//------------------------------//
// Chapter 5 
// Story: The Worth of One 
// by DouglasTrotter 
//------------------------------//

"Again, I am so, so sorry.  I can't believe I thought the show was last night." Highlight said. She held the brochure in her hoof. The young mare looked at it again and again. "I guess I read the show time vs. the actual date." 

Rarity returned from the buffet with several pieces of freshly sliced fruit on her plate.  She sat down in her chair. "Highlight, there is no need to fret.  The extra time will give us plenty of breathing room. Not to mention it'll allow for last minute changes and costume refinement.  These costumes must be magnifique!"

"What's all the fuss about?" Twilight said, standing near the buffet table. 

"The rumor going around is that the crème de la crème from all over Equestria will be at the event.  This will be a wonderful opportunity for some très chic designs." Rarity said. 

Soapbox nibbled on an apple.  He squinted at the crowd of ponies passing by.  He rubbed his eyes then yawned.

"You weren't up last night, were you?" Highlight said. 

"You tucked me in." Soapbox said.  He maintained a straight-faced, melancholic expression towards his sister. "Why do you ask?" 

"I heard you mumbling from behind the door, but when I checked, you were still in bed.  Were you having a dream?" Highlight said.  She blushed, "Were you dreaming about a filly-friend? Careful now, Princess Luna might come into your dream and catch you kissing?"  

Soapbox raised an eyebrow. "I fall asleep like you, mom and dad.  Dream or no dream."

"Hmph, you're no fun, Soapy." Highlight said, ending with a huff.  The young mare munched on her breakfast. "I've got some time if you want to check out the shops.  Rehearsals aren't till ten, and, before you ask, yes, I checked and double checked with the others at the theater before I came for breakfast."  

Twilight returned to the table, several pancakes piled on her plate.  A thick stream of maple syrup landed on top of the stack of golden pancakes, a slice of butter on top for the finishing touch. The pony licked her lips, and then stopped.  She looked at the others and said, "What? I like syrup first, and then butter." 

Soapbox shrugged.  

"You're going to love this, I've got a whole day planned out.  It will be 'totally awesome' as Rainbow Dash would put it.  Mr. Curio's place was just the start." Twilight said.  She unfurled a scroll from her bag.  The pony tapped the tip of a quill against each item on the list. "Manehatten is home to a plethora of stores.  There's Antiquities and Antiques.  Thrift's Finds and Fashions." 

"Twilight, could you be a dear and pick me up some crimson hem highlights and thread if you go to Thrift's.  That mare always has the best selection.  O my," Rarity tapped a quick hoof against her chin, "on second thought, it might be wise for me to go with you.  Thrift's, If I remember right, will be unloading their imports today, and I do believe some came from Saddle Arabia." Rarity said. She tapped her hooves together. "It would be lovely if they had some dyed silk."  

"That settles it.  We'll go to Thrift's so you can nab some supplies while me and Soapbox check out their finds.  Any objections?" Twilight said.  She grinned. "Ok, no objections." 

"I've got this one.  Here, keep the change." Rarity said, giving seven bits for the extra pancakes. 

Past Saddle Avenue, Hoof Drive, and Stallion street, nestled between Wither Lane and Pinion Way, the group found themselves at a medium sized shop.  Outside, the sign "Thrift's Finds and Fashion" welcomed Highlight, Rarity, Twilight, and Soapbox.  

A bell greeted patrons' ears and the mare behind the counter. Thrift perked up, "Welcome to the shop.  Miss Rarity, it's been too long, and you've brought guests.  Dear me, Princess Twilight Sparkle, I had no idea you'd stop by with Miss Rarity.  The shop must look a mess." 

"Please, call me Twilight.  I'm just like everypony else, and we're here to shop." Twilight said.  She made her way past the bolts of cloth and accessories towards the rear of the store. "Hmm, let's see." 

Each pony went about their pace, customers coming and going as they pleased.  

Soapbox meandered about the store.  He gazed at several objects on the upper shelves, out of his reach.  The little donkey shrugged and moved on. 

"Did you find something, Soapbox?" Twilight said. 

"There are books in the back, but they're mostly works of fiction, adventure stories.  I believe I saw a Daring Doo first print, and..." Soapbox said.  He looked at Twilight, the pony's wide-eyed grin reflecting off his eyes. "I'll show you." 

Twilight flipped through the book then placed it in the shopping bag at her side.  In a cheery voice she said, "Rainbow Dash will flip over this one.  It's hard bound with the original slip cover intact. Not a mark on it."

"hmm?" Soapbox said. 

"Sorry, me and Rainbow Dash are big fans of Daring Doo books.  It's the first real book she got into from the library." Twilight said.  

"Do you mean Rainbow Dash of the Wonderbolts?" Soapbox said.  He received a firm "yes" in reply. "My father has mentioned her before." 

"When I met your father, he never spoke about his work. Does he perform with the Wonderbolts?" Twilight said.

"No." Soapbox said. 

"Huh, I saw all those pictures in your house. Are you sure?" Twilight said. 

"My father doesn't like to talk about his work." Soapbox said.  He turned toward a small basket, rummaging through it.  In a quiet voice he said, "I still can't figure out why my father would do a pegasus workout with me when I'm just, just...."

"Just?" Twilight said. 

"Never mind.  I apologize for the rude comment." Soapbox said. 

"Is that how you knew that maneuver back in Ponyville?" Twilight said.  She received a nod. 

"Twilight, psst." Highlight said.  She motioned towards Twilight. "I apologize if Soapbox is being difficult." 

Twilight and Highlight meandered about the store.  The two ponies came to a small table. 

"The truth is that dad took up the name Sky Flare when he joined the Wonderbolts as a maneuver specialist.  He doesn't perform with them.  It's more of an honorary role since he requested reassignment from Canterlot." Highlight said.  She sat down.  "If you want to know, dad's real name is Blitzkrieg." 

"Blitzkrieg, now where have I heard that name before?" Twilight said.  She sat down at the table, adjacent to Highlight.  The pony scratched her head then tapped the tip of her right hoof against the side of her head.  She stopped and said, "Now I remember.  My brother mentioned a stallion by that name.  Is your father Blitzkrieg, as in chief commander and strategist Blitzkrieg?" 

"Yea.  Dad hates flashy titles." Highlight said.  

"Sorry if this sound rude, but, my brother said the few times he met your father, Blitzkrieg was a bit on the cold side." Twilight said. 

"Though dad can be a little cold at times, trust me, that stallion is not only as stubborn as they come, he's also caring and quite overprotective.  Between you and me, I think Soapbox takes after dad in the stubborn department." Highlight said, ending with quick quiet chuckle.  The young mare gave a polite smile towards Twilight. "Dad doesn't like seeing others being mistreated.  He makes sure the ponies under his watch are rewarded for their hard-work."

"Please don't tell me he's the one who turned down the Solar Solarium Accommodation and Achievement for Valor?" Twilight said. 

"Yes..." Highlight said, ending with a quiet groan. Her head banged against the table. She let out a soft moan. "What is wrong with that stallion? There's nothing wrong with a bit of praise."

"Does he hate attention?" Twilight said. 

"Do you know he turned down five awards after the Changeling invasion of Canterlot, all because he said 'they need to go to those who deserve it' and every other lame excuse under the sun."  Highlight said.  

"Wow, Princess Celestia doesn't just give that award out to every pony that asks for it." Twilight said.  She leaned in, "If you don't mind me asking, why did your dad leave if he's such a high-ranking officer?" 

"Dad would never admit it, but me and mom believe he left the service to be closer with us since the Wonderbolts have more lee-way in the times they can take off and leave." Highlight said.  She waved her hoof. "We better stop talking about dad.  I bet his ears are burning." 

"Do you mind if I ask one more question?" Twilight said. 

"Hmm?" Highlight said. 

"Soapbox seemed a little confused as to why your dad would teach him pegasus pony maneuvers when he can't fly?  Was your dad hoping for a pegasus?" Twilight said. 

"Are you kidding? Dad taught me those techniques too. Before I earned my cutie mark, he had me doing all sorts of athletics to keep me 'well rounded' as mom put it. That's how I wound up with a fourth-degree black-belt in both Hoof-Fu and Buck-kido." Highlight said. The young mare shivered, and then placed her hooves on top of her head, hunching over.  "My dad had the instructors drill those moves into me, and I still have nightmares about it.  The triple back-flip haunts me." 

"I wondered where I saw that move in the train car.  That was Tranquility's Motion of Water." Rarity said, coming around the corner. 

"Right, I still practice to stay in shape.  It's also great exercise." Highlight said. 

Soapbox glanced towards his sister, and then turned away.  He continued to meander about the store.  His hooves poked and prodded several different items in several different bins.

"Hello little one.  Are you looking for something specific? Maybe I can help you." Thrift said. 

"Thank you for the offer, ma'am, but I am alright." Soapbox said. 

"You know, that look in your eye reminds me of a certain somepony I know.  Mr. Curios." Thrift said. 

"Yes, Twilight Sparkle and myself met him the other day, ma'am." Soapbox said. 

"We were colleagues at one point.  That stallion always had his eye on the prize, in more ways than one.  When he found something, you bet he knew what to do with it." Thrift said.  She reached underneath the counter.  "I found this trinket on one of our excursions.  It's something I think you might like." 

Soapbox removed the crate from his back and placed it down.  The little donkey stood on top of the wooden box.  He leaned forward.  The white burlap, protecting the object inside, reflected off his eyes.  Several folds were undone.  The mystical object glistened in the sunlight that came through the front windows.  

"I'd be willing to part with this for say, fifteen bits." Thrift said. 

Soapbox squinted at the relic.  He backed up.  His right front hoof twitched. 

"Are you alright?" Thrift said. 

"Y-Yes, just something in my eye.  I apologize." Soapbox said.  He rubbed his eyes. "Thank you for the offer, ma'am. I'll take it." 

"Pleasure doing business with you." Thrift said. She re-wrapped the item in the burlap then placed it inside a small bag.

"Did you find something you like?" Twilight said

Soapbox gave a firm nod. 

"You'll have to show me back at the hotel." Twilight said.  She pulled the book out of her basket. "I'd like to purchase this." 

Ten bits were placed on the counter, the book placed into a paper bag.  

Twilight grinned at her newly purchased item.  She turned.  Her ears dropped.  The pony's left eye twitched. "Umm, Rarity.  Are you in there?" 

"Twilight, please be a dear, and, oof, grab one of these." Rarity said.  The pile of supplies landed near the counter.  Ten minutes later, the pony said, "Ok, that's everything.  I'm so glad we came." 

"That'll be forty-five bits." Thrift said.  

"Here, I've got this.  It's the least I can do for..." Highlight said.  She nudged her brother. "Psst, can I borrow five bits?" 

Soapbox reached under his crate. "Sorry, I didn't know this was for the both of us." 

"Soapy, it's ok.  Those are your bits.  I just need a, a quick loan, that's all." Highlight said.  She stuck her tongue out at her brother. "I'll pay you back.  I always do." 

Several bags floated above the group that made their way through the winding streets of Manehatten.  Ten minutes later, the bags, full of supplies, came to their final resting spot inside the grand Lectisternium theater. 

"Rarity, you must have cleaned an entire store out. There are enough supplies here to outfit a large troupe of ponies." Coco Pommel said.  

"I must admit I did get a little carried away.  Still, we must have the best supplies to do our best. These designs must be no less than magnifique!" Rarity said, clenching her hoof. 

"Here, let me introduce you." Highlight said. She motioned across the stage. "Everypony, this is Rarity, Twilight, Coco Pommel, and my little brother, Soapbox." 

"Thank you so much for the assistance.  A definite thanks goes to you and Coco Pommel, Miss Rarity." a stallion said. 

"It'll be delightful to have such talented designers." another stallion said, bowing to the two ponies. 

"Thanks for the help.  It's appreciated." A mare said.  

Several more ponies stepped forward, each greeting the two designers.  

Soapbox meandered toward the backstage, Twilight in toe. 

"Hmm?" Twilight said.

"You think my sister would have warned me about the play.  The brochure just states the performance is the play of the century." Soapbox said. 

"..." Twilight said nothing, instead raising an eyebrow. She followed Soapbox toward the back. "Wow.  That's one incredible model of.  Tirek.  Are you ok?" 

"I'm fine." Soapbox said. 

"You're not afraid?" Twilight said.  She received a firm "no" in response. In a hushed voice she said to herself, "What is it that keeps setting him off?" 

Soapbox walked around back stage while Twilight returned to Rarity and Coco.  

Sewing machines buzzed with each press of their peddles.  Spool after spool of thread landed on top of their respective holders. Bolts of cloth sped through each machine.  Rarity and Coco Pommel sat in a small area of the theater where the two ponies tinkered, tweaked, and refined each costume as rehearsals came and went throughout the day.  

Six costume designs refined and completed, day almost turning to night, the rehearsals neared their end.  

"Your defeat is nigh, Tirek, for we are the elements of harmony.  We are the friends of Equestria!" Highlight said, flying on a support wire alongside her fellow thespians.  She descended to the stage floor.  The young mare wiped several beads of sweat from her forehead. "Phew.  Good work, everypony.  Let's take five." 

"Did we really say that?" Twilight said, whispering to Rarity. 

"Darling, it's theater.  They have to throw in some umph, some, some pizzazz to bring the scene to life." Rarity said. 

Twilight chuckled to herself. "Ok, ok, pizzazz." 

"Have you two seen Soapbox?" Highlight said. She removed her harness. "Ooo, where'd that little sneak go. My brother could sniff out a scroll at five-hundred paces in two seconds flat.  He's probably hiding somewhere, reading some book.  Has any-pony seen Soapbox?"

"Yo, Highlight, I saw the little dude in the back. Looked like he went underneath the stage where we keep the costumes and props." a mare said.   

"Thanks, Curtain Call." Highlight said. 

"I'll go get him." Twilight said.  She leapt onto the stage and pushed the curtain aside. The trapdoor lifted up, the pony proceeded into the dimly lit area. "Soapbox? Are you in here? Soapbox -- Gah?!" 

"Twilight? I apologize." Soapbox said.  He removed the tiki mask from his face and crawled out of a small crate of props. "I didn't mean to startle you." 

"It's not even Nightmare Night, and I've already had my fright for the entire year." Twilight said.  She took several deep breaths.  Her heart calmed.  The pony tilted her head at the melancholic expression given to her. "Don't you go out on Nightmare Night?" 

"No." Soapbox said.  He turned toward the darkened area. "If this is rude, I apologize, but I prefer to stay home and read." 

"Haven't you ever been out on Nightmare Night?" Twilight said. 

Soapbox shrugged.  He said, "Doubtful, but my mother and father may have dressed me up when I was younger." 

Twilight snickered to herself, imagining Soapbox as a baby dressed up in a stroller.  Her snickering ceased.  The pony's wings quivered.  Her eyes widened.  She reached forward and said, "Soapbox?  Soapbox?!" 

The little donkey's hooves shook as he tried to stand up. He let out a deep, guttural cough. Soapbox took a deep breath then backed up.  His hooves continued to shake before he collapsed.

"Soapbox?" Twilight said.  She darted towards Soapbox. "We need to get you out of here. Here, let me lift you onto my back."

"No, no... it's alright. I'm sorry if I startled you." Soapbox said.  He sat on top of his box and took several deep breaths.  The tremors in his hooves stopped.  He looked at Twilight, "I don't understand what happened.  It felt like the energy just drained out of me." 

Light from the open trapped door gave a small bit of illumination to the darkened area.  Several crates resided near each of the grey, cobblestone walls underneath the stage.  

"We'd better get you out of here and to a hospital." Twilight said.

"There's something here." Soapbox said. 

"You're probably feeling ill from collapsing." Twilight said.  She turned. The pony raised an eyebrow. "Wait. What is that?"

Soapbox jumped down.  He grabbed Twilight's tail.  The little donkey struggled and groaned.  

"I. See what you. Meant." Twilight said, struggling to her hooves.  She faced the void alongside Soapbox. "There's a powerful magical trap, but why did it harm you?"

Soapbox glanced to his side.  He sighed and looked up.  In a quiet tone, his voice trailing off towards the end, the little donkey said, "I don't, I don't know if...." 

"Are you ok, Soapbox?" Twilight said.  She sat near the little donkey.  The pony extended her wing, placing it over the Soapbox's side. "What's wrong?" 

"Twilight.  Though you said you're willing to listen to me, are you are you willing to trust me?" Soapbox said. 

"Yes? Why do you ask?" Twilight said. 

The air around the two equines remained still. Soapbox rested his hooves in his lap. Twilight retracted her wing.  She sat in front of the little donkey.  

"What aren't you telling me?" Twilight said.

"I promise to tell you everything back at the hotel." Soapbox said.  His withers began to twitch.  The little donkey took a deep breath, and then let out a slow, calm sigh. "At this point, I need you to trust me when I say I'm seeing 'things,' things that aren't normal.  Please don't tell my mother or father, or my big sis."

"Alright.  What is it you're seeing?" Twilight said. 

"I don't know how to describe it.  About the only thing I can best surmise it as is a fog, a haze, or something clinging to those around me.  I hypothesize it to be magic, but that hypothesis isn't the best." Soapbox said.  He pointed a firm hoof at the darkness. "There, against the wall.  It's a small point of light with a green haze around it." 

"We can't reach it if there's a trap." Twilight said. 

Soapbox moved forward on shaky hooves.  He raised his right hoof, inching it forward till he recoiled.  The little donkey dropped his hoof.  

"We need to turn around.  I must alert Princess Celestia on this matter." Twilight said. She turned around. "Soapbox, we have to leave.  This is dangerous." 

"Twilight, you said you trusted me, right?" Soapbox said. 

Twilight remained silent.  She turned toward Soapbox, "This isn't the time or place, but you're not going to stop, are you? You want to protect your big sister and her night." 

"Yes," Soapbox said.  He glanced at the thin air.  His vision narrowed. "If I remember right, there was a book in your library that spoke about magical traps, but all of them, almost all of them anyways, are meant for deterrence.  This one is far too different.  It, it looks like a spider's web, made of magic." 

"Wait.  Wait, wait, wait... I know this one.  Spinneret. She studied how to intertwine magic into spider's silk.  The mare studied to the point she managed to make powerful traps out of ethereal threads. To undo it, one must find the finest point and pull it to undo the magic." Twilight said.  

"Here," Soapbox said.  

Twilight illuminated her horn.  A small thread of magic shot forth from her horn then latched onto an ethereal thread.  The once invisible web glowed in haunting green light.  The web began to pulse before it vanished. 

Soapbox adjust the box on his back, and then he crept forward. The little donkey's right hoof touched the back wall where an orange circle appeared.  His eyes widened.  He retreated into his box.  His body shook, Soapbox covering his eyes.  

"Tartarus.  It's a portal to Tartarus." Twilight said.  She gazed at the medium, dinner-plate sized portal. "That's it, I'm sealing this portal, right here, right now." 

"Please," Soapbox said.  His eyes remained closed.  The flash of light came and went. "Is it done?" 

"Yes.  The portal is destroyed, but it wasn't easy.  Whoever, or whatever, made that portal used a powerful spell to tie it to this location." Twilight said.  She tapped on the box with a gentle hoof. "Do you still see that green light?" 

"No, it's gone.  The light must have vanished with the portal." Soapbox said. 

Soapbox and Twilight ascended the stairs.   

"Where have you two been? Was my brother hiding again?" Highlight said. 

"I think he got stuck in a crate of props." Twilight said.  The pony gave a quick sly wink to Soapbox.  She moved towards her friend and pulled Rarity aside. "We've got a problem.  I need to get the others, ASAP.  Please take Soapbox back to the hotel."


*** *** *** 


Night graced the grand city of Manehatten once more. Cricket chirps resonated in the night air while mares and stallions went about their nightly outings.  

Inside the penthouse suite, a soft tap came to the door. Soon, five equines walked into the grand room, four of them stowing their luggage.  

"We'll need to be quiet," Rarity placed a hoof near her mouth, "Soapbox is resting." She said.  The pony floated a teacup onto its saucer.

"What's going on?" Fluttershy said.  

"Yea, what's going on Twilight? This doesn't seem like a slumber party.  There's no food, and so little drinks." Pinkie Pie said.  

"Sorry to grab you all like that, but it's an emergency." Twilight said.  She sat down on the circular couch, alongside her friends.  The pony wiped her forehead and said, "Phew, teleporting can take a lot out of a pony." 

"Twi, what's goin' on, exactly?" Applejack said. 

"In the basement of the theater here in Manehatten, me and Soapbox found a portal to Tartarus." Twilight said.  She looked at her friends, "Through the portal, we saw Tirek's cell.  It looked like he had his own power turned against him."

"Twilight, there's no way." Rainbow Dash said.

"I saw it with my own eyes." Twilight said. 

"hmm..." Soapbox said, rolling over on his side. The little donkey curled up into a ball, shivering.  His left eye crept open, and then closed.  "I'm sorry.  I'm sorry." 

"What's eatin' him?" Applejack said, removing her hat.  She looked at Soapbox. "Is he dreamin?" 

"Yes, Applejack.  Soapbox is exhausted from his experience at the theater." Rarity said. 

"Soapbox was a huge help, despite what he might believe. I would have never figured out the trap." Twilight said.  She gave a gentle smile towards the little donkey. "He must have worked up a lot of courage to trust me.  I just hope he understands the necessity to bring you all here.  This isn't something me and Rarity can deal with on our own."

"Hey, Twilight.  Just throwing this out there to you.  Think Discord did it for revenge?" Rarity said. 

"No.  Discord would never do something this cruel." Fluttershy said. 

"I'm with Fluttershy on this one.  I don't believe Discord could do this, even if he wanted to do it.  Not to mention, it's almost as if somepony stole Tirek's power, like he stole our magic." Twilight said.  She glanced at Rarity, and then Soapbox. "There's a piece to the puzzle we're missing, but what is it? Who would steal Tirek's magic." 

Soapbox's hooves twitched.  The six ponies chuckled towards each other.  

"Twilight?" a voice said, opening the door to the penthouse suite. 

"O, Highlight.  Come meet my friends." Twilight said, giving a nervous glance towards Rarity. 

"I want to check on Soapbox first." Highlight said.  She walked toward her brother, exhaling a deep sigh. "Good, he looks alright. I saw Soapbox on Rarity's back as she left the theater.  It concerned me because he hates riding on other pony's backs."

"No need to fret, Darling.  He's just exhausted from today." Rarity said. 

Highlight pressed a calm, soft hoof against her brother. "Right, sorry I doubted you. It's just that I was worried about Soapy.  He's been acting funny all day today." 

Soapbox sat up and rubbed his eye.  He yawned. "Sorry, did I fall asleep?" 

"I'd say waky, waky, eggs and toasty, but, it's kinda night time." Pinkie Pie said. 

"Wonderful," Soapbox said.  He retreated into his box. 

Highlight rolled her eyes as Rarity and Twilight giggled at one another. 

"Hmph, kinda rude there." Rainbow Dash said, letting out a yawn. "Whatever.  I'm goin to bed.  I'll catch you all in the morning." 

"Hate ta agree here, but, a girl does need her sleep." Applejack said.  

Soapbox leapt off the couch.  He crawled towards his room.  The little donkey closed his door with a soft hoof.  

"There's something going on." Soapbox said to himself.  He tucked himself into bed, and the little donkey closed his eyes. "A portal to Tartarus underneath a theater.  Tirek drained of his magic.  This feels like another riddle, but it isn't a riddle, is it, Discord?" 

Discord rose from floor and snapped his talon, freezing the arcane library. "Last round, I'm afraid, so the rest is up to you, Soapbox.  Any words, Lulu?" 

"Soapbox, you must be cautious.  I fear you and the others have stumbled upon a grave plot against Equestria, yet, there's something amiss.  Even I cannot fully understand it." Princess Luna said. She sat down. "You will be tested, more than ever.  I hope that you are prepared." 

"That's, cryptic." Soapbox said. 

"As for your final riddle, your 'final' lesson, Soapbox, you must think back." Discord said.  He pointed at Soapbox, "Though some believe you lack what I once did, they are all wrong.  Remember what you have learned because all that is needed for you to succeed is --" 

"Discord?" Soapbox said.  The world shifted back to the library.  "What is he talking about?" 

Soapbox opened his eyes and gazed at the door to his room.  The little donkey rolled over, keeping one eye open. 

"Soapy, I know you're not asleep." Highlight said. She crept into her brother's room. The young mare sat beside the bed. "Are you alright? I mean are you really alright?  You don't like riding on other pony's backs after you fell off dad's when he took you to Cloudsdale that one time." 

"Right." Soapbox said in a clam, emotionless tone. He sat up. "I am fine.  I may have overdone things a bit, that is all."  

"Ok if you say so, Soapbox.  I hope you trust me.  Your big sis will always have your back."  Highlight said.  She glanced at her brother's box.  "O, hey, I mean to ask.  What did you get at Thrift's, anyways?  I saw you buy something from her." 

"You can take a look." Soapbox said.  

"Huh, that's odd.  Looks like an amulet.  Of an, alicorn? Wonder what's supposed to go here in its center." Highlight said. 

"Do you want it?" Soapbox said. 

Highlight rubbed her brother's mane, and then planted a firm kiss on his forehead. "No.  I've got so much jewelry and trinkets it could sink an airship. You'll have to show it to Twilight and Rarity when you get the chance.  Goodnight, little Soapy." 

"Goodnight," Soapbox said.  He wrapped the object back up in the white burlap.  The little donkey gazed at the ceiling. "Princess Luna. Discord.  What is going on? What did he mean by I lacked what he once lacked? Something about going back to the beginning?"