//------------------------------// // Chapter One: The Royal Invitation // Story: MLP Fanfic The Sun, Moon and Stars Book One: The Truth behind a Fantasy Tale // by Astrello //------------------------------// Chapter One: The Royal Invitation It is a clear, bright and sunny morning in Ponyville and Rainbow Dash is doing her daily flying exercises when she sees something that she never thought she would, Princess Celestia and Luna walking together in Ponyville. Normally Luna would most likely be asleep right now, or at least look very, very tired. However both Luna and her big sister, Celestia are smiling and full of energy. As they see Rainbow Dash they wave and call out to her. "Hey, Rainbow Dash can you come do here for a moment," the say in unison. Rainbow upon hearing them call her name, nods and lands beside them with a smiling. She then kneels and bows respectfully before the Princesses. “Princesses..." Princess Celestia and her sister smile. "Hello Rainbow Dash, we came here to offer you and all your friends a personal invitation for a very special surprise. Here are some invitations for yourself and your friends as well as anyone else you wish to come, they say handing Rainbow a small bag of invitations. We'll be awaiting your arrivals with great anticipation, Luna and Celestia say. Until then, farewell Rainbow Dash," they say with a bow before vanishing in a mix of silver and gold light. Rainbow Dash wonders what could make the Princesses more happy than they have ever been all these years. Even Luna who is usually groggy and sleeps most of the day is full of energy. The rainbow-maned Pegasus mare shrugs and heads off to tell her friends about what she has experienced and to hand out the invitations that the Princesses had given her. Her first stop is her friend, Twilight, or should we say, Princess Twilight, as she is a princess now, who lives in the Ponyville Library. Twilight Sparkle, now Princess Twilight, had no idea of what kind of a surprise she would have today nor do she ever expect to see Rainbow Dash as enthusiastic about something other than flying and friendly competitions or adventure. She especially never expected her to be thrilled about a royal invitation from the Princesses, especially when they are expected to dress up nicely for it, though Rarity would be thrilled to make them for her as well as others. At the moment however the purple unicorn mare princess is at her desk with a single book open in front of her and is scribbling away with her quill at a single piece of parchment. Twilight pauses as she hears a knock on the door of her home. "Spike, can you go answer that, please? I would do it myself but I'm very busy. I'm working on something very important for the Princesses." "Sure thing Twilight, I'll be right there after I finish with this, Spike says as he finishes placing the last book into place. Then he walks over to the door and opens it. As he sees Rainbow Dash with an invitation in her hoof he smiles back. Well hello there, Rainbow Dash, what do you need," he asks. Rainbow Dash gazes at Spike and smiles. "Hello Spike is Twilight in, I need to talk to her about something. Oh and I need to give her this," the rainbow-maned Pegasus mare says pointing to the envelope in her hoof. Spike nods. "Yeah, she's here. She's working on something at her desk. I'll see if I can get her away from her work for a few minutes, for you. Go ahead and make yourself comfortable while I go get her," Spike says after letting Rainbow Dash inside the house. Encircling Rainbow Dash are vast shelves filled to the brim with all kinds of books, from Children Fairy Tales to ancient histories about different parts of Equestria. Now Rainbow Dash has never and would probably never be as much of an avid reader and lover of books as her friend, Twilight Sparkle but there is one book that she absolutely loves and comes to borrow from this library as much as she can. That book and the series of books are called The Adventures of Daring Do. This rainbow-maned Pegasus loved these books so much that she once even took a copy from the hospital. She had been injured in a fight or some accident and was stuck in the hospital for some time, where she started to read this book. but that was in the past, now all she had to do was visit Twilight and she could get any book for from the series without any trouble. As Rainbow Dash waits Spike wanders over to Twilight and taps her shoulder. Twilight Sparkle finishes her writing and turns to face Spike. She looks thoroughly exhausted but the purple unicorn is determined not to fail the Princesses. Yawning loudly and shaking herself Twilight addresses her companion and friend, Spike. "What is it Spike? Who is at the door," she asks yawning again. Spike gazes behind him, before turning to speak to Twilight again. "It's Rainbow Dash and she has royal invitations from the Princesses," he says. Twilight Sparkle gasps and immediately steps down from her desk, splashes her face with cold water and dries it off with a towel before going to her friend, Rainbow Dash. "Hello there, Rainbow, how are you," Twilight asks. Rainbow Dash smiles. "I'm good Twilight but somethings really up with the Princesses," she says. Twilight looks at Rainbow Dash with a questioning look on her face. "Why do you say that, Rainbow," Twilight asks. "You didn't see them when I did, Twilight. Both Princess Celestia and Luna were happier than they've ever been. Luna was out enjoying the sunlight with her sister, Celestia and their eyes sparkled as they spoke to me," Rainbow says. Twilight Sparkle thinks about all this and nods. "Well that is interesting, whatever is the surprise they have for us, is something extra, extra special to them. I believe it might have something to do with this," she says pointing to the fairy tale book on her desk. Rainbow walks over to the desk and gasps holding the book in her hooves for several minutes before replying. "This is only the most famous fairy tale there is. Every foal in Equestria is read this story by their parents. She flips through the book as she continues. Everyone in Equestria knows the story of the two royal sisters and their..." She stops as she cannot say the last words. What if the surprise was in fact the Princesses' little brother, the missing prince in the story? What if the fairy tale is not just a story but reality, she thinks. Twilight sees the look on Rainbow's face and places a hoof on her shoulder, "Are you alright Rainbow," she asks. Rainbow Dash shakes herself and smiles as Twilight. "Oh no I'm fine Twilight, I was just thinking about something is all," she says. Twilight smiles and nods. "Well we had better go inform and round up the others as well. Why don't you go inform and round up Fluttershy as Applejack and I'll go get Pinkie Pie and Rarity. Once we are done get the others we'll meet at Rarity's alright," Twilight says. Rainbow Dash nods and smiles. "Alright that sounds good to me, Twilight. I'll meat you there. We got to hurry though, the invitation says noon and its already 10:30," Rainbow says looking at the clock in Twilight's home. Twilight nods, placing the fairy tale book in her saddle bag before levitating Spike onto her back. Then she and him head off toward Rarity's boutique and SugarCube Corner. Rainbow Dash takes off toward Fluttershy's home. Meanwhile back at the palace I yawn and stretch before tossing aside the covers of mine and my sister's bed. I rub my eyes with my hooves and slowly step out of bed. My snow white mane and tail are starlight in the rays of the golden sun that pierce through the cracks in the curtains. My horn sparkles in the light and my wings remain folded at my sides. As I wake my big sisters, Princess Celestia and Luna enter the room. As I see them I gallop over to them and hug their legs. I am very small for a full grown alicorn in fact most would think I am still a foal for I am the size of one. "Morning, big sisters," I say smiling as I gaze up at them with my midnight blue eyes. My sisters smile and Luna gently picks me up in her hooves and kisses me on the forehead, before she and my other sister, Princess Celestia nuzzle me affectionately with their heads. Princess Luna places me on her back and nuzzles me again with her head. I smile and nuzzle her back. My other sister, Princess Celestia runs her hooves through my mane as she wanders over to our closet to get me something special to wear. Luna goes over to the closet and with her sister they pull out just the right outfit for the surprise they have for me. I stand still as my big sisters dress me in the beautiful suit that they have chosen as well as place my crown on my head. They also take out a one of a kind necklace that they make for me when I was younger, which they put around my neck. As Princess Celestia fits my wings into my robes, Princess Luna works on getting my shoes on. Soon I am all dressed and my sisters carry me over to a chair in front of a mirror at our desk, before starting to style my mane and tail. As they continue to prepare me, the palace servants and guards do their part preparing the palace. Security measures have been taken to make sure that my sisters and I are safe. Most of the new measures are to protect me though, because I am so small that even the smallest weakness in the defenses could be devastating. My sisters smile and embrace me before they continue their work on my mane and tail. After so many long years, we are finally together again. Meanwhile back in Ponyville Twilight is headed toward Rarity's when she comes upon two more familiar ponies. It's her big brother, Shining Armor and her big sister, Princess Cadence. Overjoyed to see them both she gallops over. "Brother, sister what a pleasant surprise. What are you two doing here, I thought that you were going to be away for a while? Well no matter, it's so great to see you guys," she says embracing them both. Her brother smiles and so does her sister as they speak as the group embrace one another. "It's good to see you too, Twilly, her brother, Shining Armor says ruffling her mane affectionately with his hoof. Then Cadence nuzzles her and speaks. Its always nice to see you, Twilight, she says. That goes for you too, Spike, they say smiling. Spike waves at them and smiles back. The two then turn to Twilight again. So what has gotten you so excited little sis," the two ask. Twilight shows them the invitation from the Princesses and tells them what Rainbow Dash told her. Her brother and sister smile and nod producing their own invitations. "We've been invited to it too, they say excitedly. I wonder what could make my aunts so happy. It must be something very special, Cadence says. Well why don't we go together as a group, that would make it easier on the palace guards that have enough on the hooves already according to you big brother here," Cadence says. Shining Armor nods and kisses Cadence. Twilight smiles and Spike agrees. "Alright, Rainbow said that she'd meet us at Rarity's once she had gotten Applejack and Fluttershy, she says. Let's start at SugarCube Corner, we are certain to find Pinkie Pie there. Then we'll head toward the boutique to re-unite with Rarity and the others," Twilight suggests. Shining Armor and Cadence nod. "That sounds good to us, Twilly, her brother says. Lead the way little sis," he says affectionately ruffling her mane. Twilight returns the affection with a nuzzle against his neck and they all make their way to SugarCube Corner. Elsewhere in Ponyville Rainbow Dash has arrived at Fluttershy's house. She knocks on the door. It swings open and she enters the house. "Hello, anyone home," she asks. No answer. Angel, Fluttershy's bunny sees Rainbow and hops over to her. Rainbow smiles as she sees the little bunny and nuzzle it with her head. "Well hello there, Angel, do you know where Fluttershy is," she asks him. The bunny smiles and nods. Using some sticks and words, he lets Rainbow know about where Fluttershy is. She is at Rarity's waiting for you guys. Rainbow thanks Angel and gets him a carrot as reward. Angel happily munches on the carrot and waves as she leaves. Back at Sugarcube Corner Pinkie Pie and The Cakes are very busy making the deserts for the special festivities that are planned. Little do they know that the festivities are to celebrate mine and my sister's re-union after being apart for so long. As Pinkie Pie sees Twilight and her siblings she smiles and waves. "Hey there Twilight, what are you and your sibling doing here at this hour, Pinkie Pie asks as she steps away from her parents, The Cakes and over to where she and her parents sell the deserts that they make to ponies. Want some chocolate fudge? It was just made this morning," she says smiling and holding a tray of them out. Twilight shakes her head and speaks. "No thank you Pinkie, we are not here buying sweets. We are here to invite you to an event at the Princesses' Palace. She reaches into her saddlebags and pulls out an envelope with both Princess Celestia and Luna's seal. They have invited us to the palace for a special and secret surprise," Twilight says. Pinkie Pie beams and smiles before turning to her parents. "Mom, dad can I go with her to the special event that the Princesses' have for us," she asks. Mr. and Mrs. Cake smile and nod. "Sure you can Pinkie, just remember to behave yourself when you are there." Pinkie Pie nods and walks over to Twilight before they all head out the door and toward Rarity's Boutique. Pinkie Pie waves goodbye to her parents and they wave back. "Have fun dear," they say smiling as they continue work on the deserts for tonight. Back at Rarity's Boutique Rarity hears a knock on her door and stops her work to let Rainbow in. Applejack is already there having something of her sister's, Apple Bloom, being repaired. Smiling Rarity leads Rainbow to the couch to where Applejack is sitting. Rainbow smiles and sits beside her. "Hey there, Rainbow, what's gotten you so excited, girl," Applejack says lightly punching her shoulder. Rainbow massages her shoulder a little and reaches into her saddlebags. Pulling out two small envelopes she removes them from the bags. "This is what has me all excited," she says as she hands the invitations to Rarity and Applejack. Rarity opens it quickly and her eyes shine. "A special event with the Princesses and at noon too. She gazes at her clock and gasps. It is already eleven o'clock. Oh my, we should hurry and get ready, the Princesses are expecting us in an hour. I have made many dresses for such an occasion, but we should wait for Twilight and the others first." Rainbow nods and walks over to Rarity. "Have you seen Fluttershy, Rarity," the rainbow Pegasus mare asks. The snow-white unicorn with purple mane and tail shakes her head. "No, sorry darling. I haven't see her for a few days. Why is something wrong, Rainbow," Rarity asks with concern. "Well no, except the fact that her home is completely dark and the last time anyone saw her, she said she was coming here." Rarity gazes at Rainbow and replies. "Well she never came here, I'll tell you that, she says. Why do you think she never told anyone where she went," Rarity asks Applejack and Rainbow. The two mares shake their heads. "I don't know but whatever it was, it was very important, because she didn't even lock her door," Rainbow says. Rarity nods and shrugs. "Well whatever it was, I'm sure that we will find out when we get to the palace. Now where is..." Before the unicorn mare can finish there is a knock on her door. Walking over to the door she opens it up. Twilight and her siblings, Shining Armor and Princess Cadence step inside. "There you are Twilight and you brought your sister and brother, how nice, Rarity says smiling. Fluttershy is not here, I'm afraid. No one has seen her for a few days now. My guess is that she is already at the palace waiting for us. So come this way Twilight and the rest of you girls. Let us choose what you are going to wear to this event and then we'll be on our way. Applejack, Rainbow, Twilight and Pinkie Pie all follow her to a separate room that she had made just for such things. Twilight goes first. Selecting a beautiful deep violet dress embellished with silver stars that sparkle in the light, she dresses herself and steps out of the room. Her sister and brother smile as she shows off her dress. "You look very beautiful, little sis," they say as they nuzzle her affectionately. Next Rainbow Dash step out of the room. She is dressed in a magnificent sleek rainbow dress with clouds drifting among the rainbows. Waving at Twilight she trots over to her and her siblings smiling. Rainbow waits patiently with the others. Cadence runs her hooves through Rainbow's mane and smiles. "You look very pretty dear," she says nuzzling her. Rainbow smiles. "Thanks Princess Cadence," she replies. The Princess laughs. "Oh, no need to call me Princess, dear. We are all friends here, so I am just Cadence." Rainbow nods and smiles. "Alright, thank you, Cadence," she says again. "Your welcome, my dear," Cadence says stroking her. Minutes later Applejack steps out of the room. She is dressed in an emerald green dress with Sweet Apple Acres upon it against a vibrant sunset. Waving to the group she trot over to them and waits. Pinkie Pie and Rarity finally emerge out of the room together. Rarity is dressed in a violet and white dress with diamond designs that glisten and sparkle like the gem itself. Pinkie Pie is dressed in a bright pink dress filled with wild colors and with balloon designs as well as fireworks that glow standing out against the party style dress. Rarity and Pinkie Pie join the others and together the group sets off toward the train station. When they get there, they see Fluttershy. She is dressed in a beautiful green and yellow dress with flowers springing to life upon it and butterflies dancing among them. As Fluttershy sees the others gallop toward her, she is frightened and looks for a place to hide. A group of guards have been sent to escort them to the event and so she hides behind a large black Pegasus stallion with fiery mane, shaking with fear. The Pegasus stallion and strokes her gently with his hoof before speaking. "Shh, its alright little Pegasus we are here if you need us, but everything will be fine, I promise," he says. The other ponies with him nod and stand at attention as Shining Armor comes into view. Shining Armor walks over to the group and speaks. "At ease, he says. The guards relax. Why are you all here? I haven't heard of any new security measures?" The guards reply. "We are here on the Princesses' order sir. They sent us here to escort you and the others to the palace and through it do to all the changes that have been made. The Princesses will fill you in when you get there,sir. Now shall we," they say opening the door to train. Shining Armor nods and joins the others before stepping into the train after his wife and his little sister, Twilight. Applejack and Pinkie Pie follow after them and then Rarity soon after. Rainbow starts to step in when she realizes her necklace is missing. This necklace is special to her because her brother gave it to her. She frantically searches around for it, worried that she may have lost it forever. In her frantic search Rainbow falls. Acting quickly one of the guards breaks formation and catches her in his hooves. "Are you alright, miss," he asks dusting her off. Rainbow nods and shakily stands up. The Pegasus stallion then reaches into the pocket of his suit and pulls out a necklace. "Is this what you were looking for miss," he say smiling. Rainbow sees the rainbow streaming through the clouds with the sun rising over it. The rainbow has her and her brother's name upon it. With tears in her eyes she nods. "Yes," she says swallowing. "May I," he says taking the necklace and undoing it before walking toward Rainbow. Rainbow blushes and nods turning around so that stallion can put on her necklace. The stallion gently places necklace around the rainbow Pegasus mare's neck and fastens it securely around the back with her rainbow mane covering it. "There you go, Rainbow and by the way you really look beautiful today, Rainbow Dash. Have fun at the event. I'll see you soon, Rainbow," he says before lightly kissing her on the cheek and stepping into line with the others again. Twilight and the others giggle as Rainbow Dash blushes from the kiss and waves at the guard. As the six mares and the friend as well as the guards step into the train. The train starts to move and they are on their way to Canterlot, where the Princesses live. Applejack nudges Rainbow and speaks. "Looks like someone's in love," she says giggling as the others join her. Rainbow's face grows red as she replies. "Am no... Well maybe I am," she says nervously. Twilight smiles and embrace her to be soon followed by the others, including Fluttershy. They break the embrace and Twilight speaks. "So Rainbow, when and where did the two of you meet," she asks. Rainbow thinks and replies. "We meet each other about a year ago but I can't remember very much about the place we were at, save the peacefulness of it all and all the trees surrounding us both. Applejack thinks about this and smiles. "You are describing a part of the park here in Ponyville, it's called Tranquil Springs. So why are you attracted to this Pegasus, Rainbow? I mean surely he isn't an athlete like you is he," she asks. Rainbow Dash blushes and replies. "Well actually you would be wrong there, Applejack, you see he is actually very athletic but this is not why I am attracted to him though. It is his heart and very nature that does. You've seen for yourself what he is capable of just now. Doesn't that make you see and understand why I like him so much," she asks. Twilight and the other nod smiling. Rarity smiles at Rainbow Dash and replies. "Well you sure are lucky to have such a gentleman. I wish the best for the both of you two. Such a mare like yourself deserves no less. I hope that we can find stallions as good as yours, Rainbow," she says embracing her. The rainbow-maned Pegasus mare smiles and hugs her back. "Thanks, I'm sure all of you will find your stallion and that he will be as good if not better than mine," Rainbow Dash says. Then she turns to Fluttershy and speaks. "So Fluttershy where have you been, we haven't seen you since Tuesday of this week," Rainbow asks with concern. Fluttershy nervously looks around and taps her hooves on the wooden floor. Then swallowing she speaks. Her voice trembles and shakes due to her nervousness. "Well, I had some very important things I had to do. Sorry for not letting you all know, and worrying you all. I have been just so busy," she says. Twilight and the others embrace her. "As long as you are alright that's all that matters to us," they say as they embrace her. Fluttershy smiles and nods. "Well I'm fine, just a little tired from running around a lot and I guess I was a little nervous at see you guys, but that's not your fault at all," she says. "Why in tar'nation would you be nervous about seeing us, Fluttershy? We're your friends, right ya'll," Applejack says looking at the others. Twilight and the other three mares nod, before turning to Fluttershy. The yellow Pegasus mare with pink mane becomes even more nervous. Her legs begin to shake as she struggles to remain standing. Sweat falls down her brow as Fluttershy struggle to remain calm in front of her friends. Twilight seeing this reaction from her friend, trots over and support her. Rainbow Dash lands and does the same. Taking her to an empty seat they help her lay down and relax. "There we go, Fluttershy. Now get some rest, OK. We can talk about this more when you wake, but right now you need to rest," Twilight says firmly but gently to the shaking Pegasus mare. Fluttershy nods. "Please wake me when we get there. I need to do something for the Princesses before the special event," she says yawning. Rainbow Dash smiles and runs her hooves through the mare's pink mane. "Don't worry Flutters, we'll let you know when we get there," the rainbow-maned Pegasus mare says. "Ok, thanks. Goodnight you all," she says before falling asleep on the seat. "Goodnight Fluttershy," they say as she falls asleep. Twilight drapes a blanket from her saddle bags over the sleeping Pegasus mare and trots over to the others. Sitting down in their seats, they begin to converse with one another in low voices. "So what do you think the special event is Twilight," Rainbow Dash asks. "I don't know, Rainbow, but it has to be something big if we have guards with us," the purple unicorn mare says. "I agree, but what could warrant such a step up of security," Rarity asks. "Maybe, we're all thinking too hard about this. Maybe the reason for the step up of security has to do with the book that the Princesses are having Twilight go through," Applejack suggests. The others look at each other and nod. "So what is this book you have to go through Twilight," three of the four mares ask. Twilight using her magic pulls out the book from her saddle bags. The cover of the book sparkles as the light from the sun falls on it. The cover is a picture of the palace with circle in the center with five alicorns within it. The King and Queen with their two daughters and their little son. The cover is midnight blue with silvers stars and a moon. Written as if it were a constellation in the sky, is the title, The Sun, Moon and Stars. The others, besides Rainbow Dash, gasp and gaze at the book. They all know this book as well as the story within it very well. Then the white unicorn mare with violet mane speaks. "So they are having you go through this book," she asks Twilight. Twilight nods. "Yeah they send me this book through mail, some time ago. How long ago was it, Spike," she asks her baby dragon companion. Spike thinks about this and then replies. "At least a month ago, Twilight. Remember is was Luna, who delivered it," Spike adds. Twilight thinks back and nod. "That's right, Luna came herself to make sure I go it. Not only that she comes every evening to check up on me and see how I am doing with my work. Once or twice, my actual mentor, Celestia visits me as well. Though recently I haven't seen either one of them. It makes you wonder even more about the surprise they have for us," the purple unicorn mare says. The others nod and are about to comment, when the train comes to a stop and the conductor enter the room before speaking directly to them. "Alright ladies, we're here. Is there anything that any of you need help with," he asks with a slight bow. Applejack smiles back at him and shakes her head. "That's awfully nice of you sir, but I think we're good. Thanks for the offer though," the orange earth pony mare with golden mane says as she steps off the train. The conductor smiles and bows again. "Anytime," he says before returning to front of the train. The other three mares step off the train followed by Cadence and Shining Armor as well as the guards. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy are the last off. Rainbow is supporting the sleepy Pegasus mare as Fluttershy rubs her eyes and yawns. The other three help, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy get out of the train. Once their hooves are firmly on the ground Fluttershy is fully awake and she speaks. Embracing Rainbow Dash, she kisses her on the cheek. "Thank you Dashie, for that," she says smiling. Rainbow Dash blushes but smiles. "No problem Flutters," she says. "Well I'd best be off you all. I'll see you at the event," the yellow Pegasus mare says waving at them as she heads off toward the palace. The other remaining five wave as Fluttershy leaves. Then the guards beside them walk over and take their designated positions around them. As soon as they are all in position, the group slowly make their way toward the palace. After some march they come to the main entrance of the palace. Never have Twilight and her friends seen so much security. A Minotaur guard walks over to them and bows. "The Princesses are waiting for you all in the Throne Room, I'll take you there, he says. He turns to the escort and speaks to them. You are all relieved of your duty, the Princesses wish for you to return to your designated posts and remain alert. Nothing can go wrong here, or it could be devastating to you know who," he says firmly. Shadawn and his companions nod before heading off. The Minotaur leads them through hallways with entire patrols marching back and forth, stairwells with a guard on every step and past balcony as well as open windows with guards that change every few hours to make sure that all are at their best while on guard duty. The servants and butlers move about the palace carrying refreshments and drink to the many guards. Finally they come to the throne room. Four Minotaurs salute the Minotaur with them before opening the door. The Minotaur general speaks as they enter. "Twilight and her friends to see you, your highness," he says with a bow. "Thank you, Kruelin. You can leave and return to your post now," Princess Celestia says. Kruelin bows to the Princess as well as Twilight and her friends before heading off back to his post. As they step into the throne room they notice scores of guards but these are no ordinary guards either. Pegasus, Unicorns, and Earth Ponies stand beside all manners of other creatures. Some of which the have never seen before. Princess Celestia is speaking with a dark brown griffin and a elegantly dressed snake queen. A beautiful rainbow colored snake woman slithers over to them and speaks. "I apologize for the delay, Twilight SSSSparkle and Friendssss, she hisses. Many new ssssecurity meassssuressss have been put into place in order to protect ssssomething precioussss to the Princessssessss, I hope you undersssstand," she says with a bow. Twilight Sparkle nods and bow politely back to the snake woman. "We understand. Is there a place that we can sit while we wait," she asks. The snake woman smile and replies. "Yessss, of coursssse, pleasssse follow me, Twilight SSSSparkle and Friendssss, the snake says as she slithers over to a lounge filled with comfy chairs and couches. Twilight and her friends give a satisfied sigh as they relax. Smiling the snake woman speaks. If there issss anything that you need at all, pleasssse call me and I will be ssssure to do whatever I can to make you more comfortable," she says. The five mares as well as Cadence and Shining Armor nod but instead of Twilight speaking it is Rainbow Dash. She is curious for the reason behind all the security. Turning to the snake woman she speaks. "Sure we'll let you know if we do, but I do have one question for you miss," she says. The snake woman gazes at Rainbow Dash with her emerald green eyes. "Yessss, how can I help you, missssssss," she replies with a bow. "Why is security so tight here? Even with the invasion of Changelings there wasn't this much security," Rainbow says. The others nod in agreement. This was way more security than any of them have ever seen. "Hmm, I cannot tell you much, orderssss from the Princesssssessss, I'm afraid. However I can ssssay thissss; whatever is the reasssson behind all thisssss new ssssecurity meassssuressss, issss ssssomething that issss pricelesssss to the Princessssessss and ssssomething that wassss losssst until now," she says. Rainbow Dash as well as the other three listen to her words and think on it. "Well thank you, miss. We'll call you if we need anything else," the rainbow-maned Pegasus says. The snake woman nods and bows before leaving. Then someone they all know enter the room. Midnight, the Princesses' constant companion and friend. Smiling the black unicorn with midnight blue mane walks over to them. "You can all come in now, Celestia is waiting and Luna will be joining us shortly," the unicorn mare says. Nodding Twilight and her friends stand up before walking with Midnight into the Throne Room. Princess Celestia smiles as she sees them. "Well hello there, Twilight Sparkle and the rest of you, I'm so glad you could make it. I trust the train ride was alright. I do apologize for all that security but it is necessary I'm afraid," she says. Twilight and her friends smile as they shake their heads. "No need to apologize, Princess, we were just amazed by it that's all," Twilight replies and the others nod. Then Shining Armor speaks. "So why so much security, your highness," he asks. Princess Celestia smiles. "You shall see why for yourself very soon. Luna," she calls. After a few minutes there is a response. "What sis," Luna says from the stairwell. "You can bring him out now," she says. Luna nods and disappears in their chambers before slowly starting to walk down the stairs. Twilight and her friends can see something small on her back, but it is too far away to tell what it is. As she gets closer though the realize what it is. The thing on Luna's back is a little snow-white alicorn foal, dressed in fine clothes. As the Princess of the Night reaches her sister, Celestia reaches over and slowly picks me up before setting me on the ground. Then Luna and her speak. "Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Spike, Shining Armor and our niece Cadence, this is our little brother, Prince Astrello," they say smiling.