//------------------------------//
// Daybreaker's Origin 
// Story: My Little Pokémon 
// by Amarvax 
//------------------------------//

Universe 11. Currently 10 years ago. Equestria. Canterlot. Day.

This was a story told from what the older Flurry Heart had heard. One of a terrifying transformation that was caused by unlikely circumstances.

It was a month after the Storm King attacked Canterlot and almost took over Equestria. This was when everything started changing for Great Aunt Daybreaker." She narrated the story from Universe 1 in a current yet somehow further time compared to Universe 11.

In a universe much similar to Universe One, Celestia ruled as the benevolent ruler of Equestria. Minus the existence of Pokemon due to the timeline before the Rift caught wind of all of this.

Celestia knew that hard decisions had to be made. Decisions that she hoped to avoid with better solutions. However, that would never arrive.

And in this universe, Chrysalis never reached her purity form and joined the rest of the Changelings in their new hive. Due to the defeat she suffered, the former Changeling Queen Chrysalis' revenge was brewing in the middle of this. She has proven to be a recurring threat to Equestria constantly at this point.

Celestia was having a daily stroll at the moment, thinking of having negotiations with Chrysalis, if she could. If Thorax could be understood, then Celestia believed the same could be done for Chrysalis. However stubborn she may be. However, while strolling, Celestia heard conversations concerning recent events.

This is not her first time hearing these specific conversations. It's actually fairly common for her. But it does disappoint Celestia that they are all so negative and focused on the Changelings as the two ponies discussed.

"I just don't understand why the Princess doesn't take any major actions against them. It always happens at least 4 or 5 months apart. Long but..."

"I'm sure the princess has something. After all, we're all here now. Still in one piece. Equestria is looking danger-prone nowadays, I'll admit."

"My friends were replaced with changelings not too long ago. It only took until 3 weeks for them to be found. What if the same happens or has happened to other ponies."

"You have a point. It's all so worrying. But let's have faith in Princess Celestia. She's never failed us and all of Equestria. Not for a moment."

"I know. But I just wish something was done about this changeling issue." That was all Celestia had to hear. She went back to her throne room, taking in the words that the two ponies had spouted.

She appeared with the nifty power of teleportation, sitting on her throne. Celestia sighed, taking a deep breath before looking to the ceiling. She recalled the words the two ponies sid. But not just those words. Others from the past. It's true. Celestia, despite how beloved she was, has received criticism in the past.

And Celestia knew why. The Princess of the Sun knew that Equestria has been put in many risky and world-ending scenarios. And in all of them, she is essentially unable to do much. Failing to stop Chrysalis at the Royal Wedding, being captured by the Everfree Forest and later down the road the changelings. Being turned to stone during the Storm King attack and potentially some more that may come down the line.

Celestia wasn't too beat up by it. She knew the new generation was there to seat things right. AKA Twilight and her friends with all they've done. But, Princess Celestia couldn't help but feel as if she was failing to properly protect her little ponies on her lonesome.

"Sister. A word?" Luna's head poked through the throne room before entering it.

"Sure. What is it, Luna?" Celestia asked, wondering what her sister had to say. Luna walked up to her big sister, clearing her throat as the words that were about to come out of her mouth wouldn't be anything favourable.

"Ahem. Well, you see...our subjects are feeling precarious right now. And that's due to previous events." She then sat next to Celestia. "I mean, just last month, we had all just barely gone through the Storm King's potential victory and rule over Equestria. Everypony's starting to worry of something greater over the horizon."

"Greater? As in?"

"They're afraid that something worse than the Storm King could come along and topple everything around us. And what if they're right? What if something worse is coming along in the near future."

"Nothing too extreme or horrible, even if it appears, will get by us," Celestia replied with a hoof to her sister's back. "We've come a long way together as sisters. And so has all of Equestria through all of the good and bad. But I am cautious about what could be next."

"I suppose. I mean, your former student Twilight has been an outstanding bolster for every world-ending scenario we've seen, hm?" Luna chuckled. 

"Oh, she has. I don't mean to brag but..." Celestia grinned, looking to the side. "She did learn from a great teacher after all."

"I wish I could've had a student of my own." Luna's thoughts began pondering a student of her own. That was something to fantasize and also dream about in the Dream Realm. "I have a few things I could teach them."

"I'm sure you could teach them something I couldn't. Besides, it's never too late to try it. You're still fairly young. And speaking of Twilight, I remember when we used to go on daring adventures together. I miss those times."

"Too busy really. But having that fantastical journey would be the life!" Luna exclaimed, almost releasing her Royal Canterlot Voice before toning it down. Celestia chuckled afterwards. "But there is the issue of the Changelings that never reformed. They've caused problems for us as of recently." 

"I know." Celestia sighed. "It's hard to feel safe now with them roaming about. For a whole year as well. So far, every encounter with them have been constant close-calls. I fear that eventually, those close-calls will run out. But with Thorax and the others by our side, I have good faith that we'll be safe."





Out in the badlands. A massive colony.

But there was one big change in that universe. The Changelings formed more than just a hive. They formed an entire colony. And Chrysalis still ruled with many other Changelings while Thorax ruled another hive where every Changeling was reformed."

In the badlands, currently residing in this seemingly lifeless area was the Queen Chrysalis of this universe. The former queen now that Thorax is King. Chrysalis has been out here on being an adventurer more than a queen, refusing to head back to the newly formed hive. A stark contrast from her Universe 1 variant.

But this Chrysalis had something greater than a simple hive. A massive colony that far surpassed it. The feel of it was similar to the first one and how it existed in a similar area before it was blown to bits by overwhelming love.

Chrysalis currently had a newspaper from Equestria at her disposal. It contained information about the events that transpired 5 days ago. The Storm King event. Along with other things from the past.

"Storm King defeated, Princess Twilight forms a School of Friendship..." She uttered the words in the newspaper. "Various races come together to learn about...Bah!" She tossed the newspaper aside, obliterating a hole through Twilight's face with her magic. "I feel sick just looking at it."

Chrysalis had her own plans. A revenge plan to be exact. Revenge against all of Equestria on a grand scale. But right now, she is just one changeling. One individual who does have a lot of magic but not enough to take revenge on an entire nation that is gradually uniting with others.

But, Chrysalis knew this. That is why she had gained help for her eventual revenge. The main major difference between this universe and Universe one was that while Thorax and most of the Changelings became anew in their reformed purity states, some changelings stuck by Chrysalis' side.

Not as much as the hive that Thorax rules but a fairly large number of them that was enough to cause a problem. They emerged from the shadows, coming to Chrysalis' side.

"We've waited far too long for an opportunity like this. From those pesky ponies to that traitorous Thorax and all those who followed him. I think it's it's time that we truly gave Equestria our full-fledged attention. And our revenge can become reality with this." Chrysalis then revealed what she believed to be the object that would grant her victory. An object that has already proved to be too powerful to keep around.

The Alicorn Amulet.

"The Chrysalis of that universe not only found the Alicorn Amulet, but she discovered a new kind of magic that she used for herself. It came from a place named Magehold. It was a place shrouded in secrecy but only Chrysalis knew about it. She had some magic from that place, which gave her the power of horrible things. But she even passed it on to her subjects and that's when everything went wrong."

Chrysalis' horn emanated a familiar green light but with some extra purple and black embedded in it. She could not access this kind of magic before. But thanks to the location of Magehold that she had visited, she could wield.

"Many thanks, Rosa. We'll use this magic wisely as you requested." She leered before facing her subjects. "It's time. We'll erase all those from Equestria off the map, starting with their beloved cities."



6 days later. Las Pegasus. Afternoon.

And so began a terrifying and saddening event that caused Equestria to go to war against the Changeling Lands. It all started in the city of Las Pegasus. A raid had occurred unexpectedly on the city. One involving the changelings taking to the skies and using their newly gained magic from above.

Unexplainable magic that nopony had ever witnessed before. But even without knowing what it was or where it came from, it was devastating. A mysterious green mist that was not of Changeling origin. This mist acted as a corroding force, devouring everything in its sight.

Buildings were being obliterated by this mist as ponies were running or flying for their lives. However, this mist covered the air, replacing it. No matter how hard most of them fled. Only a few of them managed to escape due to being near the city's outskirts.

A terrific number of ponies were being caught by this green mist. They perished within it  Soon, Las Pegasus had been covered by this green mist from all sides. The smoking visage of pony skulls were also a part of it each time it flew by. After it overtook Pegalysium, the mist combusted, resulting in an archaic paroxysm. This explosion struck the casino city, obliterating it.

All those that were in Las Pegasus were now bereft of life. All that was left once the green mist faded away was ravaged buildings that were no longer sparking and showing their magnificent beauty. As for the ponies, the last of the mist had carried them away, leaving only clothes behind.

Those that managed to escape witnessed this horror with their own eyes. The terrible blight that came to Las Pegasus. They then saw the changelings in the sky, hiding before they could find them and use that magic against them once more. However, the changelings left, feeling exhausted from using such magical power.

But it didn't stop there.

There were other Changeling groups, going after other locations. Mostly small towns were raided by the changelings and the odd magic they now carried with them. Las Pegasus was the first big city to be attacked as of now. Those within the towns perished quicker than the ponies in Las Pegasus due to them being smaller.

Less space to run. The changelings did this several times. All in just one day and a few hours. The changelings were aggressive in their frontal assault against Equestria. And Chrysalis truly meant for utter destruction against the ponies. She wasn't going to rule with ponies around. Instead, it looked like she was going to rule in a changeling only empire.



Canterlot.

"W-What...?" Celestia instantly gained news of this. So did the rest of Equestria. Those that managed to escape the raid at Las Pegasus told what had happened to the guards. She and Luna stood there frozen in fear.

"Yes. The entirety of Las Pegasus had been attacked by the changelings of Chrysalis. Mostly everypony there were caught up in this green mist. Those swept by it suffered along with the buildings." The guard explained with his head hung low, finding it hard to deliver such news to Celestia and Luna. "Several other small and big towns had been raided too. Destroyed by this magic."

Celestia was taken aback. Never before has something like this ever happened. Equestria has had its fair share of conflicts. But not on this scale. The changelings were very determined in their actions and confidence. But the same couldn't be said for Equestria.

"Sister?" Luna looked to Celestia. "W-What should we do?"

Celestia took a moment to think. She closed her eyes, taking everything that she had just heard in. The loss of several towns and a big well-known city had just occurred. With many lives lost in those raids. And Celestia knew ponies there that she was fairly fond of. Now, they were most likely gone.

She then thought back to what Luna had said. About how the citizens were worried about what could come next. What could come after the Storm King that could be worse? It seemed that worry came sooner than expected in the form of this sudden attack.

"We..." She took a deep breath. "We won't allow it to happen ever again. I was afraid of something like this happening. Equestria hasn't seen a large war in centuries now. But Chrysalis has already crossed a preeminent line." Celestia then opened her eyes, concluding on what needed to be done. "If she wants war, we'll give it to her."

It was a declaration of war now. Chrysalis in this universe had already given out her fair share of attacks against Equestria. And each time, the scenarios kept escalating on how far she would go. Now they had reached an all-time high. One that cost the lives of innocent ponies.

It would take some time, however. Due to Equestria's century-long absence from war. But they had the essentials to get back on those rails. A burden had now been placed on Celestia. One that could change Equestria forever depending on how everything turns out.



The next day, Celestia delivered a speech to her subjects about what was to come. Something that all of Equestria feared but could not ignore.

"Chrysalis and her changelings have become too treacherous at this point." She spoke to everypony that had gathered here in Canterlot. "Too many attacks from them have been done since last year and now it's led up to this. I'm sending this message not just to everypony here, but to my ponies overseas as well. For the first time in centuries, we are at war." 

Saying that made all of them gasp and start a commotion. Anyone would speak after an announcement such as that. It was to be expected. But Celestia had more to say.

"And it frustrates me honestly..." Celestia almost growled, keeping her anger in check. "Peaceful ways have essentially been absent and tossed aside by those we try and understand. All of it has been in vain. I've lost some good friends in Las Pegasus and the various towns. Some that I've come to know as dear friends I can always be around." 

But even when trying to keep her anger in check, it was difficult when it came to friends that she cared for. In a few split seconds, Celestia's mane started exuding small sparks of flames. Even her eyes as well But she kept herself composed either way.

"She's going to pay...!" Celestia then spoke to herself instead of her subjects. Luna had even come over to the balcony to hear what her sister had to say. "Queen Chrysalis will be met with fire and fury like the world has never seen."

The speech was given out to everypony across Equestria. A difficult decision that only Celestia could make had been done. From Ponyville, Appleloosa, Manehattan, Cloudsdale and many more. They were all given information about an upcoming war that was unavoidable at this point.

"Good!" But in the meanwhile, on that same day, Chrysalis was revelling in this. Her changelings had returned, feeling exhausted from using such powerful magic. Chrysalis caught wind of Celestia deciding to go to war against her. "That got their attention. I can already feel something tense in the air. Feels like something untamed, really. Prepare yourselves, all of you. This is where their equilibrium tilts to our favour."



Ponyville. Twilight's Castle. Afternoon.

"This is really happening? You don't think we're going to be caught up in too, do you?" Fluttershy said to her friends. Currently, all of Twilight's friends were gathered around the table, discussing what Celestia had declared.

"I'm afraid something like this is unavoidable, Fluttershy." Rarity shrugged. "Unless we were to somehow find the perfect hiding spot."

"But this is could like super bad." Pinkie leaned forward. "Everything that happened to Las Pegasus and other towns could happen to us too maybe. If both sides start fighting. Wish we could all talk it out and chow down together on some cupcakes." She slumped on her seat.

"You heard Princess Celestia. We've tried being peaceful with them." Twilight shook her head. "It's only happened with Thorax and the other changelings. And...I'm 100% sure we'll be involved."

"What makes you say that?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"I've seen something like this before. When Spike and I were chasing Starlight through time, we ended up in a timeline where King Sombra and the Crystal Empire waged war on Equestria. It might be new to our timeline, but not to that one. And trust me, Ponyville was caught up in it as well."

"Ya did tell us that..." Applejack sighed before taking her hat off. "Ya think this might be a repeat of that?"

"I don't know." Twilight had no answer for that. When it comes to a situation like this, answers are hard to give after all. "I guess all we can d right now is just hope for the best."



In the meanwhile, Celestia was preparing for this incoming war. She had all of her guards and troops receive some momentary training since they needed to be at their absolute best for this.

Canterlot was a bit quieter than usual. Not much noise was filling the atmosphere. The only noise that existed and overpowered everything else were the words of a Field Marshal. Filling that role was the sudden

Ponies have always been a peaceful race. But that and the Magic of Friendship was seemingly not an option anymore. Not against a threat such as this. But some ponies wanted to interview Celestia about all of this and her current decision.

"Princess Celestia. Are you sure about this?" A pony asked. "Some ponies are glad that you're taking major action about this but others are..."

"Afraid, aren't they?" Celestia finished the sentence for the interviewer. "I am too. And for a good reason. But with everything that's happened prior to this, it can't be ignored. As ruler of Equestria, I must do what I can."

"Equestria's never seen war in centuries and many ponies are afraid. Are we ready for this?" Another interviewer asked.

"Maybe another chance at speaking to them can work out like it did with Thorax other changelings?" So did another.

"What about Princess Twilight and the others? And it sounds like some ponies aren't too confident or ready to take part in something so important as this."

"That's pointless now." Celestia sighed. "The Magic of Friendship has always been something we can trust. But this isn't one of those instances. We can't give off a defeatist nature right now.

"Well, some ponies from certain cities are saying that we should give up. I mean...I'm not arguing against that." She laughed nervously.

"What?" Celestia turned to an interviewer as those words got her attention. The interview stopped laughing before scrunching her face, pulling back.

"A few important faces said so. They're just not ready for a war. They said that it might be wise to put limitations on all of this for the better. Like this." The pony used her magic to send out a newspaper for Celestia to read.

Celestia looked at the paper, seeing what it had to offer. Already, news of Equestria potentially considering defeat against the Changelings for the safety of everypony else had been posted and could spread soon. Celestia took a moment to take all of this in as this sight only upset her.

"Tell them this." Celestia gave the newspaper back. "And to everypony writing hard. I never give up. And even if they want to stray away from this, it won't happen. It's best to tell them what truly coming."

"I mean...I'm not saying it's a bad idea or anything-" The interviewer and a few others chuckled nervously as a narrowed face formed on Celestia. She then stood up tall, looking down on them.

"You'll write the truth and nothing but the truth." Celestia declared that as her final word. "I know you're afraid, but you can't avoid it. I wish we could."

The interview had ended. Celestia would continue working hard to make sure that this war tips in the favour of Equestria. The times were changing for Equestria. But just like the sun, Celestia kept that beaming bright spirit in her.

She believed that once this was all over, Equestria would go back to its peaceful ways, devoid of any war or major conflict. But she also knew that with these changing times, she had to adapt. And so would everypony else. Celestia wanted to keep her little ponies safe. Doing everything that she could.

Celestia caught news of when the changelings would attack next, going after more towns and another big and noticeable city potentially. This time, she was ready to intercept them.



Once both sides caught wind of each other, thus began a long conflict. With changelings showing up in certain areas, Celestia's troops would be there as well.

"A lot of fighting happened after that. Equestria and the Changelings were against each other the whole way through. They kept fighting and it meant so many places were being hurt by all of it too. That's when great auntie started making decisions that not everypony was okay with.

The outbreak of full-blown war signalled a complete failure of past leadership. New decisions, hard decisions, had to be made in order to win this war in Celestia's eyes.

But the decisions she made were opposed in the eyes of many ponies. A majority of them knew peace after all. And the decisions Celestia made, despite how natural they may be, were surprising and new to them all.

Days went by as Celestia's army grew, becoming more and more accustomed to the current scenario. And with these passing days, they managed to fare better against the changeling. But with these passing days came further ruination.

Each time ponies and changelings met, casualties were starting to appear. Just as of recent, many ponies fled to Manehattan for safety. However, the changelings pursued them. And intercepting those changelings were Celestia's troops.

The conflict that occurred in Manehattan was extensive. While everypony within the city was safe, damages had been done. The ponies watched as their beloved city had almost been completely destroyed. And this was also due to the magic from Magehold that the changelings obtained. It gave them unexpected advantages. The magic they held only brought destruction.

Celestia herself was feeling stressed. She had just received a report that while they managed to push back a raiding changeling group, another town had taken heavy damage from the conflict. Many ponies living in certain locations could barely make it out of their homes because of all of this.

Many ponies had to be sent elsewhere while this war was ongoing. But everywhere else was still being targeted by Chrysalis and her changelings, no matter what, making it difficult for safe locations to exist. Celestia had also made a decision that was questionable to many.

One of which involved certain magical artefacts. Celestia, realizing that the changelings had somehow gained ahold of unknown magic of unknown origin, had to match their level.

"This should do." Celestia opened a treasury of various magical items that have existed over Equestria for years. And a majority of them have yet to be used. Due to Equestria's peaceful times before these current events, these items were essentially useless. Until now.

Once opened, the magical artefacts were passed down and instructed to the troops that would utilize them. But it didn't stop there. Celestia knew of many talented ponies that she could put her faith in.

"She wants us to what?!" Over at Ponyville, a message had been sent to Rarity and her friends. "Oh, I'd love to be a uniform designer!" It was a message from Celestia regarding the current situation. Celestia had requested help from Twilight and her friends.

"You're not scared?" Fluttershy asked.

"As long as I'm not getting out there and being hit by whatever magic is being used in this warfare, I am perfectly fine." Rarity replied. Indeed, making uniforms was a better bet than fighting out there. "Besides, it's Celestia's orders."

"Yeah." Rainbow Dash flew over. "I've got full-on loyalty to her. No way I'm gonna let her down right now. Or ever. Everypony in the Wonderbolts knows that as well."

"And if it means keeping everypony's stomach full, I'm in. Plus my role's still the same." Pinkie showed the message given to her. The only one exempt so far was Fluttershy while everyone else had something.

"W-Well. You all do your best." Fluttershy stammered. "I'm sure this whole thing will blow over in just a few weeks or less, so good luck to everypony."

"Hold on." Starlight halted Fluttershy before revealing another message that was behind hers. "Here's yours. Sorry, it was behind mine."

"Oh...T-Thanks." Fluttershy's ears dropped as she took the message. Truth to what Twilight had said, it was unavoidable, no matter what. Even in small instances.

"It'll be fine, Fluttershy. If all else fails, we know what we can count on." Twilight reassured Fluttershy. This may look like a repeat of that one timeline I saw, but I know that things will be different.

Rarity was tasked with making uniforms for everypony. Pinkie Pie's role had never changed. Not from the beginning. Twilight was given a bigger role. She was still the Princess of Friendship either way. Applejack had received a request that involved her farm.

That wasn't all. Celestia had upped her game, giving requests to places that she rarely goes to. But during the outbreak of war, she now has various reasons to go there.  Ship designers in shipyards for underwater purposes. She had even instructed the Wonderbolts to build aircraft.

This was also a major breakthrough for Equestria's technology. They've always had the resources for it, but now they can fully utilize them to create outstanding things.

But the same went for Chrysalis and her changelings. While they didn't have any technology, the magic that they had obtained was developing gradually. New traits could be found within them. Each passing day and week, they were improving, keeping up with Equestria or even possibly passing them.

A week later, many of Twilight's friends had taken on new occupations while still keeping their old ones. Due to this expanded enrollment for those who were brave and determined to protect their home. Skilled had come forth which made Celestia happy.

She was still somewhat calm, knowing that she had some amazing subjects to count on. But that pent-up stress was lurking, waiting to show itself in case Chrysalis does something unexpected.

More days passed with both sides preparing and growing. And that lurking stress was bringing to show itself. Both sides went against each other frequently as damages had been done. Damages that greatly impacted Celestia.

As everything went on, something started happening to great auntie. Whatever magic the changelings had, it made things difficult for her. Great aunt tried saving as many ponies as she could, but that was tough too. She then made a choice that wasn't too great.

"This isn't going anywhere!" Celestia slammed her hoof on the table, feeling more stressed than she's ever been. "How am I supposed to keep everyone safe at this rate?"

"Sister, calm down!" Luna ran in front of her, trying to comfort Celestia. "It's okay."

"No, it's not!" But Celestia roared back at her, causing Luna to step away. "Each passing week or even less than a day, the changelings are...!" She then took a deep breath, trying to collect herself. Celestia then sat down with her horn rapidly flashing, responding to what she was feeling. "I have no choice now...This plan needs to be altered."

"What do you mean by that?"

"A new comprehensive plan needs to be made. We'll fully mobilize the entire society in defence of Equestria. It may lead to considerable hardships for our ponies."

"Y-You don't mean..." Luna was starting to pick up on where Celestia was going with this. And from the sounds of it, they were not pleasing to the ears at all.

"Young, old, colt or, mare, it doesn't matter. All are in this for Equestria's safety. Either on the front or at home." She looked to Luna.

"Wait! That is far too drastic! It doesn't need to be so demanding!" Luna argued.

"It's unfortunate but necessary, Luna. I've tried my absolute best to be peaceful over these past years but time and time again, it's proven to be pointless. We're implementing this new plan. But I won't be pushing it as far as you think. They'll still be safe while assisting in this. Just in their own way."

"I-I understand." Luna calmed down. But she was still uncertain about her older sister's current choices. But Luna understood why this was the case. She had never seen Celestia in a state like this in years. The only thing related to this was when she banished Luna to the moon. "I'm sorry I misjudged you. I know you're-"

"It's okay, Luna. Everypony has their moments. I just have to get through mine." A smile came back to Celestia's face just for her little sister. "After this is over, how does a break at our old home sound? The one our parents built."

"Oh, I remember that!" Luna gasped. "It's still around?!" 

"Still is. Even after centuries, it's still as wonderful as it was when it was first made. Including everypony living there. We'll have a great time there once we have that chance."

But then, tragedy struck. A month had passed and the old home that Celestia and Luna were born and raised in had been attacked, including everypony living there. Celestia caught wind of this, hearing about how her home was almost destroyed. The changelings were pushed back but at the cost of noticeable destruction.

Celestia had arrived at her old home located near the west, seeing it in its current state. A sight she would never want to see. But now this sight became a horrible reality.

What was once a peaceful town that led to places such as Manehattan and Appleloosa was torn to pieces by the conflict. Grass filled the labyrinth of cracks and sand-covered whatever was left. The crisp and clean looking town now looked more like a ghost town as trees and gardens had been withered away, diminishing their unkempt boundaries when they once filled the area.

Most doors still stood in their frames as if nothing had changed. A few were ajar for one reason or another, perhaps left open in a hurry. Clothing, home appliances and other belongings were left lost and broken outside some of the homes. They were of no use to anyone anymore.

The town, once bustling with life and brimming with light at this hour had become nothing more than a painful memory. The wind in the trees and the creaking of wood were the new dominant sounds in a once lively community rich in sounds of joy and simple pleasures.

The train station had collapsed and the tracks were covered in shrubs and fallen branches. Nopony was waiting for the next train anymore, no longer eagerly going to the next destination or waiting for those coming home. Mostly because they would never return here.

Street after street of abandoned homes made for a terrifying thought. Each house was once a home, a home belonging to a family and now there was only emptiness. But there was something oddly poetic about nature reclaiming what was once theirs, to begin with.

This was a personal attack on Celestia. The home that her parents made millions of years ago was no more. That break she promised Luna had been wiped out now. For the most part, Celestia has done her best to keep her cool. But as feared, Chrysalis and her changelings managed to break that apart.

But this went beyond stress. Celestia's mane started exuding out flames more often. With this attack on her home, the Princess of the Sun would no longer be holding back.



She had taken drastic measures at last. A new law had been made. Due to this state of war, Celestia had changed them. She saw the new laws as a hindrance. Celestia had even dismissed the long-lasting establishment of harmony because of this. She no longer saw it as a viable option.

Not surprisingly many opposed these decisions, but many more ponies flocked to those who promised tough measures. Those who flocked to this were glad that Celestia was finally doing what they wanted her to do for so long. But those who opposed it were afraid of what was becoming of their once benevolent ruler.

One of which involved Luna.

"In order to defend Equestria, laws must be changed." She said, looking outside the window with her mane constantly releasing small flames every minute. 

Entering the room was Luna. She had to speak with Celestia, but being around her older sister felt more intimidating than it should be. Luna has never been intimidated by Celestia at all. But this was something new for her.

"Sister," Luna spoke. "You have become...colder." Her words were being held back as she was afraid to speak her mind. But Luna powered through it either way. Celestia looked back at her sister with cold eyes. "I am worried about you. You are not who you used to be. Your genuine smile and optimism are gone."

"Please leave, luna." Celestia sighed before turning to face the window.

"Listen. I know how hard it is to rule, especially now, but some of the measures you have enacted hurt our ponies, not protect them like you wished to." She approached closer. "Please sister, stop for a while and about this."

"I told you to leave. I am perfectly fine. Do not bother me again." Celestia demanded as she clenched her teeth. Fangs were even starting to show as of recently.

"But-"

"I said LEAVE!" Her mane ignited with a burst of flames as her Royal Canterlot Voice boomed, shattering the windows. Her eyes even turned black for a moment, but the flames faded as Luna was almost blown back by this shout.

Luna did not respond as she simply left the room under her sister's demand. As for now, there was no convincing Celestia. She had her mind set on defeating Chrysalis for good.

Months went by with seemingly endless fighting. Many ponies not fighting were also working hard, making essential resources for Celestia's army. Some were working harder than expected. Even Rarity, despite how excited she was to make uniforms for the princess, felt overwhelmed. She had her limits. So did Pinkie Pie and the others. 

And in those passing months, Chrysalis had unleashed her greatest raid yet. One that involved herself this time. Using the more mysterious magic from Magehold and the power of the Alicorn Amulet to the best of their abilities, a massive raid had occurred at Baltimare.

The combination of this new magic and a powerful machine that the Changelings had made was used against Celestia's forces that were at Baltimare. And facing off against Chrysalis herself didn't make it easier for them. At all.

Baltimare had been raided by the overwhelming force that came to it. Changeling forces launched a full-scale attack that resulted in desperate fighting. This was a major one that even involved Celestia being there. It was pandemonium here as everypony had been scattered.

And with this scatter, Celestia and Chrysalis had come face to face once Celestia caught wind of Chrysalis's presence here in Baltimare.

"Chrysalis!" Celestia exclaimed, descending onto a hill tower where Chrysalis stood. At the same time, the machine was tearing through the town with the unknown magic assisting it.

"Morning, Celestia." Chrysalis greeted with a smug grin. "Glad we could meet at such a wonderful time."

"This has gone on far enough! You and your changelings won't advance any further. I don't know what magic you obtained and how or where you obtained it, but this will be your last battle."

"Oh, this magic?" Chrysalis said as she and Celestia started pacing around each other. "A close ally of the changelings, well mostly me, taught this to me. The Magic of Necromancy."

"Necromancy?!" Celestia gasped. She had heard of this type of magic before but had never seen it in action or anything else. And now, Chrysalis had such dangerous magic at her hold.

"That's right. Coupled with this Alicorn Amulet, you could say that I'm above the pecking order. The apex of magic. And the best part is that soon, all those lost in this war will be mine. Necromancy involves relations to the afterlife. With my ever-growing population of changelings and the power to form new allies in the form of skeleton ponies, I will be unstoppable! Never outnumbered or overwhelmed! I can't say the same for you, Celestia."

"Why you...!" Celestia had heard enough. The two had simultaneously exuded their magic in the form of large light rays. Chrysalis went ahead as she and Chrysalis' horns had touched, similar to their first encounter back at the Royal Wedding.

The tower below them had trembled, almost breaking apart with the wind being blown in various directions. Chrysalis had then pushed Celestia away with more magic exertion. Celestia being pushed back meant that she flew backwards with Chrysalis chasing after her.

Another magical attack had been used by Chrysalis with Celestia casting a shield. This pulse of magic hit the shield each time with Celestia being on her best guard. They went all over the place as in the sky, it looked like a golden and green wisp were zipping around. Chrysalis started playing pinball each time she hit the shield.

Very soon, Celestia decided to go on the offensive. She approached Chrysalis with her shield, unleashing a blast of magic while eliminating the shield. Chrysalis had been struck as they both passed each other.

"What terrifying magic...!" Celestia said with a shocked expression. She and Chrysalis turned around while Chrysalis barely bothered, despite being hit.

"Isn't it?!" Chrysalis cackled before causing the magic around her body to burst out, resulting in a more explosive pulse. Celestia shielded herself once more as the buildings nearby had been obliterated by this magic.

Once she shielded herself, Chrsyaslis had suddenly passed through the barrier with her hooves, connecting with Celestia. Celestia gasped, shocked that Chrysalis managed to get through. Celestia's shield shattered as Chrysalis had sent her flying with a ray of magic.

Celestia cried out before being blown through many of the buildings in Baltimare. They all came crashing down one by one. Giant rocks fell from all the destroyed towers that Celestia had been blasted through. She stopped at the last tower, sticking to it with her hooves spread.

"Ugh..." Celestia groaned while against the tower Her regalia was slightly cracked, seemingly on the verge of breaking apart.

"You'll lose to me just like you did before!" The Changeling Queen ascended, covering herself in an aura of magic before charging right at the Princess of the Sun. "The problem with you Celestia is that you're too afraid to use all of your magic, aren't you?!"

After taunting her, Chrysalis tackled Celestia with this Aura of magic, blasting her out of a building with a massive hole being made in the walls. Celestia was sent a great distance through the skies, even breaking through the clouds. The Wonderbolts and all of Celestia's troops watched as their ruler was sent after with Chrysalis following after her.

They were also still having trouble with the machine that the Changelings were commanding. Rainbow Dash was among one of the ones struggling against this. Nopony knew how to deal with such a weapon.

As for in the skies, Celestia eventually started falling. But she soon recovered by flapping her wings. Celestia had never felt so overwhelmed before. Chrysalis was far above her at this point.

Luna was soon informed about her sister's current conflict happening at Baltimare. Being a part of this whole war, Luna could not let her sister go through these hardships alone. Even after the shout she received, Princess Luna would be at Princess Celestia's side no matter what.

Celestia was ready to retaliate. And she did with the largest beam she could conjure up at the moment. Celestia released a giant golden beam that tore through the clouds, racing towards Chrysalis. Chrysalis was even intimidated by thi sas she knw that one good hit from that would mean serious damage that she does not want.

So, she retaliated, combining the power of the Alicorn Amulet and Necromancy Magic to make her own beam. A dark green one that met with Celestia's. They both clashed for a moment with Celestia struggling to push through. But with Chrysalis' superior magic, she easily won this. Her green beam consumed Celestia's golden beam, racing towards the Ruler of Equestria.

"!" Celestia's eyes expanded before she was engulfed by it. She unleashed an audible scream that could be heard from afar, even down at the streets of Baltimare for both sides to hear. They saw a green combustion in the skies, polluting the clouds and changing the skies to its green colouring.

Out of the explosion fell Princess Celestia. Her wings wouldn't respond to her as that one attack seemingly sealed the deal. Green smoke trailed out of her as the alicorn crashed into the ground, making a sizable crater too.

Waves of throbbing, nauseating pain pulsed within their abdomen occurred. A result of the Necromancy Magic. Every part of their being ached for an answer to this feeling of misery and any answer that could bring relief was one worth considering. 

Celestia laid there on the ground with her eyes barely open. Her regalia had broken, falling to the side. She was starting to lose consciousness. She could see how the changelings and their machine were dominating, seeming unstoppable as Baltimare was seeing its final moments.

Soft moans and grunts escaped her mouth. Tired and frustrated she wanted it all to be over and done with. Her hearing was starting to diminish too.

On any other day, she probably would've gone to bed and rested to make sure she'd heal well and fast, but not today. Chrysalis descended, feeling healthier than Celestia as she stood over the downed alicorn.

"Your niece and her husband were a bigger threat than you were. You disappoint me, Celestia." Chrysalis spoke with her horn glowing. "Seems you're just as weak as when we first met. Oh, well. You don't have to worry. When I take your place, any threat against me will be finished before thy know it. Goodbye, Princess Celestia. But perhaps, I could use you as a skeleton."

Chrysalis was ready to end Celestia. She used the power of Necromancy, aiming it at Celestia and preparing to finish her off. Celestia tried getting up, but it was no use. She closed her eyes, hoping for the best. That was when Luna appeared.

Via teleportation, she appeared in front of her big sister right as the beam had been unleashed. Luna protected her sister in her dire moment. At the cost of her own safety. Celestia witnessed Luna struck by the beam at full force. The ground below had trembled as both Celestia and Luna were blown back by it, tumbling on the ground.

Chrysalis blinked, just now noticing Luna's arrival. "What?" Chrysalis said.

Within and out of the rubble, Celestia used her magic to levitate herself. She then descended, forcing her hooves to stay still even when they were trembling. "L-Luna! Luna!" Celestia cried out, holding her sister in her hooves. 

"Sister..." Luna groaned with a weak voice. "I'm getting colder, uncomfortably cold. My body is shivering uncontrollably, I wish I could make it stop...A warm bed would be amazing right now, or anything warm. It's so cold..."

"Hold on! I can try this!" Celestia tried a warming spell, but she was too weak at the moment to make it work. But, that didn't matter either way. Luna was more than cold right now.

"Just listen to me sister." Luna raised her hoof with the last of her strength, touching Celestia's weeping face. "D-Don't...forget your way ever for me. It's because of you that Equestria is so wonderful...Always remember what you stood by for..." Luna couldn't let out any more long sentences with everything around her fading. "I'll miss you."

"Luna! Don't go!" Celestia shook her little sister with tears overflowing. "Don't leave me!" But Luna could not hear or see Celestia anymore. She has passed on. Celestia wept with a final hug given to her little sister, holding her close to her hooves.

Even Celestia's troops took a moment to witness this passing, seeing a wonderful pony leave them. But the changelings did not care at all. They just continued wreaking havoc.

That's when something snapped in Celestia. She recalled how Chrysalis taunted her for being weak, having limits, afraid to use the full force of her magic. Chrysalis simply stood there with a smug look on her face.

"On the bright side, I can always bring her back...to me of course." Chrysalis chuckled at Celestia's misery. There was not a care in her heart for this.

And that was where Celestia's limits had been broken. Her pupil blazed with a burst of light. Her mane was rising as she cried into the sky out of pain and misery. That was when a blazing aura the colour of the sun emerged, erupting with pure power behind it. It was so powerful that even Chrysalis couldn't help but back away from it. Celestia had entered a state of rage, where all the magic that she had hidden in her was being released.

Luna had been dropped out of her hooves as Celestia started ascending. The mountains were moving while the rivers shivered. An outburst of solar lights flowed out as Celestia cried, changing the colours of the skies. She thundered at the top of her lungs, shaking Baltimare and the ground itself. The clouds also had a roar with fury, connecting with Celestia's sadness.

Then, with her pupil shattering and her eyes turning black with a new pupil emerging, a dome-shaped solar aura with devasting flames emerged, overtaking the skies and the ground. This cry was coupled with the Royal Canterlot Voice, making it heard across all of Equestria.

Even Chrysalis was shocked by this. She stood there, shocked and terrified by what she was seeing. The dome grew, burning the ground below and even the buildings. It soon convulsed, sending off a rupture that transformed the dome into a pillar.

And out of the pillar rose the newly transformed Princess Celestia. Taking on a new form with smouldering blazing hair and tail, pitch-black eyes and sun-coloured pupil.

Daybreaker had ascended.

Everypony, even the changelings stood back to watch this horrifying ascension that was shaking not just Baltimare but Equestria overall. The pillar of solar aura then ruptured, causing flaming lightning bolts to shoot out and strike the area. The skies were now dark red as all of these fire bolts came flying out everywhere.

The landscape was being assaulted by these raining fire bolts. Daybreaker roared as the fire bolts had even struck the machine. The changelings inside of the machine had been vaporized along with the weapon. Everyone started running and flying out of fear as these bolts did not have clear targets. They would attack everyone.

Baltimare and nearby landscapes had been set ablaze with these flames. Daybreaker then looked ahead, spotting Chrysalis. The one who was responsible for all of this. She was so full of rage that she wasn't aware of the destruction she was causing.

Chrysalis started panicking as she could feel the unbridled magic exuding out of Daybreaker. 

"You took everything from me...Now I am going to make you pay!" Daybreaker unleashed a supercolossal paroxysm of solar power that expanded to a stellar dome. Baltimare had been turned to dust as Chrysalis knew it was not safe to be here.

The flames could incinerate her at that rate. So, Chrysalis chose to retrat. In a split second, right as the flames were about to reach her, she used the teleportation spell to leave.

The Wonderbolts and Canterlot managed to escape due to being near the outskirts. But the changelings were caught up in this explosion, consumed by it.

The explosion had ended but not without leaving its effects. Baltimare was no more. Now just an elephantine crater that was once a wonderful location. All changeling forces in this area had been wiped out, defeated. Baltimare did fall, but it was Daybreaker's side that won. Even at a great cost.

The flames burned on with the pillar fizzling out. Descending with restored magic and even greater strength was Daybreaker. Despite all of that rage, she not only kept herself composed, but kept Luna's body safe from harm.

Daybreaker touched the ground as the flames didn't even affect her. She picked up the body of her little sister, trying to use her flames to warm her, just like how Luna requested. But she was long gone. The warmth didn't matter anymore.

Rainbow Dash and everypony else went up to Daybreaker, nervous at the moment. They made sure to avoid the flaming ground and clouds even. "P-Princess Celestia...? A-Are you okay?"

"No." Daybreaker responded with an honest answer. "Not at all. I have been too complacent. Too weak to protect my ponies. And my little sister, Luna. But now I see the error of my ways. I will stop at nothing until the enemies of Harmony are nothing but ash and dust. Chrysalis was right about one thing. My own limitations. But now, I shall become what I was destined to be! They will know the power of the sun!"

A supernova-like shout came from her as she stood up tall while still holding Luna. She was no longer Princess Celestia. Not any more.



Canterlot. 1 week later.

Today marked a day in Equestria History. Beset on all sides by real and perceived enemies to her country, Princess Celestia, now calling herself Daybreaker, declared Equestria a Solar Empire. 

Prior to that, just last week, she had given Luna the funeral she deserved while also appearing before all of Equestria as this new pony. None mounted for the Princes of the Night more than her big sister.

And with this loss, Empress Daybreaker refocused her efforts at winning the war at any cost and keeping her ponies safe from outside harm, from anyone. Pony, Changeling, Griffon or any other being seeking to destroy harmony.

She stood before her subjects for one last speech.

"It is our darkest hour. The enemies of Equestria, the scourge of ponykind, these beast-like insectoids have invaded our homeland, burned down our cities and robbed the lives of thousands upon thousands of innocents. Many that were close to me. They will not stop until every last foal has perished from this world." She made her message clear to everypony in Equestria and even beyond.

"But I am not done yet. Through every means necessary, I will push these abominable monsters back to their horrid hive. No longer will we lose our soil to the enemy! No longer will our foals be slaughtered! No longer shall the Glory of the Sun shine down upon these insectoid scum!" She had her mane flare with a blazing roar.

"I will never give up. Never yield or stop until all of us can put an end to this. Everypony on there. We will move forward! Forward! Forward unto Dawn!"

Celestia had made her claim. A new dawn had come after this speech. And a majority of Equestria, understanding Daybreaker's cause agreed and cheered for her. Daybreaker made new choices that involved victory alone. Nothing cowardice.

As the war against the changelings continued, Daybreaker was starting to gain the advantage with the new disposition she brought to her forces. And this even involved taking the risk of destruction.

However, not all agreed with Daybreaker's new approach. Mainly Twilight Sparkle. She no longer saw her teacher, Princess Celestia, anymore. It wasn't just her. The Crystal Empire, while they assisted in this war, were nervous. Mainly Cadence who was worried about her auntie.

Twilight recalled hearing about something like this when Starlight stayed at Canterlot for a while. But it was unexpected for it to happen like this. Twilight knew of the dangers that this kind of magic could bring. After all, Princess Luna was once affected by it. She tried searching for a way to work around this magic.

But she had been found out. Daybreaker accepted her new self. He true self as she saw it as. She saw those who would deny her now approach as traitors. That even included her faithful student. Arriving to apprehend Twilight were Canterlot Guards.

But Daybreaker had faith in Twilight. Twilight had been brought before Daybreaker in her throne room in chains. Twilight Sparkle stood in front of the throne, staring into the floor instead of up at the radiant being seated on the Solar Throne before her. She was utterly silent, and from her half-hidden expression, she was ready to remain so for hours if needed.

"My faithful student..." Daybreaker began only to be cut off.

"Don't say that!" Twilight snapped in anger. "You...you're not her! You're not Princess Celestia!"

"I am more than she ever was, Twilight," Daybreaker replied, descending from her throne. "Tell me this, could Celestia keep you safe from the Changelings? Could she stop Tirek? Or Sombra? Tell me how many ponies have suffered because of Celestia's...because of my weakness. She was a pathetic ruler through and through. An absolute pushover! All she did was fail, only for your and your friends to pick up her slack!"

"Shut up!" Twilight screamed, tears running down her face as she tore at the chains, trying to get free. "Even after all of that, Princess Celestia was still loved. It didn't matter if she failed or not. It was her kindness that kept us all going!"

"And that kindness too my little sister away from me. Now listen carefully, Twilight Sparkle." Daybreaker leaned with glowing eyes. "You are going to learn. And you cannot help but learn after all, can you? And right now, your eagerness to learn will have to trump your pride. You will listen and you will learn. And become a better pony. This will be your last lesson."

"I'll never go back on my word." But Twilight stayed adamant.

"You're saying that now." Daybreaker turned around. "A new order is rising in Equestria, Twilight. Whether you like it or not, countless ponies out there cheer my name and adore me. You've seen it, haven't you? They want me. This version of me! They fear what I might be but they adore what I promise and they will fight for that promise. We've taught then well, haven't we?" She asked with a smirk.

"You're telling them lies!" Twilight snapped back at her, trying once again to free herself. "This isn't harmony at all! What happens to the Magic of Friendship?!"

"The Magic of Friendship doesn't work anymore, Twilight!" Daybreaker roared. "Tell me, when your friend Pinkie Pie fell into sadness, did you not defy her wishes to be left alone because you knew what was the best of her? How many times have you humbled Rainbow Dash when she forgets her place? There are those you haven't even managed to get through without subterfuge. Tirek, Sombra and the Storm King. possibly other creatures. All done for the greater good."

"I tried, okay?! To get through them! Help them grow! Not do...this!"

"Oh really? But what does that make you currently? You've seen how ponies cheer my name and how they fall in line under me, praising the strength and the security I give them. What of them, Twilight? Will you be at odds with them as well? What about everypony in the ruins of Manehattan or those in Ponyville? Or even the long-gone Baltimare? Will you strike down pony after pony whose only crime was believing in me? Are you willing to let your ideals overtake you?"

"I..." Twilight didn't have a response to that yet as she stayed silent.

"Is that not what you would condemn me for doing? Even if you break me, maybe even seal me in the sun, what then? When you ascend the throne can you even bear the burden that will come with it? Having thousands whisper silently when no one else can hear of how you brought the worst equivalent to Tartarus itself upon those who believed in the princess that finally became an Empress. It would be the right thing, of course. You'd force it to. But you will be hated. More than anyone else. And it wouldn't be done because of your love for your friends, but because you sought to twist the word for your liking."

"I...I..." Despite how much she faltered, Twilight was starting to become speechless, breaking down.

"Twilight," Daybreaker said, her voice turning from imperious to beckoning. "You don't have to do that. You can choose. Anypony that tries to harm Equestria and ruin what you hold dear must suffer the consequences. But if not, you could just start another variant of a war born from your admirable yet arrogant confidence. And how would that make you different from me? Or rather, what you think I am?"

"What are you...saying?"

"You can join me, Twilight. You can join and help temper my worst excesses and transform what you've learned into a new age. An age where you, me and everypony will help shape. Where Equestria will still have peace and prosperity instead of being torn asunder by constant war. Twilight...if you truly believe in what I once taught you, then help me to once again save Equestria from calamity."

Just then, while Twilight stood there frozen, Daybreaker's magic wisped out, surrounding the young alicorn with a blazing light. "Equestria is being reborn. And so will you...now rise and serve me, Sunrise Sparkle."

After everything said, Twilight leaned to Daybreaker's side. Sunrise Sparkle had a nice ring to it. She had also ascended, just like Daybreaker. And after that, that was all the older Flurry Heart could give out.

"And...that's all I know. Everything changed after that. Great Aunt Daybreaker learned about the Rift, other universes and all that."



Universe 1. Equestria. Canterlot. Current day.

"So please don't see Great Aunt Daybreaker like that, okay?" Flurry Heart closed her eyes. "She'd never do that."

"I hear you, Flurry Heart." Celestia went up to hear. "We're just being cautious. But hearing what you said...We won't."

"Oh. T-Thanks." Flurry Heart sighed. She had a soft spot for her Great Auntie from another universe. Even if she knew what she was doing was wrong.

"It seems as if we're reaching another town or city soon," said Luna. "We will speak with you later, sister."

"Alright. Good luck on your journey." Celestia bid her farewell. Flurry Heart then went along to continue playing with Premium Polish. And at the same time, Celestia took in everything she had heard, pondering for a moment.

As the journey continues.


Chapter 606 End.