//------------------------------// // Episode 17: Escape Plan // Story: EoH Evolution: Season 6 // by Bahamut0 //------------------------------// Castalot Castle Library Twilight furious scanned through the shelves of the royal library. She'd been to this building many times during her run as Celestia's personal student to get books related to assignments, performing or learning new spells, or simply just to get lost in a good book for hours on end. Now, though, her purpose for coming was of the greatest urgency. It had only been a few days since Blitz Surge launched a successful takeover of Castalot, and he was preparing to expand his new reign to the rest of Unity as well. As Twilight vigorously combed through the library's shelves, she was fully aware that armies of Blitz Surge's new robotic troops were being assembled and waiting to be shipped out. She'd also caught news reports with Blitz Surge saying that certain members of the Lancers would be sent to different regions of Unity to serve as his commanders and "protectors" of the region they would be deployed to. Inwardly, Twilight scoffed at the Lancer leader's words. "We were already protected before you decided there was a problem." Twilight muttered to herself as she spied a book of interest to her and the other princesses. "Me and the girls reawakened the Elements of Harmony, and used them to defend Unity before returning them to the Tree of Harmony. Not only that, but we've also been in battle." Twilight smiled for a brief moment as she reminisced about the victory celebrations her friends would throw after successfully defeating whatever evil force dared to menace their home. "It wasn't just me and the girls. Burst and the guys were at our side for all of it. People smiled whenever any of us showed up to fight. And now? Now everyone's walking on eggshells the second they step outside." Twilight frowned as she looked out the window to see Blades and Scouts patrolling the streets much like the Royal and Night Guards used to. However, the guards were typically in low numbers. And the old guards didn't get too close to the civilians passing about the city. The guards made people feel watched over, but in the sense of guardians as opposed to the intrusive and oppressive gaze the Blades and Scouts emitted from their immovable, untiring optics and camera eyes. "Now everyone feels anything but safe when they're put under a microscope for even the tiniest infraction. I'm surprised Blitz Surge hasn't jailed anyone for letting out a burp." Twilight would've continued her ranting, but shook her head. Listing all the negatives of the current situation wouldn't get things fixed anytime soon. In times like these, it was best to look at whatever positives were around and hold onto them for dear life. It wasn't very often when one's world was turned upside down. "At the very least, all my friends are safe. Rainbow Dash and Applejack probably would've tried to storm the castle to free me and the other princesses." Twilight thought with a smile. "But, I'm glad they didn't. It means they're smart and know they wouldn't stand much of a chance against Blitz and that sword of his. He could use them to draw out the guys if he captured them, or try to pump some info out of them. It's also good that the Elements of Heroism managed to flee when they did with the whole city on lockdown. And from the news yesterday, it's clear that they haven't given up the fight. Burst's little performance is a good message, and an even better distraction." Twilight smiled as she checked out her books and proceeded to leave for where the other princesses had agreed to meet. She was secretly thankful that Blitz had allowed them to move freely within the castle. Both for the fact that it allowed her and the princesses to obtain entertainment to alleviate boredom, and it gave them the perfect cover for their meetings. However, Twilight's smile faded as soon as she saw a particular figure striding towards her. A particular arrogant, vain, and self-centered prince that Celestia couldn't disown soon enough. "What do you want Blueblood?" Twilight groaned as her fingers clutched the books she was carrying in annoyance. "I have some reading to do with the other princesses, and I don't have any more time to waste on you. I've already spent too much attention just by addressing you." "Well, somebody's certain more bold than bookworm." Blueblood huffed as he strolled up to Twilight. "Ordinarily I'd say that a princess should carry herself with more grace. But, let's be honest, you were never a true royal like myself. In fact, I would say your current situation is an improvement. Not just for you, but all of Unity." "How much have you drank today?" Twilight asked with an annoyed look on her face. "Because it must be pretty strong for you to actually say something that stupid without any filter. Oh wait, I forgot who I was talking to." "I assure you, I am quite sober." Blueblood snapped. "You were made into an Avatar, and given Unityville as your own domain and kingdom. I find that a very insult to myself! Me, one who is of Auntie Celestia's own proud solar bloodline, refused the chance to become an Avatar! But you, a commoner, were made into a goddess!" "You think just because you're related to Celestia that makes you as good as her?" Twilight giggled mockingly. "Shining Dawn thought his bloodline made him powerful too. But we all know how that turned out, don't we? Burst Stream obliterating him." "Ah, yes. That mongrel and his band of fugitives." Blueblood recalled with a smug grin. "If I'm not mistaken, your current significant other is among their group. Nightfall Silver was his name if I remember correctly." "Yes. He is." Twilight confirmed flatly. "What's that matter to you?" "Nothing." Blueblood shrugged. "I just find him a disgraceful excuse for a man to flee Unity while you're held captive here." "Nightfall hasn't given up fighting, Blueblood." Twilight snapped. Her eyes narrowing at the pathetic prince! "And he's smart enough to know he can't handle the massive forces here all by himself." "All I'm saying is that it's such a shame you must be without someone to care for you like him. But then again," Blueblood smirked as he flashed her a charming smile. "Every princess needs a prince." "You know, Moon told me you might try to pull something like this. She told me that you attempted to hit on her, and she shot you down immediately. So, here's a shot of my own." Twilight snorted as she kicked Blueblood in the gut! Winding the arrogant noble! "Hmm. I should've aimed lower." She then squatted down and glared at Blueblood. "I think I'll tell Moon about our pleasant little chat. So, sleep well tonight." Twilight didn't see it, but she could feel Blueblood trembling at the thought of a visit from Nightmare Moon during his slumber. "Now that that's over with. . . " Twilight said with a small smile as she approached the room she'd been looking for, knocking to announce her arrival. "I'm here, and I brought all the books you wanted from the library." "Thank you Twilight." Celestia's motherly voice called out from the other side. "Please come in." "Right." Twilight nodded as she opened the door, and quickly shut it behind her. Smiling as she distributed the reading material she'd procured from the library. "A romance novel for Cadence, and a few fairy tales for the rest of us. The Metal Knight for me, the Dragon Knight for Celestia, the Hero of Light and the Dark Princess for Moon, and The Zodiac Knights for Luna." "You didn't have to go along to get these for us Twilight." Nightmare Moon smiled as she opened up her book. "But thanks anyway. Plus, reading a good old fashioned fairy tale is just what we need at a time like this. Except, we know our heroes are already out there fighting the good fight." "True." Twilight nodded. "But as nice as the guys leading fairy tale style rescue for us, I'm not too fond of us waiting. Which brings us to the real reason why I decided to throw our little reading session together. Instead of the Elements of Heroism coming to us, we're coming to them. Burst's little surprise visit has Blitz Surge rearranging his priorities, meaning he'll be paying us a lot less attention. Enough for us to put together a way out of here." "Looks like I get to repeat one of the high points of my wedding day." Cadence smiled. "But at least this time, I wasn't holed up in a mine." "It's funny you should mention that Cadence." Twilight smirked. "Because with my plan, those mines are our ticket to freedom. Back when Queen Chrysalis captured you and assumed your identity, she also threw Burst Stream into the mines alongside you. After the whole Royal Wedding Rumble, I thought it best to find out just how far the mines reached through the city and if there were routes that led towards the castle. And sure enough. . . " Twilight pulled out a map she'd managed to sneak out of the library. "I found one. But the only downside is that I can't seem to pinpoint the entrance." "I believe I can help with that." Celestia suggested as she bookmarked her page. "There's an entrance here in the castle's lower levels. I had it built so that there was a discrete way to transport crystals and other gems to the castle without obstructing traffic in the city streets." "Then it looks like we've got ourselves a way out of this joint." Nightmare Moon grinned. "Now all we need is a time to stage out little getaway!" "We should probably wait until the Elements of Heroism have antagonized Blitz Surge a bit more." Luna suggested. "That way there's even less attention on us." "Blitz Surge also thinks we're completely powerless." Celestia said as she summoned her weapon to her! "Yet another advantage in our favor." "Then it's settle-" Twilight was about to declare the plan complete when a knocking on the door interrupted her. Composing herself, she answered the door and was greeted by Blitz Surge with Nova Flare at his side. "You know, it's bad enough you're confining us to the castle, but do you really have to make it a point to rub the fact you took over in our faces?" "A hero should always make sure that his triumph is recognized." Blitz smirked. "It would be inconsiderate of me to neglect the guests of my castle, wouldn't it?" "We're not bored." Twilight said flatly. "In fact, we were just throwing ourselves a little pity party. I'd have thought you would like nothing more than to see us feeling sorry for ourselves like the 'failures' you think we are." "Perhaps shame is your true prison considering how easily I bested all of you." Blitz chuckled. "I bid you farewell, your ex-hignesses." He then stared at Luna. "And I look forward to seeing you handiwork this evening dear Luna." And with that, he left the princesses to their business. "Okay. That was a close call." Twilight said with a sigh of relief. "He seemed to buy it." She then clapped her hands together. "So. Now that we've got our plan settled, how about we actually crack into these books?" "It's funny." Celestia chuckled. "I always wanted a fairy tale ending, and it actually seems like I'll be getting it somewhat." "With a few twists thrown in there." Nightmare Moon added. "Especially concerning our hero." "What do you two mean by that?" Cadence asked with a raised brow. As the goddess of love, and niece of Celestia, she was always sure no one deserved a special somebody more than her aunt. "Oh, nothing much Cadence." Celestia said with a small smile as she turned the page of her book. "Just another little plan Moon and I have been discussing."