Twilight's Equestria - The After Years

by BPM

Chapter 2

“Princess Celestia, Princess Twilight has disappeared!”

“What?” A surprised Celestia stood in the throne room at Canterlot, her mane flourishing behind her.

“Princess Twilight had been in the dining hall for supper, but when we looked, she wasn’t there and we haven’t been able to find her anywhere inside the castle.”

“You’re telling me that she disappeared right from under your noses and you didn’t notice?” Celestia’s temper tested against the messenger. Slowly, she formed a second thought. “What of Luna? Is she safe?”

“Princess Luna has returned to her chambers after raising the moon. A sentry is being sent to notify her of the situation.”

“Good. Get here as soon as possible.” Celestia ordered, turning her attention to the stained glass that depicted Twilight. ‘I hope it is nothing. But…’, she thought to herself.

The royal guard scrambled in the castle that night, alerting Princess Luna and searching everywhere for Twilight with no results. Luna emerged from her chambers running towards the throne room.

“Sister! Is it true what they say?” Luna said, out of breath.

“I fear it is so. Twilight disappeared somewhere in the castle a short while ago.”

“What could have happened? Canterlot castle is one of the most secure places in Equestria? Do you think the Empire could have-“

“No, I do not think this is the work of the Queen. It doesn’t seem like her, and I doubt even for their disagreements, Cadance has this in her. No, I fear it is much worse.”

“Then – Discord?” Luna dreaded the answer.

“We shall have to see. I am told Fluttershy is in the castle. She is closest to him; she will know what he has been up to recently.” Celestia slowly replied. Ironically, if it was one of Discord’s mischiefs, it would greatly relieve her.

“Guards! Summon Fluttershy to the throne room.” Luna said, the volume of her voice gradually rising with her anxiety.

Today’s Canterlot is not the same as the pasts’. Twilight had become an integral part in the governance of Equestria. To lose her now at the crux of negotiations with the Crystal Empire would be disastrous.

“Princess Luna, Princess Celestia, what is going on?” Fluttershy asked.

“Twilight has disappeared from the castle and we’ve seen no sign of her anywhere. We think it may be the work of Discord.”

“Oh no, that’s impossible. Discord hasn’t been to Canterlot in years. He’s been quite good at home, I assure you, Princess.”

Luna was not so easily convinced. “No matter, ask him to come to the castle. We will get to the bottom of this soon enough.”
---

Rarity had been gossiping with Cocoa about the various fashion suppliers the past few hours before preparing for her trip to Canterlot.

“I’m so jealous, Rarity. The Princess calls on you all the time – it’s done wonders for your business and the castle couldn’t look better.” Cocoa goaded, trying to get Rarity to stay for just a while longer.

“It’s not as glamorous as it seems, Cocoa. While I’m glad for the business, getting things ready and just perfect for the princesses is exhausting. I wouldn’t wish the work on any pony.” Rarity sipped her tea. “Oh goodness, is it already this late? I must get going, or I’ll be so dreadfully tired in the morning. Thanks again for agreeing to take care of Ruby for me.”

“Oh it’s my pleasure, Rarity. I don’t have any kids of my own, so Ruby is like a daughter to me. She can stay here anytime.” Cocoa replied graciously. Always, they would have to do this verbal dance, even though the both of them knew that Cocoa adored Ruby.

“Well I’ll be on my way. I should be back within the next 3 days.” Rarity explained. “Ruby’s pacifier has been cleaned just yesterday, her formula is in the pantry, and as you know –“

“Yes, yes, Rarity, she likes to be swaddled at least twice a day. Stop fawning over her and get going already. It’s not my first time sitting her, dear.”

“Well, but – yes, of course. Sorry about that. Mother is going away now, but don’t fret Ruby, I’ll be back before you notice.” With that, Rarity picked up her things and returned to her boutique to pack for 3 days in Canterlot.
---

Twilight looked around the castle. Everything was the same – but no one was here. It was then that she noticed the sky – the moon was different. It wasn’t glowing the lovely pale blue that had been for every night in Equestria since Luna had returned, but a harsher, brighter light. Twilight, curious at the different moon, approached the window.

“Ah!” Twilight jumped from the magical backlash created when she touched the glass. Her hoof was singed. This magic was powerful. There must be some escape.

Twilight continued running through the empty halls of Canterlot castle, making her way to the main gate. Sadly, when she got there, she found the same magic prohibiting her from going outside. She was trapped.
---

Fluttershy got on the chariot as the fastest fliers in Canterlot started to fasten their harnesses for the trip to Fluttershy’s cottage in the woods.

“Princess, do you think this is really necessary? Maybe Twilight just left the castle to…fly around?” Fluttershy asked apprehensively

“Twilight almost never leaves the castle, you know that. It’s been that way since…”, started Luna before she was cut off.
“My sister is right. Her disappearance tonight is significant. Please go and make sure it was not Discord’s doing.” Celestia spoke softly.

“Alright, but I really don’t think it’s Discord!” Fluttershy stood firm in her faith of her friend. The chariot lurched forward and Fluttershy was on her way back home.

“Guard, tell the messengers to send for the others. If it truly is not Discord’s doing, I fear that we may be on the precipice of disaster.”

“Others, Princess?” The guard replied.

“Twilight’s other friends, you daft fool!” Luna answered. “Go find Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity!”

“Er..Right away, Princess!” The guard, redfaced, ran urgently from the scene, not wanting to be in Luna’s presence any longer.

“Sister, what do you mean if it’s not Discord? Surely it is him; No other entity can penetrate Canterlot without detection!”

“Luna, our defenses are formidable, but there’s been more than one occasion that they have failed us. But I fear that this problem stretches back farther than that. Come. We must make preparations for the arrival of the others. I’ll explain when we’ve all gathered.”

“What of the trade agreements with the Crystal Empire? We aren’t on the greatest terms with Cadance, Sister.”

“We will explain the situation. I’m sure Cadance will understand.”

“I hope so, Sister. There’s a great many ponies whose future relies on that decision.”