Celestia held her head high as the slow procession wound its way into the palace, surrounded by the three dozen or so armed guards. The green eyed mare with her odd swords led the way stoically, but never being unable to stop snatching a glance or a look of wonder at Luna and her. It was actually kind of cute, and Celestia wondered what might lie beneath the diamond hard exterior of the guard captain. A little filly, seeing her legends come to life. Like I was when Star Swirl the Bearded strode into my home all those years ago…

That was actually a surprisingly calming thought, for it meant these Ki Lin were naught more than just another facet of her beloved ponies. Let them pretend otherwise if it pleased their sensibilities - the unicorns had certainly tried to for a very long time before finally admitting they were just as much a part of society as the earth ponies were. “So, might I know your name, Captain?” she asked, keeping her voice soft and gentle, projecting her most caring demeanour. The last thing she needed was one of these ponies panicking at the thought of her disapproving of them.

The captain’s head snapped around, her eyes wide and momentarily full of disbelief - as though she could not comprehend why she was being spoken to. Then Celestia arched a meaningful eyebrow and the poor dear appeared to blush a little. “Ah… I am Gentle Blade, great one,” she said in a surprisingly gentle voice, as melodious as that of a singer - or perhaps a dancer given her lithe form.

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Gentle Blade.” Celestia wondered if the Ki-Lin shared the same naming traditions as Equestrians did. There was something about her sharp green eyes that reminded her strongly of a certain pony back home… “Am I right to presume you are the leader of the Empress’ guard?” she gently asked, hoping to arouse a little conversation before things got too formal to allow such a thing.

Gentle Blade looked quite startled at that, looking at her with wide eyes. “Ah… I would not presume to call myself such, Great One. I am but a humble warrior, honored to serve the Empress and the Goddesses alike.” She bowed her head deeply towards Celestia, speaking in a sotto voice obviously not intended to be heard. “Not that I would not make a better choice than that foppish-” Gentle Blade bit off the last word and took in a deep, calming breath before speaking again. “I am surprised you do not know though, Amaterasu.” That was the closest anypony had so far gotten to curiosity about their apparent lack of knowledge about them, and Celestia’s initial good impression of the warrior was cemented on the spot.

Deciding on the fly that she’d rather have somepony who half-worshipped her, and whom she could talk to than some stone-faced priestess as a guide, Celestia smiled warmly. “It is courteous not to presume anything, Gentle Blade - even for me.” Then she leaned in close to speak in a conspiratorial whisper, “And to always remember that things can change as swiftly as a sunbeam.” She winked and was pleased to see the mare’s jaw drop just a little, her eyes going as wide as saucers for just a moment.

Celestia returned her gaze to their path and caught Luna’s sly smile. She winked back at her and carefully returned to appearing wise and motherly. Not that it was hard, as it was the same sort of mask she put on day in and day out at her own royal court. Habit was a wonderful thing, and it made it far easier not to gawk at their surroundings as they approached a massive pair of beautifully carved wooden doors. Images of Ki-lin warriors and bas-relief versions of herself and Luna were set into them, showing the pair of them exalted above all other ponies.

That was a little disturbing, frankly, but Celestia bit down her objections as the doors swung open. There was no sign of anypony around to open them, but Celestia was beginning to grow used to that sort of thing. She strode through the doors, noticing belatedly that the guards were remaining outside. “Gentle Blade!” she snapped firmly, and the female Ki-Lin stopped in mid-step as she was preparing to turn away. “Attend me,” Celestia finished in a manner which was very much not a request.

There was a palpable moment of stunned pause, and Celestia drank it in quite thoroughly. I care not for whatever you may thought you were getting with me, children. I have not the time for games. Twilight needs me - and as such - I need a warrior. Luna was doing her very best to look both amused and quite serious at the same time, and it presented an interesting dichotomy. Celestia turned around fully to bend her gaze upon Gentle Blade, who looked like she had just been struck on the back of the head by something fast and heavy. “Come, Gentle Blade. I have need of you,” she repeated, darting a quick glance to Star Swirl who surreptitiously made the lips-zipped motion with his hoof.

As one, the guards that Gentle Blade had been leading quickly took up in formation around the door and bowed low to the green-eyed Ki-Lin. Gentle Blade swallowed visibly and slowly - oh so achingly slowly - trod into the palace to stand alongside Celestia. She met this with a warm smile, projecting a soothing sort of aura. “Come now, my child. You need not be nervous,” she chided her, turning back to resume her walk. “I have need of somepony lacking in nonsense to act as my guide. You shall serve.” She did not look behind her, but the sound of clattering hooves and shifting armor told her that, at the very least, Gentle Blade was following.

Slow and measured steps took her into the palace… and right into another garden. Above her head, panes of perfectly clear glass let the sun shine down into a perfect little tea garden. Every bush, every stone pebble on the path, even the false bubbling brook was storybook perfect. It had to have taken quite a remarkable number of ponies to keep it in such a state, especially the sleek fish in a variety of fascinating metallic colors swimming about the stream. The air was not still either - some unseen fans created a breeze through the delicate leaves of the strange plants and flowers and smelled strongly of the fall season to come.

It would be time for the Running of the Leaves soon, and Celestia idly wondered if they had such a tradition here. “Ah, Great One… I do not mean to impose…” Gentle Blade said in a hesitant voice, even as she walked briskly to keep up with the trio. “But surely there is another who could better serve your needs?” Celestia could almost smile at the faintly worried tone. Word-for word, she sounded exactly like Shining Armor when she’d made him Captain of the Royal Guard.

So she simply smiled serenely as hoofsteps took them over gently arching bridges, forcing the poor mare to keep up. “It is possible that there is, but I do not have need for courtiers and those who deal in fancy words,” Celestia said with a gentle amount of reproach in her tone, using near the same speech she’d given Shiny all those years ago. “I have need of a warrior, a guardian. One whom I can count on to be honest with me. You certainly fit that bill, Captain.” The last word was said with just a touch of asperity, and Gentle Blade swallowed any further objections.

Their steps took them through the beautiful garden and past two iron-masked guards bearing swords similar to Blade’s. Their masks were caricatures of her face and Luna’s face, made to look more intimidating and warlike. They bowed as Celestia and Luna passed, horns alighting to push open a heavier set of inner doors. Star swirl quickly strode up to walk alongside the pair of them, speaking in a hushed tone. “Assuming they have not modified the place, the throne room is just ahead. Be cautious, Amaterasu.” There was something irritating about that last, and Celestia felt her lips turn to a frown.

“I know how to deal with royals, teacher,” she returned the barb in an equally quiet tone - not even paying attention to the beautiful murals on the walls around them as they traversed the quiet hallway. “Besides, we do not have time for diplomatic horse pucky. They have demanded the attentions of a ‘goddess.’” She nearly spat out the word, but Gentle Blade was present and for now there were appearances to keep up. “And so they shall get it.”

Was it her imagination, or did Star Swirl’s lips twitch into a smile? He certainly looked like he was trying not to encourage her, but Celestia was long since decided that she wasn’t going to take any shrift. Respect would be accorded, of course. And dues would be rightfully paid, especially for what she had done to preserve her teacher. But the rest?

Twilight was imperiled. Whatever Dancer had said, whatever Star Swirl thought, Celestia knew in the core of her very soul - right in the same place where the Sun lived within her - that Twilight was still in there. Trapped by this dark power, corrupted beyond reason perhaps, but still herself none-the-less. That would not last forever, though… Celestia had long ago learned that lesson with poor Prince Sombra. Time was against them, and if she did not act decisively then there would be no hope.

Their steps took them to a final set of doors, perfectly sized for an Alicorn to stride through at their full height. Celestia took in a deep breath, closing her eyes. “Luna,” was all she said as she summoned the tiniest fraction of the Sun’s power into her soul. Instantly, she could feel the air becoming warmer around her - the smell of a sweet summers breeze wafting through the air. Celestia could never quite explain all of the additional effects to seizing the power of the Sun, but for once she was glad of them.

As she opened her eyes, she knew their pupils would be as bright and vibrant a gold as her regalia: her mane’s colors just a little more vivid, and her step just a little bit more etherial. She knew that with the barest hint of further power, her pupils would vanish entirely and give her white void’s for eyes. Luna was much the same, but her opposite - her darkness became far more pronounced, the stars shone in her mane as though it were a window into the midnight sky. For a moment, all was still in the hallway.

Then Celestia called to her magic, and pushed the doors before them open. Gentle Blade gave off a soft gasp, but now was not the time to deal with that… now was the time to make her intentions clear. Without a word, Luna fell into step alongside her and the sound of Star Swirl’s hooves behind her echoed down the hall. The throne room itself was not massive - indeed, it was smaller than her own in Canterlot. But for its lack of size, it was no less impressive - floor to cieling columns laquered in red, golden fixtures and filigrees, and a deep, dark green stone floor. At the opposite end of the hall from the door she had entered, a single slim Ki-Lin sat upon a carved throne of jade.

Celestia’s first impressions were interesting. She looked not like a monarch, but like a model. Every inch of her silken silver coiffure, ruby red dress regalia were tailored to within an inch of their lives. Her eyes were slightly slanted, like all Ki-Lin, and a beautiful bright violet that would have been a perfect match for Celestia’s own eyes. Her coat was as pure white as Rarity’s had been, and her mane was a gorgeous deep green that spilled down over her shoulders and all the way to her flank in silken waves. Her gaze was level and serene, but filled with a far deeper cunning than Celestia had anticipated.

But none of these observations slowed her step. Celestia did not look to the left or right, but knew that the throne room had been filled with all manner of warriors and nobility - of the wealthy and powerful that had come to see their Goddesses walk amongst them. As they passed, the many Ki-Lin bowed, kneeling their forelegs on the ground and touching their horns to the same. They did not speak, or cheer, or even mutter as Canterlot nobles might have done. The eerie silence was punctuated only by the rap of her metal hoofboots upon the ground. Outside there had been awe, certainly, but there had also been a great deal of excitement. In here, Celestia could practically smell the fear.

Perhaps she should not be surprised - the wealthy and powerful often resented those with greater wealth and power than themselves. And it stood to reason that they would be even moreso of one who held power they could never hope to attain. Her steps finally took her down a set of stairs she had not previously noticed - a cunning little design which would put any creature who approached the empress on a lower plane than she. That they had sought to hide this fact was a little surprising, but perhaps there were other more subtle reasons for the design.

As it was, Celestia was not about to be intimidated by a little height - indeed, her own significant height kept her fundamentally at eye level with the Empress. A fact which was not lost on the armored guards who flanked the dias upon which her throne sat. There were, perhaps, a dozen of them in total; all of them wearing the iron masks which bore their caricatured faces. Only one was different. His armor was subtly better, his weapons just a shade more adorned. He wore no mask, only a deeply visored helmet behind which his grey eyes flashed at them. Celestia turned and smiled a little at Gentle Blade, who was now staring down the guard in question. Clearly, no one had anticipated her presence there. Good.

Celestia turned her gaze back to the Empress, and let the silence drag on for a few long moments. No one coughed, or spoke, or even seemed to breath as the seconds dragged on… until finally, a gentle and almost musical chuckle emerged from the red-painted lips of the mare upon the throne. “I should have known better than to think a Goddess would not be willful.” Celestia was not sure, but she could have sworn that a tiny smile twitched across the Empress’ lips. “I bid you welcome, Almighty Amaterasu - Guardian of the Dawn, and bringer of the sun’s life upon our earth.” She inclined her head, only slightly, then turned to Luna. “And I bid you welcome, Radiant Tsukiyomi. The Guide of the Moon, and guardian of our dreams.”

Luna looked only a trifle startled at that, as it was far, far from common knowledge that Luna watched over the dreams of the Equestrian ponies. That gaze moved between them, and out of the corner of her eye - Celestia saw Star Swirl stride forward, his own stare steely and cool as it had been during the first pony parliament. The Empress’ voice went soft, her eyes narrowing a touch. “And to you, ancient Sage - I bid you well-come in your return to life. As was agreed upon by my ancestor, you have brought us the Goddesses to bring salvation to our fair land.” There was a pause - only a short one, but there was a pain there that Celestia was quick to notice. “It has come only just in time I fear. For what news has come to us this day is dread indeed.”

Star Swirl spoke before Celestia could react, and in that moment she decided she would hold her tongue unless needed. She was far, far too sharp today to be unloading her barbs upon their host. “What news?” Star Swirl’s voice cracked like a whip across the room, laced with both concern and grim resolve.

The Empress looked to each of them, taking in a deep breath and exhaling. “A magical missive came to me this morning from one of those we send to observe and watch the activities of other lands.” Her horn lit - astonishingly - with a silvery-aura that was near a mimic of Star Swirl’s. A slim vellum scroll, bound in black ribbon floated into view - stymying any questions Celestia might have had about that aura. “Specifically, from those we set to watch the Kingdoms of the Griffons. They have reported that a fell darkness has fallen upon the city of Roam. The Legions are fleeing the kingdoms in droves.”

Star Swirl stared for a moment, his jaw slightly falling at those words and appearing robbed of speech. Silence once again reigned for a time, until Celestia could not help but speak the words everypony in the room would not. “Then Roam has fallen,” she said in a soft, half whisper. For all of her conflict with the griffons over the centuries, she wished them no more harm than she did any other creature. She shook her head slowly, turning to gaze at Luna who had the same look of horrified realization. If Twilight had truly conquered Roam and could do the things Dancer had claimed,, she now had an army the equal of any in the entire world under the control of the Shadow.

The Empress nodded solemnly, and Celestia felt her resolve harden. “Then our errand here must not be delayed a moment longer,” she said, being sure to stifle the resonant power in her voice. “Your grace, the Shadow has fallen over many of my own subjects and lands,” she began, striding forward without a second thought. Star Swirl looked like he wanted to object… but had an armored hoof shoved into it by Gentle Blade of all creatures. “We require the aid of your armies and knowledge of healing arts, for we mean to make war on this darkness that seeks to destroy us all.”

Her tone was one finality, and the Ki-Lin’s royal guard all gave a step of retreat in the face of it. No doubt their belief in her as a goddess would only have strengthened the reality of the Shadow’s threat if she too were involving herself in its destruction so directly. There was a moment of stunned silence following this proclamation, and Celestia chose that moment to capitalize upon it. “Your goddess calls you to war, Empress. To battle for the fate of all the free creatures of the world. Would you deny me, or will you take up arms to fight alongside me?” As if in conjunction to her building severity, a wave of exultant heat radiated off of her body.

It was taking every inch of Celestia’s willpower to hold on to the Sun in that moment - the passion she felt searing inside of her so powerful it was fit to consume the world. But hold to it she did - wrenching it back with her mental hooves. The time to release the Sun upon the world would come, she was sure… but it would come at her direction, and not a moment before. A gasp of disbelief and shock spread through the crowd at the wave of that heat - its source unquestionable.

The Empress herself was staring at her in mute astonishment, whatever plans or machinations she might have had in mind dashed by the direct challenge from the one she called a Godddess. “Our duty must be to the Kingdoms, Amaterasu…” The Empress began slowly, then halted at the sight of Celestia’s eyes narrowing. “W-we…” The words trailed off, as Celestia slowly seeped the full power of the Sun into her being… She flung her wings open wide, spreading them to their fullest extent and giving them a single mighty flap to send another wave of heat about the room… but this one was far more oven-like, and Celestia had to bite back the snarl that was forming on her lips.

Luna’s hoof upon her shoulder gave her the focus she needed, and she took in a deep breath before exhaling. She had to be calm, before she incinerated everypony in the room. “Your duty is to your Kingdoms, Empress - this is unquestionably true,” Celestia began, keeping her voice as serene as she could under the circumstances. She flared her wings again, unable to keep the heat and rage out of her voice. The Sun itself was egging her emotions on - how DARE this miserable creature question her duty? - and only making it harder to control wrestle down her emotions “But our duty is to more than one realm, or even one ruler. Our duty is to the world, and all the creatures that live upon it.” Celestia had a notion, and turned on her heels and began to walk back up the steps. “But if you lack the courage to stand against the Shadow - then I shall find another champion that does not.”

This time, the gasps were not muffled. They were loud and vibrant in the room. The eyes and faces of every other noble in the audience was filled with total and utter shock… and not a small amount of fear. “Wait!” a strangled cry came behind her, and Celestia paused in her step. It was then - and only then - that she took stock of what had become of her. Her wings were not of feathers, but fiery appendages that licked at the wooden columns with a barely restrained power. She could see her hoofboots almost glowing with heat and searing black marks into the stone floor. She could not see her eyes… but she had no doubt they were but fields of white power.

She was a hairs breadth away from fully embracing the power of the Sun and turning it upon the Shadow... The power itself beat at her soul, eager and mindless to be set free to do what it was meant to do - sear, char, burn, destroy. It wanted to consume the darkness right now and be damned whoever and whatever was destroyed in the process. Celestia grit her teeth behind her lips and shut her eyes tightly. She would not give in to her power, nor her desire to use it regardless of the consequences to protect the ones she loved.

So she breathed deeply, and exhaled - forcing the power back down into the core of herself. She had to stop emoting like this - she had to get control. Twilight would be saved, the Shadow would be seared into nonexistence in the face of the unconquered sun, and victory was not a matter of if but of when. Celestia hardened her resolve and steadied her mind. Now was not the time for anger or thoughtless destruction. Now was the time for cold, calculating politics. She needed the Empress and her armies… so she would have to be the stern and implacable goddess to get them.

Whatever the cost to her own soul, Twilight would be saved.

So she turned her head just enough to regard the Empress with a single baleful eye, only to see that she had clambered off of her throne, trailing her impressive silken red dress behind her a little ways. “I was…” the Empress began and then swallowed. “I am shamed by my pride, great Amaterasu. I beg your forgiveness. Please, do not doom the Ki-Lin because of me.” Then she did the unthinkable - she bowed as deeply as all of the other nobles had done, prostrating herself before Celestia.

In the eyes of the crowd, the guards… all of these poor souls, she saw that deep and abiding fear. And deep inside, Celestia felt more than a little ill. In fact, were she not at that very moment before a massive crowd of ponies, she likely would have vomited. But she swallowed her bile, clenching her eyes shut for a moment to hide the pain stabbing through her gut, and turned around to descend the steps again. “Rise, child. Do not fear,” she said in her softest voice and was gratified to see that at the very least, the beautiful empress was not terrified by her. Scared for something - most likely for the nation she stood for - but not scared of Celestia. “We have all been guilty of the sin of Pride from time to time.” And Faust knew Celestia knew that better than nearly any other creature alive.

The Empress did rise then, taking a deep breath of her own to calm her nerves. Celestia shook her head and… No. I shall not push her any further. This is already far too sickening to be allowed to continue. “We shall speak further of these matters in private, Empress,” Celestia said, pitching her voice quite low. “And make plans for the defense of all the good creatures of the world.” The Empress hesitated, then nodded slowly - some color and brightness returning to her eyes.

The Empress turned and made a curious, but imperious gesture to her guards. The one who was not masked strode forward and rapped the butt of his spear upon the ground. “The Empress bids the court to disperse, but hold itself ready for her commands!” There were only a few mutters at this command, and those who had assembled quickly dispersed out of a remarkable array of hidden exits and side doors… none of which were the doors by which Luna and Celestia had entered.

In moments, the hall was empty except for Star Swirl, Luna, The Empress, her unmasked guard, Gentle Blade (who was showing a remarkable amount of courage given the scene she’d just witnessed), and herself. Now with no audience to impress, Celestia slowly let go of the pure power of the Sun, feeling the strength and will slowly leach out of her - leaving her feeling drained as it always did.

If the transformation of their appearances concerned the Empress any, she did not show it. Instead, she sighed deeply and hid her face in her hooves. Her next words were muffled, but full of a great deal of sorrow. “Goodness me, but I have certainly made a mess of everything haven’t I?” she lamented in a surprisingly less-than-regal tone. She exhaled a deep breath, looking at all of the assembled ponies. “I think we need to sit down and have a chat, and I cannot think of anywhere in the palace to fit you all except for here.” She clapped her hooves together firmly after a moment. “Lets see what we can do about that.”

In mere moments, a flurry of young and lithe servant girls wearing some remarkably risque looking shifts and dresses provided pillows upon which to lie and fresh tea with which to indulge in. The Empress had shrugged out of her silken red robes and elaborate jewels of state to reveal a still stunningly beautiful Ki-Lin mare with eyes too soulful for her apparent youth. “Please, Goddesses… I beg of you to be seated. And you as well, Gentle Blade - though I wonder what your presence here might signify.” Gentle Blade appeared stunned at the mere mention of her name from the Empress, but did as commanded almost immediately.

Celestia did not wish to sit yet. She did not trust this apparent change of heart… and frankly, there was far too much energy and anger still seething in her soul for her to be at rest yet. Luna was under no such compunctions however, and sank down onto the soft cushions - likely thankful for such ease after nearly a month of hard travel on wing and hoof. “Your grace…” Celestia began, and was surprised to see the Empress wave her hoof airily, sighing heavily for a moment before regarding Celestia with a frank gaze.

Her voice was calm, but quite sardonic in tone. “Begging your pardon, Amaterasu - but my name is Whispered Jade. Or Whisper to those few I call friends.” Her lips twitched in a soft, wry smile as a svelte and quite attractive servant girl floated her a steaming cup of the fresh and fragrant herbal tea. “We are quite past the place where graces and formalities will do any of us any good whatsoever, I fear.” There was still a tremble of worry and concern in her eye, and Celestia could pick up on the barely restrained panic in her voice. She was still sure that Celestia was going to walk off and leave her to rot, and given the news that Roam had fallen to the Shadow, Celestia could not honestly blame her for that fear.

So she sighed, and tried to let go of her own anger. “You are more than forgiven, Whisper.” At last she took refuge upon the silken pillows, and found them to be almost seductively soft. The statement garnered a look of surprise from the Empress, but Luna was smiling quite warmly at Celestia. Celestia gave off a little sigh of her own before continuing, “I fear I was perhaps a touch harsh. These past weeks have not been good for the soul, and the news from Roam…” She shook her head slowly. “We have even less time than I had originally anticipated.”

The Empress - Whisper - nodded slowly. “I can understand that reaction, Amaterasu. Your kingdom is imperiled, and you wish not to tarry a moment longer than is necessary.” The mare shook her head, her deep, glinting jade mane shimmering as she did so. “Perhaps I was foolish to think war would be avoidable.” She paused, and her eyes fixated on the still quite overawed Gentle Blade. “Why her, Amaterasu?” The question was soft, almost curious but also considering - as though she were weighing her words with her tongue.

Celestia tilted her head and felt a slow smile cross her lips - unable to suppress the pleasure at her confusion. “Call it a feeling,” she teased gently, turning a wink towards Gentle Blade. And true enough, it genuinely was not much more than a feeling that had driven her to pluck the guardsmare out from the crowd.

Star Swirl coughed loudly, immediately summoning all attention to him. “I beg your pardon, Your Mightiness - but tempus continues to fugit in spite of our desires.” He took a deep breath, pausing for obvious dramatic effect. “When I last left this palace, I left a very specific item in the care of your ancestor. Am I too hopeful to presume that it is still where I left it?” The Empress suddenly smiled, and was once again all confidence and serenity. She nodded once and Star Swirl’s eyes brightned. “Superb. I’ll just go get it.” He paused as he quickly stood, trotting toward one of the side doors and vanishing quickly from sight.

Celestia stared for a moment, and shook her head. Star Swirl being Star Swirl again. The Empress’ voice cut through her reverie instantly. “I must confess Amaterasu, while our mighty warriors are fierce and many - I’ve not the resources for any kind of campaign, nor the political will to acquire them.” Celestia blinked, feeling something like shock at that statement. The Empress smiled faintly, bitterly. “I have only recently ascended the Jade Throne, blessed Sun. My power amidst those who fund our governance has not yet solidified.” She paused then, her eyes gleaming with the sense of renewed opportunity. “Your power, on the other hoof, is quite unquestioned.”

And so there it was again. Celestia wanted to sink her head into the pillows and weep, to damn the world for forcing her to do this. To damn Star Swirl for this mad plan of his, whatever it might be. She wanted to scream, cry, and eat an entire gallon of ice cream and fall asleep reading trashy Daring Do fanfiction that Rainbow Dash had written. She wanted to do these things very, very badly right now - but she would do none of them. She would be strong and stop acting like a filly who’d gotten stood up on prom night.

“Sister dearest… I know it is not easy upon thee, but needs must,” Luna’s voice cut through her thoughts, speaking for the first time amongst the wealthy and powerful they had newly met. Luna’s eyes were gentle, understanding. “We shall keep thee from gaining too big a head or over exercising thy power.” That comforting gaze turned into a little glint of mischief, Luna’s voice thick with good humor. It was a gesture that Celestia could not fail to smile at.

Gentle Blade’s gaze was steady upon her too, and now more curious than awed. Celestia took in a deep breath and clapped her hooves together. “Very well. Our enemies will not wait for us. I am calling a council of war to order. Immediately.” She turned and smiled at the empress, not feeling pleasure at what she was about to do, but… “Summon those we will need the material and military support of in our endeavour. I shall convince them of the righteousness of our cause.”

For you, Twilight.

I will become these Ki-Lin’s foretold goddess, if I must.

I will become the terror of the entire world, if I must.

I will call down utter destruction and elemental flame, if I must.

I will obliterate this shadow with naught but the will of the Sun, if I must.

But I will not lose you.

I will not allow this Shadow to take somepony I love away from me.

Not again.

Not this time.

Author's Notes:

Regular updates to resume. Next update will be on monday, and shall proceed back to every-other-day.

Thank you all for your patience!