//------------------------------// // When light is darkness and darkness is light... // Story: Shadow of Loyalty and Laughter // by Prismfire Productions //------------------------------// Sunset awoke with a small start, but after she noticed the other Rainbooms that were in the room with her were just starting to wake up, she had a suddent realization. "Moonbutt doesn't like taking chances afterall it seems...." After acting like she got a full night's sleep and fully stretching, she then lead the others through the hallways surrounded by artifiactes that had been found, gifted, or plundered throughout the eons as wave after wave of nostalgia hit her like tsunamis. By the time they reached the dining area, Sunset had a smile on her muzzle on par with Pinkie Dash's, which caused the pink mare that was sitting between Celestia and Luna to give a small nod of acknowledgment for such a feat. "Sunset and the Rainbooms, glad you could join us for breakfast, do any of you have any plans for the day?" Celestia asked with a warming smile, and to her surprise, Sunset actually downcasted it slightly. "After lunch with Twilight I am free the rest of the day until 4 since that is when you agreed to help with our magic fluctuations." Sunset said in a flat level tone as she took a bite out of her egg and hay omlete. "During my free time I will most likely be reading or strolling around the castle to pass the time, no matter how many times anypony may walk these halls, they will always find something new." "That is correct Sunset," Luna said with a yawn. "Now I must retire to my chambers post haste to get some sleep so I can keep mine and Tia's little ponies dreams sweet tonight." Luna then rose up from the table and gave Rainbow a small nibble on the ear, making the cyan mare slightly giggle. "Also, don't forget Rainbow that you gave me your word AND Pinkie Promised the Cakes to foalsit Pumpkin and Pound while helping your wife in the shop." "I didn't forget that fact Princess Luna." Rainbow replied with a smile, that seemed to satisfy the navy alicorn and she retired to her chambers. When Rainbow regained her senses, the others looked at her funny. "What?" She asked clearly confused. "My my darling, I never knew you to be into a polygamous relationship, sleeping with the princess is such a high honor that I am actually a little envious of you. So tell me, is she a beast under the sheets?" Rarity asked with a sly smile. Rainbow's face turned pink with a small blush from embarrassment knowing she was caught between a rock and a hard place. If she didn't answer it would seem like she actually clopped with her mother. The situation on the other hoof was not much better of an alternative, knowing Rarity's reputation for being the town gossip, she knew that she couldn't say that Luna was both her superior officer AND her mom since both were highly classified information. To make matters worse, if she made a derogatory remark, she would really feel bad for insulting her mother. Luckily, Celestia saw right through the situation and had a response ready. "Really Rarity? You didn't know that was Rainbow's super secret tickle spot? I thought with you being a close friend of hers that you surely would have known that by now. You get her there and she is like puddy in your hooves, isn't that right niece?" A totally shocked and awkward silence then filled the room and left Rainbow looking absolutely horrified. "You know that was top secret...." The cyan Pegasus managed to say with a Fluttershy-like squeak. "And so is the true power of the Elements of Harmony so what's your point? Rainbow, they are your closest friends, I am sure if you had told them that you are Luna's daughter and heiress to her domain a long time ago that they wouldn't treat you any different than they have been all this time." "Yeah Rainbow, for Faust's sake I ascended to being an alicorn and the Princess of Friendship, do you have any clue the Tartarus I went through to keep everypony from bowing to me?" Twilight said then quickly put a hoof over her muzzle when she realized how bad that back fired. "Exactly why I don't want word of that getting out." Rainbow said while glaring at Rarity. "You not gonna say anything Rars?" Rarity winced since she saw something shiny in Pinkie's mane catch the light of the sun, and just by glancing at it she knew it would be her death if she spread that word. "Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." She replied with a small gulp. "Good, now everypony get out so I can have a chat with Sunset about something I discovered with her past." Celestia said in an authoritive tone and everypony left. When the door closed she casted a soundproofing spell. "What did you learn from your first night my little spy?" "You don't have to worry about your sister ceasing your throne that is for sure. Also, their training is far more rough than yours your Highness." "Oh really now? If that is the case then why did she order a full activation of her troops?" "Preparing to fight Nightmare Moon...." Sunset said with a small shudder. "I suggest we do joint exer-" "Absolutely not, my sister is still living in fear of turning back into that monster, that's a bit of good news, but Nightmare no longer exists so don't worry your head about it. Thanks for helping ease my troubles, you are dismissed from my services so you are free to go." Sunset bowed. "As you wish Princess Celestia. But I fully intend on joining the war.....even if you are against me...." She then trotted out the throne room to head for downtown Canterlot for lunch with Twilight, hoping to ease the hurricane of thoughts in her head as she started to question where her loyalty should fall.