"How in Equestria do we get rid of Twilight?" Midnight Rose asked, pacing the length of her chambers.
"I haven't the slightest," Luna responded gravely. "My efforts to contact Discord once again have been useless."
"Of course they were, Princess," Slate replied. "He is Chaos itself. Why should he bow to our will?" Luna turned a narrowed eye on Slate.
"Are you chastising me for accepting his assistance?" She asked slowly.
"No, Princess, I'm not," Slate said. "I'm saying that it's stupid to think he'd give even more help if there wasn't anything in it for him. Fluttershy and her friends supposedly reformed him. He may not want to tangle with them again, and Twilight is one of them."
Luna straightened. "You make a truthful statement, Slate. I apologize for doubting you." Slate dipped his head in an informal bow. "The conflict still remains. Twilight Sparkle -as well as Cadence- are bound to interfere. Twilight is one of Equestria's most intelligent ponies. She is wise enough to read between the lines," Luna said, talking more to herself than to Slate or Midnight Rose.
"Princess, you performed the spell that turned Celestia mortal, correct?" Midnight asked. Luna nodded. "Is there a way to perhaps pull that spell from your memory and perform it again?"
"That is very possible, Midnight, yes..." Luna responded thoughtfully. "Though, Twilight was not born an Alicorn, as Celestia and I were. She became an Alicorn through years of study and selflessness. And I do not recall Princess Cadence's coronation, as I was still in exile at the time she was born."
"So you think the spell you used on Celestia may not work on Twilight since they became princesses in different ways?" Slate asked.
"That's exactly what I think," Luna mused. Another new revelation dawned on the princess. If Twilight were attacked, Shining Armor and Cadence would almost certainly respond. Luna would have no choice but to remove all ponies that held an inkling of power. Her largest threat was neutralized. Twilight, Cadence, and Shining Armor were equally dangerous.
"My pupils," Luna said. "I believe it is time to stage a revolution."
**********************************
"I have left doubt in the Griffin Empire," Luna said proudly. "They now believe Equestria plans to overtake their lands."
"They will almost certainly respond with force!" Midnight Rose said doubtfully.
"That is exactly my plan, little one," Luna announced. "They will lead an attack on Canterlot at the end of this week. We must be sure to schedule an.. Appointment for this date."
"Princess," Slate spoke up. "How does this help us, exactly?"
"I have led them to believe that Twilight Sparkle convinced Celestia to let our peace contract with the griffins expire for this sole purpose," Luna explained.
"So they'll go straight for Twilight and Celestia," Slate said, piecing it together.
"But what about Cadence and Shining Armor?" Midnight asked.
"I have confidence that the griffins will not appreciate other ponies siding with the two who are supposed to be taking their land," Luna answered. "Now, I believe there are celebrations to be had."
"What do you mean, Princess?" Midnight said.
"Slate, is it true that last night, you got your cutie mark?" Luna asked, smiling down at the Pegasus.
Beaming, Slate unzipped the back of his training suit, revealed his brand new cutie mark: a shield with two swords crossing in front of it.
Midnight squeaked and hugged her friend. She had gotten her cutie mark two weeks before, a white rose enveloped in a gleaming pink aura of magic.
"I believe the two of you have earned a night on the town," Luna said. "All I ask is that you be careful and don't stay out past curfew."
"Thank you, Princess!" the two foals exclaimed. The Alicorn watched as her pupils scampered out of sight, discussing where to go and what to do.
"Well, aren't they just little bundles of fun," said an amused voice.
"So you decide to show up after I have already resorted to force," Luna scoffed, turning around.
Discord raised a claw. "Wait for it... Wait for it."
There was a sudden racket in the hall outside Luna's chambers. Casting a suspicious glance at Discord, she peered into the hallway. Several guard ponies raced down the corridor, the artificial lighting glinting off their coats.
"Guards of the Crystal Empire?" Luna muttered to herself. She looked back into her chambers. Discord was gone. With a sigh, she galloped after the guards, who were of course going straight to Celestia.
"Your majesty," One of the guards, a unicorn stallion with a sparkling blue mane said.
"Oh my gosh! What happened to you, Princess?" The first guard's less tactful companion exclaimed.
"That it a matter for later discussion," Celestia said regally. Luna smirked inwardly at the sight of her tear-stained cheeks. "What news from the Crystal Empire?"
"Princess Cadence is missing," The stallion said breathlessly. "Shining Armor believes the griffons are to blame."
Luna's ears perked up. "The griffons?"
Both guards nodded. "Shining Armor said there have been multiple sightings of griffon flight teams as of late. They all appear to be training for war."
"That's impossible!" Celestia yelped. "We have a peace treaty with them!"
"A peace treaty that is about to expire," Luna pointed out. Celestia's brow creased with confusion and worry.
"They've been waiting for the treaty to expire just so they could attack?" Celestia said.
"It appears that way, Your Highness," The guard confirmed.
With a sigh, Celestia drew herself up to her full height- which wasn't very tall. "Ready the Solar Guard. I want them in the Crystal Empire by dawn. It will be up to Shining Armor to station them as he wishes."
With a nod and a bow, the two guards teleported away. Celestia looked up at her sister with tears in her eyes.
"What is happening in my beautiful Equestria?" Celestia whispered.
Luna used every ounce of her willpower in not losing her cool. This was not just Celestia's country. It was Luna's as well.
"Shall I prepare my Lunar Guard?" Luna asked, forcing all emotion from her voice.
"No, Lulu," Celestia murmured. "My own guards can handle it." With a curt nod, Luna turned her back on her sister and left the room.
"In the morning," Luna muttered to herself, "I shall send General Stonehoof and his best stallions to the Crystal Empire. Celestia will know my power."