Chapter One

The Not-So-Royal “We”

“Boy, that escalated quickly.” Luna quipped to the empty air. “I mean, that really got out of hoof fast.” She flared her wings and flapped them once to dispel the lingering dust motes hovering around her. It did little to dissipate the tang of ozone that hung in the air, but the smell was a consequence for working magic that every unicorn and alicorn, quickly grew accustomed to once they started weaving spells regularly.

Luna glanced around to admire her handiwork. The verdant clearing that she had arrived at not five minutes ago was now a smoking circle of blackened glass with her at the center. The sliver of moon hanging in the sky cast an eerie glow on the newly reflective surface, and the stars littering the heavens shimmered off the glass like millions of diamonds.

You knew it would come to violence. Vengeance argued, breaking into Luna’s reverie. They were griffons preparing for an invasion. When was the last time an invading army of griffons just turned around and went home because they were asked to?

That’s not fair. Innocence replied. Remember Commander Greywing from the First Griffon War? He was open to negotiation in order to end the war.

Sure. Vengeance shot back. When he was surrounded, outnumbered four to one, and his troops hadn’t eaten for two weeks, he was more than willing to talk. Up until then, he let us know daily that he was willing to die before he would admit defeat.

Luna shook her head and tried to ignore the voices in her head as she focused her magic. Her horn flared to life and she began weaving a teleportation spell that would take her back to Canterlot while Vengeance and Innocence argued in the background. Luna let out a slightly exasperated sigh and redoubled her efforts to concentrate on the spell, but her mind drifted back to her thousand-year banishment on the moon and the emergence of the voices that would become her only companions.

The Moon: One Thousand Years Ago

Mere hours after Celestia banished her to the moon, Luna was able to let go of the anger and fury that led to her attempted rebellion as Nightmare Moon and return to her normal form as the Princess of the Moon. She spent the first few days of her exile wandering the moon, convinced that Celestia would bring her back to Equestria soon. As the days turned into months, and the months lingered into years, Luna realized that her sister was not coming for her, at least not any time soon. Desperate for any kind of interaction with another living being, she frequently resorted to talking to herself.

Over the course of the first hundred years, Luna held countless conversations with herself about any topic she could think of. Early on, the topics were relevant and meaningful, such as why Celestia had not come to bring her back to Equestria or how she could have succeeded in her rebellion. However, as the first century dragged on into the second, Luna ran out of relevant topics and resorted to discussions about why the sand on the moon did not stick to her hooves the way sand back in Equestria did or why the moon was grey and not brown.

Around the three hundred year point in her banishment, Luna noticed that a portion of her mind had started to make comments independently. Over the next few weeks, she examined this new phenomenon and quickly realized that the voice was a fully independent being, as though a second consciousness had inhabited her mind. Luna knew that she should be concerned about the sudden appearance of a strange voice in her head, but she was so starved for contact with another pony that she did not care. She spent long hours talking to the voice about itself, trying to ascertain where it had come from. Luna experienced a breakthrough when one day she asked the voice if it had a name.

A name? It had replied. It was silent for some time, deep in thought before it continued. Vengeance. An image formed itself in Luna’s mind. An image of herself as Nightmare Moon, resplendent and powerful. The voice changed slightly to match Luna’s own voice during her time as Nightmare Moon. Yes, I am Vengeance.

Luna spent the next hundred years wandering the moon, constructing castles, homes, and shops to build entire cities in her lunar prison, only to demolish them as she realized she had constructed an exact replica of Canterlot. After each failed city, Vengeance would try to convince Luna that it was not her fault she was imprisoned on the moon.

You are not to blame. Vengeance began, as Luna lay crying among the rubble of yet another fallen city. This is Celestia’s fault. She’s the one who sent you here. It’s her fault we’ve been trapped here for four hundred years. You were only doing what you thought was right.

“No.” Luna shook her head, causing tears to slowly float down to the dust. “Our intentions were pure, but Our actions were unforgivable. We raised Our hoof in anger against Our own sister. We used Our powers to try and get Our way by force. We deserve to be here.”

You shouldn’t be so hard on yourself, Luna. A new voice made its way into Luna’s mind. She quickly stood from her position on the ground and looked around for the source of the voice.

Oh, goddesses, not you. Vengeance moaned.

“Who is there? Show thyself!” Luna grasped what small portion of her magic was still available to her and flared her horn to life.

I’m in here, Luna. The voice replied. Luna looked up, as though trying to see into her own head. She lowered her haunches to a seated position as she tried to examine the recent turn of events. She spent the next few hours questioning the new voice about its origin. Luna quickly realized that it was another autonomous consciousness, similar to Vengeance.

“Do you have a name that We might call you?” Luna asked aloud.

You can call me Innocence, if you want. As with Vengeance, an image formed itself in Luna’s mind. This one was of herself as a filly, shortly after she had earned her cutie mark. Her filly self gave a short bow. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Luna.

Yes, yes, this is Innocence. The image of Nightmare Moon that represented Vengeance formed in Luna’s mind next to Innocence. Now that all the pleasantries are out of the way, I would like to propose that we try the teleportation spell to return to Equestria.

“Why bother?” Luna hung her head. “Our sister still holds dominion over Our realm of power. We lack the necessary magical reserves to teleport such a large distance.” She picked up her head and gazed longingly into the distance. “Even if We had the magical power required, every time We have tried to cast the teleportation spell, We have been rebuked by Celestia’s power.”

It’s been four hundred years. Vengeance argued. It’s been almost one hundred years since the last time we tried, I’m sure she’s grown lax in that time. Just try one more time, I’m sure it will work.

I don’t think so. Innocence replied. You heard Luna. Since Celestia still has control over her sphere of power, she lacks the necessary magical capacity to teleport all the way there. Even if Celestia has grown careless and the spell succeeds, we would end up floating somewhere in the space between here and Equestria.

It will work this time, trust me. Vengeance repeated confidently.

“Would both of you be quiet for a moment?” Luna cut across Innocence’s comeback, putting her hooves on either side of her head. “You are giving Us a migraine.” She paused for a brief period to revel in the silence. “Vengeance, when Innocence showed up, you said ‘not you.’ What did you mean by that?”

Hmm? Vengeance seemed confused. Oh, yes. Well, Innocence here has been festering in the recesses of your mind for a few weeks, but had chosen to remain blissfully silent until now.

“Interesting.” Luna was briefly terrified by the idea that something could happen in her own mind without her knowing it. “That leads Us to Our next question: Are you Us?”

Okay, first things first. Vengeance started. You’re going to need to drop this whole Royal We thing or this discussion is going to get very confusing very quickly.

“Very well. We-” Luna stopped and focused. “I shall try. So, are the two of you... me?”

Yes... and no. Innocence offered.

That was maddeningly unhelpful. Vengeance shot back.

Innocence continued as if uninterrupted. We are you in that we share your mind as a sort of... residence. We exist only in your mind. However, you wish to know if we are portions of your own mind that have fractured off and gained a rudimentary sentience in order to satisfy your desire for somepony to talk to.

“Well... yes.” Luna’s eyes widened at the frighteningly accurate statement. “That is exactly what We... what I was wondering.”

That is not the case, as far as I know. Innocence sounded thoughtful. I cannot speak for Vengeance, but-

Sorry, but I have to cut in here. Vengeance interrupted. If I could die, this whole philosophical existence debate would be boring me to death. I’m going to tune out for a while, assume anything Innocence here has to say applies to me as well. The mental image of Nightmare Moon faded away.

“Wait, where is she going?” Luna asked the empty air.

I do not know. The mental image of Luna as a filly that represented Innocence shrugged. Though we three share your mind, our thoughts appear to be our own.

“So, does that mean that you can only hear Us... hear me when I speak aloud?” Luna toyed with the idea. She had grown so accustomed to speaking aloud to herself and Vengeance over the past four hundred years that trying to think to herself had not occurred to her.

I believe that is the case, although I cannot say for sure. Innocence replied.

Well, no time like the present to find out. Luna thought to herself. Can you hear this? Luna to Innocence, come in Innocence.

I heard that. Innocence deadpanned.

“Really?” Luna panicked. She suddenly feared she would never again have a semblance of privacy.

No. Innocence admitted with a giggle. I just figured that when you got quiet you were thinking to yourself and I decided to have a bit of fun. My apologies if I scared you.

Luna let out a relived sigh. At least I am safe in my own mind. She chuckled at the irony. The one place she was truly safe and could still be alone was the very place these voices resided.

Luna spent the next six hundred years of her banishment wandering throughout her lunar prison and creating the first detailed map of the moon. Every hundred years or so, Vengeance would suggest that they attempt to return to Equestria, only to be overridden by Innocence and Luna. On the eve of the thousandth year of their banishment, Innocence made a rare suggestion.

I would like to propose that we attempt to return to Equestria. Innocence broke the silence of a lull in discussion, catching both Vengeance and Luna off-guard.

Wait... what? Vengeance asked. You want to try and go back? Isn’t it usually my job to bring it up and you two shoot me down?

“I must agree with Vengeance.” Luna added. “I do not remember you ever being in favor of attempting to return home. Might I ask what brought about this change of heart?”

Of course. Innocence replied. In the past, you have lacked the magical reserves necessary for teleportation over such a long distance. However, over the past thousand years your magical capacity has slowly grown and you now possess enough power to complete the spell.

“Wait...” Luna closed her eyes as she concentrated. “Tomorrow is the Summer Sun Celebration, the longest day of the year. My sister’s powers will be at their peak. Should we not wait until the winter solstice when her powers wane?”

No. Vengeance responded excitedly. Most of Celestia’s powers will be tied up in raising the Sun for the Celebration. While her powers will be at their peak, she will only be able to access a small portion of them. This is our best chance.

“Very well, I will try.” Luna gathered her magic and brought her horn to bear. She began to weave the teleportation spell, but lost control of the magic as it neared completion. She hung her head as the aura surrounding her horn slowly faded away. “I... I do not think I can do it.” She muttered.

Well, that’s disappointing. Vengeance commented wryly. Luckily for us, there is a simple solution. Give me control, I can perform the spell and get us back to Equestria.

“I do not understand.” Luna picked her head up, wary at the suggestion. “What do you mean ‘give you control?’”

It’s very simple. Vengeance replied. The three of us share your mind, but you retain unilateral control of your body and magic. Give me control of your body, and by extension your magic, and I can perform the teleportation spell to get us home.

“Give you control of my body?” Luna recoiled at the thought. “Is... is that even possible?”

Oh, it’s quite simple actually. Vengeance explained. All you have to do is imagine your control over your body as a physical object that you possess, and then just let it go. At that point, I’ll be able to step in and control your body in order to perform the spell.

“That seems... risky.” Luna pawed at the dirt, thinking. “Giving over control of my body and magic... how can I be sure you will give it back once we reach Equestria?”

You wound me, Luna. Vengeance sounded hurt at the accusation. After all the time we’ve spent together, you don’t trust me? I promise that as soon as we reach Equestria, I will return control of your body and magic to you.

Luna paced back and forth, torn between a desire to go home and fear about giving over control of her body to Vengeance. “What do you think, Innocence?” There was a brief pause as Innocence considered the course of action.

If you are truly unable to perform the spell, then it is not possible that Vengeance would be able to do it. She began. However, if you are only unable to perform the spell due to some sort mental block rather than a physical or magical reason, then Vengeance should be able to work the magic and get us home.

Oh, come on. Vengeance cut in impatiently. Worst case scenario, I try the spell and it fails and we’re still stuck here.

“I do not know.” Luna shifted back and forth on her hooves, indecisive. She took a deep breath and made a decision. “Very well. I will... give you control, Vengeance.” Luna closed her eyes and tried to picture herself holding an object representing her control. In her mind, she held her blue crystal crown in her hooves. She let the crown fall, but before it could hit the ground, Vengeance appeared next to her and caught it.

Luna felt her stomach lurch as Vengeance took control of her body. Shadows reached out and draped over her body as she transformed back into Nightmare Moon for the first time in one thousand years. When the transformation was complete, Vengeance flared her new wings and ignited her horn. She quickly wove the teleportation spell, and the world exploded in light.

As the light faded, Luna realized that they had successfully returned to Equestria and were standing in the ruins of her castle in the Everfree Forest. Excellent work, Vengeance. Luna commended. Now, return control of my body to me and let us go find my sister.

“Oh, I don’t think so.” Vengeance replied, her voice echoing the power of Nightmare Moon. “Don’t worry though, I plan on finding your dear sister. Celestia trapped us in that barren wasteland for one thousand years... It’s time for a little payback.”

Luna!

The princess was pulled back to reality by Vengeance’s voice in her head. She shook her head to clear the remnants of memory and refocused her attention on her surroundings. She was still in the clearing, and the spell she had been weaving was slowly unraveling. She banished the half-formed spell with a thought and restarted from scratch. “What do you want, Vengeance?”

You were ignoring us again. Vengeance grumbled. Not to mention, we’ve been standing in this clearing for ten minutes waiting for you to finish that spell to take us back to the castle.

“My apologies.” Luna replied sarcastically. “I am secretly hoping that if I ignore you long enough you will go away.”

Well, you’ve been talking to us for six hundred years. Vengeance mocked. I figure it will take at least that long for us to spontaneously disappear. Good luck ignoring us for six hundred years.

Luna sighed as she finished weaving the spell and ignited it. The world flashed in a familiar burst of light. As it faded, Luna smiled as she recognized her chambers in the towers of Canterlot Castle. She kept her horn active and removed her crown and crystal horseshoes as she walked over to her bed.

“Another late night, sister?” Celestia’s voice sounded from behind her. Luna let out an inaudible sigh as she turned and saw her sister laying on the couch, absentmindedly flipping through a book.

“You do know that you do not have to wait up for me every time I go out on a mission, right?” Luna playfully chided her sister. “I have been doing this for a long time, I can handle myself. Besides, should you not be getting some sleep? You have a sun to raise in a few hours.”

Celestia closed the book with a flare of her horn and arched an eyebrow at Luna. “You know as well as I do that neither of us needs sleep... it’s just a way to more quickly pass through the other’s reign.” Celestia stepped off of the couch. “As far as you being able to handle yourself... in the past you’ve had help in your little adventures. So what was it this time?”

“Griffons.” Luna replied brusquely. “A relatively small group, only thirty or so. Nothing a quick little Scorched Earth spell could not handle.”

“Scorched Earth?” Celestia recoiled slightly. “Isn’t that a little... extreme?”

Sure, it’s easy for her to sit here and second guess us from the throne. Vengeance quipped.

Luna ignored the voice. “It might have been.” She shrugged. “One of the griffons was a coward and ran as soon as I landed. I figured if there was going to be a survivor, I might as well send a message." Her lips twitched up into a cruel smile for a brief moment. "Besides, I could get by with less powerful magic in the past because I had help, as you mentioned.” She let the slightest hint of anger tinge her voice.

Celestia’s eyes narrowed slightly. “You know why I had to disband the Night Watch. Casualties increased almost two thousand percent during the two missions undertaken while you were... absent.”

“I know. I read the reports.” Luna shot back. “I could have told you that would happen with Steel Spear in charge. He was an excellent soldier, but a horrible tactician.” She shook her head slightly. “All of that is beside the point. I have returned, sister. Allow me to reform the Night Watch.”

“You know I cannot do that.” Celestia let her head fall slightly.

“Why not?” Luna shouted, stomping a hoof for emphasis. She felt a brief flood of anger, but rapidly quenched it. “For three thousand years, the Night Watch protected Equestria from her enemies. Every mare and stallion knew that the fragile peace they enjoyed was paid for with the lives of those ponies in the Watch.” Luna began pacing the room, trying to bleed off angry energy. “Then, you disband the Watch during my banishment and allow it to fade into the pages of history.”

“The Watch wasn’t needed.” Celestia locked her gaze on her sister. “I inherited a portion of your power while you were gone. None of the other kingdoms dared to challenge me.”

“I know... trust me.” Luna spoke through gritted teeth.

Celestia continued without acknowledging the comment. “It is a shame that nopony today knows about the crucial role that the Night Watch played in maintaining the peace that our land has enjoyed for so long, but what would you have me do? Would you have me tell our subjects that the peaceful world they all know is a lie? Would you have me tell them that our kingdom is constantly on the brink of war?”

It would certainly liven things up to tell them that. Vengeance remarked.

Luna studiously ignored the thought, keeping her eyes on Celestia. “I would have you be honest with our subjects. What will happen if one day a threat makes it past our guard? You saw how everypony reacted to the changeling attack when Queen Chrysalis infiltrated the castle. What do you think would happen if an army of griffons came sweeping across the sea from the east?”

Celestia gave a weak smile. “I thought that was why we had you, dear sister.” A glint of fear and worry in her eyes betrayed the confidence she tried to portray. All of the pent up anger in her chest faded away, and Luna slowly crossed the room and nuzzled up against Celestia.

“Do not worry, dear sister.” The ruler of the night rested her head on Celestia’s shoulder. “I will always be here.” Celestia reached up and wrapped a foreleg around her sister to pull her into a hug. After a moment, she stepped away to compose herself.

“Well, enjoy the rest of your night, Luna.” Celestia walked across the room to the door, pulling it open with a light brush of magic. As she stood in the doorway, the solar princess looked back over her shoulder. “I am proud of you, sister. During this entire conversation, you never once referred to yourself with the Royal We. You’re making progress.” Without waiting for a reply, Celestia left the bedroom and closed the door.

Hey, she’s right. Vengeance piped up, offended. You haven’t even told anypony about us. The least you could do it acknowledge our existence with a “We” or “Us” every now and then.

“Would you let it go?” Luna winced. She had initially reverted to using the Royal We upon her return to Equestria simply because she thought it was expected of a ruler. However, the lunar princess soon found that she was referring to herself in plural to account for Vengeance and Innocence rather than using the Royal We, so she decided to try and return to referring to herself in singular form. Secretly, Luna hoped that abstaining from the Royal We might help rid her of her mental companions.

If we only exist in Luna’s mind, can we be said to exist at all? Innocence interjected calmly.

Oh, for the love of- don’t get all philosophical on us again. Vengeance replied angrily. We all know where this conversation ends up... does anything exist? How can we know? Blah blah blah...

“Would you two be quiet? You are giving me a migraine... again.” Luna crossed the room to her desk, which was dominated by a map of Equestria. The map detailed not only her kingdom, but the surrounding hostile kingdoms as well. The Griffon Empire across the sea to the east. The Changeling Hive in the Badlands to the south. The Wendigo Herd across the Crystal Mountains in the Frozen North.

Luna ignited her horn and magically grasped a small wooden figurine of a griffon placed just north of Baltimare. She removed it from the map and placed it in a drawer in the desk. She turned her head slightly and saw a new stack of reports from her scouts spread all across the kingdoms. “One down... a dozen more to go.” She quipped wryly as she levitated the first report from the stack.

Luna had a feeling it was going to be a long day.

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