Archmage - Chapter 14 “Replacements and Repercussions”

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Twilight woke the next morning with a slight headache and a dry mouth. Smacking her lips, she rubbed baggy eyes and slowly slipped out of bed. In her bathroom mirror, she looked like a nightmare. Moaning to herself, she decided to take a little extra time getting ready that morning. A long, hot shower and plenty of mane care later, Twilight looked presentable at least. The memories of last night flowed fast and free through her mind, making her frown at her reflection in the mirror. The things she and Luna had shared with one another, what she had said… But at the end of the night, the last thing Twilight remembered was Luna comforting her.

And smiling. Like she was okay with losing Twilight.

“Ugh,” Twilight turned from the mirror, hanging her head as she left to help with the sun and moon. Her own thoughts and emotions were beginning to confuse her again. Granted, she had forgiven Luna and Celestia for what they had done, but the pain was still fairly fresh in her mind. It would take some time to build up trust in both the princesses once again. But Twilight was willing to work at it if they were. She emerged onto the observatory balcony to the sight of a slightly surprised Celestia.

“Goodness. You two didn’t… Do anything last night, did you?”

“Good morning to you too, Celestia.” Twilight grumbled. Celestia chuckled and shook her head, smiling down at Twilight.

“You didn’t, though, did you?”

“No,” Twilight sighed, hanging her head and dropping to her rear on the cool stone tile. “We didn’t do anything. Chances are, we won’t be doing anything for some time to come.”

“Aww, why’s that?” Celestia asked. Twilight looked up at her with narrowed eyes.

“What interest do you have in my sex life?” She asked, her tone cautious.

“Oh, none.” Celestia said wistfully, leaning in to nuzzle Twilight’s neck affectionately. “Not in yours, anyways… But Luna’s is still of interest to me. If only marginally.”

“Eew. Why?” Twilight asked, smiling despite the uncomfortable topic of conversation. Celestia had a way of making her do that…

“She’s my sister,” Celestia looked down at Twilight, smiling. “I want to know that she is happy.” Twilight grumbled as she reluctantly answered Celestia’s question.

“I don’t want things to move too fast between us…”

“Oh? The way Luna made it sound, you were eager to get back into a relationship, for fear of your life ending too soon.” Twilight sighed.

“Does Luna tell you everything about us?”

“Almost everything.” Celestia confirmed with another soft chuckle.

“Look, you two are all but immortal, from my understanding. Correct me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t it hurt losing somepony you care about?” Twilight had only speculated or heard from a third party about an alicorn’s feelings on those they held dear… Twilight had neglected to ask any of them this very important question.

“Of course it does. When Nocturnal Glow passed away, I was very heartbroken. He was a dear friend. Your parents had a rather profound effect on me as well. Time and again throughout history, I’ve seen relationships forged and broken in the flames of death… But there’s a saying we hold dear to our hearts, Twilight. It’s somewhat bitter, and perhaps a little cliché, but it’s how we feel.” Twilight said it before Celestia could.

“It’s better to have loved and lost than never loved at all?” Celestia’s bright smile was infectious.

“Exactly. Think about it, Twilight. Do you think I’d rather be this cold, heartless dictator, never once opening herself to experience the joys of friendship or happiness? What kind of mentor would that have made me to you?” She shook her head as if the idea were silly. “No… Luna, Cadance and I all understand the importance of loving another in our lifetimes.”

“Have you,” Twilight asked after a short pause. “Ever loved another pony?”

“Loved as in the way I love you, or Luna? Or loved as in the way Luna loves you?” Celestia’s question made Twilight blush.

“The latter.”

“Aah. Alas, I have not.” Celestia sighed and looked out over the balcony. “I… May have, once. But he loved another. No, I’ve been content with friendship throughout the years.”

“But… Does that mean you’ve never…?”

“Celibacy has it’s own benefits, Twilight.” Celestia winked at her teasingly, her wings shuffling a little. Twilight opened her mouth to ask another question, but Luna emerged onto the balcony, cutting her off.

“Good morning.” She said cheerily, leaning in to nuzzle Twilight as she passed. “Sorry I’m late. The archivist had an important matter to discuss.”

“You’re not late at all. Right on time, I should say. Shall we?” Celestia and Luna nodded at one another before Twilight took her place and they began. Twilight still felt a bit of caution at the princess’ magic, the burning waves of energy seemed a little bit more ominous in light of Harbinger and Crest’s recent injuries. But Twilight was familiar enough with the specific energies involved by now that she made it through the process without breaking a sweat.

“Twilight,” Luna said with a soft smile after the process was completed. “I know you have a limited amount of time to fulfill the council’s requests. So I’ve made my schedule free to assist with finding Harbinger’s replacement. We can begin today, if you’d like.” The sudden reminder of her requirement from the council made Twilight all but forget about the discussion she had been holding with Celestia just a few short minutes ago.

“That… Would be best, actually. The sooner, the better.”

“Great! I have several ponies in mind. None of them are quite as strong as Harbinger, but all of them are well-versed in shadow magic. Come on.”

“Have fun, you two.” Celestia gave Twilight a teasing wink as she and Luna left the balcony. And unless Twilight was mistaken, there was more to that wink than there should have been. She was quickly distracted as Luna began talking, though.

“I took the liberty of asking the candidates to prepare for an interview either today or tomorrow, so they should all be prepared. I have four in mind, but the ultimate decision falls to you. Keep in mind that you don’t need to pick any of them, either. If you can think of anypony at all who would fit the role better, you only have to say the word.”

“I trust your judgment.” Twilight smiled at Luna as they made their way out of the observatory tower. “On this matter, at least.” She added in hindsight. Luna gave her a playful pout, which only made Twilight smile and nudge Luna’s neck as they entered the castle proper.

“Guard,” Luna nodded to a nearby unicorn standing at the entrance to a library. “Please inform Silver Tongue, Yellow Jacket, Night Dancer, and Silvia Noctem that they are summoned to my personal library immediately.”

“Yes, Princess!” The unicorn saluted, but Twilight stopped him with a gesture.

“If you could, please inform Harbinger that the Archmage wishes to speak with him privately as well.”

“Of course, Archmage. Right away!” With another salute, the unicorn dashed off on his task. Luna arched an inquisitive eyebrow down at Twilight.

“Why do you want to speak with Harbinger?” She asked cautiously.

“If he’s going to retire, he had better be mature enough to tell me himself.” Twilight grumbled. “I’m offended he’d use a spokespony in his place.”

“Hmm… Tread carefully, Twilight. You know how much of a temper Harbinger has.”

“What’s he going to do?” Twilight scoffed. “Attack me?” Luna looked down at her once more, her expression very pointed. “Wait… He wouldn’t, would he?”

“No, I doubt that... He has problems with his temper, but no more so than you or I.” Twilight gnawed on her lip as she considered Luna’s words. Would Harbinger really go so far as to attack her? The Archmage herself? The thought escaped her mind as Luna led Twilight into the Western wing, and into a library Twilight seldom visited. She inhaled the mildew-y scent of decaying pages, dust, and knowledge. Luna’s personal library was one that Twilight enjoyed the most, but didn’t visit often because she needed Luna’s express permission to do so. With how much Twilight had been avoiding the princess lately, she hadn’t set hoof in this library for close to three weeks.

Compared to the others in the palace, Luna’s personal library was much darker and warmly-lit, using candles and muted spells instead of the brighter, more harsh lighting other libraries seemed to prefer. What’s more, it had been left alone for dozens of years at a time during Luna’s time on the moon, which meant there was an entire wealth of knowledge hidden here that very few ponies had had the chance to explore themselves. Twilight wished she could get the time to explore the tomes stored here fully. It was moderately-sized, but had plenty of tables ready to be laden with books for study, and a fireplace set into a nearby wall with several large, comfortable chairs just begging to be sat in for a long, extended reading session.

“Aah…”

“You like it in here?” Luna asked with a soft smile.

“Very much so.” Twilight nodded with a slight smile.

“I can arrange for the guards to let you past permanently, if you’d like.”

“Could you?” Twilight perked up with a smile. “There are so many books I haven’t read in here… And it’s so comfortable.”

“Of course. I should think you’re more than responsible enough to handle the knowledge of these books without abusing it… I’ll speak with the guard after we’re done here. Aah,” Luna smiled at the sound of a gentle knock from the door. “Our first interviewee. I’ll go get them.”

“Uum, Luna?” Twilight stopped the princess, blushing slightly. “No offense, but… This is my duty… After all…”

“Oh… Oh! Okay.” Luna smiled, which made Twilight relax, and gave her a soft nuzzle. “Do you think you’ll need any help today?”

“I can’t thank you enough for the help you’ve already given me,” Twilight smiled and leaned into give Luna a soft, tender kiss, quick and easy. The princess’ cheeks were flushed as Twilight pulled back. “Go get some rest, Luna. I think I can handle it from here.”

“O-of course…” Luna stuttered, still blushing furiously. Twilight thought she looked remarkably beautiful when she blushed. It was such a natural, feminine gesture. “I’ll be going, then.”

“Luna?” Twilight asked, drawing her lower lip between her teeth. The princess stopped and looked back at her.

“Hmm?”

“One more…?”

“Oh, come here.” Luna turned back to Twilight, meeting her halfway for one more passionate, deep kiss. Twilight felt the very tip of Luna’s tongue brush her lip, but it quickly pulled away, leaving just a tingling sensation behind that made Twilight’s knees weak. She wrapped her hooves around Luna’s neck, deepening the kiss for a few long seconds before they finally pulled away.

“S-sorry,” Twilight groaned, wiping her lips, hoping her blush wasn’t too noticeable.

“Don’t you dare apologize,” Luna panted, her own cheeks flushed still. “I’ve missed that so much.” Twilight groaned at that, since she felt the exact same. The building heat between her thighs was enough of an indication of her suppressed desires. Still, Twilight didn’t want things moving too fast. She took a deep breath and pulled away, fanning her face with a hoof to cool down.

“You should get going.” Twilight muttered quietly. Luna smiled down at her before kissing Twilight once more on the cheek. She trotted to a nearby window, pushing it open and standing up on the sill.

“Won’t do to have my subjects seeing me blush. Take care, Twilight. And if you need anything, you only have to ask.”

“Thank you.” Twilight smiled at her, watching Luna slip out of the window and spread her wings wide. She flapped off into the new day, heading for the opposite end of the castle and her own quarters. Twilight watched her fly off, entranced by the simple and easy motions of her wings. She started when the soft knock came once again, more insistent this time.

“Sorry for the delay,” Twilight said as she opened the door. A guard and a green-maned unicorn stood on the other side, looking slightly confused. “Your name?” Twilight hoped the blush was gone as she fixed her expression into something more serious. The unicorn blinked at her before speaking.

“Dark Glow, Archmage. Luna sent a summon for me.”

“Right. Come in, please.” Twilight held the door open, smiling softly as Dark Glow slipped in. She was a tall unicorn with a slender frame, her green mane off-set by her dark blue coat. Her mark was two crossed wands tipped with crescent moons, wreathed by one large crescent. Twilight smiled at her softly as they took seats opposite one another at the nearest table. She launched into the discussion immediately, making Dark Glow blink with the abrupt transition.

“What makes you think you’re a good pony to take Harbinger’s place on the council?”

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Twilight interviewed all four candidates thoroughly, asking very detailed and specific questions about their skills and abilities, personal desires, and even their thoughts on Twilight being Archmage. The last question more out of curiosity than anything else. Each candidate, she felt, was impressed with her so far. They had all seen what Twilight had accomplished on the nearby mountainside, and knew that she commanded great and powerful shadow magic. They all seemed respectful, humble, and most importantly, knowledgeable. Twilight had a list in her mind of the strengths and weaknesses of each one, and believed she had found the perfect candidate when the last soft knock came from the library door.

“Enter,” Twilight said, trying to recollect where she had been in her deliberation.

“Oh. It’s you.” Harbinger’s voice made Twilight look up with wide eyes, spotting the red-coated unicorn standing on the threshold of the library. “I was under the impression Luna had summoned me.” Twilight narrowed her eyes and swept a hoof out to the seat opposite her.

“I guess the guard got it wrong, then. Have a seat, Harbinger.”

“I’d rather stand, thank you.” Twilight glared at him, slipping off of her own chair.

“Too afraid to relax around me?” Twilight asked, slowly walking towards him. She had been offended by his sudden retirement, and had considered confronting him directly after the council meeting last night. She had let it slide for the moment, but as the day had moved on, she realized that she was more and more annoyed at Harbinger’s constant disapproval of her.

“If you summoned me just to insult me, then I’d rather take my leave, Archmage.” Harbinger growled at her.

“If I wanted to insult you, Harbinger,” Twilight stopped ten feet from him, both of them squared off in the middle of the library. “I’d have done so at the council meeting. Like you insulted me.” Harbinger blinked at her, looking confused.

“How did I insult you at the meeting?” He asked. Twilight flicked her tail.

“Admitting your retirement in front of the council, the princesses, and every unicorn in that room. I found that to be very cowardly and insulting. I’m no colt, so I might not have the same sense of pride you do, but I don’t take kindly to ponies using a proxy.” Harbinger’s face turned down into a scowl, his hooves spreading a little on the carpet.

“This isn’t a matter of pride, Archmage.” He growled. “It’s personal. I don’t want to fill in for some foal who can hardly control her powers, let alone use them for the betterment of Equestria.” his next words were hardly more than a whisper. “Let alone one who allows her so-called friends to be injured in her place.” Twilight felt her anger rise as he spoke, using such a condescending tone to reproach her.

“I thought I made it perfectly clear at the meeting. Your injuries were a direct result of your own negligence. If you want somepony to blame, Harbinger, blame Golden Crest.”

“Don’t you DARE put the blame on Crest for this!” Harbinger snapped at her, his eyes flashing dangerously. Twilight felt her hackles raise as the energy in the room seemed to rise. “You know just as well as I that our injuries were a direct result of your own negligence! Just because you managed to save face before the council does not mean you are not responsible!” His horn began to glow, filling the room with a dull, red aura of magic. Twilight’s defenses rose, her own magic standing at the ready just in case he acted brashly.

“I am not responsible, Harbinger. I accept no blame for what happened to you and Crest. Calm yourself right now. This is a very bad place to lose your temper.” Twilight was not scared for herself, but rather the old and ancient tomes lining the shelves all over.

“To the abyss with your books, Archmage!” Harbinger continued. “And you can go with them! You and that traitor Celestia! HAAH!” A dark bolt of energy erupted straight from the tip of Harbinger’s horn, crackling through the air as it shot straight towards Twilight’s chest.

In a flash, Harbinger was on his back, with Twilight’s horn pressed to the hollow of his throat.

“Don’t you dare,” Twilight whispered, her horn humming with it’s own brilliant purple glow of energy. “Speak of the princess that way.” She felt Harbinger swallow, his throat swelling against her horn for just a moment. He was trembling beneath her, his hooves raised in surrender, but his tone still insolent.

“Why not?” He chuckled, trying to scoot away. “It’s true. Luna is the true ruler of Equestria. Always has been. Always will be.” Twilight let him crawl away, her head rising to watch him as he rolled onto his hooves. “I curse the day Celestia ever struck her own sister down and banished her to the moon. Luna’s night is the most beautiful and sacred thing I’ve ever beheld in my life… Tarnished by Celestia’s burning day every time they cycle the sun and moon.” He chuckled at her, his lips spread in a wicked grin. “You’ll see it for yourself soon, Archmage… There are secrets about Equestria that not even you can begin to fathom.”

“Watch your tongue, Harbinger.” Twilight’s defenses were still ready, her horn brimming with energy ready to be released.

“Why?” He laughed at her. “Did you know it’s treason to speak of such things anymore? That Celestia outlawed discussions about which was better, the sun or the moon?” Twilight blinked. He was right. Twilight knew the very law he spoke of. “Night and Day… The two will clash before long, Archmage. You’ll see.” Harbinger slowly began to turn towards the door, his lips still curled in a grin. Twilight remembered something somepony told her, not too long ago; about there still being ponies loyal to Luna. The old Luna.

“You’re wrong, Harbinger.” Twilight straightened her back, glaring at him as her head rose proudly. “The night and day exist in harmony. The princess’ aren’t just sisters, they’re friends. They get along very well.” She watched as he froze at the door, shaking slightly. “There will never come a day when Celestia and Luna oppose one another. Not even secretly.”

Another flash of dark energy. Twilight dispelled the bolt before it ever came close to her, and the one after it. Harbinger snarled as he launched attack after attack on her. Each one, Twilight met with equal force, watching it fizzle into nothing before her eyes. She wasn’t just defending herself, but the books as well. Harbinger was too focused on her to cast a spell their way, but the fallout was a concern. All the while, Harbinger howled and snarled at her, screaming obsencities.

“YOU LIE! YOU BITCH! I’LL WATCH YOU BURN FOR YOUR HERSEY! DIE!” The racket drew the guards from outside of the room, but in light of the intense magic flying between them, they couldn’t do a thing. Twilight glanced over Harbinger’s shoulder at the two wide-eyed pegasi, their spears leveled at the screaming red unicorn.

“Fetch Golden Crest!” She called to them. “He can help control Harbinger! I’ll hold him off here!” The guards blinked at her for a few moments. “GO!” She roared, casting a quick spell that pushed both pegasi out of the library. The short lull in her concentration was nearly a grave mistake. A black bolt of electricity arced around her shield, aimed straight for her chest. Twilight teleported out of the way, but cursed as she saw Harbinger’s attack catch the bookshelf behind her. The dry, yellow paged erupted into flame even as Harbinger spun about and continued his attack. She needed to end this, or the fire would spread and damage more books. She needed to incapacitate him.

“Harbinger,” She muttered quietly. “I hope you’ll forgive me for this.”

“DIE!”

“HAH!” Twilight spread her hooves wide, her brilliant shield making the last bolt of dark magic fizzle out harmlessly. Immediately after, Twilight spun an intricate web of steel-like magical threads that draped over Harbinger. They crackled where they met his horn, making the unicorn wince and curse. He started the dispelling process, making Twilight’s web begin to fade around him, but she was already working on her next spell. In the blink of an eye, Twilight had turned the tide of the fight, and was now pressing her advantage on Harbinger. It was him that was countering her spells now, gasping and cursing as blast after blast of lavender light broke upon his shields. Inbetween spells, Twilight suppressed the fire that had caught on the books, and had soon reduced the flames to smoldering coals.

“Augh! TWILIGHT!” Harbinger roared, his horn blazing with dark energy. Twilight gasped at what she saw. Harbinger’s eyes had narrowed to slits. His dark green mane was slowly turning darker, black and ephemeral.

“Harbinger!” Crest burst through the door behind Twilight, his eyes wide with shock. “Harbinger, no!”

“Don’t!” Twilight caught him as the white unicorn rushed forward. “He’s trying to command the night! He’ll kill you!”

“NO!” Crest cried, tears streaming from his face. “Harbinger, stop this!”

”NO!” Harbinger’s voice thrummed with dark energy, making the shelves rattle and dust sift to the ground all around them. ”I can feel the power! Yes! The same power our blessed Nightmare Moon commanded! Yes! I will be the one to usher in the new night! I will shroud the land with darkness! Sweet and sacred darkness!” Harbinger threw his head back into a long, loud cackle, his voice booming through the library violently.

Twilight stepped forward, her tone low and dangerous as her horn began to glow.

“Stop this now, Harbinger.” She growled.

”Or what, Twilight?! You’re going to stop me?!” She fixed her eyes directly on Harbinger’s, her hooves spread wide as her horn began to glow as bright as the sun.

”Yes.”

The sudden flash of golden energy erupted through the library, dwarfing the shadow and throwing Harbinger back into the smoldering book case. It collapsed under the impact, throwing embers and dust into the air. Twilight hovered in midair over Harbinger’s prone body, his eyes wide as he looked up at her.

Harbinger was normal once more. Twilight was not. Her mane and tail blazed with golden and yellow flames, filling the library with a bright blaze of luminescence. Her horn was long and pointed, and her eyes flashed red from underneath the golden glow of her magic. Slowly, though, she set back on her hooves. The flames died down, leaving her regular purple mane and coat in their wake. Receding in a wave from her backside up to her horn, the radiant energy died down until it was nothing but a glimmer, and then nothingness.

“What… how?” Harbinger panted, looking at Twilight with wide eyes. “What did you do?!” Panic set in as Harbinger fought to get to his legs. He struggled to stand, his breathing coming fast and hard as his horn glowed. It wasn’t with a dark pulse of shadow any longer, though… Each time Harbinger’s magic came to the fore, it was yellow, and dull. His eyes went wide as he stared at Twilight.

“She’s gone… The night… She’s…” Twilight rose her head high, looking down at Harbinger angrily.

“The night has forsaken you, Harbinger. You tried to control it’s power for your own. You foolish, selfish pony…” She shook her head, watching Harbinger slowly fall to the floor. “You’re lucky it didn’t destroy you. But I doubt The Night will ever grant you power again.” Realization set in on Harbinger’s face as Twilight stepped forward, her hooves just in front of his face. “That’s the price you pay for insolence, Harbinger. You forgot the most important lesson of the night. Humility. You tried to take control, instead of letting the night empower you as it saw fit.”

“I don’t understand…” Crest said softly, his own eyes wide. Twilight looked back at him, at his shaking legs. “You… You glowed just then. I’ve… I’ve never seen anything like it.” Twilight smiled at him.

“I’m the Archmage, Crest… I’m responsible for maintaining balance between all aspects of magic. Love and hate, fear and courage, night and day.” She glanced down at Harbinger. “I just summoned the same amount of power from the day that Harbinger was from the night. The two balanced one another out, and cancelled each other.” She nudged Harbinger’s horn with her hoof, watching the red unicorn wince. “But it appears as if the night had it’s own agenda for Harbinger. It didn’t destroy him, or hurt him… No, it did something much worse.” She leaned down, looking into his eyes. He was frightened. Scared out of his wits. He shook as Twilight sighed.

“It abandoned him.”

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“Mind telling me why Harbinger is in one of my prison cells, Twilight?” Bastion spoke loud and clear as he burst through the door, two guards at his tail as he approached her. Twilight sighed and set the charred remains of the book down, straightening her back with an audible pop.

“Treason. Destruction of royal property. Destruction of knowledge. Assault. Consipracy.” She said, sighing as she turned to him. Bastion stopped opposite her, looking very angry.

“I know the charges, Twilight. It’s my ponies interrogating him. But you didn’t answer my question. Why is he in one of my prison cells. The ordinary ones. Why isn’t he in a specialized cell, designed to keep in more powerful unicorns?” Twilight sighed again, nodding to a nearby chair. Bastion glared at her for a few moments before taking the seat.

“He no longer has his power.”

“WHAT?!” He shot back to his hooves, eyes wide with shock. “That’s impossible! Harbinger’s one of the most advanced shadow magic users in Canterlot! In all of Equestria!”

“He used too much.” Twilight said. “You understand at least a little about the night, right?” She asked.

“A little,” Bastion took his seat once more, his expression still wide with disbelief. “I… I know you have to be humble, and let the night do what it will with you.”

“Well, he made the same mistake that Luna did over a thousand years ago. He tried to command the night for himself.” She shook her head. “But I stopped him. When he reverted to his normal form, he was unable to use his magic anymore. It seems the night has seen fit to abandon Harbinger for his transgressions.” She rubbed the bridge of her nose. “I’m speculating, of course… It won’t talk to me right now for one reason or another. I think it’s angry with me.”

”Not angry, child…” Twilight froze as the mysterious voice drifted over her ear, sending a shiver up her spine. ”I am saddened…”

“Archmage? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“Shh.” Twilight hushed Bastion, her eyes wide as she listened to the whispers of the night.

”Harbinger was a good friend of the night… But he held his secret for too long, and from those he cared for. His foolishness has cost him his power, and very well may have endangered his cause.”

“His cause?” Twilight asked softly. “What cause is that?”

”There are ponies, dear Twilight, who want to see the night cover Equestria once more… They and their ancestors worship the night rather than the day, and would see Luna come to power again. They want to see her triumph over Celestia, to bring the shadow back into the hearts and skies of ponies everywhere.”

“But… Why?”

”I do not care to tell you, Twilight. Just know that I do not plan on stopping them.” Twilight felt a breath wash over her ear. Opposite her, Bastion froze, his eyes wide. She didn’t have to look to know the mysterious embodiment of the night hovered over her shoulder. ”Why would I want to? I’d love to see Equestria shrouded again. But it’s your job to stop them, Twilight. After all… You’re the one responsible for maintaining balance. Right?”

Twilight felt the oppressive, heavy feeling of the night vanish in an instant, like lifting a great weight from her shoulders. She sagged with relief, and even Bastion sighed in it’s absence.

“Well,” Bastion grunted. “I guess I don’t have to worry about Harbinger breaking free any time soon, then…”

“Yeah,” Twilight whimpered. She tried to forget the fear that had suddenly gripped her heart. Still, she felt shaken. “Ahem. You… Said you were interrogating Harbinger?”

“Y-yeah. He wouldn’t stop rambling on about the night and the shadow, so we started asking questions… He mentioned some group or other that wanted to ‘see the night reign supreme once more.’ Celestia had given Shining Armor some intel on a few underground groups that had it in mind to sabotage her, and raise Luna up to a position of supreme power.”

“I’ll tell you now, that’s utterly ridiculous.” Luna strode into the library suddenly, making Bastion and the two guards with him snap to attention and salute. “At ease. All of you. Twilight, what happened here?” She asked, her expression and tone serious. Twilight went on to explain how the conversation with Harbinger had gone, how he had snapped and began ranting about the night and Luna returning to power. “I see,” She mused, looking at the wreckage. “Well, I’m glad he only hit the case with textbooks. There are copies of all of those books in the archives.” Twilight breathed a sigh of relief at that. “Bastion, could you give us a moment? I need to speak with the Archmage.”

“Certainly, princess.” Bastion saluted once more before he and the guards left, leaving Twilight alone with Luna and the wreckage of the books. As soon as the door closed behind him, Luna rushed forward and wrapped Twilight in a tight embrace.

“Tell me what really happened, Twilight.” She pleaded. Her words were serious, but her tone told Twilight she was nothing but concerned.

“I’m fine, Luna. Really.” She said, pulling away from the embrace with a brave smile. “But… Harbinger, he…” Twilight glanced at the remains of the bookshelf he had destroyed. “He tried to take control of the night.” Luna seemed to pale, her mane going limp for a few moments.

“No…”

“He made the same mistake I did in the graveyard, Luna… He began to change, his eyes, his coat, his mane…” Twilight shuddered visibly. “So, I did the only thing I could think of… I… I balanced him out.” Luna calmed slightly, lowering into a chair as she gestured for Twilight to continue explaining. “I summoned an equal amount of power from the day. Just like him, though, I… I changed.” Twilight thought back to the recent occurrence, the way her mane and tail had been ablaze, the radiant light she had emitted… “Just like the night changes those who harness it, so does the day. I’ve… I’ve only done it once or twice before, but this time it just came so naturally to me. Like taking a breath. Luna, you should have seen it!” Twilight was excited now. “Unlike commanding the night, taking hold of the day had no negative consequences. It just takes a considerable amount of power to accomplish. Anypony who studies and practices hard enough, who had the drive and the will to train and toil away until they could master it could accomplish the same feat.” Twilight hadn’t done it herself in a long time, and Luna seemed rather amazed that such a thing could even be done.

“I know of what you speak.” Luna said quietly. “I’m proud of you, Twilight. You can command the night and day equally. Balanced.” She leaned in, laying a hoof over Twilight’s. “But what did you do then?”

“Nothing.” Twilight said softly, looking at the collapsed bookcase. “I didn’t have to… The transformation was enough. I was close enough to Harbinger that the light and the shadow were equal. We both burned out, and the power of the night left him.” She shuddered again. “But it didn’t just fade… It left him completely, Luna.” She looked up at the princess, her eyes wide. “The night abandoned Harbinger completely.”

“I know,” Luna said softly, her expression sad as she looked down at the table. “That was what woke me… The night came to me in my dreams, and told me of Harbinger’s foolishness. When he was done it left him. The night will never again bless Harbinger.” Luna shook her head. “He was a fool for ever trying to control it… He’s lucky the night didn’t kill him. It’s happened before…” Luna shivered. “It isn’t pretty.”

“I can imagine. But… How is Crest taking it?” Twilight asked gently. Luna sighed again.

“He isn’t… All he can do is cry and beg to see Harbinger. We had to imprison him, as well… He tried to take his own life from grief.” Twilight whimpered a little, feeling sympathetic for Crest and his loss.

“That poor colt…”

“Nevertheless, both Harbinger and Crest are unable to handle their duties properly. Celestia has taken it upon herself to find Golden Crest’s replacement, but Harbinger’s replacement still rests with you. Have you decided?” Twilight shrugged off the oppressive feeling, straightening up at Luna’s question.

“I have.” She nodded, smiling softly. “After much thought, and in light of the recent development, I’ve decided to appoint Night Dancer to Harbinger’s position, and provided I cannot perform my own duties in assisting you and Celestia with the sun and moon, she will fill my spot.” Luna grinned at Twilight, the look surprisingly out-of-place in light of the serious events that had taken place. “What?”

“That’s a good choice, Twilight.” Luna chuckled, raising Twilight’s hoof to her lips. Twilight arched an eyebrow at her.

“Why is that?”

“Hmm? Oh, no reason... She... She didn’t tell you anything, did she?” Twilight furrowed her brow at Luna.

“She told me plenty, but that’s because I asked her... What are you getting at?”

“Oh good. I asked her not to tell you outright...” Twilight blinked.

“Tell me what?”

“Night Dancer was my student before you were, after being named Archmage.”

-------

“Archmage? You summoned me?” Bastion poked his head into Twilight’s quarters cautiously, and she smiled at him, gesturing for him to enter fully.

“Yes. Please, have a seat.”

“A-alright,” Bastion’s blush was impossible to miss as he slipped inside and shut the door behind him, looking incredibly uncomfortable for some reason.

“Is everything okay?” Twilight asked, cocking her head to the side. Bastion blushed deeper, glancing up at Twilight as he shuffled across the carpet into her living room.

“I-it’s fine, really... It’s just that guard ponies aren’t allowed to enter a female’s quarter’s...” He fidgeted some more, glancing about furtively.

“Relax, Bastion,” Twilight chuckled. “I didn’t summon you here for any funny business. Besides, I already have somepony special.” Bastion perked up, looking at her inquisitively.

“Really? Who?”

“None of your business.” Twilight teased, smiling at him. Bastion chuckled and shook his head, relaxing a little more now that he knew Twilight didn’t want anything more to do with him than their professional business. “I summoned you here to inform you that Night Dancer is my decision to replace Harbinger on the council.”

“Night Dancer… Oh, I know her! She’s the one with the crescent moon wrapped in ribbon for her mark, right?”

“That’s the one.” Twilight smiled. “She’s a former student of Luna’s, and very competent with shadow magic. She can fill Harbinger’s regular spot on his own committee, as well as cover for me with raising the sun and moon when needed.”

“Well… I can tell you that the council will be pleased with your rapid attention to this matter. You figured it out in just over a day.” Bastion shook his head, smiling at her. “AND you exposed Harbinger for the traitor he was. Well done, Archmage.”

“Oh, shush.” Twilight smiled, sitting back in her chair. “But as for the other matter…”

“Right. The shields.” Bastion straightened up more, his expression serious once more. “This discovery of a traitor so close to the council will have the guard in an uproar. I have my best generals working on the problem, and more resources have been authorized from Celestia. That means more ponies on the streets, walking the beat, gathering the information I need. Believe it or not, this means I can focus on other things. My generals will handle this situation, using the resources Celestia offers, meaning I’ll be free to instruct you on the shields.” Twilight’s heart raced as he spoke, feeling hope and excitement build up within her.

“When can we start?”