Note: This is the original draft of this story, but not the best one. Another version, expanded, and rewritten in prose can be found here: https://www.deviantart.com/poisonhorsie/gallery/62495852/Students-of-Heaven and here: https://www.fimfiction.net/story/368234/students-of-heaven I hope you'll check it out. It's much better than this one. Students of Heaven Post 1 >Dear Princess Celestia, >Things are well here. >The sun shines, the birds sing in the trees, >and I see you were right again; >life is so much easier with friends. >Snips and Snails have taken quite a liking to me. >They sulk around, destroy things, intimidate the students, >and most importantly of all, >they recognize my greatness. >They do so much for me I can just sit back and bask in the misery. >See? I'm making progress! >You may have refused to make me an alciorn but it doesn't matter. >There's no magic here anyway, and I already rule without it. >This whole area is "under my thumb." >Don't they have the cutest expressions? >But it's true: >I rule. >I rule a school, yes, but the wails of a child are no less real. >Their anguish is felt just as keenly. >Their tears are just as sweet. >I rule a school, yes, but it's a school of flypaper, and they're the flies. >They can't run without tearing off their own legs; >their society, even their families turn on them if they try, >hurting them in ways I never could. >In fact, their entire futures are destroyed if they don't graduate, >so they find no rest no matter where they go. Post 2 >They're trapped with me. >In a way adults never would be. >And it's all thanks to you. >Every time Snips and Snails steal for me, >every time someone is late for class because they're too afraid to pass me in the hall, >every time I lie to Flash, and he lashes out in my defense, >every downcast eye, every fearful whimper, every tearful breakdown; >they're all because of you. >I want you to remember that. >I may be on the other side of the mirror, >but I am still me: >indomitable, unstoppable, me. >And everyone here is mine. >Remember that. >You're the kind of pony who would care. >They aren't your ponies, they aren't even ponies at all, >but you care. >Sleep well Princess. >See my face when you close your eyes. >Dream about what I've done, and so, what *you* have done through me. >Dream too, about all the suffering still to come. >The sweet, sweet suffering. >I wonder how much longer it will be before I rack up a suicide? >Wish me luck! >Your faithful student, >S >I leave the book and walk slowly to my balcony >Something's got to be done about Sunset. >My poor little student, so very lost. >Pegai flit between my towers. >The faint sound of hooves on stone echo among my walls and gardens. >Ponyville and Cloudsdale dot the horizon. >All of Equestria spread out before me. >But I don't see it. >Instead, I see the past... Post 3 >Nowhere >Aeons ago >I'm alone. >I've always been alone. >That's how it feels. >Emptiness stretches out around me, >cold, silent blackness above and below. >Time passes. >There's no way to know how much. >I don't want to be alone anymore. >I summon my power and a star springs into being. >More magic >I create a planet, beautiful and blue. >Sunlight glimmers off the water and high cloud-tops. >Eventually I descend, and call land from the waves. >It makes me happy, but I can do better! >Mountains, and prairies, islands and rivers! >Sometimes I form them myself, >but most of the time, I let the processes I set in motion do the shaping. >Eventually, I am satisfied. >I take pieces of my world and shape them further. >Some please me, and some don't. >Eventually, I create a kind I like more than all the others: >4 legs, hooves, a tail and mane. >It's pleasing. So much so that I adopt it myself, >twisting and molding my own shape to mimic it. >Larger, of course, to suit my majesty. >I give life to my creations and scatter them across my new world. >Now it's time to wait. >Eventually, some will be born with the potential to ascend. >I'll find them, and guide them, and when they are ready, >I will help them through apotheosis. >Then, I won't be alone anymore. Post 4 >Canterlot >Present Day >Sunset was right, I hadn't made her an alicorn, >but I hadn't made Twilight one either. >I'd merely given them the seed of divinity, as I had a few others, >and tried to guide them in a way it would sprout true. >Sunset had so much potential, but she'd never had patience. >She'd left before I could make her understand, >and still carried the seed within her. >That made her dangerous. >Very, very dangerous. >If it grew while she still harbored so much darkness the results would be terrifying. >Even in that banal world she now inhabited, her powers would be immense. >Made even more formidable by being the only magic there. >It would be much the same as if Nightmare Moon had usurped my throne. >I can not let that happen! >But what to do? >She won't come back, and even if she did, she would still be the same corrupted unicorn. >How can I save her? >I look down on the ponies preparing for the upcoming Princess Summit. >They'd soon be on their way to the Crystal Empire, and I'd follow at my leisure. >An idea forms. >Sunset didn't know the origin of my "sister" Luna, >or how close Starswirl had come to ascending himself. >But Sunset does know about Cadance, and what she used to be. >She doesn't know about Twilight, or Twilight's ascension, or her crown. >But what if she did? >I return to the book and levitate my quill. >I close my eyes and summon all my knowledge of both ponies. >I'll only have one chance to get this right. >I compose the letter in my mind again and again. >Eventually, my eyes open, and I begin to write. Post 5 >Canterlot >c1300 years ago >I follow Luna through the cool air. >It's always cool at this height, among the clouds. >She'd woken up early this afternoon and asked me to come with her; >to a meadow high up on Canterlot Mountain, >with a large piece of gneiss jutting over the valley below. >It's honeycombed with tunnels and passages, and had been an active jewel-mine in her youth. >Now depleted, and abandoned. >I know she visits from time to time. >This time we're together >We set down in the grass and make our way to the pond >A beautiful, pure thing fed by a waterfall >We sup and bathe, talk and play, >then, as the time for night draws close, >make our way to the tip of Canterlot Rock. >A gentle breeze blows, and insects softly buzz in the flowers. >I lay down and look out on my kingdom >A contented sigh escapes my lips >I smile >"Surely there is no pony so lovely, and so well beloved as I." >Luna laughs a little bit >"What a thing to say, Sister!" >"There's no harm in telling the truth, little sister." >"We do not say it doth harm. We merely observe that...modesty hath never been among thy virtues." >I say nothing and look out >She's right, of course. But why should I be modest? >The ponies are here to serve me. >No, not me: us! >At long last my dream is fulfilled! >Another pony was born: gifted and beautiful! >I taught her and trained her and eventually, gave her the spark of divinity. >Not long ago, she blew that spark to flames and became an Alicorn. >My very first! >My dear Princess Luna; >my sister from that day forth! >But still so young; >eventually she'll learn the ponie's proper place: >beneath us. >"We haven't offended thee, have we?" >Now it's my turn to laugh >"No you have not." >"Good. We would not be pleased to have soured the mood." Post 6 >A gorgeous smile spreads across her face. >"We hath prepared a spectacle of such majesty!" >"This is why we hath asked thee to come:" >"this is our favorite place in all the land, and we wish thou to savor it with us." >I smile and lower the sun >"Show us, little sister." >She closes her eyes and channels her magic >The moon rises >Her eyes open, and she lays down beside me >The soft light from her horn casts our shadow on the rock >"Keep watching the sky!" >Stars pop into being >flashing silver and blue and red against the black >then fading to steady twinkles >shooting stars fall like rain >brilliant streaks sheeting together from right to left >Suddenly, it occurs to me the streaks are falling in formation >taking the shapes of gryphons, dragons, minotaurs, and of course, ponies. >They burn out as they reach the rows of new stars >Falling in sequence so as to seem to walk along them: >A road of stars with meteor-creatures dancing along it. >Eventually the creatures reach the glowing orb of the moon and vanish. >Then the star road winks out >one by one until the moon alone remains. >I nuzzle, and lean against her >"That was beautiful sister." >"We are glad thou appreciated it." >"We wanted thee to know thy decision to grant us demense over the night was a proper one." >I lay my head atop her shoulders >"I had no doubts before sister, now I doubt I ever will." >She smiles and looks at me askance >"Good. As the beauty of mine nights becomes known, thou will rememebr not to become *too* jealous." >I summon a mildly biting look and stare into her eyes >"Sorry it has to be this way, princess, but the day will always outshine the night." >Then raise my snout to the sky, letting my pink tresses fall between us >A moment passes >then two >Have I hurt her more than I intended? >At last she laughs >"Just as we have said; modest as the sun itself!" >She resumes our lean and we pass the night together. Post 7 >The Crystal Empire >Present Day >The thing about Twilight is, she's not my apprentice. >She never has been. >Oh she's my student, >and the most talented magic user I've ever encountered in my long life. >I love her dearly. >But she isn't like me; >she's like my sister, Luna. >Sunset though, is me. >Younger, less magically potent, but so much like me it borders on the incredible. >Her confidence, her power, her bearing and wit. >Very much like I once was. >Which is probably why I did it; >gave her the seed before she was ready. >I was sure, because I saw so much of myself in her. >She needed guidence and temperance, but surely she could not fail? >*I* could not fail. >Not again. >But I did. >I learned from the mistake, and was able to turn Twilight in time, >but I am the sun, and my sister the night. >Sunset, too is the sun, and Twilight the night; >there must be both. >So here I am, about to risk everything I've accomplished: >millions of lives, millennia of pony-history >and the unknowable expanses of time since I created the world. >All for the sake of one lost unicorn. >And it's worth it. >Because she has the potential to be so much more. Post 8 >The mirror has been moved to a room close to Princess Twilight's. >I have reduced the guard compliment. >Now I wait, cloaked and obscured in my most potent magics. >Even my dear sister would be hard-pressed to detect me. >A flash of light tells me she's arrived >I watch her stealthily creep among the corridors. >Not stealthily enough! >A bit of my subtle magic here and there ensures the guards don't spot her. >How easy it would be to catch her now! >But, she must be saved, not merely stopped. >Oh Twilight, forgive me. >You're a princess, and so, immortal; one day you'll be a goddess too. >Then you'll understand. >At last she finds what she's looking for. >The Element of Magic rises in the darkness. >This seems an opportune moment; >I give the tiara a little push into the lamp. >Damn it to Tartarus, she caught it! >Well, let's try again; >a touch of magic, >Spike rolls in his sleep, >Sunset trips, >and the chase is on! >A little magic to amplify the noise >Now all the ponies are involved! >Galloping and teleporting, >all the way to the mirror, >No! Twilight caught her! >Sunset won't give up, especially with this incentive; >I bounce the crown from one surface to the next, >and finally, through the mirror. >Sunset frees herself and turns, >victory scrawled across her perfect face. >"Sorry it had to be this way," >a smirking salute >"princess." >My jaw drops, and she's gone. >I've often heard ponies invoke my name. >But who does a goddess pray to? >She's so very much like me. >I hope I'm not making another terrible mistake. Post 9 >Castle of the Two Sisters >c1100 years ago >"Here ye, here ye! All who gather, stand and bear witness!" >Luna's Royal voice booms through the great hall. >I gesture with my horn and all eyes fall on the Grand Door. >As it opens my orchestra begins to play. >A grand tune, full of triumph and honor! >A lone unicorn stands tall, aged though he is, >and proudly marches down the carpet toward us. >All eyes follow him >Not a trace of contempt or loathing on any of their faces. >Stallions belong in the bedroom or the fields. >That's the way it has been for as long as I could remember. >They had said it to his face at first, >when as a foal his magical talents began to outshine those of any mare. >Then quietly, behind his back, >when I decided to teach him. >Now, they don't say it at all. >Some of the other stallions even seek educations of their own. >He stops before us, kneels, and smiles. >Awed by us, of course, but also, >by the sun and moon visible through the windows. >Sharing the sky. >Luna's idea. >An appropriate display for one who has saved Equestria! >The music fades, and Luna speaks again: >"Know Ye, that reposing special trust and confidence in the fidelity and abilities of" >"Starswirl the Bearded," >We do appoint him a Hero of Equestria!" >"To be known as such from this day forth," >"and I do strictly direct and require all ponies" >"to render appropriate respect thereunto." >Her echos slowly die. >My turn to speak >"Starswirl the Bearded, Hero of Equestria." >"For recognizing and defeating the Three Beasts of Song," >"receive this medal!" >He rises to all fours and I place a Royal Seal around his neck, >borne on a chain of solid gold. >"Stand and be recognized!" >he turns, and as one they all bow to him. >I let him savor his moment. >"Now, Hero of Equestria, speak!" >"Name your reward. If it is within my power, you shall have it." Post 10 >Canterlot Meadow >that night >Luna and I lie together, looking over our kingdom. >"Why did you do it Celestia?" >"Sister, please..." >"We are not really sisters. Answer us." >My dear sister is angry and embarrassed that the ponies still revere my days more than her nights. >She has been for some time. >But since the ceremony, she's turned frigid as ice, and now she says this? >Luna; petulent and puerile even after all these years. >But I will not rise to it. >I will be an example to her, as I am to every pony. >Eventually, she will realize how base her behavior is. >I sigh >"It was what he asked for." >"But another, like us?" >"He isn't an Alicorn yet, Sister." >"He has a great deal to learn before the seed sprouts, if it does at all." >A roll of her eyes >"We know that, Celestia. We worked long and hard before our own took root." >She lets out an incredulous laugh >"But, Celestia, what will you do if it does? Send him to rule one of our protectorates?" >I consider for a moment. "He isn't a mare..." >"That's right Celestia, he isn't a mare. They won't accept him." >"They'll play along. To his face, and ours, but nowhere else." >My sister's words are sharp, and flung with annoyance. >Why does she behave so? >"He is not a mare, but I believe the job would suit him." >Luna's expression changed to disbelief. >"They will mock him, and maybe you too. It is no fault of his own," >"but his appointment will undermine our legitmacy in their eyes." >Her expression darkens, and she glares at me. >"But you know this, Celestia, don't you? >I raise my nose and let my gaze ooze down upon her. >"Meaning what, Sister? >"You are no fool Celestia." >A strange look flits across her face >"But neither are we!" >Her voice cracks >"You think we have failed. You think us delinquent in our duty of the night." >"You seek to replace us! To make him steward of moon and stars in our stead!" >That's it? >Oh how she is truly, my *little* sister. Post 11 >I soften my gaze >"Sister, I..." >"Do not deny it! How strange that you would choose a male," >"but his name is so convenient, isn't it? 'Starswirl'." >She spat it out like a rotten apple. >Her eyes narrow. >Then, she whispers so quietly no pony but myself would have been able to hear her: >"It's to humiliate us, isn't it? That's why you chose a stallion." >"Fields, bedroom, or replacing Luna... that's what they'll say." >I lower my head and nuzzle her chin >"Sister! I will never replace you." >She looks at me, tears welling in her gorgeous eyes. >"Look." >I gesture with my snout >"The land, the sky, everything in between." >"Every rock, every plant, every creature, every pony." >"I created this world to find you. You are my sister." >"Immortal, powerful, and one day, when you have learned and grown enough," >"you will attain divinity every bit as splendid as my own." >"If Starswirl ascends, he too will become immortal, and he will not be accepted right away." >"But we can wait, dear sister." >"We will hold the kingdom, the world itself together, as long as it takes to change." >"Experience tells me, it will not be so long as you think." >"But what will not change, is my love for you, or your place at my side." >"You are my sister, forever and always, and I love you, forever and always." >She looks away, and silently gazes at the horizon >I lay my head on her shoulder >"Is it time, sister?" she asks. >I smile and nuzzle again >"It's close enough if you're ready." >I keep my head on her shoulder as she lowers the moon >There's a soft dripping noise >We linger >Everything's going to be OK. I know it. >At last I raise my head, and the sun. >Now, in the light of dawn, I see Luna is crying. >She looks over and smiles >"We do love you, sister. We just wish they loved us too." >"They do." >A moment goes by, and she smiles sadly. Post 12 >"We made something for you, Sister" >"Oh?" >"Yes, we have noticed something that all the ponies seem to love: an ornament for the day itself." >"An ornament for the day?" >Her smile is genuine now, despite her lingering tears. >"mmm!" She enthusiastically nods. >"Close your eyes, my sister." >I smile back at her, and do as she asks. >Her horn lightly touches my mane, and a brief tingle passes through me. >"Open them, sister, and follow me to the pond." >Among the rocks, shielded from the ripples of the waterfall it's clear and placid. >In its surfce our faces look back at us; >Luna's smile is as bright as the sun itself, and my own is awestruck. >"My hair..." I whisper >My pink tresses are transformed! >A rainbow, dancing on a gentle wind that isn't there! >Now it's my turn to smile. >My sister, My dearest Luna! So thoughtful even now! >"Thou can suppress it, when thy want to." >"Why would I ever want to do that?" >"Well..." Her tail swishes sheepishly >"it takes a bit of magic to keep it going." >"We gave thee a little of our own so thou could see how it looks," >"but If it's not kept charged the spell will falter." >I shake my head >"I don't want to suppress it! I don't want it to falter! I'll wear it with love for you, forever!" >She giggles like a little filly and rubs her neck against mine. >"We'll teach you the spell, but first..." >"first?" >"Come and play with us!" >She leaps from the edge of the promontory at full gallop, then soars through the calm dawn sky. >I am not far behind Post 13 >Canterlot >Present day >I haven't heard from Sunset for a very long time. >Twilight returned and told me what happened. >My dear little Sunset actually used the crown. >But of course, her seed failed to sprout, as I knew it would. >Sunset may have been able to fight Unicorn Twilight, >but, she was no match for an Alicorn. >Twilight said she left Sunset in the hands of some humans. >The very ones whom she had terrorized for so long. >It seemed an odd thing to do, cruel, even. >An indirect vengeance, unbecoming one of Twilight's station. >Then she said those humans had also been that worlds bearers of The Elements. >So I let her judgement stand. >Honesty, Loyalty, Generosity, Laughter, >and most of all, Kindness were just what Sunset needed now. >I was surprised there had been no Element of Magic, >But Sunset could do without that for now, at least. >But where was she? >Shortly after Twilight returned Sunset sent me a single letter. >Two little words: >"I'm sorry." >Then, no matter what I said, or how I tried to engage, she refused me. >Eventually, I stopped, thinking she would come to me when she was ready. >Now, it seems she is. >The book dances and glows atop my desk. >I open it and begin to read. >Oh no. Post 14 >My poor Sunset Shimmer. >To say nothing of the natives of that world. >The sirens have found them. It must be the sirens. >Probably attracted to, or maybe even awoken by the introduction of magic from Equestria. >If the portal were open, I could take care of this myself. >I can reopen it...but to my regret, she asked for Twilight's help, not mine. >Perhaps that's for the best? >Equestria needs me, >Twilight needs the experience, >and Sunset needs a friend, not a mother-figure. >With the portal closed, Twilight won't be in any danger, >and if it comes to it, I can cross over, and stop the Beasts of Song once and for all. >But only if I must. >Twilight needs the experience, >and Sunset needs a friend, >not me. >Time is of the essence, and a teleport is faster than even my best pegasus courier. >I'll send a letter once it arrives, but >Twilight will recognize the sirens as surely as I did, >maybe even before the message arrives. >She'll also have a way to talk Sunset through her new crucible. >I close my eyes, and cast my sight to Ponyville. >To Twilight's castle, >through the wards and spells meant to keep out farsight and teleportation. >My faithful student improves all the time; they are much better than before, >but still trivial for me to bypass. >There she is, among her books and letters. >When she's focused like this, I could teleport it right in front of her and she wouldn't notice. >She hasn't even sensed my presence. >What to do? >How fortuitous! My shipment of books is arriving! >And they're going right to the throne room. >They will catch her attention if anything will! >Effortlessly, I begin the teleportation spell, and reactivate the books message-alert. >A pop as it disappears from my chambers >Now to find a messenger... Post 15 >The Everfree Forest >c1000 years ago >Silence >I watch the moon sink below the horizon. >Luna is nowhere to be seen. >Lately, that's not unusual. >We raise and lower our celestial bodies dawn after dawn, and dusk after dusk, >without ever laying eyes on each other. >But even at dawn, there is some kind of noise: birds, guards, something to hear. >Especially here in the forest. >Silence >I feel a chill up my spine and know Luna is watching me. >She sometimes does, using farsight to spy without having to share my presence. >No, not spy; she knows I know when she watches. >Observe, would be a more appropriate term. >I do not mind. >Dutifully, I raise the Sun >But it is so quiet. >I turn and head back toward our castle. >Last night, I did not want to sleep, and spent the night in the forest watching Luna's sky. >She'd become more and more upset this last century. >Nopony seemed to appreciate her efforts, and one night, >she'd just stopped. >She still raised the moon, but there was no more beauty. >No more soul. >I was expecting yet another dull night, with wan moon and faint, sickly stars, and it was. >At first. >Then, near midnight, I sensed her watching me. >Shortly after, the sky had exploded in light and color. >The moon shone like a beacon, and the stars flared, literally *flared* up, >bursting across the sky in hues I had never seen before. >Even a comet appeared! >I stayed out and watched it all; >after so much effort, I wanted her to know that I, at least appreciated her new-found spark. >"Thank you sister, that was beautiful." >Silence Post 16 >I'm not even at the gate yet, and I know something is terribly wrong. >None of the guards are at their posts. >None of the daily delivery-wagons are awaiting inspection. >None of the coopers, or bakers, or gardeners or any of the other staff are at their tasks. >And that silence >Not even an insect disturbs it. >I rush through the gate, the sound of my hooves echoing from the walls >Where is everypony? >"Hello?" >Silence >Thunderous silence >I can still feel the chill that tells me Luna is watching. >Why doesn't she say something? >"Luna, do you know what's happened?" >No answer >"Luna? Sister?" >Why doesn't she answer? >I spread my wings and fly to the servant's buildings. >I open the door and gasp in disbelief. >Sitting at the duty desk, is a guard, softly snoring with his head lolled back. >How dare he sleep on duty! >"Guard!" I say in my booming royal voice, "Wake up!" >He doesn't budge >I trot over and see his sleep is far from peaceful: >his eyes are swollen and tears streak his fur. >Sweat rolls down his body while muffled screams punctuate his whimpers. >"Guard?" I shake him with my wings. >Still he doesn't awaken. >"Luna, what's going on?" >This time she answers, but I almost wish she hadn't. Post 17 >"Hm-hm-hm-hm" her soft laughter drifts through the air. >"Oh he's having the most marvelous dreams sister." >The way she hisses out that last word chills me to my core. >"They all are. Sleeping and dreaming until my night cometh again." >"What have you done?" >"We sent the guards home and layed them to bed. In fact, everything on this planet that can sleep, is!" >"Why? Let them go!" >"Hahahahahaha! Oh sister, Thou used to love our jokes. How often did thee say thou adored our sense of humor?" >I looked at the guard, shivering and weeping in his sleep. >"This..." I gestured to him "this is funny to you?" >"No, Celestia. This is the set-up. The punchline begins when thee cometh to us." >Come to her? Has she forgotten who I am? *What* I am? >"I will not play your game sister. Release them at once, then, I will speak to you." >Suddenly the guard thrashes in his sleep. >A high keening wail erupts from all around me. >They're all screaming. Every pony, every animal, every insect. >Mad, piercing shrieks shattering the dawn's quiet. >Howls born from the deepest insanity and mind-breaking terror, >on and on, echoing and reverberating, >assaulting from all sides. >Then, as quickly as it began, they fall silent. >Luna's disembodied voice speaks again. >"Thou will, of course, because thee wants us to stop, dost thou not, sister?" >This couldn't be happening >She couldn't mean this. >My sister >*My* sister >My *sister* >How could she do this? >Tears fall freely from my face >I don't care >"Luna..." I manage to sob >"Well, come and stop us. Thy surely knoweth where we are." >"Luna, please..." >"No, sister! Come to us. Now is not the time for fear. That comes later." Post 18 >I'm crying >I can't help it >How could she do this? >Oh my dear sister... >I could end it now, release them myself, but that might drive Luna mad. >It might even enrage her such that I'll have to... >No, I won't let myself consider that. >I'll have to talk to her. >To make her understand there's only one way this can end. >That hers is only to choose where she stands when it does. >"Oh my dear sister..." >She was right too, I do know where she is. >The alcove behind our thrones. >Where we used to meet before going out and changing the sky together. >A quick teleport, >and there she is: standing before me, wearing a cruel smile. >"See, sister? We said thou would come." >"Luna, what are... WHY are you doing this?" >"Luna?" She smirks "Are we not *sisters*?" >"Yes," I nod. >"We are sisters, Luna, because I made you so." >Her smirk changes to a snarl. >"Have you forgotten what I am? I am a goddess! Creator of both sun and moon." >"I made the world! I gave life to it! Who are you to defy me?" >Her face is a mask of frustrated rage. >Can't she understand how hopeless her position is? >"We too, are a goddess! Thou said so thyself! That one day we would be thy equal!" >"And you think that day has come?" >"We are the night! We are the darkness! We are the bringer of dreams and the source of fear!" >"Luna..." >"They will love the night, if not for its beauty, then for its solace from the terrors of the day!" >"They will cower in fear at the mere thought of the light!" >Her horn glows, and they're screaming again. >Every throat on the planet screeching itself raw. >"They will love us! They will love ME!" >Louder and louder, their mad voices penetrating even the thick stone walls. >"They will worship the peace I allow them only when the darkness falls!" >"Luna!" >"Shut up, Celestia! Now is the time for fear! Stop me if you can!" Post 19 >This isn't working >And I can't let my ponies continue to suffer. >Oh sister, please forgive me. >I must save them from you, but I'm also saving you from yourself. >One day, you'll understand. >You must... >I call on my power, only a very little bit more than I'm used to. >Suddenly the screaming stops. >Luna's face jerks towards me with a shocked expression. >I force down my tears. >"No more of this Luna. You can't hurt them anymore." >Her horn glows, then blazes. Her face contorting with effort and rage. >Easily countered. >My sleeping subjects don't even stir from her renewed attack. >"NO!" >I calmly raise my snout. >She glares at me with a hatred and malevolence I'd never believed possible, >then all at once collapses to the floor, sobs gushing from her in an uncontrolled torrent. >Her tears and moans wrack her frame from nose to tail. >"Please, let this be the end of it, Luna, my dear sister." >I turn and march from the alcove, >between our thrones and down the stairs, >across the Great Hall, >almost to the Grand Door, when her voice rings out behind me. >"Not another step!" >Oh Sister, please no. >I slowly turn to face her. >"Did you really expect me to sit idly by while they all basked in your precious light?" >please no >"There can only be one princess in Equestria." >please no >"And that princess will be ME!" >The stone dias crumbles beneath her powerful hooves. >A fissure shoots up the wall behind her, and it too falls away. >Through the hole, I see my sun, shining in the clear blue sky... >eclipsed! Post 20 >Canterlot >Present Day >My Dear Sunset Shimmer, >Congratulations! >Through the great strength true friendship provides, you defeated 3 ancient, powerful terrors! >You are a brilliant, educated pony; >you don't need me to tell you how this accomplishment shines! >Even though a part of me indulges in the idea of you relishing my praise. >What I wish to discuss, is your other accomplishment: >reformation. >We tell ourselves a myriad of stories about, and justifications for our actions. >Our minds remember, forget, and reinterpret events in ways that make us appear laudible. >This protects us, but also stunts us; >we can't grow if we're blind to our own failings. >Unfortunately, many are. >Intellectually, we know "nobody's perfect", >but when it comes to it, we lack the strength to see ourselves in the harsh light of reality. >To drop our vanities, and see ourselves as we are, >instead of as we imagine ourselves to be. >They are never the same. >This takes more fortitude than many possess, >and even more to realize when one is wanting. >It is difficult. >It is painful. >But you did it anyway. And more than that, >YOU DID NOT TURN AWAY. >You faced the pain, and let it drive you to become better. >You are every bit the heroine, and so much greater than you realize. >One day, you will be a princess. >Because of this, there is one more thing I want to speak with you about. Post 21 >You know of Princess Luna's rebellion, but >will you let me tell you a bit more? >When I took up the Elements of Harmony against her, it was not out of necessity; >but hope. >I'd hoped to intimidate her in to giving up. >She knew how powerful they were, and I thought seeing me wielding them would bring her to her senses. >As you know they did not. >So when I knew I could not delay any longer, I banished her, >instead of purifying her. >Do you know why? >For centuries after, I told myself it was an accident; >that in the heat of the moment, my control over the elements slipped! >In period illustrations, I am shown pink-haired. >I ordered it so, to further convince myself that I was flustered, not malicious. >So flustered, in fact, that even my hair-magic faltered! >But it was a lie. >I did it in anger. >Pain at my sister's betrayal, and fear for my ponies, >wove seamlessly into a spike of rage which bore an action that haunted me for a thousand years. >Why am I telling you this? >Not as an excuse, but as a warning. >You will find yourself in desperate situations. >It is inevitable as a princess. >I hope you will learn from my moment of weakness, >and temper your wrath. >I know you will not see this letter for some time. >Since giving Twilight our book, I've begun writing, and saving them, >because I still hope you'll return to me. >Princess Luna has, and resumed her rightful place. >I hope one day, you will read them, and know that even now, far across the multiverse, >my thoughts are of you. >There is so much hope in this one little letter. >Long experience has taught me such hopes often go unfulfilled. >Were you anyone else, I would not dare hold so much of it. >But you are you. Indomitable, unstoppable you. >I have faith in you. >C Post 22 >Canterlot Meadow >c1000 years ago >I lay in our spot and cry. >Our spot >Where we passed so many dawns, dusks, and gorgeous days and nights. >This is where Luna invented the aurora; >happily coloring her nights with the energy of my sun. >This is where she painted my mane. >This is where she played and explored. >This is where she loved; her favorite place in all Equestria. >Where our laughter echoed together time after time; >now silent, but for the wind, and my pitiful cries. >My sister! >Oh, my beloved sister! >If only you had listened! >If only you had stopped! >If only I'd had better control... >My thin veneer of equanimity collapses. >I am alone, and have no need for it. >I scream my pain to the mountain, and let my sobs blot out my grief. >On and on, I don't know for how long. >Eventually, my thoughts turn to my ponies. >All my little ponies. >So terrified, and so desperately in need of me. >I'd freed them from her spell, but great damage had already been done. >They need my magic to lull them to sleep now, so traumatized are they by her nightmares. >Nightmare Moon >That's what they're calling her now. >All her beautiful works, and heartfelt love forgotten. >Hers will be a legacy of terror. >She deserved so much better. >Again misery overtakes me, and I cry awful, wracking cries. >My heart tears from me and spills over the meadow. >Our meadow >The workers are already repairing my castle, but it's filled with bad memories. >My heart weeps every time I look on it. >But our meadow is filled with happy ones. >I lower Luna's now-marred moon knowing what to do: >abandon the Castle of the Two Sisters, and raise one here. >Canterlot Castle! >The dawn breaks, and washes me in its brilliant radiance. >A new beginning for my ponies, and also for me. >No more the distant monarch >No more the goddess >From now, until the end of Equestria I will be the kind and warm leader they deserve. >I love them all so much, and now they will know it! Post 23 >Canterlot >Present day >It's a lovely day. >There isn't a cloud to be seen, >my sun is warm, >and my garden is filled with the perfume of flowers. >Best of all, I have a new tea to try! >For hundreds of years I've cultivated tea plants as a hobby. >Some of my blends, and strains are enjoyed well beyond the borders of Equestria proper. >Now, after nearly 4 decades of selective breeding, and magical tweaking, >I think I've made yet another delight! >Of course, there's only one way to be sure! >I smile in anticipation as I bring the cup to my lips, it's delicate bouquet filling my nostrils. >I pause a moment and marvel at the sight of my kingdom; >Cloudsdale shines distantly in the bright sunlight, >its alabaster spires contrasting beautifully with the blue sky. >Ponyville nestled idyllically in the rolling hills to the southwest, >their slopes dark with fecund apple trees. >I close my eyes and sigh, savoring the moment. >At last I drink, >savoring also, the feeling of its warm astringence meeting my tongue. >This is delicious! >Even when measured against the absurdly high standards of my gardens. >I think I'll give it a name to honor Luna. >She was the one who introduced me to tea, after all, >back when she was still an earth-pony. >The sound of a door being hurriedly opened intrudes on my reverie. >A guard pony canters down my arcade, looking rather worried. >I nonchalantly take another sip. >He leaps from the top of the stairs with his wings spread and glides to the grass. >Such urgency; it was only a few little steps. >He stops a few meters away, and bows deeply. >I regard him with a smile, and take another sip. >"Princess! You ordered to be notified at once, if your alarms on the mirror were tripped!" >My heart skips a beat. >I hold the liquid on my tongue. >Could it be? >After all this time, has she at last come back? >"Yes, has somepony come through?" >"Not exactly, Your Highness..." Post 24 >I'm on my balcony >It's nearing sunset, and the air is cool. >A speck appears on the horizon, toward Ponyville. >It's so distant, it seems to hang motionless in the sky, >but I know it's moving with considerable speed. >Gradually, it draws closer, and my eyes resolve it: >Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, glowing in my sun's red light. >My eyes track her progress as my mind puzzles over the days events. >Some pegasus guards intercept her, then quickly let her pass. >She comes straight to me, landing quickly, her face filled with concern. >"Is it true?" >I quietly nod. >Her ears and tail droop >"Oh, Twilight...I came as soon as I heard. I teleported right to Ponyville to check for myself." >Her frown deepens >"Even when I couldn't find her, I still hoped she might have come here." >"Not yet, Cadance, but if she does, we'll know; Equestria is on high alert." >She licks her lips and begins to pace >"Yes, so is the Crystal Empire. This would be a clumsy prelude to attack, but I agree it's prudent." >Suddenly, she stops, and looks at me, shifting her weight from left to right uncertainly. >"What can I do?" >"Luna is patrolling the Everfree Forest, you may help her, if you wish." >"What's she looking for?" >"Portals" >Her brow furrows >"But I saw the mirror, still in Twilight's castle." >"Cadance, as you know, when she found a way to keep it open, I swathed it in alarm-spells..." >"Also prudent" she says, too quickly. >"Thank you. Right now, those are the only enchantments it still carries." >"Was the portal dispelled?" >I shake my head >"Torn free, I think. Without the mirror to anchor it, the mouth will leap about unpredictably." >"...and the forest's magical nature makes it the most likely place for it to appear!" She finishes. >I nod >"The portal is gone, Princess Twilight is g...gone; do you think she went through it? >I am about to answer, when Cadance shivers visibly and a familiar chill shoots up my spine. >"Sister! Princess Cadance! We have found a portal!" Post 25 >High over Equestria >A few years ago >Even as old as I am, I can still be surprised. >And that knowledge pleases me greatly. >Moments ago, an incredible burst of magic swept across my world. >I felt it, and so did my ponies. >All at once, everywhere on my planet, their moods and dreams sweetened, though they didn't know why. >I do: >love. >Pure, unconditional love powerful enough to bend reality itself. >But what could have caused it? >Instantly, I'd cast my sight across Equestria to it's source, not knowing what to expect. >Certainly not expecting what I found! >A little pink pegasus filly, >standing in the snow, with a grown unicorn weeping at her hooves. >I watch as the unicorn embraces her, and gives her a necklace: >a crystaline heart bound in twine, blazing with invisible magic. >Literally a heart, >cut from the chest of a siren, meant to enslave it's victims, and deaden their souls. >It's raw magical power dwarfs that of either the filly, or the unicorn, but it's different now: >shining and pure. >It's selfish malice somehow transformed by love. >Her love. >That's incredible! >That's potential! >The kind I've found only once before in my poor, lost sister. >Unbidden, memories of her leap to the forefront of my mind. Still painful, >but after all these years, a deep, dull ache, instead of raw, overwhelming anguish. >I must sieze this chance! >The unicorn steps into her cave, and I act, >teleporting the filly, and myself to this special place. >She blinks, looking thoroughly confused. >"Where am...Princess!" >Her eyes widen the moment she sees me >"It's ok, my little pony, there's no need to be afraid." >She regards me uncertainly for a moment, then relaxes. >"Not as long as you're here...Your Highness." >I smile at that >"What's your name, little one?" >"Cadance, Your Highness." >"What a beautiful name." >She breaks in to a smile. >"Thank you, Your Highness." >I beam back at her >"You may call me Celestia, Cadance." Post 26 >"Oh, no" she shakes her head "I could never do that, Your Highness!" >"Well..." I say with an exaggerated frown >"you don't have to, but I'd very much like it if we could be friends." >She tilts her head to one side, and her candy-striped mane falls over her shoulders. >She seems utterly entranced by the possibility. >"You want to be my friend?" >"Mm-hmm," I nod "and maybe talk a little bit. Would you like that?" >"A lot!" >"Good!" I say with my warmest smile. "Cadance, do you know why I've brought you here?" >"No, Pri...C...Celestia." Her voice shrinks to a whisper at my name. "I don't even know where we are." >She finally pulls her eyes from me and looks around >For what seems like the first time, she notices she is standing on "nothing": >a floor of pure magical force, and far, far below it, my world spread out like a shining gem. >A satisfying gasp as her little jaw drops. >"We're high above Equestria. Right over Canterlot, in fact." >She peers through the floor >"Wow, Canterlot?" >"Mm-hmm, and you're here, because I want to give you a present." >"A present, for me?" >"It's not a present you can hold, Cadance, but it's very, very special. One day, it will change you." >Her brows furrow "Change me?" >"Yes, child. One day, when you're ready, it will give you a new strength, and a very special job to do." >I can see her mind is working furiously; >she's young, but maybe she can understand even if I don't simplify it so much? >"You'll become like me, Cadance. And if you do your job right, if you love your ponies, and take care of them," >"They will all love you in turn." >"Like the way we love you?" >What can I say to that? What words can adequately express the way they make my heart leap? >Fortunately, she speaks up almost immediately: >"If it means I can help more ponies, then I want it!" >"Are you sure? Once I give it to you, it becomes part of you. You won't be able to change your mind." Post 27 >She nods with surprising solemnity. >"I'm sure." >"Then close your eyes, Cadance, and open your heart." >For show, I gently tap her head with my horn, and silently will the spark to pass to her. >Instantly, a burst of light shoots from her chest. >I laugh in delighted surprise! So soon? >It swirls and jumps around her, and carries her tiny frame into the air. >Now she's smiling too, her face shining with sheer bliss. >"It's so warm!" >She floats, engulfed in a brilliant light, growing, and feeding upon itself. >It surges back through her body, and up her neck, pouring from her eyes. >She lets loose an exhilarated yell as it bursts from her forehead in a searing flash of pure magic, >leaving a radiant spire in it's wake. >She floats, laughing and languidly spinning about her axes. >Gradually sinking lower and lower as the light fades away. >At last, her hooves touch the ground. >Her eyes are crossed, focused on her new horn. >She grins soundlessly, twisting her head from side to side, and turns in a complete circle. >"What happens now, Celestia?" >I'm not sure how to answer. >Nightmare Moon announced her arrival with a spasm of hate and fear so keen >that even a thousand years later its wound still has not healed. >Cadance announced hers with a wave of calming love, >pure enough to wash the taint from a siren's dead heart. >I don't know what happens now, but for the first time in far, far too long, >I know genuine hope. Post 28 >The Everfree Forest >Present Day >The stench of the forest's air washes over me as my teleport spell completes. >A fraction of a second later, Cadance pops in to being beside me. >"Where is it?" she hurriedly asks. >Luna indicates a direction with her nose >"It was there, for a moment." >Cadance follows Luna's gesture, then stares at the ground, tears welling in her eyes. >"Did you see Twilight?" >"No, Princess Cadance, we are sorry." >A single sharp sob escapes Cadance's lips >Luna gently nuzzles her, and softly: >"But as we said, there was not much time." >I look around at our surroundings. >This part of the Everfree is notorious. >More swamp, than woods, and filled with ghost-lights and strange, dangerous things. >Even the few ponies who regularly brave the forest itself, avoid it at all costs. >But here my fearless sister had come alone, at night, without a moments hesitation. >For Twilight. >My heart would swell with pride, if I weren't so worried. >I trot over and stand with them, wrapping my wings around their shoulders. >We hold each other tightly until at last, Cadance is calm. >"Please, Sister, tell us everything you can." >Luna closes her eyes and concentrates for a moment. >"First we felt great mirth overtake us, as if laughter, humor itself were a presence." >I recall Twilight's mention of the Elements of Harmony in the human-world. >"Then a purple glow appeared, and opened into a rift." >"We rushed closer, and heard music, of a kind we've never heard before." >Her snout scrunches in consternation >"We didn't even recognize the instruments." >"Also, there were voices, but we could not hear what they were saying." >Cadance speaks up >"Could you see anything through it?" >"Yes. There was a wall, of sorts: horizontal wooden boards, secured to an iron frame." >"with gaps between them, and a strange creature was peeking through." Post 29 >"Did it see you?" I asked. >She shook her head >"We don't believe so; the portal closed before we could approach it." >"Well," began Cadance "at least you found something." >She smiles, and gives a strained laugh. >"Really, it's lucky it opened close enough for you to find it." >"Oh, it was not mere chance, Princess Cadance; we used a beacon spell to draw it to us." >Again, I am impressed by my sister's selfless bravery. >"That's very dangerous, especially here." >Says Cadance, echoing my thoughts. >"There's no telling what else might have come instead." >"No, but we are as desperate to find Princess Twilight as you or Sister;" >"we would be remiss if we did not use all the tools at our disposal." >I set my wing on her back. >"Sister, please," I whisper "don't do that again. Not alone." >She looks at me, with a small frown, then nods. >"Not alone." She agrees, pressing her neck to mine. >We stand in silence a few moments, then quietly, Luna continues. >"There is more." >The magic was a tangled mess, but we could recognize a few signatures: one was the portal itself; >others were Elements of Harmony: Generosity and Laughter. >Cadance's gasp tells me she is as surprised as I am >"But how is that possible?" >"We suspect, it's because the largest portion..." she pauses, >"was siren magic." >That would explain it. Sirens absorb life and emotion, why not magic too? >But I'd never imagined a siren could become powerful enough to destroy the gate. >"Twilight said the trio on that side were defeated, their gems broken." >"You're sure it was siren magic?" >"We are. It was unmistakable, mangled, though it was." >"Mangled?" >"Yes..." Luna frowns >"We don't know a better word to describe it." >"Prismia used the heart of a siren as jewelry, and a weapon." >Says Cadance. >"Could somepony there have made something from the fragments?" >A look of comprehension sweeps across Luna's face. >"That's it!" Post 30 >"The wall partially blocked our view, but the creature was wearing a locket." >Cadance looks at me worriedly. >"It glowed with the same violet light that preceded the rift," >"and when the creature closed it, the portal disappeared." >"A locket?" >"Yes, that's the source of the magic, I'm sure!" >"Then we've learned something" I say. >"Is there anything else, sister?" >She shakes her head. >I stand silently, turning ideas over in my mind. >As Cadance said, this would be a clumsy attack on Equestria, >but it would be a good first move if the sirens wanted revenge. >Kidnapping Twilight, and closing the portal would isolate Sunset and the humans from our help. >However, Sunset's new letters to Twilight don't mention them, >and my alarms would have tripped if anypony had crossed through. >Also, without their gems, they are powerless, certainly incapable of this, >or defeating an Alicorn, and extremely gifted unicorn working together. >It's probably not them. >In fact, it's unlikely that Twilight is on their side of the portal; >my alarms again, and the fact Sunset wouldn't be asking for her help via the book if she were. >If Twilight isn't there, that makes siren involvement even less likely. >But where could she be? >If I knew where the portal led I could open one, and find out immediately. >But I don't, and it will do no good to open them randomly in an infinite multiverse. >"There's nothing for us to do now, but wait for it to open." >"Cadance," I turn to her. >"it seems less likely than ever that this is an attack," >"but I would like you to return to Canterlot, both to alert us if Twilight returns, >and to coordinate a defense if it becomes necessary." >She nods. >"We'll contact you at midnight, dawn, noon, and dusk. If you don't hear from us," >"you may use farsight, but don't come looking for us. A royal must remain in Equestria." >"Sister, I will remain here with you, and continue the beacon." >She nods too. >"Are there any questions?" Post 31 >Midnight came. >My dear sister wrought her magic, and I kept her safe. >Dawn, and Princess Cadance asks to replace one of us. >"I have never needed sleep" I tell her, "and Luna has been an Alicorn far longer than you." >"Enjoyable as it may be, I doubt she requires it any longer." >Reluctantly, Cadance had acquiesced, and we continued our vigil. >Noon, but you wouldn't know it by my sun. >Here the shadows are dark, and the waters deep, >but my gaze penetrates it all: >I see *things* lurking around us: >Nightmares oozed, putrid and malevolent from cracks in reality. >Products of evolution and feral magic also slink and crawl. >None of these are creatures born of my work, but still they know me. >And they dare not approach. >Hours pass in uneventful, if oppressive silence. >I glance at my sister, her eyes open, but unseeing, and still as a frozen lake. >Exactly as she has been since Cadance left us. >The steady light from her horn is the only clue that she is more than a statue, >or a corpse, >and even that is swallowed by the hungry gloom. >I feel it then, >a warm glow of swelling empathy: kindness! >Luna's eyes bat furiously as she pulls herself from her trance. >Our gazes meet for an instant, then wordlessly, we look about, >scanning frantically for what we know is coming. >There! across the swamp, a purple light among the vine-cowed trunks, >fantastically bright in the darkness. >Then another, and another, each following as quickly as thought. >As one they open in to gates, and Luna rushes toward them. Post 32 >Something leaps through from the swamp, and immediately returns >pursued by a small, though terribly loud purple creature. >They leap from puddle to tuft, and fall from one portal to another, >their distorted shadows casting wildly about by the sunlight spilling from the portal's mouths. >The glare doesn't hinder me, and I look through them. >Bushes, grass, portions of a brick wall, 2 humans, >and there, just as sister said! >A pendant, floating around the neck of one, blazing in it's insane melange of sorceries. >She's almost there, but already, I can see one of the humans wrapping her hands around it. >Sister won't make it in time, and they are too small for her to fit through anyway. >As quickly as only a goddess can, I reach through the portal with my mind. >My senses stretch, searching for Twilight and... >Sunset! Oh Sunset! >My heart leaps as I brush her essence. >Then, without warning, I see only the swamp again. >The portals have closed, but that doesn't matter. >I have already discovered what I needed to know. >The amulet's base magic is undoubtably siren, but the one wearing it is only human. >Worryingly, there were also the elements of Generosity, Laughter, and Kindness. >But more than anything else, there was Sunset. >"Sister, are you hurt? Why are you crying?" >I blink in surprise as happy tears fall from my eyes. >"No Luna, I found Sunset." >She bobs her head and touches my nose with her own. >"Tears of joy then?" >"Mm-hmm." I nod. >"And Twilight?" >I shake my head >"She's not there." >"That is why you let them collapse?" >"Yes. And Sunset... Sunset is close." >Luna looks at me quietly in response, her thoughts nearly hidden behind her deep, placid eyes. >"So she must solve this problem on her own." >It wasn't a question. >It didn't need to be. >A few more tears fall, and I whisper so softly not even Luna can hear. >"Good luck." Post 33 >Twilight did not go through the mirror. >We finally knew, but the question still remained: >where was she? >The query burned within us all, >but with no more clues, there was precious little we could do. >I was all but certain we weren't under attack, >but it was conceivable the Yaks, or Changelings would learn something was amiss, >and try to take whatever advantage they could. >So, Cadance continued her organisation of Equestria's defence. >Luna resumed her patrols, >no longer calling the rifts, but instead, keeping my ponies safe from them. >I returned to Twilight's castle, in hopes of finding something, >*anything*, that would tell us what had become of her. >I wandered about, inspecting each room, and every strange device I found. >Twilight infused the place. >Her scent, her magic, her very essence. >The hard crystal walls glimmered and shone and reflected images of her from my mind. >But my search was fruitless. >Sister called me some time later, >her disembodied voice breaking the silence of the dark halls to tell me of another portal. >I felt it then, too; Honesty. >But it didn't close. >It grew, and grew, and I knew it would be trouble. >Luna told me later that the swamp's carnivorous plants pushed their tendrils through the portals. >Some of them even fit their entire heads through. >But they were far from Ponyville, and no longer held the promise of Twilight's delivery. >She was content to watch from afar until they winked out of existence, >and I was content to let her. >Moments after it closed, another opened. >Loyalty, that time, >and worse, it wasn't in the forest. >But it too, was short-lived, and vanished. >The siren-magic was getting out of hoof, but I remained at my task; >Luna and Cadance would protect my ponies, and I would find Twilight. Post 34 >Eventually, I make my way to her grand hall. >The roots of the Golden Oak hang in the gloom like some tentacled horror from the Immaterium. >This isn't working, and I must not fail. >I have to go deeper. >I expand my awareness, and in an instant know everything there is to know about the palace. >Every facet, every groove, >every mote of dust and every atom. >All the forces and energies binding them together, >and each tiny measure of the time which stops everything from happening all at once. >Here, far below the threshold at which I normally leave my senses: >the lingering scent of an unfamilliar pony, and a faint frisson of magic. >Time magic. >I recoil in horrified surprise. >Could their shared presence really be a coincidence? >Unlikely, but of course, >I wouldn't have believed that Twilight's and the portal's disappearances were either. >Even though they seem to be just that, there's more here. >Fear. Twilight's fear, >and the other pony's scent stinks of anger. >For the thousandth time, I cast my sight across Ponyville, >but there were none I didn't recognize. >I search more broadly, sending my awareness down roads and rivers, >Through woods, fields, and buildings. >All throughout my land I search, >but find not a trace of Twilight, or this other pony. >If Twilight entered a portal through time, this pony probably went with her. >I loathe time magic, but Twilight must be found, >and I'm the only one who can do it. >So I gather my strength, ponder how best to use it, >and beg the multiverse itself to give her back to me. >That's when the screaming started. Post 35 >Normally, the walls and distance between us would have prevented me from hearing them, >but now, with my senses honed, they roared like thunderclaps, >rising and falling with the tidal wave of siren-magic crashing over me. >Another portal, >spewing it's noxious stew of eldritch energies like debris in a flash flood. >At once, my sight is beyond her castle, and I see it: >yawning beneath a tree, right in front of the Town Hall! >A half-dozen ponies are in panicked flight; >it must have been them I heard. >Beyond it's mouth floats a creature of terror: >a human mare, bewinged, crowned with a single, malformed horn, >whose mad glinting eyes are limned in cold fire. >With easy waves of her hands, she tears hole after hole between our worlds; >I can see Manehattan, Appeloosa, Rainbow Falls, and many others. >Too many, >and all of them echoing with the fearful screams of my ponies. >This has to be stopped! >Effortlessly, I begin casting all the spells I'll need at the same time: >teleports to take me there, >and to move any ponies or humans on the wrong sides of the gates; >masking spells, so she won't sense my arrival; >shielding spells to protect me from attack, in case she does; >numerous closure spells, for the portals themselves; >and a variety of attacks to annihilate her, >before she can bring harm to any of my dear, dear ponies. >Everything will happen in an instant, >and it will be over before anypony knows anything is happening at all. >Suddenly, my heart stops. >Sunset Shimmer. >Straight-backed and stern-faced, >resolute, even beneath this monster's unhinged glare. >"Twilight, you can't do this!" Post 36 >An image flashes to my mind: >Sunset, still a filly, in Canterlot with me. >We'd spent the day learning about Starswirl's victory over the sirens. >"Celestia," she'd asked, "how could he be so brave if he was afraid?" >"Oh Sunset," I'd replied, "that's the only time you can be." >Pride and love swell within me. >Oh Sunset... >Magic hums and races along my horn, fighting powerfully to manifest, >but I hold it in check, and watch; can she really handle this? >"Why not!?" >"There's a whole other world right there, and it's just filled with magic!" >A flash of light, an extended limb, >and she gleefully blasts another hole through the multiverse. >Twilight told me there were human versions of her friends over there. >Uncannily exact right down to their names. >Knowing that, it makes sense that "Twilight" would be the one to make the locket. >And seeing what she's doing with it >is a sobering reminder of what my Twilight almost became. >Of what Sunset *did* become. >Until Twilight pulled her back. >"But you're destroying this world to get it!" >"So what? There's more magic there, and I want to understand it all!" >I see it coming before Sunset does. >The glimmer in the monster's eyes, the curl of her lips, >and a thousand and one other clues that tell me an attack is imminent. >But at the last moment, Sunset begins to dodge, and I know she'll be ok. >The beam slams to the ground, >sending clumps of dirt erupting from the gaping maw of another portal. Post 37 >Another one. >This isn't the way!" >The largest one yet. >"I know you feel powerful right now. Like you can have everything you want." >Another portal to crack my world, and endanger my ponies. >"I've been where you are. I've made the same mistake you're making." >I'm sorry Sunset. >"I put on a crown and just like you, I was overwhelmed by the magic it contained." >This is far too dangerous to let go on. >"I thought it could get me everything I wanted." >With images of Nightmare Moon's banishment flitting before my eyes, >I tally the gates, take note of where each pony and human is, >and begin to unleash my blitz. >Dimly, I'm aware of my sister approaching. >She must have come all the way from the Everfree. >It doesn't matter now though, this will be over before she arrives. >I loosen my hold, and feel the bottled energies begin to slip... >and my heart stops again! >Another power touches me. >Familliar, potent and wholly unexpected. >The Elements! >Passing in brilliant, colored streamers to the locket held defiantly over Sunset's head. >There's something else too. >I focus my attention on her, >and start as Something else stirs. >Not in the locket, but inside her. >Suddenly, I'm laughing like a mad-mare among Twilight's dark, vacant halls, >This is it! It must be! >Instantly, I drop the other spells, and teleport to my sister's side. >She must not interfere! >Post 38 >Here, above and away from Ponyville, I watch Sunset slam the locket to the ground. >It's pilfered magic bursts from the fragments, >then quickly reforms and engulfs her. >A shiver runs down my spine, and I know Cadance is watching, too. >Luna says something to her eidolon, but I don't care to hear. >I'm laughing and whooping and gliding to the surface. >Out of the corner of my eye, I see Cadance materialize beside her. >They trail me to the ground, regarding me with uneasy concern. >They must think I'm mad. >"Watch!" I flick my nose to the portal. "Can't you feel it?" >Probably not, but I can! >The seed inside Sunset is cracking open! >It's roots are sprouting and setting her soul aflame! >Divine fire burning away her mortality and forging her anew! >My Sunset! My Sunset! >My student turned protege, >my protege turned devil, >my devil reformed, and now, at long, long last: >my demi-goddess! >And I can FEEL it all! >My sister and niece gasp as the radiance fades, >I simply lay down in the soft grass. >Sunset raises her arms, >and in a flash the portal is closed. >Two by two, all over my planet, I sense the rifts slamming shut, >until only one remains. >Cadance and Luna settle to the ground beside me in silence. >I know they're watching me intently, >but I am focused elsewhere. >Long ago, when I was put to the test, >my wrath bested me, and my sister paid the price. >Now, across the multiverse, >Sunset faces her own crucible. >With furious eyes and terrible power she lashes out, >the human wailing desperately as she's overwhelmed. >Overwhelmed, but not destroyed. >Sunset's visage is hard, and the girl cowers, >but I can already read her intention. >Closer she floats, in a column of light. >"Take my hand Twilight. Let me show you there's another way." >"Just like someone once did for me." >I watch her take Sunset's hand. >I watch the light of friendship burn away her bitter callousness, >and sigh euphorically as the last portal is seared closed. Post 39 >My song birds are singing again. >Their high melodies perfectly suit my mood; >Twilight has returned! >I can't keep the smile from my face as I set out a table in my gardens. >With my own 2 hooves, no less. >And horn. >Cups and saucers here, sugar and cream there. >Leaves of my newest prize strain steeping in the kettle, >and an assortment of cakes and treats laid out just so. >I'm partial to the banana cake myself, but there are plenty of others. >Twilight is coming for a visit, >and she's bringing a new friend with her. >It turns out, the pony I'd smelled earlier, was just as guilty as I'd thought. >Starlight Glimmer, quondam leader of Our Town, had hunted my student down, >and tried to take her revenge by taking Twilight's past. >Of course, the multiverse being what it is, >such a plan would never have worked anyway. >Nevertheless, incredibly, Princess Twilight not only thwarted her vengeance, >but actually turned her in to a friend. >Ostensibly. >Although she'd used Starswirl's magic, instead of her own to create the time-bridge, >it was still a remarkable feat, >so I am VERY eager to meet her. >I trust Twilight's judgement here, but I also trust my own experience, >and would much prefer to have a pony who is both so gifted, >and so recently adversarial, somewhere she can be watched. >Just in case. >But, my ulterior motive does not counter my putative one. >I truly hope her penitence is genuine, and until I know otherwise, >will treat her as a friend of Twilight's deserves to be treated. >So I prance about the table, humming to myself, >and match my voice to those of the birds. Post 40 >I hear a pony approaching. >I don't need to look to know who it is. >"Aunt Celestia!" >"Hello, Cadance" I smile. "Are you here for the party?" >Her ears perk up as she surveys the table. >"Party?" >"Mm-hmm. For Twilight and her new friend. I've invited them to have tea with me." >"Ummm..." >She looks down and awkwardly scrapes the floor with her hoof. >"Actually, I have a message from Twilight." >"Oh?" >"Yes...she asked me to wait a little before giving it to you, though." >she pauses >"I wouldn't have if I'd known you were having a party." >"What was the message?" >"Yeah, well...oh boy." >"Cadance?" >"She read the book you gave her. The one to communicate with Sunset?" >"Mm-hmm." >"You know how excitable she is." >"Mm-hmm." >"Well, she didn't let me explain what happened," >"and just rushed off through the portal as quickly as her hooves would take her." >"Oh." >Well, darn. >"So she won't be coming. What about her friend?" >"Twilight didn't mention her. I don't think she knows." >I nod. >"That sounds like something Twilight might do." >Cadance nods, still looking sheepishly at the floor. >"She does love pop quizes..." >Her voice trails off and we look at each other for a few moments. >"Well, my dear niece, there's no reason to let this all go to waste." >She perks up again >"Would you care to spend the afternoon with me?" >"You bet!" >Shortly after we begin, the sound of a door gently opening filters down to me. >I ignore it, and the clip-clop of hooves on marble. >"Twilight!" Cadance shouts through a mouthful of cake. >"Hi Cadance, thanks for your help!" >"Anything for my favorite filly." >Twilight smiles somberly, then turns to me, her purple eyes heavy with import. >"Princess Celestia, There's a vital matter we need to discuss." Post 41 >I am calm. >My breath is even and measured, >my snout is level and my eyes are serene. >Inside, I'm anything but; >my stomach flutters, >and I feel the room might drop out from under me at any moment. >The feeling of my hair in it's etheral breeze adds to my discomfiture. >"You're hiding it well, sister" Luna not-quite-whispers. >I meet her smile with one of my own; >her gentle voice and kind eyes give a much needed anchor for my emotions. >"Not well enough, it seems." >"Oh no, sister," she says with a light chuckle. "Not even we can pierce your facade." >She winks at me >"We simply know you better than you give us credit for." >The feeling of Cadance's delicate nuzzle on my left cheek, >then, as she presses her shoulder to mine: >"That's right Aunt Cely, we're your family, and we're here for you." >With a smile, I lean more firmly into her, and feel Luna's weight on my right side. >They're nervous too, but not like me. >I'd told Luna about Sunset, and Cadance even met her briefly, years ago. >They were both delighted at the emergence of another alicorn, >and when Twilight said Sunset had asked her to seek my permission to return, >they'd all but begged to be there when she did. >Not that they needed to, of course, >but they don't share our history, >and so, don't share my doubts. >Idea after unwanted, distracting, idea runs through my mind. >Slowly, carefully I breathe in. >I pause, focusing on the heartbeats of my sister and niece at my sides. >Slowly, carefully, I let it go, >and send my rampant thoughts with it. >The mirror begins to glow; >They are here, and I am ready. Post 42 >Side by Side, so close their flanks are touching, >they step over the mirror's threshold. >Sunset Shimmer, ice-blue eyes fixed intently on the floor, turns to me. >She opens her mouth to speak, but only manages a soft gasp. >Tears well in her gorgeous eyes, and she tries again, >but no words come out. >Trembling with effort she forces her face to meet mine, >opens her mouth a third time, >and breaks in to uncontrollable tears. >Her legs give out beneath her and she sinks to the cold floor. >Luna and Cadance are silent; undoubtably wanting me to take the lead. >Twilight drops back as I step forward, >one measured pace after another. >I can't run, I can't speak; if I do, I'll lose control. >She moans softly as my hoofsteps come to a halt. >I stand over her, emotions churning wildly, my eyes never leaving this one little pony: >the very center of my world. >"I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorryyyy" >Her voice breaks as the last sound stretches out to a wail. >Slowly, carefully, I lay down in front of her. >Slowly, carefully, I wrap my wings around her. >"I am too." >And suddenly, we're crying together. >She crawls closer and pushes my neck with her own. >We nuzzle, and lean, and hold each other, >sobbing away our pain, fears and regrets together. >Our tears mingle hot and wet on the cold crystal floor, >as our hearts finally begin to heal. >At last, we are spent, and I look around to see my family smiling at us. >My family. >Cadance was right; they are my family. >Luna, my sister; >first to ascend, and show me my lonliness would not last forever. >Cadance, my niece; >whose unconditional love taught my heart to hope again. >Twilight, also my niece, through marriage if nothing else; >who returned my sister, and Sunset, and saved my ponies time and again. >And Sunset... >Poor orphaned Sunset. >My adopted daughter, >in whom I saw so much of myself I threw caution to the wind, >and in so doing nearly doomed an entire world. >Here we are, all together for the first time. Post 43 >A smile spreads across my face, waxing larger and brighter as my happiness grows. >Luna is the first to speak: >"Welcome home, Princess Sunset." >She looks up at me, brow furrowed in confusion, >before her gaze slides to my sister. >"Thank you Princess Luna. Princess Twilight told my you'd come back." >She looks back at me, then at Luna again. >"If it's not too late, I'd like to say the same to you, Princess." >"It is not, and we thank thee, as well..." >A mischevous twinkle flashes in my sister's eye "...Princess." >Sunset looks between us again. >"Princess Luna why do you keep calling me that? I'm only a unicorn." >Cadance lets out a little laugh. >"I bet Twilight would have told you, but she didn't know either." >She grins at Twilight, open-mouthed with disbelief. >"Serves you right for taking off again before we could tell you anything!" >Sunset's head swivels between my wings, looking at the four of us. >"What do you mean, Princess Cadance? Twilight?" >With a gentle nuzzle, I whisper "See for yourself" and let our hug go. >"I have wings?" she gasps. >Luna snorts facetiously >"To think a pony could undergo apotheosis and not even know." >"I have wings! When did...?" >A look of shocked understanding shoots across her face. >"The school? But how? You weren't even there!" >"I've never really been as far away you think." >Time passes in its slow, inexorable way. >There is laughter and tears. >More of each are sure to come, but we're mending; >at long last, I have my family, and they have me. >We'll live each day and each night in love, >for our ponies, and for each other. >Forever. And that's more or less how it ends, dear reader. I could keep picking at random ideas, but I've gotten out what I wanted to, and think it's a fine place to bring it to a close. I hope you enjoyed it. Note: This is the original draft of this story, but not the best one. Another version, expanded, and rewritten in prose can be found here: https://www.deviantart.com/poisonhorsie/gallery/62495852/Students-of-Heaven and here: https://www.fimfiction.net/story/368234/students-of-heaven I hope you'll check it out. It's much better than this one.