Soarin sighed as he knocked on Rainbow’s door only find her not home again. The Wonderbolt groaned knowing that she was either napping or in the room again. Flying towards the castle at top speed he had to make sure he didn’t crash into a wall. Landing on the ground he pushed open the door and began to move to the throne room. He noticed Discord working on something new, it was of the Princesses and guessed he was preparing something for them as well. The draconequus didn’t even look up at him as he moved in front of the statue. Pressing a hoof against the surface he felt himself get pulled into it by the same yellow light. What he was expecting was their apartment, what he saw instead was a forest. Rainbow was standing there with sword and shield in hoof her eyes glancing around the forest. He didn’t move not knowing what was going on. Suddenly a large hulking figure came rushing from the bushes charging towards Rainbow. She turned swiftly blocking its blow with her shield. Echo watched her for a moment wondering if he should do anything. Once she managed to dispatch the creature did he choose to speak up. “I’m guessing you figured out this place.”

“Didn’t take Discord too long before he was bored and decided to tell me.” she replied looking over at him as the area faded. “Did you need something?”

“Yes, I was wondering if you were bringing anyone to the gala.” Soarin told her and the rainbow maned pony paused in her movements before turning to look at him. “Because it would be my honor to attend it by your side.”

“Why… I would like that Echo.” Rainbow replied with a smile on her face. They gave each other a hug before a kiss.

Discord watched the action with a passing interest before looking at the other paintings. He didn’t want for all of them to go through what Rainbow did. Those visions… he didn’t realize what she had to go through in order to save Fluttershy. ‘Better to rip off the bandage then to peel it off slowly.’ he thought before snapping his claw.

Twilight almost didn’t have anytime to prepare for the gala. She had to make sure everything was in order before she could focus on herself. She wondered absently if she should have anymore guards. She didn’t want anything to go wrong, Sombra was a threat, they knew that. ‘Yet nopony else does.’ she thought to herself before shaking her head. ‘I can’t risk it, I’ll place them around the perimeter.’

“Princess Twilight, are you alright?” it was Flash who asked this question causing the Princess of Friendship to turn around. “You have an… intense look on your face.”

“I’ll be fine Flash, I’m more worried that somepony is going to try something.” Twilight answered tiredly before she began to sway side to side. The yellow orange stallion steadied her seeing the bags under her eyes.

“You should get some rest.” he told her earning a sigh from the youngest alicorn. “Princess Twilight, you can’t exhaust yourself like this. It will only make the others worry when it catches up with you.”

Twilight paused as she thought about it like that, she didn’t want the others to worry. She took a deep breath before looking at him once more. Cadence had been surprised when he requested the transfer to Ponyville.

“You’re right.” she finally said as she looked up at the night sky. “I can’t help but think that there was something that I could have done.”

“Princess… Twilight, look I’m no alicorn but Aqua Star made her decision. I don’t think there was anything you could have done to stop her from doing what she did. Even though I was unconscious and trapped within a night...mare.”

“Is everything alright?” the newest princess asked looking at the stallion who was gazing off in the distance.

“Twilight, the nightmare he cast me into… it wasn’t a nightmare at all.” Flash said before looking around to see if anyone was listening. “It was something different entirely. What do you know about the Shadow Core specializations?”

“Not much, the only one who would know would be Midnight Sun.” the mulberry mare pointed out before frowning. “Back in Ponyville. Why do you want to know?”

“Because whatever Sombra is, he’s dealing with something dangerous.” the guard told her trying not to sound too dark. Twilight frowned as well her eyes tracing a new constellation in the sky. She looked away hoping that there was something to change the subject. Her eyes landed on Flash Sentry and lit up as she asked. “Do you have a… plus one going to the Gala with you?”

“I have the night off?” the pegasus asked a little surprised at this, Twilight groaned. “I’m sure I could be your personal guard.”

“Thanks.” the newest princess told him her wing moving around him causing the stallion to blush. Her wing moved and she mumbled an apology under her breath blushing as well. Flash Sentry chuckled before using his wing to pull her close. She smiled up at him as they both began to laugh nervously. The laughter did not last as mirrors encircled Twilight causing her to gasp as eyes opened up around her and she collapsed.

“Twilight!” Flash yelled trying to get to her only to get thrown back by familiar magic. “No!”

Pinkie was preparing the food for the gala trying to keep her mind off what was coming. Her visions were getting stronger and more clearer. She knew that war was coming and that something was wrong with Luna. But even then, she didn’t see what it was. ‘Like something blocking my vision.’ she thought as she kneaded the dough. She didn’t have to look behind her to see the mirror.

“Got impatient didn’t you?” she giggled as she turned to see her reflection. An angry version of her, she smiled happily before running forward and dove headfirst into the mirror.

“Okay, you can do this.” Inkwell mumbled as he watched Fluttershy walk through the town chatting with the flower on her back. Angel was sitting next to it with a frown on his face. The tan unicorn took a step forward taking a deep breath. It was getting late and he knew she was heading home, the moon was high in the sky.

“Fluttershy.” he spoke up causing her to look at him with a curious expression. “I was… wondering if you… would like to go to the Gala with me.”

His eyes were screwed shut so he couldn’t see the look on her face. His mind was racing with all the possible ways to say no.

“Oh dear, I was taking Tree Hugger as my plus one. Did you not get a ticket?” his head lowered as he bit his lip. Tears welled up in his eyes before a scream was heard, his eyes snapped open as he saw mirrors surrounding Fluttershy. He didn’t think, he charged forward as ground erupted roots coming forth to help him.

“You’ve got to be kidding me.” Astral Pen mumbled her eyes glowing bright blue as she looked towards the palace. “The other two are going to get pissed. Well not the Crystal Heart, it’ll just be mildly irritated.”

Rarity was dozing off in her shop Moonlight Wisp sleeping in the cradle next to her desk. Spike was in Canterlot with Twilight and had asked her to watch over the foal. Her coat had more of a scale like texture to it and it had lightened to more of a pale silver color. ‘More like mine.' she thought before her eyes slid shut and mirrors rose up all around her. The foal rolled in her sleep as a breeze came through the open window revealing a full moon.

Applejack was asleep in her bed trying to get a full night’s rest before the next day. She rolled in her sleep as she began to think of her parents as the surfaces in her room turned into mirrors. Green eyes watched her as a wicked smile appeared in the mirror.

Twilight’s eyes snapped open as she looked around, for a moment she thought she was back in Golden Oaks. She frowned before turning around her eyes filled with tears.

“Yes, that look.” she heard her voice say as a creature walked out of the shadows. It was an alicorn but a darker violet and her eyes were glowing. “That is a look that tells everything about you.”

“Who are you?” the newest princess demanded ready for a fight, the other her just stared. There was no sneering or petty comments, it was like she was void of all emotions.

“You may call me Dawning Gloom, I am you.” the other spoke as she moved passed her. “This place wouldn’t have been destroyed if it weren’t for you and your friendships.”

“He would have stilled destroyed it.” Twilight spoke her eyes following the taller alicorn, Dawning looked at her. “Even if I had given him my magic, even if I didn’t care about my friends. Tirek would have destroyed everything.”

“At first yes, there is always an initial rush of power, after that high perhaps not.” the dark violet alicorn said before looking at the books. “You are not reacting as I thought you would.”

“You are the me I would have become. The part I try to keep within myself.” the youngest princess said looking at the books as well. “I cannot deny you.”

“You have denied yourself plenty of times.” the being with the glowing light magenta eyes told her. “Yet you choose not to.”

“I’m tired Dawning, I’m tired of keeping it all in.” admitted Twilight looking at her, the being tilted her head to the side before laying down. “Mythal… she has been working with me. Telling me that my darker desires is not something to be ashamed of. That it was the reason I was sent to… Reach. Because I didn’t let those desires out once in awhile. A need to be alone, to isolate myself, to not have any friends. If I keep those feelings bottled up inside, I might do something that I regret.”

“Those feelings are me.” Dawning told her as Twilight sat by her side. “Is that why we look so different?”

“Maybe.” the smaller alicorn admitted as a wing wrapped around her. “I… know that you don’t care for friendship, preferring the company of books. Logic and improving yourself is your only drive. I’m not going to change that about you… me… us?”

“Which word do you think is better?” the dark violet mare pointed out before levitating a book down. The mulberry princess thought about it as she levitated a book for herself off of the shelves.

Pinkie looked around at the dark space around her moving forward until it took form. Wooden surfaces began to appear out of the darkness. She smiled happily when she saw a familiar countertop.

“I’ve missed you!” she squealed flopping on top of the surface and rubbing her cheek against it.

“Why?” Pinkie Pie looked around for the source of her voice seeing herself sitting at one of the tables. “Why are you always so happy about this place?”

“It was a great adventure. Even if it did not end it total peace.” the party planning pony explained as her form changed. “I made friends, good friends.”

“They left you know.” scoffed the irritated version of her. “They left you all by yourself, doesn’t that make you angry?”

“Yes and no.” replied the pink maned mare as she began to clean the counter. “Sparrow didn’t leave.”

“SHE WAS ALSO THE ONE WHO TOLD YOU THAT YOU CAN’T SOLVE EVERYTHING WITH PARTIES!” yelled her opposite and Pinkie moved to her side seeing the hurt in the other’s dark blue eyes. “Why aren’t you angry with her?”

“Because spending time in her world I saw what she meant. I couldn’t make everyone happy with parties. Just like I wouldn’t be able to make you happy or even laugh with one of my parties.” she told the other sitting down in one of the seats. “That is why I opened up the pub, that’s why I planned Reaver’s parties. I couldn’t solve the world’s problems with parties but I could cheer them up.”

“Each person is unique, that’s what you’re saying?” the other her asked and the pony nodded her head. “You’ve matured.”

“I don’t know about that, all I know is that everyone is different.” the baker said with a shrug as she looked around. “It took me years to finally open this place.”

“Why are you even talking to me?” was the next question from the angry one. Pinkie looked at her like she had a different head.

“Because you could be a new friend. You are you and I am myself. We are the same yet we are different.” admitted the pinkie pony as she began to wipe down the table. “At first you were something, a feeling, a thought. But the moment Discord switched us you became something else. A voice, a being, a reflection. Now you are you. Discord knows this.”

“You… accept me.” the pony looked to the side in thought. “Not just as a part of you, but as a being all my own.”

“Of course… you really thought I was going to reject you? You know that we have a sister that can be just like you.” both began to laugh before the negative Pinkie looked to the side. “What are we going to call you?”

“I think I want to stay a Pie… I like being a part of the family.” admitted the reflection looking off to the side. “I’m thinking Dark Pie.”

“We can call you that for now, perhaps in the future you will find a name for yourself that you enjoy.” the hyper pink pony told her as she went to serve up some drinks.

Luna caught herself staring at the one in her body again, chatting with her sister like nothing was wrong. She sighed wondering how she was going to get back into her body. The blue maned alicorn saw them part ways and herself walking towards her.

“Stay away from my sister!” she snapped and the being just looked over at her with disinterest.

“You do not get a say in the matter.” sneered the being in her body causing her to tense. “Not after you betrayed me.”

“I did not betray you!” she replied her body tensing as her original form moved towards her. She stood her ground ready to anything and everything to get back to her body.

“You are right, you betrayed not only me but the whole of our world… oh wait, my world.” the Princess of the Night flinched at that. “You stay here safe and sound without a care for the war that is being fought. No thought to the pain you caused them.”

“I could say the same to you.” this caused the beings mouth to shut before she was knocked back by a blast of green energy. She was pinned to the wall seeing her eyes replaced by glowing orbs. She was lifted into the air as a new voice caught her attention.

“Brother.” the being spoke dropping her to the ground as he turned around to talk to a unknown figure.

“Malfurion?” Luna gasped before covering her mouth shaking as a dark blue portal opened. “Illidan, you tricked me!”

“What have you done?” a new voice spoke and Luna dove to close the portal only to be knocked back, over the edge of her balcony. Illidan turned to look before rolling his eyes knowing that a spirit could not be harmed by the fall.

Luna let out a yell before the wind caught her taking her away from the castle. The more distance she got from her body the more her new one solidified.

“I must say that this was unexpected, I thought being alone was more preferable to having company.” mused Dawning looking at Twilight who nodded her head. “I have to leave though.”

“Why?” Twilight sounded shocked at the thought. Gloomy just looked at her before saying. “There is something calling me and I want to see what it is. Perhaps destroy it if it becomes too much of an inconvenience.”

The princess shook her head knowing that Dawning Gloom was her darker half.

“At least study it awhile before destroying it.” Twilight warned as a door opened. The darker alicorn nodded her head before walking through the door.

“Awww, you’re leaving already?” Pinkie asked looking up from her drink as Dark Pie nodded her head. “Well I hope you find what you are looking for!”

“As do I.” Dark replied with a nod. “Don’t be too lonely without me.”

“I will.” the pink pony replied giving her reflection a hug. “You are still a part of me.”

“I’ll be careful Pinkie, I promise. Cross my heart and hope to fly.” the black maned pony told her before heading through the door. “Good luck.”

Pinkie waved until the mare was gone before sitting down at one of her tables with a frown. She knew that the others were supposed be done by now too. She looked towards the mirror and walked over to it and pressed her hand against it watching as it turned into a hoof. Passing through she walked out exactly where she was. Her only hope was that Sombra wouldn’t know about the friendship. The party planner looked outside to see Inkwell helping Fluttershy off the ground. That was when a shock wave passed through her causing her to stiffen and look in the direction of Canterlot castle.

Luna’s eyes shot open as she stared at the moon above her, she let out a groan as she got to her feet.

“Are you alright?” a voice spoke as a cloaked figure approached her. “You came on one of my winds. I do not think I have seen your species before? Well other than the ears and the eyes. You look like a bipedal version of those from the Ravencrest.”

“Ravencrest?” the Princess of the Night startled before looking down at her hands. “They’re still there.”

“Well of course, they are your hands.” the pony spoke walking over to her. “I am Sky Dancer, a pleasure it is to meet you. Come, I believe the other Crests would be intrigued by you…. What shall I call you?”

“Felan.” replied Luna quickly cursing herself for not being able to hold her tongue at the time. “Please, how far have I travelled?”

“I do not know where you are from.” Sky Dancer replied before a silver glowed appeared around a horn. “Canterlot? Does that mean you were an emissary to meet with the Ladies of the Day and Night? The Eternal sisters?”

“Yes?” the younger sister said trying to make it sound a little natural. Sky Dancer grabbed her hand with a hoof pulling her along.

“Oh, I cannot wait until you meet the other Crests.” Luna followed the mare listening to her talk about how they have never been to Canterlot before yet have heard about it. This confused the alicorn as all ponies have been to Canterlot, one point in their life

“Why do you talk about Canterlot so much?” she questioned and the other looked at her before saying. “Because of the Sisters, we revere them, to us they show that balance and harmony don’t come from just good relationships but the bad moments in those relationships as well.”

Luna tilted her head to the side as she thought about it, she was curious as to why Sky Dancer wore a cloak. Soon she was led up to a large fire and the mysterious mare stood next to a stallion.

“You are late Sky Dancer.” a gruff voice spoke and Luna looked around to see a shorter but stouter stallion. “We would have started without you if it wasn’t for Grove Shaper.”

“Apologies Iron Helm, the winds have brought us a guest from Canterlot.” replied the mare causing all those around the campfire to talk excitedly. “Her name is Felan, for now she is under the protection of Griffoncrest.”

“We do not wish to cause infighting among the Crests.” a new voice spoke up. “Yet I believe there is more to her story than what she is telling.”

“Star Shaper.” hissed the mare next to the one who spoke up, a stallion walked forward before removing his cloak saying. “We are in the presence of the Night Lady.”

“Lady Luna?” those around the campfire just stared at her as Luna gasped staring the strange being in front of her. Sky Dancer was right, they had a similar form, the long ears, glowing eyes…. ‘Harmonia lied to us.’ Luna thought in anger her mind not on the one who caused her present situation.

Author's Notes:

I do not own MLP or any other series in this fanfic. Another update