The last solstice

Chapter 36: Flashpoint


Two days... It was more than enough for her to chart Celestia's habits. She was wondering why she didn't do it sooner. Nopony was aware of her presence, not even the Princess. There were plenty of opportunities to complete her task. They were alone in the library. The premise was perfect. Dark corners for dark deeds... Celestia was lost in the books, pursuing a frivolous goal. She wasn't paying attention to her surroundings. It was almost too easy. She couldn't have tricked her like that 13 years ago. The assassin locked her eyes on the target. Celestia was stretching out her legs to revitalize her numb muscles. She was craning her neck too. A perfectly vulnerable position. The shadow approached her silently. She licked her upper lip in anticipation.

Now we'll see, if alicorns are immortal or not! She thought and couldn't resist the devilish grin that was slowly expanding on her face. She almost chuckled when the ebony blade was only a few inches away from Celestia's swan-like neck. She was wondering what color her blood will be in this gloomy illumination. Will it be crimson red like a glass of fiery, full wine, or will it be black like boiling tar? Just a few more inches and then her task will be complete and her triumph will be indisputable...

Then she heard the echoes of the hoofsteps from close. She hesitated for a brief moment, pondering if she would continue or not. Perhaps it's just a royal guard... But those cursed hooves kept coming closer. A hundred swearing words rushed over her tongue and she had to do her best to snuff them out. She spotted the long shadow of a pony at the distance with her enhanced vision. She knew that pony was coming toward them, so she retreated to her dark corner and waited. When the pony came even closer, she recognized her face.

Of course, it's that pesky little Princess, Twilight Sparkle! Very bad timing, Twi! The assassin thought. She hated the young alicorn with every cell in her body. She was hoping she'll go away soon. But as she was listening to the conversation, Twilight had with Celestia, all her negative feelings were evaporated, because unwittingly, Twilight did a huge service to her. The unrelenting grin grew wider and wider on her shadowy face, as her sharp mind connected the dots about the past and the present.

“What an intriguing little story.” the assassin's lips silently formed the words.


*** ***

Next day, Celestia was all alone in her room, gazing out the window, observing the menacing play of the skies. She left the royal guards with the orders not to disturb her with any matter. The conversation with Twilight stirred up her soul and pushed her into a melancholic, contemplative state. Yes, her former student was right about everything, she spoke the words of wisdom beyond her years. There was only one week left until the winter solstice and Celestia knew she could not delay her decision any longer.

Is it really a decision? The thought passed through her mind. A heavy, careworn sigh escaped her chest as she opened the doors of her balcony and stepped outside. The temperature was chilly, the skies were gray and massive snow clouds were forming on the horizon. Hearts Warming Eve was near, only two weeks away, but the first snow hasn't fallen down yet. Celestia closed her eyes and flared her wings, allowing herself a moment to enjoy the weak sunlight and the cold, but refreshing breeze.

After 13 years, her horn charged up with magic as she focused her will on the Sun. She felt the familiar, sensational thrill overwhelming her body and soul as she reached out for the fiery orb with her astral tendrils. To her surprise, the Sun was reacting to her efforts, the shining sickle that was left of it was glowing brighter. Celestia had to admit, it felt really good. The pleasurable warmness diffused in her body, making her feel stronger with every second. The pitch black sphere that was blocking the Sun, slowly but assuredly began to move backwards. The solar Princess channeled more magic through her horn, the golden aura turned bigger and brighter. Signs of struggle furrowed her features and fat drops of sweat rolled down her face. She was grinding her teeth because of the extortion, but her eyes were shut; she couldn't see the result of her work. Celestia restored almost half of the Sun, when something happened. Sparks erupted from her horn, like shooting stars with the eerie noise of an electric discharge. The sparkles fell on the marble floor of the balcony and burnt through the thick blocks, like if they were drops of acid.

Celestia couldn't see that her scars were glowing with a shimmery yellow light, but she felt the untold pain, ravaging through her being. The transparent magic aura of her horn dissolved, like a cloud of smoke and she snatched her burning cheek with her hoof then collapsed onto the icy marble. The cold was soothing to her blazing old wounds, so she didn't faint this time. She had no idea how long she was lying there, but eventually, she was picked up by gentle hooves. As she was carried inside, her mind gave in to the misery and glided into nothingness.


*** ***


Celestia came to hours later. When she opened her eyes, she saw Luna, Twilight, Cadence and Mirage sitting beside her bed. Her mouth was dry and her tongue felt like a lifeless rock in her mouth, but she managed to say one thing.

“I tried...” she whispered weakly then fainted once again.


*** ***

“What the hay just happened?!” Luna yelled in a very ungraceful tone.

She was in her office with Twilight, Cadence and Mirage and a fiery debate erupted between them.

“Did you see her scars?” Cadence threw in. “They were... glowing!”

“Am I the only one who noticed those burnt holes on the balcony?” Twilight asked. “Something's obviously corrupting her magic!”

Luna's eyes met with Twilight's. They were thinking the same thing, there was no need to say it. Flame and Shadow...

“If I can get a word in...” Mirage began quietly. “This has happened before. The exact same thing. A few months ago, I heard some noise from her room. The door was open, so I went inside. I found her lying unconsciously on a shattered glass table.”

“It did?!” Luna snorted. “How come I didn't know about this?”

“Um... I told you, during one of my weekly reports, Princess.” Mirage replied, furrowing a brow.

“Oh yes, I remember!” Luna nodded. “I just have a lot of things in my mind right now.”

“Still, we need to figure something out to fix this!” Twilight declared. “We only have a week left until the solstice. After that, everything is over.”

“Has any of you ever considered... what if she can't do it?” Cadence raised the question.

Three faces turned to her at once, all glaring at her, like if she said something blasphemous.

“Don't look at me like that!” she said firmly. “What if Celestia is truly incapable of restoring the balance? What if we're beyond the point of no return?”

“Nonsense!” Twilight retorted. “My calculations are 100% correct, you know that. Until the Moon of the Chronos blocks the Sun entirely on the day of the winter solstice, there's still hope.”

“Indeed.” Luna agreed. “My sister gains energy from the Sun itself and when there's even a single ray of light still shining, she can succeed. All we need to do is to push her harder.”

“What can we do that we haven't done already?” Mirage interjected.

Before his question could be answered, a sudden commotion got their attention. They followed the loud noises and found a crowd of infuriated ponies outside the Castle.

“What is all this?!” Luna exclaimed in anger and frustration.

“It looks like a riot...” Mirage replied, his voice trailed off as he observed the angry masses from the window.

“I'll go see what the fuss is all about.” Twilight declared and left the office.


*** ***


Half an hour later, Twilight Sparkle returned. She slammed the door behind her and she was terrified beyond belief. Her eyes were wide, her face was gray and she took breaths rapidly.

“What happened? What's wrong?” Luna urged.

“We're doomed!” Twilight panted.

She threw a crinkled piece of paper on the desk. It was a copy of the Equestrian Herald. When Luna unfolded the newspaper and read the headline, the blood froze in her veins.

MANEHATTEN MAYHEM
Princess Celestia a mass murderer?

“No, no, no, no, no, no!!!” Luna chanted fanatically.

Not many ponies could tell they saw the Princess of the Night lose her cool and it wasn't a pretty sight.

“What is this nonsense?” Cadence asked in utter perplexity. “I don't...”

“How did it get out?!” Luna cut her off.

“I don't know!” Twilight gasped. “I could barely get away from that crowd; they're in the mood for some good old fashioned lynching!”

“You!” Luna hissed maliciously after reading the entire article. “You doomed us all!”

At first, Mirage didn't even recognize Luna was talking to him.

“Me?! What are you talking about?” he asked, blinking in confusion.

“I hope you're proud of yourself!” Luna shouted and threw the paper at Mirage.

When he read the article he couldn't believe his own eyes.

“It's your name there, isn't it?!” Luna questioned vigorously. “The author clearly states he got the information from you!”

Twilight and Cadence gazed at Mirage in complete disbelief, although the Princess of Love didn't fully understand the situation. From the four ponies in the room, she was the only one who didn't know about Celestia's encounter with the ancient demon of fire and shadows.

“How could you?” Twilight asked.

“But I didn't... I'd never...” Mirage stuttered.

“Beside us, you were the only one who knew what happened in Manehatten! Did you tell it all to the press?!” Twilight questioned relentlessly.

“No! I swear! Not in a million years!” Mirage replied, gesturing violently.

“GUARDS! GUARDS!” Luna yelled, and three royal guards entered the room immediately.” Arrest this stallion!”

“What?! No!” Mirage protested vehemently. “I'd never do such a thing, I love her!”

“I never thought I'll see somepony stoop so low. You have betrayed our trust! And for what? How much did you get for selling my sister out like that?!” Luna exclaimed coldly.

“Nothing, I didn't...”

“Nocturnal Mirage! You are under arrest for high treason! By the power given to me by the ponies of Equestria, I here by declare that you are an enemy of the kingdom, therefore your punishment is execution!”

“WHAT??!! No, wait!!! I didn't do anything!!! Please, you have to believe me!”

“Get him out of my sight!” Luna hissed; her voice was full of despise and hatred.