Celestia's eyes read her sister's report once more, making sure she didn't miss a thing.
This whole situation was starting to worry her a lot more than she thought.
She couldn't think of any reason for her little ponies to betray them like this and yet the proof was there for everyone to see. A knock on the door cut her thoughts. "Yes?"
"It's me sister." - came a familiar voice.
"Please enter." The door quickly opened revealing Luna. "Take a seat Luna." The blue alicorn closed the door and sat down the pillow while her sister poured some tea into her cup.
"I'm assuming you read my report?" Celestia nodded. "What are we going to do?"
"First we need to find out who's making this weapons, second where they are giving to them and last as to why."
"The documents didn't say who made them. At least we can assume Chrysalis is behind this, even though none of the changelings want to talk." - Luna replied with a bored expression.
"Fortunately for us, there isn't many blacksmiths in Canterlot that still make armor and weapons. I wouldn't be too surprised if it's really her again." She took a sip from her cup. "Which reminds me, where's Infinite? You mentioned he helped a bit."
"I left him near the royal gardens, I'm very sure he can find his way."
The old monarch let down her tea cup, her facial expression taking a more serious look. "I have been thinking and doing some research and even asked Twilight help about this matter, but there is a chance we won't be able to send him back from where he came."
"Are you sure about this? Isn't there another way?"
Celestia shook her head.
"The chances of sending him back are very dangerous, we don't really know what would happen."
The lunar alicorn pondered for a bit. Such complex spells like those could be quite fatal if not done correctly.
"It's a big risk."
"Indeed, and it doesn't feel right to do it."
"He can always chose to stay here." - Luna quickly replied.
"And if he doesn't?"
As two princesses talked away, Infinite made his way through the gardens following a hooded figure. He wasn't naive, this little chase smelled like a trap, but he decided to follow anyway. He wasn't completely defenceless. There was only one big danger that he wished to avoid, destroy the garden. He had a feeling Celestia would beat him down.
As he rounded the corner he reached a fountain but the hooded figure was no longer in sight.
His eyes searching every bush and shadow, looking for any sign of potencial trouble. As minutes went by and nothing happened, the jackal spoke first.
"I know you're there. If you lead me here you either want to talk or fight."
"Why do you know this isn't a trap?" - voice asked.
"I don't, but that really isn't a problem for me." He caught the sound of movement coming from the other side of the fountain, the hooded figure finally stepping into the light. The only thing he could tell was the size, whoever this was, had a few more inches than him, seemed almost tall as Celestia.
"You're right, I want to talk."
"Make it short then."
"Such manners, very well I'll keep it simple. I want you to stop helping the princesses."
Infinite crossed his arms.
"That almost sounded like a threat, why should I stop?"
"I want to fulfill my revenge but your actions are ruining everything." The figure stared at the strange creature, her calm demeanor slowly vanishing.
"I could care less about your silly revenge, all I want is to get back to my world and finish my conquest."
Back to his world? Conquest? At that statement the disguised queen was confused, however an idea sprung into her mind. "Have the princesses offer a way to send you back?"
Now that he actually thought about it, not once they had mentioned of finding way back home. Did they forget?
"No, not yet."
"Then what if I help you find a way to do it, would you consider helping us?" Even though he couldn't see, she had the biggest of grins.
Infinite didn't like this deal at all, he wasn't that dumb. He already made a deal he was somewhat regretting.
"I'll pass."
"That's a real shame, and here I was thinking we had something in common." The figure was about to slip into the shadows once more but before doing that, it looked back at him. "The offer still stands though, as long you don't help them."
Luna waited by his bedroom. It had been quite some time since they went different ways. She knocked on the door a couple of times but got no reply. Maybe he got lost again? Next time I'll give him a map or something.
The sound of distant footsteps made her turn her head, finally spotting the jackal. However something was off, he was staring at the floor.
"Zero? Are you okay?"
The jackal in question raised his head to look at the princess.
"Uhm, Luna? Yeah, I'm okay. Look there's something I want to ask about."
"Well, there's also something I wish to tell you as well. Let's go to a more private place." Infinite nodded as he followed her. Once more they were in one of the many hallways, this one was blue with stars. He could only guess it belong to Luna.
"This part of the castle is mine. Celestia redecorated upon my return."
"It does look rather nice. Really suits you." Zero was completely unaware to Luna's blush.
"T-Thanks."
They reached a set of double doors that had the symbol of the moon, the same as her cutie mark. He motioned her to go first. Putting the mask away, he took a seat on the nearby cushions.
"Just give me a few seconds." Infinite watched as Luna ignited her horn and soon enough the moon slowly rose into his position.
As Luna turned to face her companion, she gazed at the jackal who had the biggest surprised expression she had ever seen. His eyes were round as dinner plates and his mouth just open. Luna giggled as she closed his mouth with tip of her wing.
"Impressed?"
"Very much so. I thought you were joking about being able to do that." Luna sat down in front of him, giggling more. "Anyway, you said had something to tell me."
"According to my sister, she's currently trying to find a way to send you back home."
"Aaand?" - he asked, hoping the answer would be yes.
"Still nothing. These type of spells are very complex and very dangerous to perform." Luna rubbed her foreleg. That was probably what he didn't want to hear, but there was still a chance. "Don't worry, I'm certain Celestia will be able to find a way!"
"I...see. How long will it take?"
"We don't know yet."
The silence between them was almost palpable. Luna shifted in her hooves, while Zero stared at the cushion.
"I'm sorry, this isn't exactly good news."
"It's fine."
"Earlier you mentioned you wanted to ask me something. So, what is it?"
Suddenly Infinite felt his mouth very dry.
"Don't worry, it wasn't important." - he quickly replied.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, I'm sure!" He got up and went to leave her room, without looking back he said. "Goodnight princess." Leaving Luna by herself.
The alicorn gazed at the mirror. Did...Did I say something wrong?
Infinite slammed the door shut and punched the wall. And again. Again. He kept going until he hands starting to hurt.
Then what if I help you find a way to do it, would you consider helping us?
Those words lingered in his mind. It had to be a lie, but what if wasn't? This whole thing was none of his concern, and yet he had this feeling, this desire to help, but who?
Help the one that understand and cared for him or the one that could send him home?
Infinite grunted. "I hate feelings..."