The Return of the Night (Unfinished)

> Be Anon

> The day has finally come.  The day that you will overthrow the mighty Princess Celestia.
> Your master, Princess Luna, soon to be her majesty Nightmare Moon had spent many months in preparing for this day.
> The plan was simple enough, but required precise timing and action from you, and your master’s other subordinates.
> Phase #1: Infiltration

> It was another perfect day in Canterlot.  A fitting way for all these easy going ponies to have their peaceful world come crashing down around them.
> To be honest you had grown tired of all the sunshine and happiness.
> It was a nice change from the miserable and self-destructive world that you were originally born into, but you had come to realize that harmony of that magnitude was just not natural.
> There had to be a certain amount of chaos to counter-balance that harmony, and since Celestia saw to it that Discord, the very embodiment of chaos, would no longer have any aspirations of ruling Equestria (at least not by himself anyway) the natural flow of the universe had been altered, and that was going to hurt ponies rather than help them.
> That was your reason for fighting anyway, simply bringing balance back to this world, but your master had her own reasons for this rebellion.  You never asked what they were, but you had a pretty good idea what they were.
> Ever since you got here you had observed the political deliberations of the royal family, and how everyone fell into the spectrum of political power.
> Saying that Princess Celestia had more influence than any other pony would be the understatement of the millennium.  She was easily the equivalent of a dictator, but her good hearted nature blinded most ponies to this fact; except obviously those who also held a position of power.
> Every single event of importance was delegated by Celestia while every pony else was given menial supervising tasks.
> Even during the times of great strife; such as, the return of Discord, the Changeling invasion, the rise and fall of King Sombra, and Tirek’s revenge.  Celestia always made the final decision on their course of action.
> Princess Luna had voiced her objections to all of her plans pointing out their flaws, and offering better solutions, but her arrogant older sister would hear none of it.
> Well, the day has come.  The time for talking has long since passed, and you were going to do everything in your power to insure you master’s success.

> Be Shining Armor

> Princess Celestia had just risen the sun and you had already been up an hour.  It was going to be another beautiful day in Canterlot, but you as captain of the Royal Guard were not going to be able to enjoy it.  You were currently stationed in Canterlot; even though your wife was a princess herself you had to be cycled between the two kingdoms since Celestia had not bothered to assign a new commander to her army.
> You couldn’t really blame her though.  Not many ponies put in the amount of training and hard work that you did to obtain this position.
> You had also hoped that now that your little sister had both become a princess, and obtained her own castle that you would get to see her more often, but so far that had not happened.
> You were currently putting together supplies to be shipped across Equestria from the recent Tirek conflict.  Counting the number of crates and making sure they had their appropriate labels.
> This was easily your least favorite part of the job.  When you finally achieved the rank of captain you had thought the amount of paperwork that you would have to deal with would dwindle; unfortunately that was not the case.  You had made a request to princess Celestia about hiring a secretary or at least some more servants so that the work load would not be so mind numbing.
> Unsurprisingly she merely stated that she would look into the royal budget for the faculty and have an answer for you as soon as possible.  This actually meant that you were to look into the royalties financial records and determine if any extra funding could be spared to hire new workers, and with the latest Tirek incident there was no way that was happening.

> As you place your clipboard against your head and sigh in a mixture of anger and defeat you here the doors to the supply room open and a lone guard pony walks over to you.
“Captain a mailmare claims she has a package for you,” he says.
> You would have asked if he was trying to be funny, but the seriousness of his tone made you disregard that thought.  “Then tell her to put it in my mailbox I am very busy right now.“
“She claims she must give it to you personally sir.”
> Okay now you had to ask.  “Are you trying to be funny soldier; because, if I don’t find a mare out there with a package you will be on latrine duty.“
“No sir, I’m being completely serious.”
> You sigh, “Very well, you may return to your post.”  Both of you part ways and you begin to wonder who would send you such an important package that you would need to receive it in person.
> It was very rare for you to receive anything in the mail.  You only had a few friends outside the service, and usually family members just gave you gifts in person.
> Your birthday was coming up next week, but it was too early to be receiving gifts.  Then, a saddening thought crossed your mind.  Maybe it was a present from your sister, and she was sending you your present early because she would be unable to make it.
> As these thoughts rambled in your head you almost didn’t realize that princess Luna is walking down the hallway directly towards you.  With half grace and half haste you make yourself presentable and stand at attention.

> “Good morning your majesty.”
“Ah, captain I have been looking for you for some time now.  Do you have a moment to spare so that I may speak to you.”
> “Yes your majesty, what is it that you require of me?”
“I simply wanted to inform you that I shall not be present when I must perform the monthly exercise of gathering the troops in attention in the courtyard.”
> Oh crap you had completely forgot that that was today, but keeping your composure you reply.  “I understand your majesty, but may I ask what it is that you will be doing during our monthly drill.”
“We, I’m sorry, I have been assigned an important mission by my sister that must be attended to with great haste.  However, I cannot speak of such things in the open, lest other ponies were to hear us.”
> “I understand your majesty, will that be all?”
“Yes, you may resume as you once were soldier.”
> A mission?  Since when did the princesses personal oversee anything that wasn’t for political purposes?  It must be something REALLY important if Princess Luna had to be present during the on-goings.

> As these new developments rummage through your brain you eventually arrive at the Mane hall.
> As you make your way down the stairs you see a familiar gray pegasus floating in the air talking to one of the guards in the entrance way.  Next to her is a large wooden crate big enough to fit 6 ponies inside of it easily.  As you make your approach she notices you and waves her hoof enthusiastically while giving you an adorable
“Good morning captain.”
> that no pony could hate.
> “ Good morning Derpy a package from Ponyville I presume?”
“Yep, a big one from the Princess of Friendship.”
> You were both glad and fearful that she would say that, but did your best to keep a smile and a positive tone, so not to worry her of what you were thinking.
> “Boy this sure is a big package what’s inside it anyway?”
“Captain you should know a mailmare never looks through her customer’s mail, but maybe this letter that came with it says something about it.”
> You take the letter and open it with your magic to find a single piece of paper with a fairly short entry.

Dear BBBFF,

     In this package contains samples, documents, and other assorted materials on my findings of me and my friends recently acquired Rainbow Power.  I would like you to present them to Princess Celestia so she may conduct her own studies on this new magic as it may still yield unlocked potential.

With love, your Twily

P.S  I can’t wait to come home and celebrate your birthday next week.  See you soon.

> That took a huge load off your mind knowing that your little sis was going to be able to make it to your birthday party.   You now felt like you could easily power through this week with the knowledge that you were going to spend some quality time with your little sister again.
> “Boy I can hardly believe that Twily could put this much material together in such a short amount of time.
Oh you know Twilight  better than any pony Shining Armor she always makes sure to be exceedingly thorough.”
> You smile at the thought of remembering all the times Twily lectured you about every little thing she would learn in the books she read.  It was annoying at times, but you still loved her for it.
> “Thank you so much Derpy this is exactly the kind of news I needed to cheer me up.
“Oh there’s no need to thank me I’m just doing my job.”
> “Well, thank you all the same.  Have a safe trip back to Ponyville.”
“Thank you sir I will.”
> She flies out the Mane entrance and into the sky.  You turn to the massive crate and lift it with your magic.  No doubt the princess will want to see this right away.

> You make your way to the throne room with the large crate behind you.  As you open the doors you see Celestia sitting upon her throne with four of her advisers and other government officials standing at the bottom of the throne all nearly speaking to Celestia at the same time.
> Each one of them is formally outfitted in suits and dresses that you could only imagine how many bits it cost for the tailors just to embroider and stitch them together.
> As you make your approach the four ponies take notice of your presence and cease their annoying banter while also shooting you dirty looks.  Obviously what they were talking to Celestia about was important, but you had a job to do nonetheless.
> You manage to squeeze by all of them and proceed to bow as you set the crate down at the bottom of the steps.
> “A package for you your majesty from Princess Twilight Sparkle.”
“I see, is there any note explaining what this crate might contain?”
> “Yes your majesty.” You proceed to levitate the letter to her until you feel her own magic take hold of the piece of paper.
> The princess quickly scans through the message and lets out a muffled giggle.  You feel your face blush a bit as you know which parts she is reading.  She then rolls up the letter and places it in a container to her left.
“Thank you captain, I look forward to studying the materials my former pupil has sent me, but that must wait until later this afternoon following the castle’s monthly drill.  Until then you may place this package in my personal study.”
> “As you wish your majesty.”

> You gradually pick up the crate again and turn to leave  As you pass the government officials again you can feel their frustration building as you slowly exit the room.  They must all resent you for having the authority to just waltz in and speak to the princesses whenever you wanted to.  That type of jurisdiction was worthy of envy, but you earned this title and you weren’t going to let any pony tell you otherwise.
> Especially not these snooty diplomats who probably never worked a real day in their lives to get where they are today.  They more than likely used extortion and blackmail to climb the political ladder.  There was certainly enough of that going on these days to be a possibility.  You knew that the princess did her best to discourage such behavior, but that did little in achieving reliable results.
> You continue to ponder these thoughts until you reach the library where you promptly set the crate in the middle of the room and proceed to return to the dreaded paper work you left behind.
> Even though the thought of more paperwork made you want to bash your head against a brick wall you were still in high spirits about the news you had just received.  All you had to do was persevere for another week before seeing that your cute sister’s face again.

> It was nearly 3 pm and your drill was about to start.  You had already promptly encased yourself in your battle armor.  All that was left now was to sit and wait for the siren to sound before every pony rushed off to their designated posts during an emergency.
> Your job was to organize your company of Royal Guards in the courtyard as they stood at attention over the 501st regiment that was tasked with patrolling the Canterlot Castle and the protection of both alicorn princesses.
> During this time Princess Celestia would lock herself inside the throne room with her special magic that only an alicorn princess could break.  Princess Luna would join you in the courtyard in order to address the troops and have them call out by squad numbers, but since she was not here she had delegated that task to you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIos0ya-yss
> Well there it was, and you rushed off to the courtyard.

> Be Anon

> The siren had sounded and you knew it was time to commence
Phase #2: Surprise Attack.
> You stood up and placed your hand over the hilt of your sword.  Assuming a power stance you quickly slash your sword with one quick and mighty swing of your blade.  The resulting force is easily enough to cut through the wooden boards.
> As you step forward you find yourself in a rather small room with hundreds of books.  Celestia’s personal study.

> The easy part of the operation was complete.  Now came the true test.  To see if months of planning, gaining ponies trust, and training to the point of passing out would pay off.
> You take the lead by swiftly and softly finding cover behind a bookcase to scan the room.  You take a moments glance around the immediate area to see if any ponies were stationed inside, and the lack of movement indicated that there were not.
> With the immediate area clear you wave to your comrades to follow behind you, and they fall in line with nary a sound.  Each one of them dawning the midnight blue armor of your master’s army with varying thicknesses.
> Your armor was one of lighter design to negate any movement restriction when making fast and skillful strikes with your crescent blade.
> As you make your way to the exit you notice that two guard ponies are posted outside the doorway.  You quickly signal the others to stop where they were and wait for you to clear the area.
“Did you hear something,” says the guard pony on the left side of the doorway.
“All I can hear is that damn siren still ringing in my ears.  I understand that it has to be loud enough for every pony to here it, but don’t you think they can turn it down a little during the drills.”
The first guard just shrugs and they resume their previous silence.
> (knock), (knock), (knock)

“What the … there isn’t supposed to be any pony inside the study during the drill is there,” said the first guard.
“Maybe one of the servants forgot that we were having this drill today,” said the second guard.
“Listen you’ll just have to stay in there until the drill is over.  It should only be another ten minutes or so.”
> (Knock), (Knock), (Knock)
“Oh for the love of, now listen y-”
> As soon as the guard pony opens the door you stab right through a crease in the soldier’s armor.  Penetrating right through the pony’s heart and killing him instantly.  You quickly remove your sword and spin to your right.  As you do so you reverse your grip on the hilt and slice decapitating the second guard.  The only noise they are able to make are soft grunts.  As the two guard ponies lay bleeding dead on the floor you quickly sheathe your sword, pick them up, and throw them into the room.
> You motion your comrades to move out and they all station themselves along the walls out in the hallway.
> “This is it troops, no turning back now, you each have your assignments, do what must be done. “
“Yes commander,” they all say in unison.
> “Is every pony’s communicators operational?  Check’em.”
“Check.”
“Check.”
“Check.”
“Check.”
“Check.”
> “Check,” than that‘s every pony.  “Now, let us bring ever lasting peace and justice to this land.”

> With that every pony starts running down the left corridor; except for you and your communications expert.  You look at each other and nod before proceeding down the right side corridor.  Once you reach the end of the hallway you begin to go through the schematics of the castle over and over in your head to make sure that you are heading in the right direction.
> As you continue to make your way through the castle you remain vigilant for more guards.
> You continue to sneak around the castle without any incident, but that would undoubtedly change once you reached your destination.
> Once you reached the communications room you counted a total of 6 guards outside, and it would be safe to assume that there were more inside.
> You turn around and say, “Are you ready?”
“Ready sir.”  As she levitates a small brown bag to you.
> You take it and throw it right in the middle of the group.  It explodes as soon as it hits the ground; leaving  a cloud of dust that blinds all the guards.
> You both sprint through the cloud mowing down all of the guards, but not before one of them can yell out,
“Were under attack.”
> You quickly dispose of the pest and return you attention to the communications room.  Your partner opens the door with her magic right as another guard was coming through.
> You leap and roll over him while grabbing for your daggers.  You land and throw them into the communications room in a random fashion.
> Two strike one of the guards in the neck and head taking him out.  Leaving one soldier at the console.  You quickly reach for your sword and cut him in half before he can send out an emergency signal.
> By that time your partner had finished the other pony that you just momentarily leapt over.

> You put your sword away as the communications expert trots over to the console.
> Did I hit anything important?
“Nah, we should be good to go in just a few seconds.”
> With that you reach for your communicator.  “This is The Moon’s Shadow , we’re in position what’s your status over?”
“This is Big Red the gates have been lowered.  You may begin your assault.”
> “Excellent.  Is every pony else in position?”
“This is Hawkeye, ready when you are, over.”
“Storm Chaser in position, over.”
“The Wizard is always ready, over.”
> “Alright insert ear plugs.  I’ll let you take over from here Soundwave.  My master is waiting for me.”
“Sweet, time to make my opening debut.  I hope you ponies enjoy it.”

> Be Shining Armor

> You were half way through role call, and everything was going swimmingly.  You were beginning to question why Princess Luna had to address the troops when you could do it easily enough.  When suddenly a deafening blast of  music comes over the intercom system.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-Np-ed_7IA
> The force of the sound waves literally shakes the ground beneath you,  and every pony is completely immobilized by the ferocity of the noise.
> You begin to try to make your way to the castle when you notice an explosion from the spiral tower above you.
> That was where the Wonderbolts were supposed to be posted during the drill.  You try to focus on teleporting yourself to the tower, but the sound waves were making it really difficult to concentrate.
> You take a deep breath and close your eyes.  You clear your mind and imagine yourself atop the spire.   After swelling your magic power you flash to the top of tower.
> When you open your eyes you find a few Wonderbolts on the ground severally injured with a few who managed to get into the air with minor injuries.
> The volume of the music was not as bad up here, but it certainly dominate any other noises.
> Who could do this?  Why would they do this?  As soon as these thoughts cross your mind you hear a distinct laugh that sends a chill down your spine.

> As you turn around you see a blue mare with a wizard cap.  No way, “Trixie!  What are you doing here!”
“Ah, good day to you captain I am so glad you are here to witness Trixie’s spectacular performance.”
> “What are you talking about?  What are you planning?”
> “It’s not about what Trixie’s planning brother of my archrival.”
> “Don’t give me that.  Every pony knows you work alone, so don’t try to convince me that some pony else is telling you what to do.”
“Very well then Trixie won’t try, so she’ll let them convince you for her.”
> With those words two figures come shooting out of the darkness behind her.  Both of them slamming and bucking the Wonderbolts still on the platform off the sides.  As the silhouettes of the two figures fade you see that they are a pegasus pony and a griffon?
> This situation didn’t make any sense at all, but that wasn’t important right now.  “So you made a few friends big deal.   You honestly expect me to believe that you are not behind all this!?
“Oh it doesn’t matter what you think captain.  Now if you’ll excuse Trixie she has a job to do.”
> “Wait, what are you planning on doing?”
> Completely ignoring you she begins to charge her magic.  By the way she was positioning herself it was going to be a big one.  You quickly throw a shield around yourself fearing the worst.
“hhaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!”

> A blinding light encompasses the courtyard.  As it subsides you look over the ledge to see a spectacle you didn’t think possible.  Every single pony in the courtyard was surrounded by a light blue force field.  The exact same technique that you had learned, and had taught to your sister.
> “How did you learn to do that?  Casting a shield of that magnitude requires the highest level of training, disciple, and skill.”
“Ha ha ha ha, and you do not think Trixie is capable of such a feat Shining Armor?  Remember, that I am the great and powerful Trixie.”
> “You may have been able to pull off that spell, but its purpose is to keep ponies out not in.”
“That is why I made a few adjustments to it, so it acts as a cage rather than a repellent.”
> “Even so who’s to stop me from bucking your behind to the curb, your friends?  Do you really think they are strong enough to stop me?”
“It is true that Trixie cannot do much while casting this spell, and it is also true that my associates lack the power to defeat you.  However, what Trixie does is the last thing you should be concerned about, and that goes the same for THEM as well.”
> She points her hoof out into the distance beyond the castle, and to your horror you see something that makes your knees shake.

> As you gaze into the distance the only thing you can see is an army.  Each soldier encased in dark armor, so dark that there very shadows seem light in comparison.
> Those were Luna’s Dusk troopers, but when did she amass this many soldiers?
> You look into the sky to see a group of Shadowbolts orbiting the perimeter of the castle.  You had heard of their existence, but you had never actually seen them before.  One pegasus pony caught your eye though.  One that looked strangely familiar, but that couldn’t be.  Having never seen these ponies in your life that shouldn’t be the case.  At that moment that said pony almost crashed into one of her fellow comrades, and that’s when it hit you.  DERPY!
> Has the world gone mad!?  Then, you suddenly come to the realization that the three attacking this tower have the same armor.  It was all clear now, and apparently your face gave away what you were thinking.
“Yes it’s magnificent isn’t it?  Soon there will be a new ruler of Equestria.  One who’s judgment is not impeded by silly emotion, and petty sentiments.  One that will not rely on the measly power your sister possesses.  One that will silence any opposition permanently.  A dawning of a new era is upon us, and Trixie shall be the first one to welcome you to it.  Welcome, to the age of the night.
> You couldn’t let this happen.  You had to warn the princess.  Hopefully you wouldn’t be too late.

>Be Spitfire

> Your head was pounding after being thrown for a loop, and the obnoxiously loud music was not helping.  You look to your left to see Soarin.  “You okay over there?”
“Yeah, I think so.  What hit us?”
> “I don’t know, but some pony is gonna pay for that.”  You manage to pull yourself together to see Shining Armor talking to Trixie.  You weren’t sure what was going on, but you were about to get some answers out of one of them.
> As you streak towards them a yellow flash zips in front of you.  Cutting you off from making any further progress.
“Nice to see you again commander.  I hope you won’t mind if we keep our reunion short.”
> “Lightning Dust!  What are you doing here?”
“Well I’m certainly not here to join the Wonderbolts.  I’ve seen how you operate things.  Promoting stupid ideals like humility, loyalty, and fairness.  When it’s strength that wins the day.”
> “That always was your problem Lightning Dust.  Never able to see the bigger picture.  Without comrades that you know you can trust you will never accomplish anything.
> Lightning Dust just scoffs.
“You don’t need to trust your comrades for anything.  As long as a strong leader keeps the troops in line trust is completely irreverent.”
> “You think so?  Well, how about me and Soarin here show you just what trust and teamwork can do.  Soarin execute maneuver Tango Whirlwind.”
“Yes ma’am.”
> Soarin positions himself beside you and you both fly straight at Lightning Dust.  You begin to spin around one another being sure to maintain distance from each other.  Just like a propeller.  Complete opposite of each other, but mimicking each others movements perfectly.  The air pressure around you takes a nose dive as you both increase your rotation.  The increase in speed and revolutions is enough to form a horizontal funnel cloud that begins to suck in Lightning Dust.
“Pretty good, but not good enough.”

> Without hesitation Lightning Dust enters the mouth of the storm, and stops in the middle.  The tornado begins to make her spin viciously, but she does not fight it.  She just curls up into a ball and focuses.  Suddenly a yellow glow begins to emanate from her stomach.  The intensity of the glowing increases ten-fold before Lightning Dust instantly extends all of her appendages and shoots lightning in every direction.
> The attack hits its mark as you and Soarin careen in different directions.  Both crashing into different parts of the castle.
> You were more in awe then actually hurt by that last move, but you weren’t so sure about Soarin.  That attack caught you completely off guard.  You knew what hit you, but you couldn’t believe that it happened.
> “Magic!?  Just when and how did you learn to wield magic.”
“When is a matter of perspective.  As to how, she learned it from us.”
> That voice.  No, not her, any pony but her.
> As the dust settled you notice a group of pegasus ponies had joined Lightning Dust.  They were wearing dark-skin tight suits with goggles removed.  Hovering in midair just staring down upon you.
> “Nightshade and the Shadowbolts; I should’ve known.”
“Yes you should have.  This hostile takeover wouldn’t be complete if the Shadowbolts weren’t here to replace the Wonderbolts.
“Takeover?  That’s your plan?  You think that a few ponies have the power to challenge Celestia and her entire army?”
“You don’t honestly believe we would be stupid enough to try and do that do you?    Just look around you.

> You look down at the courtyard to see a massive blue force field trapping all the guards in the area.  How is that possible?  Who is doing that?  Who has the power to trap nearly an entire army?
> “Is this your doing Nightshade.”
“Oh you flatter me, but no.  That task you see there is more suited to a unicorn.”
> “Well it doesn’t matter; because I’m going to stop you and whoever else opposes her majesty.  Do you hear me Nightshade!”
“That’s good.  It would be too easy if you just rolled over, and gave up.  I’m here to secure my place in the new rule of Equestria, and defeating you will do just that.”
> “What are you talking about? “
“You honestly think this is just some random attack on Equestria and its nobles.  To be able to completely outmaneuver  your entire army without any difficulty or casualties at all!?”
> “Just shut up and get to the point already.”
“This isn’t just a hostile takeover.  It’s a coop, a changing of the guard, you can even call it a rebellion.  Only this rebellion is guaranteed to win.”
> “Yeah.  We’ll just see about that.”
> Suddenly something moves in your peripheral vision.  It was rising out of a pile of rubble.  You turn to look and…
> “Soarin!  You okay?”
“(Damn it.)  Yeah I’m fine.”
> “Things have changed.  We have to reach Celestia.”
“What?  Why?”
> “No time to explain.  Gather up the rest of the Wonderbolts.  I need you to buy me a few minutes.”
“Roger that commander.”
> But even before Soarin could lift his wings a shadowy figure appeared behind him.
“Oh, you’re not going anywhere.”
(*sheck)

> You hadn’t taken your eyes off of Soarin for two seconds, but you felt a sickening feeling swelling up in your gut.
> You look back over in Soarin’s direction to see a griffon looming over him with a dagger dripping with blood.
> “SOARIN!”
> You immediately bolt for the griffon who stabbed him, but she just flies out of the way completely disinterested in you.
> “Soarin say something to me!
> But he remained motionless.
> This couldn’t be happening.  It had to be a bad dream or something.  This couldn’t be real.  It can’t be real.
> All of your senses went into overload.  As you stood there over your friend.  Then, suddenly everything stopped.
> All of the memories you had shared with him came flooding in at you all at once: training camp, missions, everything.  You had been so close.  You even thought he was going to make a move on you.  If he could ever muster up the courage.  You could feel all sense of reason and control begin to slip away from you.
> What replaced it was blinding white fury.
> “YOU!  I’M GOING TO KILL YOU!”
> With those words your phoenix cutiemark began to glow, and your mane and tail catch on fire.
“Ooooooooooo.  Now that’s scary, but even in your transformed state you lack the power or the will power to defeat us.”  remarked Nightshade.
> “Do you honestly think.  After everything that you’ve done that I’m simply just going to let you walk away from this unscathed?  A true soldier never gives up, and never retreats, and if you think I lack the conviction to do so.  Then I have to ask.”
> “[spoiler] JUST WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK I AM! [/spoiler]

> Be Shining Armor

> You were flying down corridors, and ascending staircases faster then you thought yourself possible, and each hallway you entered you saw guards slumped on the floor.
> Each one of them laying down at their designated posts during the drill.  They weren’t dead; because, you didn’t see any wounds on them, or blood splatter.  Which means they did not resist whoever knocked them out.
> You had a pretty good idea who it was, but you didn’t want to admit it until you saw undeniable proof.  Maybe you were just in denial at this point, but you still wanted to cling onto any thread of hope that it wasn’t true.
> As you climbed the last spiral staircase you saw a flash of blue light and heard two groans of discontent.  Followed by two thumps of ponies in armor hitting the floor.
> Whoever the culprit was orchestrating this attack.  They were just outside Celestia’s throne room.
> You reach the top of the staircase, and see a familiar pony standing in front of the sealed door.  Your worst fears being realized.
> [spoiler] “Luna.” [/spoiler]

> You were completely speechless.  Partly from being out of breath, and also from the gravity of the situation you now found yourself in.
> “Luna!  What do you think you’re doing?”
> She says nothing.  She just glares at you with a very cross look.
> “Answer me damn it!”
“It appears we have an uninvited guest.”
“It would appear so.”
> The second voice you heard came from behind Luna.  It sounded familiar, but you couldn’t put your hoof on it.
“He could be a problem if he were to interfere.”
“Do not worry my master I shall handle him.”
> Before you could demand the stranger to identify himself a tall figure immerged from Luna’s shadow, and began to walk towards you.  Before stopping half-way between you and Luna.
> “Anon!  Don’t tell me you’re in on this to!”
> Anon completely disregards you, and simply looks back at Luna.
“Please hurry my master.  Time is of the essence.  You must not waste anymore time here.”
> Luna diverts her gaze to Anon without changing her expression.
“He is not to step one hoof into this chamber.  Is that clear?”
“Understood.”
> Luna takes a few steps towards the enchanted door, and places her hoof upon it.  Her horn glows its usual midnight blue aura, and the door begins to radiate the same energy.
> Within moments the door momentarily flashes a bright white light.  Signifying the breaking of the seal.
“Do not fail me my apprentice.”
“Yes, my master.”

> Be Celestia

> To say that the current situation was unsettling was a complete understatement.
> An unexplained source of loud techno music had come over the loud speakers, and no one had bothered to turn it off.
> Your first thoughts were that some soldier had made a mistake, or some pony was playing a prank.
> Those thoughts quickly perished once you saw the force field being erected in the courtyard, and the large number of soldiers that could be seen in the distance.
> You couldn’t tell where they hailed from, or even if they were ponies at all.  Your duty was to stay in this chamber in case of an emergency.
> That was the whole point of practicing these drills, but now that you were faced with the real situation you found it incredibly hard and frustrating just sitting here and doing nothing.
> If you really were under attack you should at least inform Princess Mi Amore Cadenza of the events transpiring here.
> Although, even if you did send a letter their armies would not arrive for at least two days, and by then the battle would be over.
> Perhaps you should inform Twilight and the elements of harmony of the situation.  You had relied on their strength a number of times, and they have not failed you yet.
> However, if this is an attack from a foreign nation she might just complicate things.
> As you contemplate your next course of action you hear explosions, and feel the vibrations of something hitting the castle.
> Complicated or not this was a serious matter, and you were going to need your most trusted allies here now.

> Be Luna

> All the planning had been done.  The only thing that remained was the action to carry it out.
> You had long since contemplated this deed, and part of you still wished it did not have to be this way.
> This was your sister after all, but you knew that past sentiments could effect present and future judgment.
> However, believing that your sister could rule this land any longer with her leadership was an utter joke.
> Those who had joined you knew this, and they all wanted to curry their favor for the new order to come.
> With these thoughts now fresh in your mind every sentiment you once had with Celestia was now shoved into the back of your mind.
> Everything now rested with you.
> The fate of an entire era was to be decided now.
> Each ally you had made was used to reach a single end.
> This moment.
> The plan which had taken nearly a year of preparation was now coming to a head, and the whole world was watching.

> You enter the chamber to find your sister sitting upon her throne with a scroll and quill within her magical grasp.
> She is startled by the unexpected entry, but breathes a sigh of relief when she sees that it is you.
“Oh thank goodness sister its you.  I was beginning to worry.  Please tell me what’s going on down there?
> You don’t reply.  You simply eye the scroll that was hovering in the air.
“Sister, is something wrong?”
> “Yes my sister in case you hadn’t noticed the castle is under siege.  Please tell me that you are sending that scroll to the Crystal Empire to request reinforcements.”
“No.  I’m sending it to Ponyville to inform Twilight and her friends to come to Canterlot immediately.”
> Still refusing to do what you recommend.  Even up until the very end.
> “I see”
> Without hesitation you zap her scroll with your magic, and set the rest of her inventory ablaze.
“SISTER!  WHY DID YOU DO THAT!?”
> “There has been a change in plans; sorry.”
“What are you talking about?  What has happened?”
> “I’m talking about that from now on we are going to do what I decide, and my first decision is that you WILL NOT inform Twilight Sparkle of our situation here.”
> “Second, I decree that YOUR reign over Equestria comes to an end today.”

> Be Anon

“I suppose asking you to ‘please move’ is out of the question.”
> “Indeed it is.  My master is not one who tolerates failure.  Now, shall we begin?”
“You honestly believe you can stop me?”
> “I do.”
“And what makes you so sure of that?”
> “I have received a great deal of training under my master.  To be able to dispose of weaker foes quickly, and to go toe-to-toe with stronger opponents such as yourself.”
> “I have even made preparations to face off against her majesty should the need arise.”
“Heh, your dreaming if you think you can fight Celestia.”
> “I wouldn’t be so sure about that captain.  We’ve been waiting for this moment for months.  Trust me I’m not the only one who is prepared.”
“When you say we does that mean Trixie has also had training under Luna?”
> “It does, but she was only tutored in the art of casting two new spells.  Instead of the multitude of tasks I was entrusted to perform.”
> A long silence follows that sentence.  Raising the tension between you to permeable levels.
“One last thing before I reduce you to a bloody pulp.  Why?  What could have possibly provoked you into participating in this high treason?”
> “Are you asking about me or my master?”
“What?  Aren’t they the same thing?”
> “Oh captain, so naive.  Do you honestly think Trixie wants the same thing that either my master or myself desire?”

“No probably not, but where does that leave you then?”
> “My master seeks to gain the authority and the power of her position that was so wrongfully striped from her by her sister.”
> “I obviously don’t have to tell you what Trixie wants.”
> “My reason; however, is a little more complex than that.  Ever since I entered this world there has been something that has bothered me.”
> “At first I didn’t know what it was, but as conflict and unrest grew in Equestria it all became clear to me.”
> “You ponies are too forgiving.  All crimes, even treason, are punished with minimal consequence.”
> “Corruption in parliament is virtually swept under the rug.  With even the worst of cases simply receiving a slap on the wrist.”
> “Outright conquest of this nation with no remorse is punished with banishment.  The exact same sentence that led to that situation in the first place.”
> “My master has acknowledged these short comings, and seeks to rectify them when she claims the throne.”
> “Do not fight it captain.  I’m sure you’ve been one to question Celestia’s rule from time to time.”
“What I think is irreverent.  Her majesty is a kind ruler that thinks equally of all her subjects.”
> “Spoken like a true pawn, but don’t worry you will come to your senses eventually.”
“I don’t think so.  You’ll have to kill me first before I betray Celestia.”
> “Hmph, most amusing.  I wonder if your sister will feel the same way.”

> Shining Armor fires a magical blast faster than you can say; oops.
> However, you were anticipating this reaction, and side step the blast.
> A large explosion goes off behind you.  Creating a huge hole in the wall, and sending dust and rubble everywhere.
> “I’m sorry.  Did I hit a nerve.”
“Anon!  You will not go anywhere near my Twily!”
> “Relax captain I don’t wish your sister any harm.  She is my friend as well after all.   However, if she does not submit to my master’s new rule I cannot say that she will be so forgiving.”
“Then I guess I’ll just have to make sure that doesn’t happen.”
> “Indeed, but before that.  You must go through me.”
> You walk over to the throne room’s entrance and stop in front of the door; drawing your sword.
> Shining Armor steps forth, a mere three steps in front of you, and draws his double-edged sword from his scabbard.
> You both point your swords at each other having them touch ever so slightly.  Waiting for the other to make the first move.
> “Now captain. [spoiler] HAVE AT THEE!” [/spoiler]

> Be Princess Luna

“Sister please tell me it isn’t so.  Have you really fallen to your dark impulses again.  Like you did a thousand years ago.”
> “They are by no means ‘dark’ sister.  They are the ideals of a strong ruler.  One who’s judgment is not clouded by emotions and weak conviction.”
“Emotions are not weak sister.  They give ponies the chance to feel compassion.  To create understanding and build a better world.”
> “They also blind the ignorant from seeing the true nature of those who hold malice and discontent in their hearts.”
“No method of leadership is perfect my sister, but a government without the basic principles to even communicate on the same level as their peers can not hope to survive.”
> “You seek to lecture me on the values of equality.  Attempting to brainwash me into believing that every pony in power is equal to each other, and yet you still talk down to me?”
>“YOU KNOW NOTHING!”
> “Throughout your rein you have gone uncontested in your decision making.  Even failing to heed the words of your own younger sister.  Leaving every other pony to simply serve as a figurehead to your rule.”
> They don’t hold any ‘real’ power in governing this country.  They simply sit in a chair and use their position to exploit the ponies below them.”
> “Such unjust and corrupt governance would not stand under my rule, or should I say ‘will’ stand.”

“I understand your frustrations sister, but that is no reason for you to lead this mutiny.”
> “I have EVERY reason to lead!  Not only this rebellion, but this country as well.  I have tried to reason with you many times before today, and every time I have failed.”
> “You have even delegated our most dire conflicts to your former apprentice Twilight Sparkle; a mortal.  How can a mere mortal ever hope to understand the burden of countless centuries of darkness should they fail?”
“Twilight is an excellent pony, and an even better princess.  You have no right to criticize her accomplishments.”
> “You put too much faith in her.  We are gods.  It is our duty to use our power to keep this world in balance.  Not leave it on the shoulders of the talented youth.”
“You know why I chose her!”
> “You honestly believe she can replace you?  She has neither the heart nor the stomach for governing a country.”
“You don’t know her like I do.  She has great charisma and compassion.”
> “She is too weak in her convictions; just like you.”
> “But, as of today, the time for words has passed, and only action remains.”

“Luna, sister, I urge you to reconsider what you are doing.”
> “It is too late to turn back now sister.  All my associates have been waiting many a fortnight for this day, and neither they or I will be denied our moment of glory.”
> “In fact WE are no longer a part of your empire, and WE are no longer your sister.”
> With those words, a heavy vale was cast over Celestia.  Knowing full well that any further endeavors to reason with her would be useless.
“If you wish harm upon the ponies of this nation you will have to go through me first, and you remember what happened last time.”
> “Yes we remember.  You used the elements of harmony to imprison us on the moon.  A rather ironic fate for the princess of the night.”
> “However, you are no longer bound to the elements of harmony, and without them you no longer have the power to defeat us.”
“You forget your place Luna.  It was I who tutored you in the arts of magic, and I have always held more power then you; even now.”
> “But what were to happen if I did this?”
>Luna began to hover slightly above the air.  As her horn came aglow with her dark blue energy.
> Suddenly the castle began to shake violently, and the ceiling began to give way from the tremendous force.
> Chandeliers and marble columns crumbled while Luna continued to increase her power.
> Without warning a large section of the roof gave way.  Falling straight down on Luna, but her concentration would not be broken.
> When the section fell on her the piece simply shattered into rubble.  Leaving the goddess of the night completely unphazed.

> As the tremors began to subside Celestia could see a shadow had befallen the castle.  She looked out the new gapping hole in the roof to witness what she had most feared.
> The unknown shadow was being projected from the sun, and the moon that was partially blocking it.
> Once the moon was halfway to eclipsing the sun Luna stopped.
> In order for her plan to work it had to be this way.
“What are you doing?”
> “It would be too easy and completely meaningless if we were to simply assume our ultimate form of the night.”
> “We would overpower you in an instant.”
> “Instead we shall defeat you as an equal.  To prove how weak you truly are!”
“Your overconfidence will be your undoing.”
> Celestia begins removing her royal attire.  Placing all of it upon her throne.
> “We are glad that you are taking this seriously.  We shall feel all the more satisfaction when we beat you at your best.”
> Luna then draws the sword from her side and points it at Celestia.
> “It truly is a shame that you found the need to throw away your sacred sword all those years ago.  It would have made this already beautiful moment absolutely perfect.”
“I have no need for such tools anymore Luna.  My magic alone will be enough to teach you a lesson.”
> “We can hardly wait.”

> Be Anon

> Your sword clashed with Shining Armor’s.  Becoming locked in a stalemate.
> You both jump back signaling the end of another bout.
> “I’m pleased to see that all that time on guard duty has not diminished your skills.”
“Do you expect me to say thank you?”
> “Not at all, but I do expect more from you than just a test of swordplay.”
“Well then, try this on for size.”
> Shining Armor begins collecting a ball of light blue energy at the tip of his horn.  Shortly there after, the sphere explodes into a flurry of small magical projectiles.
> You take up a defensive stance and begin to deflect the incoming shots; however, you can’t deflect all of them.
> After the first wave Shining Armor hits you with a few grazing shots that send you off balance.  Seeing an opening he continues his barrage.
> The second volley finds its mark.  Hitting you in the legs, chest, and one in the face.
> Each blast feels like you are being hit by a baseball causing you to fall to one knee, and a trickle of blood to seep out of the corner of your mouth.
“How was that smart mouth?”
> You just chuckle at the captain’s small victory.  “Is that the best you can do?”


> With an angered grunt Shining Armor takes your obvious bait, and launches another assault.
> This time you take out a small group of daggers in each hand and launch them to meet the attack.
> Each little knife you throw cancels out one of the captain’s blasts.  Leaving you an opening.
> You slide along the ground hoping to swipe at his legs, but he cancels his attack with barely enough time to jump over your blade.
> However, being in midair leaves his underside vulnerable for a follow up blow.  You spin and bring your sword around for an uppercut strike.
> Shining Armor, knowing that he has left himself exposed, twists his body to meet your blade with his armored side.
> In spite of this your cut still manages to skim his exposed mid section before meeting his armor.
> Once he hits the ground he roles out of your range to avoid any further injury.
> The damage nevertheless had already been done.  The last attack left a nasty gash on his left side about ten centimeters long, and a few lacerations to his breastplate.
> “Well done, I wasn’t expecting you to be able to defend so well against that last attack.”
“Keep your comments to yourself traitor.”
> “Hmph, well I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.  You aren’t the captain of the royal guard for nothing.”
“Boy you sure do love to hear yourself talk.  Why don’t you give it a rest already.”
> “Very well captain, but I must warn you once I get serious it will be over in an instant.”

“Good.  The sooner this is over the sooner I can go help Celestia.”
> “I would be more worried about yourself right now captain; because this next attack will happen in the blink of an eye.”
> You take up a crouched stance and gather a small amount of magic at the tip of your blade.
“Crescent Strike!”  You release the energy as it arcs towards Shining Armor.
> He raises his shield and it absorbs the energy, but the job has been done.
> “Lunar Rush!”  Faster than lightning you lunge forward and draw your sword all in one motion.  Cutting threw the shield like butter.
> Shining Armor raises his sword to block, but to his surprise your sword slices clean through his.
> He tries to avoid the blade, but he still gets nicked by its edge.  Leaving a small cut on his right cheek bone.
> As you pivot to attack again Shining Armor fires off a quick shot of energy that knocks your sword out of your hand.  Sending it flying across the room.
> Finding yourself exposed and at close range you tackle Shining Armor.  Hoping to use your secret weapon.
> Unfortunately, Shining Armor was not having any of it.
> What was once a refined duel of swordsmanship now became a close and gritty stalemate of strength and willpower.
> You both grapple and wrestle each other with every fiber of your being.  All the while kicking and jabbing to weaken your opponent.

> After an intense struggle you try to gain leverage by positioning yourself under Shining Armor.
> He recognizes your maneuver and stabs with his horn right at your forehead.  You grab the base of his horn right before his horn stabs your skull.
> However, you can’t hold him back for long.  You attempt to redirect his attack to the side.  His head slowly moves over your right shoulder when he suddenly bits down onto your exposed trapezius.
> The pain is fierce, but your new found adrenaline gives you enough strength to lift the captain off the ground before slamming him back down; pile-driver style.
> Thinking you gave enough force to shake him you attempt to get up, but you were wrong.
> As you lift yourself off the ground you feel the power of Shining Armor’s jaw clench down on your skin.  > At some point something had to give, and, as luck would have it, it was you.
> A piece of your shoulder tears off in his mouth.  Sending a volcano of blood spraying down your back.
> The sound was horrific, but the feeling was even worse.
> “GAAAHHHHHHHHH!  YOU BASTARD!”
> Shining Armor spits out the chunk of your shoulder before responding.
“You brought this upon yourself Anon, and now you have to pay the price.”
> You attempt to get up, but the pain is too much.  All you end up doing is rolling onto your side; writhing in agony.
> “You’re the one who’s going to pay.”

(Move the fight to the throne room.)

> You place your hand over the bite mark, and roll along the ground until you reach your sword.  Using it to prop yourself up.
> The shooting pain in your shoulder was beginning to subside.  Which meant one of two things.  One, your body was going into shock due to the sensory overload.  Two, your nerves were going numb from the loss of blood.
> Neither of those situations boded well for you, but should you fail to complete your mission this pain would be the least of your worries.
“Not so high and mighty now are you?”
> His voice was beginning to annoy you.  It was taking every ounce of your training to keep your emotions in check.
> “I’m done playing with you.  I’m finishing this now.”
“Finally, something we can agree on.”
> You place your sword into your right hand and charge.
> Shining Armor begins to focus his magic at the tip of his horn and fires.
> You shift your weight onto left leg to sidestep the attack, but your leg locks up from taking a magical blast to the knee earlier.
> Unable to dodge the attack you summon your only defense.  “Pale Cascade!”
> Three spheres of energy encompass you to absorb the attack, but the force of the blast is still enough to send you flying backwards into the stone wall.  Causing small portions of it to give way.  Partially burying  you in the rubble.

> You knew you were in deep trouble now.  The force of you hitting the wall easily gave you a concussion.
> You could feel blood beginning to trickle down your neck, and the room wouldn’t stop spinning.
“This wasn’t your battle to win Anon.  May Celestia have mercy on your soul.”
> He turns to the throne room, but you couldn’t let him leave.
> “WAIT!  You haven’t won this battle yet.  I still live.”
“There’s no point in continuing this fight.  You barely have the strength to stand anymore.”
> “That’s not it at all you fool.  Don’t you see?  This is precisely why Celestia is unfit to rule.”
> “She leaves idealistic fools like you in charge.  To show mercy to an enemy that would destroy everything you love without a second thought.”
> “You have to kill me.  In order to guarantee the safety of your nation.”
> The room goes silent, but Shining Armor does not turn to face you when he speaks.
“I believe every pony and human has a right to live.  Even if they do wish harm to others.  You may see it as a sign of weakness, but I see it as a gesture of compassion and understanding.”
“A strong ruler knows when to yield in both victory and defeat.  Now if you’ll excuse me I have a rebellion to stop.”
> This time Shining Armor opens the door and enters the throne room.

> Damn it.  Your master will not be pleased with your performance, but there was still time to complete the mission.
> All you had to do was get inside the captain’s blind spot to use your secret weapon and it would all be over.
> You attempt to get up, but your injuries were even worse then you thought.
> Plus the rubble was pinning you down.  Your situation seemed hopeless, but you didn’t come this far just to trip at the finish line.
> Under ordinary circumstances you would have been worried, but you had an ace in the hole for just such an occasion.
> The side effects of your trump card were steep, but the consequences of failing this mission were even worse.
> One must make sacrifices in order to achieve victory you suppose, and you were no exception.
> You reach into your pocket to pull out a bottle.
> It was meant to be used as a last resort.  It was given to Luna’s top soldiers if they were ever in danger of failing to complete their assignments.
> It was an elixir that, when drank, dramatically increased the speed and power of the user.
> It also numbed their senses of pain to help him or her fulfill their duties.
> Unfortunately, the mortality rate was about ten percent, and side effects of those who lived were gruesome.
> You lifted the flask and said to yourself, [spoiler] “I will not fail you master.” [/spoiler]

> Be Luna

> This was it.  The moment that you had been waiting for.  Your duel of fate with your sister; Celestia.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzVBqBosf5w
> Celestia leaps into the air and fires her signature beam of rainbow colored magic.
> You knew that she would start with that move.  She always was a narrow-minded battle strategist.
> Taking to the air, you avoid the attack with ease.  Charging Celestia with your sword held high.
> Celestia conjures a sword with her magic to meet your attack.
> Your swords clash, but you press your momentum until she is pinned against the wall.
> “Nice try Celestia.  Now let us show you how it is done.”
> You lower your horn and aim it directly at her face.
> Charging your magic with dark energy until it swells to its peak.  Then, releasing it.
> Celestia takes the full force of your attack.  Leaving a perfectly circular hole through the wall.
> You fly through the hole in the wall to find Celestia hovering in the air.  Shaken by your last attack, or at least she appeared to be.
> You fly a little closer when she suddenly fires another magical ray of light.
> Raising your sword to meet the blast it ricochets off and hits one of the castle’s towers.
> Sending it tumbling down to the ground below.
> “Come now, that can’t be the only thing you remember how to do.  I know you much better than that.”
“Trust me Luna I’m just getting warmed up.”

> “Then show us, so far we have yet to be impressed.”
“Fine then.”
> Celestia begins to twirl her sword with rapidly increasing speed, and from the center of it a single light begins to bubble and expand.
“Final Spark!”
> You quickly shield yourself while also raising your sword to meet the blast just as a brilliant flash of light engulfs you.
> The discharge of light vaporizes the very atoms in the air around you.  Thankfully your defenses hold, but just barely.
> Your eyes begin to readjust to the light when you realize that Celestia is right next to you.
“Solar Flare!”
> Suddenly, a bright flash of light emanates from Celestia’s horn.  Leaving you stunned.
> “Damn you!”
> With you immobilized Celestia uses her magic to lift the fallen tower high above the castle.  Before throwing it back down on to you.
> The force of the shockwave shakes the castle, and sends mountains of dust and debris in all directions.
> When the dust cleared Celestia noticed a black puddle moving along the ground.
> It started moving sporadically before reaching one of the castle walls, and began to climb.  It continued to go higher and higher until it reached the top of a spire.
> From the mysterious mass arose black tentacles that began to wrap around each other to form the figure of a pony.

> The features were sleek and not very well defined at first, but slowly they became more rigid and curved to their original shapes.
> Before long the goddess of the night was once more standing before her older counterpart.
“That was one of Sombra’s techniques.”
> “Of course it was.  Who do you think taught it to him?  Dark magic of that level is not simply mastered with practice.”
“I should have known, but I was unwilling to accept the harsh truths that were right in front of me.”
> “So you admit your short-sightedness.   Better late then never we suppose.”
> “But while we are on the subject of Sombra.  Tell us if this spell looks familiar.”
> You bring your front hooves together and focus your magic into ten separate spaces.
> A transmutation circle forms below you, and begins to pulsate electricity.  From the circle, ten black objects rise up and begin to take shape.
> Finishing the spell with an exuberant sigh you now stand before Celestia with a total of eleven identical looking Lunas.
> “A most extraordinary feat would you not agree?”  You all say in unison.
“I hardly consider a parlor trick of this level to be impressive Luna.”
> “Oh really?”
> All of you fly up to Celestia and encircle her.
> “Then tell us.  Who is real empress of the night?”

> Be Celestia

> You were hesitant to make the first move.  You were at a disadvantage as it was, and this did not help matters.
“What’s the matter?  Are you having second thoughts on fighting us?”
> You just float in silence.  Keeping a close eye on any Luna to distinguish themselves.
> Without warning one of the Lunas in front of you fires a small blast of dark energy.
> You dodge and quickly fire back.  The shot lands squarely on the Luna doppelganger’s breastplate.
> Thinking you found the real Luna you charge straight for her, but as soon as you move the doppelganger vaporizes into a cloud of dark mist.
> “Impossible, they aren‘t illusions?!”
“Illusions?  Please, we know it will take more than mere illusions to defeat you.”
“Do not insult our intelligence.  We are just surprised that you do not know a shadow clone when you see one.”
> “Shadow clones?”
“Indeed.  Allow us to show you how ‘real’ they are.”
> Without warning the remaining Lunas point their horns at you and fire a burst of magic lightning from all directions.
> You encase yourself in a shielded bubble just before being fried by the lightning.
> The shield holds, but it wouldn’t for long.
> Out of the corner of your eye you see one of the Lunas break off her attack.  She flies towards you and kicks your protective bubble.
> You are immediately sent flying in the opposite direction heading for another Luna clone.
> She too kicks your shielded sphere, and this sequence repeats itself many times.
> You feel like a pinball in a pinball machine before being dunked one last time, and sent crashing into the ground.

> Be Luna

> “It is not too early to submit Celestia.  We shall grant mercy if you relinquish the crown now.”
> Celestia rises up from the crater she had just created looking miffed but not broken.
> “Enough with this foolishness.  Why do you continue to hold back.”
> “Show us your true form and fight us.  We grow tired of waiting.”
“I was hoping it wouldn’t have to come to that Luna, but I see you leave me no other choice.”
> The air around Celestia suddenly begins to waiver with tremendous heat.
> The ground begins to shake underneath her hooves, and small pebbles slowly rise off the ground.
> Chunks of gravel become large stones, and large stones become boulders.
> The air is now sizzling with the god like heat of the sun as nearby shrubbery and grassy plains catch fire.
> “YES!  That’s right get angry!  Show us your true form!  It will please us!”
> Celestia’s eyes begin to glow, but her face does not lose its intensity.
> “MORE!  MORE!  WE MUST HAVE MORE!”
> You had become lost in the ecstasy of the power frying the very air around you.
> It was everything you had hoped it would be.
> In your blind elation you almost didn’t notice that Celestia had finished her transformation.
> The landscape around her had small fires that seemed to be burning from nothing.
> Her eyes were still glowing like two small suns.  The hairs on her body were glowing and standing on end.
> Both her mane and tail had transitioned from smooth rainbows to sharp flames that burned in hues of yellow, orange, and red.
> “Well?  We are waiting.”

> Celestia raises her left hoof and slams it back down into the ground.
> On cue, ten columns of fire explode from the ground.  Each one engulfing a Luna clone.  All of them were incinerated instantly.  All but you, the original, who had raised a shield in defense.
> “This is what I’ve been waiting for.  NOW DIE!”
> You nosedive down on Celestia with your sword ready to strike.
> Celestia conjures a sword, but this time it’s on fire.  Your blades clash, but Celestia does not budge an inch.
> Your blade is quivering from the pressure, but Celestia’s remains completely still.
> She abruptly swipes your sword away, and you along with it.
> You are sent hurdling into the air before regaining your balance a great distance away.
> She was at least five times stronger then she was before, and utterly void of hesitation.