Coming Attractions

by Rouis

Chapter Twelve: Luna's Twelve

Darkness flooded the lobby of the of the Celestia’s Palace Casino and Hotel, and to make things worse it seemed that Silver Screen was out of magic in his reserves for the time being. Come on brain, you have to have some kind of plan in there, Long Haul thought to himself as the hissing noises grew louder. He could have sworn he felt something brush along his side before he took a sharp blow to the side knocking the wind out of him. He knew that whatever the things that pretended to be ponies needed something from him and his friends. I can’t just stand here, and do nothing. He thought as he once again felt something brush by him. “Actually, maybe I can!” He said aloud as he turned, and bucked in the direction of where he felt the enigma. His reward was the solid feeling of his hooves making an impact, and sending the assailant flying away from him causing a shower of a luminous blue substance to coat his rear hooves, and wall which his assailant hit with a sickening crunch.

“Stand back. I want to take him down myself.” A raspy but powerful voice said as its owner cast a small lighting spell that illuminated the rest of its figure. The creature was covered in a black hardened carapace with a quadruped stance reminiscent of a pony. A jagged and sharp horn extended from its head, and instead of the flat teeth of a pony, it possessed the sharpened fangs of a predator. Two insectile wings ran along its back, and its hoof-like limbs were filled with holes that seemed not due to damage to the creature itself. Two entirely blue glowing eyes stared at Long Haul filled with nothing but a deep contempt.

“Damn you’re ugly.” Long Haul said as he observed the thing that had declared him a target. “You already seem to know who I am. So who, and what exactly are you?” He asked before glancing back to see two similar creatures holding Silver Screen, and Lemon Drop down.

“We are superior is what we are, but you may call me by the name bestowed to me by my glorious mother, Queen Chrysalis, the future ruler of this land and all to come. You may call me Filiform Ichor. I am the thirteenth admiral of her infiltration team.” The hideous insect made his way towards the prey he had been planning to capture, and began circling the large crimson stallion.

Long Haul carefully watched Filiform’s every movement. “So, how exactly do you go around pretending to be other ponies? It’s a rather interesting ability.”

In a burst of what appeared to be green fire where Filiform once stood, now stood what appeared to be Silver Screen minus his vest pacing around Long Haul all the while. “Every member of my species knows the art of skillful deception.” In another burst of the green fire, he shifted to the shape of Lemon Drop. “We can use it to get close to our prey.” He shifted to the guise of Aces High. “To confuse our enemies.” He finally shifted to the guise of Long Haul himself. “To eliminate our targets.” He said before lunging at the real Long Haul.

Long Haul dipped to the side, and dodged the mockery of him sending a rear kick at Filiform, the blow only met air..

Filiform shifted back to his true form. “You’re going to have to try harder than that I’m afraid.” He said as he leapt into the crowd of his brethren that surrounded him masking his presence in the process. “I can see into your mind Long Haul, and I know your weaknesses.” Filiform called out as his shape burst from the crowd hoping to catch Long Haul unaware.

Long Haul barely was able to dodge the attack this time, and felt his blow glance as he leapt back into the crowd. “Why bother toying with me if you can strike me down now, and be done with it?” He said as he dodged another attack.

“I suppose mother always did tell me I had a nasty habit of playing with my food.” Filiform said as Long Haul dodged another attack. “Very well, lets end this now shall we? Let me hit you, or I break your friend’s neck.”

The changeling that held Silver Screen placed his leg over the pinned pony’s neck ready to go for the kill.

“Help us Long Haul!” Silver Screen choked out.

“Don’t let us die!” Lemon Drop cried.

Long Haul braced himself for the hit that was about to come, but realized something a moment into holding still, and preparing for the inevitable. “You know besides going on the whole villainous rant, and explaining how your gross insect pony abomination body works. Also thank you for sparing me the inevitable train top fight scene that I’m sure you had planned just after you strapped me to the laser table, but you forgot something.”

“Do tell!” Filiform shouted as he burst from crowd ready to attack.

Long Haul turned, charged forward, and rammed his shoulder hard as he could at the approaching enemy. This hit connected, and sent the attacker flying back into the crowd of his brethren.

The group gasped at the attack, and the creature that was poised to execute Silver Screen spoke. “Should I go ahead, and kill this waste of breath boss?”

“That won’t be necessary.” Long Haul answered as he galloped at the creature and hit not him, but Silver Screen. “Sorry if I’m wrong buddy.” He murmured as the hit connected, and the shape of Silver Screen changed to that of one of Filiform’s kin. Its jaw bled a sickly blue blood that seemed to glow in the darkened space. “Yeah, last time I checked, Silver Screen does not bleed blue radioactive goop.”

“Over Here!” Silver shouted from across the lobby, he and Lemon Drop were surrounded by more of the creatures. “I’m surrounded by these things Long Haul! I think I’ll call them Doppelchangers!”

“First of all, we are not called Doppelchangers! Second of all, that is the worst name for something I have ever heard!” Filiform shouted as he emerged from the guise of the Lemon Drop that was pinned down.

“I know right? You should hear some of the other names he comes up with for things. Oh, and thank you ever so kindly for giving away your position.” Long Haul said as he slammed a hoof into Filiform’s face, which caused the creature to fall unconscious. “Now to just deal with the multitudes of creatures that are probably just as strong.”

Half the creatures panicked at the sight of their leader’s defeat, and skittered away into the evening through the lobby’s doors. The remainder that were left looked at each other unsure of what to do.

“Seriously?” Silver Screen shouted. “Let’s try this again. Haul, Drop, close your eyes!” He concentrated on the scraps of magic still left in his reserves and fired off one last light spell flooding the lobby with a blinding flash. When the light burst returned to normal levels the view was clearly one of victory.

The remnants of the creatures that had stayed lay dazed on the floor from the burst of light.

“Lemon Drop go check the front desk for anything we can use to tie these things up!” Long Haul shouted.

“Got it,” Lemon Drop acknowledged as she galloped over to the front desk, and gasped at what she saw. Under the open space of the counter lay Aces High, and the bellhops who appeared to be bound and gagged in some sort of sticky green substance. Lemon Drop peeled the substance off the mouth of Aces High.

“Ouch! Watch the mane!” The casino tycoon exclaimed as soon as he was free to speak. “What in tarnation is going on around here? One minute I’m helping a customer, and the next thing I know I’m tied up like some kind of present.”

“Sorry Mister High” Lemon Drop apologized as she untied the bindings on the rest of the hotel staff.

“I think you were attacked by these things.” Silver Screen yelled as galloped over to the now free Aces High. “Should we contact the local police?” He asked.

Aces High nodded to the now freed bellhops. “Boys take these things downstairs to the holding cells, and we will show them what happens when you mess with the Celestia’s Palace staff.” He commanded as the bellhops began rounding up the chitinous intruders, and taking them over to the teleportation rune.

“Remind me never to make Aces High angry,” Long Haul said as he cantered up to the group. “So why not report the attack to the authorities?” He asked.

Aces High placed a hoof on one of Long Haul’s shoulders “The last thing I want ponies thinking is that if they stay here they are going to be captured, hog-tied, and replaced by some of these-”

“Doppelchangers” Silver Screen corrected.

Aces nodded in agreement. “Yes those things. Anyway, I want to make sure that ponies feel safe here, and do not think they have to go somewhere else like the Neighlagio to feel safe. Just keep what happened here between us, and I’ll take care of the rest.” The tycoon sighed at the situation before resuming his usual friendly demeanor. “Now, I believe you three have a performance to get ready for, correct? I think the V.I.P. will be here soon, and I’ll need to get ready to intercept them.” He looked at the lobby of the hotel itself, which showed the signs of the struggle that had just happened. The floor tiles were chipped and coated with the creature’s glowing blood. “I also think I’ll have to keep them out of this lobby.” He said while pointing a hoof at an archway leading out of the lobby. “Head down that way, and across the casino floor to the main auditorium. I’ll check in with you one last time before the show starts.” He said before resuming the act of shouting orders at his workers.

The now safe group of ponies quietly made their way out of the lobby, and onto the casino floor. It seemed none of them wanted to talk about what had just happened until Lemon Drop broke the silence.

“One of them talked to me.”

“What are you talking about?” Long Haul asked.

“One of those things spoke to me when the lights went out. It called me its daughter.” She shivered in remembrance of the voice. “The letter my parents sent said something about my mom having no memory of antagonizing you two before we left. What if one of those things was pretending to be her? What if it’s still following us?” Her eyes began to tear up. “I’m scared.”

Long Haul stepped in front Lemon Drop, and raised her head to meet his gaze. “Lemon Drop, stop that.” He said firmly. “As long as you are with us I promise that we will keep you safe.” He pointed a hoof across the casino floor where the various ways to part with one’s bits ended, and the entrance to the Celestia’s Palace auditorium began. “Sweet Luna on a stick, check it out!” He shouted as he galloped up to the entrance. Flyers for their performance hung in the poster cases that lined the wall, and the name of their group was inlaid on the marquee. “We really have hit the big-time huh?”

“No kidding” Silver Screen said at the sight of their ads hung up.

“I’ll admit it is kind of impressive.” Lemon Drop agreed.

“Well then, what are we waiting for?” Long Haul asked before pushing open the doors of the auditorium.

The group once again sat slack jawed at the space before them. The ornate performance space featured what appeared to be deluxe seating for what seemed to be at least two thousand ponies with two V.I.P. balconies on either side of the stage, and a massive screen setup for the night’s performance.

“I see you’re my next act to set up. So what will you be needing?” Asked a familiar voice that came from an even more familiar beige coated pegasus.

“Light Riggs?” Silver Screen and Long Haul both asked simultaneously.

He did a small bow. “In the flesh. You were expecting somepony else?” He asked.

“You three don’t honestly think I got this far in the Haygas casino business without a little corporate espionage?” Aces High added while he cantered up from behind the chatting ponies. “Riggs has been my best informant on finding out what that dang Fancy Pants has been planning for the past five years. I picked him up after he quit touring with his band, and he’s been working for me since then.” The crafty tycoon turned to Riggs. “Our V.I.P. is here, and I want her seated up in the left balcony so make sure the area is presentable okay?” He used a hoof to adjust his Stetson before turning back to Silver Screen, Long Haul, and Lemon Drop. “I need to get back to making sure our guest is kept happy. She’s already frightened off half of the staff I sent to help her, and she has quite the demanding voice.” He placed a hoof on Silver’s back. “I’m sure if anypony can pull this show off it will be you three.” Aces High turned around, and left the three performers, and the tech director to their own devices.

Light Riggs smirked as he pointed to the gargantuan screen hung on the stage, and a small platform at the rear of the auditorium with one microphone. “I hope the screen is enough to suffice for the performance, and that platform back there is where we are going to have Silver Screen setup.”

“I’m right here you know.” Silver Screen said in a deadpan tone.

“Moving on then.” Riggs steered away from the topic as he called over two stage helpers. “Mic him up.” He commanded.

“Whoa there!” Long Haul exclaimed as one of the ponies clipped a small device to his tie. “What’s this?” He asked before recoiling as he heard his voice echo loudly through the auditorium.

“That would be one of the latest compact wireless microphones straight from Hooftech Industries in Baltimare. We only use the best, and newest tech over here at the Celestia’s Palace.” Light Riggs explained.

“What do I get to do?” Lemon Drop asked as she tried to pull off her best pouty face.

“What do you usually do?” Riggs said as he completely ignored the power of the pouty face.

Lemon Drop had to use all of her composure to ignore the crushing feeling of somepony being immune to her pouty face. “Well I usually collect admission, or sell concessions. My special talent is in food preparation, and hospitality after all.” She said proudly.

“Why don’t you go see if the kitchen staff needs any help? I know they have a lot of food to prepare. It’s through that door.” He said as he pointed to a service door on the opposite side of the auditorium.

“Can do! I’ll see you all after the show.” Lemon Drop hollered as she galloped off into the kitchens.

“She’s a little ball of sunshine.” Riggs quipped before he returned to the task at hoof. “Okay we’re all mic’ed up, and ready to go. Do you two need any more prep?” He asked.

“I think so.” Long Haul answered before one question bubbled up through his mind. “What movie are we showing tonight anyway?” He asked.

Silver Screen’s world flipped as the question posed at him finally sunk in. “I actually kind of didn’t think of that part.” He admitted while a cold sweat of panic began to sit in. “I failed us, and I didn’t plan ahead. What if the guest hates us, and Aces High gets mad? He’ll throw us in the underground jail place where he’s keeping the Doppelchangers! Doppelchangers are mean Long Haul! I can’t go back to jail again! You know what they’ll do to a stallion like me!” He began hyperventilating until Long Haul’s hoof clocked him in the side of the muzzle, and sent him to the ground.

Long Haul placed a hoof down firmly on the carpeted floor, and began to shout. “Snap out of it! You are my friend, and a big nerd, and if anypony I know can think of one heck of a movie to show it will be you!”

Light Riggs watched the exchange, and backed away to avoid the torrent of feelings. “I’ll just see you two after the show then. Good Luck!” He shouted as he galloped off towards the stage.

Silver Screen’s breathing resumed a normal rate as he looked up from the floor at Long Haul. “Thanks buddy. I think I needed that.” He said as he lay upside down, and closed his eyes.

“What in the name of Celestia’s curly moustache are you doing now?” Long Haul asked the now upside down pony.

The inverted pony opened one eye at his friend briefly, and spoke. “You know I do some of my best thinking when I’m either scared out of my mind, on my back, or both.” He laid there for a few moments before he quickly jumped back onto his hooves. “I’ve got it! The perfect story, and it’s sure to knock the socks off anypony who watches it. As long as they are wearing socks anyway.”

“If you say so, but can I at least get a title?” Long Haul asked the suddenly re-invigorated unicorn in front of him.

“If I have to. It’s a little something called-” He then leaned in to whisper the title to Long Haul.

Long Haul’s eyes grew wide at the mention of their soon to be shown performance. “You better be right about this.” He started to head up to the stage, but stopped to look at Silver Screen one last time before they went they took their positions. “I would wish you good luck, but you have the easy job.” He smiled, and trotted off.

Silver Screen smirked, and shouted at his partner. “If that’s what you have to tell yourself.” The vest clad unicorn then made his way onto the platform overlooking the auditorium. “It’s better than being hung up in the rafters I guess.” He commented before he sat down, and started to watch the ponies lucky enough to get tickets, or an invitation to the performance file into the auditorium. “No sense in letting them just sit there. How about I give them a little pre-show?” He said to himself before taking a deep breath, and tapping into his magic to use the memory spell. As the light of his horn graced the screen images of their journey so far began to dance across its surface. He omitted certain details here and there such as their arrival in Equestria, a majority of the C.L.O.P. incident, and of course the attack from earlier in the day, showing nothing more than a simple history of their group.

Long Haul looked up at the screen, and sighed. “That sentimental jerk.” He commented as a lone tear fell from his eyes.

“You okay there?” Riggs asked as he stopped right next to Long Haul.

The two of them stood in silence for a moment watching the highlights from the sidelines. “Just Thinking.” Long Haul answered before giving a long drawn out sigh. “Let’s get this thing started.” He said before slowly hoofing his way out onto the stage, and giving Riggs the nod to turn his microphone on. He gazed out into the filled auditorium, and the crowd eagerly awaiting the performance returned his gaze. “Greetings everypony.” He said slightly fumbling over his words before he regained composure. “Welcome to the first, and hopefully not last-” He took a moment to noticeably wink at Aces High in the guest balcony, which the crowd chuckled at in response. “Performance of the Coming Attractions traveling theater in beautiful Las Haygas.” During the thunderous applause that followed he took a moment to glance out at the guest balcony, and had to restrain himself from doing a double take when he noticed the big guest they had been expecting. Haul raised a hoof in recognition as the applause finally dialed down before continuing. “It is our pleasure tonight to present a story to you very unlike anything told in Equestria, and this world itself before. I present to you the tale that proves that within all of us lies the makings of a hero, and we call this tale: Captain Equestria.” He gave a nod to Silver signaling him that it was okay to start, and then made his way off the stage, and waited for confirmation that he was off mic.

Riggs gave a nod, and spoke first. “That wasn’t too shabby out there, let’s see if sparky can live up to your introduction.”

Long Haul spat out his reply with a tone of worry. “First I’m going to assume that by sparky you mean Silver Screen, and second: the guest that Aces is entertaining is that-”

“Yep.” Riggs confirmed

“Why didn’t anyone tell us that?.” Long Haul sat on his haunches and placed a hoof on his forehead then groaned. “Do you realise the repercussions that could fall on us if we mess anything up?”

The beige pegasus glossed over the question “I thought panicking is the other guy’s thing?” He pointed a hoof towards the presentation in progress. “Things seem to be quiet on the repercussion front out there. So why don’t you relax and go watch your show.” He suggested while trotting off into one of the branching corridors leading to the audience end of the auditorium.

Long Haul decided to take his suggestion and snuck out into the crowd to observe the reactions of those in attendance. Things seemed to go off without a hitch as the crowd laughed, gasped, and even teared up during the right moments. Satisfied that things were apparently going off without a hitch he decided to check on Lemon Drop in the kitchens. As soon as he opened the door he heard a familiar voice shouting over the busy prep-work.

“You call this food? This isn’t even fit for a dog!” Lemon Drop shouted while a sous chef scrambled to make her desired changes. “Speaking of which the diamond dogs in section three have been waiting for their meal for twenty minutes so let’s speed it up okay?” She ordered while pointing at a nervous server.

“Yes M’am!” The entire kitchen shouted in unison.

“Sweet Celestia-on-a-stick you have militarized the entire kitchen.” Long Haul groaned while he watched the sight unfold.

Lemon Drop hopped off of the countertops, and stepped literally on the backs of the kitchen staff as they formed a living staircase under her hooves. With a satisfied smirk she made her way over to her dumbstruck friend. “I know right! I’ve tuned up this ragtag bunch of chefs, servers, and waiters into a complete flank-bucking, and food making machine!” Lemon noticed the young server return with a tray of shattered glasses gripped in her magic.

“It’s horrible, completely horrible!” The mare exclaimed as she laid the tray down on the counter.

“Those glasses are so coming out of your pay.” Lemon Drop said as she surveyed the damage.

“You don’t pay her.” Long Haul countered.

“That’s besides the point.” Lemon Drop retorted.

“Don’t you even want to know what happened?” The server asked,

“Fine.” They both replied.

The server straightened herself and fixed her mane before speaking. “It’s just horrible, the guest that Mr. High has with him is just so weird. Every time we bring her a drink she exclaims that she wants another and smashes the glass on the ground. We’ve gone through seventeen separate glasses already.”

“So she doesn't like her drinks?” She asked before shooting a menacing glare at the pony responsible for preparing the beverages that night.

“Quite the opposite actually. She seems to be enjoying all her food, and drinks this evening. She’s just so loud and scary.” The server complained as she scraped a hoof at the ground.

Lemon Drop took a drink off of the counter in her magic and floated it over to the server. “Here drink this to calm your nerves.” She offered.

“Thank you Miss Drop.” The server uttered before downing the drink in quick greedy gulps.

“Phew that was spectacular my boy, wherever did you come up with that one?” Aces High shouted in triumph as he and Silver Screen came into the kitchen. The stench of spirits emitting from his breath.

“Just a skosh of creativity sir.” The green pony answered as he pried himself away from the intoxicated casino baron. “They all loved it Long Haul!”

“Really?” Long Haul asked.

“You bet your crimson flank they did!” Aces answered before trotting close to the duo as if to tell them a secret.

“I’m here too you know.” Lemon Drop pouted.

“Shush honey the grown ups are doing business.” Aces resumed as he placed a hoof around Long Haul’s neck to bring him in closer. “I want to offer y’all something big. A one year contract at the new casino I’m building down the strip from here. If you can deliver me more nights like this I can take you places you would never believe.” His gaze swept between the two as he waited for an answer.

Silver Screen broke the silence first. “What do you think L.H. should we settle down for a bit?”

Long Haul furrowed his brow, and turned to Lemon Drop. “What do you think Drop?”

Lemon Drop turned to Silver Screen. “Silver Screen I’m leaving this one up to you.” She stated.

The three went back, and forth for a few minutes until somepony broke the silence. The voice however; did not belong to anyone who was involved in the debate.

Hooves shod in platinum armor made their way across the floor of the kitchen area, their owners charcoal gray coat seemed to almost suck the light out of the room as she opened her mouth to speak. “Good evening gentlecolts.” The newcomer spoke as they ruffled their two leathery almost bat like wings. “My mistress would like to speak with these two.” She motioned to Silver Screen, and Long Haul. “In private.” She added.

Silver screen looked into the mare’s piercing golden eyes before speaking. “Are you a vampony?”

The accused vampony narrowed her gaze before answering in a tone that reeked of disdain. “My name sir is Echo Call, and I belong to the Thestrals. We are a race that serves her royal majesty Princess Luna exclusively.” She motioned to the door. “Now if you two would please follow me.”

“Wait here Lemon Drop we’ll be back soon.” Long Haul said as the duo made their way out the door and followed Echo through the hallways of the casino-hotel. “I hope so at least.” He gulped as the thought of them incurring any sort of royal wrath crossed their minds.

“Long Haul why didnt you tell me that the Princess was here?” Silver asked at a bare whisper.

“I didn’t know until I finished my introduction.” Long Haul whispered back. “What did you want me to stop the performance point blank, and tell you so you could panic the entire time?”

“A little yeah.” Silver answered.

“I can hear you both you know.” Echo stated as she flicked one of her tufted ears in their direction. “Strong hearing is one of my race’s traits.” She explained before stopping in front of a set of double doors. Temporary banners showing the symbol of the night princess had been draped over them for the occasion. “Wait here please.” She spoke before slipping between the two.

“What did we do now Long Haul?” Silver asked as he glanced about the space surrounding them. “What if she knows?” He asked in a voice fraught with worry. “Knows about where we are from.” He added.

Long Haul sighed as the thought crossed his mind. “We just need to act as though we have nothing to hide, and we will be just fine buddy.”

Echo’s form once again stepped out and motioned for the two to enter. “She is ready to see you now.” She opened her mouth to speak once more as the duo entered the room. “Your highness I present this evenings entertainers Silver Screen, and Long Haul as requested.” She then took her place on the other side of the door guarding the entryway alongside another thestral.

Long Haul quickly let his gaze sweep across the room. The normal hotel suite had been quickly transformed into a night themed sanctum for the casino’s honored guest. Dark blues, and lavenders graced almost every aspect of the rooms decor, while an enchantment had been added to the ceiling to give it the aspect of a night sky complete with starry scape. At the far end of the room behind a desk sat the monarchy of the night herself. She had been much taller than either of the duo had expected. Her mane glittered in a formless ethereal nightscape, and her dark blue coat made her somewhat camouflaged in the room’s muted lighting.

The ruler of the night paused for a moment as if giving thought on how to choose her next words before finally speaking. “We find this theater presentation of yours to be most splendid.” Her voice seemed to carry a thunder of its own that assaulted the ears of the ill prepared.

Silver Screen reacted in the only manner acceptable when meeting scary monarchs with booming voices, and fainted onto the floor with hooves on the air in submission.

“Coward.” Echo Call stated quietly from her post. The guard next to her chuckled in agreement.

“Is your companion okay?” The diarch of the night thundered. “Do we need to notify the medical practitioners of this facility?”

Long Haul gulped. “He is fine your highness. This is actually the normal response for him when meeting someone of your station, or when getting startled.” In this case both. He thought. “If I may be so bold as to ask: Why are we here exactly? We’re simply performers.” He stated.

“We- That is-” The princess cleared her throat before speaking once more. “I apologize for any inconvenience my mannerisms may pose.” This time her voice still showed the power that came with her station, but on a softer and more sincere level. “I enjoyed the performance you two put on tonight.” She stated before bringing a hoof to her mouth in careful pondering. “The story your friend told tonight simply struck me as odd as I’ve never heard anything like it, and even though I have been long absent from this land due to certain circumstances I know when something just does not fit.”

Long Haul had to quickly evaluate how he would answer Luna. Once he was satisfied he spoke. “Silver Screen although as odd as may seem simply has a sort of creativity on another level.” He gestured to his unconscious friend. “He surprises even me sometimes with the stuff he thinks of.”

Luna frowned for a moment as if disappointed with the answer before putting on a smile. “I suppose that will suffice then.” She then floated a envelope in the same shade of blue as her coat over to Long Haul. “I want to extend an invitation to you, and your friend to come to the castle in Canterlot at some point in the near future to perform for me again.” She seemed finished but then interjected once more. “Do not think however that you need to rush straight to Canterlot, take all the time you need before setting on your way. The contents of that envelop contain directions, and a missive from myself should any guards have questions regarding your destination.” She then motioned towards Echo, and the door. “This has been most pleasant. I wish you both well in the days to come.”

Long Haul gave a small bow before draping Silver across his back and slipping the envelope in Silver Screen’s vest. “Thank you Princess for your hospitality.” He then made his way out the door, and was almost back to the kitchen hall when he felt Silver Screen rouse from his self induced nap, and make his way off of his friends back.

“Hey buddy. What did I miss?” Silver Screen said after a deep yawn as he followed Long Haul.

Haul chuckled. “We met Princess Luna.” He gulped before continuing. “She want’s us to come to Canterlot at some point soon and perform for her.”

Silver’s eyes went wide at that statement. “Golly, but have you given any more thought on Aces High’s offer?” Silver asked as they passed through the staff doors back into the kitchen.

Long Haul rushed in, and immediately shook the hoof of a confused Aces High. “Mister High, You have yourself a deal.”

Princess Celestia sat at her desk gazing across the clutter caused by numerous scrolls submitted to her by the house of nobles. The troublemaking, and privileged few who seemed to only have the goal of causing the sun princess to require more tea to soothe her migraines from hearing their complaints. On this day however; there was once scroll she was waiting to read. A midnight blue scroll that popped into existence a few feet from her horn and settled on top of the pile of deed disputes, proposals, and even worse: tax forms. Celestia undid the seal of her sister, and unfurled the report sent from her mission in Las Haygas.

Dearest Sister,

As I am writing this I have just finished meeting with the two curious ponies you told me you sensed in our kingdom, and while I fear your suspicions may be true; I sense no malintent in their actions. Thusly I have invited them to our doorstep under the guise of a performance, and told them to not bother themselves with rushing on their way. I am prepared to take full responsibilities for any repercussions that may from from this. You must trust me on this sister. I do however have other news to bring. While here I cannot help but shake the sense that something much bigger than our initial concerns in play. To avoid any chance of my suspicions becoming known outside of our circles I shall deliver you the news once I arrive back in canterlot this week.

Your Sister,
Princess Luna

Celestia furrowed her brow at the news Luna wrote of at the end of her letter. “For Equestria’s sake Luna I hope you know what you are doing.”