hoped if thing went awry, there would be witnesses. "Oh come now my faithful General, are you so naive as to think simply walking outside would save you from me finding you?" Discord revealed himself nonchalantly, slithering through the air and around the Princess' neck. "Begone from be foul abomination!" Luna's eyes glowed white as she sent a shock wave rippling in all directions, only to be blasted by her own magical energies as a see-through force field rebounded her attack back at her.

"Release me, wretched mistake!" Discord chuckled, barely restraining himself from bursting into laughter. "Come now Princess, you need me, just as much as I need you.. I can give you everything you want, everything you need.. A kingdom, far more fast than Equestria alone.. I can take the burden of the throne, you would rule all, but I would take care of all the boring things you loathe in your new position.. What do you say Princess? All you need to do.." He pressed a talon against her head. "Is remember what Celestia did to you.." Luna, enraged at his ignorance, blasted him against the field of magical energy with a single, super-charged bolt. "You know nothing of what she did to me. She welcomed me back into society, she took me back at her side! And when she was faced with death," Her Canterlot Royal Voice threatened to shatter the field, "SHE PLACED ME ON THE THRONE!" Discord danced down to the ground, brushing dust off of his form casually. "Come now Princess, you're stuck in here with me. And whether you like it or not, the 'other you' is coming back, I assure you." Chains of fire and molten magma burst from the ground, chaining the Princess and restraining her permanently. "When I first was released from my prison, I had become a tad... insane. Cotton candy clouds raining chocolate, among other childish things, were the most I could do with my abilities. But my sanity has returned.. As as my power." He approached Luna, who watched in terror as her coat was singed by the flames. "Now, I know for a fact that you're going to be difficult. But we'll see who prevails."

Luna was suddenly observing herself in the past, still bound by the chains. Hooks clawed at her eyelids to force them open, painfully forcing her to watch as her younger self was speaking to Celestia. "Sister, we had thought and hoped thou wouldst allow a further hour of night. Why must thou lie? Why must thou promise, only to break thy word?" Celestia lowered her head. "Luna, we hath spoken with our advisors. Even a slight variation in our Sun's time in the sky wouldst harm all of Equestria. We must not allow harm to our kingdom." Luna frowned. "Thou speakest "our" but sound of thy. Doest thy kingdom belong to the two of us, or to thee alone?" Luna remembered this moment well. She could distinctly remember Celestia's face, it was of anger, of prejudice. "Return to thy chambers. We shan't speak of this again." Celestia flinched as she saw Luna stomp a hoof, before exiting the throne room.

Luna was forced to watch the several days that lead up to the events of her corruption into Nightmare Moon. All of these events had been manipulated from afar by Discord, to create his perfect puppet, his perfect General. As the days passed in front of Luna's eyes, and as time went on, the chains would tighten. Then, when she had thought it would never end, she saw her most painful memory play out before her, as she slowly shifted in front of her own sister. "We tire of these games, sister. We hath watched as thou hoard the sunlight and banish my night. We hath watched as thy loyal subjects shun my night, and praise thy sun. Where art our praise? Our love?" Her mane became a darker color, as it shot outward over her mane and coat. "We believe that if the night were to last forever, thine subjects would hath no choice but praise us!" The physical transformation was one tenth of the way finished, when Luna found herself at the first vision yet again. "What trickery is this?!" Discord laughed maniacally. "All apart of breaking you." And so, Luna once again watched the long, drawn-out transformation over several weeks as her younger self became Nightmare Moon.

It felt like centuries since Luna had been trapped in this perpetual nightmare. Occasionally, she would shriek Discord's name, to no reply. Each time she watched the final, physical transformation, she would come closer to seeing the end-result, before being torn and thrown to the start of her downfall. She could eventually barely remember if she was coming closer to the end of the physical transformation or not. And all the while, her chains grew tighter, searing through flesh, grinding bone. Luna could barely scream any further, her throat was dry and sore from what was likely weeks of screaming. Only the occasional whimper escaped her throat, and though the effort was always being made, it was impossible at this point.

It was inevitable. She would be broken, and she knew it.

Finally, at long last, she witnessed her past self become Nightmare Moon fully, in mind, spirit, and body. The chains released her bloody, seared flesh, her form collapsing to the ground, limp and barely concious. "Now, I've been very generous. Not only did I once, long ago, give you the power to overthrow your 'beloved' sister, but even though you failed, I gave you a second chance. And you threw it away. But, guess what? Go ahead, gue- Oh, heavens me.. I forgot you're so happy that you're just speechless!" He slithered through the air, drawing closer, a talon brushing her coat, now filthy of sweat and exhaustion. "I put forth the effort to break you, to bring you back to the winning team. I could've simply torn the remaining fragments of Nightmare Moon from your soul and made her pure. But no, I truly do like you, Luna."

He whispered in her ear. "Those chains were once a sort of.. Back-up plan. They belonged to Celestia. And they could only be used in a special emergency. Now, what could she possibly have wanted those chains to-.. Oh.. Oh dear.. Luna, Luna my dear, do you think it's possible that she had them in case you ever got out of hand?" He pulled away, patting her on her stomach like a dog laying on its spine. "You see, Luna.. She trusted you enough to give you her entire kingdom while she was 'in dispose'. But she NEVER could've trusted you enough not to have something ready. Just in-case. But I'm sure that, just like you say, she had forgiven you, right?"

Nothing could've held her back now.

The transformation shattered the barrier, which during her time inside, had become a crime-scene. It was the last place Luna had been seen since her disappearance nearly a month ago. A gardener had seen the Princess flying from her chambers, and landing in the Royal Gardens, where a strange force-field had grown around her.

And exactly one month later, as the barrier shattered in the middle of the day, ponies all around Canterlot shouted in confusion and terror as the Sun lowered itself without warning, without rhyme or reason, and a dark, sinister-looking moon rose.

Author's Note

Sorry for the wait, everyone! Been taking care of some stuff IRL, and got a bit absorbed into Star Wars: The Old Republic.

:scootangel:

Chapter 4: While Luna Was Away

Taking care of a newborn foal was one thing, even if it were going to be the reincarnation of what might as well be a goddess. But Celestia's "womb" required constant care. Were it not for Spike, Twilight would likely have died from starvation. The only thing that could be done about sleep was the occasional cup of coffee. Celestia needed to be carefully monitored to be sure everything was alright with the strange orb, needed to be supplied with magical energy at least once every three hours, but no more than every half an hour, it needed to be "fed" direct sunlight twice a day, and required "comfort"; Twilight would need to hold the orb occasionally, to simulate the emotion that would be given off of a mare to her unborn child if she were pregnant. It was a long, trying experience, and as much faith as Twilight had in herself, she sometimes wondered to herself if she could do this. She worried constantly about the unborn foal. What will happen if she forgets something? Or if she fell asleep?

This was only made worse by the sudden disappearance of Princess Luna.

Equestria had been thrown into chaos, the government unsure of who would be Luna's successor. Princess Cadence was away tending to the wounds of the Crystal Empire, and it was clear that Prince Blueblood would be unfit for the throne. They needed someone that, Alicorn or not, had the magical prowess to raise and lower the Sun and Moon. It was clear that only Twilight Sparkle, student of the "late" Princess Celestia, would have power anywhere close to strong enough to raise and lower the celestial bodies.

Twilight was rushed to Canterlot, with the womb carefully traveling near her. It was there, for the next two weeks, she underwent extensive magical training, by a sect of mages that had passed their teachings down to the Princesses, the original creators of the spells who had taught Celestia and Luna. Twilight had sworn an oath to never reveal the secrets of the spells required to raise celestial bodies, but as her training progressed, it was clear that she was still not powerful enough to hold dominion over the Sun and Moon. The mages suggested that the other bearers of the Elements of Harmony aid Twilight each day and night, and that their combined power would be able to fuel Twilight's magic, to push the celestial bodies through the day and night sky.

It took some convincing, but Twilight's friends were soon in Canterlot. Fluttershy and Applejack were the hardest to convince to leave their homes; Fluttershy's animals and Applejack's apple trees would need tending to, and with Twilight's extra pull, there were several new ponies arriving at Fluttershy's cottage to care for her animals, and workers were sent to Sweet Apple Acres to help with the harvest.

With their duties sorted, the six Elements of Harmony gathered at the hidden cavern belonging to the Celestial Mages. Celestia's womb was kept in a custom-made saddle-bag over Twilight's flank, always at her side. The mages spoke in a thick accent, unfamiliar to the rest of Equestria. It was clear that they had kept themselves secluded from the rest of the world; Virtually all necessities were found inside their expansive caverns, removing the need to venture out for resources. The eldest Earth Pony, a stallion with a beard touching the ground took a step forward from his brothers and sisters who had formed a circle around the six mares. "Dusk is long over-due. When you are ready, wield the Elements. They will empower Twilight Sparkle, her magic will be strong enough to push the Sun and Moon."

Twilight had been taught that the Sun actually orbits Equestria along with the moon; It is smaller than a normal Star, but Equestria's gravitational pull is too weak to keep them rotating around it in orbit. It had something to do with magic's effect on Equestria, the mages had told Twilight. Celestia and Luna would raise the Sun and Moon to repair their orbit for a limited amount of time. Each day and night, the Sun and Moon would need to be pushed again to keep their orbit in check.

Twilight took her place at the center of the circle created by her friends. Celestia had long ago taught them that multiple formations wielded the elements in different ways. Focusing on the elements, Twilight felt as the other five elements' magical energy flowed into the tiara on her forehead. Twilight casted a spell with her horn, sealing the Elements' surplus magic inside of her body. With a blinding flash of light, their power receded. As the spell's flash of light died down, the ponies looked upon Twilight to see that her horn had extended further, and her hair had grown in length. Twilight took no time in using her new power to lower the Sun with ease, before extending her grip to the Moon and raising it into the sky. At last, for the first time in nearly a day and a half, night had returned.

With the ordeal finally finished, the six mares returned to the Canterlot Castle, where they could take some time to rest and recuperate. Twilight had felt reinvigorated by the Elements' magic, but even so, when she felt the soft, warm bed in her new chambers, the poor, exhausted mare couldn't help but pass out.

Several hours later, Twilight awoke from her much-needed rest. It took her several minutes to realize how much time had past, how long it had been since she had tended to the womb: A whole five hours. In a panicked, frantic state like she had never felt before, Twilight nearly broke down into tears when she could not find the womb. Had someone stolen it? Had Luna staged her disappearance, only to test Twilight's care for Celestia? Did she come in the middle of the night to snatch the womb away, to later scold her for putting Luna's sister in such danger?

It took Twilight an hour of searching, and she found nothing. Twilight collapsed, curling into a ball and sobbing. Whatever had happened to the womb was her fault, and the rage that Luna would show toward her, the fallout that would affect Equestria in the days to come, it would all be on her shoulders. The only comfort came from a small tongue licking Twilight's cheek, soothing the mare's sorrow. "Spike, please, just get out!" She heard a sad sniffle, followed by a saddened wail. Twilight opened her eyes to see a sobbing foal, with a pearl-white coat and soft, pink mane. Twilight thought she had finally snapped, able to do nothing more than reach a hoof out to the foal, to feel its mane, to confirm its presence. Twilight scrambled to her feet, wrapping the frightened foal into her hooves. "There there.. I'm sorry, I was just scared.." She soothed the foal with her voice, rocking the baby back and forth gently in her arms. Twilight tried her best to walk to Spike's bed calmly, still rocking the foal to sleep. "Spike, wake up.. You've got to meet someone." Spike roughly awoke, rubbing his eyes. "Nnghh, what Twilight..? It's finally the middle of the night!-" Twilight pushed a hoof to her mouth to shush him. "We've got to be quiet, the foal is trying to sleep." Spike's eyes went wide with a smile on his face to match. "I-Is that..?" Twilight nodded. "We'll tell the girls in the morning." Spike tickled the foal softly, and Twilight couldn't force herself to stop him as the little foal-Celestia giggled tiredly. "So what are ya gonna name her, Twilight?" She looked at him confusedly. "What do you mean? She's still Celestia, just, well, I mean.." It was clear that a little foal like this would be better fitted to a shorter name. "Celeste. Or Tia for short."

Spike was easily convinced by Twilight to sleep on the couch, to make room for his new sister. Twilight moved the tiny bed carefully closer to her own, so that the foal could be cared for quickly if need be. Twilight started crying again when she finally crawled back to bed. All of her effort had been worth it, and she couldn't have been more proud of herself and Spike.

The next few days were hard on Twilight, but no worse than the days caring for the womb, and they were made much easier with sleep. The arrival of "Celeste" (Or "Tia" for short) brought forth paperwork, paperwork, and more paperwork. Twilight insisted that she and Spike handle it herself, but welcomed her friends to helping babysit. Each of her friends had a day of the week to babysit Celeste, while Twilight took off time on the weekends to care for her. Fluttershy would bring critters from all around Equestria to amaze Celeste, and would sing her lullabies to help her sleep. Pinkie Pie would play games and throw "Mini-Parties" for her favorite foal princess. Applejack and Rainbow Dash started out making Celeste exercise and have apple-eating contests, but Twilight soon caught on when she came home every day with belly-aches and sore muscles, so that was soon put to rest. Rarity used Celeste to create her own line of clothing for foals and young fillies and colts, and in return played with Celeste and sent home free clothing for her to wear. Twilight was a tad irked when she came home with her hair braided, but came to like Celeste's new hairstyle.

On the weekends, Twilight would invite Rainbow Dash to her chambers, and they would entertain Celeste with feats of flight and magic in an attempt to inspire Celeste use her wings and magic. It often did not bring forth much effort, but Celeste enjoyed it nonetheless, and she would even sometimes make tiny sparks from her horn.

Over the next month, Celeste grew astonishingly fast. She was talking after only two weeks, and near her third week of life, she was calling Twilight "Mommy" after hearing a young filly at the park. She was ludicrously intelligent for her age. Twilight would earn temper tantrums from her adopted daughter if she didn't make the daily tests difficult enough. While her previous incarnation adored cake of all kinds, Celeste had formed an affinity for Cheese-cake of all sorts, shapes, flavors, and recipes.

By three weeks and four days, Celeste's pink mane and tail had both grown a streak of dark purple. The former Celestia's mane had a similar streak of color, but this streak was darker. Twilight came to the conclusion that her new incarnation would not be exactly the same as Celestia in all aspects.

The days went by, Twilight and her friends took care of Celeste, and Twilight Sparkle raised the Sun each day, and the Moon every night. She would bring Celeste with her to watch every time, and her daughter could only stare in awe. "One day, you get to do my job," Twilight would tell her. "I get to raise the Sun and Moon? But.. they look so big, Mommy! Can I really do it?" Twilight nodded and brushed her messy mane back into place with a hoof. "But only if you take a bath every night. No one wants a stinky pants raising their Sun and Moon!" Celeste huffed. She didn't like bathing, but Twilight would give her a new book every day that she was well behaved, and Celeste hated not having a new book around to read.

Celeste was in the tub, Twilight helping her wash behind her ears when she heard Spike in the bedroom. "Twilight, a letter just arrived!" Twilight looked to the bedroom and shouted back. "Just a minute, Spike! I have to go help your brother, but I'll be right back, alright Tia?" She nodded and sat in the bubbly water patiently. Not a moment after she left, the sound of shattering glass could be heard throughout Canterlot. It was louder than anything Celeste had heard, and she nearly slipped under the water when the frightening sound caught her off guard. Twilight came running into the bathroom, scooping Tia out of the tub and quickly drying her off. "Are you okay? Are you hurt?" Celeste was still in shock from the sound. It was like an earthquake, if earthquakes only lasted an instant. Twilight searched for any broken glass, still unsure of what the sound was. She checked Tia over several times for any injuries, but she was in perfect condition. It was obvious the sound had not come from the bathroom.

Twilight went to look out the window, to see chaos in the streets. Ponies everywhere were running, to their homes, to shelter, wherever was off the streets. And in the sky overhead, the Moon had a mark on it's surface, a mare, on the face of the Moon.

Author's Note

You know those games that you start playing, but you just CANNOT for the life of you put down long enough to get shit done?

I have a problem. :fluttercry:

Chapter 5: As Sanity Shatters

At long last, everything was coming together. All the planning, the blood and tears shed, everything would be worth it for Discord when the last mare and colt were dead. He had already made contact with Queen Chrysalis, telling her army to mobilize. Nightmare Moon was away in search of King Sombra's horn, all that was left of the King when his body was obliterated by the Crystal Heart's power. Discord had decided he wanted a throne of pure diamond, and that the Crystal Ponies would make it for him.

Discord had prepared for this for eons, and with everything going according to his plan, Equestria would soon be nothing more than a darkened wasteland.

"Discord, you wished to see me?" The Draconequus' ears perked up at the sound of Queen Chrysalis' voice. "Aah, my dear Chrissy! So wonderful to see you.." The Changeling Queen smiled, a soft giggle escaping her mouth. "Oh come now Discord, how long has it been? Have you truly yet to cease with the nicknames?" The two chuckled like old friends, contradicting the twisted monsters they both were. "I would hope our army is prepared?" Discord tugged at his beard as he listened. Chrysalis sighed , clearly annoyed. "It would have been beyond prepared a week ago, were it not for our.. Miscommunication." Discord slithered through the air towards her. "Oh come now Chrysalis, you speak as if I PLANNED to trap myself in stone again. Besides, the army is ready, as you said, and Nightmare Moon is on her way to Sombra. And once they control the Crystal Empire.." He playfully summoned a black towel, tossing it over a globe of Equestria. "The fun will truly begin."

As chaos erupted in the streets of Canterlot, Twilight Sparkle and her friends, escorted by several Royal Guards and Prince Blueblood, quickly traveled to the train station, hoping to catch a train to the North. With Nightmare Moon's return, it was clear that Princess Cadence, the only Alicorn besides Celeste, would be the best person to turn towards for help. The Crystal Empire had made wonderful progress in rebuilding, and re-integrating the Crystal Ponies into modern society. It would be the safest place for Celeste, far out in the Northern Arctic.

Celeste awoke from her nap near the end of the train ride, nudging Twilight with a hoof. "Mommy.. Why is it so cold? Why are we going.. Wherever we're going?" Twilight held Celeste close, brushing her hair back with her hoof. "We're going to see your Aunt Cadence and Uncle Shining Armor. It's not safe in Canterlot, everypony is getting a bit stir-crazy. Plus you've never met your Aunt and Uncle, so I thought it'd be fun." Celeste lowered her head softly into Twilight's arms.

They would be greeted by the Crystal Empire with comforting warmth as the train, which now stopped directly inside of the Empire, slowed to a stop at the new Train Station. Princess Mi Amore Cadenza was there to as well. "Hey Twilight!" Twilight and her former foal-sitter rushed to meet each other, performing their usual ritual. "Sunshine sunshine, ladybugs awake! Clap your hooves and do a little shake!" When she realized Celeste was watching, Twilight giggled and waved her over. "Celeste, this is your aunt Cadence. We've been friends for a long time." Celeste smirked, trying her best to hold back a laugh. "What was that thing you just did? It was hilarious!" Cadence smiled with a blush of embarrassment, and answered for Twilight. "It's just something I taught Twilight when I was her foal-sitter. Maybe I could teach you, if you're interested?" Celeste giggled and nodded, just as Prince Blueblood stepped off the train, prissily and quite frantically checking for mud, snow, or any other form of liquid that his hooves might touch. "Ugh, you would think a Crystal Empire would keep their ground more well-kept." Cadence pulled her cousin into a tight hug. "Nonono, Cousin Cadence, you can't hug me yet! I had my vest cleaned just before we arrived!" Cadence smiled slyly. "Oh really? You know the drill Blueblood." Before now, no one would have thought anyone could whine worse than Rarity. "But Cousin Caaadeeeence!" Cadence chuckled and began the dance. "Sunshine Sunshine, ladybugs awake!"

Most of the catching up was done inside the Castle, where several bedrooms were prepared for the visitors. Prince Blueblood naturally was given the largest room, chosen by Princess Cadence. Not an hour after arriving, letters were delivered to everypony's temporary bedrooms. "The Council of Canterlot Advisers has requested an audience with the bearers of the Elements of Harmony, Princess Cadence, and Prince Blueblood. Please join in the Royal Council Room at half-past seven."

The group gathered anything they might need, and headed towards the Council Room. There they found three elderly ponies, clearly unhappy to be there. "Take your seats," growled one pony, seated at the center of the opposite side of the table. The three ponies were of quite strange colors. All three of the ponies had a yellowish-gold coat, but their manes were different. The mare in the center had a pink mane, the stallions to the left of her having varying blue manes. The ponies quickly gathered near the table and seated themselves.

"We are sure you are all very tired, and want to get back to bed, so we'll get right down to business." He shuffled in his seat, clearly annoyed about having to travel so far for a meeting. "Just sign these papers and we'll leave with.. Celeste." He spoke as if he couldn't give a donkey's hoof about what he was saying. He clearly wanted to get out of there.

Twilight's eyes grew wide, wide enough to fall out of her skull. "Leave with her? What are you talking about?" The Councilor groaned. "You were supposed to read the other side of your letter, miss Sparkle. I would think the former student of Princess Celestia would-" Twilight had enough of his foul attitude, slamming her hooves on the table. "You aren't taking Celeste. Are we done here, or are there other matters that need attending to?" The center Councilor grimaced. "I am Streaming Sun, High-Councilor to the Court of Canterlot, personal friend to the once Princess Celestia, and higher in the food chain then even you, little miss Twilight Sparkle. And as such, I demand the respect I have earned." He stopped for a moment, staring directly into her eyes. "Princess Celestia's reincarnation has, according to my reports, been taught little more than simple history, math, and magical spells. You are hindering her in a way we could not have possibly foreseen. She must become a worthy Princess fast if we are to locate Princess Luna, and keep control of Equestria. And you, Twilight Sparkle, are the worst thing to happen to her since she was reborn, possibly before." Twilight left the table, prepared to exit the room. "You aren't taking her, and that's final."

Streaming Sun laughed in his rough, elderly voice. "It wasn't a choice in the first place. We just thought we would give you some papers to sign to make you feel as if you matter. You may have mattered to Princess Celestia, but you are nothing but the unfortunate prisoner of an Element of Harmony now. You belong to Equestria, and Celeste is it's future, without you." A voice spoke up, clearly annoyed. "Now hold on a sec! Nopony can just tear Celeste out of Twilight's hands, Celeste wouldn't be able to cope!" Councilor Sun groaned again. "Memory spells, miss Dash. We can wipe the unfortunate events from the poor princess' brain. Now if there is no more idiocy to be had, the guards will be at miss Sparkle's room in one hour. Be grateful I am allowing a goodbye." Twilight returned to the table, circling it and standing behind Streaming Sun's back. She placed her horn against the back of his skull, a spell illuminating her horn. "I have prepared simple spell used to fire magical energy in a concentrated line of fire. You are going to sit there, and you are going to listen."

The Councilor was clearly not prepared for this, nor much too happy. "Stand down, or I'll have your neck in a noose in under an hour!" Twilight laughed. "We'll see how that works out for you with your brain matter littering the floor." The whole room was in shock, Twilight's friends pleaded with her to stop, while the guards, clearly untrained for such an event, stood by and watched, prepared to attack her the moment she stepped away. "Princess Celestia and Princess Luna agreed that I would take care of her womb, and that I would raise her reincarnation. I was the one who cared for Celeste as if I literally gave birth to her myself. I have raised her, and taught her everything I know, everything Princess Celestia knew. She is my daughter, I am her mother, and I will not hesitate to kill you if you try to take her from me. You are a criminal trying to take a foal from her mother, and that mother happens to be the current most powerful Unicorn in all of Equestria." She rammed her horn into the back of his head, throwing him against the table, purposely too little force to knock him unconscious, but enough to ram his nose painfully against the crystalline table. He shouted in anger in pain as Twilight and her friends left the room.

He's here. The horn. There it is. No, over there. Crystals all look the same. Ponies all look the same. Need to kill all the ponies. Need to find the horn first. The ramblings of Nightmare Moon's tormented, unfortunate mind made it difficult for the Bringer of Night Eternal to focus. Only when in battle was she ever able to think straight. She wasn't a mare of many words, but even she enjoyed the occasional monologue. Every time a Crystal Pony threatened to come too close, Nightmare Moon would flash her horrific, feline eyes, sending them off in a fit of terror.

She knew she was close, but she could not pinpoint the exact location of King Sombra's horn, all that remained of the tyrant. It did not take long for Nightmare Moon to lose her patience. In a rage, she began to cast the spell meant for Sombra's horn on every crystal in the vicinity, morphing the magical energies of the crystals into monstrous abominations. A small battalion of black-crystal golems formed from the foul spell. And among them, their master, King Sombra in his physical form of flesh, blood, and steel armor. He roared with the force of an earthquake to usher in his return, to let all of the Crystal Empire know that he was there.

The two corrupted ponies crashed their horns together, their horns crackling with foul energy. A cloud of black dust shot forth from their horns, becoming a cloud, and then a storm, until a blanket of dark magic covered the skies, endlessly moving outward, blanketing all of Equestria in irreversible night. The only thing visible in the blackened night sky were Nightmare Moon's stars and moon, only just visible by the naked eye.

Author's Note

Fun fact, I was writing that the train stopped inside the Crystal Empire BEFORE the pet episode aired! I could sue, but I'll let it slide since they technically made the episode before I wrote this chapter. :derpytongue2: