//------------------------------//
// 01. First Contact 
// Story: Libera Mé 
// by EZTP 
//------------------------------//

	The first step into the chamber bore an icy sting, the frigid cold shooting through her hoof instantly. She was winded by that cold.
Princess Luna and Shining Armor stood to the right and left of the room respectively, their heads both lowered and illuminated by the magic they cast. They efforts concentrated on two brackets at either end, large pieces of metal bolted to the thick stone wall. The chains they each held were clumsily built; a mess of disjointed links seemingly taken from a host of other chains, covered by rust and what Twilight hoped was the green tint of mildew. They merely hung loose, leading to the centre of the room.
The dark figure found there rose its head up and she felt a shiver run through as the creatures small bright eyes settled on her, scanning every detail on the new pony. She caught herself repeating Princess Celestia’s words. Her monitor’s voice replayed itself clearly only serving to further disorient Twilight’s nerves.
"He..hello?" she called out.
“Hey Twily!” Shining Armor’s bravado was more than than welcome. He was in a surprisingly uplifted mood considering the monster in the room. “Here to bail us out again?” She felt instantly more at ease and smiled, grateful her big brother best friend forever was here at least. He always showed a smile and jovial playfulness.
“How are you doing?”
“Not bad sis. Be careful, it’s got a temper.”
“Please, Princess Sparkle, this is no time for pleasantries.” Princess Luna was far less at ease as her magic swept around the chains. It was clear from her tired expression she had more difficulty than Shining Armor, or that she had been holding her bracket for longer. Twilight noticed as the magic swept closer along the disjointed restraints to the creature it faded, the light that emanated seemingly being repelled and forced back. Its eyes shifted their focus to Luna.
“Tired yet, M’lady?” The creature's voice was rumbling and gentle, a growl echoing off the walls around it. Despite the depth it was weak and faded to the cold.
“I shall never tire. Your struggles are futile, monster.”	
Twilight still could not make out a face but her eyes peered deeper to see the silhouette. It was surprisingly unremarkable, not as large as she thought, it was possible this creature was sitting. The shape and form was obscured by the dim light, as it was now, it appeared to be a small, hornless minotaur. Truly unremarkable.
There hung a disturbing confusion how this creature was such a threat when it could be no larger than the average pony. Twilight was still worried that Celestia would imprison anything, always kind and compassionate. From her description though this creature had earned its place here, its own violent anger being reason enough to hold it.
“Then why dost thine heart beat FASTER!?” It yanked on Luna’s chain abruptly. She winced with the effort and the glow around the restraints grew brighter. Twilight quickly helped by repairing two warped links almost ready to give. The tug was surprising, even in its weakened state it still proved strong enough to rattle the bonds. It loosened with a smug laugh and they hung once more. “Art thou tired M'lady?” it mocked her again. Luna was sweating with the effort she used to detain it, no longer interested in replying.
“You seem more tired than her,” Shining Armor laughed.
“Such gallantry Sir, yet you do not introduce me to your own sister. Twilie?” The way her name rolled off of it’s tongue did not sound friendly. “Care to step forward, little one.” Twilight was wary of the creature now, it was as Princess Celestia had told her; it listened and watched them, learning all it could about the ponies around it, already establishing her nickname and relation to Shining Armor.
Little? She thought, I've got at least three hooves on it.
Her light washed over the creature causing it visible discomfort as it winced from the brightness. The features were marred by grime and filth, stains, wafting pungent aromas of spilled soups now gone off. It sported a light coat of darkened brown or black patched at odd intervals on its frame. Her eyes drew to the arms, long and heavy they bore large claws with oddly shaped digits, appearing to be closer to the claws of a dragon. Looking on the face there was a gash on the right cheek, it was sealed and treated, most likely while it was unconscious.
It’s uniform was torn beyond recognition, Twilight could make out it was made from a thick sturdy fabric. As she looked lower the stains she feared were present and her thoughts went back to the pegasus guard and her encounter with the monster.
ON quick assessment, it was clear this creature could not leave and lacked the strength to harm anypony. It merely remained bent over, glancing now and then at Luna and Shining Armor. She watched it raise it's head slowly and squint at the light, pupils closing from the brightness. She dimmed the glow to compensate and avoid provocation. It looked her over again, head to hoof, studying every feature in great detail. She felt uneasy as is scanned her wings and cutie mark, searching for something to say to it.
“Tell me...” it finally spoke, “Do all females here have wings and horns?” The question was out of context and Twilight did not want to answer. This creature’s interest in her was worrying. Gathering information about them could prove to be detrimental. Instead of answering she phrased her own question carefully choosing her words.
“Why do you want to know?”
“I don't.”
“Then why ask?”
“Your silence is irritating me. Tell me Twi...”
“It's Twilight actually,” she corrected it, “My name is Twilight Sparkle. Newly appointed princess of the kingdom of Equestria and I’m here-.”
“So you’re the new one on the tongues of my keepers.” Again it demonstrated its surprising knowledge to her. “Have you been sent by your monarch to further test me?”
Monarch she wondered, Princess Celestia? 
“I am here to help you.”
The creature laughed but it’s eyes remained fixed on hers.It was oddly confident despite its situation.
“I thought you were celebrating? It’s no fun to be dragged straight to work.”
“Princess Celestia-”
“The white one... Celestia…” As it spoke her name the growl grew deeper and more intense. The smile faded instantly and she saw its claws tense. It might have been a mistake to mention that. Luna and Shining both braced. “Why has she imprisoned me here?”
Why? Because you attacked her! This creature's eyes were very soft, a moment passed where Twilight did not see its hatred. They hardened with her silence.
“Why…?” she said indignantly, “Because you have hospitalised at least five of her guards! Some of them may never fully recover.”
“They are fortunate I spared them.”
The answer proved the sadistic nature of this monster. She had hoped it would have been more cooperative than this. At least it was talking, and that was progress. Maybe if it talked long enough it will reveal something.
“From what I hear, you went down screaming like a-” Shining was interrupted as it yanked at his side. It was clear that arm was weaker, for the restraints did not split.
“The pony who’s wing you took off, she has lost it forever. We cannot restore her injury. Are you happy you’ve done that?” Did you enjoy hurting them?” Twilight tried to hold her voice steady. She did not want to hear the answer but she needed to ask. Its eyes returned to their gaze on the ground.
“She. I took no delight in attacking them.” The creature was trying her, testing to see her reactions. It followed her movements every time she shuffled and twitched an ear attempting to read the body. Each question Twilight asked would have to be carefully thought out. She stood silent in thought. Revealing too much information about Equestria was unwise, however there were many questions about its imperviousness to magic. Twilight did not want to let another fact slip.
“Why were you in my books?”
“They were your books,” it replied in realisation.
Darn it Twilight. “Why were you there? What were you looking for.”
The creature chuckled, “Truly this is a joke. Were you told nothing about me? Why don’t you leave instead of pestering me with persisting echoes.”
She did not understand, Princess Celestia did not know why the creature was here either, from context she could gather her questions would have to be more unique and less conventional to earn a response.
“It won’t say,” Shining Armor clarified, “We have tried.”
“I am tired of the same questions. I have said my peace.”
“Yeah, a complete lie!”
The creature pulled at the restraints again but Shining Armor was ready. The brackets did not move and the chain held proudly against the force.
“Hold on,” Twilight interrupted. She took a step closer to the creature. It gave up trying to break the bond and eased the grip again, Twilight saw Luna’s side was unaffected. “What have you told them?”
The creature took a deep sigh, its breath once again creeping through the air around her and fading.
“You must plan your interrogations better,” it commented. “Once more, same as before; I do not know, the last thing I remember was being attacked and I defended myself! I will not show remorse for their weakness, they should have not chosen the fight if they could not end it.”
Twilight was happy with this information, the creature had exposed itself as a talented liar. It was very convincing from its frustrated expression to its strained brow to the feigning ignorance and confusion. She decided to ask further hoping she could gain more insight.
“Why did they attack you?”
“Perhaps you could answer that. I awoke to the strike of a hoof on my head. My response was naturally defensive.”
“And the books?”
“I do not know what I was searching for.”
Awoke... This creature was now claiming it had no prior knowledge to tearing up the books, yet it had mentioned those very same books, confirming them as hers. It was possible she had made yet another mistake revealing the information. Such a claim from any creature was stretched to the imagination and did not serve to clarify anything.
“You chose the fight. You were the one who attacked them.”
“To this I have no memory.”
“So you were sleepwalking?” The creature did not respond but looked away to a nurse patting Luna down with a warm cloth. The mist from its body reminded her how cold the room was.
Twilight still did not trust it. It was unclear how she could get the answers needed. The creature was uncooperative and distant, trying to hide behind its lie. A plan began forming to approach the monster in a different manner. The whole time it had been kept isolated from the others, to her it was perhaps more effective if her friends could help; Applejack might coax it with one of her delicious fritters, having been without savoury food it may benefit from such encouragement. Rarity might be able to work her charms and convince it to behave. Fluttershy was great with all creatures and could soothe any beast. Pinkie Pie would be a last resort plan to break it. Rainbow Dash could...watch, she might unintentionally anger it though.
“Thank you,” she said turning around and heading to the exit, “I will be back, just going to bring a few reinforcements.”
“Don’t take too long. I promised Cadence we would be done by lunchtime”
“Don’t take too long…Princess Twilight Sparkle…”
She was more than grateful to leave. The rumble of her name on the creature's tongue was…eerie.

*

Celestia was hesitant to bring more ponies into that chamber, but Twilight’s civility with the monster granted her permission. They both agreed the elements of harmony would be their best hope.
Twilight had taken more of an interest into what this creature was. She knew her task was to create magic to harm it, but she hoped for another solution. Prodding it with magic was not going to work, that had already been tried. Twilight’s goal at the moment was to relieve it from the cell, relieve her mentor of that burden, and figure out if it was indeed lying.
Her Brother had been very dismissive of that lie. It was far too convenient to be true though. There was a nagging suspicion though about ponies and losing control of themselves. It had happened before and it was not impossible. Lately Twilight had learned to never consider anything impossible.
A quick inquiry to an attending guard confirmed the whereabouts of her friends. Fluttershy was in the gardens playing with the animals; Applejack, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash were around the castle performing chores; Rarity and Spike were sleeping.
Celestia did not ask Twilight about her thoughts on the creature. She only seemed very relieved, her muscles loosening and stance easing to the graceful pose they usually carried. She wanted to wait outside the chamber while Twilight rounded up her friends insisting she would rather be close in case.
Before Twilight left to retrieve the others, Princess Celestia did whisper something, “Try to coax it to drink or eat something.” With a smile she returned to watching through the window on top of the door. It reminded Twilight of an eager filly staring out the window early in the morning for the post to bring her a new copy of the book; Enchanted Fables Non-Fictionalised. 
Celestia did not bear anger. Despite all her warnings she still showed compassion. This from a mare who was willing to let the beast expire a short time ago.
Heading up the spiral stairs, Twilight was hit with a realisation; she could not help feeling proud of Princess Celestia. After all that monster did she was concerned. It was likely she needed to know more, hence the necessity for prolonging it, but that look she had and the way her eyes tried to pierce the dark was a look of relief.
As Twilight made her way into the gardens she wondered if it would be possible to get Fluttershy to go down into the cells. If things came to the worst she would have to play on her kindness and describe the creature as something less dangerous, needing care and attention.
That creature. She was apprehensive about bringing anypony at all near it after the stories but there was no choice. The matter had to be resolved quickly, Twilight had been entrusted to do so.
The climb from those stairs was odd. On one hoof she felt tired but on the other the receding cold encouraged each step. By the time she reached the top all traces of that icy room were gladly left behind.
The morning sun bathed the main courtyard of the castle. Twilight trotted out and drank in the fresh air. It invigorated her. Refreshing and pure, it carried over on the cool breeze as she stretched her wings out to catch it. Twilight flapped her wings just once to see. She felt her weight lift instantly and giggled at the sensation.They were sensitive to wind, feeling the each gentle caress sweep through her feathers.
The sounds of the dawn and the rising animals all around helped cleanse Twilight’s mind. The guards out front saluted and marched on their patrol. She blushed feeling embarrassed by her new spotlight. She wanted to be in the background again and politely ignored by everypony, however that was not a choice to make.
She looked back to her wings and tried a flap once more, nearly falling over when the right side proved to be stronger than the left. It was worrying. She could never be as good as Rainbow Dash but she wanted to learn to make Celestia proud. Wonderfully there were a lot of books on the subject she would have to read first. Sadly they would have to wait until the issue at hoof was resolved.
Arriving at the gardens a blonde coated, long pink maned pegasus was running about the playing with the exotic variety of Celestia’s animals. Having finally won their trust renewed Twilight’s faith in her friends ability. Fluttershy was a gifted whisperer of animals. She had befriended the most dangerous creatures in the kingdom from dragons to an equally ferocious rabbit. She was a very kind pony by nature. Her love and sweet spirit could tame the mightiest of beasts, and the monster seemed less of a challenge already.
Fluttershy appeared to be inspecting each one. She scanned the animals one by one, then the surrounding bushes, flowers and trees with scrupulous detail. It appeared she had lost something very small.
"Good morning Fluttershy!" The pegasus was startled but upon seeing her grinned wickedly. “Fluttershy?”. In less than a wingbeat the pegasus had pounced on Twilight and pinned her. Twilight's struggles were in vain against her, that deceptive strength from her animal wrangling pinning her hooves.
"Now I've got you!" she triumphantly roared.
"Are you crazy!? Get off me!"
"You have to do better than that."
“Fluttershy! Get off!”
“I have spent all morning and I’m done playing.”
Twilight's confusion was resolved when another alicorn doubling her walked in on this scene looking puzzled. "Awww. You stole my idea. I call interference!" she said blowing a whistle and grinning. Fluttershy looked down at the Twilight she pinned.
"Twilight?"
"You can get off me now."
“Ohmysorrygoshsorryreallysorry!,” she jumped off and dragged Twilight up, dusting her off, smoothing out her mane and placing a flower neatly behind the ear as a clumsy apology. Twilight simply stared at her copy, then at Fluttershy. “We were…um…playing a game."
"Hello Discord," she remarked to the other Twilight.
No longer hiding his voice, Discord changed back to his normal form, an host of mixed bodies from lions, dragons, snakes and all manner of creatures neatly embodying the spirit of chaos, a Draconequus. It was not strange for Twilight anymore, she had slowly grown accustomed to the oddity.
Once he was an enemy to the kingdom, now brought back by the elements of harmony in order to reform him. Fluttershy had been successful, but from what she had told them it was painful having to be so forgiving. Her kind nature often left her exposed and vulnerable. However it was in her friends she found her confidence and courage in putting others before herself. This was what Twilight hoped could be used again against the monster. She felt more anxious thinking about the encounter.
At least Discord was more civil than what waited below. Twilight saw him in a different light though, finding it tough to imagine the days he was once the feared Lord of Chaos.
"Good morning new Princess!” Discord enthusiastically shook her hoof, before sporting more arms to shake all her hooves. “It’s so good to say that to an actual princess. If you wanted to play you could've asked," he jeered smiling and delighting in his little trick.
“Now Discord, you must warn me when the pony who are impersonating trots in. You know I can get a little carried away.”
Discord poofed to Fluttershy patting her mane, “And that’s what I just love about you! So easy to get caught up in your little moments.”
“How are you feeling Discord?”
“Fine thank you, Princess. Judging by your delicious scent of mildew and grime, as well as your pale expression, you have met our new friend.”
“What new friend?” Fluttershy asked enthusiastically.
Twilight tried to keep her context brief; “There's a new creature in Equestria who is less than friendly. Princess Celestia has asked me, and us, to take a look and see if we can help it.”
“Oh the poor dear, where is it now?”
“You are not taking my Fluttershy down there!” Discord moved between Fluttershy and Twilight, he was no longer his usual jovial self, a determined look fixed on his face.
“Discord?”
“No. I won’t have it. That monster will remain there where it is safe.”
“Discord, safe for who?” Fluttershy was perplexed at this behaviour. He was trying to protect her from this creature, an admittedly puzzling reaction. It dawned on her that their mission may be less cute and cuddly than she had thought. She looked nervously at Twilight, her ears sinking, “Twilight...what is this creature?”
“We don’t know. It can speak at least but it is very, um, hostile. They have...detained it below the castle to keep it safe.”
“What do you mean detained?”
“Oh don’t you worry, Fluttershy. You know how these princesses can get worked up with their fantasies and…”. Discord’s rambling made Twilight hesitate in mentioning the chains and the cell. Fluttershy was a very compassionate pony and mentioning it would only upset her. “…not to mention that sun and moon balancing act they are constantly doing. It’s bound to give them some stress and-” She moved casually in front of Discord, a stern expression and voice.
“What do you mean by ‘detained’?”
“Well…it kind of is, uh-”
“When you have a monster,” Discord intervened, “you make sure it cannot hurt anypony else.” He dangled a chain in front of Fluttershy for emphasis.
“Chains,” Twilight was forced to clarify, “in a cell beneath the castle. We had no choice, it is too viole-”
“CHAINS!? HOW DARE YOU!”
“Fluttershy please listen, it is not safe-”
“So you put it in chains!? I don’t care how mean that monster looks, no living creature should be forced into chains and caged! It must be scared stuck down there. How could they do that to a poor defenceless creature?”
Twilight needed her to understand the danger, “Believe me, poor and defenceless is not an accurate description. It’s not what it did to me but to Princess Celestia and her guards. It hurt them Fluttershy. Very badly.”
The stern expression faded, sunken to confusion, “What?”
“It was intruding in the palace and...well the patrol that found it was attacked. It nearly hurt them beyond healing.” Twilight had to omit the gruesome details, she would tell them all later but only once more when they were all together.
“It attacked them?”
“Yes. They may never return to active duty. The princesses combined magic only incapacitated it. Our task is to make it safe to release, at best. They are keeping it locked up for everypony’s safety because it is immune to known magic and dangerous, not because they want to.” Fluttershy was a little distressed but doubted it was as conclusive as Twilight made it out to be. “We need your help. It is growing weak, it refuses to eat, drink, and it is hurt quite badly. It won't allow anypony close enough to help. If we can get it to trust us maybe we can resolve this problem.”
“It.”
“Yes…”
“Is it a boy or a girl?”
Twilight had no idea. She was the worst telling genders from other species. To this day she still felt embarrassed mistaking the minotaur cows for bulls.
“I…don’t know.”
Fluttery smiled sympathetically. “Where is it?. Twilight was relieved not have to talk her into helping. Fluttershy was surprisingly strong when a supposedly defenceless creature needed her help.
“It is in the old prison under the castle. We can go there with the others and the Elements of Harmony.”
“There’s a prison?”
“No!” Discord hoisted Fluttershy up and held onto her tightly, “You cannot go there.”
Fluttershy spoke soothingly to him, “Discord...”
“No no no.” His grasp grew tighter and she pulled her forelegs free reaching around his head hugging him.
“I will be fine.”
Twilight did not want to reveal the dungeon used to be Discord’s, she could see it was something he did not wish either.
“Please let me come with you.”
“Actually, because of the Elements of Harmony, I think it would be a bad idea to have you close by. In case something happens and we have to use them.”
“But...”
“Twilight is right Discord. We have discussed this. I do not...” she paused waiting for him to finish her sentence, “Say it.”
“...Need protection. Alright Fluttershy. If you need my help then all you have to do is call. I will be watching anyway.” He placed her on the ground with a solemn face, “Be careful my friends.”
Again Twilight was caught off guard by the change in Discord. Clearly Celestia was omitting details about their attempts thus far to understand this creature. She wondered how Cadence fared against the monster, whether it left her as weary. It seemed that all those who came in contact had that weariness. Twilight did not find it frightening. Unnerving yes, but not frightening.
“Thank you Discord.” Fluttershy nodded to Twilight. “Let’s go get the others.”
As they walked away from a concerned looking Discord, Fluttershy could not help ask, hoping for a better answer than what she imagined, “Is it really that bad?”
“I…think it is. Princess Celestia is worried and that is reason enough for us to be.”
“Is there anything else I should know?”
“Don’t trust it, it will lie, it will play on your sympathy, it is dangerous.”
“Oh my. Did it do that already? have you seen it yet?”
Twilight wearily nodded as they entered the castle. “I’ve already met it but…I don’t know.”
“I’m not very good with monsters…”
“If there is a pony who can befriend it, it’s you Fluttershy.”
“Well I hope our friends are coming too.”
Twilight smiled, “We will face this together like any other challenge.” There was a noticeable bounce in Fluttershy’s steps as she trotted on. Twilight felt more confident in kind thinking about their friends and how strong they had been together.
The pegasus shyly bumped Twilight’s shoulder as they made for the castle ballroom. “Sooo….?” she grinned.
“So?”
“Have you tried to fly yet?”

*

It was fortunate there were a hoofful of guards about the castle at any given moment, it made tracking Twilight’s friends thankfully simple. When asked the knights reported that Rarity was still sleeping with Spike, Rainbow Dash had disappeared in the sky for her morning flight, and Pinkie was helping Applejack with the cleanup of yesterday's festivities. 
Twilight ordered two nervous guards to fetch Rainbow and tell her to meet them in the castle immediately. They took to the sky to their task instantly without question or hesitation. She enjoyed having some extra authority in the palace, it was fun to see the guards stand so nervously at attention whenever she passed them. As a filly, Twilight was often ordered to stay out of rooms and led around by a host of different escorts trying to keep her out of trouble. At least this day she could go anywhere she pleased.
Over in the ballroom an orange pony was working tirelessly to bring down the banners and decorations perched high on the ceilings. She was using the string from one streamer as a lasso to grab the others, demonstrating her farm girl prowess. The ever helpful Applejack was always eager to assist. She was the co-owner of an apple orchard she and her family were well known for in the town of Ponyville. The spirit of honesty whose integrity was without bounds.
A pink pony was busy sweeping up the confetti, cleaning and separating the colours into different bags. It seemed like an excruciating task yet the quantity she had already organised was impressive. Pinkie Pie was carefree and fearless, always cheering up even the most gloomy of folks with her infectious smile and persistent giggle. Working in a bakery specialising in catering for parties, her skills were treasured as a foremost event planner. To her nature, she had a firm belief in organised chaos and was always able to throw a party together thanks to her attention to detail and careful planning. Twilight and Fluttershy trotted in to meet them being greeted with two big smiles.
“Hello, Princess!” They both chided.
Twilight felt herself blushing, “Come on guys, it's just Twilight. I haven't changed.”
“Much! ” Applejack teased holding up her new wings.
“When are you going to fly?” Pinkie Pie smiled.
“I can’t yet, Princess Celestia has asked us on a special mission.”
“A mission?” they both asked.
“I’ll explain when we are all together. But for now I am going to need your help to get Rarity up.”
After a quick glance towards each other Applejack took a quick look around the room while Pinkie Pie tried to look busy checking the bags.
“Why…don’t we just meet you later?” Applejack smiled sheepishly.
“Umm, yeah, I think Applejack needs help getting her morning face on.” Pinkie was already making her way out of the room.
Twilight had to smile at their cowardice, “Now you two wouldn’t be trying to avoid helping us with Rarity?”
“No!” they both cried out in indignation.
“We have a whole mess of work to do before we can go rushing off.”
“Yeah, Twilight. We have responsibilities!”
“It looks to me like you’re done.”
“Well there’s a heap of stuff in the back still.”
“You mean the back that they just finished cleaning?” She pointed to two maids carting out a large trolley with an assortment of cleaning supplies. They looked tired and the open doors revealed a spotless kitchen that spanned as much space as the ballroom. Pinkie and Applejack tried to cover their error with a grin but Twilight would have none of it. “Come on guys, somepony has to help me get her up. Besides, Fluttershy is not-” she turned to her friend but there was no sign of her. A trembling curtain revealed her location, “Oh come on!”
“Sorry hun, I still can’t hear right after we tried the last time.”
“Yeah. Rarity is kind of...scary when her beauty sleep is disturbed.”
“Scary?! Last time she nearly sewed me a straight jacket!” Pinkie grabbed her sides and fell to the floor for emphasis.
“Well last time you threw cold water on her Pinkie.”
“You said we would be late for the Dragon Migration if we waited a minute longer.”
“This time we will avoid the water and the screaming…and tying her up to run for our lives. Alright Applejack?”
“Well...I’m still bringing the rope.”
“If it makes you feel better. Thank you”
*
The four of them rallied up the stairs to the castle suites, a nervous group ready to face a daunting task to preface yet another. It was good the see Rainbow Dash flutter into the upper corridors, trying to run away upon learning their plan to wake Rarity. The blue pegasus, the Element of Loyalty, was a coquettish mare infamous for her daring flying prowess and more so for her crashes. She was the kind of mare any friend could rely on. Despite her daring, she was still hesitant to wake Rarity.
Rarity, the Element of Generosity, was a skilled unicorn seamstress and business owner of a tailor shop in Ponyville. She had the class and sophistication to rival anypony in Canterlot high society, often having their clientele in her humble boutique. She was poised and refined…but she was not a morning pony.
As the five of them wound their way past the stone corridors, they came upon her room. It was fitting a neat ‘do not disturb’ sign was hanging in the centre. Twilight felt a little guilty having to wake her, after last night she would most likely sleep until noon. There was no choice though, she had to be woken. They all took a deep breath and Twilight gently wiggled the handle.
As the door slowly swung open the group cautiously entered to a scattered mess. Rarity had flung her shoes and dress anywhere collapsing on the bed with her hind legs peeking out from under the quilt. Her head was completely covered and the gentle rising and falling of the covers could be seen. She slept very quietly but Twilight was a little concerned she had overdone it last night, struggling not to laugh remembering the mare teasing Spike with such proficient eloquence.
Quickly nudging Pinkie Pie forwards, Applejack stepped back and readied her lasso. The pink mare mustered her courage and gently nudged the sleeping mound quickly springing back as a swipe from a hoof missed her.
Applejack looked around and saw the sceptre Rarity had snatched off Twilight in an over excited stupor, “Try this.”
They all stepped back as the brave pony nudged again and the resulting swipe knocked it to the floor. They stood terrified by the silence but still she remained sleeping.
“Pinkie Pie!” Twilight whispered scoldingly to the mare as she wheeled a her confetti canon forwards.
“But-”
“No!”
Rainbow Dash was as nervous but more impatient, letting her eagerness control her, “For ponies sake...RARITY!”
The mound stirred as they all retreated behind Rainbow, including Twilight. After the last time she was still notably traumatised. As the back hooves slowly pulled under the quilt the mound rolled tighter and returned to the silence.
Rainbow had a wicked idea and slowly approached the mound clasping the edge in her teeth. She glanced behind her and gave a mighty tug wrenching the blanket free, darting out the room and bracing the door behind her to leave the others stuck with the repercussions.
They tried to get out but the door was shut tight and they could only turn to see those angered, bloodshot eyes grimacing towards them.
Fluttershy was able to squeak out something, “Good...morning...” Twilight wanted to laugh but scream at the same time. She had the idea of Rarity being as bad as the monster, at least it was in chains but here they were not safe.
“Why.are.you.here.” the tired voice deeply growled. Rarity threw herself back on the pillow pulling the mattress covering free and improvising a new blanket.
“We are sorry to have to wake you-”
“I was having the most delicious dream. Leave me be while I can still go back.” Twilight saw the nightstand and read the title of the novel propped on it.
“Oh Rarity, not ‘A Regal Dalliance’, don’t tell me...chapter nineteen?”
“It is the absolute best part, when she...I mean it’s not what you think!” The laughter of her friends made her blush bright red as she stuffed the book under her pillow. She sat up with indignation. Rainbow Dash reentered taking the good mood as a safety sign. She returned Rarity’s blanket because her flushed face needed something to hide under. “It’s not that! It’s something else!”
“Oh yeah? Let’s have a look then.”
“Oh you wouldn’t be interested, Rainbow. It’s about economic...things.” She fought off the blue pegasus with a scowl.
“Oh let’s see, we can-”
“Alright! Alright! I’m up!”
“Good, we need your help.”
“With what exactly do you need my help that it couldn’t wait until the Count was done?”
Twilight was the only one who pressed back her giggle. She tried to explain the situation to them all then. With each word they grew silent and still. The once light atmosphere weighed heavier, smiles eventually fading.
“What do you mean her wings are gone?” Twilight hoped they would not inquire further about that.
“She lost them, Rarity. Our magic could not reattach the base, the creature's immunity to magic is almost infectious. It has the ability to block it out up to a certain distance. They could not use any magic to fix her wings…and that is a very complicated operation...”
“That’s horrible...” Rainbow Dash had sunken to the floor with the thought. All winged ponies were highly trained and cautious with very fast healing capabilities. There had never been such an accident in all her time in Equestria. The thought both angered and sickened her, “Why do we have to help it? Sounds like it got what it deserved.”
“Rainbow Dash you must try to-”
“Try nothing! Because of that monster she can never fly again! Do you have any Idea what that’s like for a pegasus?!” She brushed a tear from her cheek and marched to the door with a transfixed expression of anger, “What are you waiting for? I want a word with this thing now!”
Rarity thankfully spoke up, “Rainbow Dash, you must be calm. We all agree it’s horrible but this creature-”
“Monster!”
“...monster is still very dangerous. I am not too eager to pick a fight with the brute and neither should you be.”
Twilight was grateful for Rarity’s charm at times like this. “We need to keep it calm until we know more. I’ve already met it and so far it seems civil.” Her horn glowed and each of the ponies got their pieces of the Elements of Harmony. “Remember to keep your wits about you.”
Rarity pushed herself out of the bed and the improvised blanket neatly corrected itself with a quick flick of her horn. “I need just a few minutes to get my face on.”
“You look fine, Rarity. Let’s just go already,” Rainbow Dash outwardly expressed her impatience.
“And let the kingdom see me without my face?! Not on your life!”
She danced around the eyelash, a dash of blush, her eye shadow, a dollop of moisturiser and a pinch of perfume. Despite very little work she was always proud of her minimalist approach.
“That’s it?”
“What do you mean? Is there something else? Did I miss a dash here? I’m forsaking my bath and hoof care because of the urgency.”
“You look very pretty Rarity.”
“Thank you, Fluttershy. At least somepony here knows about the finer arts of beautifying oneself.”
“It just don’t look like much.”
“No I suppose not. But these subtleties are key in presentation.”
“Alright. Can we just go please. I don’t understand how you can be as calm about this.”
“I am as upset as you are, Rainbow. Please understand that finesse is needed here. It sounds like your usual bold approach won’t work this time. Ready, Twilight. I mean, Princess Twilight.”
“Guys please. It’s still just Twilight. Let’s not make things weird.”
The journey to the foyer was quiet with barely a word spoken between them. They were all watched by the guards as they passed, most likely knowing where they were headed.
To greet them in the main lobby was an entire legion of guards led by Spitfire, a serious pegasus who was in charge of the Wonderbolt’s Military Academy. A fierce combatant and highly trained flyer, she was their most seasoned sergeant. The mare saluted to greet them.
“Princess Twilight, we are here to lend you support in the event of a mishap. Princess Celestia requested we meet you here.”
“That won’t be necessary Ma’am. We will be fine.”
“With all due respect, Princess, I am not prepared to risk your safety.”
“I will be perfectly fine. We all will be. It is quite narrow down there and it is not wise to have so many soldiers crowding the space. If you are needed we will call. Please be ready here in case it tries to run.”
“Yes Princess!” Spitfire glanced over to Rainbow Dash, “Keep them safe, trainee!”
“Yes Ma’am.” Rainbow saluted, she was burning to ask about the wingless guard but she knew it was out of place. It had to wait until the right moment came.
“Umm…Spitfire?” Twilight hesitated.
“Yes, Princess!”
“If it gets free at all, if you can't stop it…please don’t risk yourselves. We will find a way.” The mare hesitated to say what she wanted, but eventually nodded a little reluctantly.
The six of them passed into the hallway leaving the legion in line and hopefully prepared. They left the sounds of Spitfire barking commands and came to the dungeon entrance. It revealed itself instantly, perhaps attuned to an Alicorn’s presence. The familiar dank smell wafted out.
“Isn’t that just charming,” Rarity scoffed through her hoof.
“I reckon it’s going to be one of those days, Applejack laughed.
“Ready and steady!” Pinkie Pie giggled.
Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were not as vocal. It did not help Twilight’s nerves. They had a right to be scared, indeed they all did.
“Let’s be safe, guys.”
“Yes, Princess!” they all chided, some less jovial than others.