Luna didn't bother knocking, she knew she wouldn't get a response. Her horn shone dimly as she gently nudged open the door to Celestia's chamber. After yesterday's events, and the fact that Celestia had raised the Sun without stepping outside, Luna had deduced that her sister had never left her room. She took a deep breath and trotted inside, hoping to get the worst out of the way early.

She took a deeper breath as she gazed upon her older sister. Celestia was curled up on her bed, staring up at Luna sorrowfully. Her muzzle was streaked with tears, and her flowing mane was now a dishevelled mess. What really startled Luna, however, was her eyes. They looked tired, as if she hadn't slept all night. Only, as alicorns they were both gifted with amazing longevity, and Luna knew that they could both go for days without sleep and barely be affected. There was only one way the puffiness and redness around her sister's eyes could have formed so quickly.

'She hasn't just been crying recently, she's being crying all night...' Luna felt her heart break, but didn't allow herself to show it. They had to figure things out as soon as possible, hopefully even rectify the situation before things got any worse, there would be time for sadness later.

"W-What is it, Luna?" Celestia rasped.

Luna advanced but said nothing until she set herself down on the bed beside her sister, sighing heavily, "Celestia, I know it's not a good time. Actually, it's probably a terrible one, but we have much to discuss..."

Celestia bit her lip and nodded slowly, trying to stop herself from crying again as she anticipated the outcome, 'Twilight left me because of what I did, what if Luna does too?'

Luna reached a comforting wing around her sister, knowing what she must be going though, "It's alright, big sister. I won't leave you, or hurt you, no matter what happened. I promise. But I need to know, Celestia. Is what Twilight said in the throne chamber true? Were you somehow directly responsible for Spike's death? And where does you lying to me and the others come into it?"

Celestia gulped and briefly looked away, considering telling her it wasn't so. But as she looked back at her little sister, the one that had fought and ruled by her side, the one who still loved her despite being banished to the moon for a thousand years by Celestia herself, the only pony she could ever truly confide in, she decided against it, 'No more lies, it's time to fess up...'

"What!? You told me it would only hurt him!" They were barely a few minutes into the conversation, and already Luna was finding it difficult to control herself.

"I lied, Luna. I'm so, so sorry."

"There's a massive difference between a spell that hurts and a spell that's effectively a death sentence! Why didn't you just tell me!?"

"Would you really have used it if I had?"

"No."

"Exactly, that's because you actually care about others. Twilight was right..." tears streaked down her face, "I really am a monster..."

After several tense seconds Luna took a calming breath before embracing her sister again, "You're not a monster. You did what you thought had to be done to save lives, and whilst I don't agree with it, I understand why you did so."

"But I still told you to cast the spell! I effectively made you kill him!"

"Actually, whilst it is true that you had me cast it, the fact of the matter - no matter how terrible - is that Spike was impaled. The spell didn't kill him."

"Technicalities! He would have died regardless! I sent him to die for no reason!"

"The reason was to protect Ponyville during the evacuation. And besides, had Spike not been able to intervene, myself, Twilight and Rarity would almost certainly be dead. I doubt he would've wanted to live on if his two most precious ponies were taken from him in the process."

"..."

"Alright... So you lied to me about the spell, and Twilight blames you for sending Spike to die..."

"I'm so sorry Luna..."

"It's... alright. This has certainly created a gap between us, but we'll fill it in time. Right now, there's work to be done. What did she mean when she said you lied to the others?"

Celestia looked puzzled for a moment before speaking, "She mentioned Fluttershy..." she cringed as she remembered what Twilight had shrieked as she was dragged away, "She said that I lied to her. I think she was talking about when Discord was sealed..."

"What do you mean?"

"I was worried about what Discord might do if he were allowed to roam free after the incident, so I told Fluttershy that there was no way he was innocent. He had to be sealed there and then, it was the only way to persuade her."

"And he really was innocent?" Luna seemed sceptical.

"That's the thing..." Celestia brooded, "All the time he seemed far too... serious. And he kept maintaining that he was innocent, only stopping when I threatened to reprimand Fluttershy..."

"So you believe he may actually be innocent after all?"

"No, it's Discord we're talking about after all. Still, I can't help but feel as if he really wasn't fully responsible."

Luna held up a hoof to silence her before speaking, "Sister, when all this is over we're going to release him and hear things from his side, understood?"

Her expression left no room for argument, and after a few moments Celestia simply sighed wearily, "Alright, Luna. I suppose we should at least give him a chance..."

The younger alicorn managed a small smile, "Thank you Celestia, for coming clean about everything I mean. I know that you only told those lies to protect everypony, but you know what they say about the road being paved with good intentions..." Celestia simply nodded in response. Luna thought back, "I remember Pinkie accusing you of lying after Spike's funeral, did she know about the spell somehow?"

Celestia shook her head, "I don't think so, but there's a lot I need to tell you about her and..." a shadow passed across her features momentarily, "Her family. But, if it's all the same to you, I'd prefer that we talk about that another time. As for her accusations, I think she noticed my guilt and realised I had more to do with it than I was letting on. But after her letter of apology it seems as if she's forgiven me, even if she never truly knew of my involvement..." Another grim shadow cast itself over Celestia's face, 'Although her behaviour that day made her seem to be more certain than that. There's no way she could know about... that. Is there?' Haunting memories crept up on Celestia, ghosts of a troubled past returning to possess her.

Luna noticed her sister's expression and nuzzled her gently snapping her from her dark thoughts, "I'm always here for you, no matter what. And don't worry about Twilight, I'm going to fix everything as soon as I can, okay?"

Celestia's response became choked with tears of gratitude, "T-Thank you so m-much Luna!" she sobbed into her sister's mane.

Once the tears stopped, Luna stood and trotted over to the door, "I'll talk to her tomorrow, we need to repair the damages to the throne room in time for the next courts. In the mean time, I suggest you take a walk to clear your head..." She flashed a cheeky grin as she turned her head back to her sister, "But seriously, do something with your hair first, it looks like you've been attacked by a pack of timberwolves!" She darted out the door moments before the magically-propelled-pillow could hit its mark, "Missed!" she called back as she darted down the corridor and out of sight, leaving Celestia shaking her head, but smiling.

Two days had passed since the incident, not that Twilight really noticed, or cared. After arriving back at her old home she had - upon being released by the guards - trotted past her parents and up to her room, locking the door behind her. She hadn't left since. Not when she heard her mother's shock downstairs as the guards explained what she had done. Not when her father had demanded that she open the door and explain herself. Not even to eat. She was thankful for her en-suite bathroom, removing any pressing need for her to leave the confines of her room at all, which was great, as she had no intention of going anywhere else any time soon. She felt betrayed and angry, and the feelings only intensified as she spent the last two days sitting, quite literally, in the darkness.

'Why!? I gave her a second chance, and even then she lied to me! What am I saying!? I know why! Because I adored her, and all that time it was all just a huge lie! Some sick game for her own amusement! I won't let her play with my feelings any more! After what she did, I-'

Her train of thought was interrupted by a voice from downstairs. However muffled it was, she knew it was familiar, and that it didn't belong to either of her parents, nor Shining Armor, whom she had expected; it certainly belonged to a mare. She listened, but couldn't make out the conversation. Then she heard hoofsteps, thumping against the carpet as her parents and the visitor ascended the stairs, growing louder as they approached her room. Then they stopped. "Twilight..." It was her mother's voice, but it sounded unmistakeably worried, "Princess Luna is here to see you..."

Twilight's stomach turned to ice as she sat bolt upright, staring at the door through the darkness. "Please, Twilight. Open the door. The Princess just wants to talk... Twilight, please! Your father and I are-"

Twilight cut her off abruptly, speaking for the first time since she'd entered the house, "She can let herself in." Several moments of silence followed, followed by a small blue light glowing around the lock, opening the door with a click.

Luna stepped into the room. It was dark, but the light from the hallway shone a beam of light down the middle of the room, and onto Twilight's bed. Twilight looked... relatively normal... Asides from her mane being slightly frazzled, and the sunkenness around her eyes, she looked perfectly composed. Too composed. She was sitting bolt upright, and her mouth was drawn into a thin line, her face expressionless. Luna stood there for a few seconds before Twilight spoke, "Close the door please, Princess." Her tone was flat and emotionless.

Luna obliged, turning and giving her parents a reassuring nod before slowly closing the door with her magic, plunging the room into darkness. When Twilight didn't continue, Luna decided to get things started, "May I open the curtains, Twilight?"

"Yes."

As light washed into the room once more Twilight couldn't help but scrunch her eyes shut as they adjusted. Luna stayed where she stood until Twilight looked back up at her, "I want to start off by saying I'm sorry." Twilight blinked in surprise as Luna continued, "I should never have used that spell on Spike without knowing what could happen."

Twilight took a few seconds to register what she meant, "You didn't know?"

Luna shook her head in response, "No. And I never would have done it if i had known beforehoof. I'm sorry, Twilight, it's all my fault." A glow surrounded Luna's horn as she trotted up to Twilight and touched their horns together. The ring that was still latched to Twilight's horn expanded and was levitated off at the same time as the glow spread to her own horn.

Twilight felt her magic return to her once again. She looked up at the alicorn's sad expression and relaxed her posture, sympathy washing over her, "It's alright. If you didn't know, then you're not to blame..." Twilight slumped as she thought of who was to blame for the thousandth time.

"So, you forgive me for what I did?" Twilight simply nodded and gave her a weak smile.

"Thank you, Twilight. I know times have been tough for you recently, especially after the recent... fight. Celestia told me everything yesterday, and I can honestly tell you that she's torn up inside about everything that happened. Especially what you did, and said. She truly is deeply sorry Twilight, and I need to know, even if you're not ready to tell her yet, can you ever find it in your heart to forgive her and move on?"

Luna's pleading expression was met with Twilight's, which had turned stone cold, "Sorry isn't enough. Unless she brings Spike back, then the answer is no. And even if she could, I don't think I could ever see her the same way as I once did."

Tears formed in the corners of Luna's eyes, but she blinked them back, "Twilight, please! Even I don't agree with what my sister did, but she only lied because she thought it was the best way to help ponies, and she didn't lie to you when she said all those things about your accomplishments in the throne room, no matter how much you think she did. She loves you, Twilight! She truly does care! If you had seen the state she'd gotten herself into after what happened, you'd know!"

Twilight's expression remained dispassionate, "I'm sorry, Princess. But because of her my little brother is dead. He was only a baby, Luna, at least by dragon standards, and now he's dead, and every moment I spend alive is another moment that he could be spending with us, had Celestia not told you to cast that damned spell. Even if what you're saying is true, if I'm wrong, and she does truly care, it still doesn't change the fact that he's gone because of her, and I won't ever forgive her for that." She looked at Luna's distraught face for several moments, then sighed, "Would you have forgiven me if I had succeeded in killing your sister?"

Anger briefly shot through Luna as she remembered the events, and how close she had been to losing Celestia, "I'm going to be truthful with you Twilight. No, I don't think I could have... In all honesty I'm still furious about what happened." she conceded, "You're one of my closest friends, Twilight, but now I'm having to choose between siding with my friend or my sister, and I don't appreciate that."

Twilight knew that Luna had every right to be angry, but she retorted all the same, "The same sister that banished you to the moon for a thousand years?" Twilight recoiled from her position, tumbling from the bed as pure murderous rage radiated from the Princess. It only now occurred to Twilight that she had never been on the receiving end of a rage-fuelled attack from any alicorn. Even when Celestia had almost incinerated her, it had only been in self defence. Staring up at Luna now, Twilight found herself quaking uncontrollably with fear, cowering as far away from her as possible. Despite the mortal peril she was in, she still couldn't help but berate herself as she recalled the plans she had thought over repeatedly over the past two days, 'What the hell was I thinking!? I'm nowhere near powerful enough to fight Celestia! I'm weak...'

Twilight could feel herself suffocating, not even daring to breathe for fear of incurring the Princess' wrath. Luna was taking heaving breaths, desperately trying to suppress the urge to strangle the mare. Then she saw the fear in Twilight's eyes. After a furious internal debate, she relented, falling back into her sitting position on the bed, though she still breathed deeply. Silence reigned for over a minute before Twilight's voice - barely a whisper - was heard as she stood, "P-Princess, I'm s-sorry." Luna looked over to her, Twilight was still shaking and tears were evidently building in her eyes.

Luna said nothing, instead diving towards the younger mare and embracing her, "It's alright, Twilight. I... forgive you. You're hurting inside, it's not your fault. You're filled with anger, and pain, and it's time you let it all out."

The unicorn responded by throwing her own hooves around the alicorn, burying her head deep into her mystical mane and weeping uncontrollably, crying out between sobs, "Why - did things - have to be - like this!? - Why did - Celes - tia do this - to me!? - I thought - she cared - about me! I trusted - her! - Spike's gone - and it's all - my fault! - I should have - protected him - but I thought - Celestia would - know best - then she... " This continued for several minutes, all the while Luna just stood beside her, consoling her as best she could until her sobs eventually died down.

Once they did she nuzzled the unicorn gently, "Better?"

Twilight nodded in response as she wiped away her tears, "I'm sorry Luna. I shouldn't have said that... I don't deserve your friendship..."

Luna held up a hoof in response, "No more. Think nothing of it. This is about you, not me. I can tell something is still troubling you deeply, well, other than what we've already discussed."

Twilight nodded, but looked on the verge of tears once again, "Those guards I hurt, I nearly... crushed them." She stared at her hooves, and her voice shook with fear as she spoke, "Please Luna, please tell me they're alright!"

Luna smiled reassuringly at her. It was becoming clearer that the Twilight they knew and loved was still there; just as caring and considerate as she'd always been, "They're alright, Twilight. I won't sugar coat it, their injuries were bad, but they're both expected to make a full recovery. It'll just take a few months."

Although a wave of relief washed over her, Twilight still dipped her head and closed her eyes, "I hurt them, Luna... I didn't even see them as ponies." She looked up at Luna, worry clear on her face, "I saw them as obstacles! And when they didn't move, targets! What's wrong with me!?"

Luna placed a comforting hoof on her shoulder, "Anger is a dangerous thing, especially so in cases such as yours. It can change your perception of many things. For instance, when you saw Celestia, did you see the mentor who took you under her wing when you were a filly, the one who you admired and aspired to be, or did you see the... 'monster' who sent your brother to die?" Twilight simply nodded ashamedly at the final statement, "It happens to the best of us sooner or later. What matters is what we do afterwards to put things right. Once we're thinking straight again."

Twilight averted her eyes as she spoke, "But that's the thing... I still see Celestia that way - a monster - and I don't think I'll ever be able to change that. I hate her for what she's done..."

Luna sighed, she had hoped to at least lay the foundations of the bridge that would re-unite her sister and her Faithful Student, but now she realised it would probably take much longer than just one visit. Instead, she decided to change the course of the conversation, at least for the moment, "I understand... How about we talk about something else for a while? You look very tired, have you slept at all since you arrived here?"

Twilight shook her head and dragged a forehoof across the floor, "I tried, but the nightmares are back again. I can't sleep for more than a few dozen minutes at a time."

Luna's eyes widened, "Oh Twilight! I'm sorry!" Twilight glanced up in surprise, "It's my fault! When I... took your magic away it must've cancelled the spell! Here, let me re-cast it..."

Twilight stepped back and shook her head as Luna lowered her horn, "I-I'd prefer if you didn't, Princess." Luna gave her a concerned look as she continued, "I know it sounds strange, but it's because the nightmares have changed. I don't think you'll want to see these..."

Luna sceptically raised an eyebrow. She respected Twilight's privacy, but this was serious! "Twilight, whatever these nightmares hold, they can't possibly be any worse than the Nightmare I myself once became, the Nightmare you yourself freed me from. No matter how horrible they may be, I think it's about time I repay my debt to you regardless."

Twilight sighed but nodded her head slowly, "Okay, but at least let me warn you of what they've been about." The Princess nodded and gestured for her to continue as she cast the spell, "I'm in the throne room, but I can't move, or speak. Celestia just smiles at me from the throne. Then out of nowhere, Spike appears." Her voice choked a little, "Baby Spike. He turns to me and starts talking. I never hear what he says, I just see his mouth moving... Celestia gets up, and trots towards him, still smiling. I try every time... I always try to warn him, to tell him to get away, but I just can't! My mouth won't move! Then... when she finally reaches him... she..." Twilight stopped, tears welling in her eyes once again, her entire body shaking. Luna enveloped the unicorn in another hug as the spell finished, "She..."

Luna just shook her head at the unicorn, indicating that she need not say any more. Twilight gulped and looked up at the Princess as she stepped back, "Thank you so much, Princess."

The Princess smiled down at her as she spoke, "I'll send the guards outside back to the castle, you are no longer being punished and may leave the house whenever you like. Your magic is also back under your control." Her tone remained gentle but had an edge of firmness to it, "I'm doing so because I've seen that you're hurting enough as it is, and because you are genuinely sorry about the ponies you hurt. Well, my sister excluded. You haven't changed, Twilight. Your circumstances have certainly changed. Your views on Celestia and probably myself may have changed too. But you're still the same Twilight that befriended me when nopony else dared approach me. You're a good pony who has been put through some of the worst things the world can throw at her, all at once. I'm giving you your magic and your freedom because I know that you will use it for good. I understand that you don't forgive Celestia, and I'm not going to try and force you to, that choice is up to you. But I want you to prove to me that I've made the right decision, Twilight. I'd suggest staying clear of the castle, you aren't ready for another meeting with my sister, be it intended or accidental, and truthfully nor is she. Maybe it would be a good idea for you to go back to Ponyville and check up on your friends?"

Twilight nodded slowly, "Yeah... I was going to stay for Shining Armor's visit, but honestly I don't feel like seeing him now. He has an empire to manage, he doesn't need to be worrying about me too."

"Perhaps you're right. When are you planning on leaving?"

Twilight paused for several seconds as a thought occurred to her, "In the morning. I want to explain everything to my parents before I leave."

Luna nodded and stepped back, flexing her wings slightly against her sides, "I have to get back to the castle, the moon must be raised soon." She turned to the door, "Remember Twilight. You're a good pony. Spread that goodness to those around you and you'll find some of the pieces of yourself you think you've lost. I promise." With that, the door swung open and Luna stepped out, taking a few more steps and closing the door behind her without looking back.

Twilight simply sat staring at the door. Her eyes fell to her hooves, "Thank you, Luna..." She felt some comfort in the words of the Princess, but they didn't mix well with what she was feeling inside. How could a 'good pony' plan on vengeance? She couldn't help but amend the statement in her head, 'Thank you, Luna... But I am not a good pony...'

Twilight sat up on her bed, unsure of what to do. Luna had left over an hour ago, leaving Twilight alone with her parents once again. She had taken the opportunity to finally talk to them a little about what had happened in the throne room, but explained that it would take a lot longer than she currently felt up to. She was tired, and it showed. She had departed for her room to get some much needed rest - despite the fact that it was only just starting to get dark - after only a few minutes. But when she had climbed into bed her mind began swimming with unwanted thoughts. Primarily, 'I'm nowhere near powerful enough to fight Celestia! I'm weak...' which looped endlessly like a stuck record.

She glanced outside her window. It was dark now, the moon high in the night sky, gently illuminating the tallest spires of the castle. Her gaze fell from the moon, to the towers, to the main section of the castle. Her eyes lingered there for several moments before she made her decision, 'Sorry, Princess. Staying clear of the castle will have to wait.'

Most ponies would never even consider sneaking into the castle after dark. Guards were posted at almost every doorway, with more patrolling the halls tirelessly. The punishments for being caught creeping around after dark could be very severe indeed, especially if the perpetrators had less-than-pleasant intentions. And that was only on the lower levels. At night the upper floors of the castle were the epitome of overkill when it came to security. The few that actually dared to try and infiltrate would spend months learning the layout of the castle, and the change in shifts as the guards rotated. They would meticulously plan their route to their objective, taking into account time frames and setbacks. They would triple-check their equipment. Twice. Before setting out. Then, more often than not, they would be caught, after making the grave mistake of attempting to do so at night, when the security was at its most formidable.

Fortunately, Twilight wasn't either of these groups of ponies. She'd already done this before, with a reasonable amount of success. Even when she had been discovered - by both the guards and Celestia - she didn't even receive a harsh word. She was certain she could have simply waltzed back to her destination were it not for her fight with Princess Celestia. Not that it mattered, Twilight had spent years studying in the castle. By memory alone she could navigate the halls of the castle with as much ease as the guards who patrolled them every day, and recall the general routes most guards would take. She carefully poked her head around the pillar to see two guards trotting up towards her, chatting idly, 'This is going to require some good timing...'

As the guards drew closer a gravelly voice came into focus, "-eard they're still in the infirmary. Apparently Morning Star had it the worst, though. Multiple fractured ribs and a collapsed lung. Dunno when they're gonna be able to release him yet."

The other voice - distinctly feminine - responded, "It's terrible. What happened in Ponyville was bad enough, but now we're being attacked here too..." The pair approached the opposite end of the pillar. Twilight made sure to conceal the glow of her horn as she teleported to the other side of it and behind them silently, remaining still as they trotted away, "And by the ponies we trust the most. I mean, before that the two were on nothing but the best of terms with each other. Now this... If we can't even relax around Princess Celestia's own personal protégé, then who can we trust?"

As their conversation began to fade, Twilight turned and continued her journey with quiet and cautious hoofsteps, 'Anypony but the Princess herself, it seems.'

Twilight stepped out into the statue garden and was immediately relieved that her assumptions were correct, no guards were patrolling in the immediate area, 'As long as I keep to the shadows, I'll be fine.' With soft earth beneath her hooves she relaxed her hoofsteps slightly, no longer having to worry about the sound they would create against a marble floor. She wasted no time as she reached Discord's prison, laying on the ground behind the statue, all but invisible to anypony who wasn't specifically looking for her. With a deep breath, she closed her eyes.

"Twilight Sparkle? I dare say I'm pleasantly surprised." Discord looked towards her quizzically as her form manifested in the mindscape, "Although in all honesty, I wasn't expecting you to return. I suppose all has been resolved and forgiven then?" Twilight didn't speak, and her expression was sunken as she considered what she was going to ask of him. Discord raised an eyebrow and dropped the joviality from his voice, "Okay. Now I'm just surprised. Very surprised. I was sure that you and Celestia would've talked things over after you'd calmed down, and that you would have revealed my secret to her soon afterwards." Twilight shook her head in response. Discord leaned forward slightly, genuinely intrigued, "So what brings you here then, Twilight Sparkle?"

A great pause followed as Twilight made her decision. Twilight's expression turned from sad to calm and emotionless, "Revenge. Celestia doesn't deserve to live after what she's done. I've come to make you an offer."

Discord's curious expression was wiped from his face. He blinked, then spoke, "I'm sorry, come again?"

"I want Celestia dead by my hooves, and I want your help to do it."

Discord stared at her in disbelief for almost half a minute before he composed himself. "That... was not what I was expecting."

Twilight would've allowed a fraction of a smile to work it's way onto her face, had she not been thinking of her circumstances, 'This isn't like in the throne chamber... I'm planning to kill a pony - even if she deserves it - in cold blood. This is pre-meditated. This is murder! And yet, after what Celestia has done, it seems almost too kind...'

Discord coughed slightly before speaking, "I take it the meeting with Celestia didn't occur peacefully then?"

"No. I tried to kill her, and she nearly killed me. Needless to say, she won by a landslide, and all she was doing was defending herself."

"I... see." Discord's face was still a mask of shock, even if his tone was level. Of everything that could have happened, he never expected this, "Well, before we discuss this 'offer' of yours, I'm going to tell you one thing outright. You physically cannot kill Celestia."

Twilight's emotionless expression gave way to rage and disbelief, "What!?"

"To truly 'kill' beings such as Celestia, Luna and, to some extent, myself, you must first destroy the connection they have with their allocated responsibilities. Unless you plan on destroying the sun - dooming all life on the planet in the process - then properly killing Celestia is impossible. As long as the sun exists, no matter how many times Celestia 'dies', the next time the sun has to rise there's literally a 'poof', and she's back. Besides, even I could only even hope to perform such a feat at the full height of my power, so I don't think your plan is exceptionally feasible."

Twilight was seething. This new revelation did nothing but stir up more hatred from within her, "She's immortal!? She can't even die!? And she still sends other ponies to die for her!? She still sent Spike to die for her!?"

"In short, yes." Discord said as flatly as possible, trying to remain passive, "Though I may have an alternative solution to the problem. Tell me about the 'offer' you were going to make, and I'll see whether or not what I have in mind would work."

Twilight took deep breaths to calm herself before speaking, "Okay. I was considering releasing you from your prison. In return I wanted you to help me exact my revenge, seen as though we both share a common enemy here."

Discord nodded, "Correct. However, if I escaped I wouldn't go out of my way to harm Celestia so much as hide from her. There isn't much in this for me..."

Twilight looked up at him flatly, "It doesn't matter now anyway. If I can't kill her, there's no point. She wins."

Discord scowled in response, "Not necessarily. Whilst you may not be able to kill her, there are plenty of other ways you can exact vengeance. And I dare say some of them are worse than death itself..." he said cryptically.

"I'm listening..."

"Despite what you have seen in Celestia recently, she truly does love the peace and prosperity of Equestria. She poured her heart and soul into raising this continent from the ashes of my reign and beginning anew, and she succeeded. Take away the love of her subjects, take away the peace, take away the very ideals of love and unity that Equestria was founded upon, and what is Celestia? An immortal alicorn, I'll grant her that, but what else? Nothing. The Princess of a dying nation. It will take a long time, but I believe that if you truly want revenge on behalf of your brother, this is the one thing that will hurt her the most."

Twilight couldn't help but let her jaw drop, "But what you're suggesting, it's... it's... I couldn't do that... I just couldn't..."

"That is the problem. If you are truly serious about avenging your brother, then you must be willing to sacrifice a part of yourself in the process. It's the only way."

"I..." Twilight fell into deep thought, her morality waging an all-out war against what she knew was right and just, 'Does the end justify the means?'

Discord spoke up upon realising that Twilight wasn't planning on continuing, "As for my end of the deal, I'll help you achieve this, but in the end I want my throne back. Unfortunately, I know enough about you to realise that the chances of you giving the throne to me of all creatures are roughly on par with a snowball's chance in hell, so how about this? Upon the completion of our goals we will establish a new order over Equestria. We will rule as a diarchy, in the same manner as the regal sisters do now. We will split our duties in half. Whilst I manage the distribution of chaos across the land, you will be responsible for managing the spread of harmony; perhaps we could even come up with some sort of system. After all, one can't exist without the other. Of course, this is all if you're willing to do what it takes to avenge your brother's death. If you need more time, feel free to go and return whenever you have come to your decision, it's not as if I'm going anywhere in a hurry."

Twilight had been subconsciously staring at the same patch of darkness throughout Discord's offer. Only now did she move as she shook her head, "No. That won't be necessary. I've already made my decision." She stood proudly before Discord, staring into his eyes with new-found confidence that she had made the right choice, "The end justifies the means." Upon hearing herself say those words, she dropped her façade and shrunk away, averting her eyes ashamedly, "I-I'll do whatever it takes to hurt Celestia and avenge my brother, no matter the cost." A lone tear streaked down her face.

"Then we have an agreement, Twilight Sparkle."

"So... W-What now?" Twilight stuttered, still not truly believing that she had agreed to this.

Discord stroked his beard absent-mindedly, "First thing's first, I need freeing from this prison if I'm to be of any use, and that's going to be difficult. I'm still working on a plan of escape, but this is what I have so far. I need you to go back to Ponyville and rally as many of your fellow Bearers to your cause as you can, subtly. In exactly one month the preparations for my escape should be complete. When that time comes, I need you - and whoever you can persuade to follow you - to return here with their corresponding Elements of Harmony. I don't know how you'll go about doing it, but only those who you are sure will follow you down the path you have chosen should come, otherwise they'll probably alert the princesses. Of all your friends, the two I would most like you to bring are Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie. Rainbow Dash's loyalty would prove an invaluable asset to our cause, though because of that it may be difficult to convince her in the first place; and I have my own reasons for wanting Pinkie Pie here. I'd also like to speak to Fluttershy before we go through with this. I doubt she'll follow us, but I'd like to speak with my only friend one last time before we leave."

Twilight nodded, "So, you want me to head back to Ponyville, persuade my friends to join me without mentioning anything that would lead them to seek out the princesses, and return in one month with whoever I convince, Elements in tow?"

"Precisely. I think it's safe to say that you could probably tell Fluttershy about what's going on, I doubt she'd say anything if you asked her not to. As for Pinkie Pie, tell her that, 'Discord has a cure, for the both of you.' I know it sounds cryptic, but she'll understand what it means. Convincing the others will be up to you though I'm afraid. Do you have any questions?"

"Too many to ask right now. I honestly can't believe I'm doing this. I know it has to be done, but it makes me feel sick..."

"This is exactly what I meant when I said you would have to sacrifice a piece of yourself. There will come times where you'll have to put your morals and emotions aside, and push on. I know you don't truly believe in 'the ends justifying the means', otherwise you wouldn't feel like you do. That's fine. So long as you have the steel to do what needs to be done, and I can see very clearly that you do, Twilight Sparkle."

Twilight looked up at him and sighed, feeling as if the weight of the world was bearing down upon her, "Thanks, I guess..." She paused briefly, "Discord... How long do you expect the duration of the plan to take?"

Discord looked down at her sympathetically, "Years, at the very least, I'm afraid."

"Then call me Twilight, using my full name all the time is a little unnerving..." Despite herself, she managed a weak smile.

"Very well... Twilight." He grinned down at her, "Now then, I think it's time we got to work... I'll be channeling as much energy as I can into the spell over the next month, so only come back beforehand if it's really necessary."

Twilight nodded and focused on opening her eyes, "Good luck, I guess."

"And to you, too, Twilight."

"..."

Twilight opened her eyes. Carefully rising from her spot behind the statue she glanced around, scanning for any nearby guards. Upon affirming that none were close enough to spot her she set off back the way she came. The journey seemed much longer this time around, and Twilight's whirring mind was making concealment all the more difficult. 'The first steps of a new life...' She shook her head and ducked behind a nearby pillar as a patrol emerged from the far end of the corridor. 'A better life? Is it worth it? Would Spike want this?' They approached, and Twilight performed the same teleportation trick from earlier. Still, she had to fight to keep her balance as she appeared behind the guards - resulting in the manic waving of her left hooves - having not landed evenly. 'CONCENTRATE!' she chided herself as she finally set her hooves down gently and continued on.

Her focus held until she rounded the next corner, 'What have I done?' She ducked behind another pillar, waiting for the next patrol to arrive and pass by before attempting the final stretch. 'What will I do?'. A duo of guards emerged right on cue.

A door opened somewhere behind Twilight, and her blood ran cold as she immediately flung herself around the back of the pillar so as to conceal herself from both parties, standing upright on her hindlegs and pressing her back firmly against it. She broke out in a cold sweat and her lungs screamed for air as she tried to suppress the huge instinctual gasps brought on by adrenaline, for fear of being heard. Her heart pounded in her ears as the patrols drew closer. She was pressing against the pillar so hard it hurt, knowing one exposed hoof would be enough to give her away.

She wondered why she was so terrified of the guards, but only briefly. She had made an attempt on Celestia's life, on top of nearly killing two guards. She wouldn't hurt them if she was discovered, but she was certain that they would hold no such reservations. After all, even if they had been told not to hurt her, they could just say that they couldn't tell who it was in the dark. 'Paranoia, Twilight. Concentrate.' As the patrols reached each other on the other side of the pillar to Twilight, they stopped.

After several seconds, a seemingly amused stallion's voice broke the silence, "What are you doing here, stranger?" Twilight's breath hitched in her throat, and a few tears streaked down her muzzle as her eyelids scrunched shut, awaiting the inevitable beating she was about to receive.

Then came a reply, "Oh you..." This voice distinctly belonged to a mare. Unbeknownst to Twilight the two that had spoken shared a short but passionate kiss - leaving their patrol partners rolling their eyes - before the mare spoke again, "Not on work hours. Don't worry, I'll make up for it later..." The mare leaned in close and whispered something to her partner that made him blush furiously as she giggled and cantered back to her - disapproving - colleague, who had already continued on.

After she heard the other two depart, Twilight released a huge sigh of relief, and shakily proceeded her exit. The incessant voice in her head still wouldn't relent despite her near-miss, 'What will I become?', and she'd had just about enough of it, 'I'll become whatever I need to be, to do whatever I have to do! Okay!?' She reached the gates and quickly teleported around the guards posted by them, escaping off into the city, the voice now silenced, at least for a while.

Twilight allowed herself a small smile as she made her way to the train station. It would take a while for the Ponyville express to arrive at such an hour, but she could wait. She'd already left a note for her parents telling them that something important had come up back in Ponyville. She bought her ticket and sat on a nearby bench beneath a hanging lantern. After several minutes of deep thought on Twilight's part, a particularly harsh breeze extinguished the flame above, plunging the area around the bench into blackness. Twilight simply sat, considering staying there and accepting the darkness, maybe even embracing it.

Then she caught herself. "I'm not going to sit here and spout ironic metaphorical clichés, for crying out loud! And if I have to," She smiled as her horn shone, the glow of the lantern returning as it re-ignited, "Then I'm going to remain in the light. I'm going to shed light on Celestia, and show her for who she truly is before bringing her to justice. I'll bring brightness and warmth into all the lives of those who are suffering. I'll drive away darkness like Celestia's at any cost." Whilst she was glad nopony was around to hear her talking to herself, she didn't feel ashamed of it; it made her feel better knowing that she knew the reasons why she had made her choice. Surprisingly relaxed, Twilight reclined on the bench, ignored the cool breeze and allowed her mind to wander.

When all four of its previous passengers disembarked, Twilight rose and climbed onto the train, shuddering as she was hit by the sudden warmth inside. From her seat by the window, Twilight saw the lantern from earlier slowly dim. The flame didn't sway now, as it did before being snuffed out by the wind. Now it simply faded, the darkness closing in as the flame - and the light and warmth that it brought - slowly burned out. For reasons she didn't fully understand, the sight troubled her deeply.