The San Palomino desert was calm, peaceful. The moon shone down upon its endless sands, its many nocturnal predators readied themselves for the hunt. When the sky suddenly lit up with a brilliant azure light, however, they swiftly scurried back into their dens and hovels. The blazing orb travelled at great speed, heading towards an inconspicuous mountain range.
Flying on memory alone, the unicorn landed to the north of the mountains and continued on foot. Wind parted her azure mane and blew sand into her brown eyes, but she persevered. She had to. Finally, a small hole in the mountain appeared nothing but a small cave to an oblivious traveller. She knew it hid something much more valuable.
As soon as she took a few steps towards it, she found herself surrounded. The soldiers were clad in armour as white as snow. The suits shone with arcane runes and their wearers positively radiated with magic. Though their features were hidden, Nova knew only too well what hid beneath.
The one closest to her said with a deep voice:
“Nova Strike… what is your business here?!”
She sighed and answered:
“I must speak to the Awakened Council. Trixie Lulamoon sends dire news.”
The guards shared looks, before the leader spoke again:
“We shall escort you to the Council.”
“And that is all I know.”
Nova finished pleading her case to the twelve councillors and the grand vizier, illuminated faintly upon their thrones within the inner sanctum. Shariq rose in his unnecessarily large headdress and declared:
“Thank you for bringing this message, Nova Strike. The Awakened Council must deliberate, please, wait outside.”
She bowed slightly, then left the room as it descended into silence.
A skeletal mare finally said, a necklace of gemstones dangling from her spine:
“The Lulamoon asks us to break our secrecy. She knows its importance. The matter must be dire, indeed.”
“Maintained for thousands of years thanks to untold amounts of effort,” spoke one of the stallions, whose robe shone with an innate, blue glow, “are we to just throw away all our precautions for a simple conflict?”
“Simple conflicts, he says,” a third joined, the ends of his ribs encased in rare metals, “Lulamoon speaks of a god come back to life!”
“A deity, or merely a sorcerer masquerading as such,” a fourth, her headdress lined with a dozen diamonds, “even Lulamoon’s senses could have been tricked!”
They bickered and squabbled, as they always did. With a flash from his horn, Shariq ended the banter:
“Enough,” the councillors turned to him, “time is of the essence in this matter. My view of it is simple. Our secrecy has little use if the threat is as dire as Trixie claims. For secrets have no value when there is no one to keep them from. My vote is clear. Now please, cast your own.”
They glanced at each other for a few seconds, then sat upright. In unison, they lit up their horns, sending arcane messages to the vizier. Five and seven.
“Then it is settled. Call Nova Strike, so that she may hear our verdict.”
Just as before, Nova walked into the room with a determined gait. She stood before the thirteen thrones and their thirteen occupants with baited breath. Finally, the Grand Vizier spoke:
“Our choice has been made. Let it be known that the dead shall offer their bone-a-fide support to the living,” the councillors cackled as Shariq turned to the troublemaker, “furthermore, considering the repercussions this decision will have, coupled with your own actions, I do believe your vow of silence may also be lifted, Nova Strike. Step forth.”
Her first instinct was to spit a sarcastic retort, but she contained herself and said:
“Thank you, Your Boneliness.”
The council cackled once more.
Everything was accounted for. With all of his collection kept safe in Sugarville, he merely had to push a big enough stone to block the cave entrance. He huffed, puffed, munched on an oversized cupcake, and got the job done. There, secure as could be, considering. Now it was time for the long, long journey.
“Hey, where ya’ goin’?”
The sheer energy of that voice, its delighted tone, its peachy-keen attitude. It could be no other. The draconite lowered his head almost to ground level, stared into the mare’s sky blue eyes and said:
“Pinkie? What brings you here?”
“Oh gosh, I have to tell you so much! Trixie was in my dreams and said that this big old meanie has been sleeping in the north for a while, but now it’s waking up, so we need help, so I said I’d do my best to find help, then thought of you, because you’re a dragon and stuff, so I’m here now!”
After the verbal avalanche finally subsided, she took a deep, long breath. Glint blinked a few times, then snarled:
“Bah, this couldn’t have come at a worst time.”
“Oh, yeah, you were planning a trip!”
“Not just any old trip,” the wingless dragon sat down, “it’s the Call.”
“The Call? You mean the ancient draconite custom, only seldom used, wherein draconites of all shapes and sizes, or only some select kinds, are summoned to a far-away, secluded island in the sea for a really, really important meeting?”
“Y-yes, how do you even…”
Pinkie was suddenly on his head, staring down. Her mane seemed to dance on its own accord:
“And you wanted to travel on foot? That would take weeks!”
With a hint of annoyance, he retorted:
“Not like I have any other choice, you know.”
“Silly, I’ll go with you! Auntie Pinkie knows all the best shortcuts!”
“I don’t think shortcuts will lessen our travel ti…”
“Shhhhhh,” she placed a hoof over his mouth and, with a smile, said, “just trust me on this one! First, close your eyes.”
He knew better than to try and reason with the pink manifestation of energy. With a sigh, he closed his eyes.
“Now the fun happens!”
Glint could not describe the sensation. It was as if the Void itself had swallowed him for just a second, its cold tendrils digging under his scales. Nothingness occupied his thoughts for a few fleeting moments, and then… a gentle breeze carried the smell of the sea to his nostrils, while water danced around his clawed feet. His eyes shot open.
They were on a rocky beach, Pinkie already on the ground collecting sea shells into a small satchel that she hadn’t had before. Overhead, a titanic form blocked out the sun for a few moments, before heading towards a mountain in the distance. His jaw dropped as he turned to the mare:
“H-how did… what?”
“It’s just a scene transition, silly! Come on, I have enough sea shells now, so we need to get to that dragon meeting.”
She hopped onto his back, humming a tune. Glint’s first steps were almost paranoid, as if reality itself might have suddenly disappeared from under him, but he soon regained some faith in the universe and ascended towards the top of the mountain.
The ascent was relatively simple, especially thanks to Glint’ sheer size and strength. After less than half an hour, they reached the top. It was strangely flat, as if it had been shaped specifically to facilitate a meeting of such scale.
There had to be hundreds of dragons there. Winged or otherwise, they came in all shapes and sizes, but did seem to share a single defining trait. Stubbornness.
The meeting place had devolved into chaos. The various draconites shouted, growled and snarled at each other. The discussions only seemed to happen among dragons of roughly similar sizes. The larger ones probably dismissed anyone smaller outright.
In the middle of it all stood a deceptively small figure, standing on his hind legs and wrapped up in a richly decorated, navy blue robe. Two crimson eyes looked at the bickering lizards, the enlarged horns on his head already crackling with power. Slowly, deliberately, he stomped the ground.
A thunder crack was followed by a horrid, banshee-like shriek. At once, the dragons simmered down as the grey dwarf among them cleared his throat and said, somehow perfectly audible:
“I do not recall that we were here to argue about petty issues.”
One of the largest dragons present, her scales dark green in hue, lowered her head down to Talos’ level and said:
“Our apologies, Ancient. Surely, though, you recognise why your request is met with animosity?”
“Asking to protect the world which gave you life?”
“The world, or just some squishy little ponies?”
“Hey, being squishy is actually real great!”
The assembled draconites gazed at the pink intruder among them with bewilderment. Glint nervously fidgeted in place, while the mare atop his head merely put on her biggest smile. A few of the dragons growled and the wingless one among them returned the sentiment in kind. One of the smaller drakes called out:
“You bring one of them here?!”
Glint snarled as the offender got closer. Though wingless, he was still larger than most of the younger drakes, and the speaker backed down. The grounded dragon spoke back:
“The way I see it, she has every right to be at a meeting which may decide the future of her kind.”
“Och, you guys are so dramatic!”
Much to almost everyone’s surprise, Pinkie did a backwards somersault and moon-walked towards the oldest dragon among them. Only briefly, she turned towards the Old Geezer on That One Mountain and spoke:
“The mail arrangements still working?”
“Indeed, Miss Pie.”
“Super-duper!”
She walked further and came to a stop at the clawed feet of another mighty dragon, its crimson scales strangely familiar. The pink energy anomaly screamed upwards:
“Hello, mister dragon!”
The mighty dragon lowered itself downwards, blinked a few times and then, with a raspy voice, said:
“I know you…”
“You betcha’! You almost suffocated my home under your snoring! I knew I’d see you around here, so I made you something,” after diving into the satchel for just a second, she flung something into the air. The thing spun in the air, before landing neatly on one of the draconite’s horns, “a seashell horn ornament!”
The dragon immediately inspected itself in what appeared to be an extra shiny gem. The gift was simple, yet exquisite in its own way, the sea shells picked by an expert eye.
“Why, thank you!”
“Alright,” Pinkie stepped closer to Talos once again, smiling from ear to ear, “so none of you want to go fighting big bad risen gods?”
The oldest dragon among them said:
“The opinion is split. Some feel the threat is sufficient for draconites to take note of, others feel that it will not endanger us specifically. Those in favour of the intervention have the majority, but only just.”
“I see! So the majority wants to be remembered, then!”
The dark green dragoness snarled and lowered her head downwards:
“What is that supposed to mean, pony?”
Pinkie turned to her, still beaming:
“Well, I mean, when you open a history book, you always see all the important figures and people of the time. A sure-fire way to get mentioned is to get into a war! Win or lose, there’s always at least a page devoted to you! Someone just sitting back somewhere, safe in a cave? No one ever remembers them. Look at that big baddy Traxex! He may have ended how he ended, but he will always be mentioned to little dragons forever!”
“Being remembered as a fool who gave her life in a war that had nothing to do with us does not strike me as a particularly flattering epitaph, pony.”
“If you ask me, that still beats nobody even knowing or caring you existed, at all,” her smile cracked in that moment, her bubbly mane deflated and fell flat, “just passing on and embracing the cold grasp of oblivion, never to be mentioned again.”
The dragoness opened her maw to reply, but only a grunt escaped it. She blinked several times, her mind racing. She grunted again:
“Hmph,” then straightened herself up into a sitting position, “though I hate to admit it, the pony does have a point. Opposing a risen god? The tales write themselves…”
“Greaaaat,” Pinkie returned to her regular chipper state in a heartbeat, “I just wanted to make sure you see every angle before you make such an important decision!”
She turned and headed back to Glint, winking at Talos on the way. The old one merely smiled, as Glint stared on, incredulous. He knew that a dragon generally valued two things above all others. Their hoard and their pride. For a moment, doubts about Pinkie Pie’s exact nature flooded his mind, but receded as soon as she hopped happily onto his back. Instead, he curled his claws into an awkward fist and raised his front leg to her level.
She shouted, excited:
“Awwwww, yeah, brohoof!”
One for the ages.
An elegant pony made her way through the vast, lucrative gem fields. Her mane, usually so expertly styled, was in shambles. She had had to postpone her pony-pedy and cancel her spa appointment with Fluttershy, as well. This was the worst. Possible. Day.
Well, save for the whole maybe-sort-of end of the world debacle brewing. That would be a bit worse, if it ever came to pass.
Finally, she found the inconspicuous hill and descended into its depths. She reached the ramshackle door at the bottom and knocked in a reserved, dainty manner. A little viewport slid to the side and the canine on the other side grunted:
“Miss Rarity! Rover waiting for you!”
This caught her by surprise:
“Waiting for me?”
“Yes! Come!”
The watchdog led her through the underground. Other dogs passed by them, carrying materials, food and even weapons and armour. They were gearing up for war. They reached one of the larger chambers and she immediately spotted that trademark red jacket. Rover was busy barking orders at nearby dogs, assigning them to various tasks. As soon as he spotted her, he beckoned her closer:
“Miss Rarity! Here!”
She came closer and bowed slightly, then said:
“Rover, you seem to have your paws full.”
“Yes! Miss Trixie came in dreams. Warned us. So we get ready.”
“Ready to get to a safer place, I presume?”
That would have certainly put a dent into her own little plan. It had been a fairly cunning one, as well, but perhaps they could still be persuaded to…
“No. Dogs fight. With pony friends.”
“Oh,” well that made things easier, “are you sure about that?”
“Yes. Rover talk with other dogs. Dogs agree that dogs too isolated. Miss Trixie tell us to get to safe place until problem gone. She does not understand dogs. Dogs no run.”
Rarity smiled as she finished the phrase:
“Dogs dig their claws in the ground and bite.”
“Yes! Things come from deep, attack pony friends. Dogs stand with pony friends! But, some dogs still unsure. Worried about pups and mates. Dogs want ask for help.”
“Well, tell me! I’ll do anything I can to help.”
Rover grinned, his canines jutting out like daggers:
“Rover knows. Pups and mates, must keep safe.”
“Oh, well that should not be a problem! I’m sure the princesses would be able to find a place for them in Canterlot, on the short term. They’re darlings. And if, well,” she stammered, “if any problems come up, just tell me! Why, I’ll sell my boutique if I have to.”
“Heh, dogs know!”
Rarity helped with organising the rest of the move along with her dogged friends. And despite trying her best to restrain herself, she couldn’t help but make them move out in a nice, orderly pattern.
“I am sorry, but it seems a fool’s errand.”
The emperor’s inner chambers were relatively sparse. No ostentatious decorations, no gratuitous flair. Simple, functional furniture coupled with only a few small amenities. A stylised painting was hung up on the wall. A mare wrapped in elegant, crimson robes, standing above the raging rapids of the Amagawa River. Her eyes were two emeralds, her coat and mane different shades of gold.
Tenno Windrider took a deep breath. His faded grey coat and ageing brown mane made him seem more regal. His azure eyes, however, still burned with life. In that moment, they met a pair of pink rubies in a staring contest.
His daughter stared for a while. It was that same sort of fiery, passionate stare her mother had given on numerous occasions. She may have gotten more of her father’s genes when it came to her silvery coat and black mane, but it was clear who had passed down their temperament. Lotus finally said:
“Aiding an honoured friend is a fool’s errand these days?”
“No, no, that is not what I,” he sighed and looked at the painting. She always calmed him down, “the situation here in Neighpon is not yet fully stable.”
“It is only a matter of time until the brigands and outlaws are quelled. That is work for the troops, not a samurai.”
“You would rush off to a war on the other side of the world. One that has nothing to do with us.”
“To aid a friend who has saved my life in the past? Absolutely. And if what she told me is the truth, then we are involved. Sooner or later.”
Tenno walked to her and leaned in closer:
“I just… I don’t want to lose you. You’ve risked your life over the past weeks several times too many for my liking. You are the sole heiress of the Windrider line. And much more importantly,” he nuzzled her muzzle lightly, “you’re the only one I still have.”
For those few words, the emperor’s voice cracked. The tone of a confident leader was replaced by that of an ordinary, worried father. As vulnerable as a fly. Lotus returned his affections, but then pulled away slightly:
“I…I realize that what I intend to do may be seen as foolish. Perhaps driven more by emotion than reason. That is why I, as always, turn to your wisdom, father. Not once have you guided me astray. Tell me what you think is the correct course of action and I shall follow your judgement.”
He looked into her eyes once again. He knew she was telling the truth. Just like when she discovered her aptitude for the martial arts. Just like when her wanderlust urged her to wander the world. Her eyes burned, just like all those times before.
Tenno Windrider sighed, just like all those times before.
The Everfree was peaceful. The breeze carried a pleasant, calming melody. She knew only she could hear it, as it was reserved for those like her. The Friends of the Everfree. Wisps and their kin played their instruments during the day, and she had grown accustomed to the atmosphere. It calmed her mind whenever she needed to relax, study, or, perhaps most importantly, help come up with new songs for the band.
Even as the melody continued, the sound of a branch cracking reached her ears, followed by an adorkable squeal. There was little doubt who it belonged to. She sighed and slowly started getting up. So the time had come, at last.
Sure enough, Twilight Sparkle came trundling out of the undergrowth, her clothes covered in all manner of twigs and dirt. Such a ditzy princess. The firecracker couldn’t help but chuckle. Two lavender eyes met her own and the dimensional traveller shouted with relief:
“Sunset!”
She walked to meet her, dressed in outdoor clothing and with a sizeable backpack slung over her shoulder.
“Heya, Twilight.”
“I’m so glad I finally found you! Listen, I need you to…”
Sunset interjected:
“Come back to Equestria with you because stuff is about to go down, on account of Ebon making its move.”
Twilight just kind of stopped right there, gazed for a few seconds, then said:
“Umm, yes, that is, umm, precisely what…”
“Then come on, we don’t have any time to lose!”
Sunset grabbed her friend by the arm and almost literally dragged her across the Everfree to reach the portal back to… home? She wasn’t so sure about that anymore. Equestria would do.
The tunnels were buzzing with activity. And not just literally, but metaphorically for a change. The many drones mingled with those from the surface as the underground underwent renovation and expansion. Slowly, it was losing its status as a mere hovel, a temporary place of respite. It was home now. And thanks to the skilled craftsmanship of their new… friends, it would in time become a mighty city.
And yet, even now, it was threatened.
Two figures watched the constant activity around them with solemn faces. The circumstances sucked all the joy out of the situation. Both of the regal ones had been visited by a Friend of the Changelings, and her plea now weighed heavily upon them.
“Many will not return,” the mother spoke, finally.
“That much I know,” the daughter replied, closing her azure eyes, “but if even a smidge of what the Lulamoon said is true… dire times are ahead.”
“As cynical as it may sound, it is also an opportunity. The former enemies of Canterlot now rushing to its aid? Redemption fit for the tales of old.”
“Mother, our priority should be to aid them, not plan how to gain from it.”
“Dearest Mothra, you yourself said you required an advisor. I am merely giving you all possible points of view.”
The two changelings shared glances. Chrysalis had an uncharacteristically playful smile on her features, her scars somehow perfectly complimenting her, rather than being a bitter reminder. Seeing her like that made the young queen so delighted. She maintained the charade of a stern, proud ruler, though she was sure her mother was not fooled in the slightest:
“But you are in agreement, then?”
“Of course. The hive is strong once more, thanks almost solely to her involvement. Ignoring her and our new allies in an hour of need would be folly, especially when we can strengthen ourselves further. Besides,” despite everything, the mother had still perfected the art of the villainous smile. Old habits died hard, “having a princess or two indebted to us sounds lovely!”
“Mother!”
Mothra’s mask cracked, revealing the still-inexperienced monarch beneath. Chrysalis merely giggled… in a strangely menacing, foreboding manner.
“I must say, I seldom have the chance to converse with such a fine gentleman such as yourself, Discord.”
“Och, the pleasure is all mine, Gerald, old boy.”
The wyvern and the draconequus seemed to somehow make a fine pair. Fluttershy smiled as she looked at the two. No matter what he said or how he behaved, the gentle pegasus knew Discord was positively delighted whenever he made a new friend. Making up for all those years spent as a creepy statue, she supposed. A far less enamoured voice demanded her attention:
“Fluttershy, are we sure this is the right way?”
Equestria’s renowned speed demon had circled the area around the rest of them several times already. Patience was most certainly not a virtue Rainbow Dash practiced. Flutters just shook her head, cheerful despite the dire circumstances:
“Yes, Rainbow. Fantastic Fauna Monthly certainly said so. Don’t worry, it’ll be aaaaany minute now.”
“But this is just, like, the second stop. The list you made was soooo looooong!”
“Well, I just wanted to make sure we get enough help even if some of them can’t come. Hmmmm… maybe we could stop by in Froggybottom Bog? The Orochi quadruplets are much easier to manage after Discord had a short talk with them.”
The Master of Chaos allowed himself a smug grin as praise was shot in his general direction.
“So, general call to arms, eh?”
“Yup. Basically one step away from a full-on draft.”
“Ah’ll be honest, it be good ta’ see the princesses be takin’ it all serious like.”
The farmpony emitted a short sigh as she looked over the City of Night. The streets were practically filled with batponies, many of them glancing over the many posters hung all over the place. Organised on such short notice, too. The bat at her side commented:
“Mother Moon has a favourite saying. Better to prepare than to despair.”
“An’ what about you, Nox?”
Applejack’s and Nox’s eyes met, though they did not exchange gazes. The blind bat gave it a few seconds, then said:
“I’m not certain that I can pass through the choosing process because of, you know,” she motioned towards her eyes, though there was not even a hint of sadness, “but I’m gonna’ try, darnit. I owe Trix that much, after she helped me realise things. Why, if they don’t let me in, I’ll fly to Canterlot myself. During the day, if I have to.”
“Heheh, yer spirit could outlast an army, ya’ know that?”
“If you say so, AJ. Oh, good heavens, I’ve kept you too long. You have so much more to deliver.”
“Eeeeyup,” Applejack blinked, then shook her head, “army marches on its stomach, the sayin’ goes. And if there’s one thing I know everyone loves, it’s Sweet Apple Acres produce.”
“Truer words are seldom spoken! Come on, high hoof of victory!”
Their hooves clopped together in the air, the sound echoing through the twisting streets of the shadowy town.
Canterlot Castle was bustling with activity. It had seen such circumstances many times before, during similar crises. The members of the EUP Guard marched to and fro, many of them having been called from the reserve lists. Many foes had tried to take the city over the many, many years of the sisters’ rule and, if all went well, many more would still get their chance.
Yet as Luna watched the many stallions and mares below ready their arms for war, she felt a familiar chill grip her heart. She wondered how many would live to tell the tale. Being a compassionate, sympathetic monarch was difficult. She knew most of her own guards by name. Soon, she may be forced to learn new ones. She said:
“Unwavering and loyal, to the last pony. Our authority frightens me sometimes.”
“That makes two of us, sister.”
Celestia gazed at the enchanted table within the war room. It was in stark contrast to the otherwise scarcely decorated chamber. Meticulously carved, with gemstones weaved seamlessly into the wood. No mere pretty baubles, either. As the elder sister’s horn shone with golden light, an intricate, incredibly detailed map of Equestria manifested above it. With a few adjustments, the area between the Everfree forest and Canterlot was magnified. Celestia said:
“Which is why these powers are not used lightly. Most of the reserve lists should be mobilised within the week. I only hope they will be enough. Even with your student’s advanced warning, there are only so many we can call upon.”
Luna frowned as she walked over to the table and looked over the magnified area:
“And our defender’s advantage is limited. The battle shall be in the open field,” she fell silent for a moment, contemplating, “have we received replies from our so-called allies?”
“Saddle Arabia has politely declined, while the Western Cities seem to be preoccupied with their own conflicts and squabbles yet again.”
Luna sighed, though it was not unexpected. Other than the magic of mutually beneficial diplomacy, their neighbours were not bound by oath or contract. Equestria had learned that defending itself was always priority number one, rather than count on foreign support. Yet the loss would be felt.
Saddle Arabia was home to many talented warriors, owing to their violent, nomadic heritage. The city-states to the west made up for their lack of magic with astounding scientific progress, riding machines powered by steam and lightning. Both good to have in a fight. Neither had ever answered the call.
What troubled Luna the most was the battlefield itself. Based on what Trixie had said, this ‘Ebon’ would travel underground, surfacing either within the Everfree itself, or shortly beforehand… there was no way for them to prepare for either eventuality properly, too many variables. Despite the early warning, things seemed rather grim overall.
There was a sudden knock on the doors of the war room. Celestia’s horn glowed and the doors opened. It was one of the castle guards, a small satchel filled with rolled-up letters swung over her side. She walked a little forward, bowed, then said:
“Your Highnesses! We have… most peculiar visitors! They wish to pledge themselves to the war effort! We have also received word from the dignitaries of Neighpon and several of your personal acquaintances, for your eyes only.”
The princesses shared a bewildered look, then Celestia said:
“Take us to these visitors. We shall read this correspondence on the way.”
“As you say, Your Highness.”
Celestia levitated the letters with her magic as they walked through the hallways of Canterlot Castle. As soon as she was finished with one, she passed it over to Luna and started on the next. Each made her smile just a bit wider.
Good day, Your Royalties! I’m currently busy somewhere in the Dragonlands, trying to make a few friends here and there. I promise I am not partying, because I am saving that for when we totally win this whole shebang! I’ll try to return as soon as possible, cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!
- Pinkamena Diane Pie, aka Pinkie Pie
To Their Royal Highnesses, Princesses Celestia and Luna of Equestria,
In the name of the country of Neighpon, I hereby pledge our support to Your upcoming war effort. While my homeland is still facing hardships spawned from our recent internal conflict, and therefore cannot commit our standing army to Your cause, I have nonetheless arranged for a strike force of our finest and most disciplined warriors to join You in Your hour of need.
They are already en route to Your borders, and shall hopefully arrive in time to lend You their aid.
May the Moon grant you strength.- Emperor Tenno Windrider VII of Neighpon”
Good afternoon, Your Highly Esteemed and Royal Majestic Highnesses. In my infinite wisdom and gentlemanly conduct, I saw it fit to inform You of several recent happenings pertaining to your upcoming scuffle with forces dark and terrible.
Along with my highly posh travelling companions, we are currently busy gathering support from the less vocal, tax avoiding populace across Equestria, particularly the bestial kind. While we would love to return in time for the opening skirmish, I must regrettably inform You that we may be but a few short minutes/brunches/centuries late, as applicable.
Pardon our tardiness, in Your infinite wisdom and compassion.
Hugs and kisses,
- Discord, the shape-shifting master of High Society
Celestia chuckled at her favourite draconeqii’s diatribe, just as they finally reached the castle’s entrance hall. Several faces, awaited them there, both familiar and new, and often surprising. Celestia whispered to her sister:
“Your student has certainly not been slacking off.”
“I could not be prouder.”
One by one, the figures approached the princesses.
First was a vizier wearing an elaborate mask and headdress, not a single shred of skin visible, hidden by a black robe:
“In the name of the city of Kost and the Awakened Council, the restless pledge their support to Canterlot.”
Second was a pair of regal changelings, the younger Mothra in front, with Chrysalis in the back, smiling in a conspiratorial manner. They both bowed in practiced unison and the young queen said:
“The Fillyhood Hive pledges its support to Canterlot.”
Finally, there was the canine, who seemed extremely nervous. The elegant mare on his side whispered encouragingly:
“Go on, just like I taught you.”
Rover shivered a little in his red vest and took a few steps forward, then said:
“Dogs pledge alleji… ellagia,” he shook his head and was true to himself, “dogs promise to fight with pony friends and pretty pony princesses!”
This got a genuine chuckle out of the princesses, and Celestia replied with:
“And it is a pleasure to have you, my canine friend,” she raised her head and looked at the other leaders present, “and the rest of you, as well. You come to Us in a dark hour, and We shall not forget this. Follow us, please, we have sadly have little time to discuss the situation.”
In the nearby town of Ponyville, within spitting distance of Canterlot and the Everfree alike, a magic mirror came to life with a radiant glow. Two figures stepped through, a firecracker and a princess-in-training. They did not speak a word, merely shared a determined glance and a nod as Twilight's horn started glowing.
With a flash of light, they were gone, on their way to Canterlot via arcane currents.
And somewhere, within the dark, foreboding shadows of the Everfree, a pony climbed her way out of a discreet little cave. Wizard hat, cape and immensely important tome, all accounted for.
Undeterred and tireless, Trixie Lulamoon made way for the depths of the Everfree Forest. She just had to hope her warnings had not fallen on deaf ears.