The siblings make it to their father's private study, where two guards stood watch. Upon seeing the two royals, the guards immediately bowed, and after a second, stood up straight and opened the giant double doors. Their father's study was a spectacle to say the least. Shelves full of books were along one wall, while maps and scrolls hung from the other, and finally a giant, open semi-circle desk lies in the dead center of the room. King Theodore was slowly pacing in front of the windows, and looked up to see his children enter. He smiled and said, "Ah, there's my pride and joy!" He trotted over and gave both of them a big hug, which they reciprocated. As he set them down, his face seemed to slightly darken, but quickly changed back to a cheery demeanor.
"Come in, come in. Sit down. I have something I wish to speak to you two about." he stated, before sitting behind his desk.
Flameon was the first to speak, saying "What would you like to talk to us about?"
Theodore looked at Flameon, then at Flurry, and finally at a map on the wall. "Ah, yes. There is something that has come up recently, and it concerns me deeply." He paused, before continuing, "Have either of you heard of a creature called the mechanoid?" he asked.
Flurry looked at her brother, but it was Flameon who continued. "No, I can't say I have father. Why do you ask?"
Theodore answered, "The mechanoids are an ancient race of beings made almost entirely of metal. It seems when they are born they are extremely vulnerable, so the adults collect metal scrap and even raw ores to build their outer shells. These vicious creatures are very similar to the Timberwolves in appearance, but much smarter, more advanced, and extremely hostile. The mechanoids are ruled by King Draxian, and they live in the far outskirts of this world; a land forgotten to time." This peaked the siblings' interests, but they stayed silent so Theodore continued, "It has come to my attention that King Draxian, although he has not been spotted anywhere near Equestria for many, many years, may be planning a full scale attack on Equestria and then the Crystal Empire." Flameon stood stoic, drinking in the information his father was saying. Flurry looked a bit dazed, as if she had been hit by a buckball.
"Father, is this true? Is King Draxian preparing an invasion?" Flameon asked.
The king replied, "As of right now I cannot say. What I've heard is only rumors. But I wanted to talk to you both about this matter, because I want your help."
"Of course father, anything." Flameon said.
Theodore walked over to the map on the wall. It was a standard one, showing many of the well know areas of Equestria: Canterlot, Cloudsdale, New Ponyville, and the Everfree Forest to name a few. "I know you two are busy with your own duties, but right now they'll have to be put on pause. I want you and Flurry to stay here and help train the guards and come up with a defensive spell for the capital."
"Of course father. But what about King Draxian?" Flameon asked.
"I will send scouts out within the coming days. They will head in the direction the rumors state Draxian was spotted in." said Theodore.
Flameon nodded, but Flurry looked perplexed. "Flurry? Is something wrong?" he said.
"cough Oh! Uh, sorry to interrupt Dad, but after my train ride I was getting really hungry, so can me and Flameon get going to grab something to eat?" asked Flurry with an innocent smile.
'Of course she would be thinking of food at a time like this.' Flameon thought.
Theodore chuckled. "Of course, I won't keep you any longer. Go enjoy the rest of your vacation, before we get to work on defenses. I know it's been a stressful few months, so I want my children to be relaxed and refreshed for the fight against King Draxian."
Both siblings smiled at their father and with a slight bow from them both, they left their father's quarters and headed down the hall.
"So, where do you want to eat? Oh, I heard Sugarcube Corner found some old recipes from the founders!" Flurry exclaimed.
Flameon responded "I was thinking we could go to-" Flameon was cut off when a loud BANG sounded through the halls. The two siblings were nearly knocked off their hooves. As they gathered themselves, they could hear screaming outside. Flurry teleported away, while Flameon flew through the corridors. Guards were rushing by and maids were picking up broken pottery. What had just happened!??....