Things have been getting much harder recently. I don't know how long it's been since i've seen Twilight face to face. I cannot give up now though, not after i've made it so far, sacrificed so much. The Princess has been acting very strange recently, I cannot deduce why exactly, but I think I'm finally getting somewhere. If I can just keep this going awhile longer, I just might be able to prove you weren't crazy little sis. I wish I could tell you what I'm really up to, but I just can't, you'd do anything to help and I can't allow that. I promised i'd keep you safe, take care of you, no matter what the cost. Just wait for me Twilight, and soon we can be together again in that sense you've dreamed of for so long. You're not crazy, the odds are just stacked against you.

As Shining Armor stood on the peak of the highest tower in the area, the scenery looked much different from Canterlot. He wasn't surrounded by medieval architecture, but more peculiar things, houses made of thick clouds and identical buildings all around it. No, this wasn't Canterlot, this was the city of Cloudsdale, home to the pegasi. The city however looked fortified, locked down, it looked more like a military bootcamp rather than a home to all the Pegasi of Equestria. As Shining Armor looked at all the ponies below, training and practicing their wing speeds across the course, he had a contemplative look on his face. He looked as if he were dwelling on something quite personally, giving it much thought, as he was approached by another pony from behind. As a sign of respect, this pony would salute him before speaking "Shining Armor, sir!"

"At ease Rainbow Dash, you know you don't have to act like that around me." he said with a dull expression.

The other pony revealed as Rainbow Dash laughed a bit, she wore knightly armor with a strong resemblance to Shining's. "Haha, sorry, it's kind of become natural and all," she shrugged.

Shining continued to look down towards the other ponies as he let out a deep sigh. "Rainbow, how is everypony else doing?" Rainbow looked at him, quite confused by what he'd meant. "What do you mean sir?" She questioned. Shining looked to her "I mean is everypony in high spirits?"

Rainbow cocked a brow, she was still confused, "uhm yea, sure I guess."

As Shining proceeded to look down at the view of Cloudsdale he spoke in a soft reflective tone. "When I was a colt, things were much different back then, as you can expect Magical energy wasn't as easily harnessed as it is now." Rainbow lowered herself, no longer flapping her wings as she stood next to shining, just looking up at him. "You can actually say things were a bit chaotic, compared to the system we have today." Shining looked up with a slight smile, muttering "Aha, I remember it like it was yesterday."

~

There he was, a younger version of himself as he stood looking at his father touch his horn to a large glass orb as it glowed with a blue aura. The much younger Shining couldn't help but ask in his heightened voice "hey dad, what is it you're doing exactly?" Shining's father smiled looking down at him as he proceeded to trot around their home, repeating the orb process. "Ensuring were comfortable for the days ahead Shining." Shining raised a brow "and lighting orbs will do that how?" His father laughed as he spoke while continuing the process. "You see Shining, a lot of Ponies depend on our unicorn magic, it's what brings light, warmth, and power you see." Shining blinked, attempting to follow what he was saying.

Shining continued to listen as he sat, "without it, a lot of ponies would go cold and hungry." He smiled at Shining, approaching him rubbing the top of his head as suddenly Shining's mother entered the room. "Don't say those types of things to him love, he's still but a colt." she exclaimed with a worried look.

As she entered the room she lowered herself gently, she had a rounded belly. Shining's father approached her as she smiled looking up at him, he peered down towards her belly placing his hoof gently on it. Shining merely stared at his parents curiously, not exactly sure what they were doing. Suddenly she spoke "It's an equal effort love," she looked at Shining with a gentle smile. "We may provide much of the energy Shining but it's the pegasus's job to transfer it to ponies that may not have much of a unicorn population." She closed her eyes taking a deep breath then continuing "earth ponies also help in the effort, they use the energy provided to help plant and grow crops."

Shining's father smiled "well said sweetie," she chuckled "well thank you love, rrk!" she uttered in pain. Shining's father rubbed her belly gently again as Shining approached the two of them with a worried expression "what's wrong mom? Are you okay?" She looked at him with pain in her eyes but a smile "y-yes, i'm fine darling, your sister is just being a little feisty," she uttered humorously. Shining lowered his head closer to her belly as he exclaimed "hey! sis if you're in there stop moving! You're hurting mom!" His father laughed rubbing the top of his head. "Calm down now Shining, she's just eager to meet her family is all."

Shining's father smiled, "come on sport, I got something to show you." His mother smiled "you two have fun," as she lowered her head back onto the carpet. His father exclaimed as he lead Shining towards the front door "just give us a few minutes sweetie, we'll be back in a jiffy!" She laughed softly "take your time, i'll be fine love." Shining and his father exited the house, as they did they trotted along the streets of Canterlot. The beautiful city was lit with power, the streets a vibrant yellow color as strings of orbs decorated the terraces above. In the distance one could see the castle where Nightmare Moon resided.

As they trotted, many Canterlot unicorns were also enjoying themselves. The air had a calming wind and the warmth could be felt from the powered orbs, some were out dining as others were just taking a stroll, much like Shining and his father were. As they trotted, Shining's father took him to a particular spot at the edge of the city, it was a large platform, much like a balcony. As his father came to a halt, so did Shining, he then sat pointing up at the sky with a hoof. "You see that Shining?" Shining blinked a bit, confused by what exactly he was pointing at "see what dad?" he laughed "everything, Shining."

Shining raised a brow then looked back up "yea i guess, but what's so important, I don't get it?" His father smiled looking down at him. "You see Shining, this world we live in, it's beautiful, such as the stars in the vast night sky. They shine, glimmering down over the rivers and lakes, the terrestrial fields of grass." Shining laughed a little giving his father a humored look "alright dad I get it, the world's beautiful haha."

His father shook his head "no, the thing is Shining, this world is so beautiful, it can often be very deceiving. There are things out there, hidden in plain sight, deep in the darkness." Shining looked at his father, a hint of fear in his eyes "dad? What's this abo-"

He then moved to the front of Shining, lowering himself and placing a hoof on his shoulder looking into his eyes. "Shining, me and your mom may not always be around to protect you and your sister." Shining listened, that same look of fear in his eyes. "I want you to be strong for her, as if you were a second father. No matter the cost you must always protect her okay? You have to ensure the both of you are safe, promise me that." Shining then shook his head, that hint of fear disappearing, as he gulped then nodded. "Of course I will dad, I promise" his father smiled "alright sport."

His father laughed as he stood back to all fours stretching "Now let's hurry back, your mom might be worried!" he exclaimed as Shining laughed following close behind "Alright!"

As months passed, it was only a matter of time before that fateful moment would arrive. Shining stood outside the waiting room, trotting nervously left and right as did his father who was practically in the fetal position, rolling around on the floor in circles. Shining who was just as nervous couldn't help but laugh however "dad calm down, i'm sure she's just fine." He burst to his hooves, grabbing Shining's face "just fine? JUST FINE? Shining you're just a colt, t-this is way too big for you to understand! Oh I knew I should of made her eat some more I just kne-" suddenly a pony nurse entered the room with a gentle smile on her face raising a hoof. "Oh hello uhm, sir! If you'd come this way please, your wife and child are ready to see you." He gasped as he was so excited he ran in middair for a few short seconds, bolting past the nurse and towards the room where Shining's mother resided. Shining just rolled his eyes, trotting along at a steady pace.

"Isn't she just lovely darling?" muttered Shining's mother. His dad was practically speechless, when soon Shining entered the room. He looked at Shining signaling him over "S-She's gorgeous sweetie...our beautiful little mare, come on over Shining, say hello to your little sister." Shining trotted over, slowly and quietly, there wrapped in a small blanket was a little purple foal, sleeping peacefully. Shining's mother spoke in a soft tone "What should we call her love?" His father merely shook his head "i'm not so sure just yet." She smiled, slight tears in her eyes "isn't she just beautiful, look at that lavender coat she has" she muttered. His father continued "and look at that mane, it stands out just like the streets of Canterlot, with that soft twilight hue."

Shining blinked a bit, as he just said straight up "How about Twilight?"

Both his mother and father's eyes snapped wide, surprised looks on their faces. Shining's father looked at him shaking his head with an embarrassed expression "haha oh no Shining, that was just a word she reminded me of-" Shining interrupted looking down at his newborn sister "I don't know, I kind of like it, it seems fitting." He smiled at her muttering "Twilight..." as his mother took notice of that, looking up at her husband "It does sound surprisingly fitting love." He looked down at both Shining and his newborn daughter as he smiled softly "Twilight huh, alright then, Twilight it is."

Shining smiled up at him as both his mother and father laughed softly. She however continued "Twilight, my little Twilight Sparkle." They noticed she added on the Sparkle but didn't question it, as it was also extremely fitting for the name. Shining smiled at his little sister "Twilight Sparkle" he said softly, as his voice trailed off.

As months then years passed, Twilight would soon be coming into her own, although at this moment she was still just a little filly. She cried out, complaining utterly "Shining, do we have to do this?" Shining looked at her, also looking a lot older than before, he held a ball in his hoof. "Yes Twilight, it's important that you practice your use of magic daily, a lot of ponies depend on it you know!" he exclaimed. Twilight let off a moan of discomfort "fiiiiine," she crossed her hooves staring at the ball. Shining tossed the ball into the air as Twilight easily took control of it, levitating it all around the yard. "Great job Twilight, wow you really have a knack for the telekinetic school you know." He pointed at her somewhat with a smug look "that takes a really strong mind and lot's of talent."

Twilight used her levitation magic to bounce the ball onto the ground continuously, she placed a hoof on her chest looking up in pure confidence. "Well I have studied a lot you know!" Shining chuckled a bit approaching her then rubbing the top of her head "I know you little tyke! Haha fine come on then, you don't have to practice today." Twilight lit up with joy as she hurriedly trotted over next to Shining as they both entered their home.

As they entered, they all sat together as an entire family at the table as their father questioned "So Shining, how'd our little Twily do?" Shining spoke in a tone as if he were impressed "Absolutely amazing, i'm telling you pops she's like a prodigy for somepony her age." Twilight blushed as she ate her food as their mother laughed "Alright you fanponies, hurry up and eat your food before it freezes over." suddenly there was a hard knock on the door.

Shining's father smiled "wait here everypony, i'll get it" as he answered it was a pair of lunar guards. Twilight, Shining and their mother remained silent as hopefully they'd leave soon. As he conversed with the lunar guards they soon nodded and left, he shut the door behind them. He sighed heavily sitting back at the table "I swear, these darn checkups have been getting so tedious lately." Shining nodded "yea, they really need to have more respect for privacy" he exclaimed in an annoyed manner. His mother pointed at him with a fork slightly "Now come Shining, they're only doing their jobs, it's what's best for everypony" she replied as she continued to eat her food. Shining rolled his eyes "yea i guess."

As they all went upstairs to head to bed, Shining accompanied Twilight into her room. He called out to their parents "Rest easy mom, dad!" they responded saying "have a good rest!" as Twilight climbed into bed scurrying then snuggled herself into her blankets and smiled at Shining "read me a story Shining."

Shining smiled as he levitated a book from her counter over, whispering quietly "what do you think I came in here for?" She chuckled as he opened the book, going through the pages. "Hm, let's see, ah! Here's one, it's one of my favorites, The Legend of the Sun." Twilight blinked a bit, surprised "you never read that one to me before?" Shining shrugged as he looked up slightly "I don't know, guess I just never got around to it, but it's a good story so listen closely." Twilight leaned up a little as she began listening to him tell the story.

After some time, Shining neared the ending "and so the light would fade along with the sun. Then the moon would rise, gracing us with a harmonious night." He'd close the book as Twilight would blink "w-wait! so why doesn't somepony today just make the sun?" Twilight questioned as Shining laughed. "Twilight the sun is a massive orb of energy and light, nopony has enough magic power to pull something like the sun off, not even the princess," he uttered.  

Twilight then looked at Shining puckering her lower lip "but then the world would be so much happier, we'd have no need to use so much of our magic!" she complained. Shining smiled at her "that's the point of filly's stories Twilight, to make you little tykes happy, now go to bed, I'll see you in a few hours."

As Shining exited the room shutting off the lights and closing the door behind him, Twilight just stared at the ceiling. "The Sun..." she muttered to herself before turning to her side and closing her eyes.

As time went on, Shining himself would eventually join the lunar guard. At his initiation ceremony his parents would embrace him in a tight hug "congratulations son," his mother smiled "you'll do great!" Shining laughed as he saw Twilight approach as well, a sly smile on her face as she raised a brow "wow hard to imagine this is the same Shining that claimed to somewhat despise the lunar guards hmmm?" Shining blushed lightly as he gave a cheesy smile whispering to Twilight "haha, come on now Twilight this is my ceremony, and mom was right, they're just doing their jobs."

Twilight chuckled as she nudged him softly "I'm just kidding you big goof, no need to get all offended." Shining ruffled her mane as he smiled looking at his fellow guards converse amongst each other at his ceremony. "To become a lunar guard is to receive one of the highest honors, we are the guardians of the night, who knows one day i might even report directly to the princess." Twilight scoffed at him sarcastically "don't get ahead of yourself now." Suddenly all the lights in the room shutoff, they were currently in a public sector in the Princess's castle, suddenly a pair of lights would focus on a stairway towards the back of the room. Descending from the stairs would be Nightmare Moon herself as immediately everypony in the room would bow. Twilight would stare for a few seconds, her jaw dropped as Shining would forcibly push her head down.

The light's would all come back on.

"Rise my faithful subjects!" to this Nightmare Moon would repeat, stomping a hoof. "I said RISE!"

Immediately everypony rose as she then called out "Shining Armor, step forward at once!"

To this command, Shining obeyed, rising and approaching the Princess cautiously. As he arrived at the foot of the stairs he lowered himself once more out of respect, she smirked down at him. "Quite impressive, for somepony so young to make it into my fleet, I see a bright future for one such as yourself Shining Armor."

Shining kept his head lowered "thank you for your humble words your highness, I will serve you to the best of my ability."

Nightmare Moon nodded then doing a shooing motion "yes yes, that you should, anyway aren't you going to introduce me to your family? I am quite eager to meet them."

Shining rose to his hooves as he turned around then nodding at the crowd. Soon his entire family would exit the crowd, approaching the staircase as they stood next to Shining, who soon began to introduce them one by one. "This is my father, mother and my little sister." Nightmare Moon looked curiously at Twilight with a slight smile, who looked back at her with a highly nervous expression. "What do you plan to do for the empire little one?" questioned Nightmare Moon.

Twilight nervously spoke, a stutter in her voice "u-uhm, i'm not so sure yet..." she muttered. Nightmare Moon raised a brow as if she were offended by her answer as Shining immediately chimed in "W-WELL, she's very talented in magic your highness, I believe she might be a prodigy amongst her peers." Nightmare Moon still had that curious expression "a prodigy hm, very bold choice of words Shining, now then let's test that theory shall we?"

Shining Armor would gasp as Nightmare Moons horn would begin to glow a pitch black color, a massive sphere of magic at the tip of her horn. Twilight and the rest of his family would stare in awe as suddenly Nightmare Moon would fire the sphere straight towards Twilight. Shining called out to his sister in a panic "NO!" as Twilight reacted on impulse, suddenly surrounding her was a identical sphere, or more like a bubble surrounding her entire body. Nightmare Moon's spell would shatter upon impact with Twilight's shield as her eyes would widen.

Shining would snap angrily at the princess "Your Highness!" Nightmare Moon would chuckle looking down at Twilight "oh calm yourself Shining, I knew she would be able to counter such a meager spell. This still does not prove she is a prodigy but it certainly proves she is quite talented." Both Shining's parents would also be gritting their teeth angrily at the princess, but holding their tongues for the moment. "Now don't be so crude, I would never have hurt your darling little girl."

Twilight smiled as she released her own spell smiling at her family "It's fine everypony, really, I could feel the amount of energy put into the Princess's spell upon impact, she isn't lying, I was never in any real danger." Shining sighed with relief as he rushed over to Twilight embracing her in a hug as did her parents. The rest of the ponies observing the event just stared as Nightmare Moon spoke once more "sorry for having to break up such a touching moment but I must say, Twilight Sparkle you are indeed talented, would you care to join my personal class? I believe you'd make an excellent student."

Twilight's jaw dropped as did her parents, Shining merely stared at the princess with a baffled look. Twilight nodded in agreement, her eyes wide, glimmering with joy "o-of course princess! I would be honored!" she lowered herself. Nightmare Moon clapped her hooves "Excellent then, but you will have to compete with many other ponies, only one of you in the end will be able to become my student. Two initiations in one gathering, how amusing. Now if you'll excuse me my subjects I must be off, I have important business to attend to, enjoy the rest of your, squabbles." POOF

With that Nightmare Moon vanished into thin air, leaving some dark essence behind where she once stood.

Shining sighed approaching Twilight "are you sure you want to do this Twilight?" Shining Armor looked at her with a worried expression as Twilight nodded eagerly "are you crazy Shining, of course I do, this is the princess were talking about!" She exclaimed "all those other ponies call me a bookworm and geek, this is my chance to show them what it's worth!"

Shining smiled gently at his little sister as she spoke on about the subject, he cut her off as he laughed a bit "Alright, I understand, but i want you to be careful, the Princess's methods can be a bit harsh as you just experienced."

Twilight shooed him away "Bah! That was nothing, I had that in the bag, you saw."

As their parents approached her dad uttered "Twilight, it's as Shining said, you need to be more careful from now on, i'm not so sure I want you doing this." Their mother nodded "yes, you must be cautious Twilight, I don't know what i'd do if you were hurt."

Twilight chuckled "i'll be fine you guys, you don't have to worry so much okay?"

Time only continued to flow as on a quiet moment in particular, Twilight and Shining would be at home, eating their food as their parents would begin packing their things. Twilight raised a brow as she looked at them gather their suitcases "oh are you two going on a romantic getaway?" their father would sigh heavily as he dropped one of the suitcases in front of the door "Oh I wish, but sadly it's just business, it seems the northern kingdoms are low on power." their mother continuing "yes, so as you know consisting mainly of earth ponies, they requested some Canterlot unicorns." their dad sighed once again "So me and your mother along with a few others will be heading out there under the Princess's orders, it should only take us a few months, you two take care of each other while were gone okay?"

Shining cut into the conversation, he looked quite disappointed "Alright, we'll be fine, I wish I could go to assist you guys but the guard is keeping me here, seems we got lots of drill sessions coming up." Twilight looked down shaking her head "and I got my studies I need to focus on."

Their mother laughed "oh it's fine you two, were more than capable of handling this, we won't be the only ones you know." Shining nodded "I guess that's true, but you guys be careful up there." They nodded to him "we will," as they said that they opened the doors and levitated their suitcases. They took one look back at their children before waving goodbye "love you Shining, Twilight! Take care of each other" exclaimed their mother as their dad smiled closing the door. Twilight and Shining merely smiled going about their business, continuing to eat.

Twilight was cheerful in the times ahead as her studies with the princess seemed to be going swell. She was a little peeved about all the competition she had alongside her during her studies but it wasn't so bad. Mother and Father were still out in the northern kingdoms as Shining also seemed to be doing great in the lunar guards. Life seemed to be just fine, although other ponies still considered her a weirdo and bookworm she was still studying under the princess who was pleased with her skills. Twilight smiled to herself as she trotted, she looked up at the starry night sky "lovely, as usual."

As Twilight was eating dinner with Shining, she looked at him with a annoyed expression. Shining attempted to ignore her for a few minutes until he felt compelled to ask "What's wrong with you Twilight?" Twilight groaned as she began levitating her fork, rotating it a bit over her plate "when are mom and dad coming home, it's been forever." she exclaimed looking at him with a hopeless expression. Shining sighed as he continued to eat "you know they're busy, they'll be back the moment they're off, you know they're too kind to leave those ponies without power." Twilight sighed "yea it's just I wish sometimes they'd think more about themselves for once, they're always helping others..." Shining smiled at her "that's what good parents do Twilight, it sends the right message to their kids." Twilight groaned once again "I guess," Shining laughed a bit "fine if you really want to state your opinion to them, just send them a letter, i'm sure they'll get it in a few hours time."

Twilight smiled happily as she clapped her hooves some "of course Shining! haha I'll get to work on it right away!" Shining laughed a bit continuing to eat as Twilight just headed straight upstairs and into her room.

After about 48 hours Twilight would finally complete her perfect letter. She'd stare at Shining who'd just roll his eyes, humored by how excited Twilight was who was basically bouncing in place in front of the mailbox. Shining did the honors of opening the thing as Twilight immediately shoved it inside, closing it right after. She actually began to open the mailbox then close it continuously, groaning every time she still saw the letter, as if it would actually arrive to them in mere seconds. Shining burst out laughing as he rubbed the top of her head "let's go, they'll get it when they get it alright?" he exclaimed as Twilight trotted next to him away from the mailbox, her head lowered with an impatient look. "I know, I know, I just have to wait is all."

As Twilight was returning home one day after her sessions, the city lights seemed a bit more dimmed than usual. Twilight continued to trot softly along the empty streets of Canterlot as she shivered a bit "ugh somepony really needs to recharge the orbs," she uttered. As she walked she saw a old newspaper glide across the street, some ponies in the distance going into their homes. It seems with many of the ponies absent helping in the north, magic supply was a bit on the low side. As Twilight approached her home she noticed Shining standing outside with two lunar guards, they wore peculiar armor meaning they were likely higher ranking officials. Twilight raised a brow as Shining had a somewhat shocked expression, his eyes were wide as he stared at the two officials.

Twilight slowly trotted over, calling out to him softly "uhm Shining, you okay?" she questioned. Shining blinked a bit as he looked over to Twilight, the two lunar guards lowered their heads closing their eyes as Shining shook his head. Twilight approached him hesitantly as she had a worried look "w-whats going on?" Shining gulped before then putting on a brave face, looking Twilight dead in the eyes. "Twilight, it's about mom and dad, you see, there's been an accident."

As Twilight listened to what he had to say, her heart sank, tears filled her eyes as she lowered her head. She merely trotted straight into Shining resting her head against him softly as she sobbed. Shining wrapped a hoof around her comforting her, as the lighten orbs flickered in the distance.

Since the news a few more months had already passed, Shining was now a higher rank in the lunar guard, but Twilight still wasn't coping so well. Shining came home one day to find Twilight once again, locked away in her room as she was studying and working on the subject of energy conservation. Shining knocked on her door softly "Twily, you okay in there?" Twilight called out to him in a cheerful tone "o-oh! Yea i'm fine Shining, just studying!" Shining sighed as he then proceeded towards his own room "Alright, wait, isn't your closing ceremony later? Have you already decided what you're going to ask the princess about?"

Twilight remained silent, ignoring his question. Shining sighed as he just entered his room, shutting the door behind him. Meanwhile Twilight remained at her desk, she now wore rounded glasses as her mane was quite torn and misshapen, she'd looked like she hadn't been out in awhile. She was messing around with many substances, mixing them as she began filling glass orbs with them. She kept muttering to herself "no no no no, still not enough..." She continued to mix the components and ingredients as soon some of the vials and orbs exploded. She coughed while getting flung back, slamming against the door, some of her books and other homely items falling off their shelves. She sighed as Shining called out to her "TWILIGHT?! ARE YOU ALRIGHT!?" he yelled from outside the room as Twilight replied "y-yea, i'm fine!"

Twilight slowly climbed back to her hooves her body trembling as she did so. As she saw what a mess her room was, she noticed a piece of broken glass laying upon her wooden floor. She picked it up, as she stared at it her reflection stared right back at her. She saw how much of a mess she'd became, but she didn't care, she had a dull expression, bags under her eyes as she placed the small piece of glass on her desk. As she prepared to sit down once again she couldn't help but notice a damaged book that had fallen from her shelf. She peered at the text The Legend of the Sun she slowly trotted over to the book, leaning down as she picked it up. She began to flip through the pages, running her hoof along the pictures of the sun and moon. She smiled gently at the pictures as her eyes began to swell, filling with tears. She then turned the page, looking only at a picture of the sun, bright and yellow in the center of the page.

"If only you were real, then everything might of been different." she muttered. She then took in a deep breath, exhaling as she noticed out of her peripheral vision a family photo nearby. It laid on the ground, the glass shattered as the picture remained unscathed. In the photo, Twilight was a little filly, Shining not even in the lunar guard yet, their parents each standing next to their respected genders. Twilight's dad had his hoof around Shining as her mom had her hoof around Twilight, the stars decorated the background. Twilight stared at the picture for a few seconds before biting her lower lip, quivering, she slowly hugged the book and picture to her chest. As she did this she thought to herself Mom, Dad...

The tears rolled down Twilights cheeks as she laid on the floor, gently sobbing to herself. Outside her room stood Shining, who was prepared to knock again but overheard her in her room, he took a few steps back quietly, lowering his head then re-entering his room.

Sometime, Shining proclaimed to Twilight in a hurry "Twilight! If you don't get there soon the princess will be highly upset!" Twilight was rushing as fast as she could "I know Shining I know alright?" She looked like she hadn't slept in forever, she gathered up a bunch of papers and files into her bag as she rushed downstairs and out the door. Shining looked at her run off towards the castle as he just sighed closing his eyes and shaking his head.

As Twilight finally arrived, everypony else was already gathered. They all stared at her awkwardly as she was breathing heavily, trying to get to the front of the room. As she got there she saw the Princess was already situated, along with all her other possible choices aka Twilight's competition. Twilight went to where the others were as she sat next to them. A blue mare in particular nudged her "about time you showed up, sparkle." Twilight grunted "tch," as Nightmare Moon coughed "Ahem, Now that we've all finally arrived it's time to finish up the closing ceremonies!"

All the other Ponies cheered, stomping their hooves creating a loud clapping commotion. Nightmare Moon then raised a hoof, immediately all the stomping stopped, she then focused her attention on her likely students. "Now then, I will have each of you step forward and proclaim something important you've learned while under my dashing leadership."

After a few minutes it would obviously be Twilight's turn. Shining armor would smile at her as she approached the Princess, another pony backing away as Nightmare Moon would nod to that other pony. "Well said young one, you have a bright future ahead of you, aaaah Twilight Sparkle, you look like you've seen better times." Nightmare Moon would chuckle. Twilight smiled at the princess nervously, bowing before dropping her bag "y-yes princess, i've been very uhm, busy," she'd give a cheesy smile as Nightmare Moon would role her eyes with a sigh. "Now Twilight Sparkle, what is it you'd like to tell us you've learned?" Twilight would pause, having a serious expression as there was a long silence in the room.

Shining had a worried look as Twilight looked back up at the Princess "Something important i've learned is, is, that this world just isn't good enough!"

The crowd would gasp as Nightmare Moon's brow would twitch slightly before she muttered "come again?" Shining armor would have a speechless expression, covering his face with his hoof.

Twilight peered towards the ground with that same serious look "I learned, that although we have a beautiful world, and a working system, there's still just too much that needs to be fixed princess." She'd look up at her with a saddened look "We rely utterly on magic, ponies are still going hungry and cold in other regions of Equestria. I, I've been researching, about the legend of the sun-" Ponies began muttering amongst each other, many of them laughing as they heard Twilight mention the sun. Twilight continued rummaging through her disorganized files "there are key points in the sto-" suddenly Nightmare Moon cut off Twilight with laughter.

First it began as a light chuckle, then it only grew and grew until she was laughing maniacally. She looked to Twilight "So let me get this straight Twilight Sparkle, instead of showing your grateful for receiving such an opportunity, you question the way I run my empire, then proclaim the solution lies in an old FILLY'S TALE?!" she exclaimed, her voice boomed nearly shattering the windows.

"You are delusional Twilight Sparkle, the sun does not exist nor will it ever. You need to stop obsessing over children's stories and learn to grow up. You have disappointed me and your fellow ponies with this display." Twilights expression sank as she began to tremble, her peers trying to contain their laughter. "You have failed utterly and you will no longer show your face in my presence, do you understand?" Twilight muttered, tears filling her eyes as she feared to look back at the large crowd, absolutely refusing to look at her peers "but if you just-" Nightmare Moon roared "DO, YOU, UNDERSTAND?!" Twilight backed away lowering her head "yes..." Nightmare Moon snarled, stomping her hoof "GOOD, NOW BEGONE!" Twilight quickly snatched up her things as she turned and trotted towards the exit. She pushed her way through the crowd who let off light chuckles as Shining tried to grab his sister "T-Twilight!" he called out. Twilight didn't hear him and just ran further into Canterlot, refusing to look back.

Shining scowled angrily at the princess who just scoffed looking towards the upper left. Long after the opening ceremony was over Shining made his way up towards the throne room. He had a dark look upon him, anger and hatred fueled his very being as he wasn't even considering keeping his cool. He soon arrived at the large throne room doors, as he proceeded inside, he then called out "Princess I-". He then stopped himself and hid behind a obscure statue. He remained silent, the princess was arguing with herself?

Shining remained still and silent as he peeked a bit further down the throne room, the Princess was trotting back and forth frantically, a infuriated expression on her face as she was yelling about something. "What a humiliating display! And from a petty little mare no doubt! I spend so so long, perfecting everything and then here she comes barging in here with her what? RESEARCH?" Nightmare Moon then proceeded towards one of her large glass panels as she stared at it. "Gone from existence, erased from time yet, you still continue to pester me all these centuries later..." She then began to chuckle as she stomped a hoof, then looking up laughing with her eyes closed. "Look what you've been reduced to! A filly's tale! A mere filly's tale!" Nightmare Moon then shot her glance towards the same glass panel as it shattered. "YOU, WONT, GET OUT" Shining continued to eavesdrop as Nightmare Moon sighed. She then made her way towards her balcony, looking off into the distance, Shining took this chance to make his escape out the same doors.

As he scurried down the stairs he breathed heavily Who was she talking about? he pondered in his head. Shining made his way out of the castle and back home as he heard Twilight upstairs rummaging through her things. Shining went up there as he debated about telling her what the princess said, he opened his mouth then paused No, you can't Shining, this is far too dangerous, w-whoever she was referring to, she'll stop at nothing to- he closed his mouth. He then approached Twilight who was going through her papers sniffling. Twilight looked up at Shining, rushing over to him grabbing him by his armor. Shining looked down at his little sister with cold eyes I have to kill this idea, here, and now.

Twilight spoke to him in a weak, raspy tone "I, I'm not delusional Shining I swear, please, j-just take a minute to look at my theories, they make sense if you actually take some time to-". Shining backed away raising a hoof "No, Twilight." Twilight looked at him with a blank expression at first, as if she weren't hearing him right "but shining I-" Shining cut her off once more "Twilight, I told you that story a long time ago because I'd hoped you'd take it for what it is, a filly's story..."

Twilight's eyes widened at him as she began tearing up again, she lowered her head, looking ashamed. "I never imagined you'd become obsessed over it," he looked at her with a guilty expression. He continued "I know mom and dad's deaths have been hard on you, but insulting the princess? This is taking it too far Twilight." Twilight looked up at him, utterly crushed be his words as she bit her lower lip. "You need to let this whole sun thing go Twilight, you're chasing after legends, its a complete and utter waste of time!" he proclaimed with a motion of his hoof.

Twilight backed away, more tears just flowing from her eyes as her head was lowered and her eyes closed, she was silent. Shining sighed "pack your things, I'm getting you away from this place, staying here will do you no good." Twilight looked at him, shocked as she shook her head "what, you're sending me away? W-Where will i go? Shining, wait please!" She rushed over to him as he raised a hoof "I'll arrange for your transport, theres a small village not far from here, you'll remain there until you get your thinking straight and that whole performance of yours has died down."

Shining turned around exiting her room, taking a look back at her one last time "It'll also give you time to get over mom and dad, take it as a blessing Twilight, you could sure use one." He shut the door on his way out as Twilight just stared blankly for a long while, she soon would fall to the ground and cry to herself out loud.

Shining paused as he heard her on his way downstairs, a look of remorse covered him entirely as just as quickly as it appeared, he just as quickly shook it off. Shining then had a cold, calculating look, as he continued trotting.

Hours passed as Twilight stood at the gates of Canterlot, a chariot of lunar guards awaiting her. She had her things packed as she just proceeded towards the chariot, remaining silent. Many other ponies around her chuckled at the sight of her as she just entered, shutting the chariot door behind her. One of the lunar guards spoke to Shining "sir were ready for takeoff," Shining nodded as he looked at Twilight who just stared at the chariot floor. The gates soon opened and they proceeded out, Shining sighed looking at the chariot fade into the distance, he muttered "sorry Twily."

Shining would then make his way to the Princess's throne room, Nightmare Moon would sigh looking at him "have you come to scold me Shining Armor? If so get it over wi-" Shining interrupted "No I haven't your highness." Nightmare Moon would raise a brow at him as he continued "I've come to apologize for my sister's erratic behavior earlier, and also to tell you she's left town for the time being to dwell upon what she's done." Nightmare Moon smiled "Oh? I see, impressive Shining, I didn't imagine you to see reason when it came to family matters." Shining nodded "Thank you your highness."

Nightmare Moon smirked at him "Very impressive, outstanding work, Shining Armor."

~

Shining Armor blinked, he looked back down realizing he'd stopped telling a story halfway through and was merely reflecting on past memories. He noticed pegasi were still training down in the courtyard below, he peered to his left slightly to see a snoring Rainbow Dash sleeping on her back. He rolled his eyes then nudged Rainbow Dash lightly,"hey get up."

Rainbow stretched upward then blinked a bit, yawning and flapping her wings as she flew beside Shining looking at the pegasi below. "Aaah, sorry Shining sir, it's just that story was getting really boring..." Shining smirked at Rainbow, humored by her personality. "It's fine Rainbow, anyway did you have anything else to report?" he questioned. Rainbow saluted before shaking her head "No sir! Nothing is out of the ordinary, all pillars were delivered on schedule and the pegasi are training hard." She smiled widely at Shining before giving him a hooves up. "I see, carry on Rainbow Dash."

Rainbow saluted him one last time "Sir yes sir!" with that Rainbow flew down to the courtyard at an incredible speed. She proceeded by yelling at multiple training pegasi, encouraging them to push themselves harder.

Shining smiled as he turned around approaching his Chariot, he sighed with his eyes closed as he thought to himself Looks like everything is clear in cloudsdale, off to- VRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEM! Shining looked back, his eyes snapped wide with a shocked expression. What?! The siren?! A level 6!? How?! Headlights all around cloudsdale began to spin, the city's main lights shutting down. Shining trotted over looking down at the courtyard once more as Rainbow seemed just as puzzled. She flew around frantically giving orders to other pegasi.

"You hear those sirens! Move move move, form up in the center everypony!" Rainbow squinted her eyes How do we go from fine and dandy to a threat level 6. Suddenly a large black chariot would descend down into the center of Cloudsdale. Shining would continue to peer down to see what all this commotion was about. Rainbow would raise a brow as would every other pony as they saw the chariot doors swing open. As somepony stepped out Shining's eyes would widen, surprised expressions washing over every other pony's face as well as Rainbow's when they saw who it was.

"You?" Rainbow questioned with a confused tone, a hint of discrete in it as well. "What're you doing here?"

Her cowl still raised, it was Nightmare Moons student. She chuckled "That is none of your concern Pegasi."

She passed Rainbow smiling "Now shouldn't you be moving pillars?" Rainbow gasped as she raised her hoof about to punch the cowled pony right in the face "Why! I OUGHTA!" a random pegasi grabbed Rainbow holding her back. "calm down now Rainbow," he said.

Rainbow gritted her teeth as the cowled pony proclaimed "Put a leash on that dog."

Shining called down to the Cowled pony, impatient "What are you doing here?"

The cowled pony chuckled "I'm securing my prisoner for interrogation of course."  

Shining raised a brow "Prisoner?"

As the cowled pony smirked she called back to the chariot "You can bring her out now boys!" Shining peered towards the chariot as his expression sunk. It was as if his whole world had shattered, there exiting the chariot, with chains around her hooves and cuts, bruises, scars, alone and determined was none other than,

"T-Twilight?"

Next Chapter: Chapter 4: Cavern of the Setting Sun Estimated time remaining: 2 Hours, 36 Minutes