“Most esteemed High Queen Twilight Sparkle,

I hope that this missive finds you in good health and humor. I write to inform you that the Council of Longhorns have accepted the terms you have presented and will reopen trade routes through the southern Celestial Sea between our great nations as well as our mutual friend the Kingdom of Gryphondom. We can both look forward to a lucrative and profitable future.

Strength and Honor,

-Lord-General Steel Hands III”

The Alicorn of Harmony smiled as she rolled up the short letter and filed it away along with dozens of similar missives. In the months following her, for lack of a better term, ascension she had received correspondence from just about every political power in the world. Some were friendly like the minotaurs but there were more than a few that were vaguely threatening. Gryphondom stood out in her mind with their current ruler offering the usual hollow platitudes followed by some chest beating and sabre rattling. Sparkle had been in politics long enough to know that they were just testing the new monarch to see how much they could get away with while appeasing the more hawkish members of their government.

“I’d give it at least three years before they are back to their usually gruff and grumpy selves.” The lavender mare thought. “Although there was that incident with the airship…”

Not long after the Equestria Civil War, so named as to not confuse it with the Lunar Rebellion, a flight of griffon warships had been spotted nearing Equestrian airspace. Fearing that their eastern neighbors were expanding their boarders while Equestria was still recovering, Sparkle had dispatched a militia of pegasi volunteers lead by none other than Rainbow Dash to head off the fleet. The prismatic pegasus had met with the admiral, a mean old corax warhawk by her description, who claimed they were not invading but rather pursuing a prison ship that had been hijacked by its prisoners; pirates, murderers and other criminal scum. In surprising display of tact, Dash got the bird to stand down by pointing out that since the rogue ship had left international airspace, it was now Equestria’s problem and they would turn over the criminals if they found them.

“Thus did Rainbow Dash prevent an international incident.” Sparkle could still hardly believe it. “Maybe she has finally learned when to take a measured response instead of charging headlong into a problem.”

Filing away thoughts of her first real challenge as sole ruler of Equestria, the Alicorn levitated over the last missive in her inbox. At the sight of the seal of the Neo-Crystal Empire, Sparkle felt a pang of sorrow. The long suffering crystal ponies and their city had been targeted by Daybreaker in her immense abhorrence for those she deemed traitors and turncoats. It was only through the herculean effort of keeping the solar flare at bay with her magic that the Alicorn of Love prevented the complete extinction of the crystalline equines. This more or less solidified Cadenza’s popularity as their new Empress and made the desire for secession unanimous.

“They sent over a revised declaration.” The lavender Alicorn recalled the day it was delivered by imperial delegates escorted by armed guards. “It was clear that even if I didn’t accept it, they would break away from Equestria by force if they had to.”

Once it was official, Equestria gained a new but familiar northern neighbor in the Neo-Crystal Empire. There was some debate over how far their boarders extended particularly in the mineral rich Crystal Mountains or their ancestral holdings in the largely abandoned Frozen North. That matter both the Empress and High Queen decided would be better left for the nobles and merchants to hammer out.

“I sense that might become a headache in the future.” Sparkle thought as she finally broke the seal and unfurled the letter. “Maybe Cadence and I can reconnect over it.”

“Dear Princes High Queen Sparkle,

I’m still not used to your new title. To think that the studious little filly I used to read bedtime stories to is now the supreme ruler of Equestria. (That sounded less sinister in my head, sorry.)I guess we have that in common as I’m still adjusting to the title of Empress. The last time I was called that…

The letter became smudged as Cadenza had erased the next few lines. The Queen could only assume that the ruler of the Neo-Crystal City was too busy or tired to start a fresh draft. She resumed a few lines down.

“…I feel I should thank you for understanding our wish to govern ourselves. Equestria has done so much for us but we cannot forget that your predecessors have now tried to annihilate us three times over. This is not a judgement on you just on the mess you have inherited. Based on what I have seen so far, you have done a fantastic job of cleaning it up. If time allows, we should meet for a meal like we used to before you headed off to school. I only wish Shining, may he rest in peace, could join us.

There is somepony I would have liked to introduce you both to.

With love,

-Empress Mi Amore Cadenza.”

Attached to the missive was a photo of a very weary Cadenza in a hospital gown holding a sleeping newborn swaddled in blankets. Below the picture was captioned ‘His Royal Highness Mi Scudo Andante’.

“Aww!” The aunt of the tiny Prince cooed. “He has Cadence’s nose and Shining’s…uh…”

She trailed off as she tried to identify a feature the colt had inherited from his father. At first glance, it appeared he got nothing from Armor. The coat was the wrong color, his mane was not visible to tell and the horn was not quite the right shape. A horrifying thought crept into Sparkle’s mind.

“Could she have been unfaithful?” She shook her head to dispel the thought. “No. You can’t go by looks alone and he may have gotten some traits from his grandparents. Like those giant wings for example. Wait, wings?”

The Alicorn checked again to confirm that there were now three Alicorns in the world once more and one of them was a male. While male Alicorns did theoretically exist, the last recorded mention of one was during the Mythic Age before the Dark Age. Even the mere birth of one of the immortal equines was a historical event.

“This could open up so many possibilities!” The scholarly side of Sparkle almost went berserk before she reined it in. “But he is first and foremost family. I should try to schedule a lunch date with Cadence so we can meet properly away from politics and work.”

Her spirits lifted by the news, Sparkle place the letter in its respective folder and made a note to have the picture of her sister-in-law and new nephew framed. With her inbox now empty, the Queen decided it was time to perform her morning ritual. She stood up from her desk only to upset her chair and strike her head on a low hanging chandelier.

“Ow!” The Alicorn froze less she break something else by overreacting. “I must have hit my head on that things like that a thousand times and I’m still not used to my new height.”

For the one thousand first time, she raised the chandelier to a more appropriate height and righted her chair. The first few weeks of her reign were filled with similar bumps and bruises. It had taken her awhile just to become acclimated to flight and that was with Dash’s help. Now she had account for her new stature and proportions.

“That also meant new clothes as absolutely none of my old stuff fits anymore.” Sparkle thought as she trotted over to her boudoir to find something to wear. “Luckily I know the best fashionista in the world.”

Rarity was more than happy to design and build a new wardrobe for her friend. She naturally wanted to do it free of charge but the Alicorn insisted that her pay be more than fame and exposure. Once properly commissioned and compensated, the generous unicorn created a whole line of apparel ranging elegant gowns for formal occasions and simple, practical wear that Sparkle preferred if she could not just go in the fur. Much to her embarrassment, this new wardrobe also came with a few sets of essential undergarments and brassieres. Now that her tail flowed in an ethereal breeze, it was much more difficult to use it to keep her modesty.

“Mmph, I kind of miss my ‘humble librarian’ proportions.” The Alicorn mused as she selected a frilly pink set and fastened them over her rear with a bit of adjustment. “There was a lot less chaffing and…bouncing.”

Confident she would not give any passing ponies a peep show, the mare next picked out what was essentially a larger version of her old Princess ensemble. After pulling it on, she threaded her powerful wings and flowing tail through their respective holes and laced herself up with her magic. All that remained was her polished golden accoutrements.

“Shoes, necklace and…” Sparkle murmured in a singsong tone as she levitated over her tiara. “…a crown makes it all complete.”

The Queen trotted over to a mirror to review herself. Her intention was to appear somewhere between Celestia’s warm accessibility and Luna’s stoic professionalism. As she worked on a confident but not smug smile, her reflection briefly changed to that of the phantasm that haunted her in Moon’s black pit of a soul. Sparkle blinked once and the apparition vanished.

“I must never become that.” The Alicorn had told herself that so many times it might as well have been her memento mori. “For the sake of my friends and Equestria, I must never become this…Midnight Sparkle.”

The lavender mare stared at herself for a few moments more to see if the doppelganger would appear again. When it did not, she took a moment to do her breathing exercise to calm herself and then exited her chambers in a more somber mood. The two tyrian and gold armored guards outside her room immediately snapped to attention and offered crisp salutes.

“Like well-oiled machines.” Sparkle thought as she acknowledged them with a simple nod. “The new Legate-Praetor is working out well.”

After the airship incident, it was readily apparent that the Equestrian military needed to be rebuilt, reformed and reorganized. The Solar and Royal Guards had been decimated and Sparkle’s Tyrian Guard were too few in number to be anything more than a peacekeeping force for Ponyville. With the Civil War still fresh in everypony’s minds, the primary goal was to make it difficult for any upstart, rebel or usurper to raise an army or for a tyrant to enforce their will. So with supervision from loyal veterans of all branches and history to learn from and build upon, they endeavored to create Equestria’s new protectors. Drawing from the legions of ancient times and the knightly orders of the Dark Ages, the Equestrian Guard was minted.

Commanding officers, known as Legates, and their support staff were stationed in semi-autonomous castles and fortresses across the nation where they recruited from, trained in and patrolled designated regions. Each regional legion was assigned a number to keep track of them and they were expected to be able to secure a region with little to no support from neighboring regions unless circumstances were suitably dire.

“So far, we have managed to raise five legions of about five thousand equines.” Sparkle reviewed the numbers in her head. “That’s enough to cover some trouble spots but the veterans estimate that we will need at least twenty legions at full strength to have all regions covered.”

The idea was that should a Legate or one of his or her subordinates rebel, they would only have a relatively small force at their command rather than an entire military branch like Moon or Daybreaker. Still, a fractious military such as this needed somepony to oversee it. The High Queen could command an army during a time of war but otherwise she was restricted to an elite but small force of companion bodyguards. Enter the rank and duties of the Legate-Praetor, a mare or stallion selected by the High Queen with the approval of at least three fourths of the lesser Legates. In addition to command of the first legion, he or she had the power to muster troops from across the nation should the need arise from their headquarters in the Citadel; the repurposed palace of Canterlot.

“It cost a pretty bit to renovate that ruin.” Sparkle thought as she glanced out a window at the mighty fortress illuminated by moonlight atop Mount Canterhorn. “Fortunately, Blueblood’s conspirators had deep pockets.”

In the mess left behind in the aftermath of the Civil War, Blueblood’s ill-fated coup had not been forgotten. While most of the conspirators had been slain either by Daybreaker herself or in the subsequent purge she ordered, those that remained within the ranks of the nobles at least had the decency to confess. That made the subsequent legal proceedings a lot less painful although some rescinded their confession, probably under the advice of their lawyers, and tried to argue that their treasonous actions were justified given Daybreaker’s despotic actions.

This dragged things out a bit but after an eyewitness account provided by Discord, of all beings, showed that their coup was what pushed Celestia into becoming Daybreaker in the first place. Naturally, they tried to argue the validity of testimony given by the reformed Spirit of Disharmony which meant having to drag poor Fluttershy, Pinkie and Spike into court as character witnesses. In the end, the conspirators were convicted of high treason and sentenced. The penalty for such a crime included a forfeiture of all assets (with the exception of a primary household and a percentage of a fortune for innocent family members) and a life sentence in prison. Those that honored their confessions would be eligible for parole after ten years if they were still alive. The rest would never see the light of day again.

“I hate to admit it but a lot of ponies were glad to see the elites get cleaned out.” Sparkle thought as past a gossiping pair of said remaining elites who promptly knelt in supplication. “Hopefully that will be the last time we have to do something like that.”

“Excuse me, your Highness!” A young page called out as he galloped down the crystalline hall and came to a kneeling stop before the Queen. “The Legate-Praetor is here to see you.”

“Oh?” Sparkle’s wings twitched slightly in excitement. “For what purpose?”

“It’s nothing urgent he is just paying a social call.” The young colt answered as he straightened up. “I told him to wait in the southern lounge if that is okay with you.”

“That will do. Thank you.” The Queen said politely as she headed toward the impromptu meeting. “Why don’t you take a break? Most colts your age are still in bed and I would hate for you to miss those precious hours of sleep.”

“I was always an early riser, your Highness.” The page smiled as he found a bench to sit on. “But you’re right. I’ll just rest my legs here for a bit.”

Leaving the small servant to his rest, Sparkle continued down the corridor until she came to a door flanked by a pair of gold and blue armored soldiers of the first legion. They saluted their Queen and then opened the door to the lounge. The Alicorn gave them a quick nod of thanks and trotted through. As they shut the door behind her, she could swear they were smiling knowingly. Inside, the Legate-Praetor was absently playing with a decorative globe of Equus.

“Not planning world domination, are we?” Sparkle teased lightly.

“And betray my favorite High Queen? Never.” Flash Sentry turned to face his Queen and bowed with a smile. “Good to see you again, Twilight.”

“You too, Flash.” The Alicorn closed the distance between them and they embraced.

“Ah! Ribs! Watched the ribs!” Sentry winced as she squeezed a bit too tightly.

“Sorry!” Sparkle immediately released him. “You alright?”

“The doctors say I should be back in tip-top shape by the end of the year.” The Legate-Praetor said as he rubbed his bandaged barrel underneath his pressed uniform. “Honestly, it could have been much worse.”

The orange pegasus’s deeds before, during and after the Civil War were a favored topic among the guards and a contributing factor to his unanimous selection for high command of the armed forces. Getting civilians, the remaining nobility and Solar Guard objectors to safety, protecting the Element Bears and simply surviving the city’s destruction had earned him the status of hero and a few medals he was currently wearing. They had initially assumed the former Captain of the Guard had perished in the Solar Flare until rescue and recovery teams found him and one other in what was left of the hospital’s morgue during their sweep for survivors.

“He used to joke while he was recovering in Ponyville’s hospital that if he had died, he wouldn’t have far to go.” Sparkle thought as they carefully embraced again. “I’m glad he survived. He has proven invaluable in getting Equestria back on its hooves.”

She pulled away slowly but kept her forelegs around Sentry’s withers as she gazed into his blue eyes. The Alicorn bit part of her lower lip as her expression gradually went from happy to something a bit sultrier. The pegasus must have noticed as his own smile became a coy smirk.

“You look adorable when you try to be sexy.” Sentry said in a low tone. “You’re adorasexy.”

“Try?! Hmph!” Sparkle let out a very Luna-esque indignant huff complete with the imperious upturned nose. “You’re lucky you’re cute.”

“No, I’m lucky to have a marvelous mare like you.” The pegasus saved himself easily. “I love every bit about you. Gorgeous eyes, silky mane, legs that go on for days, a nice firm-”

“Oh, just kiss me already.” The Alicorn rolled her eyes.

Sparkle moved a hoof to the back of his head and pulled him in for a kiss. The two hummed happily at the touch of each other’s lips as their wings fluttered in approval. In a bold move, the stallion brushed his tongue against the Queen’s teeth, asking for entrance. Sparkle let him beg for a bit before she granted it. Their happy hums turned into passionate moans as they pressed their bodies together. The hoof still around Sentry’s withers moved down to his now flared wings while his brushed through her flowing mane toward the laces across her back. The Alicorn felt her dress grow looser as he undid the ties in an impressive feat of hoof work. She returned the favor by igniting her horn and enveloping the buckle of his belt. With a clink and a rustle, it came undone and she smoothly slid his dress pants past his cutie mark. Her dress was just starting to slide off her shoulders when the lack of air forced them to end their kiss. The two lovers took breathy gasps of air and looked at the state they were in. Sentry’s engorged pride was straining against the last bit of clothing that contained it while Sparkle could feel the heat of desire burning within her nethers.

“What’s he waiting for?!” The Queen’s lust addled mind demanded. “Oh! Maybe he needs a prompt.”

While Sentry continued to stare at her, the Alicorn ignited her horn and enveloped something beneath her dress. There was a snap followed by slight rustling before she pulled her brassier out from underneath. She held the cups up to her head to let her lover appreciate their size before she tossed it at him.

“Whoa.” The orange stallion said simply as the frilly thing hung off his muzzle.

“A little reward for one of Equestria’s most loyal servants.” Sparkle cooed seductively as her gaze drifted downward. “Especially for such a strong, steadfast and virile stallion such as yourself.”

Rather than strip away the last of their restrains and mount the willing mare, the pegasus looked away apprehensively as if he had been reminded of something unpleasant. Sparkle cocked her head to the side quizzically and tried to guide his hoof to the last lace keeping her dress on but he resisted.

“*Ahem*” The stallion coughed roughly into a foreleg as he stepped back and pulled the undergarment off his nose. “Maybe…maybe we shouldn’t do this just yet.”

“No! Mount your Queen and rut her until she forgets what color Rainbow Dash is!” The needy part of her mind screamed until the rational part put a muzzle on her desires. “Moon and Sun above, get a hold of yourself Twilight! You’re the High Queen of Equestria not some tramp going through estrus!”

“Right.” Sparkle agreed as she composed herself and took back the brassier. “Now is not the best time. No need to rush such an important moment between us.”

“Maybe later tonight after a date.” The Alicorn’s thoughts cleared as they sheepishly redressed themselves. “Spontaneity is fun but I’d rather have a bit of romance first.”

“You know there are some who might say that the Legate-Praetor and High Queen being in a relationship defeats the whole separation of powers thing.” Sentry said in an attempt to break the awkward silence that had fallen between them. “The rumor mill would have a field day if it found out.”

“There some who think I orchestrated everything from the Marked Legions invasion to the Civil War just to grab the throne.” Sparkle sighed as she straightened her tiara and re-laced her dress. “Might as well throw in the fact I love you as well.”

“I love you, too.” Sentry finished dressing and nuzzled against the Alicorn affectionately. “Oh! I almost forgot the whole reason I’m here. The rest of the Element Bearers got together and are throwing a mini-party.”

“What’s the occasion?” The Queen asked as she mentally ran through a list of important dates she might have missed.

“Well, they thought it would be good to get together as friends without politics and work hanging over us.” The orange stallion explained. “They sent me to get you while they set up. I… got turned around until I ran into that page colt.”

“It would be nice to see them again. It feels like it’s been awhile.” Sparkle said wistfully. “Tell them I will be right down. I have to raise the sun first.”

“No need.” The pegasus said smartly. “The party is on the eastern balcony. They want to greet the new day with you.”

“I’m glad my new station has not changed anything between us.” The Queen felt her heart warm with joy. “I could not ask for better friends.”

“Then let us not keep them waiting.” Sparkle said as she extended a hoof. “Care to escort me, Legate-Praetor?”

“It would be my honor, your Highness.” Sentry bowed his head as he took her hoof.

Together, they trotted out of the lounge and into the hall, nearly bumping into the two guards who appeared to have been listening. The soldiers immediately straightened up and snapped crisp salutes.

“As you were.” Sentry ordered in a deadpan while Sparkle hid her furiously blushing face behind a wing.

Eavesdropping guards left behind, the power couple trotted down the quiet halls toward the party. While the Alicorn of Harmony could have easily teleported the two of them, she wanted to enjoy the stallion’s company a bit longer. Along the way they passed an open air corridor that offered a spectacular view of the still sleeping Ponyville.

“This is a really peaceful town at night.” The pegasus said casually. “A far cry from the constant hustle and bustle of old Canterlot.”

“Enjoy it while it lasts.” The Alicorn said knowingly. “It comes alive during the day; even more so nowadays.”

With the capital of Canterlot all but desolated, the former residents had to resettle somewhere. Some sought familiar urban climbs in Manehatten and Las Pegasus but a fair amount took a liking to the rustic home of Equestria’s Heroines. This influx of new residents also brought a substantial amount of money as well as business connections, much to Mayor Mare’s great delight and horror at the prospect of building the infrastructure to accommodate them. When it was announced that the palace was going to be renovated and rededicated to purely military matters, administrative duties were moved to Sparkle’s tree-castle. What was left of the admin district in Canterlot including the treasury, census bureau, and other record facilities were transferred to Ponyville once the infrastructure was in place. The money taken from Blueblood’s conspirators eased this costly, time and monetary, process. After many weeks and more than a few cases of suspected fraud from missing records, Ponyville had become the new capital of Equestria.

“Mayor Mare has sent out polls asking if residents want to change the name to something with more prestige.” Sparkle mused on recent events. “Ponepolis, Equinaria, and Pony City are popular but I’m pretty sure that last one is just Pinkie.”

As the Alicorn wondered what her citizens would think of naming the capital ‘Twilight Town’, she noticed something fly over the sleeping village. She thought it might have been a team of weather pegasi until she spotted the leathery wings on their backs. Sentry noticed her slight frown and followed her gaze to the bat-ponies heading toward Mount Canterhorn.

“I’m certain those are normal thestrals not Umbrals.” The Legate-Praetor reassured his Queen. “We would be hearing screams otherwise.”

“Do you trust them, Flash?” Sparkle asked pointedly.

“Not completely.” Sentry admitted. “But I do trust Knight.”

The nocturnal thestrals were in an odd place after the Civil War. While the Solarii had followed their mad mistress to the sun due to sharing a portion of her power, the Umbrals had been cast into the wilderness. There was concern that they would rally and resume the war but it eventually came to light that without the guiding will of their nightmarish mistress they were just another danger to join the countless others in the Everfree. That just left the remains of the Night Guard.

The thestrals that had survived surrendered their lives to the victors, seeing themselves as culpable for the outbreak of the war and a threat to Equestria so long as they were susceptible to Moon’s influence. Rather than paying with their lives, Sentry proposed they pay through service. The night still full of dangers and there was a need for a supervisory force that existed outside of the military hierarchy. When presented with the idea, each and every bat-pony swore upon their very lives that they would keep an eternal watch over Equestria and perhaps find some measure of redemption for past and recent transgressions.

Thus the Night Guard was reorganized into three separate lodges each dedicated to safeguarding Equestria. These lodges answered directly to Knight, now holding the rank of Watch-Captain, who in turn reported to the Legate-Praetor or the High Queen herself. With Hollow Shades leveled and the mountain lair collapsed, these newly minted Night Sentinels garrisoned themselves in the newly reinforced caverns under Mount Canterhorn left by the Black Dragon’s egress called the Hollow.

From this hidden sanctum, they patrolled the night and surveyed the day for three primary threats; one for each lodge. First was the threat from within where they kept watch over the legates, nobles and other ponies in power. Given the intentionally fractious nature of the Equestrian Guard, it would be easy for a despotic Legate to form his or her own pocket empire without proper oversight. Second was the threat from without where they spied on Equestria’s many neighbors and potentially many enemies as well as hunted the criminals and ne’er-do-wells that stalked the wilderness including their vampiric brethren. Knight himself swore he would bring down his fallen sister and drag her back to face justice in an iron cage.

“Then there is the threat from beyond.” Sparkle thought with a slight shiver. “Tartarus is still an ever-present threat and now we know there are dark gods waiting in the wings with untold numbers of fiends to do their bidding. Even now, I suspect Grey is formulating his next scheme.”

“Their desire for redemption is genuine.” Sentry said resolutely. “Almost to a religious degree.”

“So long as the safety of our nation is part of that religion.” The Queen relented as they continued down the hall. “I should probably speak with Watch-Captain Knight. I feel there is some air we need to clear especially since the last time I saw him he was attacking my friends and I.”

“To be fair to the poor bat, Vengeance was the one attacking you.” Sentry came to his friend’s defense. “He just…showed up.”

“And then tried to kill you.” Sparkle mentally added. “Well, if they ended up sharing a morgue together, something must have happened for them to get along. Fire-forged friendships and all that.”

The two equines reached the balcony and the orange stallion bid the lavender mare to wait as he checked on the guests. The Alicorn absently preened her wings as she heard muffled whispers and stuff being moved beyond the doors. She was about to start humming a merry tune when Sentry poked his head out.

“Sorry about that.” He grinned sheepishly. “We’re ready.”

“I think it’s too late to turn it into a surprise party.” The Queen said candidly as her lover held open the door for her.

“Not going to stop us, Queenie!” Pinkie shouted excitedly as Sparkle trotted through. “Surprise!”

The Alicorn of Harmony humored her energetic friend by feigning surprise as the rest of her friends emerged from their hiding places. All of them greeted their royal friend in their own way while the ever dutiful Spike rolled out a small cake for them to enjoy. Fresh brewed cider courtesy of Applejack and slices of cake, revealed to be a smaller version of Pinkie’s infamous MMMM-cake, were served to all as the Heroines socialized.

“Darling, you look absolutely stunning in that ensemble.” Rarity gushed as she habitually made small adjustments to the Queen’s dress. “I was worried I had made it too tight around the flanks but it complements your new curves.”

“Thanks, Rarity.” Sparkle blushed slightly. “How has business been?”

“Oh! Simply marvelous!” The fashionista beamed. “With all the fashion giants moving here, I have never been busier. I’ve actually had to hire assistants so poor Sweetie Belle isn’t overwhelmed.”

“Sorry I can’t be there to help.” Spike apologized around a mouthful of cake. “Twilight has a pretty busy schedule too nowadays.”

“We’re not imposing, are we?” Applejack asked. “We can have this some other time if you want.”

“I can always make time for my friends.” The Alicorn assured her. “Besides, I took care of a lot of paper work earlier tonight.”

“Haha! All that new power and you are still the same workaholic egghead.” Dash laughed from above. “Say, how are those new wings treating you? If you need a refresher, I’m your mare.”

In response, Sparkle flapped her wings and flew up to the weather mare with a small loop. The prismatic pegasus smirked in approval and then nearly doubled over in laughter when her friend almost hit her head on an overhanging turret. The Alicorn corrected and hovered at the cyan mare’s level.

“I guess I could use some practice.” Sparkle admitted bashfully. “Whenever you have the time.”

“I got hurricane patrol later this week.” Dash suggested. “Plenty of time to practice since it’s kinda hard to miss a storm that big.”

“I’ll try to keep my schedule open.” The Queen made a mental note to do that.

The two flew back down to the balcony to rejoin the festivities. As the small party continued, the Alicorn noticed a rather glaring absence. She checked for any balloons with faces on them or sentient cider but found nothing chaotically out of the ordinary. The Queen approached Fluttershy who was quietly enjoying her drink.

“How are you feeling?” Sparkle decided to check on the shy pegasus’s health first.

“Huh? Oh, fine.” The yellow mare said simply. “I’m just glad to see you again.”

The Alicorn subtly checked her friend’s neck to see the scars the Umbral thestral had left. Of all of them, Fluttershy had came the closest to death during the Civil War. She had been taken to a hospital as soon as they could where she was given proper treatment. The doctors said she would make a full recovery but she should take it easy and keep an eye out for possible late developing symptoms. Pinkie had interpreted this as Fluttershy turning into a vampire until Sparkle took her aside and explained that thestrals, Umbral or otherwise, did not reproduce that way.

“At least not normally.” The Alicorn thought as she checked the demure mare’s wings for any leathery developments. “The Umbrals were under Nightmare Moon’s influence and we have been exposed to necromantic magic. With those factors accounted for, who knows what could happen.”

“Twilight, I’m fine.” Fluttershy said a bit more firmly once she caught her friend looking her over. “The worst I’ve had was a few bad dreams but those have cleared.”

“You know you can talk to us about anything.” Sparkle said gently.

“I know, I know.” The pegasus gave her a small smile. “Did you just come over to check on me or was there something else?”

“Actually I was wondering where Discord was.” The Queen said as she glanced around again in case the draconequus was lurking in the shadows. “It’s not like him to miss a party when you and Pinkie are in attendance.”

“Oh, he told me he was due for another vacation.” Fluttershy answered as she dug something out of her saddle bag. “He going to visit the ninth deep space to visit someone named Sys Co or something like that. He left a short note for you.”

“Did he now?” Sparkle gingerly took the rolled up letter.

“Don’t worry.” The yellow mare read her trepidation and smiled. “He assured me under the stare that it won’t explode.”

“The stare doesn’t always work on him.” The Queen thought as she opened the letter only for a familiar golden scepter topped with a wide-eyed, silly grinning bust of Twilight to drop out. “Oh this is worse.”

“Dear Super Mega Ultra Supreme God-Queen of Ponykind Twilight Sparkle,

I felt it was appropriate to reuse this old gag. It is more relevant now than ever. I’m off to flex my chaos muscles for a bit. Feel free to go crazy while I’m gone.

Your best frienemy,

-Discord

P.S. Can you do an old Spirit of Disharmony a favor and keep an eye on Fluttershy? She has wakened up screaming these past few days and not in the sexy way. I think that bat-bitch may have done a number on her.”

“What did he say?” Fluttershy asked curiously.

“He just wished us well and to enjoy the party.” Sparkle answered as she teleported the letter and twi-staff away. “In his own way.”

“Aww, how sweet.” The demure pegasus smiled brightly.

“Hey, Twilight!” Pinkie shouted. “Isn’t it time to raise and praise the sun?”

“Why, yes it is.” The Alicorn nodded as she trotted to the edge of the balcony while her friends gathered behind her.

The starry eastern sky stretched out before her while the moon shined above. The High Queen ignited her horn and reached out to the pale circle. There was a moment of resistance and then the celestial body began to set. One by one, the stars above began to fade into twilight as the eye of the ominous Mare-In-the-Moon disappeared beyond the now glowing horizon. The spectators cheered on their friend as she shifted focus to the other heavenly sphere and bid it to rise. Like the moon, there was a bit of resistance but it relented eventually. With a flash, a glorious dawn broke over Equestria and chased away the cool night. The fields glistened in morning dew and birdsong began to fill the air. The equines and dragon erupted into applause and congratulations as they greeted the new day. Sparkle, however, was focused on something else. Each time she raised or set the celestial bodies, she could feel a hint of the beings imprisoned on each. While she now had the power of both the Solar and Lunar Alicorns, she did not know if what she was feeling was paranoia or some ethereal connection to the banished tyrants.

“That was the key to completing Starswirl’s ritual; to connect with the targets through the harmony of our friendship and use their own power to imprison each other rather than sacrificing my friends to do it.” The sole Alicorn of Equestria thought. “That does not mean they will be gone forever. They could return tomorrow or ten millennia from now.”

The High Queen glanced behind her at her friends. All of them were expressing their endless support and love. Their friendship had been put through the crucible of war, death and disaster and emerged all the stronger for it.

“Harmony is the bedrock of our nation.” The lavender mare reminded herself. “And we are the sword and shield that defends it. So long as that is true, no tyrant, mad pony or dark god can overcome us.”

“Good morning, my little ponies.” High Queen Twilight Sparkle greeted as she basked in the glorious light of the sun and the beautiful harmony of her friends.

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