//------------------------------//
// ACT II 
// Story: Songbird 
// by FluxFeather 
//------------------------------//

"Well, how is the night going, son?" Shining Armor asked his child. 

"Well, it's coming close to the time when Celestia, but I haven't heard the clock chime," He said. 

"Well, it is time to go, my boy," Shining Armor said. "Now, let us take our leave." As they were on their way out they heard a noise from down the hallway and Shining Armor quickly turned around to see what it was. "Who's there?!" He bellowed. "Show yourself!!" He was relieved when he saw it was just his friend Rainius. "Ah, Rainius. I didn't expect to see you here. The princess is fast asleep. Why aren't you?"

"I couldn't sleep," He lied. 

"I dreamt of those three sisters last night," Shining Armor spoke up. "It seems your prophecy is coming true. I mean you have become the mayor of Ponyville, it's only a matter of time before you are king of Equestria."

Rainius chuckled. "You know, I haven't given those sisters any thought really," He admitted. "I shall keep you no longer, you can leave now. I will be fine." Shining Armor nodded and with that, he had left Rainius alone in the castle with his thoughts. "You can do this, you have to do this! It's the only way!" He went into Celestia's room, dagger in hoof, and while she was sleeping, he stabbed away at her, doing away with her for good. He returned home that night where his wife Starlight was waiting for him. "It is done."

"Rain, you got to get rid of that thing!" Starlight said as she saw that the dagger was still in Rainius's possession. "Here, give it to me, I'll plant it on the guards." She took the dagger and teleported then teleported back, this time without the dagger. 

Rainius stared at his hooves. "I can't believe I did it!" His voice was shaky. "Starlight, how could I have done that?"

He was cut short by Star hugging him. “Shhh, shhh," Starlight whispered. “It’s going to be fine… I promise." They decided to snuggle up and keep each other company through the long night. 

Meanwhile, Shining Armor and his son were walking home. "Dad?" His son said as he noticed something strange with the sky. "Shouldn't Celestia have risen the sun a while ago?"

Shining Armor looked up at the sky. "Hmm… you're right son," He replied. "I wonder what's going on. I' ma go check on her. Stay here!" He ran off back to the castle. A few minutes later a scream was heard. It was him. 

His son went running back to the castle. "Dad? What's wrong?!" He asked. 

Shining Armor turned to face his son with horror in his eyes before he spoke. "Th… the Princess… She’s been murdered!!"