A month passed. Arcana had been practicing her new spell and practicing alchemy in the Archives almost every day. She returned to her room in a hurry to show her teacher the spell that she had now mastered.

Arcana burst into the room while Rarity and Twilight were conversing over some lunch. Her expression and tone were not as monotonous as before, she had a slight hint of excitement in her statement, and relief, “I did it…”, she said with a sigh.

“Did what?”, Twilight asked, not sure what she was talking about.

“I mastered a new spell. Would it interest you to see it?”, Arcana asked.

Twilight nodded, “This sounds interesting, let’s see.”

Arcana looked at a vase that was rested on a bedside table. Her veins had a magic glow to them as she summoned up the energy into her palm. She forced her hand forward, sending the ball of light across the room. Upon colliding with the vase, a bright flash of white light blinded the three of them for a moment. The vase was gone, and Twilight was shocked.

“Celestia showed you that?”, Twilight was somewhat worried about the idea of giving Arcana such a dangerous spell.

“Correct.”, Arcana replied to her teacher in a proud tone.

“I don’t think you should be using that, you could really hurt somebody.”, Twilight explained.

“You act as if I will fly into a rage and start vaporizing anyone I please.”

“I just-”, Twilight began.

“Don’t trust me, Ms. Sparkle?”, Arcana looked at her mentor quizzically.

“You know that isn’t true!”, Twilight rose her voice to her pupil.

The room went dead silent for a moment.

Arcana turned to leave.

“Where do you think you’re going?”, Twilight questioned her.

“My presence is not wanted here, I’m going back to the archives.”, Arcana declared without turning to her teacher. She walked out the door and closed it, “Besides…”, she whispered to herself, “I’ve got a tea party to attend soon…”

Within the archives, Arcana set up a set of flasks and equipment to study her alchemy. She began looking through one of her books on the subject, flipping over to a specific page that was bookmarked. She read it over for a moment before picking up a tiny sealed bottle, no bigger than her thumb. It was filled with a clear liquid that one could mistake for water. She had took some teabags from the royal kitchen, telling the staff that they were for personal use, and placed them on her worktable. Arcana dripped the clear liquid on one of the teabags, allowing it to mix with the contents and dry. She picked up the packet and smiled slightly. She put the bag in her pocket and walked out the doors of the archives. It was about half an hour until tea time, Arcana walked towards the royal dining hall. She arrived at the time that the staff was just setting up everything for the Princess’ tea time ritual and leaving afterward. Arcana walked over to the teapot, opening the lid and removing the packet of tea and replacing it with hers. She walked outside with the extra packet and threw it in the shrubs nearby, “I hope the princess enjoys my new blend.”, she whispered to herself before sitting in her usual spot on the left hand side of the Princess, who had not arrived yet.

Princess Celestia entered the room, looking as regal as usual, “Hello, Arcana, eager for tea once more?”, the princess chuckled.

“Very eager, your Majesty, but more for your company than for tea. I will just nibble upon desserts today.”, Arcana said in a tone that seemed more cheery than usual.

“You sound happier than usual, anything special happening?”, The Princess asked as she took her seat and poured her tea.

“I mastered the spell you showed me. It took some time, but in the end, I learned how to do it.”, Arcana smiled at the Princess.

“That’s very impressive to learn such a spell, you should feel proud.”, the Princess congratulated the young one and took a sip of her tea.

“I’ve also been studying alchemy and chemistry.”, Arcana commented.

The Princess turned to Arcana with a smile and moved her mouth, no words coming out. The Princess’ face turned to an expression of shock as she kept trying to speak but to no avail.

Arcana glared at the Princess, who rose from her chair. Arcana’s veins began to glow with her magic very brightly, “I wouldn’t bother trying to talk if I were you, Refined Strangleroot tends to force the larynx to be paralyzed when ingested.”, Arcana explained as she stood and used her telekinesis to throw the Princess against the wall of the dining hall.

Celestia’s expression turned from shock to fury, she forced her hand toward Arcana, nothing happening to her surprise.

“Oh, trying to use magic? I’m afraid that won’t be possible due to the poison. All the magic in your blood has been depleted by it.”, Arcana smiled fully and chuckled. She summoned the glowing orb in her palm, “You know, I was thinking of just killing you with poison… But…”, she looked down at the orb in her hand, “When you showed me this spell, I just could not resist to end your life with it… I’m sure it is familiar to you. After all, you did kill my father with it…”, Arcana turned a glance to Celestia, who was shocked. Arcana shook her head, “You see, my father was trying to protect me when Discord cast his spell, my father acted as a sort of shield, absorbing the impact and leaving me under the table.”, Arcana glared at Celestia with severe anger, “I watched as you destroyed my father, but I couldn’t just tell anyone that you did, who would believe me? I decided that if I was going to get retribution, I would only get it by killing you myself… My mother is in absolute pain because of you, having to see her lose the person she loved so much because you wished his death… Sickening, you deserve worse than this.”, Arcana’s magic pulsed before she sent the orb forward into Celestia, the flash of light shining instantly and disappearing. Celestia was gone, and only a black stain upon the wall was left, “Farewell, Your Majesty…”, Arcana whispered as she left the room to flee the city.

Twilight was laying on her bed, thinking about Arcana being upset with her, “I just don’t think she is ready for that kid of magic yet…”, she was speaking to Rarity who was busy on her sewing machine, making a new outfit.

Rarity did not turn to Twilight, “Don’t worry, Twilight, a girl at that age will try to grow up fast, Sweetie went through the same phase. You’ll just have to wait it out.”

“I guess you’re right… but I still don’t believe that she thinks I don’t trust her. It’s not her intentions, I just don’t want her to get hurt doing that kind of magic.”, Twilight stared at the ceiling, confessing her thoughts to Rarity.

“Twilight, you have to let this go, I’m sure she’s fi-”, Rarity was interrupted as there was a knock on the door.

“I’ll get it.”, Twilight said as she got out of bed to get the door.

Upon opening the door, there was a guard awaiting on the other side, “Lady Sparkle, I have news for you. The Princess… is dead.”

Twilight gasped upon hearing the news, her eyes widening from the shock of her idol being gone now, “What happened?!”, she shouted in concern.

Rarity turned around from her work to listen to what was going on, scarcely able to believe what she heard.

The guard spoke again, “I do not know the details, but Lady Cura might know, she is in the dining hall.”, the winged guard took off after reporting to Twilight.

“How could this happen!?”, Twilight panicked while running outside with Rarity trailing behind her. Twilight ran to the dining hall to see many people examining the scene.

Cura was supervising the area and saw Twilight enter. She walked over to Twilight.

“What happened?”, Twilight asked hurriedly, eager to know how the Princess could have died.

Cura sighed while shaking her head, “We have a theory that Discord must have killed her, there is the same evidence here as the evidence present at War Heart’s murder…”, Cura explained to Twilight.

Twilight shook her head, “How could this happen…? She didn’t deserve to die…”, Twilight stared at the ground, the loss of her teacher sinking in. She suddenly thought of Arcana, “Where is Arcana? I haven’t seen her for an hour.”

Cura shook her head, “I don’t know, I never saw her today.”

Twilight grew worried of her own student, “I have to find her…”, Twilight said as she turned and ran for the Canterlot Archives to look for Arcana. She burst into the room to find it empty of people. She looked around frantically trying to find something that could signify some idea of where Arcana was. She overturned books and other items in search of clues but had no luck. She walked over to the wall, leaned against it and slid to the floor. “She’s gone… What am I going to do…?”, Twilight whispered to herself, shaking her head.

The Stranger was working in his sewer room, drawing up plans and ideas for Equestria that would hopefully change the face of the nation forever.

Discord popped into the room, looking at the plans over the Stranger’s shoulder, “I hope those plans account for Tia’s death.”, he spoke casually whilst floating behind the Stranger.

The Stranger looked forward, an unenthused look on his face, “Obviously, someone is working on changing things in this world as well… I need to know all the parties that are working to make a plan, I did not see either of these murders coming.”

Discord was smirking as he floated in mid-air, “I must say, ever since I made this change, things are getting rather interesting.”, Discord commented.

The Stranger turned to Discord, “Things will only get more out of control now, without one of royal blood on the throne, and no heirs, somebody else will have to take control. I doubt that any of the races will want the others to rule over them. I’ve noticed all of the higher class people here are capable of magic, they will probably seek to control the kingdom since the Princess is gone. This will probably spark a civil war… Things are about to get very exciting indeed.”, the stranger explained to Discord.

The next day, Arcana arrived at Ponyville. She walked off the train on to the platform. She looked to the sky and smiled at the bright day that was ahead of her. She moved off of the platform and headed towards Sugar Cube Corner. She walked inside to see her Aunt Sweet Heart. She had long dark purple hair, bright purple eyes, and bright grey wings, “Hello, Aunt Sweet Heart.”, Arcana greeted.

At the time, Sweet Heart was working on the sales of the last few days, going over them on a piece of paper. She looked up from the counter to see Arcana, “Arcana!”, Sweet Heart exclaimed as she hopped over the counter and hugged her niece, “How are you? Would you like some candy?”, Sweet Heart asked.

Arcana shook her head, “I am not hungry at the moment. I was only returning here because I have stopped studying magic at Canterlot.”, she explained.

Sweet Heart rose an eyebrow, “Why?”

“I did not want to be there anymore, I miss mother.”

“Aw, that’s so sweet, want me to go get her over here to see you?”, Sweet Heart asked Arcana.

“Yes, Please.”, Arcana nodded.

Sweet Heart stood up, “Hey, Pinkie! I’m going out for a bit, watch the store!”, Sweet Heart shouted towards the kitchen.

Pinkie shouted back from the kitchen, “Okie-dokie-lokie! I got it!”

Sweet Heart smiled as she walked out the door and flew off to Cloudsdale to find Rainbow Dash. Upon arriving she knocked on the door excitedly, bouncing up and down in front of the door.

Dash slowly opened the door, “Sweet Heart…?”, Dash looked at her quizzically.

Sweet Heart pushed the door open and hugged Dash, “Hi, Sis! I have a surprise for you! Come with me!”, Sweet Heart excitedly said before running out the door and taking off again.

Dash didn’t have any time to ask what was going on but ran out the door, closing it on her way out, then flew after Sweet Heart. She soon caught up to Sweet Heart, “So what’s going on?”, Dash asked her in flight.

“It’s a surpriiiise.”, Sweet Heart replied with a smile. They soon arrived at Sugar Cube Corner. They both stood outside as the door opened to reveal Arcana standing there, smiling to her mother.

Dash stood there as Arcana ran towards her. She went down on one knee as Arcana drew close and hugged her.

“I missed you, Mother… I’m sorry for everything I put you through…”, Arcana whispered to her mother in embrace, sounding like she was about to cry.

Dash was shocked to hear her daughter say this and began to tear up, “… I missed you too…”, Dash said, trying to hold back herself from crying, “… But what are you doing here?”, Dash asked.

“I decided that I would rather live closer to you than expand my knowledge of magic.”, Arcana explained to her mother.

“Where will you live?”, Dash asked her, concerned for her daughter’s well-being.

Sweet Heart spoke up, “I’d be happy to let her bunk with me!”, she said excitedly.

Dash sighed in relief, glad to know that Arcana will be looked after and not being forced to move into the cabin, still filled with so many memories. She hugged her daughter once more, “I’m so glad your back, Arcana…”

Another day passed, Arcana woke up around noon, alone in the room she shared with Pinkie and her Aunt, who were already awake and working. Arcana looked out the window, smiling at the sunny day outside. She hopped out of bed and walked downstairs to the store level. Everyone was busy in the kitchen so Arcana walked outside without seeing anybody. As she got outside, she saw her friends: Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle. She waved to them, which they walked over to her.

“Hey, Arcana, what are you doing here?”, Scootaloo asked.

Arcana smiled and replied, “I have returned to Ponyville, I decided I learned all I wanted of magic.”

“Great, mah sister told me that Canterlot was boring anyway.”, Apple Bloom chuckled.

“And now that you’re here, fun levels will be at maximum efficiency.”, Sweetie Belle spoke in a strange tone.

Arcana looked at Sweetie Belle quizzically, “Is something wrong with her?”, Arcana asked the others.

“Oh, Sweeties jus’ been doin’ that the last little while, her skin is a bit colder lately too, but we don’ really mind.”, Apple Bloom explained.

“Very well, what are you three doing anyway?”, Arcana asked.

Scootaloo spoke up, “We’re going to climb on buildings and houses. Sometimes we race across town, the rules are you can’t touch the ground. You in?”

Arcana pondered for a moment, “Isn’t that a bit dangerous?”

“That’s half the fun.”, Scootaloo smirked.

Arcana thought more before speaking, “Sounds like fu-”, she was interrupted as the Mayor began an announcement.

“Ladies and Gentlemen! Some grave news has come to my attention! Gather around!”, The Mayor shouted for all to hear. Everyone gathering in town square to hear what she had to say. After everyone was present she began her announcement, “I’m afraid it has come to my attention that Princess Celestia has passed away! Our ruler is no longer with us. Now, her advisor of culture, Blazing Dawn, will be overseeing the kingdom now.”

“I have a question!”, a man’s voice called out from the crowd, “I thought Celestia was the one that moved the sun and moon to make day and night?”

The mayor opened her mouth to answer but then stopped as she found that she didn’t have one, “I’m not sure if I can answer that, I do not know.”

The voice called out again, “Celestia was not as powerful as she claimed to be!”, the man with coal coloured hair stood near the mayor, “Celestia claimed to make day and night, we believed her to be powerful enough to rule us. Now she’s dead, and the sun sets and rises still without her! We’ve been deceived into serving her, and I’m sure the unicorn that is taking charge will be no better!”, the man shouted to the crowd, which was now murmuring in agreement other than those who were unicorns before the great change from ponies to humans. The unicorns walked away from the crowd, either from feeling insulted or ostracized.

The man spoke again, “We should declare independence from Equestria! We don’t need the big wigs in Canterlot telling us what to do, what authority do they even have?!”

The crowd cheered in agreement once more which was now comprised of almost all past Earth ponies.

Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Arcana were all watching from afar. Scoot turned to the others, “This isn’t good, how can this happen?”, she whispered to her friends.

Arcana knew what happened, she knew her actions of murdering the Princess would have started this, but she acted as if she was shocked all the same.

Apple Bloom looked at the others, “Maybe this is more than it really is?”, she suggested.

Sweetie was silent, unsure of what to say.

“We should probably head over to our hideout.”, Scoot suggested before running off and leading the way, the others following her, Arcana was too small to follow on her own so she lost them soon.

Arcana stopped and turned around, heading back to Sugar Cube Corner.

After the crowd dispersed, the man with the coal-coloured hair walked away into the alley way nearby. He smirked, “Fools… They have no idea what is going to happen soon. This war will cover all of Equestria… and when the dead outnumber the living, it will be too late and his return will not be stopped this time…”, he whispered to himself as he shrank back into the shadows and disappeared.

Over the next week, tensions between Glows, a new term for those who were once Unicorns, and Earthbound, the name of the Earth Ponies, were growing. Unicorns supported the new ruler, Blazing Dawn, believing that he could run the kingdom. The Earthbound thought that the Glows had no right to rule over Earthbound and Winged Ones. The Winged Ones also declared independence from Equestria, on account they did not want to be forced into a conflict they did not see as necessary. There were of course some Earthbound who saw that the Glows had unmistakeable power and remained loyal to Equestria. Most of the Royal Guards at Canterlot remained at their place, as did the advisors for the new ruler. In this time of stress, Blazing Dawn declared martial law, using the royal guards to patrol the streets and enforce a curfew in every town that was still under their complete control, which amounted to more than half of Equestria.

Most of the Glows in Ponyville had moved from town to live in a place that was still loyal to Equestria. The Winged Ones would not leave or act on things unless forced to, not wanting to anger either party. The land had been divided, lines were drawn, and they were about to be crossed.

In Ponyville, the mayor was taken from her place of power. She was being replaced with a new Earthbound man with long green hair and amber eyes. Nobody knew him very well, but something about him made everyone seem to trust him with leadership. He was wise and strong as a leader, making sure the people of Ponyville were protected and free, sometimes personally taking night watch duties to look out for possible invasions. He started up a local militia, giving them training himself, but not in a disciplinary way, but teaching them to become more primal when going into battle. He taught to fight with passion.

Orion lived in Ponyville with AppleJack still, he supported the Earthbound’s movement to be independent. He’d become physically stronger from working on Sweet Apple Acres for quite some time now, ever since he returned from Dragon Land almost six years ago. He and AppleJack had a child, around the same time War Heart and Rainbow Dash had Air Heart, the child was a Glow named Apple Star, a little girl.

The Glows who wished to stay hidden from persecution could easily do so by not doing magic, seeing as that was their only means of showing they were a Glow, it was pretty easy.

The legends of the freezing winters were proving to be true in the presence of disharmony between those who used to be ponies. The windigos worked their magic, creating freezing weather that the Winged Ones had trouble suppressing but managed to do so enough that food could still be grown. Everyone was becoming bitter, needing more land to grow food, turning their gazes on what each of the others had.

“If this keeps up, our stockpiles of food will run out, we need to find some way to increase our food output.”, a Winged One spoke in a serious tone in the chamber where the advisors and Lord Dawn held a meeting. He was the economic advisor.

The Winged General who was the military advisor for Lord Dawn spoke next, “I say we take it from the traitorous fellows in Ponyville, they are only one town with no true military power, we could crush them with a battalion of Royal Guardsmen. Then when they are helpless and hungry, they’ll come crawling back to Equestrian rule.”

Cura stood up, “The people there are not as weak as you may think, General. Open battle would be a declaration of war. We need to unite people, not create needless bloodshed!”, the young pink-haired woman angrily shouted.

The General stood up, slamming the table with his fists, “Listen, Missy, I’ve been around a lot longer than you have. I know a thing or two about how to win a war!”

“We are not even at war!”, Cura yelled at the General.

“A bit of civility, please?”, Lord Dawn spoke in a calm tone. Both advisors taking a seat and apologizing. “I know we may not like the idea, but the attitudes towards us are very negative, it is almost an even split in the Earthbound that are separatist and loyal. If we attack without warning, we will be depicted as tyrants. First we will create a false attack on a town, pin it on Ponyville, then we may go in and arrest the leader of Ponyville who organised the attack.”, Lord Dawn explained to his advisors, mostly instructing the General on what to do.

“Lord Dawn, isn’t that a little… deceptive?”, Cura asked.

“I’m afraid we are pressed for time, we are running out of food and we must unite the people to our cause as well as make the other side look like the bad ones.”, Lord Dawn explained.

Cura sighed, knowing that she had to do as she was told.

They all stood up from their seats, the meeting had concluded. They all left to their respective offices. Lord Dawn remained in the conference room, he sat in silence.

A dim green light flashed from behind Lord Dawn, who turned to face it.

Lord Dawn looked to the newcomer, “It is done, I will have everything in place to start this war.”

The newcomer had coal-coloured hair, “Excellent, I will make the necessary preparations…”, he said with a smile and vanished in the same way he appeared.