It had been a few days since Chrysalis defeat and the Changelings reformation which brings us to the present where we find Starlight, Trixie, Discord and Thorax are awarded the Pink Heart of Courage. During the celebration Twilight becomes nervous after Discord had pointed out that Starlight had progress so far her 3 years plan of friendship lessons would be enough but then thanks to some advice she got from Celestia after hearing how back when she was still studying under Celestia also was nervous about similar decision about Twilight's future path and would explain that she didn't want Twilight to leave due believing once Twilight made friends she wouldn't need Celestia as her teacher any more. Upon hearing this Twilight would conveys to Celestia that she will always need her to which Celestia assures her that Starlight feels the same way with Lorien who had arrived just before Celestia's story making the same assurance leading to Twilight to announce that Starlight has graduated as her pupil then would pull Starlight aside to tell her that she is proud of her and states that she is ready to which Starlight states that she isn't ready yet causing a great relief for Twilight then would reveal Starlight's graduation gift which is a decorative wall mirror with photographs of her friends to which leading to Twilight to say that no matter what comes in the future she will always be there for her. While watching the two Lorien would be reminded of a certain person one he promise to protect with his life.
Sometime had pass without any significant events with a few exceptions the first being Starlight being called to the Royal Palace to solve a friendship problem which turns out to be a problem between Celestia and Luna with Starlight learning that both sisters feeling unappreciated towards one another with Lorien being the only reason why the two sisters lasted this long leading to Starlight to switch the sisters Cutie Marks to give them both the chance to better understand each other to which the sister agree while not like being reminded that Starlight did give them a chance. Later Luna would be the first to realize there is more to Celestia's duties then just smiling and waving when he made a few public appearances where she would spend the whole day smiling uncomfortably then just before a photo-op at School for Gifted Unicorns for fundraiser where Lorien suggest that Luna rest her face a moment since she has been smiling all day which she takes her brothers advice but only for a minute then would go through the photo however the smile Luna does for the camera is not only forced but also the nervous kind of smile which lead to the fundraiser to raise enough money only because Lorien. Later she would meet some delegates where she would try and fail to dispel rumors of Timerwolves in the White Tail Woods but Lorien would assure that he would send a team to investigate the White Tail Woods delegates to see if there are any Timberwolves and if their are the investigation team. After addressing a three-hour-long dispute between the mayors of Fillydelphia and Baltimare leading to Luna now exhausted has a better understanding of Celestia's duties as she now turns in early. Just as Luna left for bed Celestia would arrive to begin Luna's duties and asks where is Luna to which Starlight explains that she turned in early to which Celestia smugly comments that her duties were harder than Luna expected but then after raising the moon Celestia realizes that Luna has to work alone leading to Celestia enter the dream realm where she would find Starlight having a nightmare about choice of switching the sisters Cutie Marks fearing that the sister would be driven apart then suddenly Nightmare Moon would appear but the as Celestia was about to fight her an evil version of her named Daybreaker would appear leading to both Nightmare Moon and Daybreaker to begin fighting between each other leading to Starlight breaking down and cry fear that her dream might become reality then Celestia would use the dream world magic to observes Luna's nightmare while is haunted by the sadden foals fear what could happened if Lorien wasn't there then Celestia would appear and bring Luna into Starlight's nightmare where Luna would witness the battle between Nightmare Moon and Daybreaker. Celestia would explain that she brought into Starlight's dream in ask for help but Luna reminds Celestia that she currently has her magic which does work in the dream realm stating that Celestia must fight Nightmare Moon and Daybreaker alone which Celestia doubts herself confessing that admits that Luna's duties are harder then she imagined to which Luna would admit that Celestia's duties are just as hard as her own then would give her sister faith and trust which was enough for Celestia to dispelling the nightmare visions. As morning arrives both Celestia and Luna would both reconcile over their previous disagreements with a better appreciation of each other's duties then both Starlight and Lorien would join them leading to both sister commend her for her bold decision then would ask their brother why didn't he do this soon to which he explains that he was also too busy with his own duties and this was a chance for Starlight to grow as a person. After Lorien had finished explaining both Celestia's and Luna's Cutie Marks would return to the respective owners then Twilight would appear to congratulate Starlight then ask for full details of the event all the while Lorien had excused himself would think to himself if only you both knew the reason. The second event of importance would be when Spike invited Ember to Ponyville but forgot that he also invited Thorax when said Changeling had arrived before Ember then Thorax would explain that Prince Lorien had sent a letter informing him about that the leader of the dragon would also be arriving soon with said dragon arriving just as Thorax had finished explaining then Prince Lorien would appear to greet both Ember and Thorax then ask to have their meeting inside Twilight's castle leading to everyone to enter the castle then after entering Spike would be the one to ask how do both Ember and Thorax know about each other to which they explain that after send the letter to Spike they both also had sent a letter to Prince Lorien for advice as well. After explaining everyone would arrive to the map room where they would begin discuss why both Ember and Thorax each requested to meet with Spike for Ember it's having difficulty speaking ones feels will Thorax has difficulty being assertive this would to Lorien to suggest that Ember and Thorax give each other advice for each other while he would give examples to back their respective advice leading to Ember to explain to Thorax how to be assertive then leading to Thorax explain how one should show what they are truly feeling in order to solve the root of the problem. After giving each other advice Lorien then use examples of Ember's and Spikes advice leading to him to say when I was young and say I was young just like you a lot of you in fact I was a little old then CMC where there was an event where I there was a problem in my relationship with my friends and neighbors which I had to solve by speaking from the heart in other words I had to tell them I how felt leading to the problem being solved and our relationships had become better. As for you Thorax when I was first was placed in a leadership role where I had to hard decisions then dealing with what ever the outcome maybe and the possible consequences. Upon hearing two of Lorien's experiences everyone would be surprised because they would something new about Lorien but would gain more questions about said person after he had given his examples then developing a somber look after giving his examples then Lorien would turn his attention to Spike then states Spike when you discovered that both Ember and Thorax were going to arrive to Ponyville on the same day you were planning not have either Ember or Thorax meet because you were afraid that things would go wrong and planned to keep them both separate as long as possible until you had help them with their problems then would show both Ember and Thorax what he means by showing them both of a timeline where Lorien never existed and understand his statement then would use one particular moment from that timeline to practice with Spike specifically for Ember express how she's upset that he was going to lie to them leading to Thorax to scold Spike for what he was going to do. Spike would apologize explaining that he didn't want any to go wrong with any of their visits that he did try to see what could go right to which both Ember and Thorax accept his apology then Lorien would excuse himself since has to return to his duties but reassures Ember and Thorax that he will remain in contact and willing to give advice when he could then would depart back to Canterlot. After Lorien had left everyone in the room had the same thought but it would be Ember to voice said thought which was Lorien knows so much and yet we know nothing about him to which Twilight would say that maybe true but I believe that one day he will share his past with us all with everyone in the room nodding in agreement. The third event of importance is when Thorax ask for advice regarding his older brother Pharynx leading to Lorien who managed to gain some free time between his duties to not give Thorax advice but to also help with Pharynx who has yet to reform to which Lorien request that he talks to Pharynx to which Thorax agrees leading Lorien to have a talk with Pharynx the explain he understand Pharynx problem further explain when his sister found out he was that he was form a military form shocked and outraged but Lorien would explain that the reason he form the military force was to better protect their people and their home then would mutter to himself not knowing it was loud enough for Pharynx to hear it which was and I would be dammed if I would lose another home while being powerless to save the people I care about this would cause Pharynx to become curious of what Lorien means but would ask him later then Lorien would say Pharynx I can tell that I understand your desire to protect you home and the people you care about even though the hive are now following a more peaceful and gentler path that doesn't mean they shouldn't be able to defend themselves they just need to be show that there are still threats out there that they need to defend against. After hearing Lorien's statement Pharynx would ask him they how do we show them to which would simply say I have an idea but we first have to gather the rest of the hive including your brother as well as Starlight and Trixie. Later Lorien had requested that Thorax hold a hive meeting leading to Thorax to hold a meeting then ask Lorien why he request a meeting with the hive to which Lorien would say I am going to show the other changelings the need to defend themselves just like how I showed you and Ember causing Thorax to realize what Lorien was planning which would lead to Lorien to use his magic to show the hive a timeline where Lorien never existed where the whole Changeling hive would see a fight with the maulwurf and would take a little beating but would defeat the maulwurf learn that even though the Changeling hive is a kind gentler place they still need to defend themselves against any hostile animals or monster like the maulwurf. After seeing a timeline that could have been the rest of the hive would now understand the need to defend themselves against monsters like the maulwurf and any other beings that wish to do us harm then Lorien would recommends that Pharynx to becomes the new chief of hive security and suggests some security plans to deal with future threats to the hive starting with a plan to drive away then would say while smirking and trust me this one will be a real sticker then would ask the Changelings if they also mimic creatures nature abilities causing all the Changelings to become curious but then Thorax, Pharynx, Starlight and Trixie would realize what Lorien is planning. A moment later the whole have would gather in the place where the maulwurf is going to appear then would the maulwurf's own sense of smell against it being have mole which are animals that have a strong sense of smell but also means if someone is smart enough they can use it against them like Lorien and the Changeling Hive are going to do. Lorien's plan is for the Changelings to turn into animals like skunks or stick bus and/or plants either have a smell that drives other animals away or plants that are poisonous to animals like the maulwurf. A few minutes later everyone has gotten into position which also happens to be the same time the malwurf emerges from the ground ready to devour any plants it comes across and attack the Changelings however they were waiting for it and would enact Lorien's plan which cause the maulwurf to flee from the terrible stench. With the maulwurf now dealt with the other Changelings would apologize to Pharynx for not seeing that he was right that the hive need defences in case any beings like the maulwurf attack then Pharynx would also apologize for how he has been acting stating there could have been other ways for him to show the hive that they still to defend themselves and the reason why he stayed was because the hive is his home and he loves the hive more than anything. Upon say the last part of his statement Pharynx would be engulfed in a cocoon leading to him to go through a metamorphosis into a reformed Changeling and would gain a similar appearance to his brother. Now that Pharynx is now reform the hive will now get ready to celebrate this event which Starlight, Trixie and Lorien are invited however Lorien would say while I appreciate the invitation I have to decline because there are other matters that need my attention so I going to have to leave but before he could leave Pharynx would say hold on Lorien earlier while we were talking you said and I quote I would be dammed if I would lose another home while being powerless to save the people I care about. Upon hearing that everyone including Starlight and Trixie would be curious about what does that supposed to mean to which Lorien would only say that is a long and complicated story one I don't feel like sharing then would leave via teleportation. After Lorien had left everyone would become curious about who Lorien really is which would lead to Starlight to inform Twilight and the others about that statement.
More time would pass and we now find Lorien in the throne room of the royal palace with his sister along with the mane six and Sunburst who had brought lost journal of Starswirl the Bearded which Celestia, Luna and Lorien confirm the journal to be Starswirl's journal which causes Twilight to become excited. Celestia and Luna would comment that they have such fond memories and would be grateful if Twilight and the others figure out what happened to them however just as they were about to leave to figure what happened to Starswirl and to the other pillars Lorien to everyone surprise would shout out of the question while having a bit of an angered tone. Upon seeing his outburst the mane six and the others would ask but would be interrupted by Lorien who would answer only by saying that I forbid you from trying to figure out what happen to Starswirl and the pillars then would storm out of the room to either clear his head or find out what kind of duties need to be done. After Lorien had stormed out of the room Twilight would be the one to ask Celestia and Luna what happened between Lorien and Starswirl to which the two sister now developed a somber tone would say it's not something we like to talk about to which the other ask which was to which the sisters explain that both Lorien and Starswirl had a falling out but don't know the details all we do know is that when we asked what happened Lorien would only said that Starswirl had done something that he would never forgive him but never did tell us what it was. Celestia and Luna would then ask everyone try to solve the mystery of what happen to Starswirl and the pillars so we can discover what Starswirl did that Lorien can't forgive him to which Starlight would ask are you sure it's a good idea after all Lorien did forbid us from investigating Starswirl and the pillars disappearance to which Celestia would be the one to say you may not have Lorien permission but you have both me and my sister permission and let us take the heat this time to which the mane six, Starlight and Sunburst would leave to solve the mystery of Starswirl's and the Pillars disappearance. After three days of searching Twilight her friends, Spike, Starlight and Sunburst haven't been able to find anything but then Starlight would then see the writing in the journal was a bit sloppy leading to her being able to read it leading to the group to head for the Temple of Ponhenge at base of Foal Mountain where they discover that Starswirl and the Pillars were able to seal away the Pony of Shadows by sacrificing themselves. A day later Twilight would deciphering more of Starswirl's journal discovering that he and the Pillars trapped the Pony of Shadows in Limbo and had found a way to bring them back however Starlight would voice her concern about messing with Starswirl's spell and what might happen if Prince Lorien finds out what we are doing to which Twilight assures Starlight and the others that she knows what she is doing and regarding Prince Lorien we need to understand what caused the divide between Prince Lorien and Starswirl and maybe even find a way to mend the bridge. Twilight would then read a note from Starswirls journal the map would then show the locations of the the objects that belonged to the Pillars leading to Applejack to retrieve Rockhoof's shovel, Rarity to go after Mistmane's everlasting flower, Rainbow Dash retrieving Flash Magnus' shield with help from Spike since the shield was at the moment in the Dragonlands, Fluttershy getting Mage Meadowbrook's mask after she helped move a flash bee hive to a spot in the tree where they wouldn't be a threat to the other swamp creatures and Pinkie Pie would retrieve Somnambula's blindfold. After retrieving the Pillars talismans everyone would meet back at Ponhenge where we find Twilight and Sunburst making the last necessary preparations to cast the spell to bring back Starswirl and the Pillars however Starlight voices her concerns about the ritual specifically about how Starswirl and the Pillars knew what they were doing when they casted the banishing spell and that we shouldn't mess with it to which Twilight and Sunburst that Starswirl and the Pillars did everything they could but magic has come such a long way since their time then Twilights friends arrive with the Pillar's talismans which would be placed hexagonal pattern then would begin the spell leading to Twilight, Starlight and Sunburst would use their magic and would use to free Starswirl and the Pillars and would succeed freeing them from Limbo but then after regaining consciousness Starswirl ask Twilight and the others to reverse the spell stating that not only did Twilight and the others free them but also the Pony of Shadows with said being appearing. Now that the Pony of Shadows was free he would destroy Ponhenge along with Starswirl's journal so they couldn't send him back to Limbo however Twilight with Starlight's help would be able to drive away the Pony of Shadows. With the Pony of Shadow now gone the Pillars would ask how long they have been gone then becoming shocked to learn that they have been gone for thousand-year but have been some threats that Twilight and her friends had defeated however Starswirl would be skeptical of their accomplishments while being bitter towards Twilight for undoing the banishment spell but Twilight's friends would assure Starswirl their accomplishments are real. With the coming threat of the Pony of Shadows looming Twilight her friends along with Starswirl and the Pillars would gather in the map room of Twilight's castle where the Starswirl and the Pillars would discover the magic that created Twilight's castle was byproduct of the seed they had planted a thousand-year ago. It is then revealed that the Tree of Harmony was created from a crystal seed that was infused with their magic hoping it would grow into something that could protect the realm in their absence but had no idea that it would blossom into such a power force for good then Starswirl would state that they no longer need Ponhenge for the spell to banish the Pony of Shadows but can use the Elements of Harmony instead however Twilight would point out that if they use the banishment that would mean they would lose the Elements of Harmony and Equestria would suffer to which Starswirl would dismiss her input believing that if they leave the Pony of Shadows uncheck then all of Equestria would suffer. The Pillars along with Twilight's friends would go search for the Pony of Shadows hiding place while Twilight tries to find a different solution in a attempt to show Starswirl that she takes magic as seriously as he did then Starlight would enter the library in order to suggest to find a alternative way of defeating the Pony of Shadows that didn't need banish him but Twilight to fixated of trying to impress her idol. Later the Pillars would return find the dark places of their day had changed then would return to Twilight's castle to regroup where Twilight would show Starswirl a possible plan of banishing the Pony of Shadows with sacrificing the Pillars but Starswirl would shoot down but her friends stating that Twilight doesn't do anything half baked especially not when it comes to magic then Mage Meadowbrook would comment that while Twilight's plan maybe unconventional she believed that it could work to which Starswirl would say I suppose. Sunburst would then state that they would first have to find the Pony of Shadows first then the mane six's Cutie Marks began to glow then appear on the map pointing to an abandoned part of Equestria called Hollow Shades to which Twilight would ask Starswirl if the map was telling where the Pony of Shadows to which Starswirl would give her some praise then would ask both Twilight and Sunburst for a little help with refining the spell the banishment spell while everyone else would ready themselves for the fight but then Starlight would ask if banishing the Pony of Shadows was the only option but Starswirl would shoot down Starlight's suggestion stating once a villain always a villain. Starswirl's statement would cause Starlight ask the other Pillars about the Pony of Shadows before he became the Pony of Shadows where she would learn that the Pony of Shadows originally a unicorn named Stygian who was the one who had gather the Pillars together in order to combat the the Sirens but it would be the Pillars who would be praise for defeating the Sirens but then Stygian had become jealous of their abilities leading to Stygian to steal artifacts from them for a spell in an attempt to steal their magic which would lead to Starswirl and the Pillars cast him out as punishment for his actions however Stygian later appeared before them again and would consumed by darkness and revenge and became the Pony of Shadows. When asked what spell Stygian was trying to cast, the Pillars admit they don't know for sure, but they believe it was to steal their powers for himself. The Pillars answer to Starlight's question would lead to her to ask Spike to send a letter to Prince Lorien causing the Pillars to ask who is Prince Lorien this would cause Starlight, Spike and the rest of the mane six to realize that the Pillars didn't know about Lorien's true nature, Starlight would then ask if there was a stallion that was always seen with Celestia and Luna to which the Pillars confirms that there was a pony named Morden who was the bodyguard of the two sisters then Pillars would ask the group why were asking about Celestia's and Luna's former bodyguard to which it would be Twilight's friends who would explain that Morden's real name is Lorien and is in fact he is Celestia's and Luna's older brother. To say the Pillars were surprised to learn that Morden or rather Lorien is still alive and is actually the older brother of the two sisters then would comment if he even want to talk to them to which Starlight would explain that when they discovered Starswirls journal Lorien had forbad they from trying to figure out what happened to the Starswirl and the Pillars which would lead to the Pillars to ask do you think Lorien is willing to talk them especially Starswirl to which Starlight would say we will soon find out. After Starlight's talk with the Pillars about who the Pony of Shadows use to be Starlight would talk to Starswirl if banishing Stygian was the right thing to do. Starlight's question would cause Twilight and Sunburst to ask her who is Stygian to which Starswirl states that Stygian was the name the Pony of Shadow abandon when he fell to darkness to which Starlight would ask why Stygian fell to darkness to which Starswirl would assert that Stygian was envious and want our power which there is no return from that path to which Starlight would argue that is not always the case then reminds Twilight of when she and her friends were called to her village it was to solve a friendship problem then adding she had sent a letter to Prince Lorien informing that they had freed Starswirl and the Pillars but also inadvertently freed the Pony of Shadows. Upon hearing this Twilight would why Starlight did it while Starswirl asks who Lorien is to which Starlight states you might have known him by the name is use in your time Morden. Upon hearing this much like his fellow Pillars Starswirl would so shock he would be so shock that his jaw dropped then after a second he would say Morden is still alive to Starlight would answer by saying his real name is Lorien and he is also Celestia's and Luna's older brother causing Starswirl to become speechless at the fact Celestia and Luna have a brother and that only it was Morden but he and the other Pillars didn't know then a voice which Twilight, Starlight and Sunburst know would answer of course you didn't know that's because I didn't trust you enough to share my true nature. The four ponies would turn to face the direction of the voice where they would see Prince Lorien standing there and would not he had unhappy look on his face and Twilight, Starlight and Sunburst knew why he had that look on his face then Lorien would say in an angered tone I though I said I forbid you from learning what happened to Starswirl and the Pillars to which Starlight would say I know we went against your wish but it was a request from Celestia and Luna wanting to know what happened to their teacher to which Lorien would sigh and say I know as their brother I should have supported instead of letting emotions over what happened cloud my mind. After hearing Lorien's statement Starlight would be the one to ask what happen between you, Starswirl, the Pillars and Stygian to which Lorien would it would be easier to show all of you then tell, later in the map room Lorien would use a spell that allows everyone to see his memories like they were there and it is then they would see the night Stygian took the Pillars talismans. As Stygian was about to leave for Ponhenge a voice would say where are you heading at this hour causing Stygian to turn around leading to him to say Sir Morden what are you still doing up to which Morden would say I am Princess Celestia's and Princess Luna's bodyguard as such it maybe my duties to guard them while they are awake that doesn't mean I shouldn't be complacent with my duties like making sure there is any intruders in the castle. Morden would then question Stygian where he is taking the Pillars Talismans and what does he plan on doing with them to which Stygian would answer by saying I am going to Ponhenge in order to create my own copies of the Pillars Talismans so I can fight by their side as a Pillar because I all I want is their respect. Upon hearing Stygian's reason for taking the Pillars Talismans Morden would say that is not what the Starswirl and the Pillars will see they will think your trying to steal their magic to which Stygian would ask then what do you want me to do to which Morden would say just talk to them tell them how you want to fight along side them I'm sure they would be will to help you then just before he would leave to begin his patrol he would say you know Stygian you remind me of my younger self to some degree though our situations were different and if you just talked to Starswirl and the others I'm sure they would listen if you speak from the heart and remain firm with resolve. Lorien would decide everyone had seen what they need understand what really happen that caused the rift between the Pillars and Stygian Starswirl and the other Pillars now understood the reason Morden/Lorien said he would never forgive them and accused them for driving Stygian to darkness then they would learn that Lorien while use the name Morden had explained to their loved ones what happened to each of them. Later everyone including Lorien would arrive in the Hollow Shades to confront the Pony of Shadows and hopefully set things right with Stygian then after making the challenge to the Pony of Shadows the group would dragged underground and would find themselves in what the Pony of Shadows would explain they are now in the Well of Shade then would explain that after the Pillars had turn their backs on him he found the Well leading to the Shadow speaking to him of the power he wanted leading him become one with the Shadows then would states that once the world is engulfed in darkness then everyone will feel the despair I felt when you cast me out to which Starswirl would say we though you were trying to steal our magic but Morden showed us that wasn't the case. Upon hearing Morden's name Stygian would say in a shocked tone Morden is still alive to which Morden would say my real name is Lorien then Stygian would become shock as Lorien reveals that he is an alicorn. Lorien would then say well Stygian looks like you didn't take my advice since we are all here because of the choices both you and the Pillars made with you choosing not to take my advice decide to go to Ponhenge without talking to the Pillars about how you felt and the Pillars for assuming the worth and driving you to darkness but now it's time to set things right and mend what was broken but first we must separate the Shadow from Stygian. After making that statement Lorien would use magic that Starswirl and the other didn't recognize at first but will realize what Lorien is using while he use said spell to first separate the Shadow from Stygian then Lorien would say shadow you will now obey resulting in the Shadow being absorbed into Lorien. After the Shadow being dealt with the corruption the Pony of Shadows had on the Hollow Shades, Starswirl and the others would ask Lorien what he did to which he answered by saying that what he use was a part of shadow magic that he learned a long time ago. Upon hearing shadow magic Starswirl, Twilight and Sunburst would realize that Lorien is a shadowmancer to which he states that Shadow Magic was one of many kinds of Magic that he had learn in his youth then he would assure them that he will keep the Shadow that made Stygian what he was in line. Starswirl and the other Pillars would apologize to Stygian finally mending their friendship. A short while later after seeing the Tree of Harmony Starswirl and the other Pillars would reunited with Celestia and Luna and explain their plans see what has become of Equestria while they were gone then just before he left Lorien would explain to them that after they had disappeared a thousand years ago while under the name Morden had told their loved ones what happened to them and what lead to their disappearance to which they thanked him. After Lorien had left everyone now had even more questions about Lorien and wonder if they will learn anything about him.