"So this is the Legion of Doom?" Sunny asked, looking at the statue trio with a curious look.
Luna nodded. "Indeed. And with what has been happening in Equestria recently, I am glad to see that they are still here. I had almost begun to fear that they may have escaped and had something to do with all of this."
Sunny couldn't deny that the same thought had crossed her mind as well. She of course knew the story of the Legion's defeat. Every colt and filly in Equestria knew the story. How the nation had come together to defeat them in the end. On that day, friendship really was magic.
Luna watched the young mare for a moment, There was something about her that just stood out to her. What it was, she couldn't be sure. Perhaps it was because Sunny reminded Luna of a much younger Twilight Sparkle. Or maybe she was finally going senile in her old age.
She tried not to think about that idea, as she shook her head. "That is all of the castle and its ground that is open to the public. Any place else requires the authorization of Princess Twilight herself."
Sunny nodded. She had enjoyed her week spent in Canterlot Castle. It was a fillyhood dream come true. She just wished her friends were here as well. "I'm not sure if I'm ready to leave yet though. Something doesn't feel right. And there's what Zipp and Pipp said. What their mom has done."
Luna frowned. "Yes. The self-proclaimed Queen of Zephyr Heights. And, oh what was his name? That old unicorn in Bridalwood who took over the town. In a way that we still do not know about."
Sunny's ears fell. "My friend Izzy lives in Bridalwood, and she doesn't know either. I have met Haven and Alphabrittle. They were always so nice to me and everypony else. So why would they do this?"
Luna shook her head. "I do not know. I cannot claim to know them myself. But this is not a coincidence. Haven has some claim since her family is minor nobility. But this is a play for power far beyond her station. I do not understand why she would do this. The family has always stood by Twilight's side."
Sunny nodded. "Zipp and Pipp are two of my best friends. I've known them since I started at the School of Friendship. They refused to have anything to do with what their mom has done. Same with Izzy and what's happened to Bridalwood. Only Maretime Bay seems fine. I just hope it stays that way. They're all on their way to Canterlot now."
Luna nodded. It seemed prudent. Something told her, however, that things were far from done, and that things would only get worse from here, for it was never so simple.
At that moment, a Pegasus mare of the Royal Guard ran up and whispered something in Luna's ear. Whatever it was, it shocked the mare, for her eyes widened and her mouth dropped.
Sunny was confused. "What is it?"
Luna shook her head. "We are needed in the Council Room, now."
By the time the duo arrived, Celestia and many of Princess Twilight's advisors were already there. The concerned and horrified looks on their faces did little to ease their fears.
Celestia nodded as the two joined them. "Thank you for coming on such short notice, everyone. We face a serious crisis." Here she nodded to Azure, who gulped before she started.
"One hour ago, Maretime Bay, Zephyr Heights, and Bridalwood declared war on Equestria. They have succeeded from the nation and formed an alliance with each other. Sprout Springleaf has declared himself Emperor of Maretime Bay after somehow escaping from the local jail before destroying the local lighthouse with a mech of some kind."
Sunny's ears fell in horror. "My home. Everything me and dad had..."
Azure nodded in sympathy. "Ponie are fleeing from all three towns towards Canterlot as we speak. As far as we know, none have joined these traitors. But that could change. And there is another thing."
Celestia nodded gravely. "They are demanding Princess Twilight be handed over to them or else they will bomb any town that stands against them. Including Canterlot."
Luna's frown grew. "Has the evacuation order been given?"
Azure nodded. "Yes. The first trains should be arriving today. Some did not need the orders to do so."
Luna nodded. It was a start. "What has caused them to go this far, sister? Are they demanding more than just Princess Twilight herself?"
Celestia shook her head. "As of now? No. And I cannot imagine what has caused this. Nothing out of the ordinary has occurred, has it?"
"Nay. The Legion of Doom has not changed, and this is far beyond anything Discord would do. Wherever that misbegotten Chaos spirit is," Luna grumbled. She shook her head. "Sister. You know what you must do. They will not stop now. Their kind never does. They will be at our gates before we know it."
Celestia nodded sadly. "Yes. Return to your duties. We will reconvene later to discuss what can be done for the city's defenses in the time that we have left."
The others nodded solemnly as they left. Luna and Azure helped a despondent Sunny back to her room, and it broke Celestia's heart to see such an energetic and loving mare brought so low, as she floated a parchment and quill over and began to write something she had hoped never to say.
"My dearest Twilight. You must return to Equestria immediately.
Five days later, Celestia stood on Canterlot's Main Gate, watching as the smoke from the fires grew denser and denser on the horizon. And now even the Everfree Forest burned. At her side stood Sunny Starscout and all of her friends. Hitch was wearing an eye patch from a close shave in the evacuation from Maretime Bay. His owm fury grew by the moment at Sprout's betrayal.
A member of the Royal Guard was with them as well. She was no happier about this. "Your highness. You must give the order. The lines are cut. No more trains are coming."
Celestia looked back at the city. Everywhere she looked, she could see signs of the refugees. Every room and space were filled. Even the castle itself was full. No more room could be found if they tried.
"How has it come to this?" Celestia thought as she closed her eyes. Where had it all gone wrong?
Sunny and her friends all shared worried looks. They wanted to say something. Anything to help. But what could be said? This was beyond anything they had ever imagined. "What about Princess Twilight?" Izzy asked.
"We don't even know if she got that letter," Zipp grumbled. "And it's a long way back to Equestria."
Celestia nodded. "Indeed. We are on our own, I am afraid." She shook her head as she stood to her full height. "Then the order is given, captain. Fire On the Mountain. Seal the city."
Everyone's heads dropped, as the gate was sealed.
On the thirteenth day of Secundus, the first bombs fell on Canterlot.