//------------------------------// // Chapter 2 // Story: The Sins of the Wise // by TopHat Demon //------------------------------// “Are we Almost there?” Sunset Cloud pipped up hopping up and down in her seat. Pixel shook his head and rolled his eyes. They still haven’t left the train station. Petal Cord put a hoof on Sunset Cloud’s shoulder making her stop bouncing. “I know your excited, about going to Cantrolot and everything, but we have some important work to do.” Sunset Cloud nodded and skunked in her seat. Pixel chuckled to himself, “You sure do know how to Mother ponies around don’t you Petal Cord?” Petal Cord rose a brow. “I do have 3 younger Siblings, they are so hard to get them under control. Especially when I’m Foalsitting them....” Pixel nodded along as Petal Cord gave very detailed descriptions of her family. “You know I have younger siblings too. I’m the oldest of the family. I know exactly how you feel.” Pixel replied after Petal cord had finished talking. Just then the train jurked forward without warning. Sunset Cloud hopped with excitement as the train picked up speed. Now that the train has started to move, the gang grew quiet. Pixel picked up his headphones and put them on his head. Let’s just hope this is a peaceful ride. The sight of the castle of Cantrolot looked pretty awesome in the refelctance of the sun. Almost looks godly. Pixel stared at it with awe. Sunset Cloud has fallen asleep a few minutes ago, and Petal Cord was reading a book. The closer they got to the city the more details Pixel saw. The train station was just in sight and he nudged Sunset Cloud awake. “We’re here sleepy head. Get up!” Sunset Cloud shifted her head slightly and yawned. Blinking awake she got out of her seat and stretched, Petal Cord put her book away in her bag. The train officially came to a screeching stop. “Anypony getting off at Cantrolot, you may please exit the train.” The conductor said through the loud speakers. Like a wave, the ponies started to leave the train. Pixel moved through the train silently, walking slowly so he won’t bump into another pony. Soon the train left and disappeared in the distance. Pixel looked at the train station. It was fancy almost, not exactly filled with golden outlines but it must have cost a lot just to bulid. A few gaurds stood at the gates entering into the city. All of the, checking the passengers bags. “Come on Pixel!” Sunset Cloud tugged at his hoof with her’s trying to get him to follow her. “We’re almost here!” Snapping out of his daze Pixel turned to Sunset Cloud and nodded, being half dragged by Sunset Cloud’s excitement. A guard stopped them before entering the city. Pixel sighed and asked politely. “Are you going to check our bags?” Rising a brow the graud nodded and grabbed the bag rummaging through. Silently Pixel stood and watched as he rummaged through the other mares bags before finally, bringing the nod of approval, opening the gate. Sunset Cloud’s wings fluttered with excitement as she zoomed into the city. Pixel and Petal Cord ran after her. Pixel, was able to catch up to the speeding Pegasus clamping on her tail with his magic. Sunset Cloud huffed before being brought down to the ground. “While we’re here you better stop doing that.” Pixel said panting. He never liked running. “Should we get going?” Petal Cord said suddenly walking up behind Pixel. Pixel nodded and pulled out six little stones with his magic. The group instantly became silent. Those were the gravestones they were going to imbed in the ground at the Cantrolot Cemetry, they were shrunk to get past the guard in the front of the city. Pixel, using his magic once more, made the stones bigger with each second, when the time is right he will teleport them to the Cemetery. With a bright flash of light the gravestones disappeared. “Glad we got to say our respects. Let’s just hope no pony noticed.” Petal Cord whispered. Something tapped her side, it was Sunset Cloud. She was looking at the castle in the distance. Her eyes told them nothing more than to go see it. Smiling Pixel and Petal Cord walked towards the castle as Sunset Cloud ran beside them. The entrance of the castle was huge. Not a lot of ponies were near because they were being excused from the guards. Pixel looks to his left and to his right. He has heard about the guard placements from his father when he used to work in Cantrolot, usually there should be three guards positioned in the left corner and the right corner both near the entrance. Instead their all spaced out, two at the door and about a few feet away another guard stood. This was a specific guard position, one for protecting. With a sigh he walked up to the entrance of the castle, Petal accord and Sunset Cloud tried to pull him away but he refused, when near the entrance he got stopped by both of the guards. “Halt! State your business!” They said almost in unison. Pixel merely stood there looking for an answer. Something was off about this place and he was going to find out. Clearing his throat he spoke in a almost royal tone. “I’m Messenger Winter of The Crystal Empire and I want to give a clear letter from Princess Cadence to the Princess of the Sun, Must I say it is very important!” One of the guards looked suspiciously at Pixel, And the other one looked at another guard who was nearby. “Don’t do anything Suspious, we’ll walk you in.” The guard to the right said in a nuterual tone. “If this message is about the Incident then Princess Celestia will read it throughly.” Pixel rose a brow and spoke once more, “My dear sir, I am merely dismissive of the fact that this incident Is true. Can you please shed some light?” Out of the corner of his vision he could see Sunset Cloud and Petal Cord in the distance watching. He was going in without them he will have to tell them somehow. “If as long as you don’t tell anypony, and I mean AnyPony about this, for I trust you being the messenger of the Crystal queen. Can you follow me.” The guard replied. Pixel turned his head and given a hidden wink at the two mares before entering the building. Now all he needs is a letter.