When Sunset Shimmer and human Twilight Sparkle arrived at the Castle of Friendship, the missing ponies from earlier that morning were there too. Princess Luna arrived a little later that afternoon. It was then when she heard from Sunset Shimmer what happened. The Princess of the Night was briefed on the entire situation regarding the Changelings. Both Princesses devised a plan to infiltrate the Changelings and get Emadia to meet with Sunset Shimmer.
Luna was eager to defeat Chrysalis, but knew it was in Equestria’s best interest to leave it up to Sunset Shimmer. If the yellow Alicorn's duty was to protect the Harmony, then it was her responsibility to resolve the issue. Princess Luna however, didn’t want to sit on the sidelines and be a simple observer. She wanted to help for her sister's sake. Twi, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Apple Jack, and Starlight Glimmer were waiting in the throne room.
“I am not quite sure that you understand what I’m asking of you.” Sunset Shimmer looked worried.
“I know, trust me. Look Princess Sunset, I’ve never been asked to do something of any importance before. All my life I have been told how to act, what to do, but never ever did anybody ask for my help. Please let me help, let me do this.” Diamond Tiara was earnest.
“Child, make no mistake. This is a dangerous mission and we won’t be able to run to your aid if anything goes wrong.” Princess Luna was concerned.
“Princess Luna, I’m ready to serve Equestria. Besides, it’s a great opportunity to prove myself, to prove that I’m not just concerned about me. I mean I have changed. Some ponies have noticed and are convinced. Others not so much, but this is my chance to convince myself.” The pink Earth Pony was determined to point out how important this was to her.
“Alright. We have a few more hours before dark. Take a break, a nap, anything to comfort yourself. That’s an order.” The yellow Alicorn was serious.
“Thank you.” Diamond bowed low before both Princesses and left the room.
“I don’t like it.” Sunset Shimmer said.
“There is much at stake, but we need to act now. We can’t wait and bring the sorrows of war to Equestria. I will accompany her and make sure Princess Emadia makes a swift escape. That is, if the mission is a success.” Princess Luna knew time was running out.
“Are you sure? Lowering the sun and raising the moon costs you a lot of energy does it not?” The yellow Alicorn asked.
“You are right Sunset Shimmer. However, I do have a way to replenish. Cadance has to protect the Crystal Empire and you have your own mission. Our forces are spread thin.” The Princess of the Night showed no signs of weakness.
“I guess you are right. I’m not sure if bringing the Sirens back to Equestria is such a good idea.” Sunset still harbored hard feelings toward the Sirens.
“Their pendants have been destroyed. They are Sirens no more. They are ponies like you and me.” Luna said.
“You seem pretty sure about it.” The yellow Alicorn pointed out.
“Trust me on this Sunset Shimmer.” The Princess of the Night’s voice grew softer.
The yellow Alicorn nodded and walked to the throne room where everypony was waiting. They all stared expectantly at Sunset Shimmer when she walked into the room. They wanted to hear that everything would be fine but the yellow Alicorn couldn’t give them that.
“Diamond Tiara and Princess Luna are going to the Badlands to arrange a meeting with Princess Emadia.” Sunset Shimmer looked at each of the ponies.
“Diamond Tiara? Isn't it too dangerous for a filly to go on such a dangerous mission?” Starlight Glimmer asked.
“Ya, it ain’t good to send a filly to do a ponies buckin.” Apple Jack agreed.
“Sunset? Are you sure this is a good idea?” Human Twilight had doubts as well.
“I’m not going to lie to you. It will be dangerous but she wants to do it. She is the best option for this mission and Princess Luna will be close by.” The yellow Alicorn explained.
“I-I for sure wouldn’t want to go.” Fluttershy whispered.
“Ah, it will be fun for her. She will have fun right? If you are on a mission you should have fun so it better be fun. Okiedokiewokie. Fun. Fuuuuun!” Pinkie Pie got louder and louder.
“Ya’ll alright Sugarcube?” A.J. worried about Pinkie Pie.
“Aagh. She is fine. Pinkie is just twitchy, she has not hosted a party for almost two weeks now.” Rainbow Dash said. Pinkie Pie's hair was messy, she was chewing on her hooves, and her eyes seemed blood shot.
“I will have to go bring the Sirens back to Equestria. Hmpf.” Sunset wasn’t too happy about it.
“The Sirens? Not the Sirens… I actually know what that means now…” The party Pony’s eyes grew large but her mane was still a mess.
“So we go back to our, uh hm, huh, my world?” Twi asked.
“No. Actually, I want to take Starlight along.” The yellow Alicorn said.
“Me?” Starlight Glimmer looked surprised.
“Yeah, you. Unless you have something better to do.” Sunset Shimmer replied.
“No. Not really. Interdimensional travel sounds interesting.” The purple Unicorn agreed.
“A word please?” The human Alicorn stood up from the throne and walked outside the door, Sunset Shimmer followed.
“Twi? Are you ok?” The yellow Alicorn wondered.
“Am I ok? You're going back home, leaving me here in a strange world with really weird magical powers, and on top of that you are taking somebody else with you? No! I’m not ok!” Twilight struggled not to become too upset.
“Twi, I need you here with the other girls. If any threat should emerge while I’m gone, you and the girls are the only ones who can stop it. They need you here much more than they are willing to accept. And I am taking Starlight because I want her to feel useful. She didn’t have many chances in the past to show how valuable she can be. I really think she needs this. I know you are strong enough to handle this, but if for any reason you don’t feel comfortable, let me know and I will take you back home. I don’t want you to feel bad in any way.” Sunset Shimmer explained with a soft voice.
“Sunset... I didn’t think about that. I guess it was selfish of me to think that way. I’m sorry… Of course I will do my best until you come back.” Human Twilight understood.
“Thank you, Twi. I’m not looking forward to it, but only the Sirens know the spell Star Swirl the Bearded used to ban them. I may need that spell to ban Queen Chrysalis.” The yellow Alicorn explained.
Princess Luna and a transformed Diamond Tiara walked up. It looked as if they were ready for their journey. The cute little filly didn’t look so cute anymore after taking the form of a Changeling. Luna explained how she used a spell to transform the earth pony. The clock was ticking. Both Ponies left the Castle. Once outside, Luna lowered the sun and raised the moon. The Princess of the Night looked very exhausted afterwards.
Choosing a young pony like Diamond Tiara had a few advantages. In their young stages, Changelings can’t shapeshift or fly. So if it came down to it, the Earth Pony would not be expected to perform either task. At least, that was what everypony was hoping for. Luna’s Royal Guard lifted the carriage into the air and began their journey south.
“Princess Luna, thank you.” Diamond said.
“Child, do not thank me. This is a dangerous mission. While I appreciate your gratitude, it is too soon.” Princess Luna was still gravely concerned about all of this.
“Princess, may I ask you a question.” The earth Pony wondered.
“Of course.” The dark Alicorn nodded.
“How did Princess Sunset Shimmer become an Alicorn so quickly?” Diamond Tiara had wanted to ask yellow Alicorn but didn’t have the chance earlier.
“She was already an Alicorn when she returned from the human world. Her physical transformation here in Equestria was just a matter of time.” Luna tried to explain.
“So she is a real Princess, right?” The earth Pony’s eyes sparkled.
“Yes my child. She is a real Princess and the Guardian of Harmony.” The dark Alicorn cleared up.
“Then why does she not want to be treated like one?” Diamond Tiara wondered.
“They will in time… They will...” Luna said while thinking of Sunset Shimmer and Twilight Sparkle.
Luna’s royal Canterlot carriage disappeared in the dark of the night.
“Who goes there?” The guard Changeling asked with a bitter voice.
“Uhm. I’m sorry, I'm lost.” A frightened Diamond Tiara answered.
“You kids are not supposed to leave the caves. Queen Chrysalis gave the order herself.” The other guard said.
“Hurry up and get inside, I guess we can let it slip this time.” The guard Changeling with the bitter voice added with a smile. He knew what it was like for the changeling kids since he had two of them as well. The one thing the Guard didn’t know was that Diamond Tiara wasn’t a Changeling. The young Pony acted quickly and ran inside the cave system.
So far so good, Diamond was scared but it seemed the first step towards completing her mission was successful. She felt uneasy; the dark walls were lined with torches producing a green fire like light. What would the crusaders do in times like these? The pink earth Pony asked herself over and over. Actually, thinking about Apple Bloom, Schootaloo and Sweetie Belle made her feel a lot more comfortable. The Cutie Mark Crusaders, they are Diamond's idols, though she would never openly admit it.
After asking several Changelings about Princess Emadia, she finally learned her whereabouts. She hurried faster and faster, not even thinking about the attention she was drawing to herself. Diamond was running and Changelings all around her were watching. She ran right into a Changeling and fell to the ground.
“Ouch.” Diamond hurt her head.
“Are you alright Child?” An unusually soft voice asked her.
“Eh uhm. I think so. I have to find the Princess!” The incognito earth Pony said.
“Are you sure that you are alright? It seems you don’t even recognize your princess.” Emadia was the one she ran into.
“W-What a-a-are you s-saying?” At that very moment Diamond realized she had no clue how the Princess of the Changelings would look like.
“Hi, I’m Emadia, the Princess you were looking for.” The Changeling smiled.
“Uhm, uhm. I’m sorry Princess.” Good thing the earth Pony was incognito so nobody could see her blush.
“Why don’t we go to my chambers? There you can tell me everything you wanted to tell me.” Princess Emadia knew something wasn’t right and she wanted to avoid the curious Changelings around her.
The Changeling Princess was known to be kind. But what may seem kind to some, to the supporters of the Queen, it looked like weakness. Chrysalis reigned with an iron fist, there was no room for kindness. The Queen was feared among the Changelings and even her own daughter was afraid of her. After a short walk, Emadia and Diamond Tiara reached the Princess's chambers.
“Now child, who are you and why are you here?” Finally Emadia could ask the question without eavesdroppers.
“I’m sorry to have deceived you Princess. I’m not actually a Changeling.” Diamond said.
“I’m aware of that, but what or who are you and why are you here?” The Changeling Princess had questions.
“My name is Diamond Tiara and I'm a pony. I’m here on a mission to specifically talk to you, your Highness.” The incognito Pony bowed before the Changeling.
“Please, don’t bow. Given your size, is it right to assume you are still a child?” For a second, Emadia grew excited and even a little anxious. Those feelings vanished when Diamond introduced herself.
“Why do Princesses never want to acknowledge their title?” Diamond Tiara actually spoke that out loud.
“What?” Emadia wondered.
“Nevermind. Listen Princess, we know about the Queen. She wants to attack Equestria. If she does, it will be an all-out war between Ponies and Changelings. There will be lots of loss and suffering on both sides... We also know that you are against it.” The earth Pony stared at the ground, the thought that this could happen frightened her.
“You do know a lot, don’t you? Unfortunately it’s true. I don’t think there is anything I can do to prevent my mother from going to war. While there is a great number of Changelings who don’t want to go war, they are simply too afraid to oppose my mother.” Emadia surprised the little pony with her openness.
“That is why I’m here your Highness. Princess Sunset Shimmer wants to meet with you to discuss how to prevent a war and help the Changelings. Princess Luna is waiting outside for you right now, to escort you to the Castle of Friendship. She knows you would be followed if you tried to leave here, so she prepared for that.” Diamond Tiara explained.
“Why me? Why does she want to meet with me? I don’t understand. One of the two sisters is here?” The Changeling Princess had mixed feelings.
“Princess Sunset told me you were to be trusted. You don’t want a war with the Ponies and you actually want diplomatic relations with Equestria… Yes, your Highness. Princess Luna is here and prepared to do everything in her power to protect you and get you out of here safely.” The earth Pony kept explaining.
“But we captured her sister. Maybe if she captures me, she will want to trade me for her sister.” Emadia made her point.
“We are aware that you have Princess Celestia and Princess Twilight, the dragon Spike, and I assume four royal guard ponies. We want them back unharmed, but in order to do so we need to prevent the war first.” Diamond understood the worries of the Princess.
“I guess you are right little one. My mother wouldn’t exchange anybody for me anyway. I’m not worthy in her eyes. I will consider it, if you tell me more about Princess Sunset Shimmer. I have never heard of her.” The Changeling Princess was curious.
“Hmm, how to explain… She is amazing, fearless, powerful, kind, and compassionate. And foremost, she is my friend. I don’t have many friends… She just recently became an Alicorn. Honestly, I can’t tell you much about her. I have only known her for a short time, but she has left a big impression. Enough to risk my own life, just to help her get in touch with you.” The earth Pony admired the yellow Alicorn.
“You know, I have dreamed about the day when Changelings and Ponies could be friends again. This feud has been going on for far too long. I assume you have a plan?” Princess Emadia overcame her anxieties and was eager to help.
“Yes your Highness. It’s not much of a plan. Once you are past the guards, you should take off and fly north. We assume that you will be pursued, so Princess Luna will ensure that you are the only one with her to leave the badlands. I will stay behind.” Diamond explained.
“Child, are you sure? If they catch you, your life would be in great danger. I don’t like it.” The Princess felt for the pony.
“I know, but without you there will be far more lives in danger. I’ve never done anything to really help others and being able to finally do that makes me feel really good. So please, don’t worry about me. I made my decision before I came here.” The earth Pony had a faint smile on her Changeling face.
“I guess if a Pony is willing to lay down her life to protect Changelings, a Changeling Princess can do whatever she can do to help prevent a war… I don’t know who you are Diamond Tiara or what you really look like, but I admire how brave and committed you are. It would be my honor to call you a friend in the future.” Emadia was impressed.
“Thank you, your Highness. You should go.” Diamond was blushing again, but her heart was filled with happiness.
“I look forward to meeting you again.” The Princess bowed in front of the earth Pony and left.