//------------------------------// // The Canary makes her nest // Story: Night Patrol 2: Awakening // by Foxgear //------------------------------// Night Patrol 2 awakening ch 15 By Foxgear “How are you today, Auntie?” Cadence asks her. Luna peeks out from her bed sheets, her tired eyes squinting from the rays of sun shining through her window. Rolling into her pillow, she grumbles for the shades to be shut again. “Sorry, I should have known better. Let me close those for you.” Cadence says cheerfully closing the shades with her magic. “There. Better?” “Yes,” Luna replies sleepily. “And to answer your first question. I was doing fine until you woke me up. I’m still a little stiff, but I should be able to move under my own power by tonight. I’ll take the role of primary ruler from then on, until Celestia’s return of course.” “Wouldn’t that mean you’d have to do the day part too? You don’t need to do that. Things have been going fine these past few days. Please don’t worry and let me handle the ruling of the day, Auntie.” Luna firmly shakes her head, “No. You’ve done enough. Besides you still have parts of your wedding to plan. Such an event only happens once every century or so.” “You and Celestia have gotten married before?” Cadence gasps with surprise. A playful grin on her lips. “How many times? Did you have any foals?” The Princess of the Night taps her chin, quietly speaking to herself, “Let’s see, I dated the Alicorn of Darkness for a bit, but he died in the Alicorn war, so we never married. I married an earth pony, a big one, he was blue. I think his name might have been Abe Blue Ox. We had one foal. I outlived both and I didn’t marry again till I was two hundred. That time I married a pegasus named, Thunder Cloud, we had three foals, all fillies. After they died I didn’t marry for a while, but I fooled around a bit from age three hundred to eight hundred. From nine hundred to fourteen hundred I married again to a unicorn sometime between then and we devoiced after twenty years. I stayed single until about fifty years before our battle with Discord. I married once more to an earth pony again, a Nippon pony, named Hattori. I think we had two colts and one filly. Sadly, after they passed and the battle with Discord happened and I was given the title of Princess. Getting married and having foals became too… political. I couldn’t stand the thought of raising a foal around such rubbish.” Cadence’s ears fall flat on her head, “Oh… that’s well… a bit depressing. I was… I mean I’m looking forward to having foals with Shining. Sometime down the line.” Luna’s ears flatten as well, “Sorry. I didn’t mean to discourage you. Your case may be different from mine and Celestia’s. The nobles are much different than before and well doubt your lifespan will be as long as mine or Celestia’s due to your mixed blood heritage. I honestly don’t know how long you’ll live, could be a hundred, could be two hundred to a thousand years for all I know. Providing you aren’t killed of course.” The mood of the room took a nose dive. Cadence looking glum as if black clouds were hanging over the pink princess’s head. Well, there was actually a black cloud hanging over Cadence’s head, but that was Luna’s pillow. “Sorry, this thing likes to float away,” Luna says pulling the pillow back onto the bed. A faint smile appears on Cadence’s lips. An idea hits Luna, smiling she leans down whispering in Cadence’s ears. “Want to know how many times Celestia got married?” A full smile spreads across the pink pony’s lips, “Oh, you know I do.” “Twenty-five times, right up to the battle with Discord. When she became Princess there were ponies coming in and out of the woodwork claiming to be her descendant. Rumor spread that any pony with a white coat was descended directly from Celestia.” Luna says struggling to constrain her laughter. “So, when most of the Royal Guard was made up of all white stallions you can imagine how awkward it was for Celestia at first.” “Oh my gosh, that’s hilarious!” Cadence breaks fit of giggles. “Was that really true though? The whole if your coat is white your related to Celestia thing? I mean they couldn’t all have been right?” Luna laughs, “Of course not, but we did have to run blood tests. It took a while, but we did finally narrow the number of would-be Princess and Princes to two hundred of a thousand. Of that remaining, two hundred only twenty were close enough to be actually considered blood relatives.” Her smile dissipates. Memories of that chaotic time resurfacing. “It was hard on Celestia. Those twenty ponies, her children’s children. They were gobbled up by the nobles of the time. Before any pony could do anything the nobles of the Whiteblood house as they were called, were all married to houses of the other blood nobles. The blood nobles thought they could carry favor by having Celestia’s descendants in their bloodline. Most of the time the members of the Whiteblood’s were treated no better than breed stock. They lived lavish lives, but at a great cost. Before the first foal could even be born Celestia disowned all members of the Whiteblood noble house.” “Why did she do that?” Cadence asks, curious as to why Celestia would do such a thing to her own descendants. “To save them,” Luna answers woefully. “She couldn’t stand seeing her descendants being used in such a way and to make things worse other nations were trying capture any descendants in the hope they would produce an Alicorn. Of course, that never happened. A far as I know you are the only foal of mixed blood to become an Alicorn. It doesn’t help the all the history of the Alicorn tribe has been lost to history and neither I or Celestia can recall very much. Such is the misfortune of being young when our tribe fell.” She sighs, once again making the mood of the room go down. “I’m sorry. I’m sure you were looking for a more fairy tale answer to your question.” “A little,” Cadence admits smiling softly. “But it was still nice to hear more about your and Celestia’s history. I know Twilight Sparkle would just be gushing to know more about Celestia personally. You too of course.” “Ah, yes, Twilight Sparkle. I’m rather surprised she hasn’t pushed Celestia for an autobiography or just written one herself, yet.” Cadence laughs nervously, “Hehe… yeah… write one herself. Twilight… she’s probably actually already did that. Along with several others. She made one for me… when I was in high school… she read it during my graduation party. It was adorable, but a little embarrassing.” “I can only imagine. Wait Twilight Sparkle hasn’t written one for me, has she?” “I can’t say for sure, but I wouldn’t put it past her. She’s probably at least written something about you. I haven’t kept up with her very well after I graduated from High School and began taking Ruling Lessons from Celestia so I didn’t have time. Then there were all the trips. I was almost never in Equestria for more than a week before Celestia sent me off again. I barely had time to foster my relationship with Shining. Half the time I had to request him to be in my guard unit. That was before he became Captain of the Guard of course.” Cadence looks exhausted. “Maybe that’s why she hasn’t RSVPed for the wedding yet. Maybe she’s mad at me for ignoring her.” Luna scoffs amusingly, “I highly doubt that is the case. Twilight Sparkle did not strike me as a mare that would be so spiteful for no reason. Why don’t you try sending her another invitation? Just in case.” “Yes, yes, your right. Celestia’s secretary might have just cast the transfer spell to the wrong pony.” Cadence said nervously. “Still what if…” “Cadence, just send the letter. I’m sure this is just a misunderstanding. Now…” Luna let’s out a long yawn. “You have disturbed my sleep enough. If I am to run a double shift I will need my rest. We’ll talk later.” Luna rolls over snuggling against her storm cloud pillow. Tactfully Cadence quietly walks towards the door and quietly sneaks out without a sound. She tells the guards that Luna was not to be disturbed till nightfall. Trotting down the hall Cadence runs into Canary at the junction. “Oh, why hello Princess, I was looking for you. We have another meeting to attend with Fancy Pants and then we have a charity to attend and…” “Alright, Canary, thank you. Let’s tackle one thing at a time. You’ve been very meticulous since becoming my assistant. I think you might have found your true calling.” Cadence cheerfully points out. Proud that her former Mare in waiting was making such strides. Canary bashfully bows, “I only want you to succeed Princess. That is all. I would be doing you a disservice if I didn’t give you my best.” “Well, I hope you’re scheduling some leisure time for yourself. Oh, how has Commander Bricks been? Have you kept in contact with him?” “Oh, yes Princess. Commander Bricks is on medical leave, so he’s had a lot of time on his hooves. Currently, he’s been helping training the new recruits and helping set up security for the wedding.” The news brought a smile to Cadence’s lips. Seems Canary and the Commander hit it off rather well. On the matter of security though. “Well, that’s good to hear he’s keeping busy. I know ponies like him need a task to do or they’d drive themselves mad. However, if you could talk to him about the number of ponies he’s placing on my wedding security detail for me? I’m a bit concerned he’s going overboard. I know there will be a lot of VIPs, but he’s pulling guards from other cities and raw recruits. Almost every guard in all of Equestria will be stationed here for the next week. I’m a little worried we’re leaving the rest of the nation defenseless.” “Well, Captain Shining Armor did approve the order for more guards. Perhaps we should trust their judgment? I mean it is what their life’s calling is, protecting other ponies and such.” Canary counters. Relenting to her point, Cadence concedes, “Your right. I’m sure they know what they’re doing.” Smiling Canary nods, urging Cadence to follow, “Yes, now let’s get back on track. Now after the charity we are to attend the Wonderbolt practice session. They will be performing at the wedding and they want to double check the routine you requested.” Cadence tunes out Canary’s words, thinking of Wonderbolt Captain Spitfire and the Lieutenant Fleetfoot. They were both friends of Luna, well Spitfire for sure was Luna’s friend. Both would be at the practice so maybe she could ask them what they thought of the security measures. Shining Armor wouldn’t be happy if he found out she went to his rivals for advice, but she worries his love for her was clouding his judgment. Causing him to go overboard on security. Hopefully, she was just overreacting as well. “Princess? Are you paying attention?” “Oh, yes, Canary. Please Carry on.” Cadence fibs as they enter the dining hall. Fancy Pants and his wife already waiting for them. “Greetings Princess Cadence! I must say I’m excited about our meeting today. I’m sure you’ll be thrilled to hear about my plans for a new stadium in Las Pegasus!” Cadence chuckles nervously as she takes her seat, “Yes, I’m thrilled already.” “Lovely! Now let me begin by…” Fancy’s words fade into the background as Cadence continues to smile, nodding along with his words. There was a stack of papers by Fancy’s wife that reach up to her chin. As Fancy spoke she would pass him the next page. Cadence wants to slump on the table, this was going to be a long meeting. Luna’s eyes snap open the moment the sun fell below the horizon. She flips up, her horn glowing as she raises the moon, it’s power flowing into her and revitalizing her. Lighting some candles with magic, she catches her reflection in the mirror. The ethereal of her mane hasn’t returned yet, meaning she wasn’t at full power. That was fine though, she could function at three-quarters power. (I’m talking like I’m a machine.) She giggles to herself. Leaping off the bed Luna walks towards her vanity, inspecting her natural mane, it was strange to see her hair not floating around her head. (Was my hair always this short?) The bottom of her mane fell just below her neck and the top was a unruly birds nest. Picking up her brush she tries to straighten it only to cringe in pain! “Why is this so stuck?” She grunts pulling harder on the knotty hair. Pulling so hard that she actually manages to pull herself to the ground. Tossing the brush away in disgust Luna blew the loose strand of hair out her eyesight, only for it to fall back into her vision again. “Forget it. No pony is going to be up to see me anyway. Now, time for breakfast! Or… supper… or a late-night snack.” Feeling a bit depressed about once again eating alone in the castle kitchen. Luna wonders out into the hall. “Hi, Princess Luna!” “Woah!” Luna jumps back, surprised to see Sweet Dreams, the bat pony mare that accompanied her to Ponyville and Goodnight, looking rather embarrassed as he held the excited bat mare by the end her guard cape. Sweet Dream continues to chatter excitedly, as if blissfully unaware of who she was speaking to, Luna found it refreshing. Now if only she could understand what the mare was babbling on about. “Did you have a good day’s rest? We sleep during the day too you know, so when I wake up I’m super excited! But I’m even more excited now because I got stationed here tonight! This so great! Oh, did you change your hair? It’s so cool! Can I cut mine the same way? Please, please!” (Oh, my gods, I think she and the pink one are related.) “Sure, knock yourself out,” Luna grumbles, still a bit too tired from just waking up. Coffee. She needs coffee. Then she can start acting like herself. “You two are my guards tonight?” The two bat ponies nod. Sweet Dreams grin especially wide. “Alright, then escort me to the kitchen please.” “You bet!” Sweet Dream exclaims trotting off ahead. Goodnight falls in beside her, whispering, “Sorry, she was a little tired when she started her shift, so I gave her a mix of Red Ox and coffee and she’s been like this since. Once she burns off the extra sugar she should return to normal.” “I think I might need a shot of that myself,” Luna yawns, fighting off the lingering effects of magic exhaustion. Cadence interrupting her sleep didn’t help either. Not that she’d tell the pink Princess that, it’d only make her feel bad. As they walk towards the kitchen Luna notice there was an unusual number of servants up and about. Much more than usual. A herd of maids came rushing past, looking frantic, and once they enter the kitchen things were even more hectic! The whole kitchen was abuzz with ponies. A lot of them she’s never seen before. A chef pony came running towards her with a tray, he would have knocked her over had Goodnight not stopped him. “Look where you're going, buddy,” Goodnight said evenly, his tone stern, but not harsh as he helps the chef steady himself. The chef, now free of his tunnel vision looks at Goodnight and then to Luna. His face twisting in shock and horror! “Oh, Princess Luna! I’m so sorry! Is it that late already? I’ll have a pony whip up something to eat! No, I’ll do it myself! You there! Take this to the banquet hall!” The chef shouts at a passing maid. “Please follow me, Princess, I will set a seat for you at the dining table.” The trio follows him. The chef pony carefully weaving them through the chaos. Exiting the kitchen through the servant’s doors to the dining hall, the chef pulls out a chair for Luna to sit on. “Apologies for taking your majesty through such a place, but I had a feeling you wanted to get out there quickly. The upcoming wedding has us all in a tizzy I’m afraid.” Luna’s stomach rumbles, making her blush, “Your judgment was correct, my dear sir. As you all quite busy. As such I request a simple fruit and juice.” The chef pony frivolously refuses, speaking in a thick Prance accent as he does, “By no means! Think nothing of our plight dear Princess! Order a grand feast if that is your wish! Your desire is our pleasure!” “Well…” Luna begins tapping her chin, “I’ll have waffles, three apples, toast with zap apple jam, stir-fried rice with carrots and onions and an omelet with red and green peppers and cheddar cheese. Oh, and coffee, extra sugar, and hazelnut.” She smiles awkwardly as the Prench pony did a double take, clearly regretting his offer, yet he rights himself, jotting it all down on his notepad. “It will be done! Coffee, toast and the apples will be served first to keep you from killing over. Please wait patiently.” She nods, smiling at the chef’s devotion as he ran back to the battlefield of the kitchen. In less than a minute, three maids came out of the servant’s door pushing a cart. A cup of coffee, along with the sugar and crème was laid before her, followed by the toast and apples. The maids left as silently as they came and just as quickly. Picking up the apples Luna levitates two over to Goodnight and Sweet Dreams. The two bat ponies looking anxiously at the gift. “Eat,” Luna commands sternly. “I don’t mind.” The bat ponies reveal their fangs and bit into the juicy fruit, sucking the juices out. The apples shrivel and wither. The sound of apple cores being broken up in their mouths making a chorus of crunches and snaps. The bat ponies look embarrassed for eating so uncouthly, but once they saw Luna’s jam covered muzzle they weren’t sure how to feel. “What?” Luna asks snarking down her toast, taking a good gulp of her coffee. The cup slams on the table, Luna let out a deep, and satisfied, “Ahh…” Picking up her napkin Luna quickly dabs her muzzle as the rest of her meal comes in. “Sorry, I’m not used to eating with others as well as I used to be. Most of the time I have the guards wait outside, but… well, I’ve taking a liking to you two.” “Oh yeah! I’m awesome! Luna likes me! Luna likes me!” Sweet Dreams dances, while Goodnight covers his face with his wing. “Sorry about her… again…” Goodnight says again, but Luna didn’t seem to be paying him any mind. As the Princess focuses on devouring her meal like a hungry animal! He watched wide-eyed as the omelet, waffles, and stir-fry disappear. The Princess eating like her stomach was a black hole! And maybe it was. Luna burps, a blush adorning her cheeks as she covers her mouth. “Sorry. I don’t usually eat this much, but to regain my strength I need a few more calories than usual. Let us be off. I’m sure there’s some work to do.” The trio, now with full bellies, continue on wandering through the halls. With the wedding so close all but the most important meetings were being held. Meaning there probably won’t be any petitioners tonight for the after-hours court that Luna held for ponies if they miss their appointment with Celestia during the day. Still, it was a bit early to go dream walking. With modern technology and just overall new habits, ponies were staying up a little longer then they used to. From what she’s heard from Spitfire, there was a huge party scene at night now, with pubs, nightclubs, concerts, and many other events. (Hmm… if tonight is indeed a light night, then maybe I should go mingle with the modern night ponies.) Luna thought with a gleeful smile. Perhaps she would don a disguise and go to ‘rave’ she had no idea what they were, but it sounds like fun. (I suppose before that I better make sure nothing needs my attention first.) As she trots pass one of the main halls, Luna pauses as a familiar sound catches her ear. A grin escapes her as she instantly changes course, poking her head into the hall. A delightful smile on her lips as she spots a certain gray mare playing cello. “Octavia!” Luna shouts with glee bounding across the hall in an instant. Before the gray mare could respond she’s engulfed by the princess’s hug. Terror running through the earth mare as Luna carries her into the air. “Oh, it is so nice to see you! What are you doing here? Are you playing for the wedding? Is Vinyl here too?” “I’ll answer as soon as you let me down, please!” Octavia screams wiggling in the Princess’s grasp, only to stop when she realizes she could fall if she continues to struggle. Gently Luna floats them back to the ground. Octavia letting out a sigh of relief as her hooves touch the stone floor once again. Luna steps back, looking sheepish. “Sorry, I perhaps got a little too excited.” Octavia smiles, giving the Princess a hug, “Only a little. Only a little.” Blushing Luna fake coughs as she struggles to contain her excitement. Things have been so hectic that she hasn’t been able to meet up with Octavia and Vinyl like she promised. “So, am I too assume you are here to perform for the wedding, then?” Octavia smiles, nodding at the question, “Yes, both Vinyl and I are performing. Though not together yet. We have been practicing combining our music, but it hasn’t reached the point it’s ready to present to the public. We have started a business together, we call it Enchanting Melodies: Classic and modern music for all occasions! We were really lucky to get the gig. I’ll be playing during the wedding and Vinyl will DJ the reception after the wedding.” “That’s wonderful, I’m happy that you two are doing so well! I can’t wait to hear you play again.” “Vinyl and I cannot wait to perform for you once again. I hope you’ll enjoy the performance and when we finally get our styles of music to mix well, I hope you’ll come to our first official duet concert.” “Of course, I will. Please send me an invitation to your first performance. I will be happy to attend.” Outside the window, a vibrant array of fireworks explodes against the night sky. It was in the direction of the Wonderbolts training grounds. “It’s been nice catching up with your Octavia, but I should let you get back to rehearsing. I have some more friends to catch up with tonight it seems. Give Vinyl my bests and I hope to catch both of you at the wedding!” Luna says cheerfully as she trots back into the hall. Octavia waving goodbye as the Princess and her guards disappear beyond the door. Octavia lets out a sigh, playfully snorting as she thinks back to the dinner she shared with the Princesses. It wasn’t that long ago, but it felt like forever. She remembers when Luna said they were alike and she had to agree, but Luna and Vinyl defiantly share some playful qualities. Still, no matter how silly the princess may act, it was nice to see her smiling. Turning back to her bandmates, who were still looking floored by how familiar she was with the princess. She rolls her eyes calling them back to reality. “Alright, alright, breaks over, once more from the top!” Spitfire led the group of five Wonderbolts into the last of their routine, a trail of black thunderclouds smoking from their tails as they crisscross creating a complex array at high speed. A wing brushes hers, making her grimace as they climb for the finally. Fireworks explode as they separate. Touching down she raises her googles giving Fleetfoot a worried look. “You ok, Fleetfoot? That was a little close.” Fleetfoot removes her goggles, looking exhausted, it’s been two weeks since she barely escaped from the botched Germane mission. Since then she’s been in recovery until two days ago. Spitfire worrying it was too soon for her second in command to be back in action, even if it’s just stunt work. “Misty Fly or High Winds can take your place if you're still feeling sore.” Spitfire wanted to slap herself, now there was no way Fleetfoot would back out. (Dammit, I’m too tired right now.) Spitfire groans rubbing her eyes fiercely. “I’m fine,” Fleetfoot said pointedly. Though that was questionable as she was swaying on her hooves. “I just need a little rest and I’ll be fine to perform.” “Fine, but one more close call and I’m putting in a sub. We just got you out of the infirmary. Wouldn’t want you back in so soon, unless you like checking out the nurses.” “Haha, very funny. You know I’m into stallions.” As they continue to bicker back and forth the sound of clapping hooves catch their attention. The Wonderbolt team turns towards the sound, expecting their royal audience and the pony they were going to perform for, Princess Cadence. However, when it was revealed to be Princess Luna they were all bit baffled. “What are you doing here?” Spitfire asks familiarly trotting up to the Princess of the Night. A happy grin on her face as she and Luna hoof bump. “Shouldn’t you be doing something important?” She teases the Princess. Luna fires right back, with some teasing of her own. “Shouldn’t you be doing something important as well? Like practicing your routine? I saw you were a little wobbly on your ascension. Some of you were lagging behind in speed too. You should remember to eat lighter meals before doing routines.” The Princess lightly chides, making the other Wonderbolts whisper amongst themselves. Most of them still didn’t know she briefly joined their ranks as Emerald Moon. Maybe sometime when she gets bored of playing the role she’ll drop the act so they can properly hang out without the need of a mask. Course that would depend on they would treat her after she did that. She doubts most could be like Spitfire and comfortably hang around with royalty. “We’ll get it down,” Spitfire declares a matter of fact. “We still have three days before the actual performance.” “Two days actually,” A voice says, all heads turn as Princess Cadence and her advisor Canary enter the field. Canary holds up her schedule reading it aloud to them. “Well you are technically right, I’m afraid you haven’t looked at your schedules close enough. Tomorrow the guest will begin to arrive. This will take the whole day. During this time the bride and groom will hold the rehearsal with the wedding party. The following day the actual wedding will take place in the afternoon. Seating will be taking place before that. In the evening after the wedding, the reception will take place and that is to go to midnight at the least. Your routine is scheduled to happen at the strike of twelve. That is if everything goes smoothly of course. “Right, whatever you say,” Spitfire says looking crossly at the former mare in waiting. She didn’t pay much attention to such mares usually, but something about her didn’t seem right. Mares in her standing don’t usually think of much more than getting a rich husband, yet she’s now the Princess of Love’s aid? What caused that colossal change? “Spitfire and Wonderbolts will perform swimmingly,” Luna said, much to the Wonderbolts delight. “Now on the other hoof Cadence, you need to be getting to bed. The next few days will be very taxing and you’ll need to be well rested.” “I’m fine, there are still a lot of things I need to take care off,” Cadence states, though her droopy eyes and swaying didn’t do much to enforce her position. She looks like she could barely stand at the moment. “Leave them to me,” Luna states firmly, draping her wing over the pink Princess. “Let’s get you to bed. You are dismissed as well Canary.” “Why thank you, princess, ” Canary bows low, her muzzle hiding in the shadows. Cadence tries to shrug off Luna’s wing, reaching out to Spitfire, “Wait, I still need too…” her words were cut off as Luna teleports them away to Cadence and Shining’s Armor’s shared home. The Princess of the Night laying the Princess of Love on her bed. Cadence still mumbling something inaudible as she tries to stay awake. Wanting her to sleep properly, Luna casts a strong sleep spell over the pink Princess. Cadence’s struggles cease as she is instantly knocked into the dream realm. Speaking of the Dream realm, “It’s about time. I better get ready.” Luna says vanishing from the house. Canary or rather Queen Chrysalis, trots patiently down the halls of Canterlot Castle. She needs to find Bricks/Pharynx. He was scheduled to be in a security meeting soon, she needs to speak to him before then. Luckily, she knew the Canterlot Castle like the back of her hoof now, thanks to having to follow Princess Cadence around for the past week and a half. She had to learn quickly or somepony might have seen through her ruse. Luckily for her Celestia was away, set to return tomorrow morning and Luna has been bedridden until tonight. Giving her free reign to play the Princess of Love like a puppet. Too bad she couldn’t get a snack in, but once they take Canterlot she could feast on Cadence till her mind was nothing but pudding. Still that all hinge on extra guards not being sent back. Rounding the corner quickly she sees Bricks/Pharynx standing by the door with several other guard ponies. She slanders up to the group of stallions. Present was Captain Shining Armor, Captain Spear of the Earth pony legion, and Bricks acting as a special counsel. Captain Spitfire or another Wonderbolt should be showing up soon. She only had till then to relay her orders to Pharynx. “I’m sorry gentle colts, can I borrow Commander Bricks for a moment?” She says salaciously bumping her plot against Bricks. The other stallions look flustered as she leads him away to around the corner. “Man, was she always like that?” Spears asks Shining as they watch Canary’s bouncing plot disappear around the corner with Bricks. Shining his eyes looking anywhere else fans himself off, “Don’t know. Cadence did say she was acting much bolder recently. Though I didn’t think she’d be quite this bold.” “Yeah… you were looking weren’t you.” “No, I wasn’t!” “Yes, you were!” “Fine! I was! But I was thinking of Cadence!” “Uh ha, better stick with that.” Spears laughs much to Shining’s charging. “So where does Cadence banish ponies?” Shining looks at Spears flatly, “Shut up.” Around the corner, Chrysalis pulls Pharynx close whispering into his ear, “Princess Cadence thinks the security is going overboard. You need to tell Shining Armor that somepony issued a threat against the city to justify the extra troops.” “But, my Queen, wouldn’t that be counterproductive to the invasion? We manage to seek in so many already, but if a threat is issued won’t that cause them to suspicious of any more troops being brought into the city or the wedding to being canceled?” Chrysalis sighs, shaking her head, “Pharynx, you’re a good fighter, but you need to stop thinking so straightforwardly. Listen, with the wedding so close and so many guests already here, it would be impossible to cancel it even if they wanted too. Add to the fact it’s better to have these foolish ponies starring outside the walls, rather than inside, correct?” “Ah, I see. Very wise my queen. I shall see that it is done.” “Good, I’m going to go take my main role, another will take the role of ‘Canary’. Also, there are some new developments I wish to capitalize on. With any luck, Celestia will be the only Princess we need to worry about during the attack.” “What is to become of Princess Luna? Surely you do not intend to replace her as well?” Pharynx states with concern. “No, no one has studied her enough to play her part well enough to trick Celestia. It’s better if she were to wander off on her own accord. Now be gone with you, less those stallions get suspicious.” “Yes, my queen.” “And don’t call me that when we're like this!” Quietly hisses Chrysalis, her eyes flashing green. Pharynx nods dutifully, running around the corner to rejoin the Captains. She follows him trotting out with a very coy smile, giving a wink and nod to the stallions, which now includes Wonderbolt Second Lieutenant Soarin. Meaning they finished just in time for the security meeting to start. Pharynx would play his role, now she needs to play hers, or rather swap into hers. Passing by a lone guard Chrysalis flash her eyes green, the guard doing the same. “Come with me, I’ll explain along the way.” The guard nods, following her, “Yes my Queen.” Luna tiredly trots into the throne room, once again the early morning rays blinding her as they pass through the stain glass windows. She grumbles as she passes the ones depicting her defeat by Celestia and then by Twilight Sparkle and her friends. She didn’t mind the defeat. Actually, she was very grateful they manage to stop her, but did they have put in on the wall for everypony to see? Couldn’t it just be put in a book like everything else? As Luna sat on the throne, Celestia’s throne because it had a cushier seat. A thought came to her. “So everypony forgot me, yet there’s a stain glass window depicting my defeat, so either no pony bothered to ask about it or that window isn’t as old as it should be. When did that get put in again?” She wonders aloud. Luna snorts, brushing the redundant thoughts away. She had a kingdom to run! “But first some Red Ox, can’t rule when your half asleep.” Popping the top off the can Goodnight had provided at her request. Luna press the metal container to her lips, just as the doors of the throne room burst wide open! The sudden action causing Luna to drop the can, its contents spilling on to the red carpet below. She grimaces, “Uh oh…” “Aunt Luna! How are you today?” Said Cadence, in a strangely over cheery way. Course she was getting married, of course, she would be cheery. “I’m fine Cadence,” Luna replies using her magic to clean up the spilled drink. “What brings you here today? You should be getting things ready for your wedding. I already told you I would handle today’s royal activates till Celestia’s return.” “I know, I know, but I woke up this morning and I thought, Cadence, Aunt Luna has been so nice to you. It's time to do something nice for her! So, I thought I could handle the morning duties till Aunt Celestia arrives and you can go do that key puzzle thing, you’ve been dying to do.” Now that caught Luna’s attention, “Really? Are you certain? I don’t know how long that could take, I could miss the wedding!” “It’s ok, I know deep in my heart that you couldn’t fully enjoy the wedding if you’re constantly thinking about… whatever it is your looking for… and I as both the Princess of Love, your niece and the Bride, want you to enjoy yourself. So, go and discover whatever it is that is waiting for you! Besides, I’m sure with your talent you can complete your quest in time for the wedding or at least the reception. Now go, get out of here before Celestia gets here and says you have to stay. Trust me, I’ll take care of everything.” Luna looks anxiously at the door. She should have patients, what was another two days? But then again, she’s already waited so long already. Besides all she needs to get is Applejack’s hat. A quick secret flight to Ponyville and back wouldn’t take that long. Though flying through the Everfree to the old castle would take some time. She probably wouldn’t have a lot of time to study what’s behind the door, but she could at least open it and see what’s inside finally. “Come on, Luna go! It’s alright, you have my blessing,” Cadence says urging her on. “If you don’t get going now, you might not make it back in time.” “Alright, I’ll be back soon! I promise!” Luna declares making a break for it, disappearing in a teleport. She appearing outside the window and flies off towards Ponyville. Smirking Cadence watches with glee as the Princess of the Night becomes a speck in the distance. She slowly walks to the throne, sitting upon it with a wide devious smirk, “Two down, one to go, get ready ponies. It’s time to hail to the Queen!”