//------------------------------// // An Emergency at the Castle // Story: Her Eyes Reflect The Stars // by Lynwood //------------------------------// Two alicorn sisters stood before a massive, beautifully ornate set of doors. They boasted reinforcements of both cold steel and intricate enchantment, and yet the words within were being shouted with such emotion that the two could clearly make out the 'conversation' from their awkward spot in the halls of what had once been their palace. "We have no choice, Twilight! We've exhausted every other option. For Celestia's sake, I've... I've lost over half my 'bolts already." The scratchy, raw, near-tears voice made the aforementioned sister dip her head. "I agree with Rainbow, darling. Too many have been forced from their homes and— and hurt. We have to do it." Beside her, formerly-princess Luna eyed the door with a hardened, unreadable expression. "No. No. We can't!" "Listen, sugarcube, we've just got to try and–" "No!" Both sisters cringed and dipped their heads. "No. No, we can't do that! That's exactly what She wants!" "Oh, you can't seriously be talking about that mare again!" Celestia shivered at the gravelly mare's words. "We've sent out dozens and dozens of scouting parties! You even had all those magicians do that tracking spell. That stupid mare isn't even real!" "She's real!" The mare's voice trembled in its strength. "She's real, I know She is! I'm so close to— to finding out where She is, why She's doing this. Then we can stop her! Together! I just need more time!" "All the time we bought you wasn't enough?" shrieked the scratchy voice. "Do you know how many ponies are dead, Twilight? Do you know how many cities we've had to abandon? It seems like you care more about this mare than the ponies you have an obligation to protect!" "Just what are you implying, Rainbow Dash?" "The term 'unfit to rule' comes to mind!" A scream of rage was the only response. Luna dipped her head. "Sister, we cannot let this continue." Celestia swallowed, nodded, and lit her horn. The room and the hallway both fell to a stone silence the moment the doors opened. The sisters observed the room with a practiced, even face. Rainbow Dash hovered directly above the war table, muzzle-to-muzzle with Princess Twilight Sparkle, who stood at her full royal height. A frazzled Rarity, a mortified Fluttershy, an ashen-faced Applejack, and a straight-haired Pinkie Pie all huddled below the two. Every single pony widened their eyes. Twilight Sparkle swallowed and nodded. "Celestia. Luna. You're early." "We traveled as quickly as we could," Luna said as she took measured steps into the war room. Her steel expression faltered at the staggering amount of red on the table's map. "We're ready to assist however we can." Twilight gave them the barest, most tired smile either of the sisters had seen in a very long time. "You two need to leave Equestria." "What?" Luna looked to the others, but they only studied their hooves. Rainbow Dash even landed and looked away. "Why do you wish this of us?" Twilight's eyes fell. "We can't afford to lose the day-night cycle. If things go how I fear, there may not be enough organized unicorns to do it if the worst happens to us." Then she raised her chin and squared her shoulders, but a sadness flooded her features. "The best thing you can do for Equestria is leave it." Luna gaped, but Celestia took a deep breath and nodded her head. "If that is what you wish." Twilight nodded sharply. Together, the sisters turned around. "Alright, Rainbow," Twilight Sparkle said as they left the war room, "let's do it your way."