Princess Luna stood atop the roof of the Crystal Castle taking in her surroundings. It sure was a breathtaking sight: the faded silhouettes of the hills in the distance tinting a sunset sky as the sharp winter breezes pricked her skin.
“Goodnight, sister” she whispered as her horn glowed bright and she, for the first time, lowered the sun. In her mind’s eye, everything that just come to pass played over and over like a reel of film. And the emotion she had suppressed deep within her behind her mask of bravery pooled out of her eyes. She screamed. And her agony resonated between the crystalline buildings beneath her.
The fury that burned deep within her heart made her blood boil. Chrysalis was still alive, after all these years. Had she not learned her lesson that the ponies of Equestria were not a force to be trifled with?
And the Changeling male that accompanied her, the one responsible for her sister’s demise, Sanctus she said his name was, the Changeling king? The name was awfully familiar to Luna, but the face associated to it was merely just a hazy blur in her thoughts. As more tears gushed out of her, the easier, she found, it was to breathe, and in turn, to think. Throughout her history as princess, she was always the one who everyone turned to for battle strategy, but in the end she would always look to her sister to approve or sometimes even proofread of her plans, and thus share the responsibility. But this time round, Luna was all alone, and she hadn’t the faintest idea on what to do.
***
“Here you go, sweetie,” said Twilight, handing a white filly a ragged looking pony doll, “her name’s Smarty Pants. She was mine when I was just about your age. I know she isn’t in top condition, but she’s still as soft and cuddly as eve-oh” she gasped in surprise as the filly nuzzled her foreleg.
“It’s perfect, Princess Twilight!” the filly said, “You’re officially my favorite princess ever!”
Twilight blushed, but before she could utter thanks, the filly dashed off to her mother, “Mommy, look! Look! The Princess gave this to me!”
Twilight smiled serenely.
“I see you’re starting to get the hang of things when it comes to princess-subject relations” said a voice behind her. Twilight turned around on the spot, and her eyes met those of an orange Pegasus stallion in golden armor.
“I try, Flash,” said Twilight, blushing, “Shouldn’t you be off guarding some entrance or border or something?”
“Actually I’m assigned by Princess Cadence herself to guard you.”
Twilight cocked an eyebrow, “But I don’t need –”, she started defensively.
“And I might just add that Princess Cadence also told me you’d be objective about this, so she had Princess Luna sign this…”, he handed Twilight a tightly wrapped scroll, which she unraveled with her magic. Under her breath she rapidly mumbled the thin cursive words:
“I, Princess Luna of Equestria, hereby assign Flash Sentry to the position of Princess Twilight’s PERMANENT BODYGUARD!?”
She finished the sentence with such a high pitch, the sound was barely audible, and Flash, who was surveying her with a cocky expression said: “But wait, there’s more…”
“…until stated otherwise. In addition, following the death of Granite Hoofstead, Captain of Princess Twilight Sparkle’s royal guard, Sentry is to take his position. And henceforth, will be promoted to Captain Flash Sentry.
Signed,
Princess Luna
Princess Luna, Ruler of Equestria
Princess Mi Amore Cadenza
Princess Cadence, Ruler of The Crystal Empire”
She looked up at Flash, whose expression turned solemn. “Hoofstead is…dead?” she whispered.
Flash closed his eyes, took off his helmet and nodded. Twilight’s eyes were wide with shock, “b-b-but, he, I mean, what? How? When?”
“From what I heard from the guards that actually survived the Ponyville battle, it was about halfway through the fighting. He was striking loads of Changelings down, then he was overrun by them, before they knew it he was on the ground with his insides spilling out of him” said Flash.
“I-I just – I” she inhaled, “I can’t believe he’s gone! He was so tough!” said Twilight, fresh tears stinging her eyes. She bowed her head.
“I was in shock too when I heard” said Flash, gingerly placing a hoof on her back and stroking it comfortingly, “I didn’t think anything could take that guy down”
Twilight straightened up, “I’m not going to let those Changelings hurt anyone else if I can help it. They’ve taken down far too many of us.”
“Princess, I know it’s hard to accept that so many of us are gone, but it’s inevitable that more ponies will get hurt if we do gallop into battle, which I expect will be soon. You can’t protect everypony. That’s one of the first lessons I learnt during my years as part of the castle guard.”
Twilight sighed, “I’ll think of something, anything” she added in a whisper, looking up at Flash she said: “Thanks for the talk, Flash, I needed it”
Flash winked: “Anytime, Princess”
And the more Twilight looked him in the eye, the more she became lost in them. Those are some pretty nice eyes, a voice inside her head said; he obviously reads a lot.
Then she noticed how close their muzzles were to each other. She felt the color rush into her. They then heard a giggle, and when looking at the source they found it was that same white filly, looking at them with her face of absolute adorable-ness, hugging Smarty Pants close.
Twilight and Flash looked at each other with blushed cheeks. “I - uhm – I’m gonna go this way, see if anyone else needs a hoof” said Twilight
“Oh and by the way, Princess,” said Flash, “Princess Cadence wanted me to let you know that there will be an impromptu royal meeting in the throne room”
“Oh thanks, Flash” said Twilight, “When?”
“Uhm…in 5 minutes?” replied Flash hesitantly.
“WHAT?! YOU COULDN’T TELL ME THIS SOONER?!” yelped Twilight, and when noticing how the now startled bystanders were looking at her, “Oh ahem, hehe. Royal Canterlot Voice? I - err - MUST GO!” she said, badly imitating the Princess Luna she met that Nightmare Night all those years ago before hastily dashing off for the throne room.
Flash snickered.
***
“It’s ok, Twilight, you didn’t have to imitate a champion runner to get here. We couldn’t start without you, so you wouldn’t be missing anything really” said Cadence.
“But *breath* I *breath* had *breath* to *breath* imitate *breath* Underlight *breath* Bolt *breath* I was *breath* going to *breath* be *GASP* tardy!!” Twilight panted
“Cadence is right, Twilight, you didn’t have to rush, it’s Flash Sentry’s fault for not telling you sooner. However, while you catch your breath, let us begin” said Luna, “Discord, have there been any sightings around the border of the Empire?”
“Not at all. It’s been quiet, as far as I’m concerned” replied Discord, “I’ve set up watchponies around the border to be on the – I can’t believe I’m saying this but – the...safer side”
Luna nodded in approval, “Cadence, what can you tell me about the state of the injured?”
“Most of the ponies that got here survived and are stable. The Crystal Heart worked its magic. Unfortunately the wounds of some were too great and they, well, moved on.” Cadence bowed her head.
Silence...
“Ahem, Shining Armor”, said Luna, Shining looked up, “How are we doing on supplies?”
“With the supplies, we managed to gather as much as we could and store them underneath the castle. It’s a strong amount, but it won’t last, and it’ll quickly run out, considering we’re harboring most of the population of Equestria in the Empire. In terms of spacing, some ponies will just have to brave the outside conditions for the time being. We’ve crammed as many ponies as we could into the residents’ homes as well as the public buildings like the library and even the castle. We’ve got almost all the floors occupied by now.”
“Ok, make sure everyone’s got blankets and the essentials. Use duplication spells if you have to,” said Luna, Shining nodded. “Twilight, how are we doing inside the castle?”
“I’ve got guards handing out survival kits, surveying patrols, and ushering ponies to sleeping quarters or treatment areas. I’ve assigned unicorns, pegasi, and Earth ponies doing each respectively. I figured that would be the best option, considering Unicorns can use duplication spells if need be, and Pegasi will be able to have a wider field of vision when on patrols. As for the Earth ponies, they have a good sense of spacing and organization, so I thought ushering and overall supervision would suit them best.”
“Good thinking, Twilight” praised Luna. She sighed and continued: “That concludes the follow up of the present situation, but now to decide what are we going to do about the looming threat we're facing. It’s safe to say that Celestia and I, or even Discord had and still have no clue about what we’re up against. Only that these are Changelings that have somehow mutated so adapt to, shall we say “different” tastes. The feed off the hearts of others, not just ponies, but gryphons and zebras and buffalos even”
“Luna” started Twilight, “I’m assuming it’s safe to say we have a fair idea what they’re capable of. Have you seen who was leading them to do these things? Could it be Chrysalis again?”
Luna nodded, “I’m afraid so, Twilight.”
“Wait, Chrysalis? I thought she was long gone! Is she back?” said Cadence
“I’m afraid so, Cadence. She is, but she’s not alone. There was someone ruling beside her. Sanctus was his name. He was the one that brought Celestia down.”
“Sanctus, huh? His name sure sounds familiar”, said Discord, crossing his mismatching arms and leaning on one of the crystal pillars.
“Which brings me to ask, Discord;” said Luna, rounding on the draconequus, her tone harsh and cold, “I couldn’t help but notice he called you an old “friend”. Care to elaborate?”
Discord straightened up, “Luna, to be completely honest with you, I can’t really remember him. I didn’t know any Changelings before our little field trip. The only thing the name Sanctus brings to mind is the vague figure of a dark unicorn. I can’t remember the face or the fine details, but I do remember a Sanctus, but I can’t put my finger on it.”
“How do I know I can trust you? After all the toil and trouble you caused…”
“Toil and trouble that I have been exercising my willpower to the maximum to contain ever since I reformed. Do you know how tempting it is to see a terrible comedian on stage without making a pie zoom towards his face? Or a child holding a balloon by a string that can be cut so unnoticeably? I haven’t done anything bad since reforming and I don’t plan to. I cared about Celestia, and I care about you” argued Discord, “Now can we please focus on the enemy we already have instead of trying to make new ones?”
“He does have a point, Luna,” said Cadence, stepping forward, “I know you’re upset about Celestia, we all are, but we can’t start making enemies within ourselves. If we do that, we’re doomed”
Luna sighed, “You’re right, I was…foolish. It was just a moment’s weakness, nothing more. My apologies, Discord”
“Don’t worry about it, Lulu. It’s probably that time of the Lunar Cycle.” he said, putting an arm and grinning broadly, Twilight and Cadence shared a quick glance while Luna merely glared at Discord, “Too soon?” he asked.
“Too soon…” said Twilight, Cadence, and Shining Armor in unison.
Luna inhaled deeply and used her magic to levitate his arm off the back of her neck, “Anyway, back to the little problem we’re having, shall we? It is true that we don’t have any idea about this enemy, and it is true that we need answers to all our questions. Thing is, I think I may know a place where we can find them.”
“Where?” asked Twilight
Luna used her magic as a visual aid, showing a pool in the middle of a forest, surrounded by white stones with intricate markings, “To the north, beyond the Forest of the FreeFeather Trees, lies the remains of an old temple. Back when we were battling this one,” she jerked her beautiful head in Discord’s direction, “Celestia and I were still new to taking on the role of Princess. Whenever we were lost, we would always go there for answers or advice. It has not been touched in over a thousand years, but now I believe is as good a time as any to disturb the silent peace it has built up over that time.”
“But Luna, ponies have ventured into that forest and have never come back!” said Shining Armor.
“Yes, which is why I will be going, and you will stay with Cadence and Twilight” said Luna
“But Princess, if what you say is true. About Sanctus and Chrysalis trying to harvest the power of both the Sun and Moon, and them sending out patrols of Changelings to hunt you down. Don’t you think it’s too much of a risk? Considering this plan to get answers may or may not work?” implored Twilight.
“I do agree that this is a high risk venture, but it’s one of those things that needs to be done. I do feel that place can help us. And I do understand the price upon my head, which is why I will be bringing Discord with me” said Luna.
“I thought you didn’t trust me, Lulu. You did say that just a few minutes ago” said Discord cockily.
“I know, but I figured if you are truly one of us, it’d be good to have an ally out there. However, if you are a traitor and do try anything funny I’m pretty sure I can take you down in a cinch if need be” said Luna.
“At least get one of us to come with you” said Cadence
“No, Cadence,” said Luna firmly, “It’s too dangerous. And you can’t just think about yourself now, you’ve got somepony else in your belly that will be affected by your judgments in addition to your husband. You have responsibilities as well as the Crystal Ponies’ trust in addition to the connection you have with the Crystal Heart, which powers the protection the Empire has. You need to stay, do you understand?”
Cadence paused as if to object, but then nodded.
“But then what about me?” piped up Twilight, “can’t I come with you? Wouldn’t the Elements of Harmony be able to help with protecting you?”
“Yes, but I still can’t let you come Twilight. I know you mean well, but the fact remains that if we were to bring the Elements, then we will need their bearers too. And more ponies means more danger of being spotted. And besides, if we do get caught, we can’t let them get hold of the Elements, they’ll need to be with the ponies here,” said Luna
“But then what do you expect us to do?” demanded Twilight, “just sit round and wait like sitting ducks never knowing what’s happing with you? Whether you’re dead or not, or captured even”
“It’s a day’s trip and back, Twilight. And as a matter of fact, there is something that you and Cadence and Shining can do. Take care of the ponies. Make sure the guard is ready for battle by three days. I’m not saying we will fight by then, but I just want the guard to be ready in case the Changeling army attacks and the Crystal Heart’s defenses fail somehow.”
“Don’t worry, Luna” said Shining Armor.
“But there were hoards of Changelings attacking us, we’re well outnumbered! We don’t have nearly enough ponies to fight in case of a defective Crystal Heart. We need more soldiers just to act as a good enough deterrent, maybe if we sent letters to all the other kingdoms. If what you say is true, that the gryphons and zebras are affected, then they’ll want to stop the Changelings too. We can join forces!” said Twilight.
“Yeah but Twilight, the post is down. It’s too risky for a mere mailmare to go outside the kingdom,” said Shining.
“Ok then what about me. I’ll go. I’ll find each of the kingdoms. The Elements’ power should boost my teleportation spell. All I need is a map and I’m good to –”
“No. Twilight” said Luna firmly, “I’m not going to risk it. You’re still new to all this. Too inexperienced. Just stay put until Discord and I get back. We’ll sort everything out then,” she turned to Cadence and Shining Armor, “If we’re not back in 2 days, assume the role of Ruler of Equestria. I’ve cast a spell. Should the unfortunate happen and something happens to Discord and myself, the powers of both Sun and Moon are yours before Sanctus could get his Swiss-cheese hooves on them. Understood?”
Cadence and Shining nodded.
“Let’s go Discord. Fare thee well, all of you. See you in two days’ time maximum” said Luna, and she left through one of the tall windows of the throne room, closely followed by Discord.
Shining Armor turned to address Twilight: “It’s ok Twily, give her some –”, he heard the slam of the great door of the throne room entrance, “ – time?”, Twilight was gone.
Cadence put a comforting hoof on her husband’s strong shoulder and gestured to leave for their own chambers for the night with a comforting smile. It was getting late, worry could always wait till tomorrow...