//------------------------------// // Chapter 23: Every Plan Needs A Sinner or Two // Story: Dancing With The Shadows // by Vocal Sweets //------------------------------// Twilight paces back and forth in their bedroom, pissed off, far from what she was feeling at the moment.  “How could you let her escape?! You had her right where you needed her.” Sombra asked equally as pissed.  Flurry Heart had escaped and possibly been killed at her own demise. She lets out a low growl as she throws a dart at a picture of Flurry Heart.  “Well I’m sorry my King I can’t control what happens to her! Besides she’s dead anyways might as well break the news to my dearest brother and sister-in-law.” Twilight said, rolling her eyes as she continued to throw darts.  The darts began to be ignited in flames, Sombra eyes widened at the sight.  “Dear, do you think that this is too much of a …” Sombra said, but Twilight's voice cut him off. “SILENCE!” Twilight yells as she proceeds to fire darts at light speed into the board, splitting in two.  “SHE GOT AWAY! AND YOU SIT THERE ON YOUR THRONE, CACKLING AT THE THOUGHT OF VICTORY!” Twilight seethed.  “But I-” Sombra states, but Twilight cuts him off.  “BUT YOU WHAT!?” Twilight sneered, a dart was held in her magical aura.  Sombra glares at her crossed. “YOU DARE YELL AT ME! I am your king and you give me your best respect!”  “RESPECT YOU!? DID YOU EVER RESPECT ME!” Twilight asked.  Twilight slaps Sombra, the King drops his crown, Sombra looks in shock. “This was your operation, I know, respect the system you said, now it's my operation…” Twilight growls.  “THE ROYAL FAMILY WILL DIE TONIGHT!” Twilight seethed, she stomps her hoof on the ground creating a small crater.  Once Sombra didn’t reply, she continued to throw multiple darts on the board splitting each one almost splitting the board in two.  Stormy came knocking on the door. “WHAT?!” Twilight yells.  “I just came to check on you, mother.” Stormy said, slightly concerned for her wellbeing seeing that a dart was in flames.  “Just fine sweetheart!” Twilight said, her smile forced as she threw another flamed dart.  “Did you need something Stormy?” Sombra asked.  Stormy scuffed her hooves on the floor.  “Nothing much, but i just wanted to know how our prisoners are doing, the guards seem to look distraught and the Darklings are-“ she asked, but Twilight cut her off.  “WE JUST LOST ONE BECAUSE OF YOUR FATHER!” She yells, as she shot a dart towards Sombra, he moved his head to the side avoiding the dart.  Sombra looks at her, his eyes narrowed. “My fault!? YOU HAD HER IN YOUR SIGHTS WHEN YOU HAD THE SWORD! You're the one who wanted to feel the moment!”  Twilight glares at him. “Take that back…” she hissed, her tone low and dangerous.  “One of them escaped, who!?” Stormy asked.  “FLURRY HEART!” Twilight yells, the dart she held in her magic this time melts from the heat.  “You mean that perky pink alicorn who I demolished during our battle?” Stormy questions.  “Yes, her.” Sombra said.  Twilight stalks her way to the window, looking down below at the miserable destruction she and Sombra has caused. “But no matter! She’s dead, now it’s time to deal with the rest of her family.” She growls, her teeth clenched together.  There was another knock on the door. Who else could be disturbing a pissed off Queen at this hour? Another one of Sombra guards or maids Twilight assumes, so without much bother Twilight didn’t bother to acknowledge the pony in the room.  “Flurry Heart is alive.”  This statement made Twilight do a full 180, her violet eyes now ruby red and fuming with rage as purple wisps pooled from them. “What?!” Twilight seethed.  “Where is she!” Twilight demands, moving away from the window and toward the Darkling.  When the Darkling didn’t give her the answer right away, before it even got a chance to breathe or blink Twilight had it pinned against the wall, her hooves on both sides of it head.  “Where is she…” She asked her tone low and dangerous.  “S-she’s back in Canterlot w-with the Princesses.” It said, fear laced in its voice.  “Why didn’t you stop her?!” Twilight growls, as she stomps her hooves on either side of the Darklings head.  “I just thought that-” it started to say but Twilight silences it.  “Quite!” Twilight sneers as she then removes herself off of the Darkling.  She silently glares as she mutters to herself out loud. “If you want something done, it’s better if you do it yourself.” She sneers, before igniting her horn setting the marked out darted picture of Flurry Heart ignited into flames.  *** “..... so what you’re saying is while you were out picking crystal flowers for your friend this random filly just shows up?!” Luna asked in disbelief.  “And an alicorn no less?” Celestia asked.  “Yes!” Flurry said.  “I didn’t know Twilight had another daughter.” Amaris mutters to herself.  “We need a plan to go help your mom and dad.” Tiberius said, thinking of a plan.  “Any plan of yours always ends in chaos.” Amaris mutters, Flurry giggles slightly as Tiberius rolls his eyes.  “There’s no use. Twilight and Sombra will just capture you all and enslave you just like they did the ponies at The Empire or worse.” Flurry said, her eyes widened in fear knowing what Twilight was capable of.  “Well we have to do something.” Amaris thought.  “I’ve got it!” Tiberius said, his tone a bit excited. “Does it end in chaos? Because we know your plans always manage to lead back to chaos.” Amaris said.  “No just hear me out okay?” Tiberius said. “Amaris you’re a changeling right?”  “Uh only half changeling. Why do you ask?” Amaris said, slightly concerned where Tiberius is going with the plan.  “Me, you, Flurry, Aunt Luna and Mom are going to free the Royal family.” Tiberius said.  “How are we going to do that? That place is crawling with Darklings and corrupted guards.” Flurry said.  The doors to the castle opened up. “Oh thank Celestia! You’re alright!”  Flurry turned around and came face to face with Starlight, as well as a few other knowing faces: Trixie and Crystal. Starlight wraps her hooves around Flurry’s neck.  “Where’s mother and father?” Crystal asked, concerned why all her family isn’t here.  “Still trapped at the Crystal Empire.” Flurry explains.   “However, if we want to free them then we need a plan of some sorts to steer Twilight and Sombra away from The Empire so we have enough time to free Cadence and Shining.” Luna said.  “We need a distraction.” Trixie thought.  “More than that we need a miracle!” Crystal said.  “Normally when ponies need a distraction I’m the most distracting thing I can think of. And that’s a miracle, but isn’t the miracle of teamwork and character growth?” Discord asked, who quickly shows up looking heaven sent with a halo and playing the golden harp, before disappearing again.  “Oh come on!” Trixie said, throwing her magician’s hat down in frustration and annoyance at Discord’s child-like antics.  “But Discord’s right, sadly. We have to figure out how to cause a distraction without drawing any suspicion to ourselves on what we are truly trying to accomplish which is freeing Cadence and Shining.” Starlight said, thinking for a bit.   “What about Sombra vs Discord?” Flurry asked, this made Discord teleport back his eyes widen.  “Oh no! No no no no! That happened last time and he had the upper hoof and now this time with Twilight!” He then shakes Flurry Hoof while placing a graduation cap on her and shoving a Discord made check for $10,0000 in her hooves before vanishing again.  “So much for Discord’s help.” Crystal mutters.  Tiberius thinks for a moment. “Okay, I’ve got it!” He said.  “We strike at Aunt Luna’s night! If it’s pitch black out there’s no way they can see us! Think you can bring in the night without the moon?” Tiberius asked.  “Besides who knows when the sun will rise again?” He said, winking.   “If that’s even possible.” Luna said.  “I think it’s okay if Luna let’s night last a few hours…. at least long enough for us to plan what we need to.” Celestia explains.  “Out of all the times I wished the night could last forever you pick now to be a good time.” Luna asked, sarcasm laced her voice.  Celestia giggles. “Then Amaris this is where you come in. Do you think you can shapeshift into one of those things that Sombra created?” Tiberius asked.  “I can try.” Amaris said.  “You can play off as one of them, claiming that you saw Flurry Heart and need both the assistants of Twilight and Sombra.” Tiberius explains.  “Flurry and the rest of us will go and rescue Cadence and Shining.” Tiberius said.  “And what if we get caught?” Starlight asks.  “Yeah this plan sounds a tad far fetched.” Tempest agrees.  “Then that’s a chance we are just gonna have to risk taking.” Tiberius said.  *** 8:00 pm Celestia watches as she lowers the sun over the valley like hills of Canterlot as it was Luna’s turn to raise the moon, but tonight there would be no moon.  “How is it possible to bring about night with no moon?” Flurry asks, watching as Luna brought about night.  “Well you see, the number of stars and the moon needs to take into account of the-“ Luna explains, but Celestia cuts her off.  “Alright let's get on with the plan!” Celestia said, moving to the center of the throne room.  “What…” Luna thought to herself.  “Out of all the times you wanted the moon to last you only asked now?!” Luna asked, her tone strict.  “Exactly! Now let’s get to it chop chop Lulu.” Celestia said, marching forward.  *** The Princesses as well as Starlight and the others walk through the city of Canterlot so the streets were fairly empty at this time.  Everypony remains quiet except for Luna who was still rather concerned about this elaborate scheme.  “Sister, we didn’t exactly think this plan through very well. I mean what happens if…” Luna said, but Celestia being the radiant and confident pony she cut her sister off once again.  “We will think of something along the way.” She beams.  “If we get caught I’m blaming you all.” Luna mutters. She sighs, as she follows the others but dreading how this night would go according to her nephew’s plan.  *** The Empire from afar looked gloomy and dark, the outside palace was in fact crawling with Darklings and grounded with enslaved crystal ponies some of them were even brainwashed.  The group hid behind two separate, but  large dark crystals like pillars peeking out at the destruction before them.  “This was Twilight’s doing?!” Trixie asked, she couldn’t believe the once Savior of Equestria could take something so beautiful and twist it into something like out of a horror film: Nightmare On Elm Street vibes.  “Don’t forget King Sombra’s as well.” Crystal said, gazing at her future subjects none of them had their once gleaming coats or even a smile on their face.  “Well yeah! I expected this from Sombra, but not goody-two-hooves Princess Twilight Sparkle.” Trixie said, addressing the old Princess name.  “Uh…. She's more of a Queen now.” Came another voice.  “Who cares! We need to find a way to get inside the castle without getting caught.” Crystal said, her tone slightly impatient.  “So what exactly is the plan?” Starlight whispers.  “Oh! So you plan to free the royal family… how touching.”   “Yes that’s exactly— Wait a minute..” Tempest said, they came face to face with the alicorn that Flurry mentioned earlier.  “You know… I could simply go and tell my mother that we have intuitors in the castle.” Stormy said.  Their eyes widen, well dang busted before ever getting started.  “But I’m no snitch.” She sneers looking at the group, specifically Flurry Heart.  “Wait, you’re the mare I defeated earlier and the one that mother said escaped.” Stormy glares.  “No- no I’m not! I’m Skylar. I just have a twin sister who looks like somepony named Flurry Heart.” Flurry explains.  “Nice try! But I wasn’t born yesterday.” Stormy said, firing her horn at her.  “Plan B! Plan B!” Amaris said, her eyes widened as she watched Flurry move out of the way, dodging the attack.  Tiberius was the one to step in between the two, he looked at Flurry Heart. “You and the others go find Cadence and Shining Armor. Amaris you go inside the Empire” He said his voice sternly.  “But what about you?” Celestia asked, worried for her son.  “Mother, I’m a draconequus there’s nothing our species can’t handle on our own, especially with just a snap of our paw.” Tiberius said, as he turned Stormy’s mane indigo and light blue.  Stormy growls, firing another beam, but Tiberius blocks it with his chaos magic. “Now go!” He said.  He turns back to the enraged alicorn. “Let’s have some chaotic fun? Shall we, my wicked dear?” Tiberius said, giving her a sly smirk.  *** Meanwhile…. “This would have gone more smoothly if he would have just helped in the first place!” Twilight growls, blasting a crystal vase.  “My Queen I don’t like this is a healthy way to let go of your anger.” One of Sombra’s guards said, slightly concerned.  “Do you wish to be blasted right along with the breakables?” Twilight threatens her horn aglow.  “No my queen!” The guard said.  “Then never question how I run things around here! I’m your Queen aren’t I?!” Twilight said, her teeth bared.  She stalks the hallway looking for more things to take her anger out on Sombra was down in the Crystal mines checking on the slaves the last time one of them was left down there too long they managed to escape, however from what Twilight was told Sombra took care of them by imprisonment in their in their own Crystal, almost like they were frozen in time.  Twilight herself even had to use that spell more than once or twice. Twilight notices a light show happening outside of the castle. “What’s going on out there?” Twilight wonders, but her gaze didn’t linger for too long as she was far too pissed about losing Flurry Heart and not finding her.  “Your daughter is probably practicing her magic again. We have targets set up for her to practice, you know?” The guard assured her.  “As long as she’s here close to where I can keep an eye on her then that’s fine. I’ve lost her once I’m not planning on it again.” Twilight said, before stalking her way back through the castle.  Sombra walks in, taking off his crown he watches as Twilight stalks her way through the castle ignoring her King.  “Nice to see you too.” He chides.  “Sorry- I just can’t seem to get that Flurry Heart off of my mind knowing that she’s escaped!” Twilight teeth bared.  There was a knock on the door. “You’re majesty’s Flurry Heart is here.” The Darkling said.  “What?!” They said in unison.  Twilight steps forward. “Where…” She asked, her eyes narrowed into slits glowing.  The Darkling cleared its throat. “In the Castle, but she may have gone out back. Who knows. We better find her and fast.” The Darkling said, moving forward.  “We?” Sombra questions.  “Yes, this requires all three of us. Now come!” It said.  Leading the rulers away from the Empire.  *** Flurry and the others made it to where Twilight and Sombra kept Cadence and Shining imprisonment at.  “Come on!” Crystal said, leading the group down to the underground’s tunnel. The group followed behind, navigating through the long, narrow and tight spaces that these tunnels have to offer.  “You know these were a lot easier to play in when we were younger.” Flurry said, slightly limping.  “This way!” Crystal said, cutting a corner which leads to a larger room, but this room had the sound of electricity sizzling. “Cadence! Shining!” Luna said, glad to see that they were somewhat okay a tad banged up, but okay.  “Luna? Tempest? Starlight?! What are you ponies doing here?” Cadence asked.  “We came to free you, duh.” Trixie said, polishing her hoof against her chest.  Starlight rolls her eyes. “Cadence? Do you know how these bars work? Maybe I can break whatever magic is-” Starlight said, igniting her horn.  “No use Starlight, this is dark magic used by both Sombra and Twilight.” Shining explains.  “Wait, I see leavers! Which one deactivated the electric shock? There’s red, blue, yellow and green.” Crystal said, looking at the panel of leavers.  “Why not pull all of them at once?” Tiberius asked.  “Tiberius, that’s chaotic!” Crystal said.  “Tiberius?!” They said in unison.  “Wait ... where's the small enraged alicorn?” Trixie asked.  “Oh I set her to stone.” Tiberius said.  Their eyes widen in shock. “You did wh-” Luna asked, but Tiberius laughs.  “Kidding! I actually set her in time out in her own crystal prison. So she’s frozen.” Tiberius said, his tone nonchalant.  “THAT’S EVEN WORSE?!” Luna shouts.  “What? You wanted me to get “rid” of her so I did.” Tiberius said.  “That wasn’t part of the plan at all! Now Sombra and Twilight will know somepony was here.” Starlight said, her tone worried.  “Let’s just get out of here before something else goes wrong.” Flurry said, after finding the bright red button that was one the other side of the wall she pressed it to set her parents free.  *** “Are you sure she came this way?” Twilight asked, her eyes glowing.  “Positive, but-” The Darkling stops in its tracks.  Amaris noticed a dark red crystal jutted out of the ground inside it was the alicorn filly.  “Tibby, what did you do?!” Amaris thought.  “But what?” Sombra asked, growing impatient.  “Come with me! I know exactly where she went.” The Darkling said.  “In situations like these I wish there were two of me.” Amaris thought. *** 2 hours later... “We have been scouting this area for two hours and still no sign of that pesky pink alicorn!” Twilight said. “I’m going back inside call me when you actually find her!” Twilight sneers, stalking her way back inside.  But, before Twilight could make her way inside she noticed something.  “Who did this?!” Twilight raged, her eyes blazed more than ever.  “My Queen what is-“ Sombra stops talking when he realizes what she was looking at.  “Who in Tartarus did this?! Whoever did this shall pay.” Sombra said, his teeth bared.  “My Queen maybe she was messing around with another one of those Crystal incarnation spells. You know how she always manages to get herself trapped in those.” The Darkling said. “She just better hope we find that old spell book I had as a colt.” Sombra said, heading back to the library.  “Come Darkling. You can help.” Twilight said.  “No thanks I think I’ll just stay out here to make sure she doesn’t return.” The Darkling said, looking out at it’s surroundings. “Fine then suit yourself. Let’s go.” Sombra said, motioning Twilight to come.  Once Twilight and Sombra return to the castle the Darkling stays put for ten minutes before scurrying off.  *** Amaris, who was actually the Darkling in disguise, de-transformed back into her original form.  “What the hay took you so long?” Tiberius asked.  “Convenienting. Lots and lots of convenience because of your mistake!” Amaris said.  “Well it worked didn’t it?” Tiberius shot back.  “Okay that’s enough of arguing you two.” Celestia said.  “Well the important thing is we’re free now. While they are back in the castle we need to sneak to the front gate of the Empire.” Shining said.  “Which will be easy because they don’t even know it’s us to begin with.” Tiberius said, his tone boastful.  “Yeah almost.” Crystal mutters.  “Let’s go.” Starlight said, marching forth.  *** The guards seem to be more of them this time than the last. “Still think it’s going to be easy?” Tempest asked, her tone blunt.  “We just got lucky the first time! Now we actually need a plan.” Amaris said.  “Starlight, remember that invisibility spell you used when the changelings took Twilight and her friends?” Trixie asked.  “Yeah, but I can only do two at a time, not this larger of a crowd at once.” Starlight explains.  “But you’re Starlight Glimmer! You can do anything.” Trixie said.  “That is true, but unless somepony wants to have an invisible body part then that’s a risk I’m not taking.” Starlight explains.  “Well I didn’t bring any smoke bombs this time around.” Trixie said, pulling off her hat and emptying out a rabbit, handkerchief,magic wand and cards.  “Oh come on! Look it isn’t even that far! We can just shoot across-” Tiberius started, but a loud crash halted their leave.  Crash!  The sound of shattering glass can be heard throughout the Empire. “Twi must be having one of her meltdowns,” Shining chucked. “I remember when she bursted into flames with her meltdown.” He’s chuckle quickly replaced with one of horror and fright. “Yeah this is probably a thousand times scarier.”  Crash!  “Hey! That was the best stainless glass window I’ve ever had made of me!” Crystal said.  “Well it doesn't look like it now.” Amaris snickers.  “The clearing is straight ahead. Let’s just make a run for it.” Trixie hisses.  “Trixie! Wait!” Starlight and Tempest called out as another crash was heard from the outside.  This time an object was being thrown out the window and into the crystal streets.  A crystalline vase engraved with Flurry Heart’s crystalling when she was first born.  “The vase!!” Shining, Flurry and Cadence shouts in unison.  “Are you trying to kill somepony?! Who has that powerful of a toss anyways I mean besides Maud.” Trixie rambles.  “Trixie! Zip it!” Starlight hisses.  “IT WAS ME YOU HALFWIT!” Twilight shouts, before Starlight had a chance to quickly grab Trixie and shutting her up Twilight caught a small glimpse of raspberry aura. “Hmmm….” *** “Trixie do you want to get us caught?! We are trying to escape this hell hole of an Empire not have a six month long vacation stay here! We have to get back to Twilight’s castle before she finds out we’re here.” Shining said his tone was strict at the unicorn.  “You don’t think I want to escape too! What I would give to be back home with Mystic and Illusion right now.” Trixie said.  “Harmonia has been suffering through PTSD and without me or even any of us there to comfort her I wonder how she’s holding up?” Starlight wonders.  “Well we definitely need to be there for her. Now let’s go.” Flurry said.  They begin to move forward, halfway across the threshold.  Halfway.  Tinderals began to slowly wrangling and wrap around their frames. “Hey what gives?!” Tiberius asked.  Flurry tries to use her magic, but only for the slimy tar black ooze to come back together again. “What is this stuff?” Trixie asked, equally disgusted.  “Well… well… well ... who do we have here?” Came a sly and cunning voice.  In steps Twilight in all of her dark rain and glory. “And I see I even got a little present. It’s not my birthday yet, but it doesn't  hurt to have a present a few days early.”  Her gaze lingers to Flurry. “And I see we have Flurry Heart! My dear faking your own death is not a very nice trick to pull on your Auntie Twily now is it.” She bares her teeth.  “Now what to do with you.” Twilight said, a sly grin spreads across her face as her eyes glow.  *** “Stay here.” The guard said, their tone stiff and rough.  “As if we have anywhere to go.” Mutters Luna.  The guard gave her a stern look before walking away, once the guard was out of ear shot and they heard the loud clang of the metal door shut they sat there in a moment of silence processing what happened.  “Well this is just de freaking dandy! Way to go Trixie!” Groans Starlight.  “My fault?! I tried to encourage you to use an invisibility spell before we got caught! But did you listen to your bestest friend?! No!” Trixie said, her hooves crossed.  “Girls, please calm down.” Cadence said, but her voice was overshadowed by all the shouting between Trixie and Starlight.  “Honestly we wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Tiberius.” Amaris mutters.  "If it wasn't for me!?” Tiberius sneered at Amiris, his eyes narrowed, he stood up his form irritated and annoyed. Amiris stood up, meeting face to face with Tiberius.  "Yeah, because if you had not fought that filly back there none of this would have not happened! But no, you had to be a tough and proud pony, you had to bring down your wrath on somepony we shouldn't mess with!" Amiris yelled, panting a little her tone angry, enraged by Tiberius's stupidity, Tiberius was taken back his eyes widened at Amiris for her sudden outburst.  "Hey! If it wasn't for me she could have been hunting us down earlier! Who knows she might even sabotage the entire thing, you should thank me for fending her off!" Tiberius yelled, his tone laced with anger as his right paw showed signs of chaos magic, about to smite somepony at any moment.  "Guys stop!" Flurry went in between them, tears welling up in her eyes, she looked at Amiris and Tiberius, separating them a bit from each other.  "I'm sorry Flurry, it's just that it would have gone smoothly when Tibby over there didn't battle little miss show off!" Amiris spat at Tiberius, his eyes widened once more, Flurry pushed him away a little, looking at Tiberius with angered eyes.  "If you two keep this up we will never get out of here!" Flurry said, looking at Amiris, then back at Tiberius, Tiberius sighs and goes to a corner, sitting there for a moment.  "I'm so sorry this had to happen to everypony..." Flurry sniffled, Amiris hugged her tightly, Flurry returned the hug ever so tightly, crying softly on Amiris. "You did nothing wrong, we'll find a way to get out of here! Just you wait!" Amiris said, smiling at Flurry.  Flurry looked up at Amiris, wiping her tears as she smiled back, they both looked at Shining as he tried to ram the cell gate to no avail.  "Well how are we gonna get out of here, I am not dying down here in a rotted cell." Crystal said, crossing her hooves, Tiberius rolled his eyes and looked back at Shining. "Here, let me help you." Tiberius said, ramming the gate down with Shining, Celestia perked her ears up, her eyes widened.  "I think I know somepony who's still on the loose..." She said, a grin etched on her face, Luna went to her sister and looked in confusion.  "Who?" She replied, asking her hysterical sister. They both heard loud ramming noises from outside, grunts and armor clanking, the prison gate opens from outside their cells, seeing guards thrown to the wall like ragdolls.  "Discord..." Luna said, her tone laced with both relief and anger. "Good evening everypony, I had to sneak in here to get you all, but I had a little trouble with the guards, but here we are!" Discord said, bashing the guard's head on the cell bars, knocking him out in the process.  "I knew you'd come!" Celestia nuzzled her cheek on Discord's chest, they both stayed like that for awhile, savoring each other's presence, the ponies behind them cringed, and gagged.  "Can we just get on with escaping! We need to tell Harmonia about the certain situation!" Luna sneers, separating the two, the two giggled embarrassingly, blushing at the thought.  "Alright this way, we have to get past the main hall, then make our way to the underground catacombs.” Discord opened the prison door, letting everypony sneak out quietly, they all looked around, seeing Twilight's rage scattered on the walls, and floor.  "I didn't know my sister had a tantrum problem this big..." Shining said, gulping at the thought of her sister's rage, he shivered.  "That's why I was her foal sitter remember? Apparently she never did her meditation skills seriously..." Cadence replied, following Discord through the main hall of the castle, Discord looked side to side, seeing if the hallways in the corner were empty.  "Alright, we're here." Discord opens the giant door quietly, the rest follows him in, seeing the entire atrium dark.  "Why is everything so dark?" Shining said, illuminating the area around them, suddenly the lights opened, revealing guards all around the atrium, pointing their swords and spears at them, Twilight and Sombra alongside Stormy watched on the balcony of the atrium a smug look on their face. *** "Did not go as planned, did it Discord..." Sombra looked at everypony, his teeth bared in anger, Twilight and Stormy went out of the balcony area leaving Sombra to overseer.  "Well, you see, my planning skills aren't as great as you think..." He giggled nervously, everypony behind him looked at Discord with great disappointment, he frowned and looked back at Sombra.  "You do know that I plan to overthrow the royal family is underway right? Soon all of Equestria will bow to us..." Twilight sneered at Celestia and Luna, Stormy followed behind her, standing proud beside her mother.  "And enslave the entire population of Equestria? That's not the Twilight I know!" Luna said, standing her ground, Celestia went in front of everypony going beside her sister. She looks stern and fierce. "You don't know me at all at this point..." Twilight narrowed her eyes, her teeth bared, she then summoned her own longsword with her magic, the guards went closer to the group who was trying to escape.  "Princess Celestia, you whore..." Twilight sneered at Celestia, going closer at the royal sisters, Celestia's eyes widened at her students' words, sending her off to anger.  "I made many mistakes, I did many wrong doings, but it's not too late to fix this!" Celestia yelled at Twilight, summoning her spear, a spear made only for Celestia, her eyes welled up with tears, Luna summoned her broadsword made only for her, the two anticipated Twilight.  "And Discord, you sly idiot..." Twilight sneers.  Discord looks down in guilt, remembering the pain he had caused Twilight, he went back slowly, everypony looking at him with a confused look.  "Luna, take the others to the catacombs! And find a way to escape!" Celestia orders Luna, Luna's eyes widened from her sister's statement, Luna shook her head.  "Who's going to help you? You can't do this on your own!" Luna yelled at Celestia, Celestia looked at Luna with a smile on her face, Luna's eyes welled up in tears. "She's not alone." Discord goes beside Celestia, bringing out the deadly claws on his paw and the sharp talons, he growled in a monstrous way at the guards.  "How touching, yet disgusting..." Sombra said to himself, summoning his scythe, brandishing the sharp blade and teleporting beside Twilight, they both smirked in a triumphant look.  "Love, such a dreadful bond, yet so easily severed..." Twilight said, getting into her offensive stance, Sombra went defensive, backing up her wife. "Luna! NOW!" Discord yelled, everything felt slow, Discord snapping his fingers emitting a bright flash of light around the room, the door opened leading to the catacombs of the castle, Luna ran with the group, escaping the guards.  "What devilry is this!?" Sombra yelled, blinded by the light, Twilight held Stormy, shielding her from the bright flash, the guards bumped into each other, trying to see.  "Stormy, teleport out of here!" Twilight yelled, Stormy shook her head as she squeezed her eyes shut. "What about you two!?" She yelled, Twilight pushed Stormy off, as the bright light slowly fades from them.  "JUST GO!" Twilight scolds, Stormy teleports out of the atrium quickly, going to the balcony of the atrium silently watching the unraveling fight. As the light fades, Discord snapped his fingers, making the guards disappear, Sombra opened his eyes in shock as he saw the room almost empty, he looked at Discord, his eyes narrowed.  "You imbecile, you will die right where you stand!" Sombra charged up to Discord doing an overhead strike, Discord manages to catch the handle of the scythe as he dodged left avoiding the blade.  "You see Sombra, I'm just as smart as you are." Discord taunted, he delivered a punch to the face, cracking Sombra's face armor a little, sending him back. "Is that all you have?" Discord walked towards Sombra but Twilight rammed him, out of the way, about to thrust Discord by the side.  "No!" Celestia yelled as he countered the thrust by pushing her sword up from below with her spear, making Twilight walk back without balancing herself.  "Thanks!" Discord smiles at Celestia, Sombra rushed again, delivering slash to the side, Discord kneeled down, covering the wound.  "Didn't see that coming did you..." Sombra chuckled, Discord gritted his teeth and stood up, grabbing a broadsword from one of the guards that dropped it, Sombra delivered an overhead strike but Discord quickly parried it, delivering a punch to the face once more.      *** "I never liked you Tia..." Twilight taunted as she hilt bashes Celestia by the face, making her back off, Twilight attacks from the sides and finishing with a heavy from above, Celestia managed to block the two side hits but fails to guard the top, breaking Celestia's defensive stance, knocking her to the ground.  "Just stop it Twilight! This is not you!" Celestia stood up quickly, bringing a side hit to Twilight, Twilight parries it and slashes Celestia from below, riposting quickly Celestia covers her wound, her wound heals moderately, and looks at Twilight who grinned at her.  "You asked for it..." Celestia quickly attacks from below, sending the spear's blade to Twilight's chest, Twilight blocks the attack. Twilight riposte with a thrust but Celestia quickly parries the thrust and hits Twilight with a stun tap to the face, dazing Twilight and making her back off a little, Celestia gritted her teeth and her tears welled up, some streaming down her cheeks.  "I DON'T WANT TO HURT YOU!" Celestia cries out, getting into defensive stance, she looks beside her seeing Discord parry a side heavy, but Sombra riposts with an overhead strike, Discord catches the handle, the tip of the blade dug into Discord's shoulder, he gritted his teeth in pain.  "Has it never occured to you that this nation is overpopulated! Only a handful of ponies can rule this nation, Me, Twilight, and my dearest daughter Stormy..." He shoves Discord away, making him lie on his back, Discord dodges as Sombra smashes the blade onto Discord's side, Discord gets up and delivers an elbow to Sombra's side, making Sombra move back.  "Have forgotten where you are Celestia..." Twilight sneers, Celestia looks back at Twilight, fear laced in her look, Twilight rushed at Celestia going for a thrust to the chest, but Discord rams Twilight out of the way making her hit the ground with a hard thud.  "DIE!" Sombra delivers a side heavy but Celestia parries it, protecting Discord, she then shoves Sombra away and slashes him from above, slicing through Sombra's armor and hitting him in the process, the dark tendrils cover Sombra's wounds as he looked at Celestia with a demonic grin.  "You are filled with hope, let me take it from you!" Sombra attacked from the side, Twilight grunted and stood up, rushing at Discord from the side, the two were pressed back to back seeing their attackers charge at them.  "Tia!" Discord yells as they both switch weapons, Discord with Celestia's spear, Celestia with Discord's sword, the two parried the attack coming to them, sparks emitting and loud clashing rings their ears.  "It's getting hot in here, Celestia, we must fall back!" Discord yells at Celestia, struggling to push Twilight back, Celestia shakes her head. "I can't leave her here! Twilight, please come with me!" Celestia cries out, struggling to push Sombra back, Twilight laughs as he pushes Discord further, making it hard for Discord to defend.  "I'M NOT GOING ANYWHERE! YOU CAUSED ME SO MUCH HURT!" Twilight yelled at Discord, sharing the anger with Celestia, Sombra laughed as he pushed the clash even harder, pinning the two defenders.  "Celestia, I'm sorry but... We have to go!" Discord lets go of one paw from the handle of the spear, about to snap his finger, Celestia's eyes widened.  "DISCORD NO!" Celestia yells, but Discord snapped his fingers, escaping the fight early, the two attackers landed on the ground with a hard thud, Sombra looked at the ground, gritting his teeth in anger. "COME BACK HERE!" He digs the scythe's blade on the ground, his eyes red and his breathing heavy. *** Celestia and Discord, who were exhausted from the fight, somehow managed to get back to the castle.   “You’re okay!” Tiberius said, running up to hug his parents.  “Yeah of course we are. What? You think some wannabe King and Queen defeat the Lord of Chaos and his wife?” Discord questions.  “Well we kind of backed out of the fight.” Celestia mutters.  “What? Would you have preferred to get hurt instead, sister?” Luna questions.  “No, but I could have reasoned with Twilight.” Celestia said.  “I believe trying to reason with Twilight is the last thing she wants to hear from us, especially you, Princess.” Starlight said.  “What?” Celestia said, her tone serious.  “Just stating facts here.” Starlight said, her tone nonchalant.  The castle doors open to reveal Illusion, Mystic was much of an afternoon pony however his sister was a night owl and was possibly still asleep at this hour.  “Has anypony seen my mother?” Illusion asked.  “She went to wake up your sister.” Starlight explains.  “Should have known she would still be asleep at this hour. She was probably up late last night practicing her magic. I swear she’s mom's twin made over.” Illusion said, muttering the last bit to himself, however Starlight overheard this and gave a soft giggle.  “I’m sure she will be down in a few once Mystic arises. We can come up with a strategy to save Twilight.” Starlight said, giving a soft smile.  *** Trixie knocked on her daughter’s door. “Mystic? It’s time to get up. It’s going to be 3:00 p.m. soon Trixie understands that you love to practice magic and that you want to be the best at it, but Trixie doesn’t believe that staying up late into the night is healthy for you.” Trixie said, giving motherly advice.  Trixie awaits for her daughter to open the door. She stood there for five minutes. “Mystic I know you’re a hard sleep- sometimes- but around this hour you usually hear our voices and are awake.”  No answer.  “I’m going to give you on the count of three to open this door or I’m coming in there.” Trixie said.  “1… 2… 3” Trixie said, before opening the door, but once she entered Mystic’s room was empty and clean.  Trixie’s frantic eyes widened as she scanned her daughter’s room. She spotted a note folded neatly on the bedside table.  Trixie picks the note up in her aura.  To Whom This May Concern:  I have written this note to inform you that I have gone to look for my mother & brother. Please do not hesitate or worry about finding me I shall return.  ~ Mystic  Ps: If I don’t return tell my family I love them and for Illusion to tell Mother to take a chance with Starlight she seems to be a wonderful pony with a rough past just like her.  Trixie blushed at that last part, but she decided to grab a quill and mark it out. She then races down the hall with the note still in her aura.  She busts through the door at full speed. “Mystic is gone!” Trixie said, tears welled in her eyes.  “Wait where did she go?” Starlight questioned. Trixie shows her the note making Starlight grab it in her aura.  “.... Wait… what does this marked out part say?” Starlight said squinting her eyes.  Trixie lightly blushes as she quickly grabs the note from Starlight. “Nothing! But I believe she went to the Crystal Empire.” Trixie explains.  “We just literally came from there!” Tiberius groans.  “Relax, this time we just have to go and get Mystic. Hopefully she hasn’t stepped too far into their domain.” Amaris said.  “Let’s hope.” Cadence mutters.  *** Shards of broken stained glass windows scattered the ground below, the atmosphere felt drained of any sign of life and that somepony here ruled with an iron hoof or two.  “Hello? Is anypony here?” Mystic calls out, she steps on a shard piece of glass that was of Crystal’s face. “Crystal ... yeah maybe on second thought coming here without my mother was a bad idea. But lucky me! She got captured.” Mystic rolls her eyes and continues onward.  ***  Mystic felt like she’s been wandering the outskirts of the Empire for the past hour when in reality it was only five minutes.  “I can’t believe I’m wasting my time here when I can be home practicing magic. Illusion owes me big time for this.” Mystic mutters to herself.  The crunching of glass also got on her nerves, she silently curses whoever made this disaster of a mess. Twilight secretly watches from the window.  “Hmmmm…” Twilight said before slowly closing her curtains.  *** Stormy was outside playing with tiny crystallized horse-like figures. “Ahh!!! No, don't enslave me!!!”  “You’re too late! I’ve captured you and if you can’t do as I say then you will be sent to the dungeon.”  “But I have a family and kids I-” “Do we have a deal or no?”  “You’re mean.” “That’s it to the dungeon with you.”  Stormy giggles at the on spot dialogue she was making up. “When I’m old enough to rule this Empire I’m gonna rule it all.” Stormy thought out loud while still playing with her figures.  Stormy notices a filly wandering around outside the Empire, clearly she was lost. “Excuse me?”  Stormy quickly poofs away her figures and straightens her posture. “What?” Stormy asked, her tone hardened.  “Have you seen my mom? Trixie Lunamoon?” Mystic asked.  “That name doesn’t exactly ring a bell to me. I’m sorry, but maybe my mother knows.” Stormy said.  Mystic’s eyes widen “This is Twilight’s daughter?!” She thought.  “Um I’d rather not bother your mother. She may be busy.” Mystic said, kindly backing away.  “What’s the rush? Come on, stay a bit! I don’t bite.” Stormy said.  Mystic slowly takes the approach to accept the mare’s invite.  “So if you're new here at the Empire that means you could use a friend to show you around and all the wonderful things the Empire has to offer!” Stormy said, her tone slightly excited.  “Besides, I don’t exactly have many friends here. So wanna be friends?” Stormy asked.  “I mean it’s not like you have a choice.” Stormy said.  Mystic never had a friend before, aside from Crystal and Jewel of course.  “Um sure? What’s your name?” Mystic asked, even though she already knows of the mare mentioned by others, she didn’t know her name.  “It’s Stormy. Stormy Sparkle.” Stormy said, offering her hoof out for Mystic to shake.  “Mystic. Mystic Blue.” Mystic said, shaking her hoof and giving her a soft smile.  “How about you come in? You could meet my mother and father.” Stormy said, getting up and making her way towards the Empire.  “D-Do you really think that's… um necessary?” Mystic asked, her tone slightly shaking.  “Just because they are King and Queen of the Empire doesn’t mean they are brash or harsh with getting to know my new friends.” Stormy said.  Mystic nodded as she followed Stormy behind and into the Empire. “Okay if you say so.” Mystic said.  *** “Mother guess what! I made a new friend!” Stormy said, her tone overly excited.  “That’s great news right dear?” Sombra said, her elbows Twilight in the side who was still looking out the window.  “Yes, great.” Twilight said, her tone bitter.  “What seems to be her problem?” Stormy asked.  “She’s just furious that her prey got away from her. She’ll be fine within an hour or so… I hope.” Sombra mutters the last bit to himself.  Twilight scoffs. “More like pissed, but they were cowards to leave that fight early.” Twilight said, still looking out her window. “.... okay? Well if you need me I’ll be in my room.” Stormy said, walking away.   Mystic who was waiting out in the hallway was slightly relieved she didn’t have to meet Stormy’s parents especially Twilight in fear that she may know who she is.  “Come on, I can show you my room.” Stormy said, walking down the hallway making a left turn down another hallway.  Mystic was thinking about detouring the other way down another hallway, she started to begin but only got three hoof steps in, until Stormy’s voice called after her. “Are you coming?”  “Y-Yeah!” Mystic said, she sighs as she turns around making her way to Stormy’s room.  ***  Upon arrival, Mystic eyes widened at the beauty of Stormy’s room. “Wow! Your room is beautiful.” Mystic said.  The colors were decorated in white and lavender definitely fit for a Princess, however it also it’s on personal touch to it. Stormy style so to speak. “Yeah? Well it was one of the Princess’s rooms… Flurry… Crystal ... one of theirs. I believe this was Crystal’s room come to think of it. Flurry’s room was too girly and pink definitely not my style.” Stormy said, gagging a bit.  “But isn’t this room girly as well?” Mystic wonders.  “Purple is the color of royalty dear.” Stormy said, patting Mystic face.  “Um, what's with the dark spooky crystals?” Mystic questions, lightly touching one with her hoof.  “Oh it’s my own personal touch. You like it?” Stormy asked. “.... very.” Mystic said, giving her a fake smile.  Stormy gave her a smile back; they sat there awkwardly for five minutes. “..... so is this what friends do?” Stormy questions.  “Do what? Talk about each other- which I’m great at, braid each other’s mane and gossip?” Mystic asked.  Stormy shrugs. “Honestly this whole “friendship” thing is pretty new to me. I’ve been told I “force friendship” however I don’t really see it.” Stormy said.  “I wonder why…” Mystic silently mutters to herself.  “What did you say?” Stormy questions.  “Nothing!” Mystic said, her muzzle scrunched.  ***  Twilight relaxes in her dark ruby red robe while reading a book. A thought occurred to her and she got up, walking over to a calendar that was pinned up in the room.  She realized she had an important date in red circled: April 23rd which was Harmonia Coordination Day.  “I’m coming for you…” Twilight mutters to herself, loud enough for Sombra who just walked in to hear.  “Dear, who are you talking to?” Sombra asked.  “Aren't you supposed to be down there looking for our guards?” Twilight questions, her cheeks slightly red from embarrassment.  “And aren’t you supposed to be keeping an eye on that filly Stormy brought into our castle? I don’t trust her.” Sombra said.  “Is one almighty king seriously scared of one little filly? Please. We have nothing to worry about, she may be of some use to us.” Twilight said, her smile forms into a twisted grin.  “.... I don’t follow.” Sombra said, slightly clueless of the Queen’s sly plan.  Twilight groans out of annoyance. “Ugh! Just I’ll do it.” She said.  “Wait here.” Twilight instructed, making sure Sombra stays put.  *** “I remember helping Father this one time I organized my mother’s library. While he was gone I “accidentally” burned some of her books just to get back at her for making one of my friends leave early when I wanted them to stay. The next day, she was furious! She enslaved one of the guards to work in the Crystal Mines when he disobeyed her orders she ordered Father to behead and execute him.” Stormy said.  Mystic’s eyes widened. “.... let’s just say never mess with Mother’s reading material. Till this day she still believes the guard has done it.” Stormy said, softly giggling.  “Have any crazy stories you’d like to share?” Stormy questions.  Mystic thought for a moment. “Well one time Father and I-” Mystic said, but there was a knock on the door inturpring Mystic train of thought.  “Stormy! I just came here to tell you that next week we have a special coordination to attend.” Twilight said.  “Who’s coordination?” Stormy questions.  “Harmonia’s.” Twilight said, and on that note she walked out.  “Wait, who’s Harmonia?” Stormy asked, confused. She looks at Mystic who had her face scrunched up in disgust at the sound of that name.  “I’m assuming you know of her?” Stormy questions.  “Know of her?! She’s annoying! She’s like Confetti Pop mixed with her dad Discord!” Mystic said.  “Uh? Who are those two?” Stormy asked, giving a confused expression to Mystic.  “Oh right you haven’t exactly crossed paths with those two- or any of Harmonia’s friends- come to think of it.” Mystic said.  “Basically she’s Twilight’s first born daughter and a draconequus no less.” Mystic said, rolling her eyes.  “You mean Mother had a Daughter before me?” Stormy thought.  “She believes that the world should revolve around her at all times.” Mystic said.  “Sounds like her and I would get along then.” Stormy said, smiling.  “I highly doubt that.” Mystic said, her muzzle scrunches.  “But the coordination that mother mentioned sounded very exclusive. We don’t even have invitations to get in.” Stormy explains.  “Who needs invitations… when you have connections.” Mystic said, smirking.  “You have connections?” Stormy said, her eyebrows arched.  “Well when you’re somepony who is great, powerful and well known then you get invited to all the exclusive parties.” Mystic brags.  Stormy arches her brow. “Fine it’s actually an event I have to go to. But who says I can’t bring a plus one?” Mystic said, her smile turned into a devious one.  Stormy thought for a moment. “Besides with her out of the way- we- I mean you can finally be the one to rule. Don’t you want to rule all of Equestria?” Mystic said, putting a hoof on Stormy chest.  Stormy looks from her chest to Mystic. “Don’t touch me.” Stormy said, her tone stern.  Mystic quickly removes her hoof from Stormy. As Stormy walks over to her mirror, thinking to herself.  “This filly does make a point… besides once I get to that coordination she is no longer of use to me.” Stormy thought. She then turns around facing Mystic. “Okay I’m in. So when’s the party start?” Stormy said, her smile turned into a twisted grin.  “8:00 am and besides you would be doing everypony a favor by getting rid of her. Last I heard she was slightly unstable about having PTSD? Her dad left her when she was young and it must have had some sort of effect on her mentally wise.” Mystic said.  “You know PTSD is nothing to play with right? Some ponies have it severely where it almost traumatizes them both mentally and emotionally.” Stormy said.  “Sounds like to me you care.” Mystic said, slightly smiling at her.  “I don’t, but that is something that is something not to be taken lightly.” Stormy said.  Stormy’s entire demeanor changed. “Find us a way to get into that coordination and maybe you have a future with us.” Stormy said, her tone was serious.  Mystic nods at her before Stormy turns to her bookshelf scouring. “What are you looking for?” Mystic wonders.  “Something that could crash havoc on this Harmonia coordination.” Mystic said, still searching. Her eyes landed on “Dark Tales on The Crystal Empire”.  Stormy’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction. “Where did you say this coordination was taking place?” She asked.  “In Canterlot.” Mystic said.  Stormy scouted the bookshelf once more. “Dark Tales of Canterlot” she pulls both the books down, laying the “Canterlot” one on top of the “Crystal Empire” one.  “W-what are you about to do?” Mystic asked, slightly nervous.  “There is a spell that I know that is a part of an ancient legend of the Crystal Empire called Shadow Clones, father told me about. They are kind of like changelings, except their form is more ghost-like.” Stormy explains igniting her horn.  “Are you sure you know what you're doing? This looks like an advanced spell, maybe let your father or oh I don’t know your mother handles this.” Mystic said. “Wow we just met and you already have very little faith in me.” Stormy said, her voice blunt.  “It’s not that it’s just…. what if you pronounce the spell wrong or what if you-“ Mystic rambles, but Stormy stops her.  “Too late I already casted it while you were rambling.” Stormy said, closing the books.  Mystic eyes widened. “You what?!” Mystic shouted.  “Relax… that spell doesn’t go into full effect until the day of her coordination. Everything will be fine.” Stormy explains.