//------------------------------// // Chapter 9. The Signs Of Change // Story: Where The Heart Is At (Cancelled) // by Shadowcolt //------------------------------// Chapter 9. The Signs Of Change It's been three weeks since princess Cadance and Shining Armor took over the throne in Equestria together with the members of the royal council. So far all their attempts to find their true rulers, and the harmony elements failed. Having the night and day cycle somewhat under control, they needed to concentrate on the survival of their Kingdom. While having the favor of their people, they decided to rule the country until the return of their beloved princesses. Princess Cadance and Shining Armor in a short time needed to implement themselves in the ins and outs of the kingdom administration. Although they have gained some experience during their reign of the Crystal Empire, they quickly realized that the bar was raised really high. Despite being in power, they could not enjoy the same esteem, which Celestia earned herself throughout the millennium. Even her recently redeemed sister Luna had to build her respect among the country’s monarchs from a scratch. And just like her, they still have a long way to go. Councilor Shining Armor, feeling a strong need to strengthen security in the country, has completely devoted himself to his work. There wasn’t a single day when instead of filling the stack of papers he wouldn’t deal with the reorganization of the royal guard. Thanks to his efforts, in less than a week after taking his office, the financial resources for the military got increased. Each pony wishing to enlist himself in the royal guard had to be submitted into an even more rigorous verification than before. Also, the number of royal guards patrolling the castle has been doubled. His wife Cadance and members of the council were forced in some way to accept being escorted everywhere they would go. But despise all his efforts, there were still two undesirable and dangerous elements that he couldn’t do much about. Although the Mage’s League, whose members received privileges to move freely throughout the castle, did raise his suspicions, the rest of the counselors avoided discussions on that matter. And there was of course councilor Discord, whose presence was still treated as a cruel joke. However, because of his unexpected skills, Shining and the others needed to tolerate his presence despite the cost. Shining Armor understood, that besides recruitment ship he also needs to focus on the army and navy’s preparedness. He knew very well that their temporarily weakened country is under observation from the neighboring nations. His task was to ensure that they will not dare to attack Equestria. As for Princess Cadance, who was slowly getting used to being the only ruling princess in the kingdom, she was quickly coming to realize that despite having the whole country at her hooves, there was something she was missing strongly each passing day. While her husband devoted himself completely to their country by working outside the castle, she tried everything she could to make their often partings less painful. Fortunately, there were still some ponies that had time for her, and who she could freely open up to. Canterlot’s castle, the royal dining room It was already past afternoon when Princess Cadance was unexpectedly visited by one of the members of her family. Although the magnitude of responsibilities didn’t give her much time in terms of personal life, the more she felt lifted on her spirits whenever she managed to have a word with someone she knew and whom she could trust. Twilight Velvet, her mother in law which she was always in good terms with, came to the palace today. Since the disappearance of their beloved Twilight, neither she, nor her husband Night Light had a chance to visit. “I see,” said Cadance. Together with Twilight Velvet they were covered in the pink magical force field. „I hope he gets better soon …” she said while observing a gold chandelier which after emerging from the green flames has bounced off the shield and hit the floor “… before he moves your whole house into the palace.” The two guards who stood at the door exit were observing everything with astonishment. Each time a new item seemed to magically appear above their princess’s head while crashing against her force field. The table at which Cadance used to eat was now crushed by a huge bookcase. Everywhere around there were books, pens, silverware, as well as carpets, and small pieces of furniture. Meanwhile, in Twilight Velvet’s home in Canterlot “Aaaah-aaaaaacccchoooooo !!!” A loud sounds of constant sneezing carried on around the house as massive green flames were reaching the salon’s ceiling. “Cheers,” said Night Light who was hiding behind a magical shield. He watched in horror, as all the inventory from his salon was slowly evaporating whenever Spike happened to sneeze. “Forgive me, Mister Night Light, sniff, I have no idea what's happening to me, aa-aaa-Aaaachhhhooooo!!!” Canterlot’s Castle, the royal dining room “Poor Spike. He caught a cold yesterday when he ran out shopping in the gusty rain,” said worried Velvet Twilight. “We told him a thousand times that he doesn’t need to try so hard, but he was really stubborn. I know how he always liked to do errands for Twilight while helping her in running the library. It seems that he can’t get rid of his old habits.” “And how is Spike doing with … well, you know?” asked Cadence. Her in-law just shook her head. “He still can’t get used to the thought that she’s gone,” said Twilight Velvet while sighing deeply. “He once even tried to escape back to Ponyville. I bet he believed somehow that Twilight might be waiting for him there, sigh ... I wish there was something that I could do to ease his pain, Cadence.” “I understand him perfectly. None of us feels easy about this, Mom,” said Cadence. “Yet he’s lucky to have a family which can always stay by his side. And what about you and Night Light?” Twilight Velvet suddenly turned her eyes away and gazed out the window. She remained silent for a moment while trying to find the right words. “Night Light and I ... we are trying to live normally, but ...” she broke off abruptly in mid-sentence. Cadence, without urging her, gave her the time to express her thoughts. “... I noticed that since Twilight’s disappearance he has become depressed and rather absent. He thinks I don’t see how he sometimes sheds a tear over our family photo. No wonder. Our Twilight has always been his biggest pride and joy.” Hearing this caused Cadence to grin slightly. “Just like Shiny being your little mamma’s boy.” Her words made Twilight Velvet sigh while smiling weakly. “I wish he could be here, right now. I'd love to see his expression while we talk about it.” Suddenly, there was an awkward silence. While avoiding their own gazes they both tried to find the right words to continue this conversation. “And how are you and Shiny doing? We haven’t heard anything from you since that day, so …” began Velvet. “We’re holding somehow ... Mom,” Cadence replied calmly. “Shiny’s a strong stallion and ... and we’re both confident enough to believe that one day Twilight and the rest will return to us safe and sound.” “And where is he now?” asked Velvet while looking through one of the windows from where she could hear the sounds of the military drill. “He went to the Horse Shoe Bay for a naval base inspection,” Cadence’s words seemed to carry a little note of sadness. “I see that some pony here wishes he wouldn’t.” Although Cadence didn’t respond right away, the expression on her face stated that her mother-in-law’s words hit the right spot. “Ever since we took over the Equestria we barely talk to each other. I see him sometimes when he returns late to our chamber. However, whenever I ask him how his day had been, he’s so tired that he immediately falls asleep.” Cadence sighed deeply. “I know that we both have a lot of responsibilities, but I ...” she broke her sentence with a sad stare. Twilight Velvet got hot under the collar when she heard that. “He shouldn’t treat you like this, Cadence. I understand that a lot has changed, but despite all this he shouldn’t forget the ones he holds most dear.” “No, it’s ok mom. I knew what I agreed to when Shiny introduced me to our new role in the kingdom. I knew that when he becomes the minister of defense, our lives will change dramatically. News of the princesses disappearance have already reached the neighboring kingdoms. All of them are very interested in our present state, even though those are not pure intentions. Shiny also knows this and is doing its best to ensure that our troops are ready at any time.” “That’s Shiny for you,” said Velvet. “Even as a little colt he could not ever let it go. Once he had set his mind on something, he would usually stand by it until the end. He really takes his duties quite seriously, huh?” “Yes, he does. But luckily, he’s coming back tomorrow to see how the restructuring process in the royal guard is progressing.” Suddenly from the windows side came the loud yell of the royal guard leader. Both mares approached the window where they could see the whole castle’s square. From the top they had a perfect view of the heavy workout that Captain Strong Heart made his subordinates go through. “Wrong, keep your guard higher Topaz, your right flank is exposed!!! Iron Hoof, stop swinging that spear like a madcolt … alright, begin!!!” shouted the captain to the pegasus and a unicorn making them resume their sparring practices. The square where the exercises took place could easily accommodate most of the day and night guards. The assembled soldiers were undergoing various exercises that were made to improve their level in weapon wielding, melee combat, and magic. With a new training program developed by Shining Armor and Strong Heart, it was plain to see that the bar was raised much higher. Sadly for the present soldiers it also forced them to meet the new conditions. Those who either wanted to join, or stay in the royal guard had to meet the challenge. “Wrong, again ... eh, I’m starting to realize why we couldn’t take care of those changeling bustards. You dare to call yourselves the royal guards!?” screamed Strong Heart causing his subordinates to flinch. “Isn’t he taking this a little too far?” asked Twilight Velvet indignantly. “Shiny made him a captain for a reason, Mom,” said Cadence. “He’s always perceptive when it comes to finding the right talents.” “Alright ladies, gather around me and these two maggots, move it!!!” shouted Strong Heart. Soon all the soldiers in the square formed one big arena around their captain. “Ha, I wonder what this madcolt is up to,” wondered Twilight Velvet. “Steel Shade, Night Wing, step forward!!!” By the order of their superior two soldiers emerged from the crowd. One of them, a blue bat pony mare with a dark blue mane happened to be the member of the night guard. Her front hooves were equipped with steel claws which were made for close combat. She was soon joined by a creamy mare unicorn with orange mane, dressed in a day guard armor. Just like Iron Hoof, she was wielding a spear. The two mares saluted the captain. “Alright, together with these two here you will attack me and try to eliminate me from further fighting!!!” said the captain making them all gaze at each other in surprise. “Didn't you hear what I just said!? That's an order soldiers, MOVE IT!!!” In an instant, all four of them circled around Strong Heart and took their positions to attack. “Well, this might be interesting,” summed up Twilight Velvet with a smirk. *CRASH* suddenly a large chest bounced from the magic barrier that was still protecting them. As soon as the lid have opened, all the beautifully ornate porcelain tableware flew out and crashed itself into tiny pieces. Twilight Velvet could feel a sudden strong pain coming from a corner of her heart. “Hmph, I never liked that tableware anyway,” she lied while barely keeping her composure. Soon after she directed her gaze back to the training ground. To her great surprise, the battle has already begun and two soldiers were already lying on the ground and trying to quickly return to the fight. Night Wing was flying above the arena while getting ready to attack her leader from the sky. Strong Heart, after pacifying Topaz and Steel Shade, has just turned his back on her while taking a stand to Iron Hoof who attacked him with his spear. However, the captain at the last moment managed to dodge, allowing his subordinate’s weapon to swiftly brush the feathers on his Spartan’s helmet. As Night Wing saw a temporary indisposition of her captain, she quickly decided to take her chance. She quickly flew down with her claws extended forward. In just a split second she shortened the distance to her captain. Everyone around froze at that moment. Strong Heart barely noticed something approaching him quickly in the corner of his eye. With a swift move he blasted his rear hooves up in the air with all his strength, and hit the unsuspecting mare right in the face. Being stunned by a powerful blow she was sent flying back about a few meters and fell down on the ground. In the meantime, Steel Shade and Iron Hoof both made an attempt to attack him with their spears. The blades cut the air like butter with a swish sound. Their captain jumped back at the last minute allowing the spear blades to freely get stuck in the ground. He quickly jumped forward again and pinned them with his hooves. Both soldiers mingled for a moment and then with all their might tried to retrieve their weapons. Their vainly attempts made Strong Heart shake his head in disappointment. “Pathetic,” he said with a scorned voice. With a quick motion of his right hoof he broke Iron Hoof’s spear making him loose balance and fell on his backside. Then, as he grabbed the second spear with his muzzle, he jerked it out of the Steel Shade’s grip. As he took a quick swing, he struck her head using the spear’s blind side. The impact turned out to be strong enough to stun her while knocking out her helmet. As Strong Heart was constantly scanning his surroundings, he soon located Topaz. The soldier was charging right at him with his horn covered in strong magic. Literally at the last minute, his captain teleported away from his attack range. A split second later he materialized himself back in the same spot, right behind Topaz. With a powerful blow of his rear right hoof he send a punch on the guard’s slightly exposed neck. Being struck with a powerful pain, Topaz broke the spell as his eyes went to his skull. He fell unconscious to the ground while his motionless body slide on the ground until it was brought under the hooves of Iron Hoof, who have just managed to get up. Seeing his unconscious companion caused him to look at his captain who was eying him furiously while breathing hardly. His stare made Iron Hoof shake as he slowly began to withdraw from the battle. “COME HERE AND FIGHT, YOU COWARD!!!” screamed angered Strong Heart and without a warning he charged him. The spell that he implemented in his horn was strong enough to send his subordinate flying into the group of soldiers that were standing far behind him. The captain blew some steam out of his nostrils. Suddenly he felt something on his hind leg. Being too focused on the battle, he didn’t even realize that he got wounded in the battle. Seeing three slightly bleeding cuts on his right leg made him smile. “Hmm, lucky shot,” he mumbled to himself. As he turned around, he realized that there was one last soldier standing. Steel Shade was now glaring at him at the other side of the arena. While swaying her leg against the ground, she waited patiently for her captain to stand forward. Strong Heart have send her a cocky smile and soon both of them began charging at each other. The sound of the stampede and metal filled the air as they have begun to approach each other with every second. Suddenly, to everyone’s shock, captain Strong Heart came to a stop. He quickly picked up the spear that was lying on the ground close by, and after jumping aside he has placed the antler under the hooves of the charging Steel Shade. She quickly lost her balance, fell forward while performing a quick somersault, and landed on her back. Feeling disoriented for a moment while gritting her teeth she only managed to see how her spear’s blade hits the ground right next to her head, making a slight cut on her left cheek. With a trembling glance she looked at a dark pony figure that was covering the sun while holding her spear and giving her a cold stare. Strong Heart took a last peek at the arena realizing that the fight was finally over. Neither Iron Hoof who was blasted outside of the arena, nor Night Wing who was using her hoof to block the blood from her injured muzzle, had any will to continue fighting. Right now both of them were trying to bring unconscious Topaz back to his senses. As for the Steel Shade, she broke the stair with him and barely kept her tears from falling. Captain Strong Heart suddenly addressed himself to the gathered guards. “You saw it for yourselves. I chose four of you, and in short time I bit them to the ground. But if you believe that makes me proud, then you’re deluding yourselves. If one can handle this many, than this many isn’t worth a shit. During the battle against a stronger, or numerous opponents, what matters are teamwork, skills, and tactics!!!” Strong Heart pointed at the beaten soldiers. “These four here could have beaten me easily. But they lacked everything that they have learned through all those years of training!!!” He sighed while shaking his head in disappointment. “They say that the royal guard is the highest military elite. After what I have witnessed here, I’ll take that as a cruel joke!!!” Most of the soldiers that were present in the square have lowered their heads in shame. As Steel Shade finally rose to her hooves she quickly wiped the blood from her cheek with her hoof. While trying to act cool, her muzzle expression made it clear that she wasn’t taking this shameful defeat very well. “Steel Shade,” she heard a cold voice of her captain which made her stand to attention. “Take topaz and Night Wing to the medical wing. Report later in my office.” “Yes sir,” replied Steel Shade. She immediately ran to his unconscious colleague, then with the assistance of her friend from the night guard, she pulled him on her back and soon they both headed towards the hospital wing. “Iron Hoof,” hearing Strong Heart’s calling his name he approached his leader. “You’ll report to my office as well ... after you make fifty rounds around the castle in full gear. You have one hour ... NOW MOVE IT!!!” Hearing about the exercise that he was forced to perform made Iron Hoof shocked. “Got any problem?” asked annoyed Strong Heart. “No … I mean, NO SIR!!!” retorted Iron Hoof and quickly ran into the barracks for additional equipment. “Continue your training,” shouted Strong Heart to the rest of the soldiers, as they all soon returned to their previous activities. Cadence and Velvet who were carefully watching everything from the royal dining room’s window finally managed to exchange glances. Of course, it was Twilight Velvet who had the most to say on this matter. “I’m really starting to wonder where Shiny found that crazy son of a …,” suddenly Twilight Velvet’s got interrupted as a huge double bed bounced off from their shield and landed on the ground upside down. There was something wrapped in bed sheets which was moving slightly underneath it while groaning weakly. Both mares walked closer and moved the covers off it. “Night Light!?” gasped surprised Twilight Velvet as she and Cadence helped him to crawl out of the bed, and covered him with their force field. “Huh, honey?” began her slightly dazed husband while holding a hoof to his sore temple. Looking around and realizing all the stuff around him made him soon understand everything. “Tell me honey, have you ever thought about … moving into the castle? I know someone who just might help us with that.” “What happened?” asked both mares at the same time. “I … I just took off my barrier for like a minute. I wanted to give Spike some medicine that we keep in our bedroom. As I was about to take it, I suddenly heard him behind my back ready to sneeze again. I tried to activate the spell, but the green flames covered me so quickly … and … well … now I’m here.” “We should take him to the doctor,” suggested Twilight Velvet. “Good idea, honey. But I'm afraid that he might send the vet and his office here before they would even manage to make a diagnosis,” said Night Light. His wife couldn’t argue with that. “I'll send one of the royal doctors and an expert on magical creatures. I'm sure they might help,” proposed Cadence. “Thank you, Cadence, we will accept any help,” said Night Light and begun to look around the dining room. He could recognize every single object that was laying around. Most of it came from their salon and bedroom. For some reason the rain of inventory stopped suddenly. “Well, it seems that there’s nothing more that he can send us from our bedroom anymore,” said Night Light with a relief. Soon after, another loud sound filled the room as a fridge slide down by the barrier and spilled its contents just as it hit the floor behind Night Light’s back. Night Light and Velvet sighed deeply. “Well, so much for my morning shopping at the grocery store,” grounded Night Light just before a loud pounding came on the door. “Enter,” said Cadence as she watched the soldier entering the room. He came to a stop as he witnessed the mess and three ponies hiding under the pink force field. “What is it, Blade Strike?” Cadence asked impatiently. “Your majesty ... ekhm ... her Excellency, Miss Miracle Blaze, is calling for you in the throne room. There’s been an accident.” “An accident? Is every pony all right?” asked shocked Cadence. “Thankfully, no pony got hurt, your highness, but the throne room is … well, I believe you should see it for yourself.” Cadence gazed at her in-laws. They didn’t seem to mind. “We should be going as well,” said Twilight Velvet as she pushed her husband Night Light, who was busy waiting for another ‘spiked object’ to appear, towards the door. “You have a lot of stuff on your head right now so we won’t stop you. Please inform us when you’re on to something.” “I will, please look out after yourselves. Oh, and don’t forget to bring Spike with you next time. Tell him that once he gets better there is a lot of work in the castle that he can help us with,” said Cadence with a smile and after the last family hugs, her in-laws have finally left the dining room. A few moments later princess Cadence, together with her escort, have entered the throne room. The whole place gave an image of a snowy blizzard storm which has passed just recently. Massive piles of snow and forest undergrowth were covering most of the room floor and the research equipment that was lying around. “Oh dear,” summed up Cadence. Countess Miracle Blaze and Blue Dust were approaching her from the middle of the room. Their clothes carried some snowy traces, and judging from their expressions they didn’t seem happy. “Your highness,” said Count Blue Dust as he and Miracle Blaze bowed deeply. “Is there something we should know?” asked Miracle Blaze, who witnessed Cadence’s slightly visible force field. “It’s a long story,” Cadence said evasively when a small bedroom lamp crushed against her field. “But first tell me, what in Equestria has happened here?” “What happened you ask? The bloody portal opened suddenly without warning, that’s what happened,” responded the annoyed Miracle Blaze, while brushing the snowy dirt from her clothing. “We all got pushed back and couldn’t even get near it. Not to mention that all this snow, rocks, and sticks that were flying around.” “Wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!” Suddenly all the ponies in the room noticed Discord who was sliding around on a snowboard, dressed in a green winter clothing. After making a few circles around the princess and the two counts, he came to a stop with a stylish slide which caused some snow to fall on Miracle Blaze and Blue Dust. Cadence, thanks to her force field, remained untouched. Discord barely managed to hold up a sneer while seeing Miracle Blaze, whose eyebrows were twitching madly. “Well, hello there your highness. I can see that you and Shiny took these safety measures a little too seriously,” said Discord as he mockingly knocked on her force field. “Silent you peasant, I bet you had something to do with all this mess,” interjected angered Miracle Blaze. “Oh please, Miss Blaze. I don’t believe that flattery is gonna get you anywhere,” said Discord with a gibe. “No matter how brilliant the chaos would be I would never take fame for someone’s work, and …” Discord’s attention suddenly went on the other side of the room. Before Miracle Blaze managed to say something unfitting for a mare of her status, Discord has teleported himself from their sight. “What do you have there?” asked Discord as he appeared behind Emerald Star with a speed of the light. The mare jumped suddenly and hid a small mysterious object that she just managed to pull out of the small crack in the wall with her magic. “Oh my, please Mister Discord, don’t scare me like that,” objected Emerald Star. She slowly turned around and started walking towards the exit. “That’s an odd piece of something.” As she heard Discord’s voice she unwillingly turned her head. Discord was holding now the same object that she had just hidden inside her shoulder bag. With a little dose of shock, she looked inside her pouch only to realize that it wasn’t there. Emerald Star reacted quickly and cast a levitation spell that managed to snatch the object from Discord’s grasp and put in her bag. She then slowly began to withdraw until she resumed her walk towards the door. As she stood by her superior Blue Dust she whispered something into his ear. “Princess Cadence, Miss Blaze, I’m afraid I have to leave you for a while,” said Blue Dust making them both surprised. “Has something happened?” asked concerned Miracle Blaze. Blue Dust just smiled at her. “Oh, nothing serious, really. Just some things I need to discuss with other members of the guild. I’ll be back with you shortly.” Blue Dust bowed and then he and Emerald Star have left the throne room. Naval base, Horseshoe Bay The Horseshoe Bay, which owns its name thanks to the two long bent pierces surrounding it, was a home to one of Equestria’s biggest military prides, the royal naval base. Many war ships that were stationing there were decorated with sea flags and ornaments, as the base got to be visited by an important personage. Shining Armor, the self proclaimed minister of defense, has just finished the tour on the fleet’s flagship, The Sun Mare. Walking the main deck of the galleon under the sails with a large sun symbols, he was synchronously saluted by the rows of seamen as he passed by. Admiral Blitzkrieg, a dark crimson red pony with short, deep sea blue hair, dressed in the uniform of the Admiral of the fleet, as well as the captain Dust Storm, dark orange mare with maroon hair were walking by his side all the time. “As you can see your majesty, everything is in perfect condition. The entire fleet is in the highest degree of readiness. Our boys and girls are ready to fulfill their duties for the Equestria.” “I'm glad to hear that, Admiral. We need the navy to protect our Kingdom at all cost,” said Shinning Armor as all three of them walked towards the Admiral’s cabin which was placed on the stern of the ship “I can assure your highness, we have always been, we are, and we will be,” replied Blitzkrieg. After relieving the captain who soon returned to her duties, Blitzkrieg and Shinning Armor went inside and closed the door behind them. The cabin slightly illuminated by the evening sun rays that were breaking through the huge window located on the front wall of the room. On the contrary to his status in the navy, Blitzkrieg’s cabin did not show any signs of him having a high self-esteem. A simple bed, a navigational desk, a huge round table, and a big map of the world hanging on the wall were all the things that he needed to command his fleet. “Please sit down, your highness,” said the admiral and together with Shinning Armor they both took their seats by the huge round table which was set with food made especially for a royal visit. Blitzkrieg took his time and began to pour some red wine into two metal cups that were on the table. Shining’s mind suddenly went back to the day when they learned about the poison in the royal wine. Of course, the royal pantry was fully checked since then, and the defect bottles were destroyed. However, the bad taste remained. “Is everything all right, your highness,” he heard suddenly as he noticed Blitzkrieg, who was observing him very carefully. He and the others tried to avoid the wine at all cost. Nevertheless, he felt that he had to break somehow and have a drink with an old companion. He just needed it. He took a small sip, and before he knew it, he had empted half of the cup’s contents. “Oh, come on, Blitz,” protested Shining Armor as his tone became more friendly. “We have graduated from the same academy. Although I’m the minister of defense, my friends still call me Shiny.” The admiral smirked at his comment. “Oh yeah? Then tell me, your highness Shiny, what’s with all this admiral thing, eh?” asked Blitzkrieg as his face drew the outline of amusement. “Well … I heard some rumors that you squeal like a little filly each time your subordinates address you that way, so I thought that as a good friend, I should do the same,” said Shiny with a gibe. As he saw Blitzkrieg’s shocked reaction he lifted his hooves in a conciliatory gesture. “But hey, I’m not judging you, just saying what I heard.” “Oh? Then I supposed that as a good friend you will tell me the names of those bold and foolish sailors, so I could make them scrub the toilets for the rest of their shipment?” Blitzkrieg asked insistently. Shining Armor of course knew the name of this mare they were talking about, but somehow he couldn’t imagine an officer like captain Dust Storm with a toilet brush. “Come on, Blitzkrieg, can’t you take a joke?” “Oh, well, guess I could. But try to imagine a picture that some big shot puts you and your entire fleet on standby alert, and right now your subordinates are gossiping about the possible war with the gryphon’s all the time. You and some of your crew walk absent-minded and barely get any sleep. Fortunately, our cannons aren’t loaded, because imagine some idiot yelling a fire commend. It wouldn’t be long before all our warships would send a hundred of cannon salvos, and sink each other. But hey, at least thanks for the extra funds you have provided us with. The extra food in the cafeteria is always fairly welcomed,” grumbled Blitzkrieg and took a huge sip from his cup. His confession made Shinning Armor narrow his eyebrow. “You know that I had no other choice, Blitzkrieg. We can’t assume that we’re safe anymore. A Kingdom which gets infiltrated from inside that easily always sends a signal of a weak animal. I’m not like Celestia or Luna, but I’m doing all that I can to protect our home. And if I’m to achieve it, I need your navy to always protect our sea and sky territory,” said Shiny while sending his penetrating gaze at the admiral. “And it protects, Shiny. It has for over six hundred years. My great great grandpa, who fought during the fourth griffin war, was the one who has delivered the last strike to our enemies. The battle on the griffin ocean made it clear that any attempt to invade our country from the water, or the sky, will be costly to the Griffon Kingdom. And I don’t believe that anything has changed since then. My men are always ready, more than they will ever be.” “Come down, Blitz. I know most of our Kingdom’s history battles, and after what I have seen here, I can let our citizens sleep with ease,” said Shining Armor in a conciliatory tone. “I’m especially impressed by the Sun Mare. She sure can give a pony a heart rising experience.” As a leading warship, The Sun Mare happens also to be the biggest pride of the entire fleet. Built with the newest available pony technology, and with just a little help of magic, she could not only sail faster, but also fly above the clouds with ease. With its one hundred twenty cannons it could give the highest firing power available at sea. It was a dream and honor for many navy stallions and mares to serve on this ship. “Well, what else can you expect from a ship that has Celestia as her godmother?” Blitzkrieg asked happily while saluting to his absent goddess with pride. “But I’m afraid that her exclusive rights for being the most powerful ship in the fleet are slowly coming to an end.” “What do you mean?” asked puzzled Shinning Armor as he began to imagine the griffon kingdom getting ready for the war while building an even stronger fleet. Blitzkrieg, however, remained stoic while a cocky grin appeared on his muzzle. “Well, it won’t be long till her sister ship “The Lunar Eclipse” leaves the dockyards. Once she receives princesses Luna blessing, she will strengthen our already high sea dominancy.” Now this was something that Shining Armor didn’t expect to hear. “I’m surprised that Celestia has allowed something like this. I thought she was against any further army and navy fleet expansion, so to ensure the fragile truce between the pony and other kingdoms.” “Although Celestia loves peace, Shiny, she’s not naive enough to believe that it will last forever. Unlike her, the authorities in other kingdoms always change. The ones who can hit harder are usually the ones who others will either respect, or at least leave alone. That’s one of the oldest truths of life, and even Celestia with all her wisdom can’t change that. But I believe that her true intentions were rather … different in this case.” “Different?” asked Shining Armor. “I believe it was to show the respect for her sister, Shiny. That she treats Luna as an equal ruler of Equestria. I believe that this is one of the reasons why Celestia wanted to prove how she feels about her. Also, as an admiral of the fleet, I had the privilege to see the ship’s project plans … and let me tell you … I simply can’t wait to test that baby in action.” The admiral’s elated face has convinced Shining Armor, that Blitzkrieg’s mind has already set him sail on the moon’s galleon. However, Shining Armor didn’t feel like sharing his enthusiasm. Without princess Luna’s blessing, there was a chance that this warship won’t probably even leave the dockyard. “Well, at least it’s good to know that there’s actually some force in the kingdom that I can always count on, Blitz,” said Shining Armor. “Wish I could say the same about the royal guards.” Blitzkrieg has put down his cup for a moment and settled cozily in his chair. “Yeah, to think that your biggest pride … would actually torn out to be one of your biggest pains in the flank. But seriously, you really believe you and Strong Heart can change anything for better here?” asked the admiral. “We will, Blitz. Whenever I’m not around I always leave the castle and royal guards in good hooves. I even gave Cadence some escort, just in case.” “Figures. So how is she doing? asked Blitzkrieg. “I haven’t seen her since your wedding in Canterlot.” “Well, compared to being the ruler of the Crystal Empire, being the princess of the whole kingdom is a much higher league. But somehow she pulls it through. And she can always count on the other members of the council ... at least most of them,” Shinning Armor’s wry face didn’t escape his friend’s attention. “I guess that your life with councilor Discord is chaotic as hell?” Shinning Armor didn’t say anything, just nodded. “If it were me, I would have pushed that lizard scam into the nearest cannon and shoot him straight into the deepest parts of the Tartarus. Then again, who would have thought that instead of a crown, he will choose a council’s habit, not that it makes things any better. Guess you have to be really crazy to understand someone like him.” “Yeah,” said Shinning Armor while taking a small bite on a hay role which he took from the silver platter. “Although he’s not the real problem here. I presume that you already have heard of the Mage’s League?” “Yeah, somewhat,” answered Blitz Krieg. “What about them?” Shining Armor looked around the cabin to make sure that nobody is eavesdropping on them. He and Blitzkrieg were friends for quite a long time, so he knew that when it comes to keeping a secret quiet, Blitz was the best there is. “The thing is that I don’t know yet, Blitz,” whispered Shining Armor. “The reports about their activities are rather poor. Celestia somehow didn’t trust them, and I seriously have no reasons to doubt her. They came out of nowhere, and claimed the investigation, just like that.” His words made Blitzkrieg surprised as he began to ponder for awhile. “Hmm, intriguing” gasped Blitzkrieg. “You think … they might be trying to disrupt the search or something?” “That’s one of the possibilities I’m taking into an account,” replied Shining Armor. “But right now I don’t have enough evidence to arrest them.” “Then why bother coming here instead of keeping your eyes on them?” asked surprised Blitz. “I can’t keep track of them all the time, Blitz. I have to secure the “whole kingdom”. Besides, I bet that they are aware of being watched, so getting to the bottom of this want be easy. But I have a few ponies here and there, who are following their every move,” whispered Shining Armor. “Smart move, Shiny. Let others take care of that, while you concentrate more on your royal guards. And pray for Celestia and Luna to come back as soon as possible.” “Yes, well … the investigation is still in progress, Blitz, but I won’t lie to you, this doesn’t look good. We are searching the entire kingdom using the best tracking spells known to our magic, and we still have nothing to offer. If this goes up, I see a dark future ahead of us.” “I see what you mean,” replied Blitzkrieg. “Of course, losing a good ruler, or even two, is not something that any nation can be fond of. But I bet that’s still nothing compared to losing a closest relative, right?” Shining Armor nodded. “*Sigh* you’re right. But I know they are somewhere out there, Blitz. We do have a trail, but …” Shining Armor paused suddenly and looked down at his empty cup. “Better than nothing I guess? Feel like telling me more?” Blitzkrieg asked calmly as he poured him some more wine. Shining Armor felt resistant somehow. When Miracle Blaze has revealed to them the truth about Celestia’s and Star Swirl’s dimensional travels, he didn’t believe her at first. But the evidence found in Star Swirl’s library seemed convincing enough for them to believe, that Miracle Blaze might actually be on to something. Shining and the rest have been ordered to remain silent about it … but who said that talking about dimensional travels alone is a crime?” “*Sigh* tell me, Blitz ... do you … believe in the existence of other dimensions?” Meanwhile, in Count's Blue Dust private chambers The dusk behind the window of Count’s Blue Dust chambers was about to turn into the night. Right now he was sitting behind his desk while staring at the small strangely shaped object that was lying on the counter. “Are you saying that this thing flew out of the portal?” asked curious Blue Dust. His assistant, Emerald Star, who was standing on the other side of his desk nodded her head. “Yes sir, it hit the wall right beside me with full force. I have just examined its structure and it doesn’t fit to any known elementary element known to our science. If we consider that together with its unusual shape, I’m more than certain that it’s not from our world,” answered Emerald Star while levitating the object with her magic. She then placed a small part of a soldier’s armor near it. The strangely shaped object flew suddenly and stuck itself firmly to the armor piece which made Count Blue Dust surprised. “I also discovered that it has an affection towards all sorts of metals.” “Hmm, interesting,” said Blue Dust as he took the small plane pendant in his hoof and hid it in his desk drawer. “Have you mentioned anyone about this yet?” “No, sir,” replied Emerald Star. “Good, let’s keep this to ourselves then. Continue your research and keep me informed.” “As always, sir,” answered Emerald Star and left her boss’s chamber. As soon as she went passed down the corner, two unknown cloaked figures have appeared on both sides of the chamber’s door. The weak light from the nearest corridor lamp could barely illuminate their muzzles which were sticking slightly from the hoods’ precincts. They both gazed at each other and soon the one on the left began to follow Emerald Star’s tracks. The one who remained smiled slightly and said with a female perky voice “I believe that Shining Armor might be interested in this.” Soon after, her hooded figure disappeared into the dark corridors of the palace once more. To be continued …