"Is everything ready, Rarity?" Twilight asked.

"Indeed it is, Twilight," Rarity, in her nightmare form, responded. It had been three days since Chrysalis, who had already relocated to Canterlot, had become a part of their alliance, and Twilight and Rarity were finishing up packing. Or, more accurately, finishing watching their subjects, not including Fluttershy and Applejack as they had to pack as well, pack their stuff.

"That's good," Twilight said. "Along with getting some nobles in our pocket, we'll be able to get into the archives too, once we're in Canterlot. Maybe even Celestia's own personal library."

"Now Twilight, you can go crazy over books one we dethrone Celestia. Right now, we need to focus on important stuff."

"I know, Rarity. But it's not the books themselves I'm interested in, but the potential spells in them that could help us defeat her."

"And what of that book you found that started all this? Can't it give you those spells?" Rarity asked.

"Not as far as I can tell," Twilight responded. She brought a single hoof to her chin and said, "Come to think of it, it hasn't done anything since I freed Nightmare. No new spells or anything. Maybe it means I don't need it anymore."

"Maybe," Rarity said. "I think it'd be safe to keep it, should it give you something we need."

"Yeah, I suppose you're right, Rarity," Twilight said. It was then she saw the time on her clock. "Oh no! Come on, Rarity, it's almost time to leave," she said in a near panic.

"Twilight, calm down," the unicorn said. "Remember, we can teleport to the train station, or even Canterlot if we miss the train."

"Yeah, I know," Twilight said, still slightly panicked, "but Nightmare's supposed to be meeting us at the train station in Canterlot, and I don't want her to think we decided to be late because of that."

"We could always just teleport to the train station, you know."

"But then Rainbow and Pinkie, as much as I hate them, would wonder why we decided to go straight there instead of the train."

"Twilight, if you want to avoid all of that," Rarity said, "then we should leave for the station now. We still have time. Everything's packed."

This snapped Twilight out of her panic. She looked at the suitcases and the ponies who were packing them, and indeed saw that the suitcases were packed, the two ponies standing at attention. "You two may leave," she then said, to which the ponies bowed and left.

Rarity took one of the suitcases, colored purple, resembling her mane in her normal form, which she changed into once the suitcase was close. "Ugh, I absolutely despise this appearance. Why must we be going to Canterlot and not trying to raze it to the ground?"

"You want to destroy Canterlot, Rarity," Twilight said, taking the other suitcase in her magic.

"If only because there are other cities that have better fashion tastes and no nobles," the unicorn replied. "That, and Blueblood lives there."

"Well, if you want to destroy Canterlot," Twilight said, going towards the main door to her castle with Rarity in tow, "first, we need to go to this summit so I can sneak in to Celestia's personal library. Maybe even kill Blueblood and make it look like other mares did so. Nightmare knows there's no shortage of mares who want him dead."

"Ooh, how devious," Rarity said as the two reached the castle entrance. "I like it."

"I though you would," Twilight said as she opened the door and the two stepped outside, heading for the train station.

"So, any ideas for nobles you want in with us," Rarity asked.

"Well, Fancy Pants and Fleur De Lis, for sure, as well as my parents. Aside from them, there is an old family friend, Deep Pockets. He's actually more like Fancy Pants then the other nobles, so we'll be able to get used to him. If I think of any others, I'll let you know once we're away from the others."

"Alright, then," Rarity said. From that point, so they would avoid suspicion, they began to argue that Rarity was only going because of the fashion show going on in the city, which would be something she'd do before this all started, something the unicorn would now freely admit.

When they arrived, the others were already there, Applejack and Flutter shy in their own conversation while Pinkie just hopped around in excitement, while Rainbow, upon seeing Twilight, had a look of anger on her face, something Twilight couldn't give three shits about.

"Hey, girls," the lavender alicorn said, getting the attention of the other mares. Applejack and Fluttershy stopped their conversation and bowed slightly, though they didn't say anything, as per Twilight's orders to remain silent unless spoken to or already in a conversation. At least, until they returned from Canterlot.

"Heeeeyyyy, Twilight, Rarity," Pinkie said. "How are you guys doing. I hope your doing okay. Wait, would you say so? How would I know you're telling the truth. SO MANY QUESTIONS!!"

Pinkie, calm the hell down.

Rubbing the back of her neck with her hoof, the pink mare said, "Sorry, Lone. Lost control there."

"Uh, Pinkie," Rainbow said, "who are you talking to?"

"The author, silly. Honestly, why is it I'm the only one who knows we're in a fan fiction?"

Just wait until the sequel, Pinkie. And keep acting like you don't know anything so that the story's intact.

Saluting, Pinkie said, "Got it."

"I think," Twilight said, "we shouldn't even ask, if only to keep our sanity in check."

"Definitely," Rainbow said, still glaring a little at the alicorn, a fact that didn't go unnoticed by said pony.

Looks like she might be a problem later on Twilight thought to herself as the train pulled up.

"ALLLLL ABOOOOAAAARRRRD" The conductor yelled. The six mares got on the last car, and they left for the mountain city.

. . .

Two hours later- Canterlot train station

Nightmare, disguised as Luna, was at the train station waiting for Twilight and Rarity. Standing beside her, disguised, of course, was Chrysalis, who appeared as a thestral bat pony, as well as Cheerilee and Lyra.

"How much longer until the two of them arrive," the disguised changeling queen asked, a little annoyed at how long they were waiting, even though it had only been ten minutes.

"Soon," Nightmare responded, careful to not use names. "Any minute, in fact."

In silence, the group of four waited for another minute until they heard the sound of the train approaching. They did not have to wait for more than a minute before it rolled into the station. The four disguised individuals moved to the last car, as Twilight had told Nightmare that she and the other Elements would be in that car. The door opened, and the six mares walked out. All of them bowed, mostly out of common courtesy, which was returned by Chrysalis and Nightmare.

"It's good to see you again, Twilight Sparkle," Nightmare said, getting up from the bow, as well as the disguised changelings.

"Same here, Luna," Twilight said, mentally gagging at saying that name.

"And it is a pleasure to see all of you again, as well," the night alicorn said.

"You too, Princess," Rarity responded.

The others gave their greetings, then Nightmare led them to the castle. About halfway there, she and Chrysalis hung back so they could speak with Twilight and Rarity.

"I was able to get you access to the wing of the archives usually reserved for Celestia and I, Twilight," Nightmare said, "but it will be only for tonight. I also took the liberty of recruiting a few weapon and black smiths for weapons and armor, under the guise that it's for my personal strike team for when it's needed."

"And what of Celestia's personal library?"

"You'll only be able to have access to it when she's away and distracted, as I cast a discreet detection spell, and discovered she has an alarm spell linked to it that will alert her should any but her try to get in," Nightmare replied. "Fortunately, it turns out there are plenty of changelings in the guard. As an additional bonus, the thestrals in my guard are sworn to fight for me, regardless of what it is I'm fighting fr. If that wasn't enough, many of them sensed it was me, and actually pledged their loyalty yo me, seeing as how I was the only one historically who treated them like ponies."

"Why not say sooner," Rarity asked.

"Because it did not seem relevant at any other time. Seeing as how you two are here, I thought it was appropriate to let you two know that, as it went with our readiness status."

"That makes sense, I suppose," Twilight said.

"That leads me to the next point: The weapon smiths want to know what kind of weapons we'll use for when we start. What weapons do you two wish for? I have chosen a scythe, and Chrysalis went for dual Sais," ( Think the weapon used by Raphael in TMNT, for those who have seen it, if that's the correct spelling.) Nightmare said.

"Well," Rarity said, "I always did like Kunai, so that for me. More accurately, a whole belt of them so I can have two for close combat, spares, and some to throw. Preferably, I'd like them all made of diamonds, so they don't break. Or at least magically enhanced so they don't break."

"I'll let them know," Nightmare said. "And what of you, Twilight?"

"I was thinking dual short swords, same enhancement as Rarity's Kunai."

"Right," Nightmare said. "I'll let them know, but you two will need to come by my room so they can get your measurements for armor."

"Of course," Rarity said as they arrived at the castle.

"Uh, are y'all sure it's okay if'n we stay at the castle, Princess?" Applejack asked.

"Of course, Applejack," Nightmare said. "After all, you're all Twilight's friends, and we would be happy to give you lodging during your stay in Canterlot."

"Well, that's mighty kind of ya," the farm pony replied.

"Thank you. Now, if you all will follow my guards, they'll show to to your rooms," Nightmare said, gesturing to Lyra and Cheerilee, both of whom nodded.

"You girls go on ahead. There's a small get together Twilight and Luna are planning, and they want my help on the decor," Rarity said.

"You sure, Rares," Rainbow asked. "I figured you would have wanted to talk to Princess Celestia first, maybe get a personal tour of the latest fashion stores."

"Hmph," Rarity responded. "I'll have you know, Rainbow, that a lady can have many interests. Fashion is but one of mine."

"Uh-huh, right," Rainbow said as she and the others were led to their rooms, suspicion obvious in her voice.

Once they were out of earshot, Rarity said, "It sounds like she knows something, or suspects, at least."

"Agreed," Twilight said, "but we'll have to deal with it later, seeing as how now isn't the best time to bring another Element into our service."

"We could always foalnap her once you get back to Ponyville, then interrogate her to see what she thinks she knows. She isn't the brightest mare in the group, after all," Chrysalis said.

"True," Nightmare said, "but others would notice her absence and question it."

A devious grin came to Twilight's face. "Unless something happened. A changeling attack, perhaps. Maybe nightmares to make her act irrational, even for her, to the point ponies would have no choice but to lock her up in a mental institute. Or maybe an 'accident' that caused her death, and no body was found."

"Oh, I like those suggestions," Rarity said. "If we're going the nightmare angle, I'm certain me and Nightmare can take care of that."

"And should we choose changelings, we could foalnap her and replace her with one of my drones," Chrysalis said.

"I don't know," Nightmare said, "I'm leaning towards the 'accident' plan my self."

"Why not combine the nightmare and 'accident' plan," Twilight said. "Have her become so tired, her having a flight related accident is just a matter of time. We use a changeling to fake the body, while we have the real one in the war room under our castle for questioning. That way, no pony would question her disappearance because she didn't disappear, officially speaking."

"That may very well work," Nightmare said. "It'll remove a thorn in our sides, and allow us to keep an Element for hostage purposes."

"In that case," Chrysalis said, "we can work the details out later, once we get back to Ponyville."

"Agreed," Rarity said. "Now, I think it'd be rude to keep Celestia waiting, don't you three?"

The other three mares nodded, and went into the castle. More specifically, the archives, as the summit wasn't supposed to start until tomorrow.

When they arrived at the archives, Nightmare took the lead. One thing the others all noticed about the guards were that they were all thestrals. Many of them gave respectful nods to the four mares, some whispering, "Lady Nightmare," "Lady Twilight," "Lady Rarity," or , "Lady Chrysalis," as they passed.

My most loyal guards," Nightmare explained. "It took me a while to convince my sister to allow for this, but it worked, and now I have the real control over who can read what from the archives. Hopefully, it leads to her down fall."

It took a few minutes longer for them to reach the wing of the archives only the royal sisters and their most trusted advisers were allowed in, a rule that wasn't technically being broken right now.

They got in without challenge, and went straight to researching for ways to easily take down Celestia. They didn't find anything like that, but Twilight did find one thing that simply made their mission all the more justified. "Uh, girls, you may want to see this," she called out. The three others arrived, and the lavender alicorn showed them what she found.

Though it isn't well documented, many reports from the supposed time of Nightmare Moon have included that Princess Luna, or Nightmare Moon, as it most likely was at that time, was almost always seen with a small alicorn princess. Reports differ as to her color, but many agree that it was a mix of Princess Luna's coat, and that resembling a shade of green, resulting in a dark shade of Blue-green. Many can also say that the filly looked much like what many theorize said princess looked like as a filly of the same age, which this writer believes, given how slow alicorns age compared to other ponies, about fifty or so years old. All believe, though, that this filly is, undoubtedly, the daughter of the ruler of the night. Not much can be found on her after the banishment of her supposed mother, but the filly seemed to completely drop off the metaphorical radar. Many believed her to have been banished for supporting Nightmare Moon, as records do point to a brilliant filly that was a general in Nightmare's army. Others say that, due to her being half-alicorn, as the princesses of night and day were the only known alicorns back then, she died, though that is unlikely due to her blood still giving her a considerable life span. Few, however say, she was executed, the last to be killed by legal killing in Equestria.

Everyone was speechless, their mouths agape, even Chrysalis'. Three pairs of eyes turned to Nightmare, whose eyes were tearing up. "My daughter," she whispered. "Oh, how I wish to see you again, my sweet Galaxy Star." The alicorn began to sob, saying, "My daughter," or, "Galaxy," through out it. Her allies tried to comfort her, but it didn't work.

"Nightmare," Twilight eventually said. "Nightmare? Nightmare!" This last yell got Nightmare to at least look at Twilight. "Nightmare, I know I can't imagine what it's like for you right now, but you have to remember: we're doing this for everyone wronged by Celestia, and that includes your daughter. You aren't in this alone. You have us, after all."

Nightmare looked up at this last line, and saw Twilight with a small smile, as well as concern on her face. It was this way for the other two as well. "You are correct, Twilight. We are doing this for ponies that have been wronged by my sister, and that includes my daughter. I shall make sure Celestia pays for what she did."

"And after that," Rarity said, "we'll find out what happened to your daughter. And on another note, please don't call Celestia your sister. If anything, we're more your sisters then she ever was."

"I suppose your right, Rarity. Besides, moping won't bring my daughter to me, much as I wish it would. We can make it to where no pony has to worry about being banished when thy have children that are still young."

"Well, as much as I'd like to stay here," Twilight said, "I think it'd be best if we got back to the castle."

"Agreed," Chrysalis said. "Don't want the others to become suspicious, or more than they are, in the case of Rainbow Dash, do we?"

"No, we don't," Nightmare said. Her three allies left, and she was close behind, but, before she departed, she took one last look at the book that Twilight had found and said in a voice just above a whisper, "I will find you, my daughter. I swear it." She left the room, and the books went back to their shelves, having been enchanted to do so upon them coming into the archive.

After they left and the books had been put away, the shadows coalesced into a being slightly taller than a minotaur, with ashen gray skin and six ruby red oval eyes. He walked over to where the book Twilight had found was and took it out. He turned to the page regarding Galaxy Star, and chuckled. "So," he said in a deep, soothing baritone, "that's how this is going to go. Not even I could have planned for that." He chuckled again and put the book back, then dissolved back into the shadows.

. . .

Half an hour later, Twilight and the others had returned to the castle, and they went their separate ways. Nightmare went back to her room, Chrysalis went to the room she had been given by Nightmare for being, "One of her best guards, and among her most trusted friends."

Twilight and Rarity went to the hall that contained their rooms, as well as those belonging to the rest of the Elements. "I'll see you later, Rarity," the alicorn said.

"And same to you, Twilight," Rarity said as she entered her room. By the time they had gotten back, it was already night time, and, as much as the two didn't want to, they went to sleep, knowing they'd need to be awake for tomorrow.

The next day

Twilight woke up slowly, wishing that she didn't have to wake up during the day. Once she was fully up, a process that took ten minutes, she used her magic to fix hem mane and tail, and took care of everything else before she left her room, which was when she encountered a Royal Guard, who bowed and said, "Your Highness, Princess Celestia wishes to speak with you in her personal quarters."

"Thank you," the lavender alicorn said, mentally freaking out. Does she know something? Is it possible she knows what's going on.? If so, why not ask for Rarity? OH NO, maybe she did that before she asked for me? Just calm down, Twilight. I'm certain I can handle her thanks to the spells I learned from the book. This last thought, she repeated to herself to calm down as she went to the throne room. Once she arrived, she opened the doors, and was relieved to see Nightmare, in Luna's form, there, standing next to Celestia. She gave a slight nod to Twilight, small enough Celestia couldn't notice, but Twilight was able to due to her increased eyesight from reading, indicating that everything was alright.

"You wanted to see me, Princess?" Twilight asked.

"Yes, Twilight," Celestia said. "Cadence and your brother are due to arrive in two hours, and I though you'd like to be there to welcome them."

Smiling with fake happiness, Twilight said, "Of course, Princess."

Chuckling, Celestia said, "Twilight, how many times must I say you don't need to call me by my title any more? We are equals, after all."

How about after your removed from power, Twilight though to herself before saying, "Sorry, force of habit."

"Of course," Celestia said, nodding.

"Sister," Nightmare asked, "would it be appropriate if I were to accompany Twilight Sparkle to the train station, along with one of my guard?"

"Not at all, Luna," the solar alicorn replied.

"Excellent. I shall inform the guard I wish to bring with us. Come, Twilight Sparkle. I wish for you to have input in who we bring," Luna said, going to the door. As she passed Twilight, the lavender alicorn gave a small bow to Celestia, and followed her ally out of the room, closing the door behind her.

"Chrysalis and I have been talking," Nightmare said, "and, in a surprising twist, she thinks Cadence might be a better ally than food source, though I'm not certain why."

"Maybe because she sees value in having three alicorns on our side, as that would completely outclass Celestia," Twilight said.

"Perhaps, perhaps," Nightmare said, "but Celestia would still have a better following, simply due to her being a much more beloved mare, as well as the one who selected you and the others for the deeds you've done for Equestria. Note how I said Equestria. She doesn't care for other countries."

"Which means more allies for us."

"Indeed, hopefully including the Empire because of that. Chrysalis insists, though, that if we do bring Cadence to our side, we allow her to feast on Shining."

"Hmph," Twilight said in a fashion that, to those that didn't know her well, would sound like anger, but was actually just a normal reaction for her to information she didn't care about, "let her. He'd probably kiss Celestia's flank all day and night long if it meant a promotion." She brought a hoof up to her chin, using her wings to keep her balance. "Now that I think about it, he did rise through ranks quickly. Something to ask about when we imprison him, I think."

"Agreed, if only to see how low Celestia has stooped for guards. Come, we must get Chrysalis and Rarity. They will wish to be at the train station as well."

"Right. I'll get Rarity," Twilight said as the two alicorns went their separate ways.

Canterlot Train station- Two hours later

The four mares were waiting for Cadence's train to arrive. In order to kill time, they were talking about seemingly inconsequential things, such as putting a name to their alliance.

"When we rebel against Celestia, we'll need a name for ourselves, if only so we have it," Twilight said.

"Agreed," Rarity said. "Oh, how about the Night Bringers?"

"No, that sounds more like a weapon," Twilight said. "How about the Four Eclipses, Five if we bring Cadence into it, seeing as how we're trying to reduce how much Celestia shines, like a moon in a solar eclipse, and each of us has a part to play. We could even make it our government name. 'The Eclipse.'"

"Appropriate," Nightmare said.

"Agreed," Chrysalis, in her guard disguise, said.

"It does seem to go well with what we're trying to do," Rarity said as the four heard the crystal train pull in to the station.

Once it had stopped, the door to the royal cabin, which was the one in front of the Eclipses, opened and a royal purple carpet rolled out, as well as two crystal guards, one of whom was rare crystal pegasus, the other being Flash Sentry, who waved to Twilight, who didn't respond as if she didn't see him, which was the exact opposite of the truth, which was simple: she was no longer infatuated with Flash Sentry, where as he was still infatuated with her. He stopped not long after he started, finally seeing the lavender alicorn's icy glare not even directed at him.

Cadence walked out shortly after, and the five mares bowed to one another, after which, Cadence and Twilight did their usual greeting. "Hello, Cadence," Nightmare said once the pink and lavender alicorns had finished with their greeting.

"Hey, auntie Luna. How are you?" Cadence asked.

"Just fine, my niece," Nightmare said, "how are you and Shining Armor?"

"I'm doing great," the alicorn of love said, "but Shiny had to stay behind at the last minute, and I haven't been able to let auntie Celestia know."

"Well," Twilight said, "at least you're here, Cadence, and I certain Shining would be here if he could."

"I suppose," Cadence said, then noticed Rarity and Chrysalis. "What are they doing here?"

"Well," Nightmare said, "my guard is here as my personal escort, and Rarity is here because, well, she wanted to talk to you about the Empire's fashion as soon a s possible, and we couldn't stop her. The others don't yet know of your arrival." For the most part, this was a lie, as Twilight had told Fluttershy and Applejack, and who knew with Pinkie Pie. "Though I'm certain they'll be happy to see you."

"Yeah, they probably will be," Cadence said before turining to Rarity and saying, "And how are you doing Rarity?"

"Oh, I'm doing just fine, Princess. Why, just the other day, I got an order from Sapphire Shores," Rarity said before thinking, One I have no intention of completing, for once.

"Don't you mean another, Rarity," Twilight asked.

"No, not at all. It isn't the same as the last one. Each one requires a certain flare and style, and that makes them unique in my eyes."

Rolling her eyes, Twilight said, "Okay, Rarity. Whatever you say." This got chuckles from the others, and a small, but fake, angry glare from the unicorn.

"Well, I think it's time we returned to the castle," Nightmare said.

"I suppose," Cadence said. With that, the five mares left the station, leaving the crystal guards behind at the station. They walked in silence for the entire time, and it was an awkward silence at that. When they finally arrived, Rarity split off from he others, saying she had to get back to work on the outfit for sapphire shores, but was really going to the weapon and blacksmith for fitting of her armor and knife belt. The four remaining mare made their way to the throne room, where Chrysalis left, saying she needed to make sure the other lunar guards were doing their jobs, but was making sure that the other changelings in the city were ready to move when the order came, while the three alicorns entered the throne room for the first day of the summit.

A few hours later- streets of Canterlot

Twilight was walking along the side walk of the street she had grown up for the first part of her life, before she became Celestia's personal student. She was, more accurately, going to her parents house, both to catch up, and to bring them into the fold.

The walk there had been uneventful, or at least as much as it could be in Canterlot when you're a princess, as multiple ponies bowed to her. Somehow, I think even Celestia would admit that the world needs more nobles like Fancy Pants and Fleur, as they actually mean what they say, as well as say what they think, unlike other nobles who juts say what they think the princesses to hear. She paused, rubbing her chin with her hoof. Note to self, if we do beat Celestia, take all the money away from the snooty nobles, and make other ponies who actually don't care about wealth nobles, like Applejack's family, maybe. Something to discuss later. She walked the rest of the way to her parents house in silence, physically and mentally . Once she reached the house, a two story house that was tame in terms of decorations, especially compared to the rest of Canterlot, she walked up and knocked on the door.

"Coming," she heard her mother from behind the door. The door opened a few seconds later, and the alicorns mother, a unicorn mare with a grayish-purple coat, a mane and tail that had equal stripes of white and purple, blue eyes, and had a cutie mark that consisted of three stars, and was named Twilight Velvet, could be seen.

"Twilight," the unicorn asked.

"Hey, Mom," Twilight said, blushing in honest embarrassment, as she hadn't seen her parents since her coronation. "How are you and Dad doing?"

Velvet gave her daughter a hug and said, "We're doing fine, sweetie. Do you want to come in?"

"Yeah," Twilight said as the hug ended. She came into the house as her mother stepped aside to allow her entrance. Her mother closed the door behind her, and the two of them made their way to the living room. "So, where's dad at," Twilight said once they entered the lving room, as her father, Night Light, was no where to be found.

"He's just finishing up at his job, I'm sure. Should be home in the hour," Velvet said. "But how are you, sweetie? I haven't seen you since your coronation."

"Fine. Fine," Twilight said. "I actually learned a few new spells I was hoping to show you and Dad."

"Really?" When Twilight nodded nervously, Velvet said, "Well, can I see one?"

Twilight flinched a little, not a noticeable amount. Should I use the loyalty spell, or the dream walking one Nightmare taught me, or another spell? After a second of consideration, she decided to go with the loyalty spell. "Okay, here it comes," she said, lighting her horn.

Due to the amount of times she had cast the spell, this time, it was cast quickly. There was a small flash around Twilight's horn and her mother's head. When it faded, Velvet blinked a little and looked around, then looked at her daughter. Just as Twilight was getting ready to cast a memory spell, her mother knelt and said, "All hail Empress Twilight."

After getting over the fact she had just used the loyalty spell, successfully, mind you, on her mother, Twilight regained what little composure she lost since she arrived at her parents house and said ,"Mom, you can still call me Twilight. We are family, after all. And no need to go all formal on me when we're in private like we are now."

"But I must, Empress," Velvet said before she dropped a bombshell. "Only blood relatives should have the honor of addressing you as a friend, but I can not, as your father and I adopted you."

Author's Notes:

DUN-DUN-DUUUH! Can anypony guess what the next chapter will contain?