While still in Canterlot, you suggest that it would be prudent to let the Royal Princesses know about the presence of Empyrius in the realm of dreams.

Honourshine: "You want to request an audience with the Princess just now? We'd be lucky to be told to come back tomorrow."

Moonflower: "We can try!"

You nod; it's worth a shot, you figure. And with that, you begin to follow the western roads to the castle. As you walk, the sounds of lively conversations and wooden cart wheels on cobblestone pass you by, while gusts of wind swirl gently around the countless spires of purples and gold above.

Before long, you arrive at the castle gates. You approach one of the gatekeepers posted there, and relay your request to him.

Gatekeeper: "Princess Celestia is currently away at the inauguration of the Hippogriff Museum in Trottingham. If your business is urgent, we can schedule an appointment upon her return."

Just as the guard finishes his sentence, a familiar dark blue alicorn glides down from one of the castle's balconies, and gracefully lands just beyond the gate.

Moonflower: "Princess Luna!"

Luna: "My sister may be busy, but I have a moment to spare for my pupil and her friends."

Gatekeeper: "Yes, Your Highness."

Honourshine shoots you an incredulous glance, and you respond with a sheepish smile, before entering the castle grounds.

As Princess Luna leads your party to the privacy of the royal garden, you take the time to recount to her the dreams Moonflower shared with you, and your encounters with what you believe to be the soul of Empyrius within.

Luna: "I know the dream of which you speak; Moonflower shared it with me when she first discovered it. I find it curious that you were able to cross the barrier where I could not, but if the symbol upon it is indeed your cutie mark, then it must be by design.

Still, you should take care: arcane has no effect in the dream realm, so that barrier was not made from ordinary unicorn magic. Regrettably, that is all I know."

Honourshine: "... Do you... know who this Empyrius is...?"

Luna: "Empyrius of Hollow Shades? My sister spoke of him briefly. I believe she chooses to remember him as the hero he once was, rather than as the villain he became. Alas, his exploits are long erased from the annals of the eras I was absent for."

As you recall, Empyrius started out as a member of the Paladins of Dawn, a band of heroes tasked with retrieving and purifying the Philosopher's Stone. Only after they had exiled themselves did he betray their leader, Solar Flare, and declared himself king of Midgard... or so you were told.

Honourshine: "Hm. I wonder what really happened..."

Luna: "I dread to imagine a pony following in my own hoofsteps, but I know all too well how tempting the power of Darkness can be."

Speaking of dark powers, you decide to tell Luna what you've learned about your origin this morning, and ask for her thoughts on the matter.

Luna: "That is terrible news, child. But I believe that your friend Moondancer is right: this is no simple spell you are dealing with. She sounds knowledgeable, and you would do well to heed her advice."