//------------------------------// // This Chapter Doesn't Exist // Story: Prank War! // by Ashfur //------------------------------// The walls of the crystal palace glittered and shone with an enchanting light show in the sunset, ponies milling about with various tasks doing their best at whatever they did best. Everypony, that is, except Shining Armor. The stallion sat at the desk in his office, reading and rereading the clearly important document that had been placed in front of him. It bore the royal seal of the princesses, and he had spent the better part of the day trying to figure out what exactly was on it. Dear Prince Shining Armor, It has come to our attention that is next month! Luna and I would appreciate it if you could make time for us to and help select the best possible , discreetly if possible. We will be arriving in <⏱ It's Time to Stop> as an excuse, under no circumstances are you to and please inform Cadence as well. Sincerely, Princess Celestia Of course, being handed a seemingly confidential document with parts redacted was never a good thing, but this letter seemed to hint at something dangerous on the horizon. Unfortunately, unlike the magical blacking out on normal sensitive material that dissipated for those authorized to read it, this one wasn't budging. And with Luna visiting in a few days for a trade meeting, it could be very serious! Luna arrived at the train station of the crystal empire, and was immediately set upon by crystal guards. They demanded that the princess come with them for her safety, and the mood quickly changed from a cheerful meeting to discuss imports and export taxes to a tense feeling not unlike when Sombra attacked years prior. Even Nick was taken to safety, and assigned the task of keeping Flurry distracted for the time being. Inside the secure meeting room, Luna found Shining Armor exhausted. His mane was disheveled, his eyes bloodshot from nights with no sleep. Honestly she hadn't seen Shining this bad an a long time, and Cadence was not too far behind. "What's gotten everypony up in a tizzy?" Inquired Luna. "We haven't seen security this tight since Equestria was attacked by the Storm King. Don't tell we something big is coming..." "You're the whole reason we are on edge in the first place!" Shining cried out. Years ago, as a royal guard, he never would have shouted like that at the princesses, but as a prince he had that luxury. "The guard has been working overtime to keep the empire safe, and we don't even know what's going on!" "Whatever does thou mean, Shining? We never-" Luna found the letter thrust into her face and read it over. She then tried checking it with magic designed to unlock the blacked out portions of the letter, but to no avail. "Oh dear. This could be serious, and sister has yet to inform us of any potential threat. Guards!" The ponies she brought along readied themselves. "Send a message back to our sister. Inform her we cannot read the sensitive material contained in her letter, and we have mobilized the Crystal guard until we know what is coming. Go!" Meanwhile, halfway across the castle, a completely unrelated and different meeting was taking place. "More tea, my little snowflake?" "Yez plees, in unca Nik! Moar tea!" "You are absolutely adorable, ya know that?" Nick picked up the teapot and carefully poured a small cup of the beverage for Flurry Heart. She took it in both hooves and carefully sipped it, earning an 'aww' from the human. "So, how are things here in Flurryland?" "Gweat! Mommy an Daddy vewy busy. Unca Nik, why they make da guards work so much?" "Ah, that. From what I overheard, your aunt Celestia sent a letter to your Dad and he's worried. I should know, Celestia asked me to take it to the mailroom. I just took the liberty of highlighting the important parts of the letter." "Whas a hi-wite? Can you eat it, Unca Nik?" Nick ruffled Flurry's mane playfully, earning a giggle from the filly. "No, silly head. You can't eat a highlight. But, now that I think about it, I probably shouldn't have highlighted everything in black permanent marker..." "Did you do an miss-steak, Unca Nik?" "No, my precious little snowflake." He hugged her close, nuzzling her and making her smile. "Everything is going exactly as you dear ol' Uncle Nick planned."