***

The Beginning. 2020

It was another bright and glorious day for the ponies of Canterlot. As always the city shined with a radiance that could not be found anywhere else in all of Equestria. The great city, built directly into the side of the massive Canterhorn Mountain, was specially designed to catch the sunlight and through it’s marble white stone and polished gold decorations, reflect it. Every morning the city shined alongside the sun, almost as a beacon to Ponykind.

However whilst the sun shone bright, Princess Celestia, the pony responsible for raising it, was in a far darker mood. She had gone to the Royal Hedgemaze to ponder a decision that she had been mulling over for several days now.

"Should I really do it?" she muttered to herself, head lowered in thought. "Is it worth the risk?"

As she strode through the Gardens she passed the many statues that filled it. These carvings depicted ponies that had embodied numerous virtues. Every one of them had been paragons in life, worthy of being immortalised in stone. Celestia had known many of them personally, even tutored and guided several herself.

As she picked her way through the statues she kept her eyes forward, searching for one statue in particular, a statue she had visited countless times before.

It wasn’t difficult for her to find the frozen, stone form of Discord. Even if she didn’t know the route to his pedestal from memory alone, it was very easy to pick his deformed shape from amongst the others. His face was still stuck in the same expression of terror that he had made upon realising the Elements of Harmony had broken free of his manipulations. Of course now that everypony knew the truth of what he was, the statue now stood alone, left alone and untended by all but Celestia.

Seating herself in front of it, Celestia once again went over her own proposition. Over the last few years Equestria had been afflicted by trouble, disasters and invasions that the country had only narrowly avoided or fought off. The Royal Guard and the national militia were too small to fight every enemy that attempted to assail Equestria and the Elements of Harmony could not be called upon to deal with everything; they had their own lives, families and dreams to consider.

It was all this and more that had finally led Celestia down the road to considering the release of her, and Equestria’s, most dangerous enemy. Discord.

For what felt like an eternity she stared into the petrified face of the Draconequus, almost hoping that if she looked long and hard enough she could find some reason to trust him. Discord was a danger, there was no doubt about, but he was also powerful beyond measure. If he could be brought around to their side, taught to realise the magic of friendship and the joys of camaraderie, then he could help keep the ponies of Equestria safe, and in return they would easily learn to love him.

Reading it back to herself in her own mind made it sound heartless and exploitative but knew deep down that it meant far more than what she was saying. What Discord could gain from friendship would be greater than any satisfaction he found in chaos and anarchy.

Her mind now made up she looked up at the sky, staring into the thin, wispish clouds that hung over the city and began to think about how best to reform Discord.

"Twilight and her friends could probably do it. If there are any ponies capable of handling Discord it’s them," Celestia said to herself, a smile creeping up her face as she thought of her hardworking student.

"Of course they are also the only ones who could probably keep him in line at the same time," she said, almost as an afterthought before chuckling slightly at the thought of Discord being browbeaten by a group of very disgruntled Elements. She knew it wasn’t fair to force such as difficult burden onto such young ponies, especially after what Discord had done to them, but it would be for the best and Twilight would, of course, make immense progress in her studies by doing so.

"Pinkie Pie might be a good choice," Celestia said out loud as she went through the list of Elements and tried to decide which would be the most appropriate to take up the job of introducing Discord to the finer points of friendship and understanding.

Her face then scrunched up as she put more thought into the idea. "On second thought maybe not, she would probably get too caught up in his antics."

"Let...me...out".

Celestia paused in her thoughts as she suddenly heard a whisper on the wind. She looked around in mild confusion, wondering whether or not another pony was nearby. She didn’t find anypony in the immediate area or in the skies above, the area was still clear and calm.

Settling back into her thoughts, though slightly more cautious, she once again returned to her plans for Discord and the Elements of Harmony.

"Perhaps Fluttershy, she would be perfect, her kindness and patience should allow her to weath…."

"Let...me...out," once again the voice returned, carried on the wind, but this time it was louder and Celestia was able to make out the words.

"Release me from this prison." This time when the voice spoke, louder and faster than before, Celestia could also hear the malice and anger behind it. Whatever this voice was it was furious and desperate for release, from what she didn’t know. The air in the Royal Hedgemaze grew a little bit colder.

Celestia’s eyes shot to the statue of Discord. However nothing about it had changed, it remained in the same position, the same terrified expression frozen on its face.

"Let me out," the voice repeated, sounding increasingly insistent with every word.

Celestia rose to her hooves and began to turn away from the statue. Whatever this was it was not Discord, he often played cruel games but this was most definitely not his style.

As she reached the exit to the Hedgemaze the strange voice spoke one last time.

"Let me in."

***

The Portal. 2020.

Celestia smiled at the latest petitioner to enter the Day Court. Despite the unpleasantness of the previous day Celestia felt wonderful, a good night’s sleep, a pleasant conversation with her sister and a good breakfast had worn away any anxiety that had built up from her visit to the Royal Hedgemaze. Even then she had never put the voice out of her mind - that would have been irresponsible for a pony of her position and responsibilities - but she did not let it worry her too much.

As the petitioner began to open his case, a proposition for the expansion of a small lumber industry that operated in the forests that bordered - but were separate from - the Everfree Forest, she once again returned her thoughts to her experience in front of Discord’s statue.

She had thought long and hard about what that voice could have been. She had decided that it was obviously not Discord’s doing: it was far too dark for his tastes. This was... something else.

That aside, the voice had finally helped make her mind up for her. She would not release Discord. Even if he was not responsible for the voice, something was, and it most likely had few good intentions. Therefore, she decided, it would be too dangerous to have Discord be free to wreak havoc on Equestria and keep the Elements of Harmony occupied when they would be needed elsewhere.

Returning her attention to the petitioner in front her she noticed he had finished the introduction of his proposal and was ready to present his case.

Suddenly the doors were thrown open by the guards and a lone Earth Pony Royal Guard ran in, respectfully keeping to the left in order to avoid running into anypony. He appeared quite flustered, as most Guardsponies did when reporting strange or troubling news to her directly. Once he had reached the foot of the dias, carefully avoiding the petitioner who appeared quite upset that he was being interrupted, he removed his helmet, revealing his green and yellow mane, and bowed his head.

"Your Highness," the Guardspony said respectfully before raising his head, a somewhat embarrassed look on his face. "I have urgent news from outside Las Pegasus. They have sent reports of a strange anomaly barely a mile outside their borders."

The entire court appeared confused at the strange and abrupt news but Celestia did not let any of her own confusion show on her face.

With a collected expression on her face she calmly spoke. "Did they provide any other details? Has anypony been harmed by it yet?"

"Um...well Your Highness," the Guardspony fumbled his words a bit - he had never spoken to the Princess directly before. "The Guard detail at Las Pegasus said it had appeared yesterday, a bus of tourists had apparently spotted it on their way into the city but nothing has happened as of their last report to us."

"Thank you," Celestia said, a smile returning to her face at the relieving news. She got to her hooves and spoke in more authoritative tone. "Secure this anomaly and make sure nopony goes near it without the express permission of either myself or Princess Luna. An official investigation will be prepared to make sure that this anomaly is not a threat to Equestria."

***

Meeting The New World. 2020

It was a big day for Celestia. This would be her first official meeting with the members of the United Nations, the governing body of this world. It hadn’t even been two months since the first expeditions into the Portal had returned with news of an entirely different world, a world inhabited by strange and unrecognisable creatures.

These humans had proven to be tolerable, though prone to arguments and general divisiveness. At the same time these creatures had proven to be just as capable of kindness, cooperation and the other elements of friendship and harmony. Though many had objected to friendly relations with Equestria and others had objected to holding any relations whatsoever, the majority had decided to accept her proposals to foster friendship between the two species.

In preparation for this conference that the entire world would witness - or so she had been told - she had prepared her finest regalia, replaced her tiara with a much more regal crown and wrapped her body, mane and tail in a veil of shimmering light. She had been told that representatives from every nation of this Earth would be witnessing her speech and she intended to impress them.

She stood in front of the Portal, the immense, pink tinged and glassy gateway to another world, and prepared to step through. As her hoof passed through the surface, she felt a slight itching sensation, it quickly moved to cover her body as she passed through the veil that separated the world she was familiar with from an entirely alien planet.

Stepping through the pink wall Celestia was surprised to see no noticeable differences between the new world and Equestria. The sky was blue with white clouds dotting the great expanse, the grass beneath her hooves was green and lush and from the sounds of waves lapping on a nearby shoreline she assumed that seas or rivers existed as well. Of course her reports had gone into greater detail about the world and she knew of their continents, their nations, their settlements, their great rivers and their vast forests.

At the same time the reports had brought her more disturbing news such as their divisions and differences that seemed to be impossible to resolve, of their terrible weapons and a history that seemed abysmal at a cursory glance. more recent reports had also informed her of a striking limitation on their new relations with the native inhabitants of Earth. They appeared to be incapable of passing anything of their making through the Portal. Their attempts to send messages in any form had all failed spectacularly and their one experiment to send an actual physical messenger had been disastrous, the poor unfortunate that had tried to step through had lost an arm to whatever energy created and permeated the Portal.

That said the ponies of Equestria had no such problems passing through and though it almost felt like their magic was stunted there were no ill effects from doing so, except that the air tasted funny sometimes, like standing a little too close to a factory.

Putting such thoughts out of her immediate attention, Celestia waited for the rest of her entourage to join her.

Luna had joined her for this occasion and would represent the Equestrian Diarchy beside her. Like Celestia, the younger alicorn was dressed in her finest regalia of office and sported her own impressive crown. Her ethereal mane and tail shone brighter than usual and her coat had a sheen to it that made even the dark colours of her body twinkle with pinpoints of starlight.She was as much a ruler as her sister and she would be appear as impressive.

"Are you ready Luna?" Celestia asked, smiling gently at her younger sister.

"Of course sister," Luna replied confidently. "It would be remiss were I to attend such a momentous occasion as anything other than my best." As always Luna was formal in public, even after learning so much of modern Equestria she preferred the archaic speech that she had spoken before her madness and banishment. Though Luna would never admit it, Celestia often believed that Luna thought it made her unique.

"Well then we’d better go and make an impression on these human beings," Celestia said as she noticed the guard detail they had left Canterlot with had finally made it through the Portal and returned to their formation.

Nodding to one another both princesses began to walk forward towards the appointed meeting place.

"COMPANY ADVANCE," the captain of their guard detail shouted and as one the Guardspony regiment followed their diarchs, marching in perfect step behind them.

The path leading up to the meeting point was little more than a dirt road, and a new one at that. The portion of whatever island that the Portal had opened on was apparently uninhabited and infrequently visited by humans. Celestia took her time away from the public eye to casually observe her surroundings. The island was apparently tropical and fairly lush. The fact that the region was considered wild by humans meant that there was a reasonable amount of greenery. Small colourful birds could be seen in the branches and Celestia could even make out a dizzying assortment of insects as they flitted between the trees.

The sounds of a forest rich with life surrounded the small column of ponies as they followed the road down to the beach.

Already the forest was beginning to thin and it was at this point that Celestia finally saw some of the humans she was supposed to meet. A group of them were waiting along the path, casually chatting to one another as they - presumably - waited for them to arrive.

Like the reports had told them these humans were tall, almost reaching her own height with ease. They stood on only two legs, their forearms instead capped with hands and long dexterous appendages. Apparently their skill with tools and their ability to quickly invent new technologies allowed them to survive and thrive in the world, even without magic. They were dressed in uniform, black outfits and carried strange box like objects in their hands. According to the reports by the ambassadors and explorers she had sent (many jokingly calling themselves Equestria’s first anthropologists) these were human weapons. If they were armed then they must be the human’s own guard detail sent to receive her.

The moment they noticed her the entire group stood up straight and raised their weapons in a, supposedly, non-threatening manner. It appeared like they were giving her and her sister a salute.

One of them, a human soldier whose uniform was decorated with extra markings and symbols that were likely to mark him out as officer, stepped forward.

"Are you Princesses Celestia and Luna?" He asked, his tone respectful and his expression passive.

"Yes. We are," Luna replied, her own tone imperious and authoritative.

"Very good," the human leader replied. "We were told to expect your highnesses and to escort you to the meeting place. We understand that your highnesses have brought your own protection but our leaders felt it only courteous that we ensure your safety." Every word he spoke was deliberate and Celestia could tell that he had spent a long time thinking about how to address her without causing offence.

"Very well," Celestia replied. "We will follow your lead."

"Of course your highness," the human replied. "This way please," he continued before turning and telling his men to return to formation.

Celestia glanced at Luna who nodded in return. They both watched the humans form into two rows and begin marching down the road in the same direction they had been walking. Both princesses followed behind them with their own guards in tow.

Luna once again turned to regard Celestia as they walked. "Well sister it appears that we may yet be able to conduct these discussions with civility. They appear to be civilised enough to not only consider our safety but send guards that are capable of diplomacy."

"That’s true," Celestia replied. She then paused for a second and a small smile appeared on her face. "Our first meeting with a human appears to have gone well. Their leaders should hopefully be just as polite. With any luck we should be able to foster a new age of friendship with these people. A new age of trade, exchange and discovery that will change both of our worlds."

The pony column followed after the humans that had come to collect. Through the entire thing Celestia kept the images of future peace, prosperity and friendship in her mind.

***

A Necessary Evil. 2020

This was far from good. Good at this point was settling in to it’s new home in the depths of Tartarus while Celestia was pacing her room, trying to think of some way to help the humans. The portal to this new world also acted as a Barrier between the two realms. It was safe for ponies to cross but humans were burnt up on contact. If humans were going to fully understand Equestrian culture, they would need to come here and not just read about it in books or hear about it from ponies who traveled to their world. No human could get to Equestria to discover it for themselves. The time had come to deal with this problem.

There’s a way. There always is.

The island on which the portal had materialised was already somewhat isolated from the rest of the humans’ world but the Barrier made it impossible for people to even try to come to Equestria. Not any of the spells they tried to use to make openings in the Barrier, or even get rid of the Barrier entirely, actually worked. Obviously, the humans risked a great deal if they got close enough to try something, so it fell to Celestia and Luna to devise a plan to help humans to come to Equestria.

Celestia tried to come at the problem at every angle. There were potential solutions to the problem. If she had known why humans were being destroyed on contact then that might have helped her to come to a solution. Sadly she didn’t have that luxury. Perhaps if humans wanting to come to Equestria had a magical defense.

That wouldn’t work

From what Celestia saw, magic didn’t exist in the human world. If it did, it wasn’t public. Perhaps a Unicorn could escort them through the Barrier. No, if their magic could do anything to defend against the shield, they would have known by then. The scientists of Canterlot had carried out test, after test, after test (Celestia had the paperwork to prove it). Nothing affected the Barrier. There was little chance of a second Barrier around the people entering would actually work.

What was it? What made ponies immune to the Barrier. Maybe it was the fact that humans generally didn’t have any magical essence to them.

Celestia stopped pacing and draped herself across her bed. Humans and ponies were so very different that it made trying to think of a solution rather difficult. She wouldn't give up. No matter how difficult it was, she was determined to help mankind.

The answer is so very easy.

Her own thoughts were mocking her. Ignoring that negative impulse in her mind had been something of a priority to Celestia recently. It felt like everything she was doing was wrong, like she couldn’t find any way to help… anypony.

Celestia's mind grew silent. Peace at last. For a merciful moment, there was peace in the mind of the Princess.

There is a way.

At least she had that moment. Celestia swiftly returned to pacing about. At the end of the day, all she knew for sure was that, somehow, the natural magical essence of ponies could safely cross through the Barrier. As good as human technology was, it didn’t protect them from the Barrier itself. The Barrier was clearly magical in nature, probably the reason why ponies could get through it alive. There had to be some way of giving humans a similar advantage otherwise no human could enter the land.

No human will enter this land. And that is the solution.

No human...no human. That was the answer. Perhaps there was a way to convert the human form into an equine one, that way the Barrier would have no effect on them. Celestia had at last thought of a way to help people. At once, she made her way down the halls to the Canterlot lab.

The lab was brimming with the busy work of ponies coming up with new ways to make Equestrian life better. The gleam from the test tubes, combined with the multitude of white lab coats, almost gave the place a holy feel to it. Celestia often had to come into the labs to check up on the work but she usually gave the technicians a fair amount of warning. That day was very different. Each of the scientists their were shocked by the urgency of her presence.

She turned to the guards who had followed her from her room. "Quickly, find Princess Luna and lead her back here," Celestia said, more determined than she had been for a while. "I have an idea of how to help the humans."

With that the entire lab sector burst into cheers. Once again, their Princess had come up with a way to save the day. She knew she couldn’t do it alone though.

You’re never truly alone.

Just to prove her mind right, Luna arrived at the labs a short while later. Celestia was already underway in creating this ‘Pony Potion’ when she arrived and eagerly began telling her sister of her plan.

"I’m putting together something that will help humans to cross through the Barrier." It seemed like she was gathering as many different potion books from the labs cupboards as possible.

"A potion for the Barrier?" asked Luna, her voice showing her hesitation at the plan. She knew of the attempts at dissolving the Barrier had failed so was wondering precisely what Celestia was upto.

"Close," Celestia replied, gathering all manner of ingredients. "As far as I can tell it is the humans’ lack of magical ability that causes the Barrier to incinerate them. This potion should give them the same abilities as ponies."

"Continue," pressed Luna.

"This potion should be able to morph the human form into an Equestrian one, allowing them to pass. The human body can’t contain magic so a pony form should do the trick."

Luna stared on in silence. While Celestia’s determination didn’t falter, she wonder whether Luna agreed with her plan. Of course, Celestia could try to do it alone but she would have prefered her sister by her side when she finally created the potion that would help humanity.

A sigh from Luna brought about a smile. "The potion will need a lot of work...but we can, nay, we must do it."

***

Determination ran strong through their veins. Of course, they still retained their duties of raising and lowering the Sun and Moon but the rest of their time was dedicated to creating that potion. Who knew rewriting biology was so time consuming. The scientists who normally worked in the lab were amazed by the skill and speed and which the Princesses worked.

After five months of work they had finally done it. The first patch was ready to help the humans. Celestia’s wondered what the reaction to the finished product would be like. Her thoughts were short lived as Luna tapped her on the shoulder.

"Sister," she said, her tone clearly concerned. "I believe you should get some rest."

"And you?" Celestia chuckled back.

"It is time for me to raise the moon. My rest can wait." With a final smirk, Luna made her way to perform her sacred task.

The laboratory staff had already finished their shifts, leaving Celestia alone with her thoughts. The potion was done. The road to it had been difficult but it was-

It’s missing something.

Incomplete. The potion was almost done. Celestia pondered that thought for a while. Was the potion missing something? No, it was fine as it was.

Celestia turned to leave and was about to lock the door behind her when another thought crossed her mind.

This potion could harm the humans

To come so far, only to cause further harm. The idea was terrifying. What had she missed? By all accounts the potions would work as expected and cause no harm to the human who drank it. If there was a risk she overlooked…

Don’t worry. You can fix it.

Briefly, Celestia thought about calling back Luna to aid her. The change, if any, would only need to be slight so there wasn’t really a point to calling Luna away from her well deserved break. The list of ingredients sat on the table next to the batch. What did she forget to counteract. The list seemed balanced in all areas.

What about their minds?

Their minds? Did the present potion keep the minds intact? So many questions about the potion were beginning to plague Celestia’s mind. She would need to remedy this as soon as possible. ‘How’ was another matter entirely. Luna would be needed after all.

But you know what is missing.

She did? Celestia did know what was missing. It was all so clear to her in that moment. The potion would work perfectly with a few improvements. Then the potion would be perfect, then the human race would truly be thankful for Celestia’s and Luna’s help.

***

The Unveiling. 2021

“I shall alert the human correspondents at once your Highness.”

Celestia was in her study when she sent the messenger away that day. It was done. After a few more months of testing around with the new formula, Celestia had just sent word that the potion was ready to be unveiled. Things were beginning to fall into place. Still, she couldn’t help but feel a little worried. This new version of the potion hadn’t been seen by Luna, she had thought it to be the one they had conjured together. Before the inevitable meeting with the U.N she would tell Luna the truth. Her sister deserved to know.

“Guard,” Celestia called.

It was Bright Spot who answered the call. The young Day Guard saluted Celestia.

“Could you alert Luna that we need to prepare for a very important meeting," she said. “I will need her here at once.”

“At once!” Bright Spot replied. He was eager to please Celestia if not too childish. Day Guard started somewhere she supposed.

Celestia remembered the first meeting with the U.N. The various different languages of the same species were fascinating. So many different countries but all ultimately working for the same goal; peace. Since the two worlds had met most of the countries had accepted their arrival. Whether they welcomed it or not was a different question entirely. With this breakthrough it could mean further steps in Equestria/Earth peace.

A few moments later, as Luna arrived, Celestia was looking through some of the historical books that the U.N leaders had given her. Past leaders and great tragedies alike were in those books. When they unveiled the potion, Celestia wanted to be sure she did it in a way the world would find the most appealing. They were talking about a potion that literally changed the a human into a pony, some of Earth’s religions might find it blasphemous whilst some politicians would probably believe it would somehow be against their country’s best interests. All points of view would need to be taken.

“Find anything useful sister?” Luna asked.

It took a moment for Celestia to register her presence. She was shaken out of her thoughts by the realisation of what the next words out of her mouth had to be.

“Your Guard tells me that we may have an important meeting.” Luna took note of the different books that Celestia was reading. “I assume it is about the potion. Ist thou ready to show it?”

Celestia took a deep breath. She dreaded the reaction Luna might of had.

“Sister?” Luna moved closer to Celestia

“There’s something I must tell you about the potion before we continue onto the meeting," Celestia said solemnly.

"What is it?"

"The potion as it is now is not as we made it."

"How so?"

From in a draw, Celestia pulled out the last version of the ingredients for the potion. Luna looked it over. As her eyes met the new additions, she looked more and more curious. Watching Luna with that version of the potion made part of Celestia quiver.

Luna placed the list on Celestia's study. "I assume that these changes were done after I left that night." she said after moment.

Celestia gave no response, only waiting for Luna's feeling about the matter.

Luna smiled. "The potion works," she said "That is what truly matters."

"You're not upset?" Celestia asked. Luna's response had been too good to be without a catch.

"I may have preferred that you kept me informed on the matter," Luna sighed "but this situation with the humans is new ground for all of us. I understand that is has been far from easy for thee."

That day, Celestia found that there was no catch for her sister's loyalty.

It won't last.

At once she hugged Luna and shared a moment where the troubles of the world stopped. No barrier, no voices and no force that could split apart the sisters. In that moment. Moments do not last forever.

***

Sure enough, the U.N called a meeting almost immediately. The conference room was a Storm of chatter about the potion. Could it be true? How did they make it? How long have they had it? Leaders from all over the world discussed the potion.

A group of Day Guard had travelled with the Princesses to the meeting and were escorting them to the main conference room for the announcement. Every time they passed a human guard the two species would share a salute and a look that bound them in the same job of protecting the lives of their respective leaders.

"Luna," Celestia began, "I want you to be the one that makes the announcement."

"For what reason?" Luna asked curiously

"I think it's only right that you do it."

"We made the potion together," Luna noted.

Celestia only responded with a look. A look of guilt and regret.

Luna sighed. "Very well then. If you wish me to do it I shall." She smiled. "As long as you are by my side."

"Deal," said Celestia

The moment they entered the room, the human diplomats shushed each other and waiting. Some waited with tense expression that seemed to able to snap with but a single word. Others looked on with wide eyes that seemed to want to know the truth behind such a potion.

With dignity and grace, the Princess of the Sun and the Princess of the Moon made their way to the speaking podium. Luna took her position and gave Celestia a reassuring glance to Celestia before starting.

"Thank you for being here today," she began. "With the help of the bravest volunteers that either of our realms have could have known, Celestia and I have indeed created a potion that will allow a human to gain an equine form.” As the chatter began to start, Luna raised a hoof. “I am aware of some of the questions this raises that many of thee surely have at this moment but we did not take this endeavour lightly. Every consequence has been thought of and the potion adapted to prevent them. I can assure you all that the process in safe and does not incur any lethal effects. The potion was created solely as a means for humans to come to Equestria without the barrier proving fatal. As mentioned before, many brave souls have helped us to test to see if it works properly. I can proudly stand here today and declare that this potion not only works but will aid in the relationship between our two realms.”

The next moment seemed to be slowed down in Celestia’s eyes, as she watched the eyes of the human leaders share expressions with each other. Celestia wasn’t sure, but out of the corner of her own eyes she could have sworn that their eyes began to glow.

From across the room, buried in the sea of faces, a sound broke the looks. A simple sound that put a smile on both of the Princesses’ faces. A leader of one human nation had stood up in his place and, with the frankly concerned gazes of his assistants watching him, began to clap. He started off slow but as more and more of the leaders joined him in his praise. Soon the clapping was a proud, mighty roar that had spawned in the hearts of most of those in the hall, some simply mimicked with annoyed expressions on her face. It was the making of a new era for both of the realms.

***

Signs Of Trouble. 2021

"HOW CANS’T THOU SIMPLY STAND BY AND LET THIS TRAVESTY CONTINUE?" Princess Luna screamed in the Royal Canterlot Voice. The throne room shook with the strength of her magically enhanced voice and the protective spells surrounding the room were the only thing that saved the immaculate stain glass windows from being shattered by the force of the furious Princess’ voice.

"Luna," Celestia said, a concerned and tired look on her face, "please understand tha…"

"NO," Luna interrupted, "THOU HAST BEEN IGNORING THIS DISASTER SINCE THE MOMENT IT WAS REPORTED TO US. HOW CANS’T THOU SIMPLY TURN AWAY FROM WHAT IS RIGHT IN FRONT OF THINE EYES?"

Celestia gave a concerned look as her sister finally stopped to catch her breath. Luna’s eyes were bloodshot and her face was contorted in barely restrained anger. She knew her younger sister was desperate for answers but Celestia had none to give.

"Luna, please," Celestia began again, a small voice in the back of her mind reminding her that this does not concern us. "I don’t know how this could have happened. I have denounced this Ponification For Earth’s Rebirth group as the terrorists they are but I cannot intervene directly. This is a human matter."

Luna’s face hardened the moment the words left Celestia’s mouth. "A human matter? I never considered thee to be a pony who would ignore problems that did not directly concern thyself." Luna’s tone dripped with venomous accusation and the look in her eyes was one of complete disgust.

"Luna," Celestia looked her sister in the eyes, her own face downcast, "the humans want as little do with us as possible. Those countries that wanted us gone, you remember them don’t you? There are more of them now. Too many humans have been forcibly changed by the PER and the humans blame us for them obtaining supplies of potion. Even if I did try to intervene, do you really think they would let us?"

Luna’s face fell as Celestia’s words registered in her mind. Truth be told she herself had already known everything that Celestia had just told. She just needed somepony to shout at, someone to understand what she was feeling. Her little ponies could never know how she truly felt. To see their leaders so shaken and demoralise about what was going on would have only caused even more trouble for their nation.

Luna once again looked her older sister in the face. She didn’t like what was happening, she hated the horror of the Barrier, the fear it caused for humans and ponies alike and the depravities it was leading to. Looking her sister in the eyes Luna saw the Celestia felt exactly the same way but behind the sorrow was another expression. Luna couldn’t help but feel scared of her sister’s eyes for though they were full of tears they were, at the same time, cold and steely.

"There is nothing we can do Luna," Celestia said reassuringly, blinking the welling tears from her eyes. "The best we can do is support these new ponies that this PER has created. They’ve lost just as much as those who have been killed by the Barrier. I don’t know what will happen to them in the long run but the least we should do is give them a new home and a chance to form new relationships with ponies. I assure you that we will accommodate these new foals."

***

Unforeseen Consequences 2021

"I understand you want me to explain it your highness but I honestly couldn’t tell you if I tried," the pony in front of Celestia said cheerfully. Beside the Pegasus stallion stood a concerned Earth Pony mare. The audience with the two ponies had been ongoing for the past half hour and the mare’s expression and demeanour had become depressed with every word from the stallion’s mouth.

"Please your highnesses," the mare begged. "Phillip has been like this for weeks. He keeps telling me doesn’t want to go back. All he seems to do is talk about how much he enjoys being a pony. He doesn’t even talk about our old home, our families." The mare’s eyes filled with tears and her voice strained as she struggled to find her words. "He doesn’t even let me call him by his own name anymore!" With a final wail the mare broke down into sobs. The stallion moved to comfort her but she rebuffed him.

Celestia and Luna, who had watched the whole thing since the two ponies had entered their audience chamber, were still shocked at the display in front of them. Neither of them were truly surprised at what they were seeing. Ponies that had formerly been humans had been flooding into both the Day Court and the Night Court, begging for audiences. Every single one of them had the same problems. Former humans were forgetting their old lives or actively refusing to associate themselves with humanity. Some complaints that had been brought to their attention had even been retracted in the past few days and when the ponies who made the complaints were confronted they had all explained that their previous concerns didn’t matter anymore and that they had simply accepted their own situation as ponies.

“Do not worry my little pony,” Celestia finally spoke after the young mare had finally calmed down enough to listen, “we shall both endeavour to find some solution to your problem. Your husband will be fine in due time. Thank you for enduring so long but rest assured that a solution will be found.”

With that the Guardsponies in front of the dias politely ushered the two ponies out of the chamber and shut the door.

Both princesses let out a sigh.

“Is that the last of them for this day?” Princess Luna finally spoke, her voice weary.

“Yes your highness,” the Guardspony replied respectfully.

“Very well then. You are all dismissed, leave us,” the princess said abruptly. The Guardsponies looked to Celestia who nodded in agreement with her younger sister. With that the Guards bowed and filed out of the audience chamber before shutting the door.

Celestia saw her sister give her a cold glance before lighting her horn. The chamber shimmered slightly with a navy blue light before returning to normal. This was a sign that Luna had something to discuss with her. Something that no other pony was supposed to hear.

“I have lost count of how many ponies have come to us with the same grievance, the same affliction.” Luna’s words were as cold as her expression. “There is something wrong with these ponies and yet we do nothing,” Luna spat out the last word.

Celestia sighed, her face downcast. “Luna, what can we do? We haven’t the slightest idea what is wrong with them.”

Luna’s face hardened. “This affliction was not present in the earliest subjects. It is only in the last few weeks that this problem hast begun to emerge. It stands to reason that this was not an immediate reaction to the potion so then it must mean…”

“It must mean that it is a delayed reaction,” Celestia finished for her. “Are you suggesting that there is an aftereffect we never noticed?” Celestia’s eyes widened in shock at the implications. Most former humans had begun to experience this forgetfulness. Would it spread?

“I thought that we had tested it, that it was foolproof,” Luna said quietly, her head bowed. “How could we have missed this.

Celestia pondered her sister’s dire question. They had, of course, had no opportunities to test the potion on humans before they had begun producing and distributing it. The first humans had all been volunteers, brave ambassadors that had chosen to undergo the difficult and painful process that allowed them to survive in Equestria. Now they had all abandoned their old identities, instead preferring the new lives, names and relationships they had made as ponies. Most had even resigned from the agencies and embassies that they had been employed in or helped establish.

“The final changes.” Celestia raised her head as she heard Luna mumble something.

“What is it?” Celestia asked.

“The final changes,” Luna repeated more firmly before raising her head and looking Celestia. As Luna turned to look at her sister the edges of the room began to shimmer, almost as if the silencing wards her not yet settled.

Staring straight into her sister’s eyes, Luna’s expression was unreadable but Celestia could notice something strange in her eyes that worried her, almost as if it were accusation. “Thou wert the one who overcame the final obstacles that allowed us to succeed when we created the potion,” Luna pointed her left hoof at her older sister, “Thou wert the one that made all of those final alterations. What didst thou to it? What didst thou add?”

“Luna, what are you saying,” Celestia said, confused and slightly concerned.

“Every ingredient and enchantment was checked by us, together. Every detail was considered and we never made any additions without consulting one another,” Luna said steadily and carefully, “except for the final changes that allowed us to successfully finish producing the potion, the changes that thou didst conduct by thyself.”

Luna’s face almost seem to warp slightly as it twisted into a look of suspicion as she looked at her sister.

“What didst thou do to the potion?” Luna asked, her voice hard but careful. “Mayhaps the spells you cast upon the potion to complete it are responsible.”

Celestia almost recoiled at the accusation. The room shimmered again and became colder. Celestia could feel a weight on her body, as if the accusation in her sister’s stare were bearing down on her.

Insolent child

“Luna,” Celestia said, her shock evident in her voice, “surely you’re not claiming that I’ve done this on purpose.”

Luna’s own expression became worried, her head snapping back in shock, the shimmering stopped.

“No of course not,” Luna said, “I was merely pondering whether thou hast made a mistake, tis possible that such a strange concoction as the one we were creating may have reacted poorly to whatever magic thou decided to mix within it.”

Celestia’s heart was pounding. Whatever she had just witnessed was disturbing, as if her sister had turned into a monster. Relaxing once again she paused a second to compose her thoughts.

“I was very careful,” Celestia began, “the enchantments I used were based on the polymorphic spells that were in the Archives. I personally made sure that the alterations that allowed the potion to accommodate human physiology did not make any unnecessary changes to their psychology.” It never had any ill effects on the volunteers from other races.”

“Yes but those volunteers never remained ponies for more than a week, Luna replied. “Besides all of our volunteers were native to Equestria. Mayhaps the problem lies in their alien nature?”

“Their lack of magic? You believe that is responsible for their forgetfulness?”

“Indeed,” Luna said. “Mayhaps it would be best to return these humans to their native land, let the essence of their own world return to them and allow them to regain their connections with their heritage.”

“I think it would be better to instead find out what is wrong with the potion. After all, even if we do send them back it is unlikely that their homes will accept them. The latest news from the other side of the Portal is rather dire.”

“This is the first I have heard of this,” Luna raised an eyebrow at what her sister told her.

“I received the reports just before the beginning of court,” Celestia replied her own face turning into an expression of concern and sorrow. “The attacks by the PER are intensifying and humanity’s opinion of ponykind is very low. Returning these humans, especially in the condition they are in, will only lead to more problems.”

“So you are saying we should leave them like this? Let them loose themselves as we scramble around to find what is wrong with the potion?” Luna said, once again looking at her sister with scorn.

“It is undesirable but I think it is our only real solution. We cannot send them home and we do not have the time to create an antidote for the potion. Besides returning them to their original human form may kill them.” Celestia lowered her head at her own words. It was all so cynical and morbid, every decision she had made since encountering humanity seemed to have been a difficult one. She had seen trying times but it seemed as if this entire debacle, with its endless tide of problems, was weighing down on her in a way that no other crisis had before.

***

Falling Over The Edge 2022

Celestia grit her teeth and closed her eyes, wishing it would stop her from seeing the room waver and shimmer around her and drown out the noise of her sisters accusations.

ANOTHER HUMAN LOSES THEMSELVES AND THOU STILL REFUSE TO DO ANYTHING! Luna screamed, her voice hoarse and her eyes red and bloodshot. HOW MANY MORE MUST ABASE THEMSELVES BEFORE US? HOW MANY MUST WEEP IN OUR PRESENCE AS THEY BEG FOR US TO RETURN THEIR LOVED ONES TO THEM?

Celestia had lost count of the number of times she and her sister had fought with one another. With new victims of the PER being forced through the Portal by their kin and with every day leading to another case of forgetfulness amongst the population of former humans, with no solution in sight, the Royal Sisters had been arguing more and more often.

”THOU STILL REFUSE TO CONTACT TWILIGHT SPARKLE FOR INSIGHT, THOU HAST DEVOTED LESS AND LESS TIME TO AN ANTIDOTE, THOU HAST PROMISED TO COUNTLESS PONIES THAT THEY WILL BE FINE AND YET THOU HAST DONE NOTHING TO ASSIST THEM.” Luna was breathing heavily, it was obvious that she had been crying. Whatever she had seen in her Night Court had been intolerable for her and she had sought out her sister, the one who she considered responsible, to answer for it.

The accusation and vitriol was relentless. Celestia had never seen her sister act like this, except when she had been on the verge of transforming into Nightmare Moon. Celestia’s head swam as the room around her began to waver, the walls warped and the lights of the candles turned red and black. When she turned to look at her sister it seemed as if Luna’s coat had turned pitch black and her eyes appeared to glow with an eerie yellow light.

It is dangerous.

Celestia couldn’t believe what she was seeing before her eyes. It was like an image from her worst nightmares, everything was. The past year had been one endless nightmare, the horrors and the despair building on top of one another. She could feel it all weighing down on her and through all of this her sister had become increasingly irritable.

How many times had Luna come to her seeking assistance? How many times had Luna then turned on her when she couldn’t provide any answers? How many times had they fought over the human issue?

The human issue. Everything started going wrong when they appeared.

Despite Celestia’s best efforts she couldn’t drown out Luna’s shouting.

HOW MANY OF THEM HAST THOU SEEN? HOW MANY MORE HAST THOU LET LEAVE WITH NAUGHT BUT FALSE HOPE? Luna continued to shout at Celestia. As Celestia’s head, swam her pulse racing and her head pounding, Luna’s voice appeared to sound more and more unnatural. It seemed to grow sharper with every second, more arrogant, more angry. There was only one time that Celestia had ever heard Luna sound like that.

Celestia looked over her shoulder at her sister and was terrified by what she saw. The other side of the room was a warped, chaotic mess, the walls melting into the pillars and doorway, the tapestries and paintings dancing and twisting and the candles emitting nothing but blood red light as the room fell apart and rebuilt itself. At the centre of this was a dark shadowy figure that seemed to pull in the light around it before swallowing it into the darkness of its form.

The creature that had replaced her sister was a monster. It’s coat was a darkness blacker than night, its mane and tail were indistinguishable from its body which warped and shifted like oil on water. All that could be distinguished were the eyes, the same glowing cat-like eyes of Nightmare Moon.

It was shouting at her with the Royal Canterlot Voice but this time its words seemed so much more worse than anything Luna could have ever said. These words echoed, not just in the room but in Celestia’s mind. Every syllable was painful, like a shard of ice was being thrust into Celestia’s brain.

It wants you

The creature that was Luna began to advance on her screaming at her all the while. What it was saying was unintelligible, but that didn’t matter, only the anger and malice in it’s voice did.

It loathes you

Celestia began to back away, her face stricken with terror. She scrambled away from the other side of the room, seeking sanity, stability and safety from the thing in front of her. Through it all she never once took her eyes off of the terrible creature which seemed to mock her with its mere expression as it advanced on her faster and faster.

Look at it

Celestia finally found the strength to turn her head. She looked away from the terrible vision behind her and shut her eyes, wishing that the pounding in her head would end. The nightmare had become worse than ever, if she closed her eyes it would be over.

Look at it

Celestia could hear it’s hoofsteps as it came closer.

Look at it

She could feel it come closer. It’s presence was like ice. The cold of an unforgiving cosmos. She curled up in a futile effort to seek warmth.

Look...at...it

The cold was unbearable, the noise was unbearable, it was all unbearable. What was happening to her, to Equestria, to everything she had known?

It will take you

“Sister?” The creature called and Celestia felt something touch her.

No! Celestia snapped and lashed out at the abomination behind her. To her relief she felt her hoof connect with something and felt the creature recoil from her. There was a wet crunch and the cold disappeared, the shimmering stopped and the room once again settled. The nightmare was over.

Celestia blinked. Her heart was still racing and she felt dizzy. Her hoof was stinging from hitting whatever had been trying to touch her.

It was then that Celestia felt a slight thump. She looked ahead of her in confusion. Where was Luna? Where was the monster? Looking around for the creature that had tried to assault her, she turned her head back and forth, desperately seeking any sign of the monster. The room was exactly the way it had been when she had first stepped into it. The walls were solid, the tapestries and paintings depicted events of happiness and friendship. All appeared well.

It was then that Celestia saw a great blue lump to her side. Rounding on it quickly, Celestia saw what was lying to her side and her heart suddenly stopped.

Luna lay sprawled out on the floor of the room, her neck was bent at an odd angle and her eyes had rolled into the back of her head. Her head was bleeding and judging by the splatter of blood on the wall above her she had hit it. Beneath the blood stain was a buttress, an innocuous piece of the wall’s upholstery that had far more purpose as a decoration that as a support strut. However it had also been in the way of Luna when she had been flung into the wall and the shape had been just perfect for Luna to snap several of her vertebrae on.

“No. No, no, no, no,” Celestia stammered over and over as she rushed to Luna’s side. Looking over her sister she tried to find something to fix, something to put back into place, anything that she could do to help her sister. She found the point where her sister’s neck was bent, several bulges revealed where vertebrae had been forcibly dislocated.

She immediately tried to cast a healing enchantment on her sister. The extruding vertebrae pulled itself back into place with a wet and audible pop but Luna remained still. Celestia’s eyes twitched and her pupils shrank. She cast more enchantments, blood flowed back into Luna’s body, the wound on her head knitted itself back together and her body convulsed as Celestia tried, over and over, to force Luna’s heart to start beating.

Nothing happened. Luna lay still and lifeless. Celestia’s face went blank as her mind reeled at what had just happened. Luna was dead, she was gone and nothing was going to bring her back. Celestia was alone again and this time there would be no recovering from it.

A terrible scream echoed through the palace.

***

The Barrier Advances 2022

“Are you sure?” Celestia asked.

“Yes your highness,” the Guardspony responded. “Our detachments on the other side reported a shimmering pink wall in a ring around the Portal that appeared to be the exact same colour and consistency of the Barrier. On closer inspection they confirmed that the Barrier that was layered over the Portal is gone.”

“When was this first discovered?” Celestia asked. This news was troubling, especially now that relationships between Equestria and the nations of Earth had become so strained.

About two days ago your highness,” the Guard replied. “Um,” the Guard then appeared to fumble his words, as if he were considering how to phrase hsi next sentence. “The...the report also states that the Barrier has moved.”

“Moved,” Celestia asked, perplexed at what he had said.

“Um, yes your highness. The initial report had the Barrier positioned a few feet around the Portal. Today’s report says it has expanded three times over from what it’s previous position.”

Celestia was stunned by what she heard. The Barrier had always been a confusing and disconcerting construct. Nopony had ever come close to understanding what it was or why it was so hazardous to human life and what they, specifically, built. However despite all of this it had always been a static and consistent feature of the Portal. Now that it was moving Celestia had even less of an idea about what it was.

What will you do

Celestia had no idea how to respond. What could she do to combat something that she knew absolutely nothing about?

“Keep a post on the Barrier,” Celestia said, startling the Guardspony with how abrupt her statement was. “I want the detachment on the island to report the progress of the Barrier. Any change must be recorded and delivered straight to me. Also send a warning to the human United Nations. This concerns them just as much as it does us.”

“Yes your highness,” the Guard replied. He bowed and then immediately turned and marched out of her chambers.

Celestia was concerned. This latest development was something she did not want to endure. She had enough problems to deal with without another issue from the other side of the Portal added to the list. Still there was nothing she could do to change that so she would just have to make do and see what would come of it.

***

The Night Guard Dies 2022

For a change, the air was filled to brim with cheer a joy. Celestia had gathered her council together to honour her sister's life. As far as the rest of Equestrian knew, Luna had passed away due to illness. Celestia only felt comfortable telling Blueblood and the other council members the truth. After all, they had a right to know that Luna rebelled against Celestia’s just cause. This gathering wasn’t about remembering that however, it was about remembering the joy she brought to others lives, about the good times that she shared with ponies and made their lives better. Those closest to Luna were invited to the gathering, but at that time, not everypony had…

Like a massive pack of wolves they had arrived. The Night Guard. Five hundred Thestrals who were given one of the highest honours and were tasked with guarding Luna. They wore their black and purple armour with pride The tradition of Thestral guards had been one that had stood against most tragedies. They were happy to get back to work when Luna returned from her exile. It only seemed right to Celestia that she kept that tradition going by having them work for her now. They could have made valuable allies.

“Your Highness.” The lead Night Guard, Dusky Plain, bowed before Celestia, his fellow Guard following after in military wave of respect. Of all the Night Guard present, he was the oldest but also the strongest. One mission he had gone on had left him with a fairly noticeable pale eye. Though he swears it is fine, most knew it was damaged.

“At ease Dusky Plain,” Celestia declared.

The Night Guard stood at attention. Trained and vigilant, the perfect Guard for what Celestia had in mind. She had their full attention. Looking back, she gestured for the chatter of her other guests to be silent. As she began her speech, she could not help but notice the intensity of the gazes that each member of the Night Guard wore.

They...know

“I am honoured that you could come to this gathering my ponies,” Celestia said “Before my sister passed on, you were dedicated to protecting her.”

The Night Guard quickly shared a few glances between each other.

They know.

“In this new age of other worlds,” Celestia continued, “I am forming a new Guard in her memory.”

Now the rest of her guests began to whisper behind her. The gathering had been the perfect time to unveil the new Guard to her council. It would be an honour to be the first to see them swear their allegiance.

“Therefore, as of today, The Night Guard will be no more. Instead, tomorrow will bring the rise of the Eclipse Guard.”

Before the Night Guard could begin to share words with each other, Celestia swiftly continued.

“Such a task is the highest honour a Team of Guards could have. It will be your job to be the very core of those ponies blessed with Guarding Canterlot from any foreseeable attack. You will be my personal best.” Celestia finished with a proud smile. Though that smile quickly faded as she saw Dusky Plain step forward, fury in his stare.

“What about the Day Guard?” asked a younger stallion behind him, possibly a newer recruit.

“The Day Guard’s duties have been expanded to being sent to the Human world for diplomatic purposes.” Celestia turned to Dusky. “Something troubling you?”

“Yes,” Dusky replied, voice filled with sarcasm and mockery. “To be honest, it’s taken all of my strength to keep from laughing ever since you started that ridiculous speech.”

Other guards echoed his words.

“I..I beg your pardon!” Celestia’s tone was as restrained as she could have been by such an insult.

They hate you.

“We have served Princess Luna long enough to know that Alicorns cannot simply fall ill and die as you have so elegantly told the rest of Equestria,” Dusky’s voice grew louder. “We demand to know the truth.”

They know! They know!

Celestia sighed. Such news would not ease their minds in the slightest but they had a right to know the truth about their Princess.

“Calm yourself Dusky Plain.” she ordered. She raised her voice, addressing all of the Night Guard. “The truth of the matter is that Luna tried to rebel against me once more, becoming Nightmare Moon. I was forced to-”

“Lies.” interrupted Dusky. His fellow Guard seemed to mirror his foul gaze. “Luna would never repeat that mistake again.”

The rest of Dusky's Guards slowly began to surround Celestia. Her council prepared to to go to her aid but Celestia smiled back and them and shook her head. One of the council, Log Record, stepped forward in protest.

“You must understand,” he cried out “She had no choice.”

Log Record was immediately silenced by a hoof to the face by one of the Night Guard who were blocking the council’s path.

With every new breath Celestia took, a new pounding in her head began to make itself known.

They are hurting our friends.

Celestia met Dusky’s gaze with a same malice. “I can assure you Dusky Plain, everything I do is for the good of peace and harmony throughout both worlds,” she said.

Another Guard moved to Dusky’s side. “Why don’t you just ask the Elements to change her back like last time.” Her voice seemed to be half hatred and half genuine concern.

With most of her strength, Celestia put aside the pounding in her head. The Night Guards were beginning to chat amongst themselves. Murderer, Liar and Pure Evil were the most common names she heard in those few seconds before her reply. Her continued to drum on again.

“Because Luna is not merely banished as before,” Celestia began.

"You killed her,” Dusky finished, not averting his gaze from Celestia.

The Night Guard erupted into a furious uproar. A few looked as though they were prepared to launch themselves at Celestia. One wrong move and things would dissolve into chaos

Traitors to Equestria

Disky stood at attention. “For the honour of Princess Luna, you will tell us the truth your Highness.” His voice rang out through the room. Blueblood once again tried to step forward and do something but his aunt shook her again. This she could not allow.

“You leave me no choice Dusky Plain,” Celestia said, stern and cold, as she rose into the air with grace and power. She around at all of the Guards. Some were clearly new, but others had been around for quite some time. “I shall ask once more, Will any of you join the Eclipse Guard?” Her question was met by a visual chorus of malicious gazes.

Let it never have been said that she didn’t give them the chance.

Dusky looked towards all of his fellow guard. Celestia could make out his order though. His voice was shrouded in growls and snarls. The entire Night Guard’s expressions seem to mock Celestia. They hated her. Her! The one who was trying to protect them. She was trying her hardest but they just wouldn’t listen. Celestia’s heartbeat sped up faster and faster.

“Celestia,” Dusky declared, “You are a traitor to the Throne. For the crime of murder -”

“Outrageous,” Blueblood shouted.

A few Night Guard held spears to his throat and he quickly shut up.

Dusky continued, “You will be imprisoned until we can find a suitable punishment.”

Do you hear what they are saying?

A few of the Guards lowered their lances ready to end Celestia that day. Others were eying up weak spots in her body to strike. Celestia’s horn glowed with righteous light. The Night Guard rose to meet her level.

One went in for the attack, Celestia blocked it but not without a blood red streak down one wing. Another one went for her, along with another and another. It was like a shower of meteors within the grand hall of Canterlot castle. With every new attack a pulse went through Celestia’s vision, briefly distorting it. Her magic proved to be her advantage she swatted them away to end up back on the ground or just simply away from Celestia.

This must not continue.

Celestia tried to focus herself but the pounding in her mind did not make a pleasant partner to the betrayal.

The council looked on as, with blood running down her, she spoke to them.

“Please don’t fear,” she said. “It will be alright.” Celestia was partly talking to herself.

The Night Guard quickly began circling around her faster and faster. Celestia remained in their way. Several went in together for joint assaults. The rage burning in their eyes seemed to reflect off their weapons. Everything around her was beginning to dissolve into a nightmare.

"Stop this madness," shouted Fountain Ink.

Out of sight from the council, the attacks were taking their toll. All the council saw were the Night Guard surrounding their Princess. Suddenly, Celestia’s horn stopped glowing and if her guests didn’t know her better, they could have sworn they caught the faintest of smirks at very edge of her sombre expression.

In a flash, a beam of intense heat and light shot out of her majestic horn. It struck a Night Guard, incinerating him instantly. Then it struck another, and another, and another. They had little time to escape from the purifying light. The light was like a concentrated beam of sunlight, it left a large scorch mark as it was dragged across the room. Underneath the screams of the Night Guard, Celestia found the perfect way to get over the horror before her eyes. She did what any wise child learnt to do, she laughed it off. Celestia laughed off the lies. She allowed that smirk to grow into a broken smile. She smiled away the pain of her injuries. She smiled away off the loss of so many ponies that she had sworn to protect for so very long. Through the cracked of that broken smile, tears fell through. No false joy is without tears.

On this day, the righteous will prevail.

"Be quiet," Celestia whimpered, too softly for anypony to hear.

Dusky Plain bellowed some ordered but they were barely heard over the cries of swift agony that the other Guards left out. Why? Why did they hate her so much? Why did she have to do this? Their screams were sharp and quick, each one piercing through Celestia’s heart before they met their ends. No matter how experienced they were they fell before Celestia power. Sure, some tried to go on the offensive but to very little avail. In those moments, Celestia saw lives come to end, lives that had served her sister faithfully for a long time were now ending and it was by Celestia’s doing. Why? Why couldn’t they see she was trying to help them?

Traitors cannot be tolerated.

“I said be quiet,” Celestia pleaded mutely to herself.

Celestia stopped. The broken smile shattered. It was done. The tears continued however, for the lives lost that day. The Night Guard who had entered the room were no more. A pity, they would have made fine Eclipse Guards. Their families would be so distraught to learn how they rebelled against Celestia. Lives lost for such a cause were wasted potential.

For the greater good.

The council looked on horrified. Before meeting them, she composed herself. It took a few moments for the drumming in her head to fade away and her vision to return to normal. Gracefully she floated back down to meet their gazes.

“On this day,” Celestia began, trying to get her voice back to its angelic form, “We have lost the Night Guard to the darkness that lurked in their hearts. Fear not. As I live and breath, no more shall fall into the shadows. No more will lose their way to madness. I said this was a new age of peace and I meant it.”

The moment she finished, her council cheered for her and called for medics. To them, she was all that was good and pure in Equestria. Celestia would strive to keep that image of her with them for a long time. She would form the Eclipse Guard from the elite of her own Day Guard and that would honour both Luna and the Night’s memories.

***

Desperate Decisions And Dark Measures. 2022

If everything was going to go smoothly, if she was going to save humanity then she would need her greatest ally. Instinctively, her sister was the first to come to mind. Silly instinct, old habits were the worst to break. For the first time since Luna had returned to her, Celestia was alone on the throne. Worst yet, it was her fault. It was Lu-her fault. Even her own mind was beginning to play tricks at that point. Celestia was now the last of her family. Where does one go when even their family is no more? There was only pony she could call close now. Her faithful student Twilight Sparkle.

Celestia dispatched a message at once to call for her. The wait for her arrival, for her smiling face, was agony. Celestia needed a different voice in her ear. She needed to know that she wasn’t going insane. The Guards in her chamber looked on at her with worried eyes. Their looks did not go unnoticed by the Princess of the Sun.

Before she could reassure them, her waiting agony was cut short by a welcomed face. Twilight Sparkle had arrived much faster than expected.

Celestia turned to her Guards, "I would like a private word with my student," Her smile eased seemed to ease their minds "We’ll be quite alright". With that they trotted away, giving Twilight their most polite nods. The moment the doors were closed, Celestia took her spot on her throne. With Twilight in her sights, it was almost as if life had returned to sanity. Even if it was just for a second.

"I'm glad you came so quickly," said Celestia.

Twilight had a confused expression on her face. "You summoned me, Princess?"

"You're not here by summons?" the princess asked, frowning in confusion herself.

"I was on my already. I wanted to see if you were okay," the mare replied.

Twilight was more than a student, she was a friend. Somepony Celestia could rely on. Though as she thought of what to say, she remembered one crucial thing. Twilight was one of her subjects. It was her job by duty to protect her. That meant never sharing that same task with her. She wasn't ready for that responsibility yet. Then again, she couldn't fully lie to her. Not fully.

"Admittedly," she chuckled, "I've had better days but I will strive on." Celestia was almost right. She would try to strive on.

"Is there anything I could do to help?" Twilight asked, her innocence shining through.

Celestia nodded her head. "There is something you can do." She moved from her throne, closer to her student. "I want you to help me reassure everypony that everything is going okay. We may have lost Luna but life must move on. I know that more than anypony else my student."

You know it very well.

Twilight averted Celestia's gaze. Both of their hearts began to sink. Celestia backed away. Was Twilight doubting her?

"That's something I wanted to talk to you about." She tried to lock her gaze to Celestia with mixed results. "It’s about...the potion." Twilight appeared to struggle with the last two words.

Traitor.

"The Converted don’t seem quite right," she continued.

How dare you question us.

"Don’t get me wrong," Twilight quickly noted, obviously trying to not offend Celestia. "It’s obviously still saving them, in a sense." She took out a notepad from her satchel. "It’s just, all my research shows that the Converted’s souls are horribly damaged by the process. And then there’s their personalities..."

Celestia’s heart sank lower and lower with every word of her ‘faithful’ student spoke.

She’s against you.

Twilight passed her notes onto Celestia. The pages noted various conversations and observations she had had concerning the Converted, both with other ponies and the Converted themselves.

A list of symptoms that the Converted showed went on for a few pages. Reluctance to talk about their human lives, personalities seemingly similar to each other, moods rarely swaying from cheerful. The list was crushing the world that Celestia was trying to make.

Get rid of her.

Twilight was stood, waiting for Celestia’s response. The pages went on and on; as always Twilight had put a lot of thought into her research. That was the problem. These were thoughts about how Celestia was wrong. This wasn’t what she needed.

End her.

"...no," Celestia whispered, tears beginning to well up in her eyes.

Twilight walked closer to her teacher. "Maybe there’s another way," she said, breaking the silence and giving Celestia focus.

She needed Twilight to agree with her. She was the most faithful of her little ponies and if she was doubting her... what about everypony else? Perhaps Twilight was right in some way but she lacked the experience Celestia had to see the bigger picture. All of this was necessary. There was no other way of saving mankind. Celestia couldn’t tell Twilight that though, it would break her heart. How do you protect somepony from doubt. How?

You know how.

"Twilight," Celestia said at last, going to her knees to meet her student’s concerned gaze. "There is something I need to trust you with." She wiped away her tears with magic and waited for Twilight’s move.

"Of course your Highness," replied Twilight eagerly "How can I help?" She had wanted to live up Celestia’s rumoured standards. This made it both easy and one the hardest acts of mercy that Celestia had ever had to do.

Twilight was close now. Celestia lowered her head and whispered into her ear.

"Everything is fine." Celestia’s horn started to glow with an oddly malicious light. "The Converted are simply happy to be taught our ways." The light seemed to seep into Celestia’s eyes. "Soon we will all live in peace and mankind’s suffering will stop." The light had vanished from Celestia’s eyes now, finding its way to a new home. It found its way into Twilight’s eyes, infecting her mind with one thought. Celestia is right.

Despite the calm tone of Celestia soft words, there was something else that she wanted to say to her now ever-faithful student. I am sorry. So many sacrifices had to be made just to keep the two worlds from falling into chaos.

Although the malice from Celestia’s horn faded, the light in Twilight’s eyes remained. Twilight probably would have discussed this with her friends as well. Having all the Elements on her side would surely show Equestria that there was nothing to fear, that everything would turn out okay.

"Twilight," Celestia began, her tone shifting to a royal order. "I need you to bring your friends here as soon as possible. You all have a very important task ahead of you." Celestia stood tall. Now things would start looking brighter.

Twilight bowed to her teacher. "I understand your majesty." The light finally faded from her eyes but the message was still there. "Anything to save mankind from destruction."

That voice wasn’t Twilight’s. It sounded the same but it was wrong. It lacked her own spirit, her smile seemed false. It hurt Celestia to do it but it was necessary.

It’s for her own good.

Everything would be fine in the end...right. Right. It would be fine. Celestia and the Elements would save mankind together.

She’ll be fine.

Once all this was over she would remove the spell and have the true Twilight Sparkle back. Celestia was right. Everything she had done had been for the good of both mankind and Equestria. She was right.

Twilight must be protected. They must all be protected.

***

Everything Is Fine 2023

Celestia watched as ponies dutifully erected another highrise building. Like all buildings in Canterlot it was designed with the rich and regal aesthetic that characterised nearly every other structure in the city. She felt proud at the devotion her ponies exhibited and her heart swelled as she watched ponys hammer beams together and carefully lay stone slabs.

It had almost been too much for her in the past few years. The humans, the potion, the forgetfulness, Luna, all of it but this was something positive. Her little ponies were finally coming together to help those in need. The Converted still came to her with the occasional complaint, usually about forgetfulness setting in but those usually stopped. Given enough time the Converted eventually decided that what they were complaining about wasn’t worth it and that they were much happier as ponies and that all that mattered. So long as the Converted were happy everything was fine.

Still the sheer number of Converted coming through was worrying. The Barrier was relentless and nothing she or humanity did could stop it. It was unstoppable and countless millions had already died. She had heard of armies that threw everything they had at it, including their own bodies, that had been obliterated without even scratching the shimmering pink wall. She had heard about the ideas and schemes that the greatest minds of the human race were concocting in an effort to either destroy or stop it. It was terrible, every new report read as if it was another chapter in the story of a world’s death and her land, her Equestria was becoming responsible for the survivors. It was a burden she would gladly bear this time, she would never lose control again.

The Converted that were building the new towers - under the tutelage of several native Equestrian construction workers - had been kind enough to build a small raised platform out of spare timber and placed a comfortable chair for her to sit on while she watched their progress. She had, of course, thanked each of them individually and graciously accepted their gift.

It was amazing how hard working and diligent the Converted were. They seemed to accept their new lives with a great amount of enthusiasm and threw themselves into whatever work they had been given. They exhibited nothing but good cheer and polite cooperation and though many ponies still found them rather strange they were accepted and that was all they seemed to want or need. Their reluctance to ever mention their former lives was still disconcerting however and many ponies, curious to learn about an alien world, were disappointed to find that their potential sources were not as cooperative as they would have thought. The Converted seemed to want to hide behind vague statements and tangents and quickly tried to change the subject whenever their former humanity was brought up.

Celestia had been content to just sit and appreciate the work that was going on. She would of course talk to any ponies that wished to speak with he but for the most part she simply appreciated the work that her ponies were doing. This was a break from the politics and the administration that had built up as millions of Converted flooded through the Portal and it was all she could ask for at the moment.

Still humanity’s long and lingering demise was, as always, in the back of her mind. The thought of so much death was horrendous. Her pulse started racing as she began to remember the reports from Earth.

She had of course seen plenty of war, atrocity and slavery before, countless horrors had been witnessed by her over the centuries, but this was something else. The sheer inevitability made her feel sick and she knew that had the Portal never opened, had humanity never made contact with Equestria, then none of this would have ever happened. Her head began to pound and the edges of her vision became hazy.

It is of no consequence

Still there was nothing she could do about it and trying to find a solution had only led to disappointment and tragedy. It didn’t matter what she felt. in these trying times it was better that she simply put on a brave face for all of Ponykind and weather the storm on their behalf. As long as her little ponies prospered then she would accept the horror. As she relaxed and put the humans out of her mind her hearts settled and her vision cleared. Blinking slightly she instead turned her gaze towards the ponies on the ground who scurried back and forth with supplies. In doing so she also spotted a tall, pink Alicorn that she was very familiar with.

“Cadence,” she greeted cheerfully. Celestia waved the younger Alicorn over to her.

Princess Cadence was a rather infrequent visitor to Canterlot but she did try to make as many trips as she could, especially after Luna’s death. The Princess of the Crystal Empire was an ardent supporter of every charitable organisation devoted to the welfare and betterment of the Converted, several had in fact been founded by her.

“Hello,” the pink Alicorn replied to Celestia’s greeting simply, a sincere smile upon her face. Cadence had always been one to prefer simplicity over most of the pomp and circumstance of her position.It often helped make it easier for her to relate to the ponies she ruled over. “I came over to see how everything is going,” Cadence continued. “I heard you had been planning to take a day off so I cleared up my schedule.”

Celestia smiled and gestured to several Converted workers that were taking a break from hauling carts of timber panels. They walked over quickly and bowed before the two princesses.

“If its not too much trouble.” Celestia asked, the Converted perking up noticeably at the sound of a request from their princess, “could you please prepare a seat for Princess Cadence?”

“At once your highness,” they all replied at the same time before frantically rushing off to find something appropriate for the princess to sit on.

Aren’t they just perfect

“So,” Cadence began as she waited for her seat to be prepared, “how are you?” The question was innocent enough but Celestia could feel the intent behind it.

“I’m fine,” she replied, “don’t worry about me. I may be keeping myself busy but it isn’t anything I can’t handle.”

Cadence bit her lip and paused for an uncomfortable second before continuing. “I mean about Luna. Are you sure you’re alright?”

Celestia paused in return but her outward appearance changed. She stiffened in shock, her heartbeat pounding in her chest at the mere mention of her sister’s name. Her vision swam and she could swear that the air was growing colder and the light dimming. Her head began to swim and her stomach made somersaults as the image of her sister in the sarcophagus they had made for her came to the forefront of her mind. It was followed by the arguments, the anger, the sorrow, the horrible images of her the monster she had seen her sister appear as. Even the purging of the Night Guard came up. The sight of so much death and despair.

Calming herself she tried to steady her breathing and hope that nopony else could see just how unsettled she had become. However her eyes still darted back and forth, the edges of her vision were still hazy and blurred.

“I’m fine,” she said yet again but far less convincingly, “everything is under control. I can handle myself.” Her heart was still beating fast enough for her to feel it in her chest and her pulse was giving her a headache that became increasingly unbearable with each heartbeat.

“You know you could always take some time off. Let the Council handle matters for a few days. It’s what they’re there for. Equestria can survive without you taking control of every small detail for at least that long Shining and me would be more than happy to have you stay with us for a little bit.” Celestia could hear the concern in Cadence’s voice, even over the pounding and the whispering.

“No,” Celestia snapped in return, “I can handle this. I can’t leave Equestria alone, not in times like this. I have to be there for them. I have to be there for my little ponies, all of them, all of the time. I…”

“Your majesties,” an exuberant voice shouted. Both Celestia and Cadence turned in shock. The Converted had returned. They were carrying a large wooden seat, built like a bowl with a backrest, that had a large plump cushion inside of it. “A seat fit for a princess,” the leader of the group said excitedly as he and his companions carefully placed it next to Celestia’s before bowing, wide smiles on their faces.

“Is there anything else your highnesses will require?” the Converted pony asked.

“Um, no. No thank you,” Cadence replied politely. “Thank you for your consideration and thoughtfulness.”

“No problem at all your highness,” the pony replied. “Its the least we could do for such figures of radiance and beauty.” He turned to his colleagues who all nodded enthusiastically. “My deepest apologies though but it looks like our next shift has started. It was an honour to be of service for you.”

With one last bow the Converted trotted off to work. Celestia was thankful for their interruption. She felt calmer now, the pounding, the whispers and the dizziness had all disappeared and her heartbeat was calm and normal once again.

“They’re so lovely and helpful, aren’t they?” she asked Cadence. Cadence, who had just made herself comfortable in her new seat, looked at her for a second, a small and slightly concerned smile on her face and then nodded.

“Yes they are. It's remarkable how quickly they have adapted to life in Equestria. No matter what they’ve gone through they all seem to be happy here.”

“That’s the magic of friendship,” Celestia said, closing her eyes and letting a smile grow on her face at the thought of such happiness. “They may not like to talk about their old lives. I’m sure they’re still adapting to what has happened to them but hopefully with time they will get better.”

It’s only a matter of time

Celestia sighed contentedly as she watched the Converted who had brought Cadence her seat sing jovially as they dragged a cart of lumber. Every Converted who came through the Portal deserved to be this happy. More of them came through every day and whether the Barrier stopped or not it didn’t matter to these new ponies. Life was good and it would just keep getting better.

Celestia smiled brightly as the Converted waved at her.

“It’s only a matter of time.”

***

To Be A God 2023

Celestia felt weary, the day had been rather arduous. Between meetings with the Council, minor complaints regarding the accommodation of the Converted and a headache that refused to go away, the Princess had been hoping to get a little rest. However she never let it show on the outside. She would always remain the regal and awe inspiring paragon that she had always been.

Still she could not wait to retire to her quarters, lie down on one of the various large and comfortable cushions, light a roaring fire and relax.

Turning a corner she found a rather odd sight before her. A collection of ponies was waiting in the hallway that led to the stairway to her chambers. They were an assortment of Unicorns, Pegasi and Earth Ponies and all of them were excitedly talking amongst themselves. From their lack of cutie marks she could see that they were all Converted.

One of the group, a Unicorn stallion with a golden coat and crimson mane, was the first to notice and immediately broke away from the throng of Converted and began to trot towards her. It didn’t take long for the others to realise that Celestia had arrived and they also went off to speak to her.

“Your most esteemed and glorious majesty,” the golden coated Unicorn greeted her, bowing low. The other ponies followed his example and genuflected before her as well.

“What can I do for you?” Celestia asked politely, slightly confused by the somewhat exaggerated reverence these ponies were exhibiting. Most Converted treated her like she was the most wonderful being they had ever met but these ponies were extraordinarily devoted even by their standards.

“Why your majesty it is a pleasure that you would acknowledge someone like myself. I am Sol Invictus,” the lead pony spoke, straightening himself and looking her in the face. “We have come here to inform that we have discovered your divinity.”

“My divinity?” Celestia said, somewhat confused.

“Of course your majesty,” Sol Invictus replied, his expression turning slightly confused and concerned by Celestia’s reply. “We are just a few of the countless millions that you have saved and brought to the warmth of your embrace. Since becoming a pony I have found true meaning in my life. Before I was transformed I was a preacher that followed another god but now I want to spread the message of your perfection to others instead.”

Celestia blinked at the expression that the pony had given her. His face was locked in a look of rapt euphoria, as if her very presence gave him great satisfaction.

“My brothers and sisters and myself have all come together in order to ensure that all of Ponykind learn the truth about your divine being,” Sol Invictus continued. “We have named ourselves the Cult of the Victorious Sun in your honour your majesty. We spent many weeks attempting to gain an audience with you in order that you may hear of our work. It was an arduous task and we did not wish to infringe on your duties but we thought it integral that you know that your children love you and wish to teach others.”

“While I do appreciate the effort and the sentiment,” Celestia began, speaking carefully so as to not upset the assemblage in front of her, “ I don’t think it is that appropriate to attribute godhood to me.”

Leave them be. Let them worship you

Sol Invictus’ face fell and he began to stammer in response, “But...but your majesty that can’t be. You saved us, every one of us from the Barrier and everything that was wrong with our lives. All of us were lost, suffering and aimless and many of us were suffering at the same time. You have saved us all with your potion and your teachings of peace, friendship and harmony.” Behind him the other ponies, who had not spoken a word now looked at her expectantly.

Leave them be

“I won’t deny you the right to follow your faith and I’m glad that you have all found something meaningful to follow but I really think there are more worthwhile things for you to worship.”

Let them worship you

“Of course your majesty,” Sol Invictus finally relented. “Let it be said that you are truly a tolerant and loving ruler and we will of course conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the harmony that you want us all to live with.” With that the Unicorn bowed one last time and walked past her. The other ponies, who now all wore expressions of relief and satisfaction, followed after him, bowing to her and saying their thanks as they did.

They will know our perfection

Celestia sighed once the ponies were gone. That was something she really shouldn’t have had to deal with. So many ponies were troubled by the Converted and this new extremism seemed to be the latest in a long list of unsettling behaviours. Still, like all the other complaints, this new development was harmless.

Still, though she hated to admit it, there was a part of her that enjoyed the idea that these ponies looked up to her so much. For such a long time she had hated the idea of her little ponies worshipping her but now, after so much turmoil and loss, she couldn’t help but feel comforted by their exuberance and devotion. The Converted may have been strange but they were just so endearing to her. They worked hard, thanked her for every little thing she gave them and they accepted everything that came their way with such polite compliance and understanding. If there was such a thing as a perfect pony, surely they were it?

They will worship you, and love you and in time all will know of our perfection

***

Birth Of A Tyrant 2024

It was almost too much. After two years Celestia was struggling to cope with the endless calamities that were thrown at her, intentionally or not, by the planet Earth. The destruction of entire nations and cultural artifacts, the death of billions, the countless Conversions and abandonment of old identities and the constant headaches. Throughout all of this the stress had gradually grown worse and so had the pounding in her head.

Some nights Celestia had woken up and found herself outside of her chambers. Sometimes she was in the laboratories where she and Luna had perfected the Potion, other times she was in front of Luna’s Mausoleum and occasionally she would wake up on the balcony outside the observatory. Nopony ever knew what she was doing. Whenever these episodes took place there were never any witnesses, neither guards nor servants ever seemed to cross her path.

This and other incidents had all worked to crush her under mounting pressure. As always she never let it show, never let her ponies know what she was going through. The recent influx of billions of Converted had stretched the nation to it’s limits. Celestia had already been forced to authorise the recolonisation of all the territory within the Barrier just to provide land and resources for her little ponies.

“Your highness?”

On top of that humanity had become volatile in its final days. Countless weapons had been thrown at the Barrier, every one of them a failure. Converted hoping to reach the portal, or at least the limits of the Barrier, had been assaulted by humans as they fled the dying civilizations they had abandoned. Those poor well meaning ponies had often been savaged. The recent refugee columns had far too many crippled or wounded ponies for Celestia to bear.

“Your highness?”

Humanity had become a monster. Instead of seeking solace with one another or working together to find a solution they had shut her and her ponies out, assaulted and killed those who had decided to take the potion and survive and generally ravaged what was left of their world. The reports of the riots, the corruption, the crime, the warfare, the mindless violence, it had almost been too much. The very thought of it made her sick.

“Your highness!”

Celestia immediately snapped out of her thoughts. A Guardspony was standing in front of her. The image of her personal study returned to her and she remembered what she had been doing. Her writing desk, finally clear of reports and administrative papers, was in front of her and her quill lay in it’s inkpot despite the shimmering golden light of her magic which surrounded it.

Clearing her throat she returned her attention to the Guard. “I’m so sorry. What is it you have to say?”

“Well your highness I bring rather interesting news,” the Guard replied with a wary look on his face. “Reports from New Prance state that the Barrier has stopped in the English Channel.”

Impossible

Celestia blinked in surprise. “It has stopped?”

“Yes your highness. Apparently several eye witnesses that had been keeping track of it’s progress saw it halt. The remaining humans appeared to have assembled their own armed forces for some kind of assault when an opposing magical wall collided with the Barrier. That was apparently a week ago. The settlers in New Prance decided to wait before reporting this just in case the situation was temporary.”

This is wrong. It has to continue. Nothing should stop it

Celestia could feel her heartbeat quicken once again. She didn’t experience these episodes as often anymore but when they happened they were unbearable, like she was losing herself. She felt angry, more angry than she had ever felt before.

Who are they to defy us

Slowly, taking a deep breath whilst she did so, Celestia said, “Thank you. Please leave me. I have a lot to think about now that you have given me your report.”

The Guardspony gave a look of mild surprise at his princesses’ reply before dutifully turning around and walking out of her study, marching across her chambers and back into the corridors outside.

Alone once again, Celestia retreated into her thoughts. The Barrier being stopped by some other force, presumably a human one was very surprising. Nothing humanity had tried before had worked, in fact in many ways they tended to backfire and kill thousands of their own kind. As their civilizations broke down the attempts to destroy the Barrier had stopped as well but apparently the final scrap of land where they remained had pulled something off.

Who are they to defy us?

Celestia got to her hooves and headed to the balcony, hoping that fresh air would reduce the pain in her head. Her pulse was racing and she could feel her head pounding. The discomfort was excruciatingly unbearable. She felt angry, furious in fact and she didn’t know why.

They are evil

As if she were just reminding herself, she remembered everything she had heard about the ravages of the Barrier and humanity’s responses to its expansion.

Celestia had spent days listening to reports that stated, in morbid and exact detail, the fall of humanity and their loud, undignified death throes. It was as if the entire species had gone mad. As things grew more desperate for them they had simply degraded themselves further. Celestia had read the reports, the rape of men and women, the murder of boys and girls, the starving refugees that ate everything they could find, even the bodies of their dead. She had heard of a thousand and one debauched and amoral cults that had risen up and taken control of humanity’s minds. The creation of the Human Liberation Front who savagely attacked any pony they saw as well as anyone who disagreed with their violent and radical messages. It was terrifying how quickly everything had fallen apart.

They are vile

Every sheet of parchment had dutifully documented the unravelling of an entire planet’s sanity. It was as if a switch had suddenly been flicked and the entire species suddenly lost control.

[They are foul

It wasn’t just the reports either, Celestia had also seen what humanity did to itself during her occasional attempts to help the dying human race. She had been there when the remaining people of the United States, by then known as the Sanctified Republic of Gilead, had thrown children at the Barrier, believing that innocent blood and God’s grace would shatter it. She had witnessed the vile sacrifices in India by a hundred cults and gangs that all claimed to be feeding the power of Kali. She had seen the terrified and violently radical Islamists of the Middle East and North Africa march the starving and enslaved populations of nations into the Barrier whilst screaming curses and bile at her from the other side of the Barrier. Atrocities beyond count had been committed and it had all proven to be too much for her.

They are monstrous

What kind of world would breed such monsters?

And yet they have been spared

What force had suddenly deemed humanity worthy of life? What force would decide to torture them, reveal their monstrous true nature and then allow them to live? What force would put her through so much heartbreak? Why would humanity torture her like this. Ever since humanity had been discovered things had gone wrong.

Its their fault you hurt inside

She had been forced to take drastic action.

Its their fault your nation is pressed to its limits

She had taken lives.

Their existence sowed discord amongst your ponies

Luna had died at her hooves.

They killed Luna

Everything would have been better if she had just never learnt that humans existed.

Everything would be better if they were all dead

With every passing second Celestia felt more furious. It was terrifying but also exhilarating, like letting out every horrible feeling she had ever experienced. It took all of her self control to exercise her immense powers and destroy something. Even then she felt liberated, as if she was no longer hiding a part of herself. A part of her that had been hiding all of this time was finally being allowed to the front of her mind.

Let me out

She was letting loose.

Let me out

Four years of resentment and anger finally being accepted and released, even if only in the recesses of her mind.

Let me out

Celestia’s head was swimming, she felt like she was going to collapse. It was all too much.

Let me in

Celestia could feel herself slipping away. These feelings, these experiences, they were too much for her. She felt so tired, so exhausted. Wandering over to the massive cushion beside the fireplace she collapsed onto it. Her vision was already fading into black and her heavy eyelids drooped.

Let me in...and I will make everything perfect once again

Celestia smiled warmly as she closed her eyes and drifted into a deep dark sleep.

***

She woke up. Her body, despite oh so many years living inside of it, somehow felt rather unfamiliar. She felt groggy, like waking up from a long and deep sleep. However, at the same time, she also felt strong, unbelievably strong, as if this waking had invigorated her.

She pulled herself up from the cushion she had been lying on and walked on unsteady legs to her writing desk. She quickly overlooked the reports that lay in thick stacks beside the desk. Glancing over them a scowl crossed her face. However, upon hearing how much of the planet Earth was now within the Barrier and how little of it lay beyond the scowl quickly transformed into a smirk, because now she knew exactly what to do.

“Right then. To work.”

***

Celestia fell into the endless darkness, tumbling over and over. She had no body, no direction, nothing to tell her what was going on. There was only the darkness and the cold and the cruel, cruel laughter that surrounded her. The pounding in her head was there and at the same time was not. She screamed but no noise could be heard for she had no mouth or throat.

She had no idea where she was, what had happened to her or why it was happening.

There was only the darkness. And the cold. And the cruel, cruel laughter that surrounded her and promised only of terrible events to come.

***

Astra Solamina Maxima Cometh! Behold! Behold! 2024

Celestia. Celestia, Princess of the Sun. Why didn't that name fit anymore? It wasn't just that it didn't fit anymore, Celestia found it vile to even say out loud. The name was kind and fair to those she met, but the humans didn't deserve her kindness anymore. Celestia remembered Sol Invictus' words to her. Perhaps he had a point about her. A Princess was not fitting for the humans. They had acted with nothing but malice and destruction in mind. At every turn they seemed to shun her and Equestria's ways. No more. Today was the day she helped them see what they had become. Sometimes the hardest truth has to be forced upon you.

No, don't. There is another way.

She shook her head. For a long time, she had listened to that voice, the voice of tolerance, the voice of reason, the voice of kindness and patience.

No more. Now, things would be different.

There came a knocking on the door, disturbing her thoughts.

"Enter," Celestia called.

Log Record entered. "You majesty. The ponies await your news," he said proudly.

Celestia simply looked at Log and nodded. Log backed out of the room. He had seen the madness that the humans had caused when the Night Guard fell. It was only natural that Celestia had him present, along with all of Canterlot, when she revealed her remedy to that madness. The only remedy that the humans would understand. She checked her reflection one last time before going out to address her subjects. From head to tail she looked nothing like the Princess that she had been. The armour she wore hadn't been used since the fall of Sombra. It had been freed from the ancient scars of the past and was ready to once again fight for what was right in the world. It was ready to fight for peace and order in both realms. This was armour that shined with the radiant beauty that Celestia herself had. It was her duty to lead her ponies into a new era of harmony.

The vast sea of faces that looked up at Celestia were hers to protect. She stood there as the crowded hushed themselves, with both the Day and newly knighted Eclipse Guard behind her ready to for what was coming. Some of the ponies watching her, the veterans and the soldiers, could tell what Celestia was going to say. She could only imagine what must be going through their minds. The fear, the anticipation, the sorrow, all of those emotions that came knowing a storm was on its way. Now was not the time for fear. Now was the time to be united.

She took in the silence for a moment before revealing her plan. "Brother and sister ponies," Celestia began. "These are trying times indeed. We have offered the hoof of friendship to the humans: we have offered them a chance to become part of Equestria. Many have made the right choice - but some have chosen to reject this generosity. Some have chosen, instead, to fight us." As the words went on, the calm demeanour she had as a Princess seemed to be shedding, with the last two words almost being scoffed.

Gasps of horror filled the crowd, almost as if they were on cue.

"In light of this treachery, I have realised that it is no longer befitting merely to be a Princess, merely to have our glorious land be a Kingdom," Celestia continued, gazing down at her adoring audience. "The ponies of Equestria have begged me to take a greater mantle, a mantle of total responsibility, and with a heavy heart I accept this mantle. I declare Equestria to be an Empire, with myself as its Empress!"

The guard captains stepped out from beside Celestia and took their place by her side. Now she knew what was missing, now she knew why 'Celestia' didn't fit her anymore.

"And in deference to my beloved Converted subjects, those who have sacrificed much to stand with us today, I shall not rule you as Celestia," the Alicorn finished. "I shall rule you as Astra Solamina Maxima! I am the Sun, mighty and resplendent, and none shall stand before my might! Together, we shall assail the humans and utterly annihilate them! None shall survive unconverted!!" The power in her voice was unmistakable and left no doubt that she was justice to both realms.

The eyes of her ponies were beginning to burn with the same passion that fuelled the empress herself. Fear no longer ruled their expressions as they gazed up at Cel...Solamina. They were ready to stand by her side and save the human's realm by claiming it as their own. The nations of that world would see the light and swiftly jump at the chance to become equine.

The crowd cheered and stomped in approval of their new empress. Kindness had failed them, humans as they were reeked of chaos and hatred. It was a case of change themselves to be sane like the ponies Solamina ruled over or perish back into the darkness that they so revelled in. Hopefully, there were still a few sane humans left that would realise their kind's mistake as soon as they saw the gleam from the armour of the Equestrian soldiers. They were going to see the light, even if that light had to be burned into their eyes they were going to see the error of their ways. Nothing threatens the ponies that Solamina protected.

She didn't care what technology they had. She would wipe the humans from their sad existence.

Author's Notes:

Welcome to the last ever Interlude. Thanks to RoyalPsycho and The Void for their monumental efforts on this one, it's frikkin' awesome. It's also about a week late (really sorry guys!), but that's just babies and the New Year period and Real Life for you. :-/ Still, I hope this makes up for the long delay. I'll try to get the next chapter out as soon as I can.