//------------------------------// // To the Royal Chambers // Story: Shard: The Dark King Returns // by Hopeful_Ink_Hoof //------------------------------// There was a knock at the doors of the royal chambers. "Enter," a regal feminine voice called out. The door was pushed open, revealing the pegasus guard. "Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy and Luna are here," he said with a salute, "as ordered." "Thank you Wind," the princess replied. "Enjoy the rest of your night." The pegasus gave another salute and walked off. The princess watched him go for a moment, then turned to the others. "Well," she asked, "what are you waiting for? Come in." Luna ran into the air first, leaping into the air. A golden aura of magical energy caught the filly and levitated her closer. She let out a small giggle as she was nuzzled. The princess gently set Luna down as she turned her attention to the yellow batpony and the purple unicorn. Fluttershy stood there as Twilight Sparkle bowed. Princess Temporal moved closer to the two mares. Her coat was a deep blue with a faint tinge of purple highlights. Shimmering gold and silver energy floated around her where her mane and tail should have been, shifting with her power. On her flank was an hourglass surrounded by two shooting stars, their tails making a circle. She looked at the pair with glittering yellow eyes. "How are you this evening, Fluttershy?" "I am well, Princess," Fluttershy replied, bowing slightly. "I am glad to hear it." Princess Temporal turned to the bowing unicorn. "And this must be Twilight Sparkle." "Y-y-yes, you're majesty," Twilight stuttered out. "You may relax," the princess stated. "There is no need to bow." Twilight let out a sigh of relief and moved to straighten up. "I have heard much about you from Lieutenant Shining Armor," Princess Temporal continued, "and some very interesting reports from Canterlot's School for Gifted Unicorns." Twilight grinned, practically glowing with excitement at the praise. "Thank you," Twilight said, uncertain why. It just seemed appropriate. "It is nice to see that Fluttershy is finally making a new friend." The princess looked at the batpony, getting a slightly blushing grin in response. She then turned back to Twilight. "Now, what is this about a potential threat?" "Oh, right." Twilight grabbed her books again. "Well, if I understand everything correctly, it has been about a thousand years since the defeat of the pony known as The King of Shadows." She began to flip through the pages. "After re-reading the story I did some research... and... here." She held up the book, turning it around so that the princess could read it. "'On the thousandth day," she read aloud, " when dark and light are balanced, the Shadows shall darken Equestria once again.'" "Right," Twilight said as she took the book back. "I believe that this is a warning that at this years Spring Equinox Celebration, when you have both the sun and the moon in the sky, The King of Shadows will return and try to take over Equestria again." Princess Temporal shifted, standing up to her full height. She looked up at the glass ceiling, and at the stars of the night sky above them. The room turned quiet as she held still, seeming to almost become a statue. Fluttershy put a hoof on Luna as the three of them watched in silence. Twilight turned to ask a question, but got a small head shake before she could speak. "Speaking of the Spring Equinox Celebration," the princess said slowly, "perhaps..." she turned to look at Fluttershy, "you are ready to take on some additional responsibilities." "What?!" Twilight shouted, shocked. "What?" Fluttershy squeaked, pulling back as her bat wings flickered. "You've been doing a wonderful job taking care of Luna," Princess Temporal explained, "but you need to have a more fulfilling life. You need to get out of the castle more. Make friends, such as with Twilight Sparkle here." Fluttershy shifted, looking down at her hooves, but not really saying anything. "As such," the princess continued, "I am sending you, along with Luna and Twilight, to Ponyville." "You mean," Luna asked, "I get to leave the castle and go to another town?" "Yes." "Yay!" the filly squealed, bouncing up and down as she made circles. "Wait!" Twilight cried out. "You... you want me to go too? Uhm... Princess?" Twilight shifted, mentally kicking herself for forgetting that she was talking to the ruler of Equestria for a moment. "Indeed," the princess replied. "I believe that this will do all three of you some good. Twilight, you are invited to stay the night here at the castle. In the morning, the three of you shall head to Ponyville and see to the preparations for the celebration." "But what about The King of Shadows?" "I appreciate your desire to protect Equestria. I believe that you shall go quite far in life. Don't worry about that tonight though. Go ahead and get some sleep. I'll have transportation, your letters of introduction, and a checklist on what you need to have done ready for you in the morning." Twilight Sparkle shifted, feeling a little conflicted. She felt quite proud of the fact that she just got praise from the princess, but it also seemed like the threat was not being taken seriously. Instead she continued to pack her books, putting them back into her bag. "Good night Princess," Luna said, giving a hug. "Good night, Lulu," the princess replied. "Sleep well." "Uhm..." Fluttershy shifted. "I'm sorry, but... well... are you sure I'm up for this? I mean taking care of Luna is one thing, but overseeing an entire celebration? I don't know if I can handle that." Her ears flickered as she looked around at the wall. "Fluttershy." Reaching a hoof out, the princess stroked through the batpony's mane. "You are a stronger, braver, tougher mare than you realize. It is part of the reason I took you as my student and had take care of Luna. Whatever happens, I am certain that you and your friends will be able to find a way to handle it." "...Oh...okay." Fluttershy gave a nod and got up. "Thank you for your time." She turned and started toward the door. "Come on, Luna. Let's show Twilight to a room. We have a big day ahead of us tomorrow." Princess Temporal gave one last smile as she watched them leave. The smile faded as soon as the three of them were out of sight. Her horned glowed as she used it to shut the door. Once again, she turned to look up at the starry night through the glass ceiling above her. If you had any idea how much I need to be right about this, she thought to herself. My dear sweet little Fluttershy, you have no idea how much is on your shoulders. And for that, I am sorry.