Temptation: Desire

Chapter 2

As Celestia and Luna arrived at Canterlot, they were taken aback by the sight of numerous people from the Crystal Empire who had sought refuge in the capital. The unexpected influx of individuals signaled the severity of the situation.

However, the princesses knew they couldn't linger outside the Empire for too long. Crystal was the lifeblood of their existence, the primary source of their energy. Without it, their lives were at stake. The supplied crystals they had would last for a maximum of two years, adding a ticking clock to their predicament.

Among the displaced crowd, a woman noticed the arrival of the princesses and instinctively bowed. Celestia, aware of the urgency but ever mindful of their changed status, addressed her and everyone else, "Rise, madam. No need for such formality here. We've long shed the constraints of royalty."

In the face of adversity, Celestia and Luna embraced their new roles, seeking unity and cooperation rather than the regality of the past. The challenges ahead demanded a collective effort, and the princesses were determined to face them not as rulers but as comrades in a shared struggle.

Concern etched across Celestia's face as she inquired about Princess Cadence. Swiftly, she moved through Canterlot, determined to find her niece and assess the situation. In one of the chambers, she discovered Cadence, weakened and lying on a bed beside her husband, Prince Shining Armor. The scene struck Celestia, and worry deepened the furrows on her brow.

Approaching the bedside, Celestia observed the toll of the recent events on her beloved niece. Cadence's injuries were apparent, and concern for her well-being weighed heavily on Celestia's heart.

Amidst the somber atmosphere, Celestia's gaze fell upon Flurry Heart, Cadence, and Shining Armor's four-year-old daughter. The young princess slumbered peacefully, blissfully unaware of the turmoil that had befallen her family.

With a gentle touch, Celestia hugged Flurry Heart, a silent apology conveyed through the warmth of the embrace. "I'm sorry for being late," she whispered, her voice carrying both regret and reassurance. In that tender moment, Celestia sought to provide solace to the innocent child, a symbol of hope amid adversity.

As she held Flurry Heart close, Celestia's thoughts turned to the challenges ahead, her determination strengthening. The well-being of her family and the Crystal Empire rested heavily on her shoulders, and she steeled herself for the battles that lay ahead, both on the battlefield and within the hearts of those she cared for.

Celestia's concern deepened as she listened to Princess Cadence's weakened explanation. The news of King Sombra's return, coupled with his increased power, cast a shadow of foreboding over the room. Cadence, her voice feeble, described the futile attempt to confront the tyrant just three days prior. Even the potent magic of love and friendship, forces that had overcome many challenges in the past, proved ineffective against his newfound strength.

Shining Armor, ever protective, intervened, placing a gentle hand on Cadence's shoulder to halt her words. Her sickness and exhaustion were palpable, a testament to the toll the recent conflict had taken on her. The weight of the unspoken details lingered in the air, leaving Celestia with a heavy heart and a resolute determination to find a solution.

As Cadence's voice trailed off, Celestia exchanged a somber glance with Shining Armor, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. The room, once a haven of familial warmth, now resonated with a sense of urgency and uncertainty. The princesses, though stripped of their formal titles, understood that the responsibility to protect their kin and the Crystal Empire remained undiminished.

A profound sense of concern settled over Celestia as she absorbed the weight of the news. Despite the best efforts of her family and allies, the defeat at the hands of the formidable adversary left a lingering shadow of uncertainty. The realization that they had been unable to overcome this unforeseen challenge weighed heavily on her heart.