Millions of miles away from Equestria’s grasp, deep within the Heart of the Edenian Galaxy, there lies a small gray planet. To any normal citizen of the planet Equus using a telescope, this was just another planet seated within the vast galaxy. But if anyone used their magic to enhance their eyesight, then the beholder would be amazed. Upon closer inspection, the planet has a soft hue of celestial lights and smaller stars that slowly encircled the planet in a never ending clockwise motion.The array of lights where captivating and somewhat serene to the eyes, but looks can be deceiving for this planet. Deep within that world was a continent with a tall tower. This tower was important for one simple reason. It held an ancient and malicious being of immense power, deep within an eternal slumber.

Bound with six powerful magic seals to his celestial prison, this dangerous creature was now faded from Equestrian folklore as he continued his several thousand years of sleep.

That is, until now.

Now, the six seals were shattered and his return to Equus was eminent. The chains that once held his body were nothing more than a mere nuisance now. As the being broke each chain, the figure gasped for the first time in many millennia. “After thousands of years, I am finally free.” he muttered shallowly as he opened his eyes. “No more will I have to traverse the dreamscape to persuade ponies to do my bidding.” He paused, taking a deep breath as he relished the feeling of magic coursing through his veins again.

“Now, to finally leave this place.” he mumbled to himself, shattering the remaining constraints with a slight spell from his horn. The chains evaporated into the crisp night air, granting him freedom. He stood up from the iron table which had bound him for years. The creature stood on strong hooves, with a size and stature rivaling Celestia. His coat was as black as the infinite space itself and he had a tangled charcoal mane and tail. The creature was black all over, with the exception of a long flesh scar on his right wing. He was the true definition of a dark horse as he slowly ascended, shaking off his last restraints. The villain’s small victory didn't go unnoticed however, as soon as the shackles broke, the alarms rang out.

BANG! BANG! BANG!

He heard the alarm drums echo, which were accompanied by a barrage of guards bursting through the iron doors. “SEND WORD TO THE GODDESS NOW! IT HAS BROKEN FREE!” yelled a heavily armoured stallion who barking orders to his inferiors. “SECURE THE TOWER NOW!” the stallion continued belting orders, which resulted in the scurrying of guards of different species around the tower. The guard then turned to dark being and raised his hoof. “Now, if you cooperate with us, nopony will get hurt.” the guard addressed him in a calm demeanour.

The Dark creature remained motionless as well as silent. Using a small untraceable amount of magic, he scanned the room without any of the creatures noticing. He was amused when he found that the guard before him was a Centaur. He raised an eyebrow with interest upon finding a crack in the guards’ tough stance. ‘It seems things have changed during my absence’ he thought. The creature before him was powerful according to his magic signature yet he found a way through the tough shell. He stood still, standing in a slouched manner resulting in his head hung low with his black mane hiding his face. ‘These insolent fools would dare to treat me as such? Was I silenced for that long, that they no longer fear my wrath?’ he thought angrily, amused and insulted at this predicament.

“That's it.” the commanding guard said again calmly. The guard was a unique male specimen, as he was a tall and well built creature. Beneath his heavily clad armor laid the palest coat of gray with a pair of fiery hazel eyes. He was known to his associates as Yurik. Yurik calmly lowered his rough demeanour while approaching the dark alicorn, aiming to bring him back under his constraints. “This will all be over soon.”

‘Pathetic little centaur trying to be brave.’ he thought bitterly, I will show them what I do to creatures who defy me.’ The creature for the first time decided to straighten his body. With this small motion, all the joints cracked and came back to life, his body releasing sounds of reworking bones. It was then that he raised his head slightly, hiding his eyes under his long mane. He moved his head in the direction of the speaker, allowing a crooked smile to form upon his features. “It would appear that you've forgotten your place boy.” the figure slurred with a coy grin on his face, causing Yurik to tremble with anger.

“What did you call me?” Yurik asked, narrowing his eyes with agitation in his voice. Even though Yurik was captain, he was very hot headed. Even though he was hoof picked and raised to keep watch of the very beast that stood before him, he rose to his current rank through brute force, not patience and hard work like everyone else. He was cocky and full of pride but he got the job done, as well as garnered respect from others. Having this creature belittle him to the likes of a little boy was insulting and he would pay for shaming him.

“You heard me boy,” the creature continued to jeer, aiming to prompt an attack from Yurik as the centaur walked right down the alley.

“THAT'S IT!” Yurik bellowed angrily as he created a ball of fire between his horns, preparing to incinerate this fool. “I don't give a buck who you are, I will teach you a lesson!” The words had barely left his lips when he released the fireball, one that this demon could not escape from.

CRASH!

The building shook from the powerful fire spell, causing a large hole of liquid metal to form where the figure once stood. There was no doubt that the figure was incinerated. The centaur guard stood tall, smiling victoriously. He had destroyed the very demon he was taught to fear and now would definitely be awarded by the Goddess herself, at least, that's what he thought. “The beast is slain my comrades!” Yurik declared turning his back on the molten metal. “Let's inform the others of this.” Yurik’s victory would be short-lived, as for the moment he turned his armoured back to leave, a ghastly laughter of mockery filled his eardrums.

“Hahahahahaa!” the panicking guards heard as a ball of black mist began swirling into the shape of a being. “Your magic is strong centaur, but it's nothing but wasted energy when compared to mine.” the creature continued as the mist finally stopped spinning and in its place the very creature stood unfazed, slouched in the very same manner as before with his mane covering his eyes.

“But how?” Yurik asked bewildered, backing away to his trembling peers. “Y-you were supposed to be destroyed b-by that s-spell!”

The Dark creature merely chuckled in amusement at the sudden fear that now edged itself into the once brave guard. “I would be a fool to be destroyed by my own spell, boy.” he answered with a sly grin. “You should have waited on your Goddess to rescue you, rather than play hero child.”

“You will not escape.” Yurik spat, finding his voice after witnessing the transformation. “Laufaustia will fix the seals and stop you before you escape this tower.”

“Oh but I have no interest in leaving yet, for I have some long overdue business to settle with her.” he replied calmly, a sinister smile coming to his features.

“I WON'T LET YOU HURT HER!”Yurik challenged again, forming and releasing another fireball, only for it to be frozen in place in front of the villain.

“Don't worry, I can't kill her. But I can hide her from the universe.” He replied before enhancing the fireball and redirecting it at the guards.

Yurik, though barely able to, used his magic to keep the ball of fire from incinerating him and his peers. Sweat poured down his gray coat as he held his ground against the beast. “What….are...you?” he grunted through laboured breaths.

The creature merely spread his mighty wings and took to the air, looking down at the cornered guards. Smirking, he allowed his black mane and tail to become ethereal black, revealing closed eyes. A soft grey light shined from his horn. “I AM LORD VALDES CORTES, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS BLACKHOLE HEART! I AM THE GOD OF DESTRUCTION!” he bellowed before opening his eyes, revealing pure white sockets. “Now burn!” Valdes commanded, forcing the fireball to engulf the group. As the flames grew from his fury, Valdes grinned. “Now, all that is left is Equestria.”

______________________________________

-20 Years Later-

The Crystal Empire was as marvellous as always with it’s beautiful crystal heart shielding it’s domain from the frozen north. The crystal ponies were as usual, up and about, carrying out their usual businesses without a fear in the world. All was perfect and orderly, it had been this way ever since Princess Cadance defeated the evil unicorn king with the help of the crystal heart and assumed the throne of her deceased aunt, Empress Amore. Upon its crystalline purple throne sat the beautiful and young but mature alicorn sovereign, Empress Cadance. She sat quietly, reading the contents of a scroll with her brows furrowed into a tight frown. Dozens of other letters were placed on the crystal table on her right. Lost in deep concentration, she didn't even notice her daughter, Princess Flurry Heart, had entered the throne room.

Flurry Heart had become somewhat accustomed to seeing her mother like this lately. In fact, she knew better than to disturb her as this could be a matter of state business but today, she knew she had to interfere. “Mom?” Flurry Heart began slowly, aware of her mother's preoccupied state. “I thought you would be free today.”

“Flurry?” Cadance muttered in response, still scanning the contents of a letter which was tucked deep into her blue aura.

“Are we still going to the Aurora Borealis light show tonight for my birthday?” Flurry Heart asked hopefully, eyeing her mother.

Cadance sighed softly, using her magic to neatly fold the scroll and passed it to a waiting cream coated crystal pony mare. Flurry Heart recognised her as Inkjot, her mother and father’s chief adviser. “Thank you for informing me about this new development Madame Inkjot. Now, please have one of your messengers deliver this note to the King of Prance. I believe he would want to contemplate upon his shortcomings and let it be known that until then l will cease protection over Prance.” Cadance concluded before using her magic to teleport the rest of the scrolls elsewhere. “Oh and Madame Inkjot, please clear my schedule for tonight as I'd like some time with my family.”

“Yes, your highness.” Inkjot nodded before trotting pass Flurry Heart. “Happy Birthday Princess Flurry Heart.” she said upon passing the princess.

“Thanks.” she muttered before glancing at her mother, who rose from her throne and fluttered towards her. “Is everything alright in Prance, mother?”

Cadance embraced her teenaged filly before answering her queries. “Everything is fine little one, nothing for you to worry about.” she lied, nuzzling the smaller alicorn. “Where is your father?”

“He said he would be waiting for us atop the Crystal Mountains, he said he has a big surprise for me.” Flurry Heart replied happily.

“I bet he does.” Cadance smiled warmly while walking alongside her child. “We shouldn't keep him waiting then.”

“Hey mom?”

“Yes Flurry?”

“When we get there, can you and Dad tell me about the story of Aurora Borealis?” Flurry Heart asked.

“How did you learn about that?” Cadance asked, stopping in her tracks as she was suddenly baffled by the question.

Flurry Heart smiled sheepishly. “The castle library. I found a book on planetary phenomena and I've been reading it ever since. It says the Aurora Borealis, otherwise known as the Northern Lights, is caused when the sun attacks Equus and the life force of an alicorn once called Aurora repels it.”

“I thought I had those books reserved for adults only.” Cadance thought out loud. “How did you get your hooves on that book?”

“I'm a princess mom, remember?” she joked.

“A cheeky one at that. You aren't using your title to get special treatment, are you?” Cadance asked, narrowing her eyes.

“No, I would never do that!” she replied quickly. “I'm just really good friends with Leaf Scanner, the librarian pony.”

Cadance chuckled at her daughter’s flushed face. “I was joking little one, I know you're a good girl.” Cadance assured, kissing her forehead.

“Eww...cut it out Mom! I'm sixteen today, stop babying me!” Flurry Heart replied, giggling at her mother.

“You'll always be my little girl Flurry Heart, never forget that.” Cadance assured. “Let's go see the lights before your cake gets too cold. After all, you know how your Auntie Pinkie and Uncle Cheese get when they see cake.” Cadence giggled slightly, drooping a wing over her daughter's back.

Flurry Heart giggled at her Aunt and Uncle’s cake eating antics. I hope cousin Crown Jewel attends my ball, it's been ages since she shared the latest fashion choices in Equestria. “So, is that a yes?”

“What do you mean sweetie?”

“Do you promise to explain the Aurora Borealis lights to me?” Flurry asked.

Cadance sighed.You remind me so much of your aunt. It pains my heart that she couldn't be here to see you. If only aunt Celestia had stand down fifteen years ago, then she'd be alive today to see her wonderful little niece. “Of course darling, but keep in mind that some details are better left out for when you’re older.”

“Ok.” the filly muttered.

“Now let’s go, we don't wanna keep your dad waiting for too long.”

_______________________________________

“Fear not Sir….?”

“Sir Shooting Star, Your Highness.” replied a middle aged stallion with a dark gray coat and blue mane and tail.

“Ah yes, my apologies.” Luna replied thoughtfully, “Night court has been a bit hectic tonight, but you have my word that I will personally speak with my nephew over this matter.” she replied, adjusting herself on her throne. Over the past few years, the royal sisters had renovated the Canterlot castle, adding new rooms and chambers to suit Princess Luna. One of such rooms was her own throne room where she held her Nightly Court. The elaborately decorated throne room was the complete opposite of Celestia’s as it had darker shades of paint and the moon insignia all over the walls and stone pillars. It was complimented with a large obsidian throne.

“Thank you Princess Luna, I do appreciate your help. My resources are depleting because of him.” the stallion answered, bowing before the obsidian throne Luna occupied.

“Tis my duty to help those in need, Shooting Star.” Luna replied, stepping down from her throne, signaling the end of her Night court. “Now, I must bid thee goodnight.” she nodded at the stallion.

“Goodnight, Your Grace.” His voice trotting out with a thankful smile upon his face.

‘I wonder what in Equestria could that colt be thinking, exploiting his authority like that….the nerve.’ Luna puzzled, nodding to her guards on her way out of the room. ‘Perhaps I should relate this problem with my sister in the morning, but then again, Shooting Star sought my help.’ she thought, sighing in frustration. ‘I do not want history to repeat itself. After all, the last time my sister intervened, I lost my friend for the second time.’ she cringed at the thought of losing Twilight’s trust again, causing her to recollect the events of one of Equestria’s darkest days.

Flashback

Cadance laid on the cold floors of the Crystal palace, heaving heavily from the fight that ensued. Sombra’s dark magic had finally overcame her light shield and gave him access to the weeping crystal ponies. “Still putting up a fight Princess?” Sombra mocked, using his dark aura to raise Cadance’s head to meet his crimson eyes. “Bow to me and become my bride, Amore.” he smiled, licking his lips.

Cadance mustered all the strength she had and spat at him, causing him to shake with profound anger “I would sooner take my life before becoming yours, you monster!”

“So be it, you pathetic fool!” he spat, tossing her away as if she were a mere doll. “How does it feel Celestia? To think the day would come when I would defeat the royal sisters!”

“You will not prevail Sombra! I will do everything I can to stop you!” Celestia warned, shaking against the dark tendrils of magic that held her firm.

“As will I!” Luna added. Of the three princesses, Luna was the only one to have stood the longest against Sombra. She was able to use her own dark magic to counter his attacks, and even landing a few blows against him. But Sombra was always one step ahead, and eventually defeated her.

“Oh little Luna, or should I call you Nightmare Moon?” he stated coyly. “How does it feel to to be second best?”

“Shut up!” she barked in anger. “I swear I will destroy you!” she continued, shaking against her bonds.

Sombra ignored Luna’s backlash, turning towards Celestia who glared daggers at him “How does it feel to lose yet again Celestia? Your little elements foiled my motives the last time, but now they are lost to you!” Sombra jeered. “You are too weak for the crown.”

“Release me and I'll show you just how weak I am.” Celestia spat. “You claim to be powerful, but you rely on your dark magic for help.”

“Even if I released you I would win anyway, you are too weak. Twilight would have made a much better ruler than all of you combined!” Sombra continued. “I am one with the darkness, it fuels my being.”

“How dare you soil her name with that mouth of yours, she would never join you!” Celestia bellowed angrily through her gritted teeth, causing her eyes to momentarily turn pure gold and her beautiful ethereal mane to be engulfed in burning wisps. The black tendrils of dark magic that held her imprisoned immediately evaporated, freeing her burning form.

“NO!” Luna cried with dilated eyes upon witnessing her sister’s transformation. “Tia, listen to me. You must fight your anger and rage. Please, we can defeat him some other way.” Luna begged but Celestia stood still, burning away the pavement she stood upon, seemingly deaf to her sister’s plea. “Just like Nightmare Moon, Equestria isn't ready for Solar Flare! You will destroy everything you worked so hard to build!”

This last statement eventually got to her, as her whole body returned to normal. “I'm sorry.” she muttered through tear filled eyes before collapsing in the large crater she created. “I failed, yet again.”

“We will stop him Celestia, just with another method.” Luna offered to her weaken sister who was once again bound with the dark tendrils. “You will not prevail, you will be stopped!”

“Keep dreaming, you are all defeated-argh!” he screamed in agony as he was pierced in his side by a crystal dagger. “You fool!” he whirled around quickly, realizing that Cadance had snuck up and struck a blow on him during Celestia’s distraction. “You will pay for that!” he bellowed, charging his horn with a dark and deadly spell.

Cadance gulped as she tried backing away, her eyes welled with tears. She cast a sorrowful glance at her aunts and to her unconscious husband. The princesses shook even harder against their constraints in hopes of aiding their niece. “I’m sorry.” she muttered, closing her eyes as she prepared to face death. “Do your worst Sombra. Even in death, I will never fear you.”

“Very well princess.” he purred, releasing his spell upon her.

“Cadance!” her aunts cried out in unison.

She ignored the cries of horror from the surrounding ponies as she awaited a fate that would never come to pass. However, instead of being blown to shreds, Cadance found herself being embraced by a familiar silk coat. “How?” she muttered, eyes still closed from fear.

“It's ok, Cady.” a familiar voice cooed. “You can open your eyes now, we are in an enhanced forcefield.”

“Twilight?” Cadance muttered with wide eyes. “How did you know?”

“It is nighttime and I paid you a visit in your dreams. All I sensed was pain, so I came.” Twilight explained.

“And I'm glad you came, but you must leave now! The creature we are up against cannot be defeated!” Cadance warned, trying to get to her hooves. However, she was halted by Twilight’s smaller form.

“I have been training since I left Equestria. Have faith in me, my sister.” Twilight replied, a small but determined smile on her face.

“I believe in you Twily.” Cadance said, a smiled forming on her bruised face.

“Good. Now, here’s the plan……”

End of Flashback

“Your Grace, is everything alright?” asked Raven Mist, a blue bat pony guard mare with silver mane and tail. “You’ve been staring into space the whole time we've been walking.”

Luna shook the painful memories from her head, stopping at BlueBlood’s bedchamber entrance. “I am fine Raven, just reminiscing about my past sins.”

“Whatever they are, I'm sure they are forgiven.” Raven replied, trying to lift Luna’s spirit. “You've done so much good since you returned.”

“I hope they are…” Luna sighed. “Now, let me see what excuses my nephew has for his own transgressions.”

“Well then, we’ll find out together.” Raven Mist said, stretching a hoof to open BlueBlood’s door, but was halted by her mistress. Raven was one of the most loyal and devoted guards to Luna. She had join the night guards five years ago, and soon rose to the ranks of lieutenant, becoming one of the few bat ponies to do so. “What gives?” she asked, staring at the night princess.

“I'm afraid you cannot enter, it is not protocol for guards to enter a royal chamber without notifying the owner first.” Luna replied.

“But you are way above that snobby prince, that should count as something.” Raven Mist countered.

Luna rolled her eyes in frustration before ending the conversation. “Stay here Raven Mist, I will call you if there should arise a reason.” she said before using her magic to open the door. “And stop staring at my flank.” she grinned, before locking the door, leaving a blushing Raven Mist.

_______________________________________

“It's beautiful, isn't it Dad?” Flurry Heart voiced, staring out at the colorful light show that danced above their heads. “I can't believe I hadn't noticed it before.” she gasped in awe, settled down on a pony made plateau on the top of the Crystal Mountain. The lights were always perfect to look at from up there.

“They are.” Shining Armor replied, smiling down at Flurry Heart. Shining Armor, even though these past twenty years had passed, he remained his same youthful self. In fact, many other ponies didn't age. Unknown to them, there was a greater force at play that would change Equus forever.

“Well, it is your birthday after all and your aunt Luna promised to make it as beautiful as ever, just for you.” Cadance chimed in. “That's all except for the light show, that's a natural phenomena.”

“I'll have to write to aunt Luna and have her know how grateful I am then!” Flurry Heart grinned “Now, about the lights.”

“What lights?” Shining Armor asked confused, glancing at his wife who rolled her eyes before explaining.

“Flurry Heart wants to know about the story behind the Aurora Borealis.” Cadance answered. “She apparently found a book about it or bribed Leaf Scanner into lending it to her.”

Shining Armor couldn't help but releasing a hearty chuckle “Just like your aunt Twil-” he managed before being overwhelmed with the tearful memories of the last time he saw her.

“Aunt who?” Flurry Heart pressed.

“You had an aunt named Twilight Sparkle, Flurry.” Cadance sighed, herself becoming sad as well. “But, let’s not spoil your birthday with our sad memories.”

“Ok.” Flurry replied, making a mental note to bring up the subject on a later date.

“Now, we have a story to tell.” Cadance announced, changing the subject. “Shining, I think you should tell it, as I don't remember all the details.” she smiled, settling down beside her daughter.

“Fine, but catch me if I stray too far from the facts.” he smiled, bringing warmth back to air again. “Now, a long time ago……”