As the group had left the train to enter Canterlot city on their way to the palace they noticed a squad of guards coming towards them, nightfall spoke first.
"so Celesta and Nocturne sent you to keep the crowd under control or are we mistaken? cause if this was a ploy to assassinate us then you best be ready to face the best and DIE like the rest." while she spoke the rest of her party had began to ready themselves for anything that may come there way, which meant them starting to draw their weapons and look at the best target.
"you are right in you assumption. but stay your blade. her highness needs you to help us. a certain magical artifact has been stolen and we have reason to believe you may know just who it is." the captain, a guard named shining armor, said. while this occurred the guard encompassed the group and began the half hour trek to the castle. as the drew close they saw Celestia and Nocturne standing there awaiting there appearance. when they finally entered the gate they began to speak.
"Welcome, or should i say welcome back, twilight and company*, it is good to see you in good health. but lets cut the chitchat, we need you to find and defeat this thief and bring the elements back, do this and you are free to roam again, so long as you do not resort to killing guards for what they did." said Celestia
"I agree completely, but first i must say that it is good to see that you have all grown to be better ponies than you had been." said Nocturne "we hope you decide to stay this way."
"the mission is simple, find this thief bring him in and recover the elements. he will face justice." started Celestia, " be warned, should you turn on us then we will take you out. no parole, no community service, and no hope. complete the mission and be free. to make sure that you come back and complete the mission, rainbow dash, flutter shy, pinkie pie, applejack, and shining armor will go with you."
"understood. but if he struggles or attacks us he is doomed to the punishment of the reaper"
After they spoke for a bit they began to head to the docks and the armory. once there they gathered their weapons, gear, and outfitting the newbies with basic gear they headed for the dry dock, and the NIGHTINGALE.