A few hours later….

On a path far south of Equestria, the battered little group of escapees made quick work of the distance before them, braving the frigid night air with whatever little belonging they were able to take, strapped to their sides. The cold wind bit harshly into their weary furs, trying its best to thwart them reaching safety but to no avail. These ponies knew they had to keep going as the enemy could catch up to them with the slightest falter. They could neither use magic for a mass teleportation as the last time they used magic the enemy found them, which led to them slaughtering their oppressors. Alas, the oppressed trudged on through the snowy planes hoping to find aid in a land far beyond their own.

Leading the small group of escapees was the outcast Duchess, Rarity herself. Her delicate frame moving nimbly through the cold winter air. All that stood between her and the blistering cold was her daughter’s soft silk blue blanket that she had held onto after she sent her a way. It wasn’t much to deter the cold, however it provided whatever warmth it could spare. Rarity’s mind couldn’t help but drift ever so often to her young daughter, Crown Jewel, whom she sent away with her changeling aids. She was thankful that her daughter wasn’t with her as she knew she couldn’t handle Crown Jewel’s fussiness while leading the group out of Equestria and helping the others fend off the many creatures that trailed.

The group moved in silence against the snowy fields, their faces bent in sadness and remorse over what had transpired to their home. Rarity’s face however wore a mixture of pain, anger and guilt. Her red puffy eyes was proof she had cried enough on her long walk here, reminiscing the sacrifice her beloved husband had made as well as contemplating the fact that he could be dead. She however kept it to herself as she knew she had to be strong for everypony else.

“Fancy Pants…” Rarity whispered against parched lips. I hope your alive. She thought, letting out a soft mournful whimper, barely audible, yet loud enough for one of her closest comrades to hear.

“Duchess Rarity…” A soft, delicate yet firm voice whispered through the night, causing the mare to stop in her tracks. “You’re bleeding…”

“Spare me the formalities, Queen Camomille.” She bit back her tears. She knew very well who the voice belonged to and the very presence of this pony pained her so. “My title matters not anymore. I’m deposed or have you forgotten.” Rarity spat harshly to the mare as her sorrow pushed her forward through the night, glancing once to check for the wound a changeling soldier had left her before she ultimately destroyed it. “I’m fine.” She muttered after a while, limping on.

“But you’re not.” Camomille pressed. Her tired amber eyes showed nothing but sympathy for the mare before her. “Let me help you.” She begged as she caught up to Rarity. “It’s not much but I could stop the bleeding.”

“I assure you it’s fine.” Rarity refused her help yet again, looking out towards the vast snowy mountains ahead. “Besides, we’re almost there and I will not allow you to risk using magic on me as this could leave a trail for the enemy.”

“Your blood already does that.” Fleur De Lis pointed out as she caught up to the conversation. “You’re bleeding heavily Rarity and I am not a healer as Camomile but I know you won’t make it farther.”

“Leave me be Fleur.” Rarity sighed as she continued her walk. She knew she would expire if she continued losing that much blood, but she knew she also couldn’t stop as she wouldn’t risk the group’s safety. “My husband made a much greater sacrifice. My spilt blood is nothing.”

“You cannot say that.” Camomile pressed, her kind eyes reaching out to the broken mare. “Your husband’s sacrifice was what allowed us all to escape death or imprisonment.” She whispered reaching a hoof to the movie mare, who only shrugged her off. “And here you are risking your life to lead us all to safety. Remember that you have a young daughter to live for and if my senses are right you carry a life within your womb.”

“A daughter he may not live to walk down the aisle and a foal he may not live to see take breath.” Rarity allowed the tears to cascade once more, her disheveled mane doing little to hide her aching eyes.

“You can’t lose hope now Rarity.” Fleur sympathized once more, swiftly coming to the mare’s side. “We must look to the brighter side of things.”

“Which are?!” Rarity bit her bottom lip, whirling around to glare at Fleur who could do nothing but recoil in shock. “How dare you speak of brighter sides! Your power hungry husband is the cost of all of this!”

“There’s always a way.” Camomile countered reassuringly, stepping between her sister-in-law and friend. Her swift movements caused her newborn foal to jolt out of his slumber, bursting into wails that echoed in the distance, startling the others.

“No.” Rarity sighed in sadness, before turning around to continue leading the paused group. “I can’t see a path for us to rise above this...Everything is ruined.”

“Rarity…” Camomille tried again, gently nuzzling her infant to soothe his cries. “Don’t forget that my husband, King Cypress and the many others made a sacrifice too. I’m sure you saw Emperor Shining Armor do the same thing. You saw them challenge Blueblood and I am almost positive that they’ll be severely punished. Believe me when I say that you’re not alone in your remorse.”

“I-Your right.” Rarity sighed in defeat, stopping in her tracks once more, realizing the weight of what the mare had just said to her. Camomille was a kind, strong and determined mare that ruled Prance with benevolence beside her husband. From what Rarity could remember, she wasn’t the villain and she was genuinely trying to help. “HALT!” Rarity echoed to the group, prompting them to stop. “We rest here for a while as we haven’t much farther to go. Can I have four stallions volunteer as scouts?” She looked around the group, scanning for any volunteer. When she received the four hooves she continued. “Thank you for your cooperation. Please take up positions at the four corners of the group. To the rest of you, take this time to tend to your young and rejuvenate yourselves, we move on shortly.” She finished, garnering sighs of thanks from the others before turning back to Camomille. “I’m terribly sorry for how selfish and how cold I came off.”

“We’re only mares.” Camomille feigned a weak smile. “We can orchestrate and plot the rise and fall of empires. We can bear heirs for our kings, but in the end we are just mares, we bleed when we fall down.”

“I know... I simply cannot believe I forgot my generous nature.” Rarity hung her head as more tears poured down unto the snow. “I just felt so angry and broken...how could Blueblood have done this?”

“Power…” Fleur found her voice again, staring out into the distance, keeping her distance from Rarity as she wouldn’t risk her lashing out at her again. “I never knew that he’d stoop so low as to betray his home for a crown...I’ll never forgive him if he hurts my brother.”

“I hope it doesn’t come to that.” Camomile whispered as she looked up to the few stars that scattered across the night skies. “Cypress was only in league with them to protect our family and subjects...” She whimpered as she laid the small saddle bag she had on her left side to the snowy earth. “He was a good Stallion.”

“We can only pray.” Rarity wiped her tears, glancing at the Prench queen. “You look pale Camomille.” She stated, eyeing the mare with concern noticing for the first time that she was out in the cold after recently giving birth not more than a week ago. Rarity wasn’t a healer but she knew that a mare could acquire foal-bed-fever, a dangerous ailment that could kill a new mother in a matter of days, if they stayed out too long in the cold and didn’t get proper treatment. Rarity however wasn’t going to have this happen to this poor mare and would do anything she could to help, thus she set to work clearing a path in the snow to start a small fire. “Let me make you a fire, so you can be warmed.”

“I will only allow you to if you allow me to heal your wound.” Camomille gestured to the forgotten wound on the mare’s hind leg. It wasn’t bleeding much now, but it’s condition still produced pain.

“Fine.” Rarity relented, pausing her digging. “But you have to make it quick before the changeling and shadow unicorn scouts sense it.”

“Very well.” The queen smiled, before turning to Fleur who sat in silence, staring out into the distance, her thoughts galloping a million miles. “Fleur?”

“Yes?” She jolted from her thoughts, looking towards where the voice came from.

“Would you mind getting us some sticks for a fire?” Camomille asked softly.

“Of course not.” Fleur gave a small smile before walking off.

“I feel for her. I now feel guilty for lashing out at her.” Rarity sighed as she watched the mare walking off. “It is just sad she has to be caught in the crossfire of all this.”

“I know.” Camomile sighed as well. “But such is life.” She added as her horn began glowing a strong yellow light, enveloping Rarity’s wound and erasing it from existence. “There.” She smiled. “All healed.”

“Done? Already?” Rarity gaped in shock, quickly looking to where her wound was. “I cannot believe it! Thank you Queen Camomille.”

“Please.” Camomille grinned. “Spare me the title, I have a Kingdom no more .”

“I’m sorry.” Rarity caught the sadness in her voice. “I did not mean to offend.”

“Ahh Rarity, it’s alright.” She gave a much genuine smile, before tending to her baby. “Everything will be fine soon enough.” She cooed. “Hopefully…”

“Hopefully.” Rarity echoed as her mind drifted off to her own daughter who she had sent off to New Edenia. “If only Goddess Laufaustia could lend us her aid.”

“It may even be too late for that now.” Fleur muttered as she began placing the sticks she found beside Rarity, sputtering at the cold bitter taste left on her tongue.

“How so?” Rarity cocked an eyebrow, as she began digging through the snow to find dirt.

“Blackhole is planning to destroy her along with the dream realm once he pulls his body from it.” Fleur answered, averting the mares’ gaze, helping them to ignite the fire. “He believes only she can truly stop his plans.”

“And how do you know of this?” Rarity pressed skeptically, all traces of tears evaporated leaving the face of a calculative monarch. “And even if this is true, why hasn’t Laufaustia found a way to contact the royal sisters?”

“Because Blackhole trapped her there when he escaped his prison. Only his soul was able to roam free.” Fleur answered honestly, taking a shallow breath before continuing. “Haven’t you wondered why nopony ages anymore beyond their thirties? I’ve heard that before the Goddess was cast into the dream realm, she cast a stasis spell on all of us so that when her brother was ready to attack we would still be in our prime to retaliate.”

“Is that so?” Rarity muttered, furring her eyebrows in deep thought. “I have noticed that everyone pretty much remains the same, but I haven’t given it much thought. How do you know this for sure?”

“Blueblood.” Fleur replied with one word, scorning the name that rolled from her mouth. “Blueblood revealed it to me...after the fall of The Crystal Empire.”

“I simply cannot believe what you’re saying...this is terrible!” Rarity gasped upon hearing her explanation, all her thoughts rushing through her head at once. “Does he even understand what he is doing?!”

“It doesn’t seem that way.” Fleur sighed, her eyes welling with tears. “I’ve tried my best to convince him to see the rationale side of things...I fear that the lust for power has driven him insane...He’s bent on destroying the world. I fear the stallion I love is gone.”

“We won’t allow that to destroy our world.” Rarity replied determinedly, finding her strength again. “We have to bring this news to Twilight, perhaps she will be able to save Laufaustia before the Dream realm is destroyed.”

“Twilight?” Camomille echoed in confusion. “As in Twilight Sparkle? The mare the royal sisters slayed for using dark magic?”

“Yes and no.” Rarity replied smoothly, feeling her energy being returned to her. “The sisters weren’t successful in destroying her. Twilight reigns supreme over the southern lands and that is where we are going.”

“I can’t believe this.” Camomille replied in disbelief. “If that is the case then she must have enough magic to take down Blackhole-”

“-You don’t understand.” Fleur shook her head. “From what I’ve seen Twilight is no match for Blackhole...She’ll fail.”

“She won’t.” Rarity replied strongly. “The fate of our entire world depends on it.”

“But you guys don’t understand.” Fleur pressed. “They have leverage over us!”

“What leverage?” Rarity narrowed her eyes.

“They’ve captured the crown princess of the Crystal Empire.” Fleur nearly shouted. “And not only that, they’ve also captured Twilight’s own children and Fluttershy’s daughter as well.”

“Oh dear…” Camomille gasped, bringing a hoof to her mouth.

“This is bad.” Rarity whispered in agreement to Camomille’s statement. “That means if Twilight tries to attack then they’ll use her family to prevent her from doing so-”

“-Precisely.” Fleur nodded, cutting off the mare, neither of them wary of the shadow that slowly approached their group. “They’ve calculated your every move...It’s hopeless.”

“Yes. Yes It is.” A voice they all feared, crawled closer to the group, blowing out the fires that they had ignited.

“Sombra!” Rarity grit her teeth, quickly springing to her hooves, knowing exactly who that voice belonged to. Immediately after his presence was made known, all except Rarity began panicking in fear, yet Rarity stood unfazed. “Quickly Fleur,” She turned to the petrified mare. “Get everypony behind me into a circle and have the unicorns to the outer part of it! Have them memorize the teleportation spell. I’ll stall him to give them enough time. Hurry!” She commanded, watching the mare gallop off to carry out her task, before turning towards Camomille who had slightly worried look in her eyes.

“Rarity…” Camomille began. “You can’t take him on alone-”

“-And I won’t.” She gave a determined smile. “I’ll merely stall him until the unicorns are ready.”

“For what?” Camomille pressed. “I want to help.”

“No.” Rarity said sternly, watching as the shadow inched closer. “You can help by taking the baby and barricading yourself within the center of the group. If his father dies, then he will be declared the future king of Prance. You must protect him and yourself. You’re all Prance has.”

“Very well.” She relented, seeing the sense in what the Duchess was saying before quickly turning around heading towards the gathering group, but not before sparing a last look at the brave mare. “Be careful.”

“I will.” Rarity nodded, before turning around to size up the creature, with narrowed eyes and shimmering horn charged with magic. “You monstrous demon!”

“Well, well, well.” Sombra snickered as he materialised from the shadows of the night. “It would have appear that a certain little filly has grown up.” He smirked at Rarity, who only snorted at him in disgust.

“What do you want Sombra?” Rarity spat at him through narrowed, calculating eyes. “Do you and your comrades not have enough?! Does Canterlot not suit you!”

“Canterlot was never my thing.” Sombra drawled in annoyance. “It was more of Chrissy’s taste.” He gave a cheshire grin before strolling sinisterly towards the mare. “The Crystal Empire was however my ulterior motive and I have already secured it.”

“Then why have you trailed us here! You’ve already taken everything from us!” Rarity shot back, pawing the snow, ready to attack if needs be.

“Because the Dark Lord commands me to retrieve Lady Fleur De Lis and Queen Camomille Blossom of Prance.” Sombra stopped inches away from the mare, flashing her a nasty grin. “And I will do what is necessary to bring them with me.”

“Well I’m sorry to say that won’t happen!” Rarity glared, challenging the dark unicorn. “They’re going nowhere-”

“-It’s ok Rarity.” Fleur sighed weakly as she stepped from among the crowd, walking towards Rarity. “I can’t allow you to put yourself in harm’s way-”

“-Neither will I.” Camomille chimed softly, joining her sister-in-law, with her infant strapped to her side. “Perhaps if we go then this will all be over-”

“No it won’t.” Rarity interjected. “They know you have information that can help us end them and that’s why he came for you!”

“Clever. Aren’t we.” Sombra chuckled, before pulling on a more serious tone. “You are indeed correct. Prince Blueblood spilled too much to his traitorous wife. They hold critically information that could thwart our endeavours. We can’t allow them to ruin our plans.” He narrowed his eyes. “Now come let’s go, the master awaits.”

“Stand where you are.” Rarity commanded through clenched teeth as she looked the mares dead in the eyes. “If he is going to take you then it will be after the last breath has left my body!” she pawed the ground challenging him again.

“I Knew you were going to say that.” Sombra grinned even bigger before rearing up to his hind legs and delivering a powerful beam of dark magic towards the group’s direction, however, Rarity had expected it. “If you so wish to go to Tartarus then so be it!”

“Not today you beast!” Rarity snarled as her horn grew brighter. “Now!” She yelled, to the ponies behind her as the blast made its way towards them. With the utterance of her command, the group was immediately bathed in a strong swirling beam of light, one that aimed to carry them to safety. Within a blink of an eye, the group vanished into thin air and appeared before the gates of New Edenia, leaving a raging Sombra in their pursuit.
________________________________________
Meanwhile-The Imperial Palace of New Edenia

Twilight and her group had successfully made their way back New Edenia thanks to a mass teleportation spell conjured by the Empress herself, which brought them to the capital where crowds gathered together with various spells and force fields before the palace walls to protect the castle in the event that their monarchs were wounded. These creatures each owed Twilight their lives for helping them rebuild their lives and as such they were all willing to lay down their lives to protect Twilight and her family, both nobles and common blood alike.

Upon sight of her well-being, the citizens of New Edenia were all overcome with a wave of relief to see that both monarchs and grand princess were safe. They were however angered that the royal sisters were in their country but with reassurance from the Imperial Couple they all yielded granted them passage to the palace.

The Empress then led everyone to the elaborate throne room the moment she stepped hoof in the palace so as to deal with the crisis at hoof. The tension between Flash Sentry and the sisters however never wavered and this forced Fluttershy and the others to become mediators between the two parties while Twilight took a few moments to speak to her saddened sister-in-law about her daughter’s abduction.

By the time things had settled in New Edenia, the moon was prominent in the twinkling sapphire sky. Nobles from all over New Edenia had began making their way to the palace as Twilight had sent out a letter prompting the members of the council to be present for the plan to retaliate against the threat. There delayed appearance however gave the Monarch enough time to fill her sister-in-law in on the information she missed.

For a awhile the pair slowly strolled down the halls, enjoying the cool southern night air brought in by the large windows carved out into the crystal walls. Thought the silence between the pair was that of peace, Cadance needed answers for everything and thus she ventured in breaking the silence.

“Sixteen years.” Cadance whispered more to herself than to her sister-in-law. “All those years of me thinking you were…”

“Dead.” Twilight finished for her with a sigh. “I’m sorry for staying away…” she added, feeling as though her breath was being pulled out of her by an unseen force.

“But why Twily?” The pink alicorn asked, putting the topic right back on track. “I’m your sister-in-law if not your sister… I thought that I meant more to you…”

“Cadance…” Twilight whispered, stopping in her tracks, her breath seemed to be taken away further. “You, Shining and Flurry Heart mean the world to me. You all are my family so never forget that, but please understand-”

“-Understand what?!” Cadance snapped, stopping in her tracks to glare at the mare. “Twilight you used to visit me every night in my dreams before you completely vanished.” The mare spoke as tears came to her eyes. “I know Celestia and Luna drove you over the edge… but didn’t you see that Shining and I were still on your side?!”

“Cadance…” Twilight whispered again with a face written with sorry, hoping to calm her down. “That day left me scarred… I know you had nothing to do with what happened but the grief I felt after being brought to the pangs of death…”

“Twily you never said anything…” Cadance replied in a more calmed and sympathetic tone. “You disappeared as if you were truly dead.”

“I was in a coma for a month after the battle,” Twilight sighed as she closed her eyes in memory of her most vulnerable moments. “If it were not for Sunset Shimmer who found my body on the outskirts of the badlands then I would have truly died.”

“Twily…” Cadance whispered as pain washed over her heart. “I’m so sorry.”

“It’s not your fault Cadance.” Twilight whispered, as tears began finding themselves in her eyes. “I battled with trust issues for a while and because of that I decided to disappear from your lives forever as I thought me revealing my state to you would only lead to Celestia once more.”

“I wouldn’t have known Twily.” Cadance whispered softly, reaching out to touch the younger mare. “I would’ve been there to help you get through healing.”

“That’s just it,” Twilight shook her head in sorrow before slowly meeting Cadance’s eyes. “I was pregnant during that time and because of my wounds I lost my foal…It all got to me.” She sniffled, fighting the tears.

“Oh Twilight you poor thing.” Cadance’s eyes welled with tears of the heartbreaking news. She had heard of it while Flash verbally assaulted her aunts but hearing it from Twilight herself brought her to tears. The pink alicorn couldn’t help but capture the younger in her hooves for a soothing embrace to help alleviate her pain.

“I shut everyone out Cadance.” Twilight confessed as she collapsed in the embrace, the feeling of her older sister’s comforting embrace coaxing her to let everything out. “I became Midnight Sparkle because of my grief… Flash asked me to marry him and I even said no… I nearly killed Rainbow Dash and my other friends when they came here seeking my forgiveness.”

“Let it all out,” Cadance cooed as she caressed the crying mare, taking her time to listen to every word she sobbed. “I’m here for you.” She sniffled.

“I wished for death Cadance…” She sobbed. “Those days were the darkest of my life.”

“It’s all over now Twilight.” Cadance whispered in her ears while she soothed her back. “The past is in the past now… You rose above it like the champion I know you are.”

“I didn’t do it on my own,” Twilight replied as she parted from the embrace and dried her tears before looking into her sister-in-law’s eyes. “It took the stallion I loved and the ponies I cared about to truly free me from Midnight.”

“But it was you who ultimately put an end to this.” Cadance gave her a smile.

“I guess so.” Twilight forced a smile.

“Now there’s the Twily I know and love.” Cadance smiled brighter, before pulling her into another hug. “I missed you Twily.”

“I missed you too Cadance.” Twilight relished the hug, before parting to find out that they were both belting out their pent up emotions in the hallways. Giggling at the fact, the two rose from their haunches to begin walking along the hallways again.

The two Empresses walked on in silence once more along the brilliantly lit crystal hallways. The only source of sound coming from their polished horseshoes. Cadance, despite the turmoil that raged in her heart couldn’t help but take in the the beautiful sites she encountered. The Royal Palace of New Edenia was similar in architecture to that of the Crystal Palace in the Crystal Empire. It had polished crystal structures, various crystal rooms, beautiful architectural designs and elaborate paintings in every nook and cranny of the royal halls. She ever so momentarily allowed her eyes to drift to the mare beside her, taking note that the years of her absence had completely changed her for the better. Cadance sighed as she walked beside her sister-in-law, glancing at the various designs about making note that even pictures of her own family were here.

“How did you get these portraits?” Cadance whispered as she stopped in her tracks to eye a painting of Flurry Heart and herself, breaking the looming silence. “Most of them seem like the exact replica of ours back home…”

“They are.” Twilight sighed, stopping in her own tracks to eye the painting before out reaching a hoof to touch it, smiling at the laughter on the young princess’ face.

“But how?” Cadance asked, her voice plain with confusion, she too reaching out to feel the texture of the portrait.

“I received a copy of each portrait done of you guys.” Twilight answered her sister, completely averting her confused gaze. “I installed persons I know I could trust all over your empire.”

“I-I can’t believe this.” Cadance whispered as she traced the outline of Flurry’s form with the tip of her hoof. “All this time…When did you start collecting these?”

“The moment I became myself again I began watching over your lives.” Twilight smiled, glancing back at the portrait. “I’m pleased with the young mare Flurry has become by the way.”
“I am too.” Cadance smiled, though her smile wavered when she remembers about her daughter’s state. Nevertheless she continued her discussion as she knew Twilight would get to that soon. “Why didn’t you just reveal yourself to me?”

“I thought that if I monitored you from afar then all would be well.” The younger alicorn confessed, still failing to meet the other’s eyes. “I know I might sound creepy but I had hated the sisters at that time and thought they would poison her mind or used her as a weapon the-”

“-The same way they used you.” Cadance finished the sentence, casting a sympathetic smile to her sister. “I understand.” She added after a while, pausing to glance back at the portrait before glancing back at Twilight. “Thank you…”

“I will do everything in my power to get her back to you Cadance.” Twilight replied softly as she saw the downcast look on the mare’s face. “I promise…”

“I believe in you Twily.” Cadance forced a smile from under her sadness. “I just don’t know if its safe for you to try anything while pregnant.”

“I’m barely showing Cadance,” Twilight began, rolling her eyes in annoyance. “And besides I feel it is time I met this Valdes Cortes in the real world.”

“He’s a God and as such you do know he possess immense magic.” Cadance warned with worried eyes.

“And I am the embodiment of magic.” Twilight countered with a smile, resting a reassuring hoof on her side. “Any magic he uses against me I will counter.”

With a sigh Cadance conceded, knowing her sister-in-law was a powerful being and thus had all faith in her, but this didn’t stop her from worrying. “I have faith in you Twilight, just promise you will be safe and that any mission you attempt I’ll be right there with you.”

“Cadance I can’t agree or promise to put you in danger.” Twilight shook her head rapidly, earning a glare from the older alicorn.

“Yet you want to put yourself in danger for everyone else.” Cadance shook her head in annoyance. “Twilight… Flurry is ours.” Cadance sighed placing a hoof on her shoulder. “I know you are protective of her and want to get this done, but I’m protective of you as well. I can’t allow you to risk your life to fix my mistake again.”

“It’s not your mistake if you did nothing.” Twilight countered. “Blackhole needs to be put in his place. I must do what I can to ensure this.”

“Then at least promise you’ll accept my aid when it’s time to face him.” Cadance begged, forcing her to look at her. “Promise you won’t run off playing the all powerful Empress… Promise you’ll be safe.”

“Cadance… I can’t ask this of you…” Twilight looked away in sadness. “I just can’t.”

“Then thank Laufaustia you don’t have to.” Cadance smiled warmly. “Just promise…”

“I promise.” Twilight gave a small smile. “I will travel to Tartarus to slay Blueblood and his companions if they dare lay a hoof on our Flurry Heart.” Twilight reassured her darkly, nimbly walking to be by the distraught mare. “You have my word.”

“And I will join you there.” Cadance responded determinedly as she placed a hoof on her shoulder. “I swear it.”

“I know it will not amount to that though.” Twilight replied calmly, turning to glance out through a large window unto the courtyard. Her action prompted the older alicorn to do the same. “I will rescue her before that, I just need to wait a while longer for her signal.”

“What signal?” Cadance glanced at Twilight with confusion.

Twilight realised for the first time that she had not really explained fully what had happened to Flurry Heart, besides the obvious fact that
Flurry Heart was taken by Blackhole Heart. With a heavy sigh, Twilight turned to cast a sympathetic look upon Cadance. “When they took Flurry Heart,” Twilight began, pausing to bite her bottom lip. “Blackhole Heart tried to possess her body and soul but somehow she rebelled and fled her body.”

“What?!” Cadance squealed, her eyes bulging at this new information. “Are you saying she’s…?”

“Don’t worry she’s alive.” Twilight reassured the mare by putting a comforting hoof on her shoulders. “I gave her soul a lock of my manes to bring her back here the moment she returned to her body.”

Cadance silently sat to her haunches to soak up the new information before finally uttering anything. “How did she do that?” She whispered with a look of utter shock on her face.

“Do what?” The younger mare responded with slight confusion as to what the elder mare was asking.

“How was she able to leave her body?” Cadance asked fluently this time, staring at Twilight for answers. “I’m aware Flurry Heart is an alicorn but her special talent is like mine, using love and light to protect the weak… how did she achieve such a feat?”

“Cadance,” Twilight sighed, looking down at her. It was clear that she knew nothing of her daughter’s potential and prowess so Twilight would have to explain farther, but not here. They were after all Empresses and sitting having a conversation in the middle of the halls was not befitting mares of their ranks. “Walk with me to my library.” She extended a hoof to the elder mare who took it momentarily. “It’s time you knew.”

“Knew what?” Cadance asked rising to her hooves, her usual look if confusion edged on her face. “Twilight what’s going on?”

“Don’t worry Cadance,” Twilight replied softly with a reassuring smile. “It will all make sense in a minute.” She finished as she began strolling down the hall once more, prompting Cadance to do the same.

“I hope so,” Cadance inhaled deeply, before catching up to her. “I really hope so.”
_______________________________________
Meanwhile Outside the Gates.

BOOM

“Is everypony alright?” Rarity asked quickly, her eyes darting around to see if anyone was hurt, just as they materialised only yards away from the magnificent gates.

“I think so.” Camomille answered walking towards her as she scanned the crowds for everyone as well. “It would appear that we all are. I don’t think my body could handle a gallop here after that walk.”

“I know.” Rarity cast a sympathetic glance to the mare. “And Thank heavens as neither could I.” Rarity sighed in relief. “That was a really close one.”

“You didn’t make it look that way.” Camomille smiled proudly. “You stood your ground and defended us. Thank you.”

“It is my duty.” She smiled back at the mare, her smile faltering when she realized how exhausted and pale she looked. “Are you alright Camomille?”

“A bit tired but I’m alright.” The queen lied, looking down at her infant, before looking back up at Rarity. She knew she was slowly succumbing to foal-bed-fever and she knew her limbs could give out anytime so she had to protect her son, she knew she could carry him no further. “Would you mind carrying the baby for me?”

“Of course not.” Rarity moved to take the infant, gently levitating him with her magic and placing him at her side.

“Thank you.” Camomille smiled weakly. “I don’t know how I can repay you-”

“-Rarity!” Fleur interrupted their conversation. “You saved us yet again!” She declared, trotting towards her, earning erupted cheers from everyone.

“Don’t thank me yet.” Rarity answered looking out in the distance as a large mass of shadow moved quickly towards them caught her eyes. “He’s coming! Quickly everypony!” Rarity commanded, her eyes fixed on the shadow “Head for the gates now!” She shouted, her eyes not moving from the mass.

“What? How?!” Fleur’s pupils dilated in fear as she began galloping towards the gate. “Will he not just take down Twilight’s Empire?”

“He’s followed our magic signature.” Rarity shouted back as she galloped behind the crowd. “And no shadow can enter the empire! Once you’re behind it’s gates you’ll be safe.”

“I don’t think I can make it much farther.” Camomile gasped from exhaustion, stopping to catch her breath, but not before her hooves buckled and brought her to the snowy earth. “I’m too weak.”

“Camomille!” Rarity halted her galloping, prompting Fleur to do the same and making a quick turn to be by the mare’s side.

“Rarity...I fear I’m too weak to move. You must leave me and get the baby to safety.” Camomille begged, her eyes welling up with tears. “Please…”

“Camomille, you must get up.” Rarity gently nuzzled the mare. “I refuse to leave you.”

“Please.” Camomille begged.

“No.” Rarity’s eyes welled with tears as well, before turning to Fleur whose eyes were streaming with tears. “Take the young prince to Twilight and tell her we need help.” She plead, passing the baby to Fleur.

“I can’t leave you two here to the mercy of that monster.” Fleur shook her head as she took her infant nephew within her own magic grasp. “I just can’t-”

“Please.” Rarity gave her a pleading look. “We can’t all be captured. I’ll be right behind you.”

“Camomille…” Fleur looked down at her weaken sister-in-law with tears of grief. “I’m sorry.” She let out a bitter wail before galloping off towards the gate.

“Rarity…” Camomille called weakly. “Why do you risk your life for me? What if we are both captured? What if-”

“-Because you’re my friend.” Rarity gave a sad but determined smile. “If only I had helped your Kingdom when you reached out to us then you would not have been placed in this situation. You are a good Mare and I will not leave you here.” She said, using her magic to lift the mare. “I can’t teleport us to New Edenia because I’ve already exhausted my reserves, but I can use the remainder of my magic to carry you there.”

“Rarity I can’t ask that of you-”

“Then thank Laufaustia you don’t have to.” Rarity replied, galloping off towards the gate as well with the mare tucked away in her aura.

“Thank you.” Camomille gave a sigh of appreciation. “You haven’t the slightest idea what you’re doing for me…”

“Don’t thank me yet. Just focus on staying awake.” Rarity replied, galloping faster as she neared the opening.

“Very well.” Camomille sighed, fighting the slumber that threatened to overtake her.

“Just a little farther!” She pressed forward as the gates and their little group on the other side came closer and closer into view. “Almost there…” Rarity grit her teeth, taking one final leap towards the entrance to the gate. “We made-”

“Not so fast!” Sombra snarled,as he finally caught up to them, unleashing a sickening barrage of dark magic that struck the mare squarely in her stomach, taking her from the air, but not before Rarity was able to propel Camomille through the gates to safety.

“Rarity!” Camomille screamed in horror as they both parted ways with her landed safely into the awaiting hooves of the group.

“Take her to safety.” Rarity commanded to the ponies one last time before ultimately falling to the ground with a heavy thud.

“NO!” The shadow king boomed in agitation as he watched the ponies catch Camomille’s body with their magic and quickly taking her away deep behind the walls, despite her attempts to stay with her friend.

“You’ve failed.” Rarity forced a weak smile even though she felt her lower abdomen burning like a thousand suns, following closely by an unfamiliar trickling behind her rear end. Her thoughts couldn’t help but revert to the life she carried within her womb. The blast must have did this. Even though she couldn’t move to look for herself, she knew her foal was in trouble. My baby. She thought as tears came to her eyes once more.

“NOT UNTIL I SAY SO!” Sombra boomed again, cutting through her thoughts as he rushed forward towards the gates with rage only for a strong beam of purple and gold light to repel him before he even came close enough. “Impossible!”

“You will never enter the New Edenian Empire.” Rarity spat as she tried to stand, wary of the blood that trickled down behind her from the caverns of her womb. “No shadow or ill intentions are permitted beyond it’s walls. It is impenetrable even for the likes of you Sombra.”
________________________________
Meanwhile-The Imperial Council Chambers

The Grand council chamber was always one thing, productive. Whenever meetings were held, they were usually for an important reason and things got done with the overseeing of the Empress. Usually the Emperor Flash Sentry or the Grand Princess Fluttershy could easily command the attention of the attendees whenever the Empress was absent, however today or tonight was the exception. After Twilight Sparkle had left to have an audience with her estranged sister-in-law, all Tartarus broke loose in the meeting as the Emperor refused any and all negotiations and suggestions from the Royal Sisters which however left heavy tension in the room particularly with Princess Luna and the Emperor.

“Ok this is all so pointless.” Rainbow Dash faced hoofed, breaking the deafening silence that plagued the room and pushing the chair causing a loud scrape forcing everyone to cringe. “The world could end and you both are bickering like foals!” She snapped looking at both the monarchs.

“Ahem,” Applejack began, rubbing her temples. “With all due respect,” AppleJack chimed as she rose from her seat. “Rainbow Dash is right. We've been here for the last hour and the only thing you two have accomplished is hurting each other’s feelings. This needs to end now.”

“Exacting.” Fluttershy echoed in her angelic voice casting a wary eye at Flash Sentry who only turned his head the other side, unfazed by her reaching out to him. “Flash…please.”

“What do you want me to do?!” Flash Sentry snapped, raising from his seat in rage. “The sisters nearly killed the mare I love! Furthermore they've now also killed my childhood friend...Raven Mist. I want nothing to do with them!”

“I have apologised countless times for my actions! Celestia has done the same.” Luna rose from her seat as well in retaliation, tired of his onslaught. “What more could you possibly want me to say?! Twilight has forgiven me so why can you not do the same?!”

“Luna please…Calm down.” Celestia interjected, reaching out to pull her sister back to her seat, but her actions only resulted in Luna slapping her hoof away.

“No I will not sister!” Luna spat, slapping her hoof away as she glared at the stallion. “I am tired of beating myself up over this and you should be too.”

“THEN LEAVE!” Flash boomed, slamming his hoof on the table, prompting everyone else to stand from the shock. “WE DON'T NEED YOU!”

“Make me.” Luna seethed through slitted eyes as if she were ready to pounce.

“With pleasure.” He flared his massive wings, ready to attack, only for the grand doors to be flung open, revealing a breathless Thorax and gasping Fleur-de-lis.

“Your Graces,” Thorax bowed immediately. “Sombra is at the gate and he has Duchess Rarity at the edge of death. We need all the help we can get before engaging.”

“WHAT?!” The room shook with shock.

“What?” Celestia echoed, her eyes widen as she rushed to where Thorax stood. “I don't understand what is Sombra after here?”

“Queen Camomille Blossom and I.” Fleur spoke quickly, averting the gazes she received from the ponies.

“Fleur-de-lis.” Celestia growled. “How dare you show your face here after you and your husband betrayed us.”

“I did nothing your grace.” Fleur bowed low to the Solar Princess. “I didn't know this was what he was plotting and as such I've fled with Camomille and her infant colt here with news.” She explained with her face still facing the ground.

“Arise.” Celestia replied softly after a few moments of pondering. “What I can't understand is why Sombra is after Rarity.”

“Neither can I.” Luna whispered, following her sister closely towards the Changeling. “Why would Rarity leave Canterlot?-”

“-Because Canterlot has fallen to the hooves of Blackhole Heart and my traitorous husband.” Fleur breathed heavily. “Many of us escaped because of Rarity, but some were still captured.”

“Others like?” Flash Sentry edged on with worried eyes, momentarily forgetting his feud with Luna.

“Ponies like my brother...Members of the Crystal Guard.” Fleur whimpered through teary gasps. “Fancy Pants and your brother-in-law.”

“Shining Armor and Fancy Pants?” Flash Sentry gawk. “But how?”

“They sacrificed themselves so that the other could escape.” Fleur wiped her tears.

“I see.” Flash Sentry sighed. “We'll deal with that after we deal with Sombra.” He turned looking at the Night Princess. “Raven Mist died because of a misunderstanding and Twilight nearly did so because you chose your sister over her.”

“Flash-” Luna began, the memories of Raven Mist forcing her into a somber mood, nonetheless she was cut off by the stallion raising a hoof.

“-What I'm trying to say is that I don't want Rarity to die because we couldn't put our differences aside.” Flash hung his head. “I forgive you...both of you.”

“Thank you.” Luna forced a smile.

“Now we must hurry if we are to silence Sombra once and for all.” Flash Sentry declared, adorning himself in his headpiece again. “It is time.”

“Indeed it is.” Celestia nodded.
________________________________________
The Gates-

“YOU!” Sombra growled with narrowed eyes, shaking with rage before rushing swiftly with a burning horn towards the mare. “YOU WILL PAY FOR THIS!” He roared before he struck her across her nuzzle sending her flying through the snow leaving a trail of blood in her wake. “I’ll make sure you have a slow and painful death you insolent little wrench!”

“You can do no more to me than you’ve already done.” Rarity spat at him, trying to stand but this time her body refused to obey her command. The mare could feel blood trickling from her now broken snout which resulted from being struck so hard by the beast.

“How pitiful.” Sombra chuckled as he slowly strolled towards the broken and disheveled mare, his fangs bared in delight at the damage he had done. “Where’s your tongue now Duchess? I would’ve thought you had more bite behind your bark.”

“You’re wrong.” Rarity began to laugh in mockery, her eyes filled with hatred. “You may have broken my body, but you will never break my spirit. You’ve failed and Twilight will destroy you!”

“Not before I destroy you.” Sombra grinned sinisterly as he slowly inched towards her fallen form. “Let me show you how heroes die…”

“Do me your worst.” Rarity snarled with the last bit of strength she had, coaxing the monster to finish what he started.

”STEP AWAY FROM HER.” A determined voice boomed from atop the Great Gates as it made itself to the ground, prompting the stallion to whirl around glaring daggers at the intruder.

”WHO DARES DELAY HER PUNISHMENT!” The Dark King boomed in response to the interloper.

“I do.” Flash Sentry declared, glaring coldly at the being. “Step away from Her Grace, the Duchess Rarity and your transgressions may be absolved.”

“Hahahahahaha.” Sombra laughed hysterically at the lone stallion's boldness before turning back to Rarity with his horn flared once more. “I assume you don't know who I am so turn around and be on your way." He scoffed glacing sideways at the creature in annoyance. "Apparently they make anyone an Emperor these days."

"Emperor Flash Sentry might not know who you are Sombra" Luna's voice rang from the shadows. "But I do. You are nothing but a murderous tyrant who will be brought to justice."

"Ahhh The Lunar Princess graces me with her presences. Taking some time off from sulking? Whatever the case may be you have no business here. Besides you shouldn't be the one pointing hooves as it was you who once plunged the world in eternal night because of jealousy." Sombra mocked, preparing to deal his final blow to now unconscious Duchess. "Your turn." He licked his lips. "I have delayed your punishment for far too long."

"I SAID STAND DOWN!" Flash Sentry boomed again, spreading his massive wings and sending a strong magically enhanced wind at Sombra, knocking the demon from his friend. "You were warned. You will not lay another hoof upon her you monster."

"So you wanna fight?" Sombra snarled as he slowly raised from the snowy earth. "YOU WANT ME TO SHOW YOU WHAT TRUE POWER IS?! I'll SHOW YOU!"

"Bring it." Luna snarled back at her opponent, snorting defiantly beside the commander.

"But ensure you can defeat us. All of us." Flash Sentry spat in addition to what the princess said, as Luna lit her horn revealing everypony that stood beside them.

"So what if you have company. I've dealt with you before Luna!" Sombra snarled with his voice raising several octaves as he realized that ponies like Celestia stood in the background ready for him. "You know you cannot defeat the shadow! Twilight Sparkle isnt here at your aid right now so this should be a breeze."

"Let us see." Luna spoke coldly as she lit her horn again, ready to strike the dark king with a deadly blow. "We will not hold back this time."

"Let us not delay his fall further." Celestia spoke for the first time, revealing the hatred wedged on her features for the King. "It ends here." She lept into the sky, unleashing a barrage of golden magic at the king.

"So you may think." Sombra lept into the air after the mare, but was quickly taken out by a blow from Flash Sentry's hoof, who was preparing for him. "AHHHHHHH." He growled as he collided with the snow.

"Get Rarity to Muera and the other healers now." Flash Sentry commanded to Thorax. "Then alert the Empress' of what is happening."

"Got it." Thorax responded as he quickly levitated the Duchess in his magic and teleported beyond the gates.

NOOO!!! Sombra boomed as he realized that Rarity was now beyond his grasp. "You will pay for that." He snarled at Flash Sentry, firing a beam at dark magic, piercing his left wing, forcing him to hit the earth in a similar fashion that Sombra did. "I told you I would end you."

"FLASH!" Rainbow grimaced from the sidelines with the others as she raced to save him from making a big impact, but however stop when she realized that he wasn't fazed.

"That does little to faze me." Flash Sentry, rose immediately snarling as his wound began glowing a soft purple glow as it healed. "Your power is useless here!" Flash mocked, quickly sending another gust of wind that knocked Sombra to his haunches.

"Impossible." Sombra gasped, regaining his footing, unaware that Celestia waited patiently for him. "This can't be! That spell should of caused you to rot....immediately..."

"Yet it didn't." Celestia spat, striking him accross his nuzzle with the back of her hoof, sending him flying towards Luna. "It means you have no power here."

"Nice one sister." Luna grinned, leaping in the air and delivering a devastating blow that forced the creature into the snowy earth. "This will teach you not to harm anyone again."

"I will not be defeated so easily!" Sombra rose from the snowy earth. "I am King!"

"And I'm an Emperor." Flash Sentry shot back, quickly sending another gust of wind at the King, this one containing an amulet to supress his magic. "Its over."

"Not until I say so." The King chuckled. "In the end you will release me."

"No we wont." Celestia glared daggers at the now defensly king.

"And why would we do that?" Luna rolled her eyes at his banter.

"Because I'm the key to getting his children back."

-To be continued.....