> The Sleeping Princess
>  by Cora Zone Unicorn
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Two Pegasi Sisters
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Once upon a time, in the small village of Canterlot, there were two pegasi sisters. Their names were Fluttershy and Cadence. They were the best of friends. 

Cadence was the oldest, eighteen years old. She was a beautiful pegasus with a pink fur coat and wings. She had big and beautiful purple eyes that shined whenever she laid a smile. On her flank, laid a crystal-like heart for a cutie mark. The heart represented her ability to spread love to everypony around her no matter who they were. 

The mare, however, had a uniquely colored mane. Her mane were the colors of purple, pink, and yellow; her tail as well. Her hair was done up in a little messy ponytail. This was the way she wore it most of the time, especially when foalsitting any of the fillies or colts in the village.

Cadence loved children. She loved children as much as she loved her own sister. She was always so great with them. All of the little fillies and colts seemed to love her in return; always wanting to help her and have her and her sibling play with them. 

Speaking of her sibling, this brings us to her sister. Fluttershy is the youngest, she was 16. She was a very beautiful pegasus as well. She had a pale yellow fur coat and wings. She had hypnotizing teal eyes that made you feel as if you were lost in the ocean whenever you were to gaze into them. Her mane and tail were about the same color as her sister's fur coat, if not, a little lighter. 

Her hair was done in such a way that it fit almost to the shape of her face. Her tail was a little long that it happened to drag a bit on the ground whenever she walked around. She didn't seem to mind, though.

Her final feature was her cutie mark. On her flank was a cutie mark where three little pink butterflies lay. The butterflies symbolized Fluttershy's love for taking care and communicating with animals. She loved animals just like Cadence loved children. Her cutie mark also symbolized the kindness that she would spread whenever she help a poor, defenseless animal. Or even a local villager.

Everypony in the village wondered how to these two ponies seemed to play off each other so well. One sister showing love while the other showed kindness. Two similar concepts born from the same blood. Not only that, but every single villager was taken aback from their beauty. 

They were the two most beautiful mares in the whole entire village. Every single young stallion has been asking either one of them for the time of day. However, they politely rejected each and every gentlecolt caller, simply explaining that they were not ready for such a thing, as of yet.

Though they were all slightly disappointed, they could not help but be impressed with their very mature responses. They would give them both a gentle bow, before trotting away, back to their homes. 

The two sisters would watch them leave, waving goodbye. Looking at each other from the corner of their eyes, giggling. 

The two siblings were interrupted by the sound of whistling, coming from a few yards away. They turned their heads, looking over their shoulders. The pegasus sisters looked around until they spotted a elder stallion of their particular species. 

This Pegasus was a male with a pale cyan-colored fur coat and wings. His mane and tail was a dark, almost navy, blue. He had eyes, the color of green. A green color just like an emerald. His cutie mark was a yellow lightening bolt with wings. 

"Girls, it's time for dinner," the elder stallion shouted, waving his left hoof, signaling for them to come in the house.

Cadence and Fluttershy looked at each other, saddened that it was time to leave their good friends for the day.

"Yes, father," they both said in unison. 

The two both began to flap their wings. A breeze hitting the bottom of their wings with each flap. Both of their wings began to lift the sisters off of the ground, each flap going against the force of the air. 

Cadence and Fluttershy began to fly toward the little cottage they call home. A few of the fillies and little animals waving goodbye, for they won't see them again until the next day. 

As they were about to land in front of the house, a voice from next door caught Cadence's ear.

"Oh, Cadence, dear," said the voice. "Would you mind foalsitting Pound Cake and Pumpkin Cake tomorrow?"

The pink Pegasus looked over to see a blue earth pony mare with a dark and light pink swirly mane and tail. She gave her a great white smile. "Of course, Mrs. Cake. I would love to foalsit the twins."

Mrs. Cake let out a sigh of relief, "Oh, thank you so much, dearest. Oh, and Fluttershy! How have you been, sweetie?"

The young pony blushed a little, "Oh, I'm fine, Mrs. Cake," she told her. "Tell Mr. Cake I said 'Hello.'"

"I will, dear. Goodbye," the mare said, before returning inside.

The two pegasi waved goodbye before trotting inside their little cottage. Their father, Soarin', gave both his daughters each a kiss on the forehead as they came through the door.

The stallion closed the door behind him, a creaking sound being made as he did. He then flew over to the kitchen table where his children were sitting. On the table was a bowl for all three of them. Each bowl held about a ladle's worth of carrot and spinach soup. Beside each bowl was a glass of apple juice.

"How was your day today, girls?" he asked, blowing of his soup before taking a spoonful.

"Today was just great, father," Cadence responded.

"Oh, yes. Today was just great. We played with some of the little fillies and colts," Fluttershy said.

"We even fed some of the animals in the village square," Cadence added.

Soarin' smiled. It made him so happy to see his two precious daughters enjoying themselves. It made him even happier that they both have been spreading love and kindness all throughout the village. Oh, how their mother would've been proud.

"Oh, father! Would you tell us a story?"

The stallion looked up from his meal to his eldest, the spoon only making it halfway toward his mouth. He set the spoon back down gently in the bowl. "A story?"

"Oh, yes! That's a wonderful idea, sis! Would you tell us a story, father?" Fluttershy asked, giving him the puppy-dog eyes.

Now, how can I say "no" to that? he thought to himself. "Oh, very well. But you'll have to wait until tomorrow."
> The Legend of The Sleeping Princess
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The following day, Fluttershy was out and about in the village square. The sun was nice and bright, giving off warmth to all the ponies and plants. The sky so clear, not a single cloud to be seen. The smell of roses and sun flowers filling her nostrils as she trotted along. She stopped along her tracks when she saw three small little fillies playing a game of “Hopscotch.” 

Fluttershy could not help but smile as the palomino filly waved her hoof, inviting her to play hopscotch first. Apple Bloom was always considerate, a down to earth, sensible filly. With a playful wink, she hopped across the crooked chalk lines with a little more effort than she would care to admit. Apple Bloom raced to greet her, puppy-dog eyes looking pleadingly into her own, “Can you do it again?”

Scootaloo scoffed, puffing out her lip in a dramatic pout. “I could’ve done that in my sleep.”

Fluttershy could only roll her eyes. Typical Scootaloo. The filly had a penchant for bragging, but Fluttershy knew better. As she was unable to fly, Scootaloo was desperate to prove that she had a place in the world, however small. Fluttershy glanced down at her atrophied wings with a frown. She’s just like me. Clearing her throat, Fluttershy nudged Scootaloo forward, “Why don’t you give it a try, then?”

Her lavender eyes stared incredulously back at her, “What? Are you serious?” She stamped her small, orange hoof against the asphalt. “That’s sissy stuff.” 

Fluttershy nudged her in the ribs again. “You won’t know until you try.”

Their little game was interrupted by the sound of a young mare's voice. The four girls looked over to see none other than Cadence flying over toward them.

"Good evening, Cadence." The three little fillies greeted in unison.

"Evening, girls." she greeted in return, waving her hoof.

Her pink feather wings retracted as she landed her hooves on the ground. She extended her arms wide open, to bring all three of them into a group hug. Releasing the fillies, Cadence turned her attention to her little sister, gripping her in a bone crushing hug. After the two of them pulled away from each other, Cadence turned her attention to the little Crusaders.

"What have you girls been doing?" she asked, tilting her head to the side while giving them a genuine smile.

"We were playing hopscotch with your sister," Sweetie Belle responded quickly, and rather loudly.

"And she's very good," proclaimed Scootaloo. 

This caused the normally shy yellow Pegasus to blush a bit. She turned her head away from the little ponies, trying her best for them not to see the pink blush forming upon her cheeks.

Cadence giggled softly at Fluttershy’s reaction toward Scootaloo’s comment. "Well, I'm glad that you're all having fun."

The Crusaders smiled before turning their attention to Fluttershy.

 Apple Bloom walked over to her, putting her little hooves on the Pegasus's leg. "Fluttershy, do you think we'll ever get our cutie marks?” 

Fluttershy looked at Apple Bloom, those big orange eyes piercing into her soul. Why does she have to do that? “Well, Apple Bloom, I’m sure that if all three of you keep trying new things, you’re bound to get your cutie marks before you even realize it.”

“You really think so?” Sweetie Belle squeaked, clutching Fluttershy’s hoof in a death grip.

“I know so. As long as whatever new things you try are not dangerous.” Fluttershy shuddered at the very thought of what the trio would get into next. “I don’t want any of you to get horribly injured.” Or maimed, or burned. Fluttershy felt a hoof press reassuringly on her shoulder. She glanced over to see her big sister giving her a sly smile.

“Fluttershy, I’m sure they’ll be fine. They know to be careful whenever trying something new. Don’t you, girls?”

The girls turned pleadingly towards Fluttershy in a perfectly innocent expression. It looked like a picture of angels she had seen. Who could say no to that? She turned to Cadence, sharing a small smile before bursting out in a fit of giggles. 

“Well, why don’t you sweet little angels go and try something new?”

“Something new and safe.” Fluttershy added.

Cadence jerked a nod. “Yes, Fluttershy and I have to be home soon.”

“Alright!” They chimed in unison. 

“C’mon girls, let’s see if we can get our cutie marks in farming!” Apple Bloom cried, charging down the road.

“Yeah,” cried Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo.

“Great idea, Apple Bloom,” said Scootaloo trotting behind her.

“Let’s go and talk to Applejack,” said Apple Bloom.

The three little ponies then ran off to toward the west side of the village, leaving Cadence and Fluttershy in the village square. The two sisters shook their heads, giggling to themselves.

“My, those three are quite the little adventurers.” Fluttershy said in her usually soft voice.

“Indeed they are,” Cadence responded. The pink pegasus looked at the sky, to see what time it was. The sky was beginning to turn from a beautiful sky blue, to a deep navy. “We’d best get home, father will be calling us for dinner soon.

Fluttershy looked up at the sky as well, letting out a tiny shriek. “And plus,” She gulped, glancing nervously up at the sky, “it’s getting . . .dark.” 

The eldest pulled her little sister in a comforting hug, wrapping her pink feathered wings around her. “Don’t worry, Fluttershy. I’ll always be here whenever you need me,” she whispered in her ear, reassuring her before letting go of the hug.

The two siblings began to walk their little cottage home. The sky seemed to become darker with each step they took. Their surroundings slowly starting to disappear into darkness, the shadows of the buildings beginning to lengthen. 

As the two were only about three feet away from their home, the front door opened, revealing their father, waiting patiently with a soft smile. Fluttershy’s fear of the dark began to disappear once her saw the face of her loving father waiting for them.

Both Cadence and Fluttershy began running once they saw him. The two happily hung onto him, encompassing him in a group hug.

The stallion chuckled softly, kissing each of them gently on the forehead. Fluttershy felt her face heat up. Though he was wise and kind, he had to be the most embarrassing father in Equestria. He made a theatrical bow, waving them into the house. “Come on in, my sweet little angels. Dinner’s just about ready.”





Dinners were always a peaceful affair in the their household. It was the time of day they could all just sit down, and enjoy one another’s company. Though they often chattered away, there never was never any pressure to join in. As Cadence and Fluttershy dug into their steaming bowls of cabbage and cilantro soup, Soarin’ eyed them with a soft smile; silently requesting their attention. Inwardly, Cadence braced herself for another of her father’s long winded conversations. 

“So Cadence, sweetheart, how was your day foalsitting the Cake twins?” he asked in a casual manner, taking a bite of his salad.

Cadence smiled a crooked smile, her eyes twinkling from the light of the candles. “Oh, Pound Cake and Pumpkin Cake were simply wonderful, father. So very sweet and fun to play with.”

“That’s wonderful to hear,” Soarin’ said as he brought another forkful of salad to his mouth.

“Yes,” Cadence began to glance around the room, “although, I must admit they are a handful when it come to trying to put them asleep. Pound Cake never wants to stay in his crib; he’s always flying around the room. And Pumpkin Cake always wants to play with her toys.”

Fluttershy clasped her hooves to her mouth. “Oh, goodness! They didn’t get hurt did they?”

Cadence waved the thought away with a hoof, “Oh, no, Fluttershy! Of course, no pony got hurt. I got them to sleep safe and sound, eventually.”

“Just goes to show that children are a big responsibility. Your own or not, children can be difficult at times,” said Soarin’. “Guide them along the way, still they don’t listen. However, as children continue to grow, they learn.” 

The little dining room was silent for a moment. Not a sound could be heard except for the munching of lettuce and other vegetables that their father was chewing from his salad. What he had said was true. Even though Cadence loved children, they were a little overbearing. It was the same with  Fluttershy and her love of animals. Just like regular children, animals can be overbearing.

Soarin’ turned to Fluttershy, raising an eyebrow. “What about you, Fluttershy, dear? How was your day?”

Fluttershy whipped her head toward the direction where her father sat, leading Cadence to realization that her sister was still hung up on the whole Cake twins. She had moved her head so fast that her pink mane getting into her eyes. “Oh, my day was just fine. I played with a few little fillies in the village square today. We played a few games of ‘Hopscotch,’” she said, using her hoof to get her hair from out of her teal-blue eyes.

Soarin’ smiled at his youngest. He knew Fluttershy was very shy when it came to talking to any pony. The old stallion was happy to see was getting better at socializing with other ponies besides Cadence.

“That’s great, Fluttershy.” Soarin’ brought the fork to his mouth, taking one last bite of his salad before getting up from the table. “Now, why don’t you girls finish up your meal? Then I’ll tell you a story.”

The two pegasus sisters smiled, their faces gleaming with excitement. “Yes, father!” 

The two ate their dinner as fast as they could, though still being lady-like. After they had finished, they washed their dishes and flew over to the living room. 

A pleasant warmth greeted them as they strode into the living room. Firelight danced and flickered off the walls, and onto the floorboards. Cadence inhaled deeply, enjoying the familiar, comforting scent of the wood smoke. She trotted over to the fireplace, watching her father add more logs to the already roaring fire. 

Cadence and Fluttershy settled themselves comfortably on the living room rug, while their father settled himself in the chair where he would tell stories in when they were little fillies. 

“Oh, father what story are you going to tell us,” asked Fluttershy.

“Yes, father, which one,” Cadence asked as well. 

Their father chuckled at Fluttershy and she’s behavior. He found it precious at how even as young mares, they both still had little instances of fillies inside them. 

“Oh, this one I think you’ll enjoy very much.” He winked at them, clearing his throat before he spoke. “This isn’t so much as a story, but a legend.” 

The two pegasus mares tilted their heads, raising an eyebrow in both confusion and intrigue. 

“This is called, ‘The legend of the Sleeping Princess.’” 





Long ago, in the far off kingdom of the Everfree Forest, there was the Castle of the King and Queen.

The king was a handsome unicorn, possibly the most gentle and noblest Royal in the whole world. He stared outside the castle window, admiring the scenery in the beauty of the day. One of the many things he found soothing.

Alongside him, was his queen. A beautiful white pony with a horn of a unicorn, and wings of a pegasus. She had a mane and tail that seemed to flow like the Aurora Borealis. The queen was a loving pony of all things kind and wonderful.  

Together they were known as King Sombra and Queen Celestia, rulers of the Everfree Forest.

For years, the King and Queen had wanted a child. A child to fill in the empty void in their hearts and complete their lives. Not only that, but with a heir to the throne, the entire kingdom would have a new ruler and new bound sense of security. But as time went on . . . none ever arrived.

One day, the king and queen had become so desperate that they went to the most forbidden part of the Everfree Forest …. Discord’s Pond. 

The king was the one to speak into the pond, seeing his reflection in the water as he spoke. “Master of the great wishing well, please bring children into our lives so that we and the entire kingdom will find happiness.”

As the king spoke, the water began to swirl. Suddenly, a part of the water formed a distorted image. Some of the water was becoming grey. Sections of the now grey water were now forming a shape . . . the shape of a pony’s head. 

However, the now forming head shape was adding onto itself. The new additions being a deer and goat horn. The final touch being a goat beard. Its facial features were its yellow eyes and red pupils, the left one bigger than the right. Its eyebrows were white and furry-looking. It also seemed to have a large fang sticking out from its mouth.

The image frightened the king for a moment. His heart sinking in his chest as he stared into its bright yellow eyes. He tried his best to remain focused, keeping his limbs persistent as he stared at the master of the pond.   

“I have heard your wish, King Sombra. I shall grant it,” Discord responded in his taunting-like voice. “But, first you must step into my pond.”

King Sombra did as he was told. 

Discord motioned Celestia forward with a talon, “Now, you, Celestia.”

An unexpected look of surprise spread across the queen's face. She hadn’t thought to go into the bond herself. The queen did not disobey, however, and stepped into the pond as well.

“Excellent. Since you have been so kind as to come to me in your desperation,” the voice said, giving them a chilling laugh, “I shall grant you two children; a son and a daughter.”

“Oh, thank you, dear Discord,” said Celestia. 

The king and queen were so happy they had already gotten out of the pond but not quick enough for them not the hear that there was a little something extra.

“There is one thing you must hear, King Sombra and Queen Celestia,” said the figure in the water.

“Yes, what is it?” asked King Sombra.

“While I have granted you two children, I must inform you that in five years time, only one of them will stay with you!” He laughed maniacally. “The other must be returned to me.”

The king and queen were horrified at what they had just been told. Only one can stay? Why not both?

“Why must one be returned to you, Discord?” the queen asked.

“Being the master of this pond has been quite lonesome,” he said, giving another hardy and frightening laugh. 





“Oh, goodness,” cried Fluttershy, trembling while hiding her face in her sister’s mane. “I don’t think I like this story very much.”

“Don’t worry, sis. I’m sure it’ll get better. It does get better . . . doesn’t it father?” Cadence asked him, voice hopeful.

“Yes, sweetie. It does in fact get better,” Soarin’ reassured his two daughters. “Now, where was I?” he asked, tapping his chin with his hoof. “Oh, yes . . .”





Months after the visit from Discord’s pond, the king and queen were blessed with the birth of their first child. Their first child was a colt, a unicorn just like his father. He was wrapped in a little blue blanket, making sure that he wouldn’t get cold. The boy’s horn poking out from the hem of the blanket, along with a little bit of his sapphire blue mane which had streaks of cerulean and dark phthalo blue. He was a truly handsome baby. 

The king and queen decided to name their son “Shining Armor.” They loved their son from the moment they laid their eyes on him. 

However, they soon noticed a eight-arrowed star-shaped birthmark on one of the baby’s hooves.

Celestia was the first to recognize it. “The Chaos Star!”

The castle walls began to darken, Discord’s image soon showing up on each wall, speaking to them.

“I have granted you a son, a daughter you shall have in two years. However, three years after she is born, one of them must be returned to me.”

The demon gave an evil laugh as his image disappeared from the castle walls and them soon becoming lighter.

The colt now wailing in fright. The queen took the little prince in her arms, trying to get him to calm down. 

“Shh. Shh, don’t worry Shining. Nothing’s going to happen to you or your future sister,” Queen Celestia reassured, laying him against her shoulder, rocking him.

“That’s right. We’ll just have to outsmart Discord somehow,” said King Sombra.





Two years after the birth of their son, Celestia gave birth to a filly. An alicorn like herself. She was wrapped in a pink blanket, which had small openings on each side to help spread her wings. Her horn and moderate sapphire blue mane were poking out from the hem of the blanket just like Shining Armor two years before. Her mane also had streaks of moderate magenta and brilliant rose.

Shining Armor was sooo happy to meet his baby sister. He always thought it was so lonely playing in a castle by himself. 

King Sombra got down to his son’s level and spoke to him. “Well, Shining, what would you like to name your sister?”

The little colt thought about it for a moment, tapping his chin. He concentrated until he thought of the perfect name. “I like ‘Twilight Sparkle.’”

Sombra looked at his queen, giving her a look as if asking her what she thought. She smiled sweetly. “I think that is the perfect name, sweetheart.” 

“I believe it suits her perfectly,” the king agreed. “Welcome, Princess Twilight Sparkle.”

Little did they realize that the same birthmark appeared on the princess’s hoof as well . . . and that Discord would be waiting . . .





Three years after the birth of their daughter, Prince Shining Armor and Princess Twilight had become the best of friends. They were always playing outside together in the garden, their mother and father watching from the bench a couple feet away.

The princess had made her brother a little necklace out of flowers from the garden. A magenta aura surrounded the necklace, levitating toward the prince, going around his neck. 

The prince smiled at his sister’s gift, thanking her with a great big hug. The smell of daisies and roses from the necklace filled his nostrils. A light blue aura surrounded his creation of flowers, levitating it to her head and staying there. She looked upward to see that her brother had made her a flower crown. 

She giggled, prancing around her brother as he stood on his hind legs, waving his front hooves a couple of times.

It was then that a little fairy creature, caught the prince’s eye. It was a very tiny fairy, about the size of his hoof. It was blue with pink fluffy hair and blue-green antennas, and had large lashes.

It then flew toward the Everfree Forest. Curious, Shining Armor decided to follow it into the forest.

The king and queen noticed their son running toward the forest. Their daughter extending her hoof out to him, telling him not to go.

“No, son! Don’t go too far,” shouted Queen Celestia.

But the prince was too far in the forest to hear. He was still following the little fairy, not realizing how deep he was venturing into the woods. Prince Shining Armor stopped right in front of Discord’s pond where it seemed that the fairy had disappeared.

The water soon began to glow a deep neon green color, as its surface became translucent. Suddenly, a dark figure burst from the water, frightening Shining Armor. He took a couple steps back, staring at the rising figure. It was none other than the master of the pond, Discord. Only, it was him in truth, not another illusion. 

Aside from his head, was his serpent like body, covered with brown fur, a lion paw for a left arm, an eagle claw for the right. He looked like a zoo all combined in one animal. 

“Awe, Prince Shining Armor looks like you’ll be coming home with me,” he said. His eyes becoming little spinning wheels, hypnotizing the young prince. “Come into the pond, my son. Together we shall rule this kingdom in fear and chaos.”

The prince absently-mindedly obeyed Discord, and walked into the pond, not hearing his parents calling his name.

“Shining Armor!”

“Shining, where are you dear?” the queen bellowed.

The king and queen looked over in fear as they saw their son standing the middle of Discord’s pond, along with Discord, himself. “Ahhhh, the king and queen. Thank you so much for making your decision right on time,” Discord taunted. 

“Nooo” Queen Celestia cried, flying toward her son as fast as she could.

Discord just laughed as he and Shining quickly disappeared into the pond. A bright light flashed in the king and queen’s eyes, blinding them for a few moments.

A loud splash echoed around the clearing as the Queen toppled into the pond after her son. But it was too late. King Sombra rushed to her side, splashing water as he went. 

He wrapped an arm around her, his chin on her shoulder. She moved her head toward the base of his neck, tears seeping down her face. They just sat there in Discord’s pond, trying their best to comfort each other. They stared helplessly at the flower necklace floating forlornly on the water’s surface; the only reminder of their son’s presence. 





“Father,” yelled Fluttershy, “you said this story gets better,” she complained.

“It does, sweetheart, it does,” he responded, quietly.  It was silent for a moment. Nothing but the sound of the crackling fire being heard. Clearing his throat, Soarin’ proceeded with the story. 





As the years past, King Sombra and Queen Celestia did their best to raise their daughter. She had grown into a beautiful, smart and independent young mare. On her sixteenth year, Princess Twilight had become old enough to be ruler of the Everfree Forest.

But even though the kingdom was as happy as ever, there was still a hint of mourning for the lost prince. The princess didn’t remember her brother all too well. Her only memory being the little crown he had made her all those years ago.

King Sombra and Queen Celestia, still grieved over the loss of their son once in a while. They hoped and prayed that one day he’d return. But that one event didn’t stop them from being happy with Twilight.





“However, it is said that one day, Discord had left his pond soon after the coronation, spreading chaos among the whole kingdom,” Soarin’ explained. “He snuck into the Castle stealing the dear Princess’s crown.”

Cadence and Fluttershy gasped. 

“Why would he do that?” asked Cadence.

“Because within that crown laid a magic spell. A spell that turn him into stone. If any pony were ever to be turned into stone by that particular spell… there’s no way of breaking it,” he told them, suddenly becoming all dramatic.

“And . . . the princess?” 

“Some say she fell ill from grief . . . others claim that she cast a curse on herself and the kingdom to be frozen in time, and another to remain asleep until her crown is returned.”

“Oh, my . . .” 

Soarin’ looked at the clock that was mounted above the fireplace. It was getting rather late, and they were all tired. 

“Alright, girls,” he said, getting up from his ‘storytelling chair,’ “time for us to get to bed.”

The two daughters got up from the rug, dusting themselves off before giving their father a goodnight hug. 

“Thank you for the story, father,” Fluttershy said, yawning.

“It was lovely,” Cadence added.

“I’m happy you both enjoyed it.” Soarin’ gave each of  them each a kiss on the forehead. “Goodnight, my angels.”

The two pegasus sisters, released their father from the hug and flew off to their room for a good night’s rest. Little did they know about what would happen next.
> Haven't You Ever Wanted to Go on an Adventure?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday was always Cadence and Fluttershy’s favorite day of the week. It was the day that they got to spend the most with their father. It didn’t matter what they did, as long as they did it together. Even if they didn’t have anything planned, they always found something to do and  make it as fun as possible. This Saturday, the two sisters decided to help their father with their chores around the house. 
 
The elder pegasus stallion looked out the kitchen window from where he was cleaning the dishes. A wide smile spread across his face at the sight of his two little girls look to be playing a game of some sort as they they washed and hung the clothes on the clothesline. 

His youngest, Fluttershy, was washing each piece of fabric one at time inside in a little tub of water. She then lay the clothing against the washboard, scrubbing them as best as she could. After scrubbing the piece of fabric, she then tossed, what looked to be her light green hood, in the air. Cadence,  his eldest, had caught it in the knick of time while also getting them a bit wet as well.

He chuckled at their little game. Though they were both young mares at the appropriate age for marriage, Cadence especially, the two of them will always be little girls in his eyes. Soarin’ loved his children, he truly did. After his wife passed years before, they had been the one thing keeping him going.

The blue pegasus had finally finished the dishes, deciding then to get the duster and begin cleaning the little living room area. Before doing so, however, he thought he would take this time to see how his little angels were doing. Though, considering he could see from the little kitchen window… he did so, anyway.

His feathered wings flapped together, lifting him about two feet from the ground. A slight gust of air gently hit his face as he flew toward the door that lead to the backyard. “How’s everything with the laundry, girls?”

The mares turned their heads toward their father, still a bit wet from the new little game they invented.  “Swell, father,” they said together.

Soarin’ put himself gently on the ground, walking over to the two little ponies. Cadence landed as well, her wings retracting a few moments after her hooves settled with the now slightly wet soil. 

He stood in between the two of them, his head moving back and forth from Cadence to Fluttershy. One of his hooves lifted Fluttershy’s chin ever so slowly. Her face had beads of water and a bit of soap that had been lathered into little bubbles. Some soap remained in her hair as well, resembling the laundry she was cleaning just a little earlier.

He then looked over at Cadence who had the same as her little sister. He gave off a small laugh. “Well, I say you two had a bit too much fun with the laundry,” he commented, causing both mares to look at each other and blush from a little bit of embarrassment. “Why don’t you girls go and get yourselves cleaned up? I’ll finish up here.”

The two nodded their heads before entering the little house. Soarin’ then began to wash and hang the what was left of the clothes onto the clothesline.





Cadence and Fluttershy were now in the room they shared together. The walls were painted light shades of blue and green. Their beds were on both sides of the room, facing the door. The room was illuminated by little lanterns hanging beside their beds which showed the covers of their beds; Fluttershy’s being yellow and green and Cadence’s being purple and blue.

The two of them had just finished cleaning themselves after doing the laundry. Their manes both wrapped up in towels, drying. Both looking into the mirror, they began to fix each other’s hair. 

“Fluttershy,” Cadence began, helping to take the towel off of her little sister’s head. “I’ve been thinking about that legend father told us the other night.”

Fluttershy squeaked at the mention of their father’s story. She too had been thinking about it lately. But she had been thinking more about that frightening creature that took the prince away from his family. If that were either herself or her best friend who were taken by that monster, she wouldn’t know what she would do. “S-so have I,” she said in her usual quiet voice. 

Cadence took a hold of her sister’s hair brush, hoping not to drop it considering how wet her face was. The brush combed through Fluttershy’s pink mane smoothly and easily. Not a single knot to be found. She put the hairbrush down on top of the little drawer. “Oh, is that so?”

The yellow pegasus just simply nodded. Her sister’s hooves ran through hair a couple times to make sure she didn’t miss a single strand. Once she was through, it was Fluttershy’s turn to fix her hair. 

“Well, I was up last night thought to myself, ‘What if the legend is true?’,” she explained as Fluttershy began to comb her best friend’s hair with a different brush. Her eyes widened at the thought.

“What makes you think the story father told us was true,” she asked after putting the brush back down. She then grabbed the blue ribbon that Cadence wore from the top of the drawer and began to tie her hair into a ponytail.

Cadence simply shrugged. “I’m not really sure,” she admitted. “I just feel as if there’s something more to the story. There are some questions to be answered.”

Fluttershy tilted her head to the side, not sure where Cadence was going with this. She finished tightening the bow, but to not too tight to the point it hurt her hair.

Cadence turned around facing her sister. “Think about it: The prince hasn’t been seen ever since Discord took him away. He was the ruler of the most forbidden part of the Everfree forest. Not to mention, he’s immortal. Which means, Prince Shining Armor could still be alive after all these years!”

“I-I guess. But how do you know that this ‘Discord’ beast, is immortal? Father never mentioned him being immortal,” she pointed out.

“I was up last night reading more about the legend. Father also said that no pony was quite sure what had happened to Princess Twilight.”

Fluttershy gave her big sister a strange look. “Where are you going with this?”

Cadence gave sister a great big smile, the kind she hadn’t seen her sister use before. It was not one of her loving and caring smiles. No. This smile she was wearing had sort of a mischievous glint to it, and it worried her. 

“I think we should go and find out what happened to Prince Shining Armor and Princess Twilight Sparkle!” Cadence’s smile grew even bigger and her eyes began to gleam in the light from the lanterns.

“WHAT?” Fluttershy shouted much louder than intended. Very rarely would she ever yell like that. Whenever she did try to yell, it was also so soft. “Are you crazy?”

The older sister placed her hooves on the younger pegasus’s shoulders. “Fluttershy, Fluttershy, calm down,” she said, looking into her teal-blue eyes. “No, I am not crazy.”

“Cadence, you want us to go and search for a lost Prince and a Princess! Don’t you realize that that story father told us is probably about 1,000 years old? There’s no way it can be true.”

“Oh, c’mon now, Flutters. Do you think it’s truly just a legend?”

Fluttershy looked down at the wood floor, brushing a strand of her pink hair out of her eyes. She tried her best to avoid eye contact. “Even if we were to find out what happened to Princess Twilight and her brother, I don’t think it would be safe.” 

A slight squeeze came upon her shoulder. The mare looked up to see her sister giving her a sly smile. “Don’t worry, sis. Listen, I’ll make sure nothing horrible happens, if you agree to go and search for the lost prince and Princess Twilight with me.”

Fluttershy thought for a moment. “I . . . I don’t know . . .”

“Wouldn’t you like to go out on a little adventure once in a while?”

“But what would father say,” Fluttershy asked.

“I’m sure he’ll understand,” she said, simply. “Now are you in? Or are you out?” She extended her hoof, waiting for her best friend to take it.

Fluttershy thought for a moment once again. I’ve always wanted to go out on an adventure. But then again, if the legend is more than that, I don’t want to end up like Prince Shining Armor; taken by Discord never to be seen again. I mean, how would father react? He couldn’t risk losing me . . . or both of us, for that matter. Although, Cadence did promise that she wouldn’t let anything bad happen . . .

After thinking for what felt like forever, she finally came to terms with her decision. She simply smiled, “I’m in,” she said, placing her hoof on top of Cadence’s.

Cadence then enveloped Fluttershy into a great big hug. She released her soon after, going towards their bedroom door. “Great! We’ll head out before the sun rises tomorrow.”

A concern look spread across her sister’s face. “Tomorrow morning? But won’t father be worried once he realizes we’re not here? We’re all he has, you know.”

She had a point. Cadence thought of a quick solution to that little problem before a light bulb went off in her head. “We’ll just leave him a little note telling him we’re fine and we’ll be back soon.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure father will be fine,” she assured her. “Now, before we leave in the morning, we best get our capes . . .” 

And with that, Cadence left the room, leaving Fluttershy to bobble her head a couple times before she came right back in. “I think we should let them dry first . . .”

Fluttershy laughed at her, shaking her head to the side. “Why don’t we help father with the rest of the chores?”

The older pegasus nodded her head in agreement. “Yeah, good idea.”

The two mares then shut the door behind them, going down the steps toward the living room to help their father.
> Preparing for the Journey
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was a beautiful, peaceful night. The whole village of Canterlot was quiet with the exception of the rustling of the bushes due to a slight breeze in the air. Nothing but the stars and a full moon being the only source of light. Every little house was still except for one cottage.

Candles were lit in the room that Cadence and Fluttershy shared. The pink pegasus was already up and out of her bed. She flapped her wings slowly as she was doing her best not to wake her father who slept just down the hall. 

She turned around, seeing her little sister still sleeping peacefully in her bed. The mare flew over to the other side of the room, stopping a few inches above her. Putting her hoof on Fluttershy’s shoulder, she shook her awake.

“Fluttershy,” she whispered, shaking her softly. “Fluttershy, wake up.”

The younger pegasus fluttered her eyes open. Her vision was blurry but after a few blinks, her vision was now clear and in focus. She sat up in the bed, covering her mouth as she yawned. “What is it, Cadence,” she asked, still a little groggy from her slumber.

Cadence smiled, her wings starting to flap slower and slower as she landed on the wooden floorboards. She took one of her sister’s hoof in hers whilst her other went around her waist, supporting her as she helped her down from the bed. “Don’t you remember? We’re going to go search for Princess Twilight and also find out what happened to her brother.”

Fluttershy did nothing but look down at the floor. “Oh . . .,” she said, avoiding eye contact, “right.” She then looked out the window to see it was still dark outside. Her eyes widened. “W-w-wait! We’re going to go now? When it’s dark out?”

The eldest quickly gestured for her to take a deep breath. After calming her down, Cadence gave her a reassuring hug. She moved her hoof up and down on her sister’s back as she spoke. “Don’t worry, sis. I’ll take a lantern with us so by the time we leave it won’t be as dark, alright?” 

Fluttershy closed her eyes as she listened to her big sister. She squeezed her eyes tight before opening them once again. “Ok . . .” she whispered as Cadence released her from her embrace.

“Listen, I know that you still find the dark to be very scary,” she said, looking into her teal-blue eyes. “But just know that nothing will happen to you as long as I’m here.”

The younger mare nodded, giving her a small smile; she smiled as well. Both loved each other very much. The two would do anything for each other, Cadence especially.

No one, besides their father, cared for Fluttershy more than she did. Ever since their mother had passed, she had to take on the role of the mother while still being her older sibling. If anything were to happen to her best friend, she wouldn’t know what to do with herself.

“Alright, now let’s get ready. We’ve got a legend to unveil.”





The kitchen floorboards creaked as the two of them walked. They could’ve easily just flown around the kitchen but they didn’t want to end up breaking or bumping into anything since it was so dark. Cadence squinted her eyes to try to find the lantern in the dark room. She waved her arm around to see if she could feel the exterior of the item she was looking for. 

It took a couple of minutes until she had finally found the lantern that was sitting on a hook right next to the door that lead to the backyard. The mare grabbed the handle with her hoof and brought it over to the kitchen table. With one swift of her hoof, she unlocked the opening of the lantern.

“Okay, Fluttershy, why don’t you go and ask a few of your little firefly friends if they can help us,” she asked her in a whisper.

The younger pony nodded her head and flew to the back door. Her hoof lay on top of the knob, twisting it. She opened the door as slowly and quietly as she could, trying her best for their father not to hear. 

Fluttershy poked her head out of the door to see about thirty or so fireflies flying around their backyard. She smiled at the sight. The little pony always loved these little insects, they made the dark a lot less scary for her. “Um, excuse me, little friends,” she began after clearing her throat, “Cadence and I are about to go out on a little journey . . . and . . . well . . . um . . . We were just wondering if any of you would like to light the way for us.”

The little insects looked at each other. They spoke a little buzzing language amongst one another, discussing which of them will help out. After a couple of minutes, about five little fireflies stood forward, accepting the offer. 

“Why, thank you very much for volunteering,” she said gratefully. “Looks like you little ones will bring just enough light for the lantern we plan to use.” Fluttershy opened the door a bit wider so they could fly into the kitchen. “Don’t you worry. We shall be back soon.” She pulled her head back in the doorway as she began to close it. “Goodbye.”

The rest of the fireflies buzzed in their little language, waving with their little legs. They continued to do so until the door shut.





Cadence had found some paper and a quill. She was trying her best to think of what to write on the note for their father. Hmm . . . what to write? What to write . . .? Her thoughts were interrupted once she noticed five little specks of light that were now hitting the kitchen wall in front of her. She turned her head to see five little fireflies with Fluttershy.

“I asked some of my friends if any of them would like to light the way for us and these five volunteered to help us,” she explained, along with the fireflies nodding their heads in agreement.

The older sibling smiled look at the fireflies. “Well, thank you for being kind enough to help us.” She looked over her shoulder to see the lantern still sitting on the table, opened. She then turned her attention back to the insects. “If you wouldn’t mind, would you be so kind as to light up the lantern for us?”

The five nodded before flying towards the inside of the mobile lamp. Cadence then gently closed the opening, sealing it by clasping the hook. The kitchen suddenly became illuminated, both being able to see their surroundings. It just bright enough for them to see but not bright enough to the point where Soarin’ would wake up and wonder what was happening downstairs.

Cadence simply sighed. “Much better, now I can know and see what I’m writing.” The pink pony went back to what she was doing before: pondering on what to write on the little piece of paper. It was a good five minutes before she finally figured out what to put on the paper. She dipped the quill into the ink and began to write. Ink began to form into words as she moved the pen with her mouth. A good sentence or two and she was satisfied with what was written.

Fluttershy looked at the note, reading it. “Oh . . . do you think it’s good enough?” A worried expression took over her face; her voice having a tone to match. Cadence simply squeezed her shoulder in reassurance.

“Don’t worry, everything will be just fine. At least father won’t have to worry himself to death about where we are going.” Fluttershy gave her a sly smile. “Now, let’s get going. There is one place I’d like for us to go before we truly begin our journey.” She took the lantern handle in her mouth and headed toward the door. Fluttershy followed not too far behind.





The two pegasus ponies had been walking along a dirt path for about a good half an hour. The path ahead of them was a bright as it could be thanks to the firefly-powered lantern. Fluttershy stayed close as she could to Cadence, her light green hood lay upon her head whilst her sister had drawn it low over her head.

They were now approaching a little apple farm where a good friend of theirs, Applejack, lived and worked. Cadence had to admit, it did, in fact, looked creepy at night. As they reached the farmhouse, the eldest set down the lantern and flew up to Applejack’s bedroom window.

She lightly tapped a few times, trying not to wake the rest of the Apple family up. Eventually, the pony she wanted to talk to had awakened. She turned on her lamp before opening up her window. 

“Cadence,” the southern pony said in confusion, “Wha-what are ya doing here at this hour,” she asked, a little groggy from sleeping. She covered her mouth with hoof as she yawned.

The pink pegasus gave her a tiny smile, her wings still flapping in the air as she spoke. “I’m so sorry to wake you when it’s so late, Applejack,” Cadence apologized. “But I was just hoping that you wouldn’t mind by me asking if you can lend us some snacks for the journey Fluttershy and I are about to take.”

Applejack gave her a confused look when she mentioned Fluttershy. She looked down from her window to see that she was on the ground staring up at them, with a lantern beside her. The yellow pegasus waved her hoof at her country pal. The mare smiled and waved in return. “How ya doin’, Fluttershy?”

“Oh, fine. Yes, just fine,” she responded.

The earth pony smiled once again before bringing her attention back to the still flying pegasus. “Yeah, sure. Ah’ll bring ya’ll some snacks.”





Applejack was able to bring about a week’s worth of snacks into their saddle bags. There were apple pies, apple fritters, muffins, and all kinds of treats. She had also packed their bags with a few bottles of apple juice.

“Thank you, very much, Applejack,” said Fluttershy.

“Awe, no problem, Sugar Cube,” Applejack responded as she helped her put her saddle bag back where it belonged. “Now, what’s this journey a’yers ya taking?”

Fluttershy’s eyes widened. She turned her head to the direction where her older sister stood. “Oh . . . should we tell her?”

“I don’t see why not.”

The southern mare crossed her hooves, waiting patiently. “Yeah, c’mon. Tell me! Ah wanna know about this journey yer going on.”

The two pegasi ponies looked at each other before taking a deep breath. Fluttershy was the first to speak. “Cadence and I are going to go in search of a legend.”

Applejack’s eyebrows furrowed together. “A legend?” She gave them both a questioning look. 

The two sisters went on to tell their friend about the story their father had told them. Everything from the king and queen, the loss of the prince to the unknown about the princess. “And so we’re going to find out what came of Princess Twilight and her brother Prince Shining Armor,” said Cadence.

The blonde-haired pony raised an eyebrow at them, especially at Cadence. “Cadence why in the world would ya want ta find out about something like that when it probably happened a hundred or even a thousand years ago?”

Cadence shrugged her shoulders. “I’m not sure. I know it seems crazy to go after something that probably never happened or did happened before probably even our great-great-grandparents,” she explained, “but I just feel as though there is something more to the story that father told my sister and I.”

Applejack just sighed, shaking her head in the process. “Ya always were the optimistic one, Cadence. How long do ya think ya’ll be gone?”

The two of them tapped their chins, unsure. They should be gone a week at the most. Journeys of this kind should take a few days, if not a week. Both told their friend they shouldn’t be gone for more than that. 

The mare nodded, giving them both hug goodbyes. “Take care yerselves, ya hear?” 

“We will,” they said in unison. 

As they released each other from the hug, Fluttershy went on ahead, taking the lantern and starting to walk off the farm. Applejack took this time to quickly talk to her friend one last time. “Watch out fer Fluttershy, alright,” she said. “Ya know how fragile and sensitive she is. Who can tell what’s waiting on the journey?”

The colorful pegasus smiled slyly before turning her head to the direction of her best friend. “Believe me, I’m going to do whatever I can to make sure no harm comes her way. I’ll always be there for her.”

Applejack gave her a great big smile. Cadence’s friendship and love for her sister, was nearly as strong as  her own with Apple Bloom. “Ya better get goin’. Don’t wanna keep her waiting.”

She nodded her head before giving her friend one last hug. The mare waved goodbye as she caught up with her little sister. The two then began their journey. First stop: The Everfree Forest. 
> Vision of Hope
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Back in the kingdom of the Everfree Forest, the king and queen were fast asleep. It had been over a thousand years since they had lost their son to that dreaded Discord. It may seem impossible for rulers of a kingdom to still be alive after a thousand years, but thanks to their daughter, she was able to cast a spell upon the Everfree Forest to be locked in time. No pony in the kingdom was frozen physically in time, for they were still able to do their daily routines. No, they just never aged.

Queen Celestia laid beside her husband, however, she wasn’t sleeping as peacefully as he was. She was squirming on her side of the bed, muttering and moaning things in her sleep. Her face was scrunching up, almost in fear or nervousness. Tears were starting to form and go down her face due to what was going on inside her head.





It was in the middle of the night. The queen was standing where she had last saw her beloved son Shining Armor. She was just a few leagues away. Queen Celestia wondered what she was doing here and why. This was just reminding her of the terrible fate that had happened to her eldest child. 

She noticed, from the corner of her eye, a little fairy-like creature flying toward the wretched pond. Her ears perked, hearing hoofsteps coming her way. She turned her head to see a beautiful young pegasus mare with pink hair following it. She couldn’t have been more than sixteen years old. 

“Wait for me, little fella,” she heard her say. Her voice was soft and delicate. Kind and gentle. Celestia’s ears perked once again as she heard the sound of some more hoofsteps coming her way.

“Fluttershy, wait, don’t follow it any farther,” another young mare shouted from afar. The queen looked closely to see that this mare was a pegasus as well. She seemed a to little older than the one before her, probably about eighteen or nineteen.

“Oh, come now, sis. It’s not like it can hurt me. Look at i-” the young one that she assumed was named ‘Fluttershy,’ turned her head, stopping mid-sentence to find that the little fairy-like creature she was following wasn’t there. The little yellow pony looked around in confusion. “Cadence… did you see where it went?”

Suddenly, things began to go haywire. Things began to switch from one thing to another. The queen watched in horror as a giant eagle claw formed by the pond water grabbed the young mare. She screeched a frightful scream as the water lifted her up about ten feet off of the ground. The pony tried her best to get out of its grip, but it was too strong.

The other pegasus pony immediately flew up to the height to who Celestia guessed was her sister, trying to get ahold of her. “Let go of her!” Queen Celestia watched in horror as the claw brought the two pegasi mares down toward the pond in an impact speed too fast and powerful to depict. She heard them scream as they hit the water.

Suddenly, everything was jumping from one thing to another. Different scenes involving the two pegasi ponies that she saw, each only lasting about three seconds each. A scene of Discord appeared first, showing him laughing maniacally while holding a the two mares by a force of magic. The second being the two mares being locked in some sort of dirty dungeon. Third being the yellow pegasus reaching out to the evil Draconequus. 

The fourth being the eldest sister being comforted by something that the queen couldn’t make out. It seemed to be an arm. A white arm rubbing the back of the pony who seemed to look like she was crying. 

The final scene however was different. It didn’t involve either of the mares that she saw before. Instead it was a silhouette. The silhouette seemed to belong to a stallion. He was facing a brick wall. It was too dark to see what he properly looked like. That is until a sudden beam of light began to show through some sort of opening in the wall. 

The light began to cascade across the back of the stallion’s backside. Just from behind, Celestia began to wonder why this pony looked so familiar. He turned his head, facing his left, unveiling himself to be a unicorn. His mane, being caught in the light, was revealed to be sapphire blue with streaks of cerulean and phthalo blue. A serious expression was masked on his face as his eyes popped open to a tremendous shade of a moderate cerulean.





Queen Celestia sat up in her side of the bed a frightened manner. She was buried in sweat and her cheeks were tear-stained. Her sudden outburst had caused her beloved king to awaken a few moments after.

“My dear, what is the matter,” he asked her, a concerning tone taking over his voice. He lay his hooves on her shoulders, having her face him. She was still panting a little bit due to what she had just experienced. 

“Sombra, I just had the most terrible dream,” she said frantically. The king gave squeezed her shoulders, telling her to calm down. He gestured for her to take a deep breath and explain what had happened.

Celestia went on to tell him about the two young mares that had appeared in the multiple scenes of whatever it was that had happened in her mind. As she spoke about the multiple scenes involving the monster that took their son away and the two pegasi ponies, she stopped for a moment. “An-and then the last thing I saw…” she trailed off, not wanting to continue for she wasn’t quite certain if who the stallion she saw was whom she thought it was.

King Sombra waited for his wife to continue. When she didn’t go on after a few moments of silence, he asked, “Saw what, Celestia?” She gave him a look that seemed to read as either hopeful or uncertainty. “What was it that you saw?”

She hesitated before responding, “I saw a stallion. A-a young stallion in fact. He looked to be about 18.”

Her husband raised an eyebrow at her. Where is she going with this? he thought. 

“I couldn’t tell who it was at first since it was so dark…” she paused for a moment, wondering if what she would say next would make her sound paranoid or crazy. “But… I-I think I saw Shining Armor.”

Sombra’s eyes widened, clearing taken aback by what he had just been told. “Shining Armor? Darling, it’s been over a thousand years. If the stallion you saw really is our son, he couldn’t possibly be eighteen; let alone alive.” 

She had to admit, he did have a point. However, could it be possible that once their son had turned 18, Discord had placed a spell on him so he wouldn’t age? Similar to how their daughter had casted a spell on the entire kingdom of the Everfree to be locked in time for over a thousand years? 

Thinking about, this gave the queen a new hope. This so-called “dream” she had, wasn’t just a dream. It was something more. A sign! She looked her king in the eyes before facing out the window, staring at the moon in the sky. “Well, maybe, just maybe, there’s a way to find out.” She turned her attention back to her king. “We must get in contact with my sister and Twilight’s mentor.”

King Sombra gave her a unsure look. “Are you certain, my queen?”

“Yes. I must know for sure if what I saw was truly just a dream… or something more.”

He thought for a moment, looking over to the side. Could it really be possible that the stallion she saw was, indeed, our son, he asked himself. After a thousand years, he could possibly be still alive? A tiny smile spread across his face as he looked Celestia in the eye. “Very well.”





The king and queen were in the main conference room where they had plenty of royal guests come in to talk of very important business and events coming up among kingdoms. They waited patiently for Celestia’s little sister, Princess Luna, and their daughter, Twilight’s, mentor Starswirl. 

It was still the middle of the night, soon to be dawn in just a few hours. However, the queen’s sibling and good friend of hers were two ponies that would take advantage of the night. Luna, who is the Princess of the Night, always took the chance to go into the dreams of the citizens of the Everfree Forest to help guide and guard them. 

It was most helpful to the fair rulers of the kingdom because Luna was their only way of knowing how their dear Twilight was doing. Ever since she had casted that sleeping curse on herself, she was the closest thing they could get with talking to her.

A sudden giant orb of light began to appear from across the conference room. King Sombra and Queen Celestia squinted, shielding their eyes from the bright light. The orb began to grow bigger and bigger before bursting, only to reveal a unicorn wearing a blue floppy pointed hat and cape that had bells embedded on the hem, and stars and Crescent moons designed all over them. 

Not long after he had a arrived, an alicorn, like the queen, herself, had arrived as well. She used her unicorn magic to make the ceiling transparent so she would be able to fly through easily. Her dark blue coat and flowing night sky mane and tail made it almost impossible to see her, for she had landed right in front of the big window where you can see nothing but the dark sky.

The two ponies looked at one another, smiling. They bowed their heads lightly at each other, for that is how they greeted each other. The unicorn and the alicorn walked over to where the king and queen were waiting for them. The four of them at each corner of the table.

“Luna, Starswirl! So glad you could make it at this hour,” Sombra greeted them.

“Well, from what you have stated in your message, clearly you have something concerning you,” replied the unicorn wizard. 

“Yes, what is it that you had insisted on us to come at once,” Princess Luna asked.

Celestia looked over to her right to see her king, gesturing for her to go on ahead and tell them about what had happened earlier in the night. “I had a dream I was standing right where Sombra and I saw Shining Armor being taken by Discord,” she began. “Then I saw these two mares. They were pretty young, the eldest looked to be about eighteen, the other sixteen. The youngest was heading towards the pond following some sort of fairy when the two were taken into the pond by force.”

The Princess of the Night and the unicorn wizard, raised their eyebrows, not sure where the queen was going with this. They continued to listen as she went on to explain how the dream she had, had become all jumbled with different scenes. From the capture of the two mares, to the unicorn stallion in the dark.

The mention of the unicorn stallion in Celestia’s dream had caught their curiosity. They two had asked her to go into detail about the last thing that she had seen before she had woken up.

“Sister, you know as well as I that this was not a dream, but a vision,” said the princess. 

The king gave his sister-in-law a puzzling look. “A vision? You mean to say that what she had seen is what’s to come?”

“I believe so,” Luna responded, simply.

“But if what she saw is what’s to come, then that would mean…” he didn’t bother to finish, for it seemed too good to be true.

“Those two mares are the key to defeating Discord and getting your son, and my nephew, back.”

Though the two rulers were as excited to hear the news, one thing still came across Sombra’s mind. “But after all these years… how can Shining be eighteen?”

Starswirl cleared his throat. “Well,” he began, the end of his long, white beard laying on the table, “Discord is a powerful being; exceptionally powerful as all four of us put together,” he explained, his deep calming voice filling the room. “It is quite possible for him to have cast a spell on the prince to never age once he had turned that age. After all, he is an immortal creature. He wouldn't want to be alone forever.” 

The king looked over at his wife, seeing that she was starting to have tears of joy running down her cheeks. He took her hoof in his, squeezing it gently. Giving her a gentle smile, he whispered, “He’s alive.” More tears of joy began to run down her face, as he brought her closer and kissed the side of her forehead.

“We must inform Twilight about this,” said the king.

Starswirl and Luna nodded their heads in agreement before getting up to leave the king and queen alone to give them some privacy.





Princess Luna and Starswirl the Bearded walked along the halls of the castle. The two had been walking for a good ten minutes. The sound of their hooves could be heard throughout the castle, for there was no other movement whatsoever. They have been walking in silence until Starswirl had spoke. 

“After all these years, and we just now get confirmation that your nephew is alive,” he stated, sounding not really happy, but kind of bitter.

“Why so bitter about it, Starswirl? You should be ecstatic about finding out that Shining Armor is alive… and well, as far as we know.”

The wizard gave her a glare. “Yes, well. Why couldn’t we have found this out over a thousand years ago? Back when we all had hope that he was alive? He should’ve been dead,” he said quite harshly.

Luna was surprised at his attitude. She never expected him to act like this before. “Starswirl, I’m surprised to hear you say such a thing.” He immediately gave her a look of regret. “May I remind you that he’s not only my nephew but he’s also your god-son.”

The unicorn began to stroke his beard, which is something he did whenever he felt bad about something; whether it was something did or didn’t do. “Yes, I know, I know. I suppose I’m just upset since I didn’t get to mentor him like I did with the princess.”

Luna laid her hoof on his shoulder in reassurance. “Do not worry, my friend. We all got the missed opportunity to see the prince learn and grow into a wonderful stallion. Believe me, you’re not the only one who’s been upset for the longest.”

The bearded wizard gave her a sly smile. “I supposed you are right.”

“Aren’t I always?” Luna responded, chuckling. He just rolled his eyes.

The two had finally arrived to Princess Twilight’s bedroom door, where, inside, she had been asleep for over a thousand years since Discord had taken her crown. The two entered to see that she was in her bed, in the exact same position that she had always been. The covers still perfectly over her body, none of the sheets were out of place. Her hooves lay on top of the blanket still as if she were pulling it up to her chin, whilst her head was placed right in the center of her pillow.

Luna and Starswirl looked upon her for a few moments as she slept. Her chest rising and deflating slowly. They both gave her a small smile before Luna placed her hoof on her niece’s forehead. She closed her eyes tight concentrating, opening them a few moments later to reveal her eyes to be glowing white.





Princess Twilight was in a sort of a safe haven. For the past thousand years, or so, this is where she was as she slept. It was a sort of a magical place where anything can happen and she could do whatever she wanted. 

Every once in a while, she would get a visit from her Aunt Luna which was great considering it did get lonely at times. Whenever she came, they would talk about what was going on in the outside world and what she had been doing here in her safe haven. This safe haven is where she would practice some spells that he had been teaching herself so that whenever she were to awaken, she would go on and show her mentor, Starswirl, whom was also her godfather.

The princess was teaching herself a new spell when a burst of light shown from behind her. She turned around to see none other than her aunt Luna flying her way down toward her. She smiled a great big smile as she ran over to her, embracing her in a great big hug. 

“Hello, Aunt Luna,” she greeted her.

“Hello, my dear,” Luna greeted in return, lightly rubbing her back with her hoof. She let her go, giving her a smile. “What have you been up to for the past few weeks?”

Twilight went on to tell her about the multiple spells that she had been teaching herself for the past few weeks. Spells from turning a mare to a stallion, to duplicating herself. Luna was honestly quite intrigued by what her niece was telling her. How she couldn’t wait to tell Starswirl.

“What about you, Aunt Luna? What brings you to visit me this time?”

The Princess of the Night gave her a smile before speaking. “I have some important news. It involves your long-lost brother, Shining Armor.”

Twilight’s face gathered an expression that was somewhere between excited and confused. “Shining Armor? What about Shining Armor? Is he alive,” she asked rather quickly.

Luna chuckled at her niece’s behavior. “My, my, my. A curious, yet, intelligent child, you are,” she complemented. The purple alicorn blushed. “Yes, your mother has had a vision of her son. He is, in fact, alive.”

A giant smile spread across her face. She was so happy that she began to prance around her aunt, shouting “Yes! Yes! Yes!” about a million times. The mare took her by the shoulders and calmed her down, for she had to tell her the rest of the news.

“Aside from your brother, however, Celestia has also seen two mares. Both pegasi, who seemed to be sisters, like your mother and myself.”

The purple pony tilted her head, curious. “Two pegasi mares? What do they have to do with Shining?”

“It seems as though that they are the key to defeating Discord and your brother finally returning to the rest of the kingdom,” Luna explained.

She simply nodded her head. “Did mother happened to hear them mention their names?”

“Their names were ‘Cadence’ and ‘Fluttershy.’”

A serious expression came upon her face. The princess stood up straight, as she spread her wings open to ask her aunt to do a simple request for her. “Aunt Luna,” she began, “I would like for you to find those girls. Help guard and guide them. It seems to me that the two of them will be on a journey due to what you have told me. I’m sure that they could use as much help as they can.”

Princess Luna looked at her niece, uncertain. “Are you sure?”

“If those girls are the key to getting my brother back from Discord and also getting my crown back,” she turned around taking a few steps away from Luna, “then I suggest that it would be best for you to do so. For the kingdom of the Everfree Forest.”

Luna walked over to Princess Twilight, lifting her chin up with her hoof. She looked her in the eye and gave her an impressed smile. “Very well, then.” She gave her a little side-hug and began to fly off toward the atmosphere. She turned around to say one last thing: “You’re going to be a great ruler, one day.”

The blue alicorn then disappeared, returning to reality. 
> A Disturbance in the Forest
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cadence and Fluttershy had been walking for quite some time, a few good hours, as a matter of fact. The sun was just beginning to rise from the horizon. The yellow pony took the lantern and opened it, setting all of her little firefly pals free for the day. 

“Thank you very much for lighting the way for us,” Fluttershy said.  

Cadence took a few steps forward, placing her hoof on her younger sibling’s shoulder. “Yes, we appreciated it, very much. Would you mind doing the same tonight?” 

The flying insects made a few buzzing sounds, indicating that they would return once again to light the way for them at night. They flew off into the distance, their little bulbs of light no longer being visible once the sun had finally made its way fully to the sky. 

Fluttershy took this moment in time to take the hood, from her cape, off of her head. The hood collapsed on itself, laying perfectly against the back of her neck, not a single lump to be found. Her long, pink hair appeared flawless. Not a single strand of out of place.

The little pegasus turned to her left, facing Cadence. “How much longer do you think it’ll be until we find the Everfree Forest,” she asked her.

Cadence turned her head away from Fluttershy for a quick moment, looking at the path ahead of them. She placed her hoof up to her chin, tapping it lightly. Her eyes squinted, as she began to contemplate in her mind an estimate of how much longer it would be until they had reached the forest. 

“I’d say about a day or two, at least,” she responded, finally. Fluttershy simply nodded her head. “Well, how about we take a little break and have some breakfast,” Cadence suggested. “We simply can’t go on walking on empty stomachs.”

“I agree,” said Fluttershy.

The two pegasi mares took out their saddle bags, placing them on the ground. They unclasped their capes and folded them neatly, setting them beside their bags. Both began rummaging through the food that their good friend, Applejack, had made, deciding on what would be good enough for breakfast. Both, then, came to the conclusion that apple cinnamon muffins would be the best choice.

As the two of them ate, a startling thought came into Fluttershy’s mind. “Cadence, do you suppose father has awakened by now?”

“Hmm….. he should be,” she answered, taking another bite of her muffin. “Why do you ask?”

“Well,” Fluttershy began, her voice low, but still audible, “do you think he’s read the note you left behind, yet? 

Cadence took a sip of her apple juice. “I would believe so.”

A worried expression appeared on Fluttershy’s face. “Oh, he’s probably worried sick, right about now.”

Cadence immediately had been overcome with a bit of guilt. She could only imagine the frightened look on their father’s face once he awakened to find that the only mares left in his life had gone off without saying a proper goodbye. The things that her best friend were suggesting only made her feel a bit more guilty.

However, she did promise that they would return in about a week in the note that she had written for him. Hopefully that would decrease the amount of worrying that their father must be feeling at the moment.

“Listen, Flutters,” Cadence began, “I promised father that we would return home in a week,” she explained. The pink pegasus placed her hooves around her little sister’s shoulders in comfort. “And you know I never break a promise.”

Fluttershy turned her head over to the side, making eye contact with Cadence’s light purple eyes. Her teal eyes dilated, indicating that she was about to cry; her mind still on the subject of their beloved father possibly searching frantically for his two precious little girls. She blinked her eyes, quickly, a few times, trying her best to keep tears from falling down her face. The young yellow pegasus finally gave a tiny smile.

“You’re right. I shouldn’t worry so much,” said Fluttershy, coming to terms about the situation. “But… do you actually suppose that this will only be a week long journey?”

Cadence gave her a comforting smile. “I’m positive.” 

The two pegasi siblings then embraced each other in a hug. After a few moments, they released one another. The pink pony flapped her wings, flying over to where her own saddle bag and cape were. She strapped her saddle bag onto her back before clasping her crystal blue a cape around her neck. 

After doing so, she flew over to where her sister’s saddle bag and cape. Grabbing the bag with her teeth, she placed it, carefully, onto the yellow pony’s back, along with Fluttershy’s light green cape. Clasping it together around her best friend’s neck, Cadence untucked her long pink locks from the inside.

“Now, come on. There’s still a long way to go,” Cadence said. 





For the next couple of days, the two mares had spent the time telling each other fun little stories. They were different from the ones that their father had told them when they were fillies… and much more different than the one that he had told them both, most recently. Once the night had took over the beautiful blue sky, the fireflies returned as they promised, lighting up the way for the two pegasi.

They stopped wherever they thought would be the proper place to rest, taking naps whenever their bodies became consumed with exhaustion. Besides, it’s never a good idea to continue on on a journey while you’re tired. Takes all the fun out of it.

Finally, after traveling a looong distance from home, Cadence and Fluttershy made it to the top of a large, steep hill. Just a few miles ahead, in the distance, was what they had been searching for… The Everfree Forest.

“Look, Fluttershy,” Cadence said, excitement in her voice. “There’s the Everfree Forest!”

Fluttershy raised an eyebrow, uncertain. “Um… I’m not so sure that’s it, sis. It doesn’t look anything like what father described when he told us the legend.”

The pink pegasus looked ahead, once again. The forest was entirely black with the trees and branches all spindling together. The only entrance visible being right dead in the center. No source of life or light seeming to come out of the forest, whatsoever. It looked dark and gloomy... during the day time, no less.

“Oh, of course that’s the Everfree. What other forest could it be,” she asked her.

Fluttershy was about to answer back, but kept her mouth shut, for she couldn’t think of anything. Her eyes widened once she saw a pair of pink feathered wings flapping from the the corner of her eye. A gentle breeze from each flap hitting her pink mane.

She squeaked. “Cadence, what are you doing,” she asked, almost panicking, grabbing onto her hoof in the process.

The eldest of the two immediately turned her head, looking down at her best friend. Her multicolored ponytail hitting the base of her neck rather quickly. “I’m going to go get a closer look.”

“I-I-I don’t think that’s such a good idea,” she said.

“Oh, come on, sis. We can’t go back now. We’ve come all this way,” Cadence said, finally getting her hoof out her younger sibling’s grasp. “I don’t know about you, but I’m going to go in there.” 

The pink mare then flew out of her reach, heading towards the forest. Fluttershy squeaked once again, quickly deciding that she should follow suit. She opened her delicate, yellow feathered wings, flapping them as best as she could until she was off the ground. Her wings began to flap back and forth, making her head in the same direction her older sister went.

The light breeze hit her, now, pink flowing mane as she flew in the air. It was only a few moments when she saw the pegasus before her head down toward the opening of the forest. Fluttershy dove down as well, landing right beside Cadence.

They both looked ahead, their eyes widening and their mouths dropping. One step and they would enter the forest.

“W-we h-ha-have t-to go in there,” Fluttershy stuttered, obviously frightened.

Cadence looked at her, concern in her eyes. Fluttershy was shaking. She had never seen her more frightened in all her life. Being the loving sister she was, Cadence extended her own hoof outward, waiting for her to take it. The still shaking pony looked at the hoof in front of her before making eye contact.

“Together,” Cadence said, giving her a reassuring grin.

Fluttershy looked her Cadence’s hoof once more. She nodded, grabbing her hoof, and her shakiness immediately subsiding. 

“Together,” she responded.

The two then took one step into the Everfree Forest.





Down in the bowels of the Everfree, was a pond. A pond that lay in the forbidden section of the entire kingdom. This pond was the home to the mischievous and chaotically evil Draconequus, Discord.

Yes, it may seem like just a regular pond from above, but below the surface, was a whole ‘nother world. A world where chaos ensues. 

At the very bottom was a castle, a castle approximately as large as the one above. It lay on top of a checkerboard like ground and was surrounded by cotton candy clouds where it rained chocolate milk. 

Discord was inside his castle, spending some time with a young looking stallion, when suddenly, his whole entire, serpent-like body, wiggled like a worm. 

“What’s the matter, father,” the young stallion asked.

The draconequus narrowed his yellow eyes, his unproportionate red pupils becoming smaller. “There’s a disturbance in the forest.” 

The stallion’s eyes widened, a shocked expression taking over his face. “What? But that’s impossible. No pony’s ever entered the forest.”

“Well, it seems that time’s have changed,” Discord said, a menacing tone taking over his voice. 

He snapped the fingers from his eagle claw, making a full-body mirror appeared from thin air. “Let’s see who has entered the forest, hmm?”

The young stallion nodded his head. It was only a few moments until a pink beam of magic hit the mirror, an image starting to take place. 

“Well, done! I knew that spell would come in handy some day,” Discord said, enthusiastically. 

The two waited as the mirror began to form some sort of picture. Colors of yellow, pink, purple, green and blue were starting to take over. The draconequus wasn’t understanding what that thing or creature was.

“What is this,” he asked, frustrated. “Some sort of rainbow-pony or something? Hurry and clear up,already!”

The mirror did as it was told and soon enough an image of two mares had appeared in the mirror. The stallion and draconequus’s jaws dropped at the sight of the two ponies walking along inside the forest. 

Discord found himself infatuated with the yellow pegasus with her long pink locks and big hypnotizing teal-blue eyes. The young pony beside him was mesmerized by the pink pegasus with purple eyes and multicolored ponytail. They were truly stunned by their beauty.

“Father… it’s… it’s two mares,” said the stallion.

“Oh, really? I haven’t realized,” Discord said, sarcastically. The stallion just rolled his eyes.

“What are you gonna do about them?”

A vicious grin spread across Discord’s face as he began to think of a plan. He turned his head to face the pony beside him. “Son, go and get yourself prepared. Those two mares are going to be spending some time with us for a while.”

The young pony gave a salute with his left hoof. He then trotted away to do as he was told, leaving the draconequus alone, chuckling viciously. 
> Determination and Tears
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Princess Luna was on the other side of the Everfree Forest, just a few yards away from the castle. Though it was a brand new day, bright and beautiful where the castle laid, the inside of the forest was dark and lifeless. Ever since that monster had taken her nephew, the forest hasn’t been the same. Sure, the animals would still come out from the forest every once in a while, but not very often. 

The princess walked along path of the Everfree. She held her head high as a determined look remained across her face. 

I must find those two mares at once, she thought. If they have entered the forest, Discord has most likely sensed them, already. I must get to them before he does.

The dark alicorn spread open her wings, flapping them at once. She took to the air, doing her best to not get herself caught in any of the curvy branches from any of the trees. Luna scanned the forest with her dark blue, almost black, eyes. Her eyes moved back and forth as she searched for the two pegasi ponies that her sister described from earlier. 

Where could they be?





Discord was back in his chambers, getting ready to prepare for a little “visit” from the two little ponies. He snapped his fingers, making a little tiny cage appear. Inside, was a little fairy-like creature, with pink fluffy hair and large eye lashes. It was the same little specimen that had “brought” him his son.

He smiled a wicked, yet goofy, smile. His eyes narrowing as he looked the little fairy in the eyes.

“Time again for you to run a little errand for me,” he said, lifting up the tiny cage with his claw. 

Suddenly, his whole body began to move in a serpent-like fashion, dropping the tiny cell. He felt his whole body tingle, as if he was being stuck with thousands and thousands of needles. After a few moments, it stopped. His big, long white eyebrows furrowed together.

The draconequus immediately snapped his fingers, making the mirror appear once again. 

“Who has entered the Everfree Forest this time?”

The mirror began to show various shades of blue and black coming from different angles and sides. Discord had began to grow impatient until he started to notice that the colors were taking form of an alicorn. 

He snarled, poofing the mirror away with his magic. He didn't need to see anymore. He knew whom it was going to show, and he knew what she must've been up to.

"Not if I get to them first, LuLu," he said, sadistically. He then picked up the cage with his magic. "Go and bring those ponies to me. Find them before she does." 

The draconequus then opened the cage door, letting the little creature out to bring him his prize. 





The two sisters were, now, a good 10 feet inside the forest. They walked along the path together, hoof-and-hoof so they wouldn’t get separated. 

Cadence walked along strong and tall, whilst Fluttershy was quivering in fright. She jolted her head in many different directions, thinking that something horrible or scary could pop out at any given moment.

“A-a-are you positive th-that we’re in the right place,” Fluttershy asked, already shaking.

The pink pegasus continued to walking forward, looking straight up the path. “Of course, Flutters. I’ve never been more sure in my life.” 

She then looked over to her right, finally noticing that her best friend was shaking like a leaf. The mare stopped walking for a moment, turning to face Fluttershy.

“Why are you so frightened?” 

"Oh, Cadence, you know I have a great fear of the dark. What if some sort of monster comes out from the trees and tries to separate us?"

The young mare's eyes widened. "Sis, that's not gonna hap-"

"What if we never return home to Canterlot," she asked, grabbing onto Cadence's shoulders.

"Don't wor-"

Fluttershy gasped. "What if we never see father again?!" The young pegasus began to panic, tears starting to form in her eyes. "Oh, sis, we need to go back! Father must be worried sick. He'll be all alone. There'll be no pony to help take care of him. No pony to talk to! No pony to kiss him goodnight!" 

Cadence didn't know what to do in that moment. She had never seen her best friend this worried or afraid about anything before. It broke her heart to see her so upset.

"He was so sad when mother passed away. Imagine how he would feel if he lost us too," Fluttershy said, in a broken little voice. 

She then collapsed to the ground, breaking out into sobs. Her green cape covered her body as she brought her knees to her chest, hugging them tightly. 

Cadence watched in her little sister lying on the ground in a fetal position, crying non-stop. 

Maybe this adventure wasn't such a good idea after all... she thought. If this is how she's is now... I'd hate to see how she'll be later on during the rest of our journey. And I can't bear to see her suffering like this.

The elder pegasus crouched down to Fluttershy, lifting her up with one hoof, and pulling her into a comforting hug.

"Sshh.... Sshh..," she said trying to comfort her. "It's alright, little sis," she assured her. "Sshh... Sshh..."The pink mare lightly rubbed her best friend's back in comfort. 

Fluttershy was still sobbing at the thought of the two of them never returning home and being with their father again, the only family she has left aside from Cadence.

As she continued to sob, she heard her sister began to sing a song. A song that their mother used to sing to the two of them whenever they grew upset.

 "Don't you cry, it'll be alright
Soon it will be light
You'll no longer live on with fear
For I will always be right here"

Fluttershy's sobs began to cease as she heard the familiar lyrics. After a few minutes of calming herself down, she began to softly sing along.

"Wipe those tears, put on a smile
What you fear won’t return for miles
If you feel to run and hide
No need to worry, I'll be your guide..."





On the other side of the forest, Luna searched high and low for the two ponies. She was beginning to think it was a lost cause, until she heard, what sounded to be, two girls singing.

"When love and kindness is brought upon
All the evil and darkness will soon be gone
Now, take my hoof and trust in me
Soon, your pain will be set free”

Luna’s ears perked up and as she listened to the little song. She immediately began to follow in the direction it was coming from. Her wings spread open, letting her to glide through the thickets of trees and curvy branches.

As she followed where the song was coming from, she noticed from the corner of her dark blue eye, that something else was going in the same direction as well. Princess Luna squinted her eyes, only for them to widened in horror as she realized that it was the same little creature Celestia and Sombra had told her about. The same little creature that lured her beloved nephew away from his family for over a thousand years.

A scowl grew upon her face. “Oh, no, you don’t Discord,” she said. “There is no way you’re finding those two ponies before I do.”

The alicorn then began to fly faster, determined to find the two pegasi. She just had to get to them first. There was a purpose for them being here. The kingdom of the Everfree Forest has suffered for far too long. The princess just hoped that her sister’s vision was correct. 





Discord watched what was happening through the mirror. He watched closely at his little friend as it flew through the forest, fetching for the little ponies. However, the draconequus grew very bored from just watching the pest get the two of them. 

He yawned. “Boring.” He snapped the fingers on his lion paw, summoning another mirror. “Let’s see what those two little beauties are doing,” he said, tapping his fingers and talons together, a creepy little smile forming on his face. 

The mirror took a few moments before revealing the two mares in the middle of the forest. He began to laugh at the one with the long pink mane once started to go insane. He found it absolutely hilarious. The way her eyes widened and started yelling about every possible, horrible scenario made his lose it.

“That yellow one really is quite hysterical,” he commented, still laughing his head off. So far, he could tell that the younger seemed a lot more interesting than the older one. There was something about her… he didn’t know what.

He calmed down once he heard a sudden knock at his bedroom door. “Yes?”

The door opened inward, only to reveal his son. “Um, father?”

“Ah, yes. What is it, son?”

The young colt came into his room, standing tall. “I have made myself presentable for when our guests arrive.”

The creature gave him a sincere smile. “Well, done, my boy,” he exclaimed, giving him a pat on the back.

The unicorn smiled happily, before looking over his father’s shoulder, noticing the two magical mirrors. A look of curiosity took over his face. 

“What is that,” he asked, pointing behind him.

Discord froze, for he forgot to poof the two mirrors away. He had to think of something quick!

“What’s that little fairy-type… thing... doing?”  

C’mon, Discord! Think of something! Think of a lie, he thought to himself. It was then that a light bulb went off above his head. I’ve got it! Discord then lifted his eagle claw over his head, turning off the light bulb.

“That, my boy, is a creature that I just discovered. Turns out it actually lives in the Everfree and only comes out every thousand years,” he fibbed.

“And what about the other one?” He pointed to the other mirror showing the two ponies.

“Oh, well, I got bored just watching watching the little thing flying so I wanted to see what are our soon-to-be friends were up to,” he responded. Now that, truth be told, wasn’t a lie at all.

The child nodded his head, showing that he understood. He then found himself and his father grow silent as they had began to hear a gentle, yet beautiful singing voice coming from the other side of one of the full-body mirrors. 

Discord found himself drawn to the voice as well. He soon felt himself almost into some sort of trance once the younger one of the two began to sing along.

Beautiful, he thought. Such wonderful harmony.

“They’re quite talented, aren’t they, father?”

“Indeed, they are, son,” he said, another idea forming into his head. 

The draconequus’s idea was immediately put on hold, once he noticed a shadow of an alicorn-like figure flying above his little fairy in the other mirror. He raised his lion paw, causing the mirror to extend, getting a complete view of what was going on. Discord snarled once again as he saw the sister of, none other than, the queen, with a determined look on her face.

The colt noticed the look on Discord’s face and grew confused. “What’s the matter, father?” He turned his head to look into the mirror. The unicorn tilted his head, thinking that that mare on the other side was what making his only parent upset. “Who’s that?”

“Somepony you’re better off not knowing,” he said, through his teeth. “Why don’t you go and make the rest of the place ready? I need some time to myself.”

The young colt gave him a salute with his left hoof before heading out of his father’s room. Discord waited about a good minute before turning back around to face the mirror.

“Don’t even think about it, LuLu,” he said, his eyebrows furrowing together in disgust, his sharp teeth showing. “I know what you’re up to. There is no way that you’re going to get to those two mares before I do.”

He continued to watch both mirrors, his head bouncing from left to right. After about a minute or two, he turned his head over to his bedroom door, where his son had just walked out of just a few minutes earlier. “And there is no way, in all of Equestria, that I’ll ever let Shining Armor return home,” he said, almost growling. “And I’m determined to do the same with those two pegasi.”

Discord then snapped his fingers, causing both mirrors to go out of his sight.