Time heals all wounds; a simple phrase really, one that is used by all ponies, and for the most part it holds merit, that is if one is less than a hundred. The concept that the passing of time can make one forgo their pain and trauma is a crock, more time only allows the wounds to fester, one may find a way to ignore it for a time, but no matter how much one tries it will always be there, and surface from the bowels eventually. Iscariat knew this to be true, a breathing example was walking beside him; Nightmare Moon, his greatest failure, resurrected as if by some pony's sick way of tormenting him further. Under the clear starry skies, with the light of the full Moon bathing the land, Iscariat and Nightmare Moon walked side by side up a secluded coast near Filly Delphia. The deserted coast was flanked on one side by a jagged cliff, spanning over twenty miles, fifty feet high, serving as natural wave breaker, and nesting ground for native seagulls, as well as the occasional pelican.

The air was dry and salty, with a frigid wind gusting out to sea, blowing sand across Iscariat and Nightmare Moon's faces. After his battle with King Sombra, Iscariat's vest was in tatters, held together by only the top button, as the rest was vaporized by Sombra's black lightning bolt. Noticing Iscariat's discomfort, Nightmare Moon cloaked him beneath her left wing, drawing him closer to her side so as to be warmed by her body heat; Iscariat was unsure if she was doing this out of kindness, or she just wanted to prevent any escape attempt.

"So that Changeling, are you fond of her?" Nightmare Moon asked smirking fiendishly at Iscariat's facial expression.

"Humph, don't be absurd, your highness. I have lived without a partner all my life, why would I seek one now?" Iscariat retorted his poker face adorning his visage.

"You can lie to yourself as much as you want, but never to me," Nightmare Moon said with a chortle, her eyes flashing a pale blue for a second. "For to me, your mind is not unlike an archive, everything perfectly organized and shelved. A most useful trait for your trade, I imagine, but against a master psychokinetic, such as myself, it makes it all the easier for me to read."

"Well, your highness does have the unfair advantage of being a Goddess," Iscariat said though in truth he purposefully lowered his mental barriers, knowing full well how she enjoys to invade the minds of others, and how irate she can become if denied access.

"Too true," Nightmare Moon said snickering at Iscariat's words, which in turn weakened her concentration, allowing Iscariat to carefully conceal some sensitive information within the recesses of his mind. "So, how much further, I do want to get this conversation under way."

"Not much further, your highness. It is just up ahead," Iscariat said pointing with his horn to the very end of the beach, where the cliff wall curves outward towards the sea.

Reaching the jagged cliff, Iscariat walked from under Nightmare Moon's wing, assaulted by the brutal cold once more, and then commenced shining a light, from the tip of his horn, upon the cliff wall in sections. Slowly dragging the faint light across the wall, Iscariat tapped at certain points, until he heard a harmonic ring, not unlike a tuning fork, resonate from the apparent rocky surface. Nodding his head towards Nightmare Moon, Iscariat stood to the side as the Moon Goddess moved the celestial body just enough so its pale light gleamed upon the spot Iscariat had designated. The Moon light caused a certain change on the wall, as its rocky surface faded away like a mist, revealing a door made of pure silver, and embroidered on its surface were several flawless diamonds arranged to resemble the Horse Head Nebula. Rummaging in his left saddle bag, Iscariat extracted a tiny fragment of a once whole, and equally small, silver sapphire; Nightmare Moon followed suite, though her piece was hidden within the folds of her right wing.

Together, both Alicorn and Unicorn, placed their respective piece in a small indent on the door, at its very center, and almost instantly they heard the high pitch sound of pressurized air rushing out of the thousand year old seal. Reclaiming their respective gem fragments, Iscariat opened the door with a slight push, and then with a flick of his horn he shot a fireball that dashed around igniting all the sconces that flanked the long passage. Allowing Nightmare Moon to enter first, as is proper, Iscariat followed behind, magicking the door shut, and then proceeded to walk beside her again. The passage way was comprised of marble bricks, with a navy blue velvet rug lining the floor, and between every fifth sconces was a black silk tapestry with white stars each one sown to depict on of the many constellations visible only during the winter months. At the end of the passage was a deep dark circular chamber, but with one flick of Nightmare Moon's horn all five hundred thousand, two hundred, nineteen floating foxfire candles were simultaneously lite.

Iscariat took one solemn glance at the circular chamber, even after one thousand years of abandonment, not a single object was out of place, or speck of dust visible, and oddly enough even the food was still edible; albeit it was just a small bowl of fruit, yet still impressive never the less. Stargazer's Sanctum was the chamber's name, created, designed and equipped by Iscariat himself for Princess Luna as a retreat of sorts; though despite his best efforts, the Princess insisted that he use it as well. The chamber was a perfect circle, approximately the same size as the Moon's shadow during an eclipse, it boasted a tall ceiling, seventy-five feet up, complete with a polished, clear, opal that served as a stunning replica of the Moon, and upon its cylindrical walls were shelves stocked not only with rare first edition, Star Swirl originals, but also various apparatus' from geocentric models to telescopes, even hoof drawn maps of the night sky, depicting everything from star alignment to distances between celestial bodies. In the center of the chamber were two tables, one equipped with all matter of tools required for a proper stargazer such as compasses and sextants, while on the other table were charts, and even graphs that revealed that stars ranged in size and color, and how even the Sun itself was a star. Lastly, just to the left of the two tables was a third table made of mahogany, with two navy blue silk cushions respectively on each side, and engraved upon the table in silver leaf was an intricate, and very detailed, carving of the night sky with shooting stars and comets blazing across like fireworks.

Iscariat has forged many memories in this one place, and all of them suddenly overwhelmed him to the point that his magic got away from him, causing some to materialize around him and Nightmare Moon. Before their eyes, two grayish white apparitions of Princess Luna and Iscariat manifested, both were swelling with joy, and gazing around at their surroundings, taking in everything with unbearable excitement.

"Thou did all this by thy self?" a much younger Princess Luna inquired taking great care not to damage anything.

"With my own four hooves, who knows maybe this is my calling," Iscariat jested gazing at his bare flank.

"Thou have no short on skill that is for sure," Princess Luna said now admiring the engraving on the mahogany table. "Pray tell though, why is thou showing us this? Not that we do not admire thy hard work, but still..."

"For nearly a decade thy royal highness has assisted me, and while I can never truly repay thee I wish to make this gift of thee," Iscariat said raising his fore hooves to encompass the whole chamber. "I offer thee all this as a show of my gratitude for all thy kindness."

Princess Luna was positively speechless, taking a glance at the chamber in earnest, absorbing every fine detail, she brought to light something she had previously over look; "It is tailored to our taste," she said to herself, embarrassed she did not make the connection sooner.

"Does it not please thee, your highness?" Iscariat asked the zoned out Princess.

"Huh, beg pardon?" Princess Luna said snapping out of her daze. "Forgive us, Iscariat, it is just so much, and we don't know if we should accept."

"Please your highness, think nothing of it. It is the least I could do for thee," Iscariat said gently bowing in respect.

"Seeing how much effort thou have put into this, we cannot refuse," Princess Luna said reaching out to embrace Iscariat in a huge, and tears flowing from her eyes. "However, we insist that thou make use of this space as well, and we will not take no for an answer."

"As you wish, your highness," Iscariat said for the first and only time embracing the Princess in kind.

"STOP IT,STOP IT! I SAID, ENOUGH!" the real Iscariat yelled at his horn, as he grasped one of the thick tomes with a levitation spell, and smashed himself along the side of his head, desperately trying to make the memory go away, while all the while balling his eyes out with tears.

"Iscariat!" Nightmare Moon exclaimed leaping over to him, knocking the book to the side, and quickly embracing him in an attempt to calm him down. "It is okay there is no need to hurt yourself. None of this is your fault, Luna said so herself, remember? So  let’s just calm down, and take a deep breath."

"I failed her twice, how is this not my fault?" Iscariat retorted, his horn still manifesting memories, but they paid them no mind. "I'm useless, incompetent, and a danger to all around me. If you only knew the great crime that I committed, if any pony knew, I have no doubt I would be executed."

"Enough of this self-hate Iscariat. You are anything but useless, and do you think I have forgotten how you always came to visit Luna every night during our banishment," Nightmare Moon said her words surprisingly soothing Iscariat, as she then used her powerful magic to cease the manifestation of memories, and then delicately restored his magic levels to normal. "Now you have had a long day, so I think it is best if you get some rest, and then we can discuss all of this at a later time."

Though a part of him was still aware that this thing before him was the enemy and harbinger of death, the part that was in control was too tried to listen, and so complies with Nightmare Moon. Allowing Nightmare Moon to guide him as if he were some foal, Iscariat found himself resting by the mahogany table, his head laying upon one of the cushions, and Nightmare Moon's left wing draped over him like a sheet. Iscariat was so confused, nothing ever seemed to go as it should, and his constant manic episodes weren't helping in the least. However none of that matters now, for the mantel of sleep came over him, his mind slowed down, and all his organized thoughts and memories mixed and mashed together in one big mass. Eventually Iscariat was in a deep, dreamless, sleep, Nightmare Moon watching over him like a hawk watches her young; "A truly tortured soul, I almost feel bad about what I did to him one thousand years ago," Nightmare Moon said turning him over for a moment, so as to peer at the crescent wound upon his chest, her eyes glowing a pale blue then instantly fading back to normal.

"I wonder how Celestia is taking the news of my return," Nightmare Moon spoke aloud with a hardy laugh. "That Changeling should have reached Canterlot by now. If I know her all I have to do is give off a small presence, and she'll come a running. And when she does, I'll be waiting, but for now I will allow the ponies to bathe in the Sun one final time, and then the fun starts."

As Nightmare Moon lowered her head down beside Iscariat's, and then slipped off into a deep sleep as well, events were unfolding in Canterlot Castle. Princess Celestia of Equestria, first born of King Quazar and Queen Aurora, Lady of Light, Goddess of the Sun, Mistress of Magic, all of these things she is known by, but now she has a new title, Last of the True Alicorns, and this title she did not wear with pride. Sitting upon her throne, Princess Celestia was gazing down at Fyee with Discord and Princess Twilight Sparkle flanking her left and right respectively. Princess Celestia found it rather odd to be receiving a Situational Report from a Changeling of all individuals, but stranger things have happened over the course of merely a year; from Discord's reformation to Queen Chrysalis sort of becoming an alley to Equestria. However nothing could have prepared her for what Fyee had to say, to learn of Grandmaster Areyela's passing was painful, but to hear that her sister has become Nightmare Moon again was indescribable, and then to know that Iscariat left with that monster willingly was just the straw that broke the zebra's back.

"And he told you nothing?" Princess Celestia inquired having finished hearing Fyee's report.

"Not a thing," Fyee replied rubbing her damaged wing to sooth the pain it radiated. "If I may, I don't like this. Iscariat may not always ask for help, and I don't blame him given the problems he faces on occasion, but this...this doesn't feel right."

"I agree, there is indeed a change in the winds," Princess Celestia said as she gazed upon the stained glass window prophesying Nightmare Moon's defeat, now boasting a subtle, yet predominant, crack across its surface.

"I sense it too, it is almost as if some powerful force, not necessarily Nightmare Moon, is manipulating the Hands of Fate," Discord said in an uncharacteristic serious tone, Princess Celestia could sense his concerns, and so laid a comforting hoof on his right arm.

"This is very serious. Princess Celestia, should I assemble my friends?" Princess Twilight asked turning to Celestia, who shook her head in decline.

"Not just yet. I do not wish to risk you or the other Elements," Princess Celestia said rising from her throne, and walking down towards Fyee. "You have my thanks for informing me on this situation. Seems Iscariat's trust in you is well founded."

"I maybe Chrysalis' daughter, but I'm nothing like her," Fyee said as she turned to go, the pain in her wing was too unbearable, and had to be attended to.

"Wait, you need not leave. You are most welcome here, I can have a room made vacant, and have your injury tended to," Princess Celestia said beckoning Princess Twilight to her. "Twilight, please escort our guest to one of the vacant East Tower rooms, while I fetch a healer."

"Sure thing, Princess," Princess Twilight happily said leading Fyee, who was too tired to argue. "So, you are a Master of Magic I've been told. Does that mean you know every spell there is to learn?"

"That would be impossible," Fyee deadpanned walking up a flight of stairs to the left of the main hallway. "To be labeled a Master, simply means one is versed in all aspects of whatever it is they have mastered. In my case, I have mastered Illusion and Alteration respectively; so even if I may not know the spell, if it falls into either of these two categories then I could analyze, and counter it if need be. Of course my knowledge branches beyond Illusion and Alteration, it is simply that these two are my specialties, as well as my bread and butter."

"You make money off that?" Princess Twilight asked, they went down a right wing after the stairs.

"But of course she does, if the Great and Powerful Trixie could then surely a mere Changeling should have no problem; albeit not as spectacular," Steward Trixie said materializing to the right of Fyee, though the Changeling did not flinch unlike Princess Twilight, who almost had a heart attack.

"Trixie, were you eavesdropping?!" Princess Twilight said her voice rather loud.

"The Great and Powerful Trixie would never spy on her patron," Steward Trixie said with a sidewards glance, and a subtle smirk. "No, the Great and Powerful Trixie heard that a famous Master Illusionist was in the Castle, and Trixie wanted to see how her invisibility spell would stack up against this apparent Master. Trixie must say she is rather disappointed at how easy it was to fool your sight, Master."

Fyee instantly came to a stop, she lowered her head, then vanished without a trace, nothing could be heard save the sound of the mares' respective heart beats, and breathing.

"This is invisibility," Fyee's voice spoke as if from everywhere, and yet nowhere. "This is illusion at its peak, neither of you can detect my presence, nor hear my footsteps. I 'am perfectly masked, and you dare question my Mastery. A Mastery that took me five centuries to achieve, and refine to its highest level. I suggest you mind whom you insult, magician, because when it comes to illusionists you never know how, when or where they will strike. It could be above, below, the left, the right, or the FRONT!"

"Argh!" Steward Trixie screamed at the top of her lungs, for towering before her was a dreaded Ursa Major, its gaping maw was primed and ready to gobble Trixie in one bite; she immediately passed out from shock, and her frightful memory of facing an Ursa Minor.

"I understand she disrespected you, but don't you think that was a little mean?" Princess Twilight asked as the Ursa transformed into Fyee.

"Pardon me if I don't beg for your forgiveness, but right now I'm tired, irate, my wing feels like it will snap off, and my oldest living colleague is out there alone with that monster! So I 'am in no mood to be bucked with right now!" Fyee shouted grasping her wing once more as another wave of pain washed over her.

Feeling the pure emotion in Fyee's voice, Princess Twilight felt it prudent to drop the issue, and after all Trixie was kind of asking for it; "She's luck all Fyee did was scare her, for she could have done some seriously traumatic things if she wanted," Princess Twilight spoke softly to herself as she gazed at her unconscious Steward. After some guards carried Trixie away to her quarters to recuperate, Fyee and Princess Twilight continued onward, and after turning left one more time they arrived at the castle suite four thousand, three hundred, and fifteen. A luxurious suite comprising of a princess size bed in the far left corner, two sofas and a love seat placed in the center of the suite, a plush wall to wall carpet made of pure sheep's wool; "There was even a bathroom! A complete bathroom with a shower, bath tub, sink, and toilet," Fyee mumbled to herself completely taken in by the room's splendor. Now as the daughter of Queen Chrysalis, Fyee is no stranger to this kind of setup, however even as a young child Fyee displayed an almost unheard of level of modesty; which got her in trouble from time to time with not only her instructors and mother, but classmates, friends and subjects as well, and at certain points it called for physical discipline. In spite of all she went through growing up, Fyee retained her modesty, and it has served her well, allowing her to secure funds while traveling aboard so as not to resort to sleeping in the streets like a rat, and also it allowed her to wander about in her Changeling form unhindered.

Unable to manage the pain, Fyee unceremoniously dropped herself on the bed, and then proceeded to examine her injured wing in greater detail. One solid glance told the tale, her left fore wing was shot, the micro thin membrane that kept it together was slowly peeling back like a banana, the outward tip was gone, completely incinerated by Sombra's black fire, and due to the amount of drag her wing now produced it was beginning to slowly tear from her back. Fyee couldn't help but shed a tear for next to her magical skills her wings were her pride and joy, as a kid she loved the speed and maneuverability not awarded to her more common brethren, and as an adult they granted her the means to out run any threat be it a beast or a sentient being. Seeing her discomfort, Princess Twilight prepared for her an ice bag, which Fyee gladly accepted, and using her levitation spell she carefully placed the ice bag upon the wing's connection joint while also placing some pillows under Fyee's fore hooves so as to make her more comfortable.

"Not to sound ungrateful, but why are you being so nice to me?" Fyee asked feeling slightly better as the ice served to numb the pain a tad.

"What do you mean by that?" Princess Twilight retorted confused by the phrasing of the question.

"Don't play coy, I know what my mother did to your family, it was uncalled for, and nothing was achieved. So why are you being so kind to the daughter of a hated foe?" Fyee said making her previous statement clear.

"Well I suppose you can thank Iscariat for that," Princess Twilight said causing Fyee to lift her head, now peeked with curiosity. "A few days ago we had a conversation that made me ponder about my feelings towards Changelings. True enough I still held my reservations, but then you showed up, one of the greatest sorceresses of our era, and Chrysalis' own daughter to boot. All logic says that you shouldn't even be here and yet you are, and not only that but you flew here on an injured wing knowing you might be killed by the guards just because of what you are. Your tenacity is inspiring, and I only wish I could do more for one that has such kindness in their soul and heart."

"Not to worry Twilight, I got you covered," came a sweet voice from the door way; it was Princess Cadence with Princess Celestia covering the rear.

"Princess Mi Amore Cadenza?" Fyee said stunned to believe that this was the healer Princess Celestia went to fetch.

"Oh no, don't tell me Iscariat got to you," Princess Cadence said with a sigh using her magic to move the love seat closer to the bed so she and Twilight could sit next to each other; Princess Celestia opted to sit on a couch cushion to the right of the bed.

"Beg pardon, isn't that your name?" Fyee asked now completely confused.

"Well yes, but it is such a mouthful, so please call me Cadence," Princess Cadence said with a smile.

"I take it Iscariat, being the uptight, and yet lovable stallion he is, simply refuses to call you anything less than, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza," Fyee said with a chuckle, though unaware of the underlying statement she just made; the other mares, Princess Celestia chief among them, were not so absent minded.

"Well let's take a look at that wing," Princess Cadence said taking a thorough look at Fyee's wing. Taking a deep breath and gritting her teeth, when she saw just how damaged the appendage was, the Princess got to work at once. "I promise you that when I'm done your wing will be better than ever, though you may want to stay off it until tomorrow."

"I appreciate your help, and for what it's worth I apologize on my mother's behalf. She had no right to ruin your special day," Fyee said sincerely her pain slowly ebbing away as Cadence's crystal blue aura enveloped her wing, and began repairing the damage Sombra's black fire had done.  

"That means a lot, but Auntie Celestia told me you weren't even involved in that affair," Princess Cadence said her eyes fixed on Fyee's wing, but still gave the Changeling her undivided attention.

"I might have been, but ever since I became one of Iscariat's colleagues things were different, I saw the world in a different light. Besides if I had thrown my hat into the fray, Iscariat's hooves would have been forced, and I have no doubt that even together, mother and I would have a hard time battling him in a serious fight," Fyee said her tone showing nothing but respect for the millennium old curator. "It would be difficult for him, but I'm certain he would prove our end, fortunately it is not his way to kill. Not that I need to tell any of you that, you all have the good fortune to interact with him at the drop of a hat. Equestria is truly blessed to have such a selfless stallion as a citizen."

"I notice you hold him in high regards, even by colleague standards. Is there something more to all this?" Princess Celestia said trying her best to maintain her composure outside, but inside she was as giddy as a school filly, and both Twilight and Cadence were no different.

"I'm not the type to lie, but truthfully I don't know what I really feel towards Iscariat Faust, and it's not from a lack of trying or denial," Fyee said confidently though at the same time unsure if she should even be talking about her inner most feelings with, for all intents and purposes, total strangers.

"There is no need to be bashful, I was the same way with Shining Armor, and now look at us; happily married and ruling over our kingdom," Princess Cadence said having just reconstructed Fyee's charred wing tip, and now focusing on the tearing wing joint.  

"I will admit that perhaps I yearn something more than a mundane work relationship," Fyee said with a smiling grin which quickly turned to a frown. "However he has such a heavy burden, I cannot add more on his shoulders."

"Don't see it like you would be adding to his suffering," Princess Celestia said the wisdom in her voice ringing out with each word spoken. "Think of it as helping him carry some of the load, and perhaps even relieving some of it."

"Besides you can't know how he will react unless you ask him," Princess Cadence said still focused on the wing joint.

"I may have to disagree with you there Cadence, Iscariat isn't really that hard to predict," Princess Twilight said manifesting a scroll she has been writing that delves in great detail about Iscariat; Fyee was dumbstruck, Cadence was a little disturbed, and only Celestia could describe how she felt about this. "According to the information I've manage to obtain, which was not easy by the way, he is very practical, extremely proper, has many a violent outburst, and does everything in his power to keep his emotions in check. Under normal circumstance not really the first, third or even seventh choice for a colt friend, however when you factor in his tragic past with Princess Luna, most of his negative qualities are canceled out because they originate from a perfectly understandable source. Taking all that into account you are now left with a devoted, strong willed, and highly knowledgeable stallion. In other words, from a personality stand point, he is predictable because of his practical and proper traits, but at the same time he has his moments, albeit they are few and far between, and when you average all this out you find out he is not such a bad choice as originally predicted."

"Very...informative, my faithful student," Princess Celestia said with a nervous chuckle making Twilight raise her head with pride. "In any event, the best advice any pony can give you is to be yourself and see if the feelings are mutual."

"But there in lies my conundrum," Fyee said grimly. "Iscariat can be such a blank slate at times, and the few times he does display emotion it can be quite volatile or depressing. What I'm trying to say is, how can I convey my emotions towards one who doesn't understand them?"

"I will answer your question with a question of my own," Princess Celestia retorted leaning her face forward so she and Fyee were literally face to face. "Would you care to know the real Iscariat Faust?"

Fyee was completely blown away by this development, words escaped her as she contemplated on her response, and in the end she simply nodded to convey her answer. Princess Celestia smiled at Fyee, then pulling her head back she closed her eyes and focused, drawing in magic to her horn, and with a sharp crackle all in the room were enshrouded in the Princess' magic. It was an odd sensation, Fyee felt as if her mind and body were no longer one entity, she could now view herself from a first person and third person perspective; "It is almost like a dream," Fyee mentally and physically noted. This peculiar phenomenon was short lived however, as all the minds in the room were drawn away from their respective body, and instead found a temporary home within Celestia's mind. For a time all was black, but eventually light encompassed them in its warm embrace, and while all appeared normal they soon realized that instead of sitting in a castle suite they were now standing in the throne room.

As a master spell caster Fyee, and to a much lesser extent Cadence and Twilight, understood that this was a memory of Princess Celestia, and as such no other pony could see or hear them; which was great because at the moment the throne was hosting a magic act, and they were smack in the middle. Gathering them together, Princess Celestia directed their attention towards the magician hosting the show, and Fyee could hardly believe her eyes. Standing in the center of the room, performing extraordinary feats was Iscariat, and he was smiling; a full blown, I'm loving life, smile. Fyee was astonished that practical Iscariat was at the moment performing spells that for all intent and purposes severed no purpose, and he was enjoying it like if it was the only natural thing to do. Princess Celestia could see the confusion in Fyee's eyes, but she wasn't done with the Changeling yet; "When I'm through she won't be able to distinguish black from white," Princess Celestia softly mumbled laughing at just how mischievous she can truly be.

After what felt like an hour of watching Iscariat levitate pillars, juggle ponies, and make little fillies appear and disappear, Princess Celestia had time appear to move forward; though in truth she was shuffling through her memories. When she came to a stop, they were now in the castle gardens at the crack of dawn, Iscariat and Princess Luna were watching the Sun rise, unaware that Princess Celestia's past self was spying on them from a drifting cloud above. Princess Luna was upset about something, and when she started to cry Fyee watched in shock as Iscariat seemed to walk away. Forgetting that this was a memory, Fyee prepared to run over there and slug the jerk for just walking away, and oddly enough the Celestia on the cloud seemed to be considering the same thing; though she was on fire with glowing white eyes. However their anger proved immature because Iscariat wasn't leaving, instead he walked over to the nearby Nightshade bush, plucked a few flowers, manually sowed them together into a crown, and then presented it to Princess Luna.

Princess Luna instantly forgot about what she was crying about, accepted the thoughtful gift, and with a joy in her heart she flew off towards the castle to show off her new accessory. When asked by past Celestia how did he know that would cheer her sister up, Iscariat replied, "I didn't I just thought she deserved something for that beautiful comet she created last night." Fyee could hardly contain herself, she just didn't understand how a clearly emotional stallion in the past could become the stone wall, bare bones, recluse that exists in the present. The more memories they viewed, the more complex Iscariat became to Fyee, and the greater her feelings towards him grew. Eventually their memory surfing came to an end, and they had reached the final link in the chain; the one Celestia said, "Shows Iscariat in his truest form. The pinnacle of his character and personality."

They stood within the ruins of an ancient fortress within the EverFree forest, past Celestia and Iscariat with the Elements of Harmony around them, awaited the arrival of another, and it wasn't long till their guest made herself known. Gliding down through the collapsed ceiling, as if out of a nightmare, adorned in her old pale blue armor, and brandishing a wicked vampiric smile was none other than Nightmare Moon. Instantly taking a spot between the two sisters, Iscariat addressed Nightmare Moon, pleading that she agree to an armistice, and that she lower the curtain of night to make way for the dawn. Nightmare Moon, regretfully, would have none of it, and so a great battled ensued between the two goddesses. Princess Celestia with the power of the Elements at her command dominated the battle, holding her sister back, but her power over them waned ever so slightly with each passing moment, and eventually the pace changed in Nightmare's favor.

Princess Celestia was so close to victory, but Nightmare's will was just too powerful, and just as Nightmare Moon went for her killing stroke, Iscariat intervened and took the spell intended for Celestia only three inches from his heart. Iscariat fell limp upon the ground, his eyes shut and chest still, Princess Celestia assumed the worst, and her eyes flooded with tears. Nightmare Moon, oddly enough, also seemed effected by Iscariat's apparent death, and in those moments Princess Luna retained control, though she felt it quickly slipping. Princess Celestia wanted nothing more than to embrace her sister after these one hundred years of separation, and yet she knew she couldn't, so with great pain she unleashed the full power of the elements upon her own flesh and blood. The unbridled power of the Elements of Harmony consumed Nightmare Moon, casting her from the planets very surface, and then sealing her very essence upon the Moon itself; an abstract image of her visage appeared upon the Moon's surface soon after.

Nightmare Moon, and her sister, were gone and imprisoned, Celestia had won the day, but at a cost; the magic Iscariat used to allow the Princess to wield the six elements greatly taxed their own magical essences, and so were forced to go into a dormant state until such a time that they could recuperate. However, by some act of fate, Princess Celestia was relieved to find that Iscariat had not died; his Mythos absorbed the magical effects of the spell, which means all he received was the blunt force behind it, though it did leave a wound that would never fully heal.

"I'm so glad you did not die," Princess Celestia said tears of joy dripped down her cheeks. "But why did you do that? You know that spell means death for all stricken by it."

"Yes, I know," Iscariat said dropping his head low as he lamented ever creating that spell. "As to why I did what I did, the answer is elementary. I didn't want Princess Luna to have to bear the weight of having killed her sister that was not an option, and nor would I stand for it."

After Iscariat's response the real Princess Celestia returned them all to their respective body, and once conscious the three mares stared at Fyee; who just sat on the bed with her head looking at the floor. Fyee had no idea what to think, she always thought Iscariat was a simple one to read, but after this experience she couldn't confidently standby her statement anymore.

"I see now you understand," Princess Celestia said using her empathy to accurately predict Fyee's train of thought.

"I understand that I knew less than I thought I knew. Iscariat is such a head case with so much baggage," Fyee said still fixing her sight upon the floor, as well as drawing imaginary circles with her right hoof just above the bed sheet.

"But ask yourself this," Princess Celestia said with a pleasant smile. "Has your feelings towards him changed?"

"No, never, I...I...Ah, I can't say it. Not yet, not until I tell him and I can see his reaction," Fyee said adamantly raising her head too look at each mare in the eye. "On a personal note, I would consider it a favor if you all kept this to yourselves."

"Dear, you are confiding in three immortals, and one of them is the embodiment of love. I can confidently state that your secret is safe," Princess Celestia said boasting a smiling grin.

"Finished, your wing is perfect," Princess Cadence said laying back a little in the love seat until her head stopped spinning from the strain of healing an entire appendage in half a night.

"Thank you Princess Cadence, it feels just like before," Fyee said lightly flapping her wing to test its delicate mechanics. "You have no idea how much this means to me, if you ever need anything do not hesitate to ask."

"That is sweet, but not necessary, and you can drop the Princess title, Cadence will suffice," Princess Cadence said happy to see Fyee so elated.

"Well I must take my leave to bring about the dawn," Princess Celestia said rising to her feet, and placing the cushion back on the couch.

"Princess wait!" Fyee said leaping off the bed and rushing over to the Princess.

"Yes, something more you wish to convey to me?" Princess Celestia asked turning her head to the side to lock eyes with Fyee.

"I have a request, when Nightmare Moon contacts you, and I know she will, I wish to accompany you when you go to meet her," Fyee said.

"If you choose to follow I will not stop you, but I ask you not to interfere should a battle ensue. Do we have an understanding?" Princess Celestia retorted her voice a tad stern than normal.

"Whatever quarrel you have with her is not my business," Fyee said accepting the Princess' terms.

"Well spoken, now I must be off, but if you require to speak later just seek out one of my guards, and they will inform me," Princess Celestia said as she then took her leave out the door.

"Thank you, your highness," Fyee replied and then walked back to Princess Twilight and Cadence to start yet another conversation; this one concerning Twilight's love life.      

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