//------------------------------//
// The New Plan 
// Story: The Search for the Rogue Pony Prince 
// by JuneLuxray2 
//------------------------------//

       Vlad was covering up some wounds he had sustained in the earlier battle. Being half ghost, he knew they wouldn't take long to heal, but also knew it'd take the night at least before he healed up. He also took some aspirin to relieve the pounding headache and aches he had throughout his body. It was then that Prince Blueblood decided to drop in on him- with a pop he appeared behind Vlad. Vlad turned around to see the prince standing behind him. The stallion finished with his bandages and sighed. Blueblood smirked.

"I take it you got more trouble than you bargained for, Masters?"

"Understatement, that," Vlad said tiredly. "I was bucked about a million times over and even plastered in the face by cake from that annoying pink one. I'm trying to think up a way to get them while they aren't expecting it. I knew I should've duplicated." he muttered. Blueblood turned to the ghosts behind him.

"I've begun my work on taking over the ghosts again. I've brought over six for you. One for each pony." he said. The ghosts flew up to Vlad obediently and said nothing. "Hopefully this might help you."

Vlad eyed the ghosts carefully and then nodded, pleased. "I say, you're not doing so bad. Thanks for the help. They can keep them distracted while I take on Daniel and his friends. By the way, do you mind if I ask a question?" he asked. Prince Blueblood smiled.

"Depends on the question, but otherwise I certainly don't see why not."

"How- how are you a Prince? Do you just call yourself one or are you actually one?" Vlad asked. Blueblood nodded.

"Ah, that's a good question. I am the great great great great great great great great great great great," Blueblood paused to take a breath, "and possibly more greats, nephew on Princess Celestia's and Princess Luna's mother's side, about 52 times removed or so." he said.

Vlad blinked after a second and then raised an eye. "Er...sure you're not a duke, then?"

"I am a prince and I won't be called less." Blueblood said shortly. Vlad shrugged.

"Have it your way. You will be prince- or even king, anyhow, once we're done. But how can you be that many greats? How old are the princesses?"

"Over one thousand years old. They are pegasus unicorns- a type of pony only the top of the top royalty are, and I wish I was- and live for a very, very long time. It's even possible they're biologically immortal. Celestia is the elder of the two."

"Then how long do normal ponies live, then?" Vlad asked. Blueblood shrugged.

"I've heard so far that natural ponies here- not as smart or have wings nor horns- only live for so long. However, ponies from where I'm from live about to same age as humans." he answered. Vlad nodded.

"Ah...one last question, do you mind?"

Prince Blueblood rolled his eyes. "Make it quick. I have to get back to the Ghost Zone and continue my work."

"Fair enough," Vlad said. "Time is money, after all. My last question is...why are they called princesses and not queens, if they're the ones who rule?"

"No one knows for sure, and neither Celestia nor Luna will say. I've heard rumors, however, that it has something to do with when Luna had to be banished to the moon when she grew evil from some outside force and threatened to force the night to never be removed for daylight. Celestia didn't want to call herself Queen until her sister returned in a thousand years- hopefully back to normal- and ruled alongside her, as she felt Luna had a rightful place by her. And of course, about a year ago, she came back- saved by the very ponies who are working with Danny Phantom. They haven't changed from Princesses to Queens yet, and I suspect it's more symbolic than anything else. Rather stupid, in my opinion."

"Wait, wait, wait! The ponies who are working with Daniel...are the ones who saved the princess? You didn't tell me that!" Vlad snapped. Blueblood smiled.

"Please, good sir. Like it's that much harder for you. Without their Elements of Harmony, they'll be helpless against you and your ghosts. Alright, I must go now. Ta-ta!" he said, disappearing with another pop and flash of light. Vlad turned to the ghosts who were waiting commands patiently.

"Go wait in the lab. Don't move a muscle away from the door until I tell you to move. Tomorrow morning we're to strike again." he said, heading off the bed. The ghosts obeyed and silently went to his lab. Vlad went off to bed, already planning the next day's attack.