Canterlot, Equestria's capital and home to the most powerful ponies alive. Having been built on the side of a large mountain gives the city an exotic feel. The high altitude along with a twenty foot wall surrounding the city provided to be an excellent defensive measurement against enemies of the great nation. Unfortunately such a formidable defense have made it nearly impossible for two ponies in particular from entering the city undetected.
"I see that they increased security at the gates." Twilight lowered the binoculars that she had summoned with magic not to long ago. "Looks like we aren't getting through the front" Twilight let out a sigh before casting a spell sending the binoculars back from whence it came. Sliding down the dome shaped boulder that she and Celestia were hiding behind, she refocused her attention on the Alicorn. Said Alicorn, while having her ears facing the direction Twilight was coming from the rest of her focus was being applied to observing a strange metal and wooding structure that laid on the ground and extended into the distance in two directions.
Upon arriving at Canterlot the duo made their way to their current location after Twilight suggested coming here to avoid pedestrians on the hoofpath. Twilight tried her best to hold back her amusement of watching a thousand plus year old pony gawk at train tracks so intently. Twilight opened her mouth about to educate Celestia in the finer points of technological advancements revolting around transportation. She however stopped before a single syllable came out. She shook her head violently. ' No, what am I doing, this isn't the time for lollygagging. We need to get find a way into the castle and find out what happened. There's no way my BBBFF would do anything to against Equestria...he loves Equestria, He became a royal guard so he could protect it.'
"Twilight"
Twilight jolted upright at the sound of her name being yelled into her ear. "Are you alright, you were zoning off." Celestia inquired with concern and curiosity written all over her face. Twilight simple nodded not completely back to earth.
"You were saying something about not being able to get into Canterlot because of the guards right? If it's because of my appearance then there is no need to worry." Celestia smiled as her horn light up with a golden aura.
Before Twilight could responded a flash of light surrounded the Alicorn making her raise a hoof in front of her face. The light disappeared as soon as it arrived. After lowering her hoof and blinking a few times to recover Twilight's eyes widen at what she saw. Before her stood a alabaster Unicorn with a pink mane/tail. The Unicorn's cutie mark was a cluster of stars. The unicorn was also about Twilight's size. "Say hello to Starry Night."
Twilight took a moment to blink away her surprise. "You...there....an illusion spell?"
"Not quite, it's an age spell with a little illusion mixed in to hide my wings and make my cutie mark look different. I believe this will be satisfactory." 'Starry Night trotted passed Twilight making her way toward the city gate.
"Wait, hold up, it still won't work...in fact it will make things worse." Twilight said reaching out to the Alicorn now unicorn. Starry Night tilted her head to the side and frowned. "We need Id's to get in. I lost mine and you never had one and the process of get a one for either of us will take to long. Your disguise won't work either, there is an invisible barrier around the city. If somepony cats a spell on themselves and tries to pass through it the area around the pony will turn bright red alerting the guard."
"So there is no easy way in." Starry night asked.
By ourselves no...If we wait for a large caravan that has a wagon large enough to fit both of us under then I can use that to our advantage. They come to Canterlot all the time so we should have to wait too long."
Starry Night placed a hoof under her chin and began rubbing it, all the while thinking of an alternative. Her eyes suddenly brighten earning a raised brow from Twilight. "I know it's been a millennia but if we're lucky then I just might know a way not only into the city but into the castle as well."
"..."
"..."
"AND YOU DIDN"T THINK TO MENTIONING THIS BEFORE BECASUE..." Twilight scolded. Her face turned red with anger.
"While I have a good memory it's not like I can remember everything. Plus, do not forget it's been a thousand years. I can't have the knowledge of a secret passage on the top of my head for that long." Starry Night said matter-of-factly.
Twilight responded by going through several expressions. First her jaw dropped levering her gaping. Once again anger flashed in her eyes as she closed her mouth cringing her teeth. Finally she turned around and let out an "Aghuuu" unable to find a hole in Starry Night's logic.
Watching Twilight start scraping the ground with a hoof Starry Night got the impression that Twilight was waiting impatiently for her to start the search. Starry Night took one last look at the offensive wall. Such a high wall had not been part of the original design. The walls that had been part of the original concept were suppose to be no higher then ten feet tall. They're were meant for protection not isolation. "These walls need to be torn down."
"...Did you say something?" Twilight asked turning her head so Starry Night was in her view.
"huh, no I didn't say anything... now let's us find that passageway shall we.
One hour later the duo had yet to find the passageway. They had search every nook and cranny but yielded no results. It was even getting to the point where Twilight was starting to believe there was no secret passageway. Starry Night was a yard away from her investigating a large tree that was right next to the mountainside. Twilight was getting tired of looking. She had to confront the Alicorn turned unicorn about the existence of the hidden entryway. Making her way closer to the mare Twilight looked toward the rock face which was covered with moss, thinking of how she would say. Right before she was able to speak her thoughts on how this was a waste of time something caught her eye.
A small part of the moss was dry which just happened to be at chest level. Twilight wasn't a Phytologist but she know that moss was normally moist Upon farther inspection, the dry part of the moss was in the shape of a square. Lifting up a hoof she place it against the suspicious clump of moss. She applied pressure to the clump. At first it don't budge but when Twilight put her full strength into pushing it jerked inward. A small rumbling could be heard by both ponies. Twilight turned to face Starry Night who was looking back at her with mild surprise until she disappeared.
Ears went limp, eyes shanked, and a gasp escaped Twilight's mouth. Then, out of nowhere "OW"
Twilight blinked...twice. "Twi....Twilight are you there?" the voice of Starry night called out. Cautiously, Twilight trotted up to the tree that the other mare disappeared under. Getting closer to the tree she notices that there is a square hole between the visible parts of the roots.
Finally reaching the hole she saw stairs leading down. She also Saw Starry Night on the stairs trying to stand on her hooves. "Are you ok?" Twilight asked taking her first step onto the stairs.
"Just-eh-just dandy" Starry Night replied, finally getting onto her hooves albeit a little shaky. "Just didn't think that the trigger would separate from the entryway."
Twilight trotted down to Starry Night. "Well I guess we continue on." Starry Night nodded. A short descent later they reached the bottom of the stairs and the beginning of the dark tunnel. Both Unicorns lit there horns and after giving each other an encouraging glace they trotted forward.The entryway quietly closed behind them.
Over the passage of time dirt gave way to stone and crystals. The crystal's natural reflective surfaces allowed the light from the duo's horns to shine throughout the caverns. Thanks to the extra light, traversing through the underground maze was made easier. Neither of them had spoken for quite some time. Twilight was once again think of her brother and the likelihood she would be able to reach him before anything happened.
"What's wrong." Starry Night called out, her head still facing forward but any eye laid upon Twilight.
'Oh...it's my brother...I'm worried." A moment of silence passed. " Why are you helping me. You could have left by now."
Starry Night released a grin from her face. "Does one need an excuse to help somepony? Besides I know how you feel."
Twilight looked confused for a second before remembering Starry Night mentioning something about a sister that morning. Instead of trying to pry more information about said sister, Twilight asked the mare something else.
"Why Starry Night shouldn't be something sun related?" Her brow raised in an inquisitive manner. The pony beside her stopped short and stared at her. Twilight stopped as well completely confused by the disguised Alicorn's actions. Her eyes darted from side to side like they were part of a game of pong. Before she could say anything Starry Night busted out laughing.
"Oh my...hehehe....your asking that, now...hahahaha" Twilight started to blush as Starry Night continue to laugh. Wiping away a tear that threated to fall down her face, Starry Night spoke again. "Well I don't see the harm of telling you. When your incognito isn't it better to stay away from references that are similar to your real identity both in name and cutie mark." Twilight's blush grow to include her whole face. She felt foolish for not realizing it before it had been explained. "But you know-" Starry Night continued but with sadness in her voice. "-I wouldn't have minded being in control of the moon and stars then the sun." Starry Night gave Twilight a small smirk before once again trotting off.
"Why do you think that? You control the sun, the ball of light the brightens the day. Most Ponies need the sun to work in safely. Fauna and plant life depend on it too. Twilight said coming up next to Starry Night only to move away to avoid trotting into a stalagmite.
Starry Night looked at Twilight sheepishly. "All that may be true but can you say the sun looks beautiful or that it is aspiring or influential." Twilight was dumbstruck by what she was hearing to interrupt. "Don't get me wrong I love the sun and I love raising the sun to help this world's residents. To see them play work and grow but that's just what the sun is...a big ball of light. With the moon and stars it's different. You don't hurt your eyes when you look at the moon nor the stars. The sun brings light so much so that the only darkness one sees is the shadows of other objects. To my eyes the night has equals amounts of light and dark. lastly the constellations...oh how wonderful the look in the sky...like white dots painted on a large black canvas...and all of this is my sisters doing." Twilight just walked quietly besides the other mare. She lowered her head watching the ground pass by underneath her, unable to come up with anything to say. Out of the corner of her eye the purple unicorn saw Starry Night stop. She instantly raised her head. Before her was stairs leading up to large oak door. "we're here." Starry Night said.
Storeroom #3 of the great Canterlot Castle contained the many spices used by the kitchen staff to feed royalty, nobles and knights alike. It also happened to be the room that the secret passage was connected too. All of a sudden a part of the wall opposite of the door sunk inward and slid behind the right side of the wall. Once it was done moving two Unicorn walked into the room.
The room was dark, having no natural light or active candles to illuminate the room. Starry night dropped her spell resulting in Twilight being the only one with a glowing horn.
"If nothing's change then we should be in one of the storerooms in the basement levels." Starry Night whispered. Twilight nodded in understanding before the both of them tiptoed to the door. Twilight put a hoof on the door to open it but was stopped by a hoof on her shoulder. She found Starry Night giving her a weary look. The hoof on the shoulder was removed only to be appear in front of Twilight, pointing to her horn.
Twilight gasped quietly and shot Starry Night a apologetic smile before letting her light spell go. Quietly and slowly the mares opened the door. Poking her head out Twilight searched the hallway for any signs of life. Luckily there was none to be seen in the dimly lit hallway. Both mares made it out into the hallway with less caution but still on alert.
"We have to head up to the first floor before we can continue on to the dungeon." Starry Night explain using her knowledge of the castle hopping it was accurate.
Being of minor nobility Twilight and her family had visited the castle on more then one occasion, even getting a tour the first time. Thanks to inquisitive nature she had during the time and a nice tour guide she had been told were the door to the dungeon was. She was even shown it.
Without saying a word to each other they trotted down the hallway and to the stairs leading up.
upon reaching the first floor the duo began a game of run & hide with the patrolling guards. What would have been a five minute walk down the hall ended up being ten minutes long. They would run into rooms or in niches. Several times they thought they might be caught but luckily the guards passed by them without a clue. The most dangerous part was when they had to cross the Main Hall that extended from the front door to the Grand Staircase. Finally then made it to the end of the hall which lead into a T shaped intersection.
Twilight tapped Starry's shoulder and pointed down the left side to the door at the end. The disguised Alicorn nodded. Making one more check to see if nopony was in sight they crossed into the corridor.
Halfway there a voice the sounded like a child spoke from behind them. "Whacha doin?" The two mares froze feeling their bodies to=urn cold. Yet they were sweating at the same time. Slowly they turned their heads to see who was behind them.
Before them stood a purple and green dragon, no taller then the length of their legs. A moment of silence descended on the three of them. Then on unison Twilight and the dragon spoke.
"Spike?" "Twilight?"
The dragon stared at Twilight like he had seen a ghost or a zombie. Spike slowly walked up to Twilight and placed a claw on her cheek. When his claw met resistance his serpentine eyes began to water. "You're alive" He cried. Lowering his claw to her neck then drawing himself closer to hug said body part. "When we got word that so-so...that sun magnum place had blown up and that most ponies that work there were either dead or still missing...I...I feared for the worst." Spike wept burrowing his face into Twilight's chest.
Twilight rose a hoof to carass Spike on the back. "It's ok I'm here, I'm alive." She said smiling sweetly. Starry Night watch the scene unfold with amusement and mild surprise.
"Who's your friend Twilight?" Startled, the pony and dragon spilt a part from each other at amazing speed. The dragon quickly rubbed his tears away and puffed out his chest. Starry Night laughed at his attempt at trying to play down his previous mushy feelings.
"Twi? who's this pony?" Spike asked his friend.
"Um this is C-Starry Night." Spike raised a brow. "I...I meet her at Solaris Magnum...I'll explain later, right now I need to free my brother."
Satisfied with her answer Spike nodded. "Let me go with you, I was asked to go there myself." This time it was Twilight and Starry Night's turn to raise an eyebrow. Spike let out a sigh "Queen Cadence ask me to assess the situation involving Shinning's imprisonment."
"Uuhhh...Queen Cadence? Why would she be interested in Shinning Armor?"
"UM....let's save that for later, a guard could be appear at anytime." Spike said trying to push Twilight toward the dungeon. Twilight shot Spike a questioning glace but complied. Starry Night followed right behind them amused by interaction between the two.
It did not take long for the trio to reach the dungeon guard post after descending down the stairs. Said guard post consisted of one wooden table, A hook with a key hanging from it, two guards and a deck of cards. The guards, who happened to be unicorns were too focused on their card game to noticed the newcomers standing just of range of the candlelight.
Spike, who was the head of the group turned to face the mares. With a his claw in motion them to lower their heads to his level. "both of the guards should follow me to the cell Shining is in-" "And since they don't need the key we'll grab it while you have them distracted." Starry Night cut in. 'Aww, I wanted to explain the plan." Spike mopped. Twilight just deadpanned at the two.
Without delaying farther Spike stepped into the light and jogged to the guards. the guards still hadn't noticed him even as he reached the table. "Ah excuse me." No response from the guards who continued to play their game. A flash of annoyance crossed spike's face. He then coughed into his clenched fist and opened his mouth wide. "EXCUSE ME."
The two guards jerked their heads into the direction of the noise. There was Spike doing his best puppy-dog impression. "What do you want shorty?" One of the guards asked.
"Oh I was asked to report the condition of the former captain." he stated.
The two guards glanced at each other then back at the dragon. "Oh and why do you need to do that?"
"Oh...um...oh right, it's because since he's going o be hung soon they want to know if he's in a good enough condition to walk himself or if he has to be dragged." The guards continued to look at him not completely buying it. "Also it's gong to be a public ex-ah hanging and they don't want to him to look to beat up...you know for the king's repatriation and stuff, don't want to scare the nobles hehe." Spike said nervously.
the guards sighted "Alright let's make this quick." one said as he and his partner trotted away from the table. Spike followed behind them doing his best to surpass his joy.
From the there hiding place the toy ponies watch the three leave. "Interesting." Starry Night said
"Indeed, I didn't think dragons could sweat." Twilight replied.
'What? That not...never mind." Starry Night shook her head before the two trotted to the post to grab the key.
~~~
Spike and the guards pasted a number of cells. Some were occupied while others were not. The guards stopped short almost causing Spike to walk right into one of them. One of the guards nodded his head toward the cell on his left. The cell was mostly hidden in darkness with only a little section illumined by the candle hanging on the wall behind them. "Ok we're here, do what you need to do and do it quickly." One of the guards said. Spike walked around them eyeing them with caution.
Placing his claws on the cell bars Spike called out into the dark room. "Shining, Shining Armor...It's me Spike."
At first Spike only heard the sound of hooves landing on the floor. Shortly after however, a pony called out as he walked into the candlelight "Spike? Spike! What are you doing here?" Shining sounded excited and worried at the same time.
"Oh I got orders to check up on you." Spike smiled softly.
"Are you done yet." A guard growled before Shining could even open his mouth to reply.
"Uhhh" Spike stammered realizing that he hadn't planned on what he would do next. Luckily he didn't have too.
THUNK, THUNK The two guards fell to the ground unconscious. Behind them was Twilight levitating a non-stick pan in front of her. Starry Night watching from behind not sure how she should react. Coming to terms with what she did Twilight dropped the pan. "Oh no oh no oh no I just hit two guards."
"Yep and with a frying pan for some reason." Spike added.
'What, non-stick frying pans can be surprisingly good weapons, you'll be astonished how many books mention them being used as such."
"I guessing they're from the fantasy section." Spike retorted.
"Sh-Shut up"
Twilight Glared at Spike while her cheeks became a rosy color. A moment latter she noticed a white figure pressing up against the cell bars staring at her in awe. "Twi-Twilight is...is that really you? what are you doing here?"
"SHINNY." Twilight ran to hug her brother only to be stopped by the bars. "Ok Shinny we'll get you out in a second. I won't let you hang for a crime you didn't commit. Starry, key please."
"Actually Twi....technically I did commit treason." Shinning Armor rubbed the side of his neck and shifting his eyesight away from Twilight.
"wha...what do you mean you did commit treason? what did you do?" Twilight asked, ears flatting.
"I was caught making out with the queen." Shinning spoke softly, unsure how his sister would react. After seeing Twilight giving him a questioning look as well as titling a ear forward he repeated himself. "I was caught making out with Queen Cadence."
"..."
"W-" A pair of claws and a pair of hooves quickly covered the mouth of Twilight Sparkle. Though unable to speak Twilight continued to blow hot air and incoherent words into the limbs of the creatures trying to quiet her. Several moments passed before Twilight became calm enough for the dragon and fake unicorn to remove their appendages.
"Why, just why would you go and do something like that....I know the Queen is a very nice pony but you forgot she has the title of Queen for a reason." Twilight fumed at her brother who was slightly cringing at her demeanor.
Memories of the times he spent with Cadence flashed through his mind. He needed to take a stand and not be afraid of admitting his feelings. "Twilight, I love Cadence and she loves me. King Blueblade, he...he just wants her as a trophy wife. Trust me, I've been a captain long enough to hear the things he says about her being a wonderful prize...Cadence told me that he practically blackmailed her parents into having her marry him. She's been miserable since she got here. I honestly don't know what she would have down if I hadn't stepped up and became the pony she could release all her fears, worries, her hopes and her dreams. "
Shinning let out a heated breath open finishing his rant. Both Twilight and himself looked away from each other, not able to meet each other's glaze.
"Hey, I...I just found out a huge and illegal secret that our Government has been hiding so I-I believe you." Twilight finally said no longer looking away from her brother.
Shining opened his mouth but the words that were spoken did not come from his mouth. "I vish not to interrupt family reunion but can ve make vith the escaping dungeon now and the chatting latter."
Twilight, Starry Night and Spike shifted their sights past Shining to see a Griffin appear from the shadows. "GRIFFIN!!!" Twilight yelled.
"Twi, it's ok, Vald is cool we talked a bit and he's a pretty nice guy."
"But but Griffins are the ones who attacked Solaris Magnum."
"Wut" Shinning replied, astonished at what he just heard.
Before either pony spoke up again Vald cut in. "So this is vhat fake king met vhen he said he vould persuade ponies to raise sun higher north." The Griffin's tone was heavy and filled with bile.
All other conscious being in the room looked at him with confused expressions. "I explain later now time to go."
It only took seconds to release the two prisoners. Twilight continued to eye Vald warily, while she trusted Shining it didn't mean she would trust the Griffin. The Griffin either was oblivious or ignored her stare. Once out of the cell Shining finally acknowledge the other mare. "Oh sorry, I don't believe we met. I apologize for not acknowledging you sooner."
Starry Night smiled. "It's okay. Under such circumstances I understand that my presence isn't the first thing that needs to be examined and explained. My name is Celestia it is a pleasure to met you Shinning Armor." Twilight removed her stare on Vlad to look at Celestia in surprise that she revealed her name. Celestia just smiled back at her. Spike was completely confused but held his tongue. They had wasted enough time and Spike knew it.
"So whats next." Spike said, breaking the unusual silence that had befallen the group. He then add "I'm good with what you guys decide but I don't want to be he when those two wake up.' Spike pointed at the guards who were still knocked out cold on the stone floor.
"I want to see Queen Cadence. Then we leave." The members of the newly from party expressed their feeling on Shining Armor's proposal. Celestia perked up in interest especially when she remembered Twilight mentioning she was an Alicorn. Vald nodded with a smile on his face. Spike repeated Vald's actions. Twilight just stood dumbfounded that her brother wanted to brave the castle to find the pony who he clamed he loved.
"Shining tha-"
"Okay, but let us not forget to be careful."
"I vell help vith the reaching of the Queen pony."
"You already have my vote."
A purple hoof met a purple face of the purple pony. The other four watched as Twilight rubbed her head. "Fine but let's make this quick." she sighed heavily. Her breath, however was suddenly lost upon Shining Armor hugging her intensely.
A short time later the key to Shinning's repressor was found on one of the guards. Spike voiced his curiosity as to why the guards kept the repressor key on them and the cell key on the hook. Nopony or Griffin could give him an answer.
The door that marked the entrance and exit to the dungeon open slightly as five heads appear from it in a comical ladder like manner. Spike at the bottom followed by Twilight who was under Celestia/Starry Night's head. Shining took up the second highest spot with Vald's head peeking out above them all.
"SO vhere vould Queen pony be?" Vlad whispered quietly.
'It depends on what time it is. Does anypony know what time it is." Shining Armor spoke in a strained whisper making sure everyone heard him with out alerting any possible guards.
After several seconds of concentration Celestia replied. "It is around three in the afternoon."
"Then she should be in the gardens on the side of the castle." Shining separated from the rest to begin making his way to said gardens. The others followed suit not wanting to be spilt up.
'Luckily my brother was a guard otherwise I would find it creepy that he knows exactly where the Queen is.' Twilight thought to herself following behind the rest. A stay thought came to her as the closed in on the intersection. "Hey isn't the entrance to the gardens near the Grand Stairwcase." She voice her thought a bit louder then a whisper. Shining's head turned to the side so he could see his younger sister. Still trotting forward he nodded once. Twilight frowned at this worried that they wouldn't be so lucky getting by the guards like she was able to do before.
It was at that moment the band stopped dead in their tracks. The had reach the edge if the corridor just before the intersection. It wasn't the intersection that stopped them. It was the appearance of three guards that had just trotted around the corner ending right in front of the group. The two parties stared at each other in surprise unable to say anything.
Shining and Vlad were the first to act. Shinning leaped at the guard in front of him. Thanks to the force behind his attack he was able to unbalance the guard and pin him on his back. At the same time Vald punched his target in the throat. It wasn't hard enough to do serous damage but it made the guard choke, lowering his head has he tried to reach his throat with a hoof. The guard's reaction allowed Vald to follow up with a downwards strike to helmet protected head. The guard's head slammed against the floor knocking him out. Watching his comrades become subdued the third guard turned away to alert others. Seeing this Shining aimed his horn and fired a mild strength magic bolt. The bolt it the guard in the side of the face. The third guard dropped to the floor unconscious. The guard under Shining just recovered enough from having the wind knock out of him to see Shining lower his horn toward his face and cast a sleep spell before darkness consumed him.
Out of the corner of his eye Shining armor saw Vlad smirking. "Shining pony has good fighting skills."
"Thanks, you're not to bad yourself." Shining armored chuckled lightly.
"Ha, I vouldn't be good mercenary if I couldn't handle a fight." Vald retorted as he waved his hand in the air madly. His hand throbbed in pain as Vald silently regretted using a bare hand against a armored head.
While the two males complimented on each others skill Twilight and Spike watched in awe. They knew Shining Armor had been well trained in hoof to hoof combat. Nevertheless it was still surprising to see him in action. Celestia's face on the other hoof held another expression. Appraisal, She view them in a appraising manner. She had seen many battles before her imprisonment. Even after the many years that have past what she had just witness was nothing new. Instead she had focused more on the level of skill the to carried out with their attack. She didn't like fighting but it would be foolish not to assess the abilities of others.
Collecting themselves and giving each other a short nod to confirm they were ready, the group continued on. No patrols were in sight when the group looked around the corner. This however, would not last long. Forgoing stealth for speed the ponies, dragon and Griffin cantered toward the Main Hall.
Nearing the Main Hall Shining stopped and rose his forehooves out to the sides. All those who were following stopped as well and waited fro Shining's next move. "There will be guards patrolling the hall regularly. There is no means of hiding and I don't know any invisibility spells, Twi, Celestia, do you?" The ponies in question shook their heads. "Then we need some sort of distraction...any ideas?"
While three of his four allies took on 'deep thought' expressions Vlad was rubbing a talon against the bottom of his beak. "Shining pony I noticed that castle has banners and tapestries placed throughout."
"Yea..." Shining said clearly obfuscated at what Vlad was getting at.
"And ve have dragon who can breath fire, right?" Vlad turned to Spike who nodded. It was at that moment the rest of the group understood what Vlad was applying.
Shining turned to his sister and the other two wishing that they would suggest something else. To his disappointment they remained silent. They were looking back at him waiting for him to say something. While it wasn't a bad idea and one he would have thought of it still displeased him that he would be damaging the castle even if it was just the flammable stuff. There were no other ideas sprung forth so Shining could only go with the choice that laid before him. "Alright Vlad, what do you have in mind."
The guards stationed to patrol the Main Hall stood in silence. Their job required hundred percent concentration, no lollygagging or lazing about. They had bee train to handle almost any situation. So when they heard somepony scream "AAHHHHHHH, FIRE." and seeing a unusual light from one of the a jointed corridors they acted accordingly. they left their posts and headed off into the direction of the voice and light. What they saw horrified them. A tapestry sporting the bust of their king was ablaze along with the banners of the kingdom's icon, the sun incased by the moon.
Without missing the beat the head of the patrol yelled out orders to his stallions. None of them notice a flash of light coming from the opposite corridor. Halfway down the Main Hall five beings appeared from a sudden flash of light. Without hesitating the ran down the hall.
"Looks like it worked." Spike said now on top of Twilight's back to avoid falling behind.
"Not for long, they will send somepony or ponies back to their posts in a moment while the others handle the fire. Hurry, I don't think I can risk doing another teleportation spell." Shining spoke sternly.
The Grand Staircase was used for many occasions. The King and his brother Prince Blueblood would make big announcements to the nobles of Canterlot. It was used as the backdrop for paintings including the one that was currently still on fire. During the Gala the King and Queen would greet their subjects on the staircase. The group's interest however, wasn't the Grand Staircase itself but the corridor to the right.
Hesitating only long enough to make sure the area was clear of guards, the group continue to follow Shining Armor as he made the turn to the right corridor. The corridor was short and held four panel windows on both sides. The one and only door at the end lead to the outside.
Using his magic Shining Armor opened the door and rushed out outside. Once the others joined him out side Vlad took a deep breath in. "Good to have fresh air in lungs again." He sighed.
After so many years since her last time here Celestia made sure to observe her surroundings. To her left was a open field with a large white Gazebo 50 yards away. Oddly enough there was an arrow sticking out of it. The right had nothing but freshly cut grass and the stone wall of the castle. In the front of her about six yards away was a long stretch of tall bushes that seemed to have been placed there to section of the area on the other side. There was a gap between the brushes thought it was farther to the right. A hoof on her shoulder brought her out of her reverie. It was Twilight who gave her a quick curious glance before motioning with her head to follow her brother who had given up running for a quiet trot.
Celestia nodded and trotted forward. Twilight came up beside her. "Pissst, hey Starry Night or Celestia....what ever you name is." Celestia turned her head slightly to find Spike trying to get her attention. At the same time she saw Twilight shift her eyes to the corner of her eyeball while raising a brow.
Seeing that he had grab her attention, Spike continued to speak 'Hey are you alright? You kind of zone out for a moment."
Celestia gave him a sad smile. 'I'm okay Spike...I just haven't been here in a long long time. I just needed a moment to take it all in." Spike raised an eyebrow but did not comment farther.
In front of the them both Shining and Vlad stopped. If either of them took another step forward they would be right in front of the gab and visible to anypony on the other side.
"There is a tree a few yards away from the entrance. If everything is alright Cadence should be underneath it." Shining said to no one in particular. Shining to a deep breath and stepped forward.