> The Undesirables
>  by DEI Caboose
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> 1. Something New
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------






	
Her tea was remarkably soothing, flowing down her throat quicker than a pouring waterfall and tingling the itchy feeling that pestered her throughout the day. Princess Luna knew she would need to praise her hoofmaiden the next time she saw her for her efforts; their time together may have only been brief yet her loyal servant had yet to disappoint her.

The time for that would need to wait however for the night was dark and the castle was fast asleep, resting under the shine of the moon above. The lone Princess sat upon the balcony of her private tower, gazing up to the shining stars above and the twinkling lights of Canterlot below. Such a sight it was, a sight which Luna always laid to appreciate. Candles, gaslights, lanterns, neon signs, their glows all blended together, shone and reflected against the grey and scattered clouds. Sometimes it was impossible to tell which was brighter, the stars or the city. Some would wonder but Luna however didn't particularly care, the scenery was too mesmerising to ponder such trivial matters.

Tonight however was different. Thoughts plagued Luna, dark thoughts which despite her efforts to dismiss continued to linger, clouding her vision and souring her mood, her prior feelings of serenity suddenly seeming like a distant memory.

Equestria had been attacked again, in the heart of Ponyville by some creature suspected to have originated from the Everfree Forest. The damage it had caused was extensive with various buildings needing to be restored, though thankfully the number of reported injured was minor to the point of being effectively nonexistent, a miracle which put Luna at ease. It had almost been a complete disaster however, the wedding she and Celestia had been invited to was almost ruined entirely.

Had either herself or Celestia been aware of the attacking creature the second it had appeared it would have never made its way beyond the Everfree border, Luna would not have allowed it. But alas it had and now the citizens of Ponyville would have to once again recover from yet another catastrophe.

This was becoming far too frequent for Luna’s taste.

The day was however saved thanks to the efforts of the resident Elements of Harmony, once again jumping into the fray to save their home, family and their friends. They had done such a good job that neither Luna or Celestia had become aware of the incident until after the wedding had gone ahead as planned and they were promptly informed about it over tea. Celestia had laughed it off with her former pupil and dismissed the situation as a consequence of the town's close proximity to the Everfree forest, commending Twilight Sparkle and her friends for their swift response.

Luna had not joined in with the festivities. 

The Elements of Harmony were civilians. Farmers, bakers, veterinarians and dressmakers. Yes, they were civilians gifted with a magic beyond comprehension, but that didn't make them any more expendable than anypony else, yet whenever danger struck it was not Celestia or even Luna herself who rushed off to battle, it was the Elements of Harmony and their Princess in training.

That was something Luna refused to condone any longer.

Her thousand year absence from Equestria had left Luna ignorant of the common customs and expectations of its citizens, but despite all that, Luna refused to accept Celestia’s ‘armchair’ approach to defence. In the days of olde it would be her and Celestia leading the charge, sisters united in the pursuit of peace. Now that had changed. Celestia had soldiers, personal students and now even the Elements of Harmony at her disposal. “The old ways are no longer needed’” Celestia had once told her, “Equestria needs leaders who lead through peace, not strength, not through displays of power.”

Luna rolled her head at the memory, annoyed by her sister's words. While Luna accepted that the times had changed and so she must do the same… Some things just lingered. Luna was always the warrior of the two, a strategist at heart, perhaps that was why these thoughts plagued her so? Perhaps Luna wished to return to the role she used to play in Equestria, no longer needing to pretend she was simply Celestia’s sister, identical in every way that mattered.

Her head fell low and Luna found herself looking across the city once more, yet it did not appear the same. As if a switch had been flicked, the Canterlot of light and glamour Luna had gazed out upon mere seconds ago was gone, replaced by something seedy… Heinous. It was as if Luna could see every darkened alleyway, every fearsome figure, laid in waiting, ready to pounce.

That was the Equestria Luna knew.

She had taken it upon herself to protect the realm against the creatures that wallowed in the night, in the shadows and in the foliage of the blackened forests and decedent ruins. Luna routinely ventured out to do just that, often at times forgetting to lower the moon in morning as she returned to the castle matted in sweat and the grim of her enemies. One such glorious battle had culminated in the discovery of Tiberius, her fiendish opossum companion, but that was a story for another time.

Luna’s ventures into the dark weighed upon her conscience heavily, every night protecting against the monsters reduced to simple fairy tale stories to many, though Luna knew firsthand that they were anything but. It was Luna’s duty as a Princess, one which she carried out with great exuberance. Yet after today, one bug-bear slipping past her watch… Perhaps there was something else she could do, something more. Another line of defence for the citizens of Equestria, one which did not rely on the magics of Harmony or risk the lives of unwilling combatants. 

Yes…

Something different, something new. Ponies who fight for the better of Equestria and for the betterment of themselves in the process. As a princess Luna was able to be persuasive, able to bend others to her will and illuminate new paths to pursue, that would be how she would acquire her manpower. She would not rely on the Royal Guard however, they were seasoned and veterans yes but their discipline and methods were just as much a liability as they were a strength. If Luna was going to go about this, it would be on her terms, her rules, her methods. 

Yes.

This was an idea worth looking into.
> 2. The Wild Card
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“How many times do I gotta tell you, Lining? Ponies ain't gonna take kindly to you if you keep getting up in their faces like that!”

“The name’s Lightning, jerk off!” Lightning Dust slurred out as she was hastily forced out the swinging doors of the saloon. “And if they don't want me up in their faces they should learn to keep their traps shut!” Lightning shouted out, making sure to direct her voice over the shoulder of the bartender pushing her out the door.

The stocky and greying stallion held his hooves out to block Lightning from re-entering his establishment, budging back as the turquoise mare occasionally tried to force her way back in, elected to feraly pace about once she realised the stallion had no intention of letting her do so. “Just take a breather, kid,” the stallion harshly quipped. “Ain't no reason to cause a ruckus.”

Lightning huffed, ready to retort and berate this stupid stallion for all he was worth. But as her hoof rose to point towards him accusingly her chosen words of response proceeded to simply die in her throat, her hoof reluctantly swinging back to the earth as her head limply did the same, a sudden sense of dizziness overcoming her.

The bartender was thankful for the gesture, but this scenario had become such a regular occurrence that he was beyond impatient at this point. Every other day Lightning, or Lining, whatever her name was would come on down to his bar, down some drinks and proceed to cause a ruckus amongst his customers until he told her to take a hike. At first he tolerated it, she was good for business after all, but after several weeks of the same thing he was just too tired to keep doing this every time she reared her head. This had to stop, one way or the other.

“Listen, kid,” the stallion began, his hooves steadily lowering to the floor while Lightning tried to concentrate on what he was saying. His frown held steady as he spoke, he knew he didn't really have much choice other than to do this. “Kid, I don't want you coming round here anymore alright? I can't have you picking fights with my regulars all the time. We aint into that kind of thing. You want drama? Head on down to the Canterlot slums cause I can't have you doing this. We clear?”

Lightning was either was too intoxicated to listen or didn't care to respond, but the stallion assumed she knew what he was saying. He pitied her to an extent, her story wasn't exactly a happy one from what he'd overheard and from what she'd told him during one of her drunken ramblings, but he had his own problems to worry about and this mare, whether he liked to admit it or not, was starting to get on his nerves.

But as he looked to her, her head held low and her wings sagging at her sides, that well of pity he felt began to swirl once again and against his better judgement he found himself speaking once more. “Just let the heat die down a bit, kid. Give it a month or two and I'll think about letting you back in, but only if you clean up your act first, comprende?” He said with evident authority.

Lightning Dust murmured out something that sounded like a “yes” before she turned her back to him and walked away, the dirt crunching beneath her hooves as she directed her blurred vision towards the path ahead. She wondered for a moment if the stallion was still stood there watching her, judging her just like the rest of them, whispering behind her back, subconsciously alienating her, knowing full well that she didn't belong.

Who needs ‘em, was Lightning’s only thought on the matter as her hooves carried her away. 

The night air was crisp and cold and Lightning ruffled her feathers as a chill spread along her back. The winds had picked up for the coming winter, she was pretty sure that the snow clouds would be dispersed soon. This was a problem for Lightning, her home wasn't exactly ideal for this time of year.

But it wasn't like she had much choice in the matter.

After losing her position as Lead Pony whilst at the Wonderbolts Academy, her career as an aspiring Wonderbolt had been on a fast descending spiral of failure. Having alienated the rest of her fellow recruits ensured that she had no support when it hit the fan. She was constantly given the most menial tasks as reparation for her ‘blatant disregard’ as Spitfire had called it. Scrub the floors, iron the uniforms, grease the dizzitron, wax the asphalt!

That one had to have been a cruel joke.

The rest of the ponies wanted her gone, constantly trying to get Spitfire to discharge her for something. Lightning showed them. She showed Spitfire. She showed that Rainbow Dash. Lightning was always the fastest, she pushed herself harder, she won those races fair and square. Just to see the looks on all their faces made all that labour worth it.

Spitfire approached her one of those days, on one of the day's Lightning had beaten yet another academy record, the biggest academy record; the twenty mile endurance race. Lightning had beaten the previous record by eight whole minutes, a feat never before witnessed in the history of the Wonderbolts. When she crossed the finish line they just stared at her in disbelief, she appeared to had barely broken a sweat. 

Lightning remembered the aftermath well; Spitfire stood tall, gave her a smile, said how proud she was that Lightning had improved herself so much, how she wasn't going to let her past actions impede her future, how she looked forward to seeing what Lightning would do in the Wonderbolts a few years down the line.

Lightning told her to stuff it. Then she quit, then and there in front of the crowd.

The looks on their faces were glorious.

Lightning had waltzed away, picked up her pre-packed saddlebags and flew off on her way without so much as a goodbye to anypony. Rainbow Dash had been resilient however, chasing after Lightning for a few moments. Lightning had lost her in the clouds, locking her wings to her sides and allowed for gravity to do the rest.

That was a day the Wonderbolts would never forget. She heard the gossip occasionally, how some lone cadet had beaten the most renowned record known to pegasi before proceeding to tell the Captain of the Wonderbolts to her face to stuff it, though accounts vary as to what was actually said with some being more obscene than others.

One aspect of the story however was a secret that Lightning would take with her to the grave. For if it ever became known any and all glamour and triumph associated with her 'victory' would be lost forever.

That twenty mile race? Lightning had cheated.

That thought alone made her burst out laughing.

Beating the record by eight whole minutes? How stupid could they all possibly be! Lightning had lied in waiting, going off course once she gained enough of a lead that she wouldn't be spotted, the course had been circular so a detour was easy enough. Nopony was none the wiser, the idea that somepony would go rouge during a race went completely against the honour system!

“The honour system, ha! Fat lot of good that's done any of them!” Lightning spurted out to herself, her voice providing her own company. Lightning knew her time as a Wonderbolt was done the second she had been demoted, but she refused to allow the others the satisfaction of seeing her discharged despite how much they tempted her to force Spitfire's hoof. Instead, she bided her time and left a legacy that won't soon be forgotten.

There was one downside to that legacy however, one which caused Lightning to slow her pace and sag her shoulders. Cursing the famed Spitfire to her face? Good for a story, terrible for credibility. No pegasi east of Cloudsdale was going to hire a ‘wild card’ like Lightning Dust after a stunt like that.

Still though, Spitfire’s face… Her grimace, her shock, her rage.

It was so worth it.

Right?

Her vision cleared as Lightning subconsciously recognised her surroundings. The dirt path widening into a more ordained cobblestone road, directing up towards the Canterlot Spire visible overhead. Lightning had elected to live outside the city, the surrounding land far too expensive for an unemployed pony such as herself to enjoy. Yes that was right, Lightning was without a job, her dream was crushed, everypony had deserted her and for all intends and purposes her life had been ruined, probably by her own doing despite how much she liked to shift the blame.

Hence why she drank, it made it easier to cope.

A shadow blocked the moonlight above and Lightning looked upwards. A little cloud house floated there, a destitute mixture of greys and whites cobbled together to make something that neither resembled a cloud nor a house. Yet it was Lightning’s and Lightning’s alone and there was nothing anypony could do about it. Upkeep was simple and it was comfy to sleep in, plus whenever tensions grew too high where she was, Lightning could just saddle up and tow herself to some place new. Lightning had nothing to answer to and nopony to please.

Another reason why she drank.

Her wings flapped lazily and Lightning drifted upwards. Tomorrow she was going to have one heck of a hangover, but she'd earned it. She was probably going to have to drag herself some place new tomorrow, somewhere along the Baltimare range perhaps, the docks along the Horseshoe Bay are always looking for keen workers, or so Lightning had heard.

Kicking in the fluffy doors, Lightning stumbled inside, her hooves sinking into the foamy floor. She waltzed around in a daze, her legs swinging as if she was in a dance, a dumb smile refusing to leave her features. She almost made her way into her bedroom when she noticed something peculiar. Something about her living room was different, it was a lot brighter than usual, had Lightning forgotten to blow out the lantern? The lantern was on so that must have been the case. Maybe that pony on the couch knows what's going on?

Wait… Pony on the couch?

Lightning jumped high, the dark figure sat upon the cloudy cushions of her couch reeling back at Lightning fright, which quickly morphed into anger at the intruder and then shock once she became aware just who the intruder was. The dark blue, flowing mane, sparkling coat and piercing eyes being quite recognisable.

“Princess Luna!” Lightning shouted out in fear, unevenly falling to her knees as she attempted to bow. “I um, wasn't expected you! Should I have been expected you? Because I wasn't,” Lightning rambled out, staying on her knees as she grew confused by her own words.

Luna would have smiled if not for the condition the mare was in and the evident intoxication she was displaying. It was saddening to say the least, she had had much higher expectations based on what she had heard of this Lightning Dust. Perhaps her assumptions were unfounded? There was only one way to find out.

“Ms. Dust,” Luna began, regally rising from her seat, her tone steady and firm. “I apologise for my unannounced presence, but I wished to-”

“Oh there's no problem! Unannounced! Who cares who's unannounced? I don't!” Lightning carelessly interrupted.

Luna was not amused, clearing her throat in order to start again. “As We were saying, I-”

“Who's We?”

“Me.”

“You?”

“Aye!”

“I?”

“Yes!”

“... Me?”

“SILENCE!”

Lightning fell to her haunches as Luna stood towering above her with a angry glare, clearly annoyed by the ditziness of this pegasus. “I think in your present state everything I say will go in one ear then out the other. You leave me little choice, Lightning Dust, but I need to talk to you in manner in which you'll understand!”

“Lady, you take forever to say nothing!”

Luna grumbled incoherently and tapped her glowing horn against Lightning’s forehead, who fell into a blissful sleep within seconds, gently snoring with a smile upon her muzzle. Luna took great care as she grasped Lightning in her magic, carrying her into her bedroom and placing her upon her bed, where Lightning proceeded to hug her cloud pillow. Luna sat at the bed's side, her horn glowing once again and her eyes turning white. A steam of magic flowed out towards Lightning, who dribbled onto her pillow none the wiser.

Luna awoke into a sea of clouds, covering the ground as far as the eye could see. She spotted Lightning Dust soon enough, the mare was flying about aimlessly, confused by everything going on around her. Upon catching sight of Luna flying towards her, Lightning dropped to the earth, her mind clear and her vision focused on the princess. “Princess Luna, what's going on? A second ago we were in my house and then I woke up here, now you're here… I don't get it.”

As Lightning was evidently more in control of herself now that she was unburdened by her physical body, Luna smiled at her warmly, happy to explain now that Lightning was willing to listen. “There's no reason to fear, Lightning Dust. We are in a dream, yours specifically, though I have procured it for myself for the time being so that I may speak with you.” Luna snorted. “I'm afraid you're physical being was rather… Inebriated.”

Lightning grasped her head in her hooves, groaning at Luna’s words. “Ah crud! I got drunk again didn't I? I didn't embarrass myself did I? Or… Say things?” Lightning said with a glint of remorse.

Shaking her head no in reply, Luna smiled as Lightning exhaled in relief. Luna was not here for small talk however and had already expended more time and effort than she had anticipated. Her purpose here needed to be met and Lightning was apparently ready and willing to listen. “Now that you're… Able, Ms. Dust, I would like to tell you why I am here. I have a proposition for you that you may find most intriguing.”

Tilting her head, Lightning relaxed into the clouds while Luna stood tall above her, her ethereal mane flowing around her neck. Looking upwards, Luna spoke her rehearsed words. “Equestria has a problem, Ms. Dust, one which few care to admit and even fewer care to recognise. Evil and darkness lurk, and on more than one occasion some sliver through the cracks. I do what I can to combat these threats but even I am capable of error, which is why I have come to you. You have a very particular skill set which drew me here today, one which holds certain esteem. You skills of flight and strength are commendable, I've read Captain Spitfire’s reports on you, she held you in high regard.”

Lightning felt herself blush, rubbing her neck at Luna’s praise.

Then her tone turned cold. “And how did you return her respect? You insulted her in front of her comrades and threw away a life many would have clambered for. You turned your back on a esteemed position and career for what? Pride? Revenge? Spite? I'm eager to hear so do tell,” Luna eerily spoke, her voice shaking Lightning to her core.

“I- just-” Her fear was quickly overcome, the smug faces of the newbies flashing in her sight. “I couldn't let them win! I couldn't let them think I was just some upstart who got knocked down a peg! I was better than them and they all knew it!”

Luna saw an opening and she seized it. “And yet they are now Wonderbolts, and you are not.”

Lightning had no retort, her breath left her and her shoulders fell the same as her head. She refused to look the Princess in the eye, her own snapping shut as she attempted to bore out the laughing faces that plagued her so. The faces of those who were living her dream.

Lightning wondered if you could cry in a dream.

Something touched her then, something soft and warm. Lightning looked to her side to find a blue hoof perched upon her shoulder, the calming voice of Princess Luna soon following.

“Whatever your past actions were no longer matters, I'm not here because of what you've done, Lightning, I'm here to ask what you're willing to do from now on. I'm giving you an opportunity to gain back the respect, the prestige that you so carelessly threw away. All that remains is your answer, but choose wisely! My offer holds great danger and-”

“Yes!” Lightning abruptly burst out, standing proud towards the startled Luna. “I'll do it! Whatever you want! You can count on me, Princess!” Her smile was bright and wide, with Luna almost thinking that her coat had brightened along with her words.

Regardless, Luna smiled in response, her smile only growing as a new thought came to mind. “I haven't even gotten to the best part yet.” She paused as Lightning let out a gasp of delight. “I need you close at hoof for when the time comes and I require you, so I have taken the liberty of securing you a job at the Canterlot weather factory, it is nothing glamorous but-”

Luna couldn't finish, the air rushing out of her lungs as the pegasus practically leapt at her and held her tightly. Luna couldn't see Lightning’s face, but if she could she would be sure that she was smiling wide. But the embrace was ended quickly by Lightning, partly from embarrassment but mostly from the formation of a question that pestered her enough to force her to ask. “Wait, what did I just agree to? What exactly do you want me to do?”

Her head held high again and Luna spoke her words with pride and conviction. “One day, perhaps one day soon, I will call upon you to protect Equestria and all who inhabit it. I am asking this of you because I believe that you will be a valuable asset when that time comes, Lightning Dust, and I assure you, your loyalty and effort will be rewarded if you are up to the task. So tell me…” Luna leaned forward. “Are you sure?”

As if by instinct, Lightning’s hoof shot up in a salute. “You betcha, Princess. I won't let you down!”

She had never been thought of as a valuable asset before. 

With that, Luna had nothing more to say. The task had been met and the agreement had been made. Now she would leave Lightning to the peacefulness of her slumber, or she would have if Lightning didn't call out one final time to Luna’s vanishing form.

“Hey wait, Princess! How come you chose me? How'd you even know about me?”

Turning back, Luna decided that explaining the existence of a friendship report credited to Rainbow Dash explaining the actions of one Lightning Dust at the Wonderbolts Academy would only raise further questions, as would Luna telling her that she had spoken to Rainbow some time ago about the impression Lightning had left, who gave a balanced report of both the commendable and derogatory aspects of her character. Instead Luna left with some final encouraging words of wisdom.

“You've proven your worth before, Lightning, all that I ask now is that you don't squander your efforts. One day I will call for you, you just make sure that on that day you're ready for what I ask of you.”

From there, Luna vanished from the dream space and Lightning decreed to herself that she was never going to be a disappointment again. She set out to Canterlot the next day and never took a second glance at any tavern, bar or saloon the entire way.
> 3. The Lonely Siren
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------







Sonata was falling. Sonata did not like falling, falling was bad and usually ended with Aria shouting at her, she didn't like it when Aria shouted at her, it meant that she was probably unhappy and Sonata did not like it when either Aria or Adagio were unhappy, no siree bob! That was her new phrase for the day, ‘no siree bob,’ she'd heard it on TV and it made her laugh so now she said it all the time to try and make her sisters laugh too! They didn't laugh as much as they use to, not since they almost won that music competition. The Battle of the Bands or something like that.

After they were hit by that magic rainbow thingy everything had changed; first her stomach, something was wrong with it, it had growled at her! Like an angry puppy! They also didn't need to gather any negative energy anymore for some reason, but what they did need to do was eat regular ‘hooman’ food like tacos, waffles and bacon! Delicious, delicious bacon. That made them feel so nice and full, fuller than all that negativity had ever made them!

Sonata was cold, why was she cold? She was wearing her grey hooded thing.

Then Sonata remembered she was falling, and promptly resumed to scream.

She screamed so much and flailed about trying grasp something, anything that might impede her fall. Something to grab onto, something to stop her, like a big fluffy pillow or a hunky fireman with a huge net.

A tree was not what she wanted to land on, no siree bob!

She bounced off the branches, tumbling through the leaves and jagged sticks. At some point she hit the ground, winding Sonata to the point she couldn't even open her eyes. She took steady and shallow breaths before she willed herself to her knees, her eyes fluttering open and her gaze turning towards the giant rift in the sky above her; towards the magic portal she had fallen through.

Adagio had tried to grab her but Sonata couldn't hold on, at least Sonata thought Adagio was trying to grab her, maybe she wanted her watch back? It was pretty weird though; there was nothing, then suddenly out of nowhere all these portals started appearing all over the place! It was really cool actually, you could see right through to the other side.

Unfortunately though one such portal opened a bit too close to Sonata and she tumbled right through after some jerk barged past her! Sonata was angry about that, that woman was soo rude!

Electing to stand, Sonata found to her great surprise that her finger things and feet things were gone! Caput! Instead she had these weird hoofy things, almost like a… Like a…

“O.M.J.!” Sonata hushed out, twisted her newly identified hooves around to get a better look, realising what she was in an instant. “I'm a pony! A teeny tiny pony! I've got hooves and everything! Wait-” Sonata swivelled her head around, a toothy grin breaking out upon her new muzzle as she took a gander at her rear. “And I've got a tail! A big bushy tail! Boy I'm sure gonna have a tale or two to tell the girls once I get back to…”

Her joyous words faltered as Sonata’s stare turned upwards towards the sky once more, where instead of a littering of opened portals to the human world, she instead saw a peaceful evenings sky, covered in grey clouds and devoid of anything remarkable whatsoever.

Sonata suddenly felt very cold again, and it wasn't the wind.

The portal she had fallen through was gone. The brick buildings, fresh grass, shops and schools and restaurants were nowhere to be seen. She couldn't see Adagio, she couldn't see Aria, she couldn't see Canterlot High or even those stupid Rainboom’s they had been following around.

She just saw sky. 

“Adagio?” Sonata called out, hopeful that perhaps they could hear her even if they couldn't see her. “Aria?” She called again, louder and more frantic.

Sonata didn't like this. She didn't like being alone, she was never ever alone. They had always been together, all three of them for over a thousand years in the human world and before even that when they still lived in Equestria. Sonata may not have remembered everything that had happened in the time they had been together seeing as it had been so long but there was one thing she knew for certain.

She was alone, and that was a bad thing.

“Adagio! Aria!” Sonata shouted out, jumping to her hooves and whipping her head about in an attempt to catch a glimpse of some other portal that had perhaps not closed yet. It was all  in vain however. Every where she looked, every tree she looked behind, every rock she upturned and every path she ran down showed the same exact thing every time.

Nothing.

Nothing but dust, dirt and rock.

Sonata hid herself in a bush, the unfamiliarity of her new environment suddenly seeming very terrifying, especially considering that as far as she could tell she was utterly alone with no smarty pants Adagio or grumpy Aria to help her.

Her thoughts left her, her mind drifting back to the events that had led to all this. The three de-powered Sirens had been on the trail of the Rainbooms for several weeks now, with Adagio planning revenge for what they had done to them at the Battle of the Bands. Adagio had held off on executing any of her plans however since one of the Rainbooms was missing; the purple one who walked funny sometimes. Yesterday though she suddenly turned up again! Though she had glasses now and wore her hair differently but the three Sirens were sure it was her beyond any doubt.

At the same time Canterlot High was doing some kind of sports games and Adagio had the bright idea of embarrassing the Rainbooms somehow, made all the more easier since all seven of them were competing. At the last event of the games though something had happened, something Sonata couldn't explain. The purple girl changed into some big monster demon thing with wings and everything! Then she started opening up all these portals around the school! And Sonata, thanks to some selfish old crow, was bumped right through one of those portals into the heart of this new pony land.

Wait… Pony land? Sonata thought to herself, bringing her hooves up to her face once more. Memories were stirring, distant memories of a place that had ponies. It wasn't the petting zoo though they did have ponies there, no this was something-

“Equestria!”

Jumping to her hooves again, Sonata remembered. She remembered these trees, this grass, even the smell of the air. This was Equestria, their home, the place they had been banished from by that guy with the beard over a thousand years ago. They had been born here, the last of the Sirens, the most beautiful and modest of all creatures.

Except Sonata was a pony now… That was a bit confusing.

In any case, Sonata knew she was stranded here, but if this was truly Equestria and if the ponies were still the dominant species it wouldn't be long before she would be in serious trouble. If she remembered correctly ponies were often hostile towards one another, it was why it was so easy to feed off of their negativity to begin with. They had just founded their new country but they still had trouble working together, which the Sirens had gladly preyed upon. Sonata then wondered if perhaps things had changed over a thousand years, a lot could happen in that amount of time after all.

Sonata decided to find out for certain, electing to take her chances with the ponies rather than just sit in a bush.

Walking was difficult, or trotting, Sonata did know what to call it. A thousand years adjusting to ‘hooman’ vocabulary made it rather confusing for her. Pushing past several down turning branches, Sonata squeed with delight upon finding herself on the outskirts of some town. Little cottages littered the earth, a glistening stream wrapped around the edges of the land, but what caught Sonata’s eye was something that made her jaw drop wide. A giant crystal castle! A very toyetic looking castle now that she thought about it.

Regardless, a castle meant one thing; royalty! Where there was royalty there was Kings and Queens and Princes and Princesses. Maybe they know a way back to the hoomans! Sonata thought with glee. After all, if she knew anything about royalty it was that royals always helped their people with their problems, like when that Queen Platinum girl sent that bearded guy to banish them! That was so nice of her!

For the ponies at least, it was relatively bad for the Sirens.

But since she was now a pony, it only made sense that a pony royal would help her! Sonata kicked up her knees and trotted over the bridge that laid above the river, taking note of a nearby sign that read ‘Welcome to Ponyville!’ in big black letters. Sonata considered it to be a bit on the nose but laughed regardless, imaging a town called Sirenville! or Hoomanville! in the process.

As the main street of the town came into view, Sonata took note how most of the citizens were chattering to each other in befuddlement, most likely discussing the portals that had just appeared and disappeared randomly and without any warning. Sonata slowed her pace near an apple stand that stood in the town’s marketplace, the red stallion manning it looking eerily familiar but also very friendly which prompted Sonata to ask him some questions, mainly about who the royals were who resided here.

“Hey, Mr. Apple guy!” Sonata burst out, startling the stallion to the point he dropped the piece of straw in his mouth. He looked to her with wide eyes, but promptly relaxed into his previous stoical disposition upon seeing her smile, which Sonata took as a sign to continue. “I was wondering if you could help me? See I was wondering who lives in that castle there,” she said with a gesture towards the shimmering castle.

He looked at her with a raised eyebrow, as did the yellow filly at his side and several ponies walking past. He was so confused that he looked down towards the filly who shared his look of mutual befuddlement.  “Um, lady?” said the filly, who Sonata looked towards with a smile. “No offence but how could you not know who lives in that castle? Princess Twilight’s coronation was basically the biggest thing to happen in Equestria since the Crystal Empire came back!”

“The Crystal Empire went away? Where'd it go?” Sonata asked, distracted by the filly going off topic, who now looked up towards the ‘adult’ gawking.

Alternating her gaze between the two, Sonata just steadily began to trot away in the direction of the castle, content on asking this ‘Princess Twilight’ if she was willing to help her.

“My little pony,” a voice then called out from above, drawing Sonata’s gaze upwards. Now it was her turn to gawk for this was a pony, or rather a person that she knew reasonably well.

“Vice Principal Luna?” Sonata quizzically asked as the giant winged pony flew down in front of her. 

The strangeness of the title prompted Luna to tilt her head. “An odd addressal,” she replied with a snort before her gaze then drifted over Sonata’s pony form, who grew quite uncomfortable under the examination. Luna then steadied herself and if Sonata didn't know any better she would say that Luna looked rather remorseful.

“It is true then, Discord wasn't lying for once,” Luna spoke aloud to herself, which only drew Sonata’s rampant curiosity.

“Discord?” Sonata said with a gasp, never having heard the name before.

Luna held a hollow smile, as if she wanted to be reassuring. “Come,” Luna said, pointing in the direction of the bridge Sonata had used to enter the town. “There is much we need to discuss and I'd prefer we do it away from prying eyes.”

Sonata couldn't do that, stranger danger and all that. Plus she couldn't walk off with this random pony, she needed to see Princess Twilight! She was the one who could find her a way back to Adagio and Aria.

“No can do, Ma’am! I've got to see the Princess! I need some help that only a Princess can give me… You know, probably,” Sonata finished uncertain.

Luna laid a hoof upon Sonata’s back and began to direct her away. “I am also a Princess, my little pony. Princess Luna to be exact.”

Sonata just tilted her head. “You're not a Principal here? Actually yeah, how are you even here? How come you're a pony? Why am I a pony? I need to get back, how am I supposed to get back?”

Luna’s grip tightened, and Sonata found herself leaning into her.

They walked for several minutes, for how long Sonata couldn't be sure but it was long enough for the clouded sky to grow even darker. At some point Luna stopped, her horn lit up for a few moments and she looked like she was really concentrating. When Sonata asked her about it Luna just said it would be too confusing for her to explain, which only caused Sonata to grow confused anyway.

They walked out into a desolate field, thick strands of grass strutted out of the earth provided a nice blanket of sorts for the two ponies to lay upon, which Sonata had trouble doing considering she was unaccustomed to her new body. She looked to Luna hopeful, but didn't feel like talking just yet, she'd rather that Luna explain herself first since she obviously already had some idea of what was going on.

“So, Principal Princess,” Sonata began without any hesitation. “How come you knew something was going on with me? I just got here and you came right to me!”

Luna’s mane swayed as she looked the former Siren in the eye, happy to explain herself in way that Sonata would hopefully understand. “I do not expect for you to understand everything that I say seeing as you come from another world, but I will try my best.” Luna exhaled, plotting her next words carefully. “Discord, a magical creature and… Associate of mine informed me about a magical anomaly occurring in Ponyville; that magical rifts had appeared in time and space. He also said that he detected a magical presence he had never felt before and came to the conclusion that something, or somepony must have traveled through from the other side of the anomaly.”

Pausing to check that Sonata was grasping what she was saying, Luna continued promptly. “I also possess knowledge of the world you have come from as Princess Twilight has traveled there twice before. I assume there you know me as Vice Principal Luna, am I correct?”

Sonata’s oohing in disbelief was the only answer Luna needed. “So you're saying there's two of everyone? One in each world? Like two yous, two Rainbooms, ooh I wonder if there's another me in the hooman world!”

That statement shocked Luna, the implications of what Sonata was saying distracting her from her own explanation. “Wait, what do you mean by ‘another you in the human world’? Don't you mean another you in the pony world?”

“Nope! See I'm from Equestria so I can't have a doppelgänger here since-”

“WHAT!” Luna erupted.

Sonata shied away, not anticipated Luna’s shocked response. “Well yeah, me and my two sisters were from Equestria but we were... banished a thousand- years-”

Sonata couldn't finish on account of Luna’s arching back and shining horn distracting her to the point she refused to speak or even move. Recognition flashed in Luna’s eyes, memories of a letter from Twilight Sparkle repeating in her thoughts. “Banished over a thousand years. Two sisters,” Luna repeated, before her eyes narrowed into angry slits.

“You're one of the Sirens, aren't you?” Luna growled out.

Sonata had no choice but to squeak out a reply, terrified that the pony Princess would pounce on her if she tried to run or do anything else. This was not what she had in mind when she agreed to walk off with her! “Well yeah, but I'm not really a Siren anymore! Really! I can't even sing! See? IV’e GoT tHE MusIC, maKEs you MOve It, goT THe SoNG-”

“Stop! Stop! Mercy!” Luna cried out in a panic, her hooves pressed against her ears.

Sonata’s ears just dropped. “See, can't sing,” she sheepishly but regretfully admitted.

Once the ringing in her ears had lessened, Luna stood tall over the now pony Siren once more. “It appears Princess Twilight was right, whatever that worlds Elements of Harmony did to you clearly worked.” 

Seeing that Luna had calmed slightly prompted Sonata to ask the one thing on her mind, the one thing that plagued her above all else. “Does that mean I can go back to the other world and be with my-”

“Absolutely not!” Luna interrupted, causing Sonata to shrink into the earth. “Twilight informed me that you attempted to take over the human world with your dark magic, clearly your banishment taught you nothing!”

“Hey that's not fair! I thought it was a stupid plan to begin with!” Sonata yelled back in defiance, startling herself in the process. She was thankful Adagio hadn't been here to hear her say that, that would have made her really angry.

Luna however raised an eyebrow at that remark, surprised at the Siren’s admittance. “Do tell, why did you think it was a ‘stupid plan’?” Luna pressed.

Sonata rung her hooves together, picking her next words very carefully. “Well, yeah it would have been cool being evil overlords and all that but… It really wasn't worth it in the end. I never really wanted to rule the world you know? I just wanted Adagio and Aria to be… To be…”

It was raining, Sonata was getting wet, her cheeks in particular.

Oh wait, that's not rain.

Sonata sniffed, realising something for the first time in her life. Her, Adagio and Aria had been together forever, through the best of times and the worst of times and yet… At the same time they hadn't been. At the same time they had always been distant, they had always been separate.

Sonata realised something she wished she hadn't. She was sad, terrified even that those two were no longer with her and yet, at the same time, she was glad they were finally gone.

She was finally free.

She was free but alone, and Sonata didn't know what was worse.

Sonata then felt something, an unfamiliar feeling upon her shoulder or whatever the pony equivalent was. She looked to her side, a midnight blue hoof perched upon her, comforting to say the least, especially given the circumstances she was under.

Looking up, Sonata expected to meet the grumpy face of the Princess of the Night, instead she was met with an unsure smile and a conflicted stare, as if the Princess was in heavy debate with herself. Sonata didn't know what else to do, so she just sat until Luna made the first move.

“Listen,” Luna began slowly, biting her lip as she pondered her words. “I… Too have made mistakes I regret, done things I wish I hadn't. But I am a better pony for it and if you'd like I could… Show you the way.” The smile she held grew true. “And I'd be happy to allow you to return to the human world and to your sisters if you vow to be repentant. If you follow in my teachings wholeheartedly.”

This was something Sonata did not expect, a second ago Luna had been angry but now she was willing to help her get back home! Adagio always said not to trust other people though, saying that they'll take advantage of you, that they'll toss you aside the second they have everything they want from you.

But Adagio wasn't here.

“I'd… Think I'd like that, Princess,” Sonata proclaimed as she held Luna’s hoof tightly.

The two ponies stayed like that for several moments more, but eventually they both stood, waiting for a chariot Luna had summoned from this worlds Canterlot to arrive. It looked like Sonata would be staying in Equestria for a little longer than she thought, but held the thought close to her heart that she would one day earn her way back to her sisters.

"Hey do you have bacon in this world?" Sonata asked Luna with a hopeful smile.

Luna etched away slightly, realising that the Siren's reintegration into Equestria may take a little longer than she anticipated.
> 4. The Tired Agent
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------







“No.”

“I'm telling the truth!”

“Lyra, The Princess of Friendship is not going out with a royal guard! You're reading too many tabloids.”

“I didn't read it anywhere! Twilight told Minuette who told Lemon Hearts who told Twinkleshine who-”

“And who told you?”

“Rainbow Dash.”

Bon Bon suppressed a laugh, not having the heart to tell Lyra that Rainbow Dash was most likely pulling her leg again for the sole purpose of spreading gossip just to embarrass her friend Twilight Sparkle as much as she possibly could. Bon Bon just elected to keep her mouth shut for the time being, if only because Lyra was smiling for the first time in a long time.

She wished she could make her smile more.

“Lyra,” Bon Bon interrupted whatever it was Lyra had decided to ramble on about, decided to find out the answer to a question that plagued her. “Lyra… How's your search been going? Did you… Did you find a venue?”

Lyra’s neck twitched and her face turned blank, but as quickly as it had changed her dismissive smile returned full force. “Not yet, but I'm getting there! I'm still waiting for loads of ponies to get back to me from all over Equestria! One of them is sure to say yes!”

Bon Bon smiled, but she had known Lyra more than long enough to see the cracks in her facade, to see the glimmer of fear shining in her eyes. Lyra was unsure, but she was putting on a brave face for Bon Bon’s sake, who wasn't going to push the subject anymore if only to reassure Lyra that the situation was salvageable. Her betrothed had been optimistic in her search for a venue to perform her cherished lyre music, time would tell however how fruitful those efforts would prove.

How many years had it been now? The agency had been shuttered some time ago and ‘Bon Bon’ had emerged from its ashes. A new mare with a new job and a new home. Candy making had started off as tedious work, a simple cover to further blend in with her new pony neighbors. In time however Bon Bon had made the role her own, her inherent love of the confectionary treats resurfacing after being dampened by the agency for so long.

Lyra was a part of the equation she hadn't anticipated for.

Not that Bon Bon was complaining of course.

Turning a corner, Bon Bon and Lyra waltzed in unison into the centre square of Ponyville. Lights shined out from windows and street lamps blazed above, a necessity given the lateness of the hour. The moon was full and risen high in the sky, somehow emitting a warming glow that prompted the two ponies to draw closer together than they already were.

Looking down towards the shorter mare leaning on her right side, Bon Bon could not help but reminisce, couldn't help but reflect upon how lucky she had been. She'd been with the agency her whole life, straight out of school and rocketed past all expectations. Then on account of a prison break in Tartarus in which a multitude of dark creatures escaped confinement, Princess Celestia, for all intents and purposes their director-in-chief, shut them down almost immediately. Some fellow agents theorized that Celestia wanted to snuff out any possible public backlash by disavowing all activities the agency had undertaken. 

Bon Bon however, or ‘Agent Sweetie Drops’ as she was once known had a different theory. She knew Celestia too well for her to believe that she would willingly abandon her agents for the sake of good publicity. Celestia would not have gone to the trouble of arranging new identities and cover stories for them if that was the case. She cared about her agents just as she did all her citizens, and Bon Bon would forever be grateful for that. 

She would have never found her Lyra otherwise.

“Bon Bon?” Spoke Lyra’s voice at Bon Bon’s side, who prodded her several times upon finding her staring into space. Bon Bon looked to Lyra quizzically, though Lyra’s gesturing hoof quickly revealed her intentions.

“Oh, here,” Bon Bon replied with a quick laugh, reaching into the pocket of her saddlebag and handing Lyra the keys to their home; or more specifically Bon Bon’s home where Lyra also happened to live. After Lyra had graduated from Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorn’s she had moved on down to Ponyville to begin her own journey in life. After she met the also recently arrived and newly christened Bon Bon it wasn't long before the two ended up renting together above Bon Bon’s Candy Shop, originally out of necessity but now purely out of want.

Though their money woes may have an impact on that eventually. Bon Bon was in strict competition with the more ‘esteemed’ Sugarcube Corner on a daily basis, the difficulty only increasing once Pinkie Pie had become a full time employee. Plus, if Lyra was unable to perform she would be faced with the far worse fate of obscurity on top of poverty.

But that was a problem for another time.

Bon Bon would not allow for these thoughts to ruin yet another one of her nights. She and Lyra were going to enjoy themselves, no bureaucracy, finances or fears of the future would plague her tonight!

Lyra pushed in the unlocked door to the confectionary, the sweet sugary scents within meeting their noses in an instant. As the door swung in fully, the bell above rang out five times, in a sequence unlike any it had rung out before.

Bon Bon froze where she stood.

Noticing that she had left her side, Lyra turned back to Bon Bon with her brow raised, her head tilting in turn as she caught sight of Bon Bon’s stoic stare, a stark contrast to her previous smile. “Something wrong, Bon Bon?” Lyra asked promptly, approaching the other mare with an open hoof.

Bon Bon grasped it in her own before it could meet her, her frown upturning high. “It's nothing,” Bon Bon replied assured. “Just had a quick thought is all. Tell you what, you head on upstairs, make yourself comfortable. I've just got to cover up the candy, don't want it going stale overnight!”

Smirking at the idea, Lyra pulled Bon Bon along by her hoof until she was at the door behind the shop counter, which led to the stairs up to their bedroom. Letting the hoof go, Lyra backed up the stairs but smiled at Bon Bon the entire way. “Don't take too long, Agent,” Lyra giggled out as she disappeared from view, leaving the cream coloured mare alone in the darkened room.

Her smirk turned sour.

Bon Bon looked towards the bell, glaring intently with boiling anger. She recognised that chime, only a selected few would, a select few who now possessed new lives and identities. She cautiously walked towards it, swiftly grabbing a broom as she approached. Looking out the door, Bon Bon sighed with relief upon seeing nopony in the vicinity. She held the broom high, dinging the bell once again. One of the agency's practices was to hide messages inside tampered bells so if Bon Bon was correct…

A note dropped out and Bon Bon jumped back with her broom held in defence. She kept her hoof firmly grasped upon the bristles as she prodded the note about, reflecting on an incident in which an agent who had been expecting to find a note on extraction details instead found himself with a face full of knockout dust. Once she deemed it relatively safe, Bon Bon flicked the note open with a single hoof, her other refusing to release the broom for a second.

Basement was all it read. Bon Bon growled. 

This was meant to be over with; she was done with the agency, done with the excitement and the commitment. She had a life here in Ponyville. She had role to play, friends to greet and a fiancé to attend to. Whatever was waiting for her in the basement was going to compromise that in some way or another and Bon Bon could not allow for that to happen. She had too much to lose.

Checking for the hidden blade concealed within the broom, Bon Bon walked off in the direction of the stairs, growling once again upon finding that the usually locked door to the cellar was opened by a crack, shining a beam of light onto the dusty bricks and wood below. Bon Bon creaked the door open further, flicking on the stairs light as she entered through the door and shut it behind her to deter Lyra from entering should she become curious as to where her betrothed had gotten. 

Her hooves creaked against the wooden steps as she placed one in front of the other, carrying herself down the stairs until she met the solid concrete ground. Bon Bon whipped her head about to spot something, anything of relevance but it was too dark to see, everything was clouded in shadow, the only current source of light being the glow of the moon from a tiny window at the back of the room.

Bon Bon reached for a string that hung above; a switch for another lightbulb. But she was unable to pull it as she yanked her hoof back and held the broom out to her front when something shimmered in the dark. Something was flowing in the air, like a curtain in the wind or cloth on a washing line. Bon Bon said nothing, instead holding her stance firm and preparing herself for whatever it was that was lying in waiting.

Something about all this was familiar to Bon Bon however, the way the… Mane? That was it! It was a mane! And there was only one pony alive whose mane moved like that, or at least, only one pony whose mane moved like that who would even bother to approach Bon Bon in the first place. 

Refusing to take the bait however, Bon Bon relied on an old strategy utilised by the agents of the agency. If this was the pony Bon Bon thought it was, this would confirm it beyond any doubt.

“How was the flight in from Canterlot?” Bon Bon spoke into the dark, eagerly but timidly awaiting a response.

A soft grumble was all she was met with in response.

Bon Bon snorted, holding the broom high once more while at the same time reaching for the light switch. She repeated the code phrase again, hoping that this time she would hear the desired predetermined response. “I said, how was the flight in from Canterlot?”

This time all she heard was some babbling.

Bon Bon deepened her stance, ready to pounce the second she flicked on the light. Princess Celestia, the pony she had hoped this was would've known the response to the phrase. This pony had said nothing so as far as Bon Bon was concerned they were an intruder in her home. She yanked on the light and rushed forward with a yell, proceeding to almost fall flat on her face as she was met with a exasperating sight.

Princess Luna asleep on her haunches, drooling onto the floor and mumbling in her sleep.

Bon Bon’s shock lasted as long as her patience, which crumbled in an instant as she let out an angry roar. “Princess Luna!” Bon Bon said with a shout, battering the sleeping Princess on the head with the broom.

Luna jumped up in a daze. “Gah! Tia! It wasn't me! They were my… Doughnuts… Oh.”

“Oh is right!” Bon Bon seethed out, pushing her muzzle up against Luna’s. “Mind telling me just what you're doing sleeping in my basement, Princess?”

Pulling back, Luna wiped her muzzle clean and held her neck high in a regal stance, dismissing her previous and quite frankly embarrassingly deplorable demeanour, cursing herself that she could be so careless as to fall asleep on such an outing of importance. “Yes well, We- I apologise for the abruptness of my arrival, you see I thought it best I talk to you alone which is why I utilised one of your old spy methods to gather your attention. I may have misjudged my arrival time however... Still, now that you are here we-”

“Nope, leave. Don't care what you want, I'm saying no.”

Luna could not help but nervously chuckle, not at all anticipating that Bon Bon would react so… Promptly to her presence. Luna was not about to give up however. “Can I not just voice myself first? I haven't even told you why I've come yet.”

Bon Bon would not hear it. “Since when has a Princess turning up somewhere unannounced ever been about something positive?” she grumbled out with conviction in her words.

Luna was adamant however. “I assure you, everything I have to say is something you would want to hear. Should you disagree with me I'll happily leave you in peace but only after I've explained myself, is that agreeable?”

Reluctant as she was, Bon Bon had to admit that was a fair deal, if only because it would be the quickest way to get the Princess out of her mane. That didn't mean she had to be happy about it however. “You realise that if you weren't a Princess I would've kicked you out the door by now right?” Bon Bon said with a hint of a frown.

Luna responded in kind. “I would expect nothing less from the agency's star candidate, Ms. Drops.” 

Bon Bon winced, the old name stirring forgotten memories, she didn't interrupt the Princess however, despite how much it irked her.

Luna was not ignorant however, spotting the minute changes in Bon Bon’s expression. She adjusted her approach in response. “Though you go by ‘Bon Bon’ now, am I correct?” Luna continued, assured in herself. “How is life as a civilian?”

Bon Bon knew this routine well, exchanging small talk before moving onto the controversial point. She never did like that method, she always saw it as preparing to incite disaster. “Look, Princess,” Bon Bon said with a snort. “Please get to the point, we both know that you're not here for small talk.”

Her smile did not dip however and Luna remained still with a firm and stoic expression. “On the contrary, I believe it is essential that we get to know each other better. I would not consider it fair of me to ask of you what I will if I had not taken into consideration your life as a whole.” Seeing Bon Bon’s glare return at her words, Luna could only sigh in resignation. “But if that is what you wish, I will, how do you say? ‘Cut to the chase.’”

Turning away slightly, Luna peered out of a window on the other side of the room, the glow of her moon passing into view. She swiftly turned back to Bon Bon, her smile gone and her features tightened. “I have come before you today due to your exceptional reputation in your previous field of employment. Your service to Equestria is highly commendable, in fact it was my sister who first brought you to my attention when she was briefing me on your agency after I returned from my banishment.”

Resting upon her haunches, Luna released an exhale while Bon Bon remainded where she stood. “Curious towards your abilities, I decided to select you as a candidate for a little… Project of mine I am currently undertaking.”

Bon Bon suspected why Luna was here from the second she knew it was her, but now she had just confirmed her purpose. She wanted Bon Bon to go back into the field. “I am done with the agency,” Bon Bon stated with conviction, the only reasoning she needed was waiting two stories above her.

“I must insist I continue,” Luna calmly replied. “It would be idiotic of me to request your participation and not offer anything in return, I may be able to provide an incentive for you yet. But we'll discuss that soon, first I must clarify myself.”

Bon Bon was not happy, she didn't want to listen and she didn't intend to agree with anything Luna had to offer her. Yet it wasn't like she could force her away so Bon Bon sat herself upon the cold hard ground and laid her chin in her hoof, waiting for the inevitable moment that this was finally over.

Pleased she now possessed the undivided attention she required, even if it was essentially a captive audience, Luna looked her companion in the eye and carried on from where she had paused. “This project of mine concerns the protection of Equestria, something you are well versed in I suspect. Your expertise would be greatly valued as would your knowledge of defence. You would make a fine addition to the team.”

“Team?” Bon Bon interrupted with a tilt of her head. “How many? Who?”

Luna looked away, seeming somewhat flustered. “At the moment, one definite though I'm currently looking into several others. Another shows promise, but I am… Unsure about her participation.”

“But you're sure about me?” Bon Bon said with an unsteady glare.

“Oh, absolutely,” Luna responded mischievously.

Suddenly on her hooves, Luna approached the defensive Bon Bon with a warm smile upon her muzzle. “It is more than skill I require, Ms. Bon Bon, I require ponies who actively wish to fight for the betterment of Equestria. I require ponies that when the time comes will not hesitate to do what is necessary for the protection of their friends and everypony else. I believe you are one such pony, Bon Bon, and I assure you your contribution would be met with grand rewards.

This speech sounded familiar, mainly because Sweetie Drops had heard it all before when she was first enlisted into the agency. She already had her grand reward, she didn't need to risk herself for anything more. “While I appreciate the offer, Princess Luna, the answer is still no. It's always going to be no.”

Luna’s smile did not falter. “Are you sure, Bon Bon? There is nothing you want? Nothing you need that could make you happier?”

Bon Bon’s neck twitched, her thoughts drifted back to the nights were she would find Lyra sitting over a pile of rejection letters from theatre managers. “There's nothing I want,” she replied with specific emphasis.

Luna capitalized. “Do take time to think, Bon Bon. I am a Princess after all, I can make whatever you desire come true for forever more. I would only call upon you when required, the rest of your time would be yours to enjoy."

The image of Lyra was overpowering, her saddened expression blinding Bon Bon. She had the Princesses will at her command, Lyra would never have to struggle again, would never have to clamber for any of it again.

A few months from now they were to marry, Bon Bon would finally  be able to settle down into the new life she had built for herself permanently. Their current hardships had dampened those optimistic thoughts of paradise however, always reminded Bon Bon of the abyss that laid just beyond their range, but with Princess Luna’s help…

Even if it was just a few jobs, that could do so much for them.

“Nothing big,” Bon Bon weakly proclaimed. “No long expeditions or no-win scenarios. Nothing that's gonna make me question reality or hinges on the destruction of the universe. And absolutely no way are we going to let Lyra find out about this!” If Bon Bon didn't know any better, she would say Luna looked rather triumphant. Bon Bon intended to wipe that smirk off her face with haste. “And you've gotta pay upfront! You're going to secure Lyra the best music venues in all of Canterlot! She's going to play in orchestra’s whose names I can't even pronounce! And the wedding! I want all expenses paid! It's going to be bigger than the royal wedding! Me and Lyra are going to be so in love that the changeling's are going to invade again because we're so in love!”

The smile Luna held grew, she was just happy that she had ‘swayed’ Bon Bon to her side. “Your wish is my command, Bon Bon,” Luna said with a bow. Upon standing upright, Luna looked towards the window again, the moon having disappeared from view. It was time for her to leave. “It appears I've overstayed my welcome, I shall call for you when the time comes but in the meantime I intend to do right by you.”

Bon Bon made the first move, knowing full well that Luna didn't need to use the door to leave. Before the Alicorn could alight her horn however, Bon Bon looked back to her with a blank expression, before a minute smirk broke out across her face. “Say, Princess?” Bon Bon spoke, grasping the retreating Luna’s attention. “How was the flight in from Canterlot?”

Luna smile spoke volumes. “Fair, but I was worried about the weather,” said Luna completing the code. Her horn then sparked to life and she disappeared in a flash of magic, leaving Bon Bon contemplatively standing upon the stairs.

The next day Bon Bon awoke to a frantic Lyra bouncing upon their bed with an opened letter in her mouth, raving on about having been accepted by the Canterlot Colosseum to perform an opening solo performance. Bon Bon met her with an uneasy grin, sharing in her joy with mute appeal.
> 5. The Tricksy Magician
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------







“To my lovely audience, Trixie wishes you adieu. She can safety safe without a doubt that Fillydelphia is on her holiday list. Thank you ever so much and goodnight!”

The rampant and excessive cheering drowned out the last of Trixie’s speech, her voice struggling to carry over the incessant whooping, clapping, stomping and screaming. Not that Trixie was at all bothered by this of course, in fact she relished in it, jumping out onto the stage several times more and bowing in sequence, much to the delight and standing ovation of the crowd. 

Soon however the curtains closed one final time and Trixie found herself staring at red velvet, refusing to move so that she may listen to the dying appreciation concealed in front of her. She stood until the last cheer sounded out, the former noises making way for general chatter and trotting hooves upon carpet as ponies made their way out the theatre doors and into the late night city street.

Trixie had yet to move, her smile holding firm.

But with time it faltered, and Trixie found herself standing in utter silence, the theatre deserted of all.

It had taken so much effort for her to get this far. She had the Moonshot Manticore Mouth Dive to thank for that, as well as her assistant and very best friend Starlight Glimmer; the mare who made all this possible in the first place. The Humble and Penitent Trixie's Equestrian Apology Tour, not a working title, had so far been a rousing success, with new venues opening up everyday from Manehatten to Las Pegasus, all clambering for the reinvigorated and very marketable image of The Great and Powerful Trixie Lulamoon.

And through it all Trixie felt so… Adequate.

She had it all and more. She had her life back, her fame, her glory. Everything she had been striving for since it had all been stripped away from her.

Yet, to finally have it all back… It just wasn't what Trixie was expecting.

It was so routine. The show was always the same because that was the show in demand; the show being advertised. Improvisation would only cause chaos amongst her customers so Trixie gave them what they paid for. She gave them the show that they wanted. The same show every time.

The problem was that Trixie had been apart of that show countless times now. She was tired of it.

It was murky waters for certain. Capitalizing on her newly esteemed image that debuted in Ponyville had done her career wonders, yet at the same time it was the very thing deterring her. It was confusing and conflicting and Trixie hated feeling this way.

She was living the dream, the least she should be doing is enjoying it. 

But the whole joy of magic and illusion was the mystery, the prestige, the eventual reveal and the look of surprise on their faces when they saw the trick for themselves… But the looks were the same, every time.

It was boring.

Trixie heard an audible ‘pop’ as she raised her foreleg high, a side effect of having been out on her hooves for around three hours now. Once the show stopped being free Trixie needed to extend its runtime by a fair amount, something else she had trouble adjusting to lately. Having been working out of a convertible wagon for most of her life made the whole idea of staying in a set place for a set amount of time to perform a standard show on a static stage so alien to her.

But Trixie persevered, because that's what Trixie did.

The hour was late and Trixie needed to clean up, tomorrow was her last show in Fillydelphia and the day after she would be off to the skylines of Manehattan to perform at the prestigious Carneighie Hall. Another sold out booking for The Humble and Penitent Trixie's Equestrian Apology Tour. “Yay.” Resigning to sweep the stage clean in the morning, Trixie made her way to her on-site bedroom, too exhausted to bother travelling out into the cold night to her nearby wagon parked around back. 

Her room possessed everything she needed for the time being; bed, food, clothes and makeup, everything any aspiring celebrity needed in order to make it through the day. Upon stepping through the door, Trixie shed herself of her hat and cape, throwing them onto a clothing stand. Trixie then approached the desk that accompanied the room and grasped a piece of parchment in her hoof, her magic too drained for her to even attempt using her horn. Sitting herself upon the stool, Trixie reluctantly expelled the last of her magic reserves to grasp a quill, dipping it in the nearby ink pot and laying it upon the paper.

Dear Starlight Glimmer she wrote with a smile.

How are things, good? I sure hope so. In your last letter you said something about your friend opening a boutique in Manehattan, I'd like to hear more about that if I could. I'm performing in the city for a few days so if you're in the area for whatever reason, you want to meet up? Tea? Cider? Something stronger?

‘Clang.’

Jolting up from the desk, Trixie swivelled her head back to the door she had walked through, her ears perking up as a result of the noisy sound of metal upon wood that had just rang out. She chalked it up to a faulty piece of performance equipment or a malfunction amongst the stage props, but if that was the case it would be best she discovered the source of the problem now rather than later, should she forget or further problems arise as a result of negligence.

Clicking her neck, Trixie sprung herself up from the stool and reluctantly left her unfinished letter behind. The hallway lights had been shut off at some point, leaving Trixie alone in a disorienting blackness, the shadows shifting along the walls and the sights before her seeming surreal. As she neared the stage, Trixie noticed with great confusion that the curtains had been opened once more, displaying an empty theatre of hundreds of seats. That was unorthodox as well as quite concerning since Trixie was, to her knowledge, the only pony in the theatre at this time permitted to be upon the stage.

Trotting out to the centre of the stage, Trixie looked up into the rafters, still intent on spotting the source of the earlier noise. Her search did not take long however for another sound soon range out, the sound of doors creaking open on their hinges.

Trixie's eyes bolted into the stands, up the aisles and into the dark. A beam of light shined in from outside the theatre hall through a set of now opened double doors, illuminating Trixie like a shining spotlight. The light was then blocked somewhat when something new came into view; the undeniable image of a pony, their wings opened wide and the head held high.

While she was admittedly somewhat intimidated by the sight, Trixie held herself steady and projected an aura of strength and stolidness. The pony at the door didn't seem to care, standing as still as statue, the slight fluttering of their wings being the only indication that they were even breathing.

Trixie did not intend to show weakness, choosing to confront this pony with zest. “And just who are you?” Trixie shouted theatrically into the stands.

The pony giggled darkly, in a tone Trixie distinctly recognised from somewhere. “I'd have thought that would be obvious, Trixie,” the pony sung out as it began to approach, it's features growing more defined every second.

Trixie veered away the second the ponies voice was heard, shock overpowering her prior feelings of concern and disposition of grace. Her jaw fell open as the pony took flight towards the stage, landing upon her hooves regally. The wings, the horn, the tiara, the violet eyes, the purple coat, there was not a doubt in Trixie's mind as to whom this was.

“Princess Twilight?” Trixie hushed out with a gasp.

Twilight Sparkle held an uncharacteristically smug smirk, her eyelids barely holding themselves open, looking so bored it was as if she would fall off her hooves at any moment into a deep sleep.

Trixie attempted to recover her composure, running a hoof along her mane to tidy herself up. Twilight Sparkle was certainly not a pony she was expecting to see anytime soon. They were on better terms now of course but Twilight being a Princess didn't exactly leave her schedule free for social calls. Regardless, Twilight was here within Trixie's abode, where she intended to play the role of a good host for her apparent new friend.

“Well, Twilight, this is certainly unexpected! Had I known you were coming I would have-”

“Like I need to tell you anything!” Twilight interrupted with a dismissive wave of her hoof.

Trixie felt her eye twitch. Well that was rude she thought to herself with a grimace. Now that she thought about it Twilight had been excessively impudent so far, having yet to actually greet Trixie like the friends they were supposed to be. Trixie was not a doormat, but she would also not allow for Twilight to rile her up, intentionally or not. Perhaps something was going on? Maybe she was under stress? Perhaps that was why she was here in the first place, an emerging problem might be plaguing her! Trixie intended to find out either way.

“Why are you here, Princess? Aren't you busy with princess things?” A smile then broke out upon her muzzle and Trixie’s expression turned hopeful. “Did Starlight come with you?”

Twilight chuckled pitifully, as if she intended to mock, holding a hoof to her head as if she'd just heard a hilarious joke. “Starlight? Starlight’s made new friends. I asked if she wanted to come but she didn't even remember your name!” Twilight’s wings flared with eager excitement.

Trixie backed away, startled by Twilight’s words to the point her facade of stoicism shattered entirely. Starlight would not forget Trixie, they were the best of friends, they exchanged letters, Hearth's Warming presents. They had a real connection! 

And Twilight, this Twilight. Angry, rude, mocking, not at all like she is prone to be. Trixie and the Princess may have only known each other briefly but it was long enough even for Trixie to realise that Twilight Sparkle would never talk down to another pony in such a way, and given her and Trixie's rekindled relationship only gave Trixie more reason to suspect something else was at play here.

As if aware of Trixie's thoughts, Twilight arched her back, her horn glowing purple and a frown of rage overcoming her features. “As for why I'm here, I'm here to finish what you started, Trixie!” The Alicorn shouted out, releasing a flaming ball of magic in Trixie's direction.

The magician jumped out of the way, nimbly dodging several further spells as she jumped from the stage and ran for cover behind a row of chairs. Twilight trotted after her, slow and steady.

Terrified by Twilight’s sudden hostility, Trixie did not know what to do. The mare was an Alicorn and far beyond Trixie's ability, attacking would be fruitless and resistance was futile. Whatever was wrong with Twilight was something Trixie was unprepared to deal with and Twilight was clearly not in her right state of mind and unlikely to care for negotiations. Trixie chose the only other option available to her, something she knew she was the very best at above all others.

Her horn ignited with a spark and the area was clouded by dark smoke. Trixie then ran up and through the doors Twilight had left open, all while Twilight remained behind roaring and firing fiery spells off at random into the fog.

Trixie slammed the doors shut behind her but didn't let up for a moment, soon the smoke would dissipate and Twilight would be on the hunt. Trixie had to do something, she had to get help, and the best place to find the help she needed was the place filled with the ponies who knew Twilight best: Ponyville.

Rearing up her forelegs, Trixie shot out through the theatre lobby, bursting through the entrance doors into the main street of Fillydelphia.

Or at least… That was what Trixie expected to find upon opening the doors. Instead Trixie found herself blinded by a wave of whiteness, surrounding and enveloping everything including herself. Closing her eyes made no difference, it was just as bright as it was when she had them opened. Her patience paid off however as the light began to slowly dim, allowing Trixie to widen her eyes and take a look around, shying away at what she was met with.

Everything was no longer white, instead having taken on a strange bluish tint. Balls of light were floating around in the air all around Trixie, above and below where she was stood… Stood upon nothing; an invisible floor in the middle of nowhere surrounded by nothing. Trixie was not fearful of any of it however, she didn't understand why but this place felt, soothing, safe. Trixie imagined that this was what the bottom of the ocean must be like; a sea of wonder and magic in its purest form.

“Trixie Lulamoon.” An echoey voice spoke from above.

Trixie turned towards the ‘sky’, her surprise heightening upon being met but the form of none other than Princess Luna, floating down and materialising out of the very air. Trixie backed away slightly, too in awe to even think about bowing or doing anything else other than letting out a wondrous gasp of recognition. “Princess Luna?” 

Luna landed upon the ‘ground’ and looked to Trixie like a mother to her foal, her expression of proudness melding with her gleaming eyes of mischief. “Do not be alarmed, though you have every reason to be. In time, all will become clear,” Luna voice echoed proclaimed. “I trust you have questions?”

Whatever passive thoughts possessing Trixie at that time left her once she realised just what was going on and the hand Luna had had in all of this. “This is a dream isn't it!” Trixie factually announced, well aware of Princess Luna’s dream walking capabilities. Suddenly that Twilight Sparkle she had encountered made a lot more sense. “That Twilight wasn't really Twilight! Which means Starlight isn't… Princess Luna what the heck is going on!”

Luna warmly chuckled, the balls of light suddenly surrounding her to form an almost cloud like cushion for her to sit herself on. A similar form appeared below Trixie, who relaxed into it wholeheartedly, utterly amazed by how unworldly comfortable it was. 

As the two floated there in the void, Luna looked to Trixie with a sudden stoic look, speaking through a mouth that was neither smiling nor frowning. “I must ask for your forgiveness, that Twilight Sparkle who attacked you was merely a projection of my own creation, the real Twilight is currently in Ponyville attempting to lecture Starlight Glimmer.”

Soaking in Luna’s explanation, Trixie’s brow tightened with minor betrayal. “That was you? Why would you-”

“It was a test,” Luna interrupted with a sudden grin. “One which you passed with flying colours.” Luna could not say that she had anticipated what Trixie's reaction to all this would be, but Trixie's continued silence accompanied by an ever deepening frown ensured that her progress would not be impeded. “I wished to assess your reaction to a hostile Twilight Sparkle, given your history together I could think of nothing better. I must say I am proud you did not take the bait! You responded to the situation just as I hoped you would.”

“You mean by running away?” Trixie interjected with a sigh. “By throwing down a smoke bomb and bolting?”

“For knowing when best not to fight. For not allowing your emotions to dictate your actions. Other ponies would have responded to the projection's provocations with force, you however knew you were outmatched but didn't escalate the situation further, instead relying on your own devices to retreat and discover a better solution. You intended to find help in Ponyville am I correct? A solid strategy.”

Widening her eyes to the fact that Luna knew what Trixie had been thinking, Trixie could not help but become flustered at the prospect that Luna might have taken a... Peak around so to speak.

As if on instinct, Luna flustered in turn. “I assure you I only observed what was necessary and I am only capable of such actions while within dreams. It's the first question ponies tend to ask,” Luna finished dejectedly.

Shaking the thought away, Trixie looked up to Luna inquisitively, this whole scenario confounding her to no end. “So let's get this straight; this is a dream, I was attacked by a dream Twilight, as a test, in a dream, by you, for what?”

Laughing at Trixie's confused tone, Luna replied with grace while her mane flowed free. “You were a unique case, Ms. Lulamoon. You see, over the past few months I have been observing and approaching individuals for an initiative I am constructing. The ponies I have selected so far have their abilities referenced by reliable sources whereas you were an enigma.” Luna looked away as she reminisced. “You are aware of Princess Twilight’s friendship reports are you not? You two have quite the history together; Ursa Minors, poverty, dark magic, general pettiness on both sides.”

Trixie recoiled, the nonchalant listing of her less prouder moments stinging her. She didn't witness Luna smile grow at her reaction, which only assured Luna that Trixie was everything she had hoped she'd be. “But from those experiences bloomed humility, exceptionalism and friendship in the form of Starlight Glimmer. The pony Twilight had described had apparently ceased to be, I simply wished to determine that for myself and I am quite frankly pleased by the results.”

Looking away from her hooves, Trixie tilted her head at Luna. “So that's it? You tested me to see if I had really changed?”

Luna nodded with affirmation. “Yes, and now I would like to offer you a place amongst my initiative also.”

“Wait what?” Trixie interjected, her neck bolting up. “Initiative? You mean like a job?” 

Luna’s smile twitched. “Not exactly,” she replied hesitantly. Upon seeing Trixie befuddlement only grow prompted Luna to clarify herself, her stance turning proud as a result. “I believe that you would be a fine and resourceful mare to rely upon should the time come that Equestria faces peril. You have strived against imposing odds before and have proved your resourcefulness many times. I sincerely doubt all those ponies would line up and pay to see you if you were anything but!”

While she relished praise, Trixie knew now when to admit when it was unfounded, even if it was the view of a Princess of Equestria. “Look, Princess Luna, while I appreciate the… Appreciation, don't you think you're getting a bit ahead of yourself? I mean… I'm just a showmare.”

“The Element of Honesty is just a farmer, The Element of Generosity is just a seamstress, The Element of Magic was just a librarian and has grown to be so much more than that.” Luna looked down to Trixie with a triumphant smirk. “I fail to see your point.”

Nervously laughing at Luna’s rebuttal, Trixie still found herself stammering in denial. She couldn't lie to a Princess, not after lying for so long. “But my magic is not real magic. Ponies line up to see the greatest show in Equestria but it's all an illusion! They think they're witnessing something truly special but it's not!”

“Whereas you are, Trixie Lulamoon.” Luna said with a twinkle in her eye. “I was under the impression you were Great and Powerful?” she finished with a gleaming stare.

Trixie had no retort because she knew Luna was right, she was great and powerful, The Great and Powerful, and now Luna was giving her a chance to prove it, to finally be the pony she had claimed she was for so long. Any and all who still doubted her would see her for who she truly was and everything she regretted could finally be put to rest. This was a chance she would never get again, a chance she would not throw away based solely on hesitation and doubt.

But what about her show? Her life? Her career? She had it all back, so why risk it all for a chance in the limelight that might crumble beneath her? “Luna, but I have so much to lose. It's dangerous, I have responsibilities! A public image to maintain!”

“Which I will not compromise, in fact I will help you to maintain it. Tell me…” Luna leaned in close. “Since securing performance venues for yourself is hardly a problem for you, and you can acquire all the riches and pleasures you would ever want. What is it that I can provide for you, Trixie Lulamoon? What is it you desire?”

To make them all proud.

“To prove that I am The Great and Powerful Trixie I claim to be! To be the mare Equestria will not soon forget!”

Luna found her opening. “So surely working under the wing of Princess Luna will be the best way to achieve that, am I correct?”

Oh mare is she correct,  Trixie thought with a slowly forming grin, her weighing insecurities melting away under the prospects of Luna’s offer. The Great and Powerful Trixie, certified defender of Equestria, Guardian of Harmony.

Here she comes.

“Where does Trixie sign, Princess!” Trixie proclaimed with a shout, falling off of her stool in the process, finding herself rolling upon the floor of her dressing room.

Swiftly on her hooves, Trixie almost began to weep at the idea that everything that had just transpired was simply a deeply sort after dream. But her fears were quickly quenched when her eyes fell upon her desk where a strongly worded note sat.

When the time comes I will call for you. Was all it read, but it was enough to cause Trixie to shoot off fireworks.
> 6. The Resentful Changeling
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------







Therapsid fiddled with the book that laid upon his jagged black hooves, his blank blue eyes straining as he attempted to form the words through his sharp fangs. He had been trying for the better part of an hour, turning a page every so often as he was met with some minimal success. These words were just so complicated though, he wondered how a pony could tolerate doing this whole ‘reading’ thing for a hobby.

“J i- is fuh- for jum- jum-”

It had a ‘p’ in it, how did ‘p’ sound again? He had learnt the alphabet a couple weeks back, once he had become willing to pick up the so called reading ‘privileges’ his pony captors had bestowed upon him. With excessive reluctance he had finished the alphabet book but upon his success he then gleefully longed for something a bit harder, which he picked out from amongst the pile of books accompanying him. The guard that gave Therapsid these ‘simple’ books was rather civil towards him all things considered, even if she didn't smile much if ever.

“Jah, Jah, Jump!” Therapsid proclaimed with a grin, a low cracking emanating from his throat as he hastily turned to the next page. His grin promptly dropped upon spotting the next letter. K, the dreaded K, oh how Therapsid loathed that stupid thing, even the way it was drawn made it look like it was mocking him. He carried on regardless, pushing himself to his limits. After all, it wasn't like he had much else to do; one could only make a house of cards so many times before it became a bore and he had grown tired of his glamorous view over Canterlot months ago.

That was where Therapsid found himself; housed in the prison tower of Canterlot Castle. It's sole inhabitant. Locked in a ‘luxury’ room for the better part of two years.

Though it wasn't like he could blame Princess Celestia however, if he were in her position he almost certainly would have done the same thing. In fact, had the Canterlot invasion been successful in the first place she may have very well been in his position, though admittedly it was far more likely his Queen would've just drained her of her love until only an empty husk remained.

At this point in time however, cut off from the hive and isolated from his brethren, Therapsid could care less about the prospects of the invasion succeeding. He had been abandoned here, the sole prisoner of the ponies. 

Plus, the more Therapsid denounced his race, the more privileges he was allowed to enjoy. Did that make him a traitor? Probably. But he would never allow himself to forget that he had been betrayed first.

Therapsid suddenly didn't feel like reading, his stirring thoughts forcing him to bring his knees to his chest, the book dropping out of his hooves onto the floor. He hated it when he felt like this, he hated feeling bad, he hated knowing that what he did was wrong to these ponies, he hated having failed in his mission, he hated knowing that there was nothing he could do to change any of this.

This prison cell and everything in it was all he had in the world.

And worse still, he now had more than he ever did in the service of Queen Chrysalis, even as a prisoner he was more privileged.

Therapsid had been captured after the rest of his brethren and his Queen had been banished from the city. His cover had not been blown at the time of the initiation of the invasion so Therapsid decided to maintain it for as long as he could until they had taken the city, unfortunately for him, some spell or something went off and blew him right out of his disguise! As well as blowing every other changeling out of Canterlot. He was at the mercy of the guards within seconds.

To say Princess Celestia had not been happy would be a severe understatement.

She locked him in this cell and Therapsid never saw her again. He hadn't seen Princess Celestia since the aftermath of the wedding. Now that he thought about it he didn't see a lot of ponies actually, he could see some from the windows and the guards changed sometimes but that was about it, though sometimes he did see Celestia’s sister walk by, always looking into his cell curiously. Therapsid often wondered if she hated him the same as Celestia, given what he had done it was highly probable.

Thoughts… Thoughts were all he had now. Well that and a deck of cards, a few foal toys he enjoyed playing with, a square wooden thing with colourful slidey things on it and plenty of books he couldn't even read. 

That was one of the reasons why he actually decided to learn to read in the first place, he was constantly gifted books by somepony called Ms. Sparkle or something like that, she wrote him letters and sent him books as presents or ‘to educate him on Equestrian values’ as she had written in one of her letters. Since Therapsid couldn't read the letters himself he relied upon the guards to do it for him, but he drew the line at having them read his books to him too. The guards also wrote his reply letters to Ms. Sparkle, which was preferable since they had to check his letters anyway before sending them off, having the guard write them too saved a lot of time. Therapsid had never told Ms. Sparkle about his illiteracy however, mostly out of fear that if he did she would stop sending him so many presents.

He intended to rectify that concern. One day soon he intended to write a letter himself, finally be able to read the collection of books residing with him, all he had to do was learn the words.

With renewed vigor, Therapsid grabbed his fallen book with a hoof, opening to the page he had left off on. “K is for- K is for-” he repeated in sequence, the word on the tip of his forked tongue. “K is for ki- kic-”

“Don't try to say all the letters together at once, sound out each one, put the sounds together and you'll have the word.”

A voice interrupted Therapsid’s attempts, a voice he had only heard sporadically over the past two years. Looking up to the iron bars of his cell door, Therapsid took in the appearance of the dark flowing mane and midnight blue coat, the pony reminded Therapsid of the stars above in a nighttime sky. Therapsid liked the night, the stars were more pretty to look at than anything that was out in the day, the moon too, he could look at it longer than he could at the sun, looking at the sun made his eyes hurt. He often fed on the residue love lingering in the air, Canterlot was ripe with it at night for some reason or another. 

The pony held an unreadable expression, her mouth set in a thin line and her eyes holding contemplation. She looked to Therapsid, sat upon his bed with a book in hoof, looking up to her in surprise at her sudden and unexpected appearance.

“Therapsid,” the pony began smoothly, startling Therapsid up to his hooves, almost as if he had forgotten the sound of his own name said aloud. “Do you know who I am?” was all she said next, waiting on Therapsid’s response.

Of course he knew who this was, his time as an infiltrator had provided him with much information on her. Princess Luna; recently returned from banishment in the moon. Celestia had been so ecstatic, unwillingly providing Therapsid will valuable intelligence he used to inform the Queen with when she had disguised herself as Princess Cadance. Their encounters may have been brief but Luna held quite the presence, a notion only confounded as she grew in power over the years to the point that now Therapsid barely even recognised her.

“Princess Luna,” Therapsid stoically replied. He did however grow uncomfortable under Luna hardening glare. “What are you doing here?”

Luna stayed silent for several moments, internally questioning her current course of action. “I have news for you I think you will find most interesting,” Luna said with a small growing smile. “A changeling by the name of Thorax appeared in the The Crystal Empire, his presence has caused quite the stir.”

In all his time here Therapsid had prided himself on his unwillingness to break under his current circumstances, staring down the retribution and consequences he faced with perseverance. He had never expected to hear news of another changeling again, and quickly found himself grovelling at Luna’s hooves.

“You found another changeling? How? Is something happening?!” Therapsid was overcome by possibilities flashing in his sight. Changelings overrunning The Crystal Empire, the ponies deciding to go on the offensive. What if Therapsid was considered too much of a liability? What if this situation had prompted Celestia to finally do away with him?

What if that was why Luna was here?

Backing away in fright, Therapsid etched himself up against the far wall of the cell, all while Luna stared on in befuddlement. Tilting her head back, Luna decided to continue from where she had left off, Therapsid’s widened and blank eyes never leaving her for a second. “I thought it would be best to let you know that Thorax has been invited into the Empire by Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor, it seems all Thorax wanted in life was a friend, now he has several.” Luna's smile grew. “I must say that even I had not anticipated this outcome.”

Friends? was Therapsid’s immediate and dismissing thought. Changelings didn't have friends, they didn't need friends. Friendship wasn't just an alien concept to changelings, it was utterly pointless. Friends were not necessary, not while they all had… Each other.

Therapsid then found himself unwilling to reply.

Luna took his silence as an indication to continue, her sight lingering as Therapsid appeared to slouch after her prior words. “Obviously this event is unprecedented. Changelings and ponies have been enemies long before you invaded Canterlot and will most likely continue to be enemies for many years to come. This event however has provided a unique opportunity for Equestria to make the first step towards peace, with the help and influence of Thorax it has been shown that pony and changeling relations are possible, which is why I have come before you, Therapsid.”

Looking up with a stare of confusion, Therapsid found himself approaching the Princess with a perplexed sound buzzing from his throat. “Me? You came to me?” Was all Therapsid could think to say.

Luna nodded swiftly. “Yes, after all you  are an interesting case, Therapsid. Over two years in this cell and you've spent more than two thirds of it completely compliant, with no significant behavioural difficulties. The changeling Thorax has set an example for your race I hope they aspire to, you included, and I believe I have a way to assist in this.”

Luna looked over Therapsid to the window out to the freedom of Equestria. Therapsid followed her gaze longingly. “Can you image the influence? Ponies and changelings working together in the common pursuit of peace? It would be inspired, ponies would long for change, prejudices would fade and all this animosity between us will simply cease to be in time. Is that not something worth fighting for, Therapsid?” Luna spoke harshly but with conviction. “Is that not worth everything? Or would you rather we continue on this self destructive cycle?”

“Says the pony to the changeling in the cage,” Therapsid rebuttaled, the naivety of Luna’s speech annoying him. “Besides, the changelings will never want peace, we feed on love, fighting breeds love and so do our victories!”

“But so does peace, Thorax is proof of this.” Luna then leaned in close, her smile hardening. “As are you, Therapsid. You haven't seemed to have starved in your time here.”

She had him there. So much excess love was flowing through the air that Therapsid never went without a meal. Amidst tragedies, fear, hope and hate, love still blossomed, a true testament to these ponies values towards each other. But despite it all this Princess must have been deluded if she thought that the changelings would ever give up their way of life for something different, even if it was a possibility.

Even if they were shown a way.

“I did not expect for you to trust me instantly since you must think of us as enemies. You committed a grand crime against Equestria, hurt myself but my sister more so and we then caged you up for it. What possible reason could we have to get along?” Luna asked with a hint of sarcasm in her tone.

Therapsid wasn't as unsure however. “Exactly! After what I did to you… To your sister, why would you evereven think that I'd help you? How can you just let that go?”

“I haven't, and I never will,” Luna seethed out darkly, forcing Therapsid to recoil once more. Luna's frown became saddened however as another thought came to mind. “As difficult as it is to see past what you have done, I had to accept that I was once no different, I too refused to accept that I should ever be forgiven for my crimes.” Luna took a deep breath. “But in time the wounds healed and I was finally able to move on from my own regret, I saw what I must do to make reparations and I've never stopped trying since.

“If you truly believe that peace can be achieved between our races, Therapsid, I ask that you help us to achieve it, to show both pony and changeling kind that we can work together!” Luna’s horn alit and Therapsid ducked backwards, a flash of light burst out and Therapsid averted his eyes away. Once his heightened sight recovered, Therapsid looked back towards Luna, gawking upon discovering that his cell door was wide open.

“If not, you are free to return to your kind,” was all Luna said before turning and walking away.

Therapsid did not understand. He was a prisoner, he had been their prisoner for so long and now, despite everything, despite all he had done against Equestria, Luna just comes on down and breaks him out? Forgives everything he did and sets him free? It didn't make any sense!

“Wait! Princess Luna!” Therapsid gasped out, rushing out of the cell, the stoney ground feeling new and exciting to tread upon. Luna paused where she stood, turning back to Therapsid with an almost bored looking expression. “Yes, Therapsid?” Was all she said.

Therapsid was frantic in his asking. “What are you doing? Why'd you let me go? I mean- I mean I did things, hurt your subjects. Now you just let me out? I don't understand!”

Turning away, Therapsid couldn't see Luna’s face, but her rising muzzle looked suspiciously like a growing smile. “I am showing you compassion, Therapsid. Yes, you have committed a great many crimes, but so have many ponies, myself included, and we are all better off now after denouncing what we once were. We are happy and we are free, and I offer that same freedom to you if you prove that you deserve it.”

Get out of his cell, be able walk about, go where he wants, see all those sights from his window, be forgiven for what he had done and all he has to do is help the Princess in stopping every bad thing that had ever happened to him ever happening again? 

Therapsid would be an idiot to say no.

The changelings left him here! Left him in the hooves of these ponies and yet despite everything he had ever done they were letting him go, forgiving him for all he had done. All he had to do was help, help Luna achieve her peace.

Therapsid may not have known a lot about peace, but it sure sounded like a better deal than maintaining hive walls and scrambling for love against his brothers. They betrayed him, left him to rot.

What he was doing wasn't betrayal, he was just getting even.

“What do I have to do, Princess?” Therapsid asked with his neck pointed up.

Pausing for a second, Luna’s mane appeared to stiffen as she turned back to Therapsid, her smile wide and her eyes glowing with joy. “At the moment? Nothing, but one day I will want you to help in the protection of Equestria, to show changelings and ponies working together in pursuit of a common goal; the protection of both our homes. Is that an agreeable settlement?”

Time out of my cell, payback against the changelings, Therapsid though with a gleeful sigh before he then chuckled to himself. Maybe even a chance to cut and run, not yet though, Luna’s probably going to keep an eye on me for the time being, no way can she be serious about forgiving me so easily.

“I'm all for it, Princess,” Therapsid smirked through his fangs, holding up a hoof in ‘respect.’

Luna hesitantly met it.

“There are rules however,” Luna then blurted out, prompting Therapsid to roll his eyes, because of course thinking Luna was just going to let him walk off would be too easy. “You are only to exit your cell under my strict supervision, where you go I go, however, I will allow you the freedom to choose our destinations as a sign of our… Understanding. In time I will lessen your restraints, but I must take precautions, you understand?”

Therapsid simply grunted in affirmation, this was still the best deal he was ever going to get after all. “Fine yeah whatever.”

Nodding in response, Luna’s brow raised upon seeing Therapsid turn around and slowly return into his cell, creaking the door shut behind him. Luna quickly followed, watching Therapsid sit himself upon his bed. “What are you doing?” Luna promptly asked.

Therapsid’s expression did not change. “This is a lot to take in, Princess. So how about this, you want me to prove that I'm willing to help you? Leave that door open tonight, if I'm here in the morning I'll do what you say, if not I've returned to the hive.” He grunted as he leaned back. “Maybe I'll reconsider.”

Luna was uneasy, repentant changeling or not the possibility that he would be true to his word was still debatable. Changelings were still an enigma to them all, Thorax and Therapsid were after all the only changelings known to ponies on a first name basis. Luna knew she would be watching that cell very closely that night as she began to trot away.

“And, Princess?” Therapsid then called. Luna looked back, just out of Therapsid’s full view. “Does your sister know about this?”

Luna said nothing as she walked away.

That night, Luna watched as Therapsid paced his cell, ran his hooves along the wall, occasionally opened the cell door to peek around and on even one occasion placed a hoof out the door before retracting it as if the floor was on fire.

The morning after, Luna entered Therapsid’s cell to find him on the letter ‘Q’.
> 7. The Dragon Princess
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------







Princess Ember could feel the heat rise upon her back, evidence that the sun had long since risen into the air to begin the day anew. Shifting about atop the rocks she was lying upon, the Princess gradually rose into a sitting position, her neck stretching upwards to dispel the lingering uncomfortableness she felt. Her eyes drifted towards the colossal mountain stretching high in the distance; a city protruding from its side, it's gleaming golden shine visible even from the distance she was at. Her journey towards Canterlot was almost complete.

Ember clicked her fangs, her feelings of uncertainty rising once again upon realising just how close the time was; the time the Dragon Lands made personal contact with the ponies of Equestria for the first time in recorded history.

Princess Twilight Sparkle had been instrumental in making this happen. Her and Ember exchanged letters occasionally, mainly to discuss their differing cultures and histories. Twilight however had taken the initiative, requested that Princess Ember visit the capital city of Canterlot in order to ‘formalise’ the dragons now allied relationship with the ponies since Ember had been christened the new Dragon Lord.

Her father Torch had been less than pleased when she had told him. 

The dragons were mainly a solitary race; keeping to themselves, pillaging on the outskirts and were all around rather demeaning towards anything not like themselves. Former Dragon Lord Torch was an ancient being and he elected to distance the dragons from everyone else in only to avoid potential conflict purely for the sake of convenience, previous Dragon Lords had not been so fore-thinking. 

Ember did not intend to emulate her predecessors. She wanted to be the Dragon Lord who united the land.

Unfortunately for her, it would be downright impossible to sue for peace if the race you represented didn't want peace in the first place. As Torch had so rigorously informed her of. 

Hence why Dragon Lord Ember had yet to inform any dragon that this meeting with the ponies was being undertaken.

She doubted they would take so kindly to her should she ever be found out.

Ember was not a typical dragon. She was intelligent, she was small and compared to every other dragon she was relatively weak. Yes, being Dragon Lord made a lot of those drawbacks irrelevant to a lot of dragons, but she would only continue to demand their respect should she continue to act in the favour of all dragonkind. 

And dragonkind, quite simply, did not want to be at peace with the ponies, as ponies were weak, weak in both body and soul. Dragons didn't care about anything that was weak, weakness just made you an easy target.

If Ember showed weakness, her status of Dragon Lord would mean nothing at all.

Ember growled through her teeth, smoke pouring from her nostrils as gripped her bloodstone sceptre close to her chest and took flight, speeding towards the city in the sky, her leathery wings flapping relentlessly. Dragons were just so stubborn to the point of idiocy sometimes, Ember just couldn't understand why they could not just get over themselves and realise that conflict with the ponies gained them nothing substantial. Greed was the cause and their curse. Greed towards the ponies for their gems and jewels and envy for their general way of life, even Ember was not immune to these feelings, pondering just why, even as the Princess of the Dragons, she had to sleep upon rocks rather than a bed.

Ember then wondered if Spike ever felt like this.

Regardless, Ember had a job to do, whether any dragon wanted her to do it or not. This Princess Celestia and Princess Luna of Equestria may be able to help her achieve her goals, if Twilight was to be believed they were even older then her father! Surely then they had some solution? Someway to persuade for peace for both their races?

Ember would soon find out for the city of Canterlot was growing on the horizon.

She held her sceptre firm as she sped towards the city, drawing herself high into the clouds as she neared, after all the ponies were undoubtedly unaccustomed to dragons, believing them to be simple minded monsters if Twilight was assumed to be correct. Ember could hardly blame them for that assessment, in the same way the dragons couldn't be blamed for deeming the ponies as pathetic and weak.

Ember sighed as she realised she really had her work cut out for her, for even she wasn't immune to those prejudices.

Focusing on the nearing castle, Ember slowed her approach. She'd heard about castles; giant houses made of silver and gold, in sizes so large they could be seen from the clouds. Ember could not deny that she was somewhat awestruck at the sight, her cave in the Dragon Lands was hardly as impressive as the Canterlot Castle or even the city itself. It was so transfixing that Ember slowed herself even further just to appreciate it all more. It wasn't so hard now to see why Spike was so comfortable with the lives these ponies led if this was the result.

The castle was her destination so Ember drew closer to it, gliding in on the breeze. Twilight told her to be on the lookout for a ‘royal welcoming party’ or something like that, though Ember did not quite know what that would entail. As she passed over the castle walls however, Ember felt her jaw drop wide upon realising just what Twilight had meant.

Armoured guards stood in rows, holding flags, standing still or blowing instruments. A red velvet carpet had been lined out from the castle’s entrance archway towards the outer gate along the white brick wall, to which Ember found herself timidly lowering herself on to. It was only after she landed that Ember took notice of the two ponies stood at the end of the carpet, a tall snow white pony and a shorter blue and black one, both with wings and horns, confirming to Ember that these were those Princesses she had heard so much about.

Ember was surprised by the scale of her welcome beyond any doubt. Dragons saw their royalty more like ‘gamekeepers’ than actual leaders, destined to provide and manage the scale of dragon activities rather than actually influence it. These ponies however worshipped their Princesses, and by extension the royalty of other races also if Ember’s welcome was any indication.

Walking forward with her sceptre in hand, Ember felt somewhat awkward upon realising just how much she towered over the ponies, their heads barely reaching up to her chest, the feeling was diminished somewhat upon finding that the two Princesses were significantly taller than the rest, almost matching Ember in height.

The regality and modesty of the two Princesses prompted Ember to grow anxious, realising just how much she didn't know about being the Dragon Lord. She had no idea what she was doing, she was just here because apparently it was the right thing to do, paving way for a better future for both their subjects, subjects which really didn't care about their future if it meant having to compromise with ponies.

This was all just so confusing for her.

At some point Princess Celestia began to approach Ember, her legs lifting high as Ember halted in her stride, standing there with her claws around her sceptre, growing rather agitated by the stares lingering on her from all around. Princess Celestia soon halted herself, greeting Ember with a bow and a smile to which Ember somewhat jerkily returned.

“Dragon Lord Ember, I presume? Welcome to Canterlot, I trust your journey over wasn't too hectic?”

Small talk, small talk, Twilight said she likes to small talk Ember thought rapidly, going over Twilight’s instructions in her head. Apparently diplomatic talks were meant to be ‘civil’ which involved small talk. Dragons don't do small talk. Dragons aren't civil.

“Yeah… No, it was all good. I meant ‘no’ as in it wasn't hectic, I was saying yeah to being Dragon Lord though you can call me Princess if you want, or Ember, I don't really care. I'm making sense aren't I?”

Celestia began to laugh, which Ember could tell was probably a bad sign. Who laughs at a visiting dignitary? That was a pretty rude thing to do, so rude in fact that Ember could feel a fire burning in her once more.

“It is perfectly fine to feel nervous, Princess Ember, I myself was an utter mess during my first diplomatic assignment when I was just a bit older than you. Tensions in Equestria were high that day I can tell you!”

The other Princess approached, who Ember deduced to be Princess Luna, wearing an ever growing smirk. “Celestia, being the rambunctious young mare that she was, took a liking towards the chief stallion of the tribe we were attempting to ally with… His betrothed was not at all happy about that.”

Ember stifled a laugh, covering her snout with her sceptre to disguise her smile. She refused to laugh in front of these ponies, after all dragons were feared, dragons had a reputation to preserve, laughing in front of ponies would ruin her credibility without much haste and word would undoubtedly spread back to the Dragon Lands with time.

Yet these two were attempting to one up would could embarrass the other more, with Celestia proceeding to tell Ember of a time Luna had become so drunken she declared several wars against lands they hadn't even discovered yet, which only resulted in Ember covering yet another laugh, with much more difficulty.

Ember didn't understand. These ponies had no idea who she was, had every reason to fear her, every reason to mistrust her but instead they were open towards her immediately, sharing stories which, if Ember was in their position, would never see the light of day. Whatever was going on was something Ember could not have anticipated, so with minute reluctance she decided to veer them all back towards the topic of the occasion.

“Princess Celestia, Princess Luna,” Ember stated with a air of confidence, drawing the two bickering Princesses gazes back towards her. “I was wondering if we could get down to business? This meeting is really important to me.” Ember then though her next sentence with hesitation, wording herself carefully. “And I'm needed back in the Dragon Lands.” Was all she said next, refusing to dispel the fact that Ember wasn't even meant to be here in the first place.

In an instant the two pony Princesses returned to their prior stances of regality, their manes flowing in sequence which each other. That was actually the first time Ember took note of their manes, growling perplexed at how they continued to sway despite the lack of any wind. The two directed Ember to follow them in towards the castle proper, where they intended to speak in relatively more comfort.

Ember followed behind the two, flanked by several stallion guards who every so often looked up towards Ember with an expression akin to worry. Ember didn't know how she felt about that; the evident fear in these ponies eyes, how they shied away as they neared would make any other dragon proud of themselves. As far as Ember was concerned however, any hesitations on both sides was nothing if not detrimental.

Walking through the castle hallways was a new experience for the dragon for certain. The walls, the ceiling, the windows, everything was constructed in such a beautiful and specific way, in a way dragons could not even comprehend. Dragons relied on the earth and their strength to provide for them, with their individual might being their greatest asset. The ponies were different, the ponies cooperated, learned from their mistakes, worked with each other to make something better.

Dragons had yet to accept all that as truth, Ember included, even though she was staring at the results.

A set of wooden doors swung open with a flick of Celestia’s horn, something else Ember realised she was unaccustomed to seeing. The trio walked through alone while the guards positioning themselves along the hall as they entered. Inside sat a crystal circle table, the room similarly circular but adorned by stone walls and gleaming windows. Three cushions laid upon the floor, and even Ember had to admit that the softness against her scales was a feeling that while unfamiliar was certainly not unwelcome.

Princess Celestia then floated this… Thing over to Ember, but she did not know what it was. It was some weird white thing about the size of her claw with a hole in the top and a handle on the side. Whatever it was was then filled up by Celestia with some steaming liquid from another white thing with a handle and a lid. Ember was so perplexed she could not help but voice her confusion. “Sorry, what is this thing?” Ember said as she grasped the thing’s handle.

Celestia raised an eyebrow at that, before it quickly morphed into understanding. “I'm sorry, force of habit on my part. Would you care for tea? That's what's in your cup.”

Tea? Cup? Such strange foreign words was Ember’s thoughts on the matter, but she pushed her concerns aside upon watching Celestia take a sip of the ‘tea’ from her ‘cup’ which prompted Ember to do the same, pouring it down her throat in one quick gulp. She didn't know what the fuss was about, it just tasted bland to her though for some reason Luna and Celestia looked rather mortified as a result, drawing Ember’s befuddlement.

“What?” Was all Ember could think to say.

“Nothing, just… Forgot you were a dragon for a second, tea is often served hot.” Celestia said as she took another sip, Luna would had done the same but was currently soothing her burnt tongue.

Ember accepted that explanation, if only because she didn't understand why drinking something hot would cause them to grow concerned. Maybe ponies don't like things that are hot? But then why are they serving something hot? Rather than let her questioning thoughts overcome her, Ember decided to get a move on, not wanting to be here any longer than necessary.

“Right diplomacy,” Ember said to herself, looking up to the Princesses with determination. “Right, Princesses, I know you're not use to the idea of negotiating with dragons but there's really nothing else I want at the moment then for us to overcome our grievances, especially in light of all the dragon related… Problems you've had over the last few years.”

Celestia relinquished herself of her tea, meeting Ember with a stoic stare. “I agree, it is about time that dragons and ponies begin constructing a working relationship together, there is after all much we have to offer each other. You are simply the first Dragon Lord willing to agree to terms. However…” Celestia’s stare then hardened, as did Luna’s instinctively. “Dragon culture does not permit you to be accepting towards others.”

Ember knew Celestia was correct, but still could not help but curse at how easily she had picked up on that fact. Perhaps these ponies were more knowledgeable about dragons then she first thought. “While that's true, I could say the same thing about ponies. You haven't exactly had the best track record of building relationships either,” Ember replied with a small smirk, remembering Twilight’s lessons of the three tribes and Equestria’s foundation.

Celestia was quick to rebut. “True, ponies are often quick to judge and slow to change, but change is possible. You are well aware of Spike are you not? There is not a pony alive who treats him as less than an equal. In time Equestria can learn to accept the dragons, but trust must go both ways and I mean no offence when I say that Equestria’s experiences with dragons will impede that.”

“None taken,” Ember responded with a sulk, her enthusiasm to continue somewhat deterred. “I just hoped that… Together we could be better, you know? New horizons and all that! It's just, I don't know how to do that.”

Due to her looking away, Ember did not immediately notice the smile Celestia then held towards her. “You can do it by leading by example. Dragons flock towards the strongest of their kin don't they? They will follow you into whatever you choose if they believe in you.”

Ember was certain that if she had been a pony Celestia’s words would have been encouraging for her, but she was not a pony, not even close. “But that's just the thing! The very idea of peace between dragons and ponies goes against everything every dragon believes in! If it were my father doing this they would follow in a heartbeat because he commanded their respect, but I'm not him! I don't have the respect he had because no dragon believes that I'm strong enough to lead them and that would only get worse if I told them about this! No dragon even knows I'm here! Even then, ponies to dragons are like wild animals; not worth our time,” Ember finished dejectedly, leaning her arms on the table.

Celestia and Luna looked to each other in concern, before turning to Ember with their prior smiles displayed full force. “Ember,” Celestia soothingly began. “You needn't worry, you are the Dragon Lord. You've already gained the respect of your race, but what you must do now is even more difficult, you must place your trust in your subjects to do the right thing, and the right thing is whatever you decide. Some rulers use their powers for greed or to satisfy lust, but as long as you work in your dragon's best interests they will follow you, now, sooner or later.”

“Later is too late,” Ember shot back.

Celestia suppressed a sigh, before looking up towards the windows, seeing her sun glide its way by. “It is getting late. How about we continue these talks in the morning when we are all well rested? Your journey was long and I wish to show you our hospitality while you are here.”

Now that Ember pondered it, she was very tired, the most tired she had been since the Gauntlet of Fire. The flight from the Dragon Lands had taken days, with Ember stopping to sleep whenever was convenient. Perhaps accepting Celestia’s proposal was her best option, continuing their talks in the morning when they were all in a better state of mind.

Ember accepted Celestia’s offer, who then escorted Ember out through the doors into the hall. Luna resided to stay behind, her smile shifting upwards as her thoughts turned to contemplation.

The night passed at a slow pace, and Ember had only been able to drift into sleep for a few hours at the most. Her thoughts continued to plague her, her thoughts towards just how utterly useless these efforts had been so far. Not even this bed she laid in could smooth her. Maybe Celestia was right, maybe the dragons would not abandon her, maybe the ponies would accept them, maybe everything would turn out great and Ember would be remembered as the dragon who brought about a new age of progress.

Maybe, maybe not.

Ember grunted, launching herself to her feet, the carpeted floor feeling alien to her. This room was grand, sparkly, almost tempting Ember to eat the jewels off the walls. It was also constricting, suffocating, reminding Ember of the ponies, reminding her just how fruitless her efforts so far had been. She carried herself towards the open balcony, preferring to have the doors open so the air would remain fresh; it reminded her of home, the open skies of the Dragon Lands, to the draft of her cave, she longed for it that night, more than she ever had before.

Ember had always been eager to follow in her father's steps, to become the Dragon Lord and make him proud. She had yet to succeed in doing that, and if she continued spiralling down this path perhaps she would only end up disgracing him, dirtying his legacy by her conspiring with the ‘pathetic’ ponies.

Yep, things had really gone her way.

“Beautiful isn't it?”

Looking up startled. Ember found herself on edge as the form of Princess Luna descended from the sky, landing herself upon the edge of Ember’s balcony with a wide smile upon her muzzle. “I sometimes enjoy watching from my tower; the lights, the stars, it is very much a pleasure of mine.”

Her tenseness lessened and Ember relaxed back into a slant against the railings, looking down to Luna with a stoic expression and hardened features. “Yeah it's nice,” she drolly replied before her thoughts turned to questioning Luna’s presence here at this time of night. “Why are you here? Shouldn't you be sleeping?”

At this Luna laughed, snorting out a response. “Hardly, the day may be my sister’s domain but I command the night.”

Now Ember remembered, Twilight had once told her of Princess Luna after her return from banishment. She possessed many titles amongst its populace; The Night’s Guardian, The Princess of the Night, The Dream Walker, Nightmare Moon, all very ‘night’ orientated now that Ember thought about it. Luna was said to guard against creatures that sought to attack Equestria, fighting them off often by herself in repentance for some misdeeds she had once committed. If Ember was entirely honest, she had been expecting more.

Regardless, Luna was here and Ember would prefer that she wasn't, if only so she could wallow in solitude. “Look, Princess, I'm really not in the mood for talking right now. We can do all that tomorrow, for now I just want to sit here.”

Luna was persistent however, much to Ember’s continued aggravation. “Ah, but I believe what I have to say is something you would like to hear,” Luna said with a playful smile. “After all, if pony-dragon relations are as important to you as you so claim then perhaps I have a solution which can meet both our ends."

Ember shot up, her wings spreading themselves out as she stared down to Luna with widened eyes, more than enough to indicate she wanted Luna to continue, who did so with vigor in her tone.

“Dragons value strength do they not? Strength is what demands respect. Power and exceptionality prompts cooperation. If you display your power you demand the respect of you populace, correct?” Luna’s smile only widened at Ember’s nod. “Then perhaps the same could be said for ponies? Perhaps if you demonstrate your prowess alongside us in battle we can sway the dragons to your cause?”

Strength and power, the pillars of dragon society. If you were strong you were followed, if you were weak you were cast aside. Ember was in a peculiar position; the most influential of all the dragons as the Dragon Lord but physically rather weak amongst them. The ponies were similar, weak but talented, and if they could together prove that they were more than the other thought them to be…

Dragons would flock towards a dramatic display of power.

“Okay, Princess Luna, I'm listening.” Dragon Lord Ember said with a smirk.
> 8. The Tenacious Student
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------







Starlight didn't know where she was. The matte bag that had been hastily shoved over her head made it impossible to see and almost equally impossible to breathe. The felt covered her mouth and nose, constricting her lungs whenever she took in a much desired intake of air. 

Wherever she was and wherever she was going, it was a long way off from her former abode of Ponyville. She had been on a train for several hours now, roughly shoved to the floor and forced to sit cross legged by the hardened threats of a gruff, but at the same time, pleasantly prompting male voice. She could not place his accent but there was a noticeable, if minuscule, aspect of professionalism to his otherwise demanding tone. He had ordered her to sit still and 'shut up,' and even despite her current predicament she could not help but wonder if his rambunctious treatment of her was at all necessary, especially considering that she didn't have any other options except to comply.

The bagged headed mare listened as closely as she could to her immediate environment; hoping to scrounge up some information that may be of use to her, maybe even help her to identify where she was going or who had taken her. The rugged voice of the stallion accompanying her made it clear that he would not tolerate questions, and Starlight did not wish to test the boundaries for her sake.

From what she could gather from her position on the floor; the train had been on a steady incline for almost an hour now and Starlight deduced that the only location within immediate distance of her that would require such a climb was Canterlot; they had been going up for too long for it to be anyway else, and considering the less than stellar reputation of Canterlot's underbelly, the mare had no doubt that at least one of its dwellers would take the challenge of nabbing the Princess of Friendship's prized pupil.

Was Starlight scared? Of course, in these circumstances who wouldn't be? Now was not the time for fear however, panic and worry would get her nowhere and nothing in return and besides, she'd been through worse before. Starlight did however need to get out of this, or at least get herself in a position where it wasn't worth disposing of her. To the mare's relief however, her abduction so far would suggest that harm was not to come to her, at least not yet, which gave her somewhat of an advantage or at least time to plan an effective escape or means of rescue.

The shriek of a whistle blowing several times forced the mare's bagged head up. The train was beginning its halt, jerkily slowing down and knocking Starlight off balance when it finally stopped completely. She had little time to ponder the situation as a side door to the train cart she was in flew open almost the moment the train was stationary, the light of the evening moon outside visible even behind the bag on her head, shining up what little of her vision remained. The mare thought about screaming for help, but the rough hooves of the stallion lifting her from the floor crushed those hopes. It was a shame her horn had been restrained like she was a common prisoner, otherwise Starlight would ensure that this pony who had taken her was the one with his head in a bag, preferably not attached to the rest of his body.

Starlight was led from the carriage to the dirt outside, grunting upon impact. Within seconds she was forced up and ordered to walk, which she did with guidance and reluctance. The sudden embrace of magic around her prompted her to squeal, but it was short-lived when all that happened was she was placed within another carriage; not a train, but a regular four wheeled one made for the road.

The instant she was inside the new vehicle, Starlight took note of the padded and cushy interior; soft and welcoming which she would have been sure to enjoy if she had been here any other circumstances. Starlight leaned into the seat she had been placed in, but jumped up upon a voice sounding out, a rather perplexed voice laced with poignant authority which Starlight had heard before.

“Why is there a bag on her head?” The voice to her front said, her tone laden with confusion.

Starlight responded immediately. “Princess Luna? Is that you? It sounds like you. It had better be you because if it isn't I'm going to be very annoyed.”

The bag was gently slipped off her head, as was her horn restraint, and Starlight found herself temporarily blinded by whiteness. As it gently subsided she came to realise that the carriage she had been placed in was one of utter luxury; silver embroidered and regal. Princess Luna was sat in front of her, her neck twitching up and down as she took in the sight of Starlight’s disheveled appearance; her mane ruffled and her coat ungroomed.

Luna stared for a few moments more before jerkily exiting the carriage with flustered cheeks and evident embarrassment. “Could you just excuse me for a moment? I'll just be a second. Help yourself to tea, wine, whatever I have in the cupboards, I'm sure it's drinkable.” Luna said as she hastily shut the door.

Starlight took Luna up on that offer immediately, delicately pouring herself a cup of tea as she listened to whatever it was that was going on outside. She was able to hear whispers of a hushed conversation, its tone gradually increasing in volume as Luna grew more agitated with the stallion who had brought Starlight here. Starlight just listened on in relaxation, easing herself against her cushioned seat.

“Why did she have a bag on her head?” 

“You wanted me to be discreet, it wouldn't be very discreet if I knocked on the door and asked for her personally.”

“So you kidnapped her?” 

“Well I was careful, Princess Twilight doesn't know anything just like you wanted, as far as she's concerned Starlight took an early nap.”

“You kidnapped her from her bedroom.”

“I did drug her if that's what you're wondering, it would have gotten complicated otherwise.”

“... I really think you overestimated just how much effort was required for this.”

Starlight ignored the rest of the conversation, mainly because she was sure Luna would tell her what was going on in a moments notice but also because the rest of the conversation just consisted of Luna shouting, and as amusing as it was to hear her captor get his comeuppance so soon Starlight grew tired of it quickly, just as she grew tired in general. Starlight had woken up on the train soon after it had departed if she assumed correctly, now it was late into the night, and to say Starlight was growing exhausted would be an understatement.

She wondered if Luna had coffee in here somewhere.

And with that thought everything suddenly came rushing back to Starlight, her current situation becoming rather apparent. She had been abducted, from her bed, by somepony who works for Princess Luna, for some reason. What reason? Why her? Why not Twilight? Twilight literally slept a few doors over from her! And quite frankly was a letter too difficult? What made it such a necessity that Luna have Starlight kidnapped in the dead of night and transported to the outskirts of Canterlot against her will?

The door to her left flew open and Luna grumbly made her way back to her seat, downing the last of her now cooled tea before looking to Starlight sheepishly. “We apologise for your… Abduction. It seems Agent Coltson interpreted my instructions to discreetly escort you to Canterlot incorrectly. He's use to other assignments you see, I wouldn't take it personally. He's a really nice guy once you get to know him, very charming! I think you would like him.”

Luna’s long and rambling explanation and excuses were more than enough to cause Starlight’s anger to bubble. Her house, her bed, all had been violated by this pony in front of her. Luna had best have a fantastic reason for all this, or Starlight would not hesitate to voice herself according, not even the risk of banishment would deter her.

“Princess Luna, pardon my Prench but what the hell is going on!” Starlight erupted. Unable to think of something else appropriate to say, she just repeated herself with a roar. “What? Tell me!”

Despite Starlight’s evidently less than pleased attitude, Luna held herself steady, her mane flowing lazily as she spoke tender and true. “Unfortunately, circumstances beyond my control have disallowed me to meet with you under more convenient conditions, and I'm afraid I have a matter of great importance to discuss with you and have delayed myself from conferring with you for too long now. Actions were taken.” Luna arched herself back. “And further actions are soon to be required.”

“What actions?” Starlight asked with a raised brow and piercing tone. “What ‘circumstances’? You're a Princess, you make circumstances.”

Luna scoffed, looking towards the ceiling dourly. “You think too highly of us, Ms. Glimmer. My duties over Equestria take up much of my time and an ongoing situation has left me deeply troubled, requiring much of my attention, hence why I outsourced your uh… Attendance arrangements to one of my sister’s agents. Once again I apologise.” Luna finished meekly.

Starlight barely cared about that now, the harrowing tone in Luna’s voice as she explained herself distracting her immensely from her prior feelings of lingering rage. Curious to Luna’s troubles, Starlight turned her attention towards questioning. “Is something bad happening?” Starlight asked with a worried squint. “Is Equestria in trouble again? Is Chrysalis back!" She bolted upright, gripping her mane, uncomfortably remiscising on the haunting nightmares she'd had of being slowly dismembered by hungry changelings.

Luna simply frowned. “Uncertain, but unlikely. Chrysalis wouldn't dare resurface so soon, she's too cowardly to try.” Luna slowly began before her brows knitted together. “You're aware of the Crystal Trail?”

With a relieved sigh, Starlight returned to her seat. “Of course, its the longest road in Equestria, runs straight up into The Crystal Empire through the Crystal Mountain range.”

Luna's frown deepened, Starlight’s confirmation prompting her to continue. “The road is often desolate, the train line fitting travelers’ needs far more effectively to the point many parts of the road lie in disrepair, even the Empire's return has not had an impact. The road is simply barren.” Luna looked down to Starlight blankly, her expression chilling Starlight. “That is not the sole reason the road is not dwelled upon however; many have come to fear it, many legends from multiple generations have been passed down over the decades concerning the road.”

“I've heard a few,” Starlight interrupted, her own frown showing. “They say the road is cursed, that some ponies who've traveled down it never returned. But that's all nonsense!” Starlight stated with a laugh. “One pony said it was dragons stealing ponies to breed the mythical Longma. My favourite though is the one where it's said that ponies that venture too far north are cursed with the same magic that made The Crystal Empire disappear, but obviously that was before the Empire came back and everypony in it. Heck, since the royal wedding I've heard some ponies have started blaming the changelings! It ridiculous, especially now they're on our side.” Starlight finished with a snort, looking up to Luna with a hopeful grin.

Luna's frown held firm.

Starlight’s own smile downturned in growing fear. “Right? It's not the changelings right?" Was all she could will herself to say.

A pot of tea floated over and Luna gently filled up the cups of both ponies, neither willing to speak for the moment. Starlight sat in anticipation while Luna carefully chose her words.

“I suspect another force is at play.” Luna eventually said stolidly. “I once held the same opinion, during my research into the progress of the last thousand years I took an interest in folklore, growing curious to the legends of the Crystal Trail. Versions and accounts vary but the core element remains the same; ponies that travel the road alone are said to vanish off the face of Equestria by some unknown means.” Luna took a sip of tea. “The line between fact and fiction is now not as blurred as it once was.”

Starlight remained quiet, hanging on Luna’s every word as she spoke again in the same hollow tone. “Ever since The Crystal Empire returned, the stories of the Crystal Trail’s curse have gained some credibility, considering that we now possess evidence of actual ponies having vanished, now.”

Starlight gasped in understanding and growing discomfort. “You mean, ponies are actually disappearing? Something is really up with the Crystal Trail?”

Luna held herself high and firm, her stoic aura unwavering. “That is what I'm trying to find out, and as a consequence I've had to accelerate an ongoing plan of mine I have been developing for many months now, a plan which involves yourself, Starlight Glimmer, hence why I've met you tonight.”

Starlight’s neck retreated beneath her shoulders, all this talk of curses, disappearances and the general atmosphere of dread having stamped out her prior feelings of anger towards Luna entirely, replacing it with fear enough to cause Starlight to tremble her words. “You planned this? You have a plan that involves me?”

Luna nodded with vigor, an uneasy smile adorning her features. “Precisely, and this was not a decision I've made lightly, Starlight. I've greatly considered your possible apprehensions but I hope we are able to reach an agreement.” Leaning forward, Luna met Starlight’s befuddled gaze. “Equestria is at constant risk, Starlight. Monsters in the Everfree, the Badlands, West and East and North. They surround us, they are fighting and if we don't fight back, they will win eventually. I do what I can with the tools that I have but alone I am vulnerable, less efficient. However, I can do more, but to do so I've decided to recruit those of a similar disposition. Ponies I know can do good for Equestria. Ponies that can help us fight.”

Starlight saw where Luna was going with this immediately, and she did not like it. Her prior anger resurfaced in force. “I get it, you want me to help you right? You want me to help you protect Equestria!”

Somewhat pleased at Starlight’s quick deduction, Luna nodded with close eyes. “Exactly. You're magic is beyond remarkable, Starlight. You and your friends performance during the changeling crises was exemplary! You would be a valuable asset and-”

“Not gonna happen.” Icily interrupted Starlight’s voice, cutting Luna off. “I am not doing it, not again!”

Luna looked up, staring back at Starlight’s seething glare. A lesser pony would've shied away, but Luna was nothing if not resilient meeting the glare with one of her own. “I must insist,” Luna goaded. “Twilight trusts you, so by extension, so do I. You consider yourself on the side of harmony now do you not, Starlight? What better way to demonstrate that then to assist in the protection of your home and your friends? Equestria needs you.”

Starlight was not a foal, she recognised what Luna was trying to do. Manipulation, goading Starlight to her cause, binding her to her will. Luna had already implied that she would tempt her, having taken into account Starlight’s ‘apprehensions.’ Influencing Starlight with the promise of reward, the promise of value. But Starlight would not take the bait, Starlight could not.

Starlight would never condone a course of action she once practiced. Lying. Manipulation.

And jumping into another scenario were she would have to battle an opposing force to save the land was not something Starlight would choose to do. Not again.

“I won't.” Starlight defied. “I will not risk myself like that, I'm not as brave or as strong as you think!”

Luna frowned, not having anticipated that Starlight would be as dismissive as she was, disappointing her immensely. Luna had honestly expected more. “Does it ever occur to you what might happen if the Elements of Harmony, your friends, don't return one day? If they venture out to combat a threat and end up failing?” Luna veered upwards, looming over Starlight like a growing shadow. “You stepped up before, when Equestria was on the brink of doom, why not now?”

Starlight, despite how determined she was to denounce Luna's words, refused to bring up the fact that she was simply too afraid to abide her. Starlight had a life now, she had friends, best friends, friends who cared for her and friends Starlight cared for. The Elements of Harmony, Princess Twilight Sparkle; they were Equestria’s protectors, they were the ones to stop the evils, reform them, build a better tomorrow.

Luna and Starlight were evidence of that.

The Elements were all Equestria needed so how dare Luna imply anything else. How dare she suggest that the Elements were not dependable. That they would one day fail. That another course of action was even necessary.

What exactly had Luna done for the betterment of Equestria anyway?

“I'd like to go home now.” Starlight drolly said, rising from her seat.

The display of impertinence angered Luna, whose mane blocked Starlight’s way. “You did not answer me, Starlight.” Luna stated with a growl. “What will you do if we lose the Elements of Harmony? You are Twilight’s pupil, you hold a responsibility, whether you like it or-”

“I am not responsible for anything!” Starlight roared turning away from the door she was prepared to exit out of, standing up before Luna. “I'm just a mare! I did a lot of bad things but I'm sorry for all of it! Twilight and her friends… They are everything Equestria needs! And I will never stop believing that. It doesn't need me and it definitely doesn't need you!”

Starlight realised she had been rather disrespectful, and while later she would come to regret some of it, in that moment of time she truly didn't care. Starlight was not a protector, she was not the best thing for Equestria, she never was and as far as she was concerned she never will be. Twilight had saved the land so many times now. Everything Luna wanted, Twilight was.

Starlight had destroyed Equestria several times over.

And now she led a good life. A life she could not just abandon on a whim. A life she refused to lose. A life that was worth more than Equestria as a whole.

Why risk it all for a Princess she barely knew?

It may have been a selfish decision, it may have even been a detrimental decision, but it was Starlight’s decision. It was her decision to refuse Luna’s offer, it was her decision to leave the carriage behind, it was her decision to get the late night train back down to Ponyville and it was her decision to never reveal to Twilight what had occurred over the last few hours out of fear of her disapproval.

It was Luna’s decision to deem Starlight as yet another lost opportunity. 

Her journey back to her castle home was lonely that night, plagued by the apparent curse of the Crystal Trail and her failure to sway Starlight Glimmer to her cause. Time for Luna was wearing thin, and the time to execute her plan for Equestria were seemingly growing ever nearer.

But when that time comes, Starlight Glimmer would not be stood by her side, and perhaps she was never meant to.
> 9. You And Me, Me And Her
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------







The rising sun cast its light through the stained glass of the castle’s windows, lightning up Luna’s coat in a mixture of reds, blues and purples. She stood before the throne with an angry glare, her sister’s blatant disregard for Luna’s proposition proving to be nothing short of demeaning, prompting Luna to woefully retort. 

“Sister, I believe you fail to fully understand what I am proposing.”

Princess Celestia’s unreadable expression did not falter, her tone holding adamantly. “I think I understand perfectly, Luna, and the answer is still no.”

Luna scoffed, beginning to pace the floor in an attempt to ease her growing aggravation. “And I suppose your reasoning has not changed?” Luna snidely shot back.

Her mane swayed with grace and Celestia continued to sit with regality, not for a second succumbing to Luna’s warning gaze. “Of course not. I'm sorry, Luna, but I simply refuse to allow for you to put ordinary citizens on the front lines, however rigorous your selection process was and however willing your participants are. I just cannot condone it.”

They'd had this conversation so many times now. Always with the same points and always with the same inevitable conclusion. Luna did not know why she expected this time to be any different than the last. But try she did, and try again she will. “And yet you still continue to condone using the Elements, still continue to risk them at every turn.”

The topic would eventually always turn back to Twilight Sparkle and her friends, which was the only time Celestia allowed her inner condemnation to show, her thin smile slipping into a steady frown. “You know that Twilight is quite capable, as are her friends. They possess a magic far beyond our comprehension, they are well protected against the threats they face.”

“They are still citizens!” Luna rebut, her voice rising ever so slightly. “They are still under our protection! They should not be put in harms way so willfully.”

And so the same ending was met, with Celestia retorting for the final time with her same inevitable conclusive argument. “I agree, civilians should not be put at risk, which is why my answer is still no.”

The sisters were stubborn on either side, a trait inherent in them both. Neither refused to back down against the other, especially when they knew that they were right and the other was so indubitably wrong.

Celestia endorsed the actions of The Elements of Harmony under the belief that the magic they possessed was ample protection for themselves and a valuable deterrence against all those who fought against the harmony of Equestria. The Elements’ daily lives and personal pursuits hardly being enough to waver Celestia’s position on the matter. Luna disagreed wholeheartedly. Luna saw the Elements just as Celestia did, but compounded her belief by the pretence that the Elements should be protected at all costs, to be used only as a last resort against an unfaltering foe and not as the first, every single time when danger struck.

Luna reinforced her belief by taking into consideration the lives of the individual Element bearers themselves. They did not choose to hold this power, they did not choose to be the ones to battle for Equestria’s soul on a regular basis; they just did, and they did so admirably. There were however others, there was always others. Others willing to stand together against disharmony, others willing to fight in the place of the Elements to the very bitter end.

Luna had spent many months pursuing that goal of assembling those others, and she was not about to let Celestia’s dismissal impact those plans.

“And I say no to you,” Luna shot back to her sister, her confidence ringing in her tone. “I say that all citizens should possess the right to defend Equestria should they so choose. I refuse to place the entirety of my hope on six individuals who we continually thrust into the fray! Alone, every time!” Luna pointed a hoof up in defiance. “Equestria is just as much my domain as it is yours, so I will continue to pursue this cause, with or without your approval, sister!”

Princess Celestia didn't move, though her small frown did dip ever so slightly further down. Ever since Luna had returned from her banishment and renewed her rule, the sisters had often been at odds with one another over their conflicting views of governance. Celestia’s had allowed her decision making to progress alongside Equestria for over a thousand years, whereas Luna preferred the old ways, the ways that were before her banishment. Both their considerations were often determined to be the most practical solution, the difficulty laid in one sister convincing the other to agree with them.

It often left the pair strained.

But regardless, Celestia knew she could not stop Luna despite her ever lingering thoughts of disapproval. Luna held just as much right over the ruling of Equestria as Celestia did, and neither thought it wise to go against the other in blatant defiance, however much they disagreed with whatever the issue was. The sisters may have had their difficulties, but the pair trusted each other, they shared with each other, they were relied upon by the other. 

Hence why Luna had even told Celestia any of this.

“I hope you know what you're doing, Luna.” Celestia softly spoke, turning her mane covered eye away. “I only ask that you keep me informed.”

Despite herself, Luna smiled at that. “When do I not, sister?” Luna soothingly replied as she turned on her heel, exiting the throne room and leaving her sister to reside over the continued rising of the sun, her inner turmoil slowly melding away as her horn glowed gold.

Luna paced through the hall in a passive stride. The hour was early and Luna’s duties over the night had come to an end, so she thought it best she retire to her bedchambers to rest. Guards and maidens roamed the halls in droves, bowing to Luna as she continued on her way.

Her confrontations with Celestia over her strives to further protect Equestria often left her drained, and today was no different. Ever since Luna had thought up the idea and began her recruitment of willing participants she had been at odds with Celestia over whether this plan was even necessary to begin with. Celestia’s faith in her former student somewhat blinded her to Luna’s proclamations, or so Luna assumed to be the case. Whatever their dispositions, Luna had continued to execute her scheme with vigour, though even she had to admit sometimes that she had her doubts over all this.

Starlight Glimmer’s rejection of her offer had reinforced those beliefs somewhat. The reformed student of Twilight Sparkle would have made a valuable compatriot, her excessive magical empowerment and cunning were rather attractive qualities that drew Luna to her in the first place. Her performance during the resurgence of Queen Chrysalis practically forcing Luna to attempt to recruit her to no success.

Then there was Lightning Dust who, while on board with Luna’s plan, was also a source of concern. Her inherent reckless nature and general attitude towards life made her something of a ‘wild card’, though she was currently battling those attributes as well as having discarded her former destructive lifestyle.

Trixie Lulamoon, or The Great and Powerful Trixie as she chose to be called, showed promise, though she also displayed many qualities that filled Luna with hesitation. Plagued by self-doubt and fuelled by a dependency to impress and amaze, Trixie could very well turn out to be as great as she claims, or wind up simply being the product of yet another exaggeration. Though against all odds she too had jumped to Eauestria's aid when the time had come, if reluctantly.

Then there was the famed Agent Sweetie Drops, or Bon Bon as she was known as now. The retired Agent was quite the enigma to Luna, as was her decision to join her at all. Bon Bon’s hesitations may promote complications, but hopefully her constant professionalism and willingness to see things through for the sake of her lover will dispel those fears.

The same could not be said for the changeling Therapsid, for only time would tell if he could truly earn his place and by extension Luna’s faith. He was completely unpredictable, as was to be expected of a changeling given their nature, but Luna held hope that he would play his part for his own betterment and that of Equestria’s and ensure his place amongst the populace. The recent developments regarding the changeling race only strengthening her belief that the changeling could change.

Her fellow Princess, Dragon Lord Ember, was certain to be a keen ally however. Ember’s influence over the dragons will serve Equestria well assuming they see her for what she truly is and accept her as worthy of their respect, which Luna fully intends to support her in achieving to its full extent. 

Then there was Sonata Dusk… And Luna was just as befuddled by her as she was the day they met. Cast out from her land and abandoned by her friends, Luna honestly did not know what to make of her, nor could she say for certain that it was even necessary that she be placed alongside the others as a viable candidate.

Luna didn't even know if Sonata wanted to be apart of her plan, having yet to actually discuss it with her. The now earth pony and former Siren was just as much a mystery as she was a nuisance, always plaguing and prodding Luna for some reason or another. Her friendship lessons and reintegration into Equestrian society had certainly been interesting as well as enlightening for both parties. Luna still wondered to this day if Sonata ever found that Mr. ‘Why Fye’ pony she had been so rigorously searching for. She had been so upset when she couldn't find him that she cried for days.

Luna had been able to cheer Sonata up by giving into one of her more ludicrous requests; an indoor swimming pool in her room. The earth pony ‘teenager’ had loved it, spending most of her time in the water and even more time on the water-bed Luna had also so generously gifted her with for her continued good behaviour.

Despite her evident happiness and the promise she showed, Luna's still did not know what to make of Sonata, and perhaps she never would. Her sole motivation was apparently to earn her way back to her two sisters across the portal, and everyday she grew closer to Luna granting her that. Until that day however Sonata had to prove herself worthy, a feat she had yet to fully accomplish.

If only because her serving as a constant source of annoyance for Luna deterred her somewhat from assisting her, as Sonata would so ‘happily’ demonstrate to Luna on a constant basis.

A fact proven once again when Luna eventually reached and opened her bedroom door and found Sonata sat upon her bed in the dark, staring blankly at the door, her tail straightened up sharply and her mane standing on end. Sonata’s eyes held such intense shock that Luna would have rushed to her in alarm had she been any other pony.

But seeing as it was Sonata, Luna seriously doubted she needed to worry.

“Luna?” Sonata pitifully muttered from the bed, reminding Luna of an inquisitive foal.

“Yes, Sonata?” Luna drolly replied, silently pleading for Sonata to simply leave her in peace and release the covers she was clutching so tightly.

“Luna, I've just realised something,” Sonata began with ever widening eyes. “I'm naked.”

Oh joy Luna thought with disdain. Somehow Sonata would seemingly forget commonalities of her previous life in the Human World only to remember them at the most inopportune times, such as when she first discovered her cutie mark after two weeks and starting raving on about her ‘butt tattoo’ and demanded it be removed ‘like the last one was.’

Luna never asked for details when Sonata began raving.

“Yes, Sonata. You're naked.” Luna paused, then blinked. “Is that all?”

“Yep!” Sonata beamed, jumping off the bed and trotting out in a merry prance. At first Luna had considered Sonata’s happy-go-lucky attitude to be rather endearing, unfortunately having tired of it after it had grown old after only a few months.

Sleep. Sleepy. Woona wants beddy bed  Luna thought disjointedly as she collapsed into her crescent moon shaped bed, sinking into the mattress and instinctively rolling herself up in the warming covers. It was so relaxing, to just lay still and drift away. Luna probably would have succumbed to the soothing hooves of tiredness within moments had Sonata not burst her way back through the doors with a horrified scream.

“Luna! Everyone else is naked too!”

Luna muffled her ears with her pillow, growing tempted to muffle the rest of her face in the process when the guards entered the fray and Sonata was dragged away shouting. “Indecent!”
> 10. Into The Fray
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------







The snow rose to just below their knees, slowing their stride and causing their movements to turn sluggish. Shining Armor relished in the cold feeling however, it was a welcome change from hard crystal floors and comfy pillows of his castle home. The wind rushing through his mane and the blistering chill upon his face was everything he had always expected and hoped being a royal guard would entail; adventures beyond the veil, thrusting yourself into the unknown. It was what Shining lived for.

The same could not be said for Flash Sentry, Shining’s trusted pegasus Lieutenant accompanying him at that time. “Ohh it's cold. Why's it gotta be so cold? Can't we just work some crystal heart magic or something? Make everything warm like back home?”

“Believe it or not, Sentry, but it gets cold up north, hence why we call it the ‘Frozen North.’” Shining responded humoredly before patting a snow covered hoof across Sentry’s back. “Besides, you complain too much. You're a royal guard, you're expected to go get your hooves dirty every once in awhile.”

Flash Sentry snorted and scoffed, his wings fluttering out to shake off the accumulating snow. “Dirty is not the problem, cold is the problem, specifically this cold,” he shot back shivering.

“Oh quit your whining, Sentry,” cut in one of two other earth pony crystal guards accompanying Flash and their Captain. “A bit of snow never hurt anypony,” he said with mock empathy, causing the other crystal guard to chuckle and snortle.

Flash just incoherently grumbled in reply before he turned back to Shining with a scrunched up face, attempting to ward off the persistent frost filled air. “What are we doing out here anyway? You in particular, Captain. I mean it's not like anypony can force you to do anything around here!” Flash said rousingly.

Shining fought the urge to smirk, looking towards the treeline just north of the Empire that laid behind them. “Be that as it may, Sentry, I just decided to get out for a bit. Plus Cadance wanted a bit of personal time with Flurry, her being a Princess kind of makes that difficult.” Shining dusted the snow off himself, the perpetual flakes floating down from the sky blanketing him. “As for why we're here… Same old same old. Some foals playing out by the trees said they saw a monster.” Shining emphasised with mocking dread.

The three other guards laughed in response, the specific scenario being a regular occurrence and something of an in-joke for them. The dark memory of King Sombra lingered on in the minds of many of the crystal ponies, particularly the foals, his legacy shadowing the Empire to this day. Every once in awhile a report would surface stating that King Sombra had returned, or a dark minion of his, or his malformed bride and on one strange occasion his half goat demon spawn.

Of course nothing ever came of these claims, the perpetrator always being revealed as a broken branch or mountain rat; the banes of Shining Armor’s existence. For the sake of public reassurance Shining always ensured that these incidents were thoroughly investigated, but after so many times dealing with the same old things, even the resident crystal guards were starting to tire of the regularity of King Sombra’s supposed resurrections.

But regardless, goose chase or not, the guards had a job to do and disappointing the populace was not an option. 

Maybe this time won't be as far fetched? Shining thought with a snort. The once Crystal Empire resident and friendly changeling Thorax hadn't been such an exaggeration when he first turned up, so perhaps this monster that inhabited the Crystal forest wouldn't be either. Either way they would soon discover the truth, for the white trees of the Frozen North were soon upon them, stretching as far as the eye could see from left to right, wrapping around the distant form of Mount Everhoof looming so ominously above in the wild roaming clouds.

Shining paused, cheerfully appreciating the sight. It was not customary to leave the confines of the Empire, mainly because the weather was often too treacherous to brave. Guard patrols were carried out on occasion and Shining had taken the opportunity to be apart of one; so far the sights alone had been worth the effort.

“You ever wonder what's out there?” Shining curiously asked Flash, who looked to Shining with a raised brow. “You ever think about what's beyond those trees, over that mountain, past whatever it is after that?” 

Flash just blinked. “Short answer? Nooo. Seriously, Captain, when has anything good ever come from somewhere outside Equestria?” Flash ostensibly rebut.

Shining broadened his shoulders. “The Crystal Empire isn't from Equestria, neither was the changeling that had been sleeping in my castle.”

Nervously stuttering and beginning to fiddle about, Flash quickly regretted his statement, mainly for it implying very different things than what he had intended. Shining did not appear to hold it against him, breaking out into a small smile as the two crystal guards began to approach the treeline ahead of them investigative.

“I do get what you mean though, Sentry,” Shining stated reassuringly, quickly soothing Flash’s fears. “But still, can't help but wonder sometimes… All that uncharted land, the creatures we haven't even discovered yet. Just imagine, one day we might be able to fly north and never stop; discovering new things, uncovering hidden-”

“Sir!” 

One of the guards called out, drawing the remaining three over to him in a flash. Shining rushed up to the guard, who was currently staring at a thicket of snow covered bushes lying below the overbearing trees. He stared intently, soon being joined by Shining and Flash. The four stayed deathly silent, simply observing for anything of note; movement, noise, anything that might reveal something of out of the ordinary.

Nothing happened, and no noise was heard. Shining turned his eyes to the startled crystal pony and spoke in a hushed but authoritative tone. “What happened? What'd you see?”

The guard gulped, not having realised that he had been holding his breath. He jerkily turned towards Shining, his eyes refused to leave the spot in the bushes for more than an instant. “I… I saw something. Something was there, I'm sure of it.”

“Yes, but what?” Shining responded with impatience. “What did you see?”

The guard stayed silent for several moments, his silver armour visibly and audibly rattling. Shining suspected it wasn't because he was cold. “I- I saw eyes,” he shakily spoke. “I saw its eyes and it saw me.”

Shining had heard enough. Was this guard overreacting? Had he perhaps seen a harmless animal? Had he even seen anything at all? In the end it didn't matter. Shining trusted his guards with his life, so he would trust this guard now. The stallion had seen something, something that had caused him to fumble over his words, and that was reason enough for Shining to call this search off for the time being and have them return to the Empire, if only to reassess the situation and better prepare themselves for the next venture out.

“We're heading back,” Shining announced to the collective of guards. “We regroup at the Empire and come back with maximum strength. I'm not taking any chances, especially seeing as the changeling queen is still on the loose.” He hastily hushed out as he ushered the guards away, occasionally glancing back towards the trees.

They walked in a straight line on either side of each other, the snow flying directly into their faces, blinding the view of their seemingly distant Empire home, appearing to almost be glowing in comparison to the dampening winds, dull cloudy sky and blank white ground. Their form soon began to resemble that of an arrow head, with Shining and Flash at the front and the two crystal guards at their rear. The howling winds picked up, pushing the four back as they fought to proceed.

Then something sounded out, something very unlike the crunching of snow or the swirling of wind. It was the sound of cracking branches. Branches breaking apart and swinging out as some unseen force pushed against them, and it was coming from directly behind them, at the exact spot they had all stared fixated mere moments ago.

Shining held out hope that it was simply the result of the violent winds batting against the trees; splinting the wood by the sheer forces of nature. Then more cracking began to sound out to Shining's left, further down the treeline than they had even reached. 

Shining didn't dare look back as he ordered the others to run.

He sprinted as fast as he could, growing unnerved as far more hooves upon snow rang out then what should have. The sounds were seemingly coming from all around, directly behind them and even to their sides.

Shining looked left, and a fearful gasp escaped him. A lean, almost black, pony-like figure was sprinting through the mist, far more quickly than any pony Shining had ever seen was capable of. It was running ahead of them, circling itself out towards their front, veering directly into their waiting path.

Shining looked right and growled as he saw another black figure mirroring the actions of the first. He recognised what they were doing, and Shining knew that running was no longer an option.

They were surrounding them. Boxing them in.

His horn alit with a flash and a deep purple light shone out, flowing over the four huffing ponies. The other guards fell down in shock, gazing up as Shining’s magical shield grew around them. The black figures to their fronts almost collided at the ponies sudden and unforeseen stop, their forms becoming concealed even more from behind the shield’s shimmering wall. 

“What'd you doing, Captain?!” Flash yelled in a fury at the panting Shining, barely able to see past the shield. “We gotta get out of here, those things are going to surround us at this rate!”

“We're already surrounded,” Shining harrowingly shot back, his horn continuing to shine as his guards looked to him dazed and in fear, waiting on his command. “They were circling around us on all sides, they must've been waiting for us to get close enough! Aargh!” Shining clutched his head, having not been able to aptly prepare for his spells casting so abruptly. “They're too fast for us to outrun, we need a new plan! Think!” He yelled out in pain, his knees buckling beneath him as whatever the things were outside began to beat upon the shield relentlessly.

Flash veered away as one of the figures drew close, it's blackened form warped and distorted behind the purple magic. The darkness of its body was obvious, but what made it stand out from the others was that while the those creatures beat and slashed upon the shield in a frenzy, this one simply stood, it's back arching high. It was also tall, and very large. Flash almost felt like it could see right through, staring right at him. 

Flash gladly looked away as Shining shouted once more.

“Can't- hold it!” Shining strained out as the shield began to flicker around him, the force of the creatures’ attacking wearing him down. “Solutions would be appreciated!” He yelled in a frantic fury.

The two crystal guards stood back to back, preparing themselves for defence. Flash held himself hesitantly before a sudden thought came to mind and he yelled out in triumph. “Maybe we can't outrun ‘em, but I could fly! Alert the Empire and get help!”

A crack formed in the shield; it was being chipped away like broken glass. 

While Flash’s suggestion may not have been the solution Shining had been hoping for, it was the only one he was going to get and was therefore their only option. “Flash, you spread those wings! The second I drop this shield you bolt! You don't look back, you hear!”

Flash nodded, but the exasperated voice of another guard distracted Shining from responding. “You're going to drop the shield? Can't you keep it up?!”

As much as Shining would have liked to explain that every time the shield was hit it felt like he was being punched in the face, the most he could manage was a weak “No,” before the shield finally gave way and shattered completely. Flash Sentry erupted into the sky before the shards of magic had even begun to fade away, shooting towards the green hills of the Empire like a bolt of lightning.

The remaining trio of guards backed up into each other, standing firm against the creatures that now surrounded them entirely. They had backed off once the shield had collapsed but were quickly regaining their senses, veering closer to the three ponies with every rotation of the circle they made. There must have been at least twenty, probably more, but Shining did not expend the effort to count. What had become apparent however was what exactly these creatures were, with Shining drolly muttering out a single word to the two guards flanking him.

“Wolves.”

Snarling, growling and glistening their teeth, the wolves tilted their heads and pointed their snouts as Shining spoke aloud. They looked ready to pounce and Shining attempted to prepare himself for it. They did not however, they just continued to circle with evident impatience. Some lurched forwards, their teeth baring wide, but they did not dare strike and Shining did not know why.

The wolves then looked away, over the shoulders of the ponies and back towards the treeline. Shining whipped his head in that direction, risking the move if only to discover what had grasped the other wolves attentions so completely. He could barely see through the fog but the colour of this wolf’s coat stood out plainly, as did its piercing golden eyes that shone against the snow. It's back was arched high and every tilt of its large and frizzled head held weigh to it, with the eyes of every other wolf following with expectancy.

It’s neck lurched back and it released a monstrous roar. Within seconds all the other wolves turned feral, leaping at the three ponies with their sharp teeth aimed to precision.

Shining shot two wolves back with two consecutive blasts of magic and attempted to turn back to help the other two guards. He adjusted his aim but another wolf pounced and Shining had to fire at it. Two more were bearing up on him so Shining turned and ran, he ran and he fired, never for a second allowing the creatures to reach him, growing sick at the prospect of their teeth upon his flesh.

He continued to run but the snow was too thick, he didn't even know if he was running towards the Empire, he could've been running back towards the trees and further into the fray for all he knew. He'd lost the other two guards in the snow, surrounded by wolves on all sides. Shining hadn't meant to leave them, he had just been so confused, so desperate. They were all around him and if he didn't run they would get him.

But Shining knew he couldn't outrun them.

Ahead he saw two more dark figures, shielded behind the winds and falling frost. Shining stood his ground, rage building and manifesting itself as searing magic, practically leaking off his horn. “Come on!” he shouted at them. Other wolves had followed and were all around him again so Shining adjusted his aim, almost grinning at how they seemed to shy away from his blazing horn. He fired off a shot, with it impacting against the ground and causing the snow to steam away. The wolves just continued to growl and snarl.

Then they were silent, as silent as the wind, their calm breaths being their only distinctive noise.

Shining grew perplexed, but refused to lower his horn. Shuffling sounded out behind him and Shining spun with a grunt, his spell faltering slightly from sheer fear as the massive wolf from before; the wolf who had growled so monstrously, stepped through the ring of wolves and steadily met Shining’s eyes.

It was enormous, its size greater than the other wolves by far. It must have been as tall as Princess Celestia, it's chest only reaching up to Shining head. It peered down at him unreadably, it's necked bolt upright, undeterred by the threatening shine of Shining’s horn.

Shining’s rage melted away with the snow and his bravado failed him. The wolf drew closer, step by step, so Shining drew away at the same pace. The wolves behind him snarled in response. There was no way out of this for him. Surrounded by wolves, confronted by one that seemed to intimidate the rest, there was little Shining could think to do, made all the more harder by his blistering horn, pounding head and burning lungs. 

The giant wolf began to growl.

In that split second before it pounced everything seemed to grow calm for Shining. He saw his wife, he saw his sister, he saw his Flurry. Even the cold was forgotten by him, melding away with the image of his family. The wolf appeared to fly, leaping at Shining with an unearthly roar that echoed across the landscape. 

But Shining refused to be afraid.

His spell fired off, blasting against the wolf’s chest. It faltered, prematurely diving for the earth. It sunk into the snow up to his neck but before Shining could even begin to well more magic into his horn the beast erupted out of the earth, showering them all in a cloud of thick snow. It leap at Shining again, who instinctively stuck out his foreleg high.

Shining grew numb as he felt the wolf’s teeth sink into his leg, the agony so great he couldn't even yell out. It held him high in the air, but it didn't shake him or bite any harder, it simply held him up and stared him down. 

Shining’s met its eyes before shutting them tight and finally screaming out.

It felt as if it held him there for so long. Dangling in the air.

Then it released him, threw him to the side and let out a low howl. Shining caved into the snow, which cushioned his fall and blanketed him in a broken layer of flakes. The sounds of padded feet crunching upon the snow was muffled, but it was there. The wolves were leaving, their pace increasing until they were well beyond the trees, the sounds of their paws and the cracking of the branches echoing out once again.

Shining was too distracted by the pain in his leg to care.

As winged silhouettes passed by in the sky, Shining felt that calming feeling again. His pain faded, as did the rising sounds of yelling and shouting, but Shining just continued to lay, the image of his wife and daughter clouding his vision once more.

Then a howl screeched out into the sky, and Shining Armor realised he had almost lost his family forever.
> 11. Three To Go, One To Show
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------







Sonata’s seat rattled every time the train carriage jerked one way and then the other. One time it felt as if the entire thing was about to topple on its side, prompting Sonata to fearfully grip her chair until the rocking subsided. Sonata never did like trains. Trains were big, heavy and dangerous. She'd heard stories in the Human World of people playing chicken with trains and losing, having even been tempted to try it out herself once. She asked Adagio if she could, but she just told her no.

And while Adagio wasn't here to say no now, Sonata didn't really feel like playing with a train was a smart idea, now that she thought about it.

Across from her sat Princess Luna, not at all disturbed by the rumbling of the train or the continual churning of its wheels. Luna simply sat staring intently out the window, gazing on as the lush green grass gradually became concealed beneath the persistently falling snow, indicating that their passage towards the settlements of the Frozen North was coming along quite nicely.

The only other pony present in Luna's personal and rather luxurious cabin was a batpony guard, his purple and black amour blending in with his dark stringy and patchy coat and the silver embroidered walls of the carriage. He gradually walked up and down the aisle while Sonata and Luna stayed sat facing one another, one content, the other on the verge of imploding from utter boredom.

“Luna,” Sonata whined, yanking on her own mane. “I know you told me not to say it again, but are we there yet?”

Luna groaned, her breath clouding against the glass. “For the very last time, Sonata, no. No, we are not there yet!” She banged her head against the window. “Though we cannot arrive soon enough…” she drolly finished, mainly speaking to herself.

Sonata threw her head back with an exaggerated sigh. “But it's been sooo long!” she said with a pout, crossing her arms in defiance of Luna’s claims. “How come we’re taking this train anyway? I thought you had your own really fast one?”

It didn't take long for Luna to recognise what Sonata was asking about. Her and Celestia’s private train had been commandeered by Twilight Sparkle, her friends and her parents with Celestia and Luna’s approval, scheduling it to embark from Canterlot towards Ponyville then back up to The Crystal Empire at its earliest convenience. After news broke of a concerning incident having occurred that morning in The Crystal Empire involving Shining Armor and a trio of guards, Twilight had been distraught, wanting to be on her way to see him as soon as possible. Celestia chose to accompany her former student while Luna remained behind in Canterlot for the time being to get their affairs in order.

Having completed that task, Luna debarked for the Empire with Sonata in tow, and the Siren earth pony was hardly too happy about it.

Not that Luna was in the mood to care about what Sonata felt, her thoughts plagued by the consequences of Shining Armor's attack.

“Luna-”

“Not again, Sonata!” Luna barked, at her wits end with Sonata’s constant questioning.

The instant Sonata shied away was enough for Luna to regret her outburst immensely. Her judgement was admittedly impaired by the accumulated stress of running the country in Celestia’s stead and from her general ignorance of the ongoing situation in the Empire. She knew nothing of Shining’s condition, if it had improved or worsened. Nothing at all, not even a letter. Cadance was most likely just as much a mess as Twilight. Even Celestia had been somewhat compromised upon first hearing the news.

Whatever Luna’s feelings were on the matter though, she knew it was unfair to take it out on Sonata, regardless of her continual irritation. “Forgive me, Sonata, I did not mean to snap at you. I'm not exactly in the best of moods at the moment.”

“Because your nephew guard in-law unicorn friend almost got eaten by a wolf?” Sonata automatically responded, perking up the instant Luna apologised. The warning glare Sonata was met with caused those feelings to simmer down somewhat. “Just saying… But that is the reason right?” she finished timidly but assured in herself.

Luna simply sighed and nodded grimly. “Unfortunately yes, word of Shining Armor’s attack was quite unsettling.” Luna looked out the window once more, silently pleading for the crystal castle to become visible over the looming snowy mountains lying ahead. “I am also worried that this incident may not be a unique occurrence.”

Sonata knew what unique meant, remembering all the times Aria had frowned when she said Sonata was unique herself. Being unique must not have been a very good thing which was probably why Luna was so worried about all this. “You think the wolves might come back?” Sonata asked with an excited smile, the whole story of valiant royal guards fighting a bunch of wild ferocious wolves seeming rather cool to her.

Another grim nod was the only reply Sonata received, Luna choosing to remain sat in silence once more.

The batpony guard accompanying them had appeared to have fallen asleep at some point, lounging at the back on the carriage on a row of cushions and snoring softly. Sonata thought that he mustn't have been a very good guard if he was sleeping on the job, which only made her wonder why Luna was lugging him about in the first place.

Maybe he was just bored like Sonata?

Sonata violently groaned, her neck veering back with an audible click. She found Equestria to be so boring, especially Canterlot, Canterlot was so dull. Sonata was never really allowed out on her own, or at least she was never really allowed to wander outside the castle grounds. Luna was always keeping an eye on her, but at the same time she was always saying that she would be allowed back home to the Human World eventually. Back to Adagio and Aria. Luna had yet to keep up her end of the bargain, despite Sonata having done everything she had asked so far. 

Sit in friendship lessons? Check.

Be a good teenage pony-girl thing? Check.

Stop trying to take over the world? Double check.

Stop defacing Starswirl’s statue… Unchecked.

Other than that last part, Sonata had basically been a model citizen. The model citizen. Repentant was the word she thought it was called. Sonata was repentant for all she had done. Yet she was still here, still stuck in Equestria.

Sonata wanted to go home.

Sonata didn't want to be bored anymore.

Sonata didn't want to be alone.

“Luna, when can I go home?” Sonata abruptly burst out, her words direct and tone swift. “You keep saying I can go back through some portal somewhere but you won't let me, even though I've done everything you've asked!”

The sudden bout of questions was certainly unexpected, jolting Luna out of her self induced daze. She looked down towards the earth pony unsurely, appearing somewhat unwilling to reply. Luna forced herself to speak however, though her tone was evidently hesitant. “Not yet, Sonata. But one day soon, I promise.”

That was not the answer Sonata wanted, she had heard it so many times before. “Yeah, but when,” she asked sharply. “When will you let me go back?”

It was a conversation Luna had admittedly been avoiding, but it was one she knew needed to be said, however much she didn't want to and however much Sonata wouldn't like what she heard. Luna broadened her shoulders and veiled herself in a stoic facade, knowing full well the mood was about to be dampened even further. “I cannot allow you to return to the Human World, Sonata, because I don't think you're ready yet.”

Sonata gawked. “But I am ready! I'm being a better pony just like you wanted! I’m nice, I don't cause that much trouble, I do all your stupid friendship lessons-”

“But you don't take those lessons to heart, Sonata,” Luna interrupted with reluctance, prompting Sonata to pause. “You are attentive in your lessons, enthusiastic even, but you don't show it, not to anypony except myself. You haven't commited yourself to your rehabilitation.”

“That's not true!” Sonata shot back distraught. “I want everyone to be my friend!”

“And there lies the problem,” Luna said with a sad smile, hoping her words would not fall on deaf ears. “You want everypony to be your friend, but you don't want to be their friend in return. I'm sorry that I have to say this, Sonata, but I can't allow you to go back because you don't know yet how to be a friend towards others. All you know to do is create conflict and chaos, but that is okay.” Luna’s smile grew warm. “It was your nature as a Siren to cause trouble and drive others towards negativity so that you could feed yourself, but you no longer need to do that, you are simply having difficulty breaking away from that conditioning.”

Sonata said nothing, contemplating Luna’s words thoroughly. She didn't like what Luna was saying. She didn't like her saying that Sonata didn't know how to be a friend. Her, Adagio and Aria were basically sisters, or maybe they really were sisters Sonata couldn't remember, but they were also friends, together for over a thousand plus years. Sonata had tried to replicate that friendship with other ponies here but for some reason it just never really worked out. No one ever liked having Sonata as their friend.

So perhaps Luna wasn't exaggerating all that much when she said Sonata just didn't know how to be a friend. Maybe she didn't even know how to be good.

But Sonata was trying. She would never stop trying.

Sonata looked up as a shadow loomed over her, finding Luna standing very close. Sonata often wondered if she and Luna were friends. They were around each other a lot and Luna seemed to like her. Sonata kind of liked Luna too but it was weird, you weren't really friends with teachers right? That's what Luna essentially was to Sonata. Were they even capable of being friends, or were they just two ponies who knew each other and talked a lot?

Luna laid a reassuring hoof upon Sonata’s shoulder, a gesture she knew Sonata always appreciated. “Your progress so far has been immaculate, Sonata, and in time I'm sure you'll learn your lesson fully. It is simply a matter of overcoming your basic Siren nature, a feat difficult for anypony. I have faith you'll succeed however, because I know you want to.”

Luna's hoof slackened somewhat, for she had only told Sonata one of several of her reasons why she was still in Equestria. Luna would never dissuade Sonata with her own internal thoughts on the subject.

The second reason she had not allowed for Sonata to return home yet was simply because she did not consider Sonata capable. Sonata was simply not independent enough to survive on her own. Sonata would probably never admit it, perhaps she didn't even realise it herself, but she craved guidance, instinctively following an influencing source at every opportunity. Luna suspected it was why Sonata gravitated towards her in the first place and generally listened to whatever she said without question. Sonata was a follower, latching onto whatever she could that would provide her with a fulfilling purpose in life.

It was one of the reasons Luna often left Sonata to her own devices and allowed her to roam the castle unbound in the pursuit of her own friends, though she always kept a close eye on things. Luna had hoped leaving Sonata to fend for herself somewhat would prompt some individual reasoning and decision making on her part, allowing Sonata to determine her own path for a change and break free of her need to depend upon others. But that road so far had been rocky at best and her general progress slow.

Luna considered it understandable given Sonata’s upbringing; always having been at the mercy of two older, wiser and far more feral Sirens. Dictating Sonata's every action and making all her choices for her. Once she had been cut off from the other two, Sonata had shown signs of change almost instantaneously, even attempting to emulate Luna’s actions at one point like a curious foal seeing the world for the first time in her life. Luna feared that releasing Sonata back into the other world too early would damage all the progress they had made thus far.

Which was the logic behind the third and final reason Luna would not allow for Sonata to travel home yet. Returning Sonata to her two Siren sisters might undo everything she had accomplished and achieved so far, poisoning her in the negativity of her former compatriots and dooming her rehabilitation to fail.

But Sonata wanted to go home, so Luna would one day allow it.

But only when Sonata was ready, beyond any and all doubt.

“You will get home one day, Sonata. I assure you. But only when you're ready and only when you want to,” Luna said with emphasis in her words, urging Sonata not to take what she was saying lightly.

Sonata thought long and hard. She knew full well what she wanted; a way home and a few new friends along the way. To make Luna proud of her and pay her back for everything she had ever done for her. Sonata didn't always show it but she appreciated Luna for helping her the first time she had crossed over into this world, and the only way she knew how to repay Luna was to do right by her wishes.

Though Sonata had thought about getting Luna a present once. She heard she likes cake.

Regardless, Sonata knew what she had to do; make friends and show Luna she could be trusted. Easy enough.

Sonata even had a way to achieve that. She had heard that Luna was meeting with ponies from all over Equestria for some reason and that they may all meet up for a get together or something someday ‘when Luna called for them.’ Maybe they would like to be friends with Sonata! After all, a friend of Luna’s was probably someone worth getting to know. That would be a great way to show Luna just how much better she was getting! 

Reinvigorated with that thought, Sonata attempted to crush Luna in a friendly hug, something Sonata knew Luna loved because she would always start jumping about, the suprise taking her breath away to the point she'd even say that she couldn't breath. That just meant the hug was working, Aria always used to do the same thing!

Sonata grew even more excited upon finally spotting the gleaming crystal castle sparkle upon the horizon, practically glowing against the sky. Releasing Luna, Sonata shot up against the window to get a better look, with Luna veering away and soothing her injured throat, astounded at Sonata's manic nature.

Hearing a low bout of laughter from her side, Luna turned to find the batpony guard awoken and leaning on his spear with a small grin on his face, enamoured at Luna’s failing compourse. Luna ruffled her wings and shot him a glare. “And you better be on your best behaviour. You are not here on vacation, you are here for me to examine your willingness to comply.” Luna was then the one smiling as she saw the guards face drop. “Although, if you behave appropriately for once, I'll allow for a pit stop on the way back to wherever you please, within reason of course.”

His eyes flashed green and Therapsid looked up at Luna with a timid and hopeful smile as the train decelerated into the The Crystal Empire’s train station.
> 12. B.B.B.F.F. S.O.S.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------







Twilight Velvet was frantic as she rushed through the gleaming halls of the Empire’s crystal castle, followed closely by her relatively composed husband and her trembling Alicorn daughter, Spike the Dragon firmly clinging to her back. Even further behind the worried family of Shining Armor galloped the collective Elements of Harmony and Starlight Glimmer, whose pace was significantly slower and more stolid than the ponies running to her front.

Since departing from the private train of the Two Sisters, all the group had done was run, run towards the castle Shining Armor was supposedly lying in recovering. Starlight wasn't entirely sure what had happened except that Shining had been hurt, which was all the reason Twilight needed to drop everything and rush off to the Empire as quickly as possible from their home of Ponyville, her supportive friends in tow without even needing to be asked twice.

Starlight’s inclusion had almost been an afterthought, not that Starlight could blame anypony that is. She wasn't exactly acquainted with Shining Armor all that much compared to everypony else present, and if Starlight was truly honest with herself she was almost entirely here on Twilight’s behalf.

Mainly because Twilight had been a wreck.

Starlight had been there when the letter had come. She had seen Twilight’s face drop as she read word by word the details of Shining’s maiming. It had taken Starlight minutes to gain a verbal response from Twilight after that, having to practically poke her out of a self induced standing coma. Once the news was known to Starlight, she took the liberty of contacting the rest of Twilight’s friends while Twilight wrote to Princess Celestia in a rather uncomposed state if Starlight recalled correctly.

Once travel arrangements had been made to promptly transport them all, Celestia and Twilight’s parents to The Crystal Empire, it all began to sink into Twilight’s head just what had happened to her big brother.

Starlight decided to distance herself at that, leaving Twilight and Spike to have their moment alone in the company of her long time friends and family.

After a desperate train ride north they soon arrived at the Empire's walls , Celestia departing from them all once they had reached the castle itself in search of her adoptive niece Princess Cadance, who was currently attending to her daughter and the Empire’s needs alone.  Starlight and the others made for Shining and Cadance's room, arriving just in time for a crystal pony doctor to greet them at the door, his coat without a shine.

Twilight rather uncharacteristically trotted right by him and straight into the room, as did her parents and Spike. The remaining seven ponies veered towards the door but it was Applejack who greeted the doctor on all their behalf. “Doc, how's Shinin’? He alright?” she asked, her hat held to her chest.

The doctor’s face was firm and blank to the point Starlight couldn't even tell if he looked worried or relieved. His voice failed to hide his emotions as effectively however and Starlight’s smile lit up at his words. “He's awake, and aside from several lacerations, a bad case of magical exertion and a broken right foreleg he should be on his way to a full recovery, give or take a few months of physical therapy.”

The group released a collective sigh of relief, the dread fading from their expressions in place of smiles and cheers of joy. The doctor walked off down the hall when the group chose to congregate at the bedroom door, unwilling to enter just yet without the invitation of those already inside.

“See? I told you Shining was going to be just fine. Plus, taking on a bunch of wolves? How cool is that!” 

“Hush now, Rainbow,” Rarity spoke up to her floating rainbow maned friend. “I sincerely doubt Shining or Twilight wish to be reminded of his ghastly attack, so I suggest you keep your voice down.”

Rainbow scoffed, but accepted Rarity’s request nonetheless. “I guess you're right…” she said dejectedly. But then she began to deviously smirk. “But then again, now that I think about it… I think we've got another adventure on her hooves, girls!”

Starlight’s gaze jolted up and she stared towards Rainbow with widening eyes. “What do you mean, Rainbow?” Starlight asked, even though she was fairly sure that she already knew the answer.

“Duh, we’re going after those wolves of course, show them what happens when they mess with our friends!”

The group responded with a mixture of ecstatic and timid proclamations of agreement, all willing to do what they could to seek justice for their friend and do their Princesses proud.

Starlight just continued to stare.

“Hey, girls?” spoke a voice from the now opened bedroom door, all the ponies looking to it to find the waiting form of Spike. “You can come in if you want, Shining’s asking for you.”

The group shot through the door in an instant, carrying Spike back over to the bed where Shining Armor laid with his leg in a sling and a bandage around his head, his mother sat protectively at his side and his father with a foreleg around Twilight at the other side of the bed. They all took turns asking questions, bestowing gifts, requesting to look at his injury and reiterating to him how brave he was to have faced such odds and prevailed.

Starlight remained stood by the door. She didn't know Shining enough for her presence to feel welcomed.

“It must have been scary…” Fluttershy softly said as she drew closer towards the bed. “Are you sure you're going to be okay?”

Shining shifted about uncomfortably, his low smile twitching downwards. “I'll be fine, yeah,” he said with hesitance, his tone beginning to tremble as he continued. “But they um… They… They couldn't find the other two guards.” 

Shining said nothing more after that, Twilight Velvet choosing to rest her hoof on his own as his shoulders slackened and his trembling escalated into full on shaking.

Starlight refused to watch, stepping out into the hallway and silently closing the door behind her as the group inside drew closer together. While she indeed felt pity for Shining Armor; he was a royal guard, the Captain of the royal guard. He had stared down monsters and evils beyond imagination, fought against them and came out on top time and time again. He knew the risks of his duty and must have been well aware of the fact that one day he may come home as less than he was, and that perhaps one day he may never come home at all.

That was what was expected of Shining. Starlight however didn't wish the same fate to befall her friends, a feeling enforced by Rainbow's declaration that they were going to go after those wolves responsible for this.

The Elements were similar in many ways to the royal guard. They had saved Equestria countless times, thrown themselves into impossible situations entirely for the protection of the land and each other. But they held a magic unlike anything Starlight had ever seen and Starlight was sure that even if they didn't possess that magic, even if they were just six ordinary, unremarkable ponies, they still would have been the first ones to run to Equestria’s defence if the time came.

Starlight’s problem with that was she didn't want them to have to do that.

They were her friends. Some of her only friends, and time and time again they were the only thing that stood in the way of Equestria and utter annihilation. Nightmare Moon, Discord, Sombra, Tirek and even Starlight herself. If it were not for the Elements of Harmony and their bearers the Equestria of today would have been a very different place indeed. Starlight had seen that first hand.

So what if the day came when the Elements did not come home?

What will you do if that day comes, Starlight?”

Starlight veered up against the wall, the memory of Princess Luna’s harrowing words echoing in her head, drumming against her skull. What would she do? What could Starlight do if, when the Elements of Harmony were no more? If a new threat somehow got lucky, somehow was able to strip the Elements of their magic, somehow was able to counteract its effects? If something somewhere someday was able to claim Equestria for themselves?

Would Starlight allow for that day to pass?

No, Starlight thought with conviction, bracing her hooves against the floor. If she was the pony she claimed to be, the repentant mare wishing to atone for all she had done and all she had chosen not to do when the time called, now was her chance, now was the time for her to face all that she once was head on and prove her place at Twilight’s side. Now was the time for Starlight to truly discover if the valued friendship of all those she held dear was warranted.

Starlight had a gift; a strong magical, if uninitiated, talent beyond her years. Twilight had been helping her hone her skills but they could still provide a use, be an asset if focused on something more specialised, something like the protection of Equestria as a whole.

She held a hoof to her chest, feeling her heartbeat steadily fluctuating as these thoughts darted through her mind. Starlight was the not the mare she once was, but she still felt like it. She still felt like the pony who essentially enslaved a village based on her own misguided beliefs and she still was the pony who had ensured Equestria’s destruction several times over due to her lust for unwarranted revenge.  

Those actions plagued Starlight, clinging to her everyday and dictating her every choice to ensure she would never make those same mistakes again.

Perhaps rejecting Luna’s offer so hastily had been one of those mistakes.

“Sonata, please keep up. Celestia and Cadance are expecting me and I have delayed long enough.”

“But, Luna, it's a crystal castle, everything is so shiny! I can even see myse… Is that what my hair looks like from the back?”

“Mane, Sonata. It's called a mane.”

The voices were bouncing off the walls from somewhere close by, and Starlight had all the confirmation she needed to know that Princess Luna was somewhere in the castle.

Her legs sprang out and Starlight instinctively began to walk, soon she began to trot and within moments she had sped into a full on gallop. She didn't care if it was fate, a coincidence or a destined and foretold sign of the cosmos lining up to determine her place in existence. It didn't matter. Luna was somewhere in the castle, somewhere close by, and Starlight had something to say to her.

The walls seemingly shimmered as Starlight rounded corner after corner, the voices increasing in volume with every step she took. Starlight barely had time to contemplate the words she would eventually say, mainly focusing on homing in on the evident voice of Luna.

“Hey, Luna do you hear someone running?”

“Somepony, Sonata,” grudgingly replied Luna, ignoring the question.

“Actually, Princess…” said the up to that point silent Therapsid at Luna’s side, who paused the Princess to direct her attention behind them.

Luna turned with a squint as a pink figure sprinted into view, recognising her immediately as the indistinguishable Starlight Glimmer, huffing and heaving as she slowed before the trio.

“Princess… Luna…” Starlight heaved out every other breath. “Actually just… Give me a moment..” she stated with a waving hoof, muttering something about having poor cardio while Luna, Sonata and Therapsid looked on in befuddlement.

“Starlight,” Luna began as Starlight composed herself, her tone quite serious as she deduced Starlight’s presence in the castle in the first place. “I take it you're here for Shining Armor. How is he?” she said with hidden fear, worried for her extended family.

Starlight responded in an instant. “Oh fine, fine. He's great,” she said with a dismissive hoof wave, continuing to steady her excessive breathing. 

Luna sighed as if a great weight had been lifted off her shoulders, unconsciously having been holding her own breath at the time. “That is excellent news,” she stated with contained joy, feebly attempting to maintain her regal facade. She then looked down to Starlight, realising that it was rather odd she had been sought out by her, especially given the circumstances they parted under previously. “Do tell though, Starlight Glimmer, why have you come to me?”

Starlight gulped, her thoughts returning to her prior contemplations in the hallway outside Shining’s room. If just one Element was lost the magic would be gone forever. The quintessential protection for Equestria would simply cease to be. Yet Luna had taken a precautionary measure to ensure that there was minimal risk of that ever happening, and Starlight had thrown that proposition away when Luna had come to her… Or more accurately when she had been taken to Luna.

Regardless, Starlight had been called upon by Luna to help her do the very thing that had ingrained Twilight and the others friendships so many times. If what Luna had planned in any way helped to ensure that her friends never faced a danger so great without assurances again, that was worth all the risks in the world.

Including the risk of Starlight’s own, tainted life.

“Princess Luna, I'm in.”

The collective four ponies stood silent, Luna in awe of Starlight’s assured declaration. The earth pony and disguised batpony at her side were not as enamoured however.

“She's in? What's she in? Can I be in too, Luna?”

“Wait, you picked her too? Isn't she some psycho cult leader or something?”

Neither Luna or Starlight cared about their words, choosing instead to focus on the stare of the other. Luna’s gleaming with silent praise. Starlight’s clouded with lingering trepidation.
> 13. Discourse
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------







Celestia stood before the ornate black table with an angry but knowing frown adorning her features. Her sister was looking to her warily, having noticed Celestia's evident and clearly displayed trepidation. Celestia was almost in shock at the fact that yet another banished enemy from her past had risen up to plague her once more, in its rampage having attacked and even killed her subjects, and heinously striking at the heart of her family also, something Celestia refused to forgive lightly.

“They are called the Amarok,” Celestia stated factually to Luna and Cadance, the only other Alicorns present. Princess Twilight had refused to attend this meeting Celestia had called for when she was asked, choosing instead to tend to her injured brother and needy niece, willing to provide Cadance with a much desired break.

The youngest Alicorn simply looked up with a raised brow. “Who’s called the what?” Cadance asked bewildered.

Had the circumstances been different, Celestia would have grown somewhat annoyed by Cadance’s obvious lack of attentiveness. Given the circumstances however, Celestia was willing to give Cadance the benefit of the doubt, conscious of her tired and distracted disposition. She had after all been effectively alone with an upset baby, maimed husband and an Empire to rule for several hours now. The least Celestia could do was be patient with her.

“The wolves, Cadance,” Celestia soothingly but firmly began again. “They identify themselves as the Amarok. Vicious and feral wolves originating from beyond Mount Everhoof and the Frozen Wastes of the distant north. I have encountered their kind before.”

Celestia’s horn emitted a golden glow and the black table they all stood before became covered in a translucent layer of projected frozen snow and icy hills. Various small canine forms then began to appear, their coats ranging from white to grey to pitch black. They were all noticeably standing by themselves, but occasionally one would launch themselves at another projection in a feral rage, fighting for dominance over the other. The images and setting shifted about and formed entirely new creations to mirror Celestia words as she spoke her story aloud.

“Long ago, close to seven hundred years after Nightmare Moon’s banishment, the Amarok were said to have been simple minded creatures that resided in the north, far beyond the then vanished grounds of The Crystal Empire. They often fought amongst themselves for food and dominance, unable to work as a collective and devoid of all harmony. They were singular beasts in every sense of the word. Their unwillingness to assist each other and cooperate for the greater good of their kind would have resulted in the end of their race had nothing changed. 

“But then something did change.

“One day, when the Amarok were out fighting amongst themselves over a particularly large fish that had emerged out of an icy lake, a figure descended out of the mountains; a creature said to be neither wolf nor pony nor anything any Amarok had ever seen before. This creature possessed a unique intelligence and displayed a superiority over the Amarok almost immediately to the point they are said to have just laid down and whimpered before him as he approached. One wolf did not cower however. The strongest Amarok in all the land who none whom had ever dared to challenge had ever lived to tell the tale. This new creature fought him immediately, and struck him down almost as quickly.

“He then crowned himself King, and revealed his name as Qiqirn.

“King Qiqirn rallied the Amarok to his side. He taught them strategy, teamwork, how to work together as one in the same. Within months the Amarok became an effective fighting force, conquering the land and unwavering in their resolve. Qiqirn accomplished this through his vast intellect, but his efforts proved too perfect for me to believe it was entirely of his own doing, leading me to suspect he was employing some form of magic, a magic unlike anything I had ever seen before which allowed him to sway the wolves to his every whim.

“But he himself was an effective leader, make no mistake, and with his new army by his side he began to spread stories, stories of a distant ‘Land of Promise’ with rivers that ran with gold, blossoming with an abundance of never ending food and lush blue skies where not a single flake of snow or ice would ever dare to tarnish its beauty.

“His claims drove the Amarok to invade Equestria; his Land of Promise.

“They descended over the Crystal Mountains in hoards into the villages on the borderlands of the Frozen North, in awe of the grass, the heat and of these little ponies that made easy prey. Word reached Canterlot swiftly and I set off to meet the Amarok head on, driving back Qiqirn’s initial forces from the villages they had plundered. We were able to capture one of the many wolves before he could escape, which is how we came to learn of their history and of Qiqirn’s emergence in the first place.

“I learned that if I was able to show that Qiqirn was not all powerful, his followers would lose faith and flee as the cowards they supposedly once were. When I met the Amarok on the field of battle however, Qiqirn hid behind droves of his soldiers, never once surfacing despite how much I neared. I never once got a good look at him the entire time he was in Equestria. I remember it all quite clearly. I called out his name in a rage at what he had done, and with that he turned tail and ran with his pack ever following behind him. I pursued them for days after that; over the mountains, never once allowing them a moment to rest. I refused to give up until they were driven back into the wastes from which they'd came.

“In doing so I ensured that they would never dare trifle with pony kind again, or so I had thought.”

Celestia paused her reminiscences, turning her attention to the two others with her at the table, both infatuated by Celestia’s story. The magical manifestation on the table had displayed Celestia’s entire tale as she spoke, culminating in a miniature projection of a younger Celestia returning from a land of ice and snow, battered and bloodied from horn to hooves, covered in grime and wearing a hollow look of resignation. 

The scene vanished in an instant with another flick of Celestia’s horn, returning the table to its dreary original form as Celestia shifted her attention to that day's events and the details of the wolves attack on The Crystal Empire and her royal guards. “It appears the Amarok have resurfaced after many generations. Perhaps the reemergence of the Empire and it's close proximity to their territory is what prompted this attack, or maybe it is simply a splinter pack inspired by folktales of The Land of Promise. Either way, we must act before the wolves attempt this again, which I fear is only a matter of time.”

The trio grew quiet, each looking towards the table with reflective gazes, pondering their own individual possibilities of response.

Cadance was the first to speak. “Should we mobilise the guard? Prepare for an attack? Or should we chase them into the forest?” she stated with uncertainty, her tone shaky as she imagined these creatures marching on her Empire, diverging on her subjects.

“I do not think that would be wise,” Luna said patently. “The guard have already lost two of their own and their Captain is currently bedridden. Sending them out after these beasts so soon will surely result in an outcry.”

“I agree,” stated Celestia towards Cadance, though she did don a small smile before she spoke again. “Though I also agree that we reinforce the Empire’s defences, if only for moral support. But I'm afraid guards alone may not be enough. From my experience, the Amarok are susceptible to only two things; raw strength and high levels of magic, and while we ponies may not be renowned for our strength, magic on the other hoof is something we have in high supply.”

The other Alicorns nodded, though Celestia took note that Luna’s was far more hesitant. Luna was already aware of what Celestia was bound to say. At this point, after so many similar incidents having occurred before, the answer was obvious.

“Luna, Cadance, I would suggest that we prepare Twilight and the Elements of-”

“Oh blah blah bleh! Honestly, Celestia, don't you ever get tired of the same old routine? Elements this, Twily save my hiney that!”

Celestia could hardly suppress her groan, resigning to simply close her eyes and count to three as the slender body of a draconequus wrapped around her form, his head practically inches from her scrunched up muzzle.

“Hello, Celestia.”

“Hello, Discord.”

As if acknowledging her evident disapproval of his close proximity, Discord chose to slither off of Celestia and appeared at the opposite side of the table between Cadance and Luna, who shuffled away at his sudden presence. His smile quickly turned anguished, hurt shining in his teary eyes, though it was obviously intended to mock. “Really, Celestia? Inviting everypony but me to your little get together here? You wound me.”

Given their current state of affairs, Celestia didn't have the time nor the temperament to deal with one of Discord’s games. “Since you were obviously listening, Discord, you realise that this get together is a serious matter, one which you have no place at!”

Discord snidely snorted, uncaring of Celestia’s tone. “Oh come now, Celestia. Mythical wolves from beyond the veil invading Equestria to fulfil their dastardly deeds, and you didn't call me for help? I'm more insulted than anything, after all, what are friends for, friend,” he finished with a surprisingly stern tone.

Despite Discord’s assertions, he and Celestia had come to an understanding some time ago after Tirek’s attack and Discord’s final betrayal, one which Celestia intended to enforce now. “We are both aware that your magic, while powerful, is nothing compared to The Elements of Harmony. So while your offer is appreciated, Discord, I'd rather use the method guaranteed to succeed.”

“I most certainly agree!” Disord erupted with a now joyful exterior. Although he appeared to physically deflate as he returned himself to the ground. “Although, I can't say that sending a currently grieving Princess, four ponies whose safety must be guaranteed in order for The Elements, or whatever their magic is called now, to work in the first place and my dearest friend Fluttershy after ferocious wolves infamous for their savagery is the brightest idea I've ever heard.” 

Discord smiled as he saw Celestia’s eye twitch.

“It is a shame though…” he overzealously continued, exaggeratedly curving his body about as he emoted. “If only there was somepony putting together a team of dependable guardians precisely to defend Equestria as an alternative to risking Twilight and her friends. Oh… If only there was somepony...” Discord blinked as he found the three Alicorns staring at him bemused.

“If only there was somepony- Luna that's your cue to do something! I was being dramatic for a reason!”

“Yes, Discord, we noticed,” Luna said with annoyance, dismissing the obscene gestures Discord then made, electing to turn towards Celestia instead. “Discord raises a valid point however, sister. I assembled these ponies precisely for a situation such as this.”

“Wait, hold on,” Cadance interrupted from her side of the table. “What team? What are you all talking about?”

Ready to address Cadance’s questions, Luna was instead pleasantly surprised to find Celestia’s doing it for her. “Luna, over the past several months, has been approaching ponies from all over Equestria to act as another line of defence should Equestria ever be faced with a significant threat. Her reasoning being that the Elements of Harmony should not be put at risk so regularly, despite their consistent success,” Celestia finished under her breath.

Luna was prompted to respond due to the quip however. “It is nevertheless a viable option, one which I suggest you all consider.” Luna arched herself back as she addressed everypony, her gaze stern and her tone adamant. “I propose that I assemble my volunteers and personally escort them north to deal with the Amarok threat; peacefully if possible, but with force if necessary. I also concur with Cadance’s suggestion that the Empire prepare for a likely attack, as we cannot be sure just how many Amarok we are facing. Me and my ponies will pursue for as long as it is safe, but should I deem it necessary we will return to the Empire and then, and only then, do I suggest we deploy the Elements of Harmony.

“Are we in agreement?”

Luna’s fierce determination was fully displayed, only faltering as the seconds drolly passed by and she was met with a continued silence. Luna pursed her lips and waited for either proclamations of condonement or dismissal.

“Does my vote count?” Discord asked with a wave, though he was promptly ignored.

Cadance’s contemplative expression faded as she grew certain of herself. “I guess I can get behind that,” Cadance began anxiously, choosing to explain herself further when she noticed Celestia shoot her a glance. “I mean, if Luna’s going with them and she trusts these ponies to get the job done… I trust Luna, so I say yes,” Cadance emphasised with a tap of her hoof upon the table, earning a pleased smile from Luna.

Celestia was not as swift in responding, looking to the floor with swelling feelings that conflicted with each other while the others looked on with growing impatience. Without Twilight Sparkle present, Celestia was the last vote needed for them all to unanimously agree, and Celestia wasn't entirely convinced to say yes just yet, not with her own internal judgements dictating her decision making.

“Cadance, Discord, could you excuse us for a moment? Luna and I need to speak privately,” Celestia abruptly spoke out, much to the collective befuddlement of the ponies present. In time though Cadance and Discord complied, leaving the two Alicorn sisters alone while they walked out the door. Discord appeared to wink at one of them before he left entirely, but neither Celestia or Luna could tell who it was intended for.

Once the door was shut, Celestia turned to Luna with a miniscule frown accompanying her worried stare. “Are you absolutely sure this is the best solution, Luna? Beyond any and all doubt? As in, there is no question that this is the right course of action? I need assurance.”

“Sister,” Luna began, attempting to mimic the soothing tone Celestia so often employed. “Trust me, I would not be undertaking this task if I did not consider myself or those I intend to call upon as being capable of completing it. You are right in believing that Twilight and her friends are most likely more than able to deal with this mess just as effectively as I or you, but just because they can doesn't mean they always should.”

Celestia had no initial response, her teeth lightly grinding together as she continuing ponder Luna’s argument against her own. “It's not just about Twilight, Luna…” Celestia spoke up with a slight sigh. “It is also about the ponies you've seen selected. This Trixie Lulamoon, Lightning Dust and Agent Drops will be put at grave risk if we choose this option, and Princess Ember… Including her raises a great many other issues.”

“I'm aware,” Luna replied with haste. “And they are issues I will not ignore.”

Groaning at the rebuttal, Celestia decided to look of the positive side of things. “Well, at least Starlight Glimmer won't be involved. I suspect Twilight wouldn't take that news very well if she was.”

“Actually she changed her mind,” Luna happily stated, causing Celestia to gawk. “Like, literally a few minutes ago, oh and Sonata wishes to be involved too. They're both waiting outside now. Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on them.”

Luna’s words were not reassuring. Starlight Glimmer’s involvement would complicate matters due to her close relationship with Twilight Sparkle, and Sonata Dusk, Luna’s seemingly unhinged ward? The thought alone of her undertaking a task as grave as this was enough for even Celestia to shiver.

Was Celestia hesitant? Absolutely. Was she in utter disagreement with everything Luna was asking for? Not necessarily.

Because as much as Celestia may have wished for another course of action to be agreed upon. She trusted Luna’s judgement. She trusted Luna with her life. That's what sisters did.

So, with reluctance, Celestia too tapped her hoof on the table twice and gave Luna her nod of approval.

“Yes!” Luna exclaimed, practically prancing in place. “We are agreed then, sister! We shall begin preparations post haste!”

Despite her inner turmoil, Celestia laughed. “Luna, your speech is slipping.”

“Oh, We apologise.”

This time they both shared in their laugher, walking together side by side in the direction of the door to inform Cadance of their agreement to initiate Luna’s plan. They were halted however by Luna’s slowing pace, her legs locking up as a particularly haunting thought came to mind. “Actually, Celestia,” Luna woefully began, now unable to meet Celestia in the eye for some reason. “There is one more recruit I did not inform you of yet.”

Celestia’s brow rose, surprised that Luna would have kept something from her despite their agreement to share in the details. Celestia was sure Luna had good reason for this however, eagerly and inquisitively asking her sister to explain herself further. “Oh? And just who have you picked, Luna? Somepony I know I hope?”

Luna did not stand idle, refusing to stay silent for more than a moment. “Sister, Therapsid has agreed to assist me.”

It was as if Luna could see the light leave Celestia’s eyes. Her broad smile vanished in an instant, her shoulders dropped, her mane stiffened and even her coat appeared to cease shining. Celestia said nothing as she jerkily turned away, grunting her way out of the door with a vicious flick of her horn. Unknowingly, she passed the disguised form of Therapsid as she stomped her way down the hall and away from her frantically pursuing sister and questioning niece.
> 14. The Zero
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------







Hi, I'm Lightning Dust and I was an alcoholic.

Lightning always thought every meeting should open like that. She couldn't see what possible benefit there was in always beginning with the same old, ‘Hi, my name is blah blah and I'm a etcetera etcetera,’ every single time. Lightning wasn't anything worth being ashamed of. She may have been something like that once, but not anymore.

Today, Lightning was a mare with some semblance of a life.

And everyday it gnawed at her.

Get up, wash the stink off, devour a bland breakfast. Out the door for a short flight to the Canterlot weather factory, where she would spend eight hours everyday pumping out clouds to be dispersed all over Canterlot. Rain clouds, thunder clouds and her personal favourite was, of course, lightning clouds. Lightning’s lightning clouds, that could be on a t-shirt or something.

After doing that for six days a week, her last day would be spent attending one of those weekly meetings for ponies who thought they had problems, which Lightning did with significant reluctance. She didn't want to go but her boss had given her an ultimatum; clean up her act entirely or it wouldn't matter what Princess Luna had arranged for her; she would be out the door and on the street without a job once more.

So Lightning relented and gave into his wishes, and with every passing week and no calling from Princess Luna ever received, the urge to just not go into work that day became almost unbearable.

That is, until one day when Lightning was lounging about in her simple cloud home on a dull Sunday morning and she heard a knock upon her door. No pony ever came to her door, no pony ever had any reason to. Befuddled, Lightning had answered the door promptly, after taking the time to slick back her mane of course. Behind the door she found the waiting form of a pegasus royal guard, and in that moment Lightning grew fearful, fearful that perhaps this stallion was here because of some misdemeanour she had committed in the past.

Then Lightning remembered what she had been waiting for all this time, and the smile she wore was enough even to catch the stallion off guard.

Every day was a distraction. Work was a distraction. Those meetings were a distraction. Even her down time was a distraction. Everything in Lightning’s life had become a tedious, dull distraction.

But one single letter from Princess Luna changed all that.

That guard had given Lightning a message, a written letter requesting her to travel to The Crystal Empire at the personal request of the Princesses of Equestria for the service of the crown. Lightning had no words, all she did do was pack a small bag and depart for the train scheduled to embark later in the day, intending to use the ticket provided with her letter as currency. 

She soared through the clouds, many of which had been meticulously constructed by herself down to the last minute detail. All Wonderbolt trainees were required to have some basic knowledge of weather construction, the end result being that Lightning was vastly overqualified for her current job at the Canterlot weather factory, her skills making the work of the other middle aged and overbearing workers seem laughable by comparison.

Lightning had no reason to care about any of that anymore however, for her time had now come and Luna had finally called for her to fulfil her promised duty.

Lightning had a duty, a valued role to fulfil that was uniquely hers. Lightning had a reason to get up in the morning now, and she would not allow herself to falter in her strives to please.

Mistakes had been made in Lightning’s past, now she intended to rectify them.

As she floated down into the Canterlot train station, Lightning absorbed the sight of The Crystal Empire’s train, it's silver carriages gleaming with bluish crystal ornaments. Attempting to enter the first carriage she approached, stationed towards the back of the train, Lightning grew perplexed upon the ticket guard standing at the door directing her towards the front instead, saying something about ‘how a privilege it was to have her on board’ and other compliments which Lightning had barely listened to.

Choosing to walk, Lighting chose to enter a carriage closer to the front, only to once again be told to move along over to one carriage behind the drivers. Lightning grew rather annoyed by this point, wanting to just get on the train and find herself a seat. “What's the problem? Maybe I don't want to get on at the front, maybe I want to sit right here!”

The guard blinked, not expecting Lightning’s angered outburst. “But, Miss, you've been invited into the Princesses private cabin. It's says right here on your ticket!”

Lightning’s eyes widened at that remark and she gave her ticket a further look. Being a pegasus meant that she didn't really need to get the train very often, so Lightning had barely given her ticket a second glance after she'd received it. But the guards words rang true as Lightning looked at the ticket once more and found the words ‘Prin Cab’ printed under her name, an abbreviation of some sort she suspected. Whatever it stood for didn't really matter to her, so Lightning heeded the guards words and trotted one cabin over with a mellow smile.

The carriage’s exterior was identical to all the others, silver and crystallised, leading Lightning to suspect that the interior mustn't have been all that different. When Lightning opened the door however she came to realise just how mistaken she was. The carpets was soft and golden, the walls a seamless mixture of whites and blacks with similarly covered rubies and gems hanging in accompaniment. Furniture was also present, not like standard train essentials but instead luxurious red cushions and blue sofas running along the side of the walls, wrapping around half the carriage, or at least Lightning thought that was the case, for half the room was dimmed of any light and the curtains were drawn, making it rather hard to see to the other end. 

It was the end of the carriage Lightning had entered through that fixated her gaze however, her sight drawn to a glistening glass bar full of trays of food and beverages sitting unwatched. Breads and fruits and plants and wines. It was as if no expense had been spared.

Lightning urged herself towards it, it was a long journey towards the Empire after all and she was all by her lonesome in the presence of these treats. She would enjoy herself thoroughly before she finally stood by Luna’s side to do whatever it was she was being called upon for.

“You're late,” a voice suddenly sounded out from the darkened side of the carriage.

Lightning jumped, veering away as her wings shot out defensively. She peered into the dark, for the first time noticing a figure laid out across the sofa at the end of the cabin. “Who's there?” Lightning called out into the dark, focusing her glare to attempt to intimidate. “Hey! I'm next to a lot of throwable things, so don't tempt me!”

The figure loomed forwards, shifting their back hooves onto the floor as they sat up straight against the seat. “That will not be necessary, though I must say I'm pleased to finally have some company. Allow me to introduce myself…”

The lights flicked on, causing Lightning to avert her gaze for several seconds, squinting as her vision adjusted. Once her sight had cleared she looked back to the now fully visible and identifiable pony, her blue coat and shimmering purple eyes striking out just as much as the audacious clothes she wore.

“The Great and Powerful Trixie, magical extraordinaire and acquaintance of the Princesses, at your service,” Trixie stated with pride, her neck held high and her smile barely more than a sliver. Lighting observed with minor shock, her neck veering away at Trixie’s unexpected appearance.

Then Trixie let out a single abrupt ‘Ha!’ Holding a hoof to her chest instinctively as if she was in pain from breathing. “Sorry, the lights could turn off on this side of the carriage and I just couldn't help myself. It's kinda my thing, and a dramatic entrance seemed appropriate.”

“Yeah, I noticed,” Lightning growled out with a huff, deciding to lean on the bar in nonchalance, fledgling boredom at Trixie's presence. “What are you doing here anyway? I was expecting-” 

“Is it not obvious?” Trixie interrupted, leaping up from her seat with a swish of her cape. “Trixie is on her way to The Crystal Empire! Princess Luna sent her a letter earlier this morning and Trixie has been on this train since Manehattan. I assumed others would be coming, hence why I developed that little dramatic entry-”

“Hold on,” Lightning then blurted out, drawing Trixie's attention away from herself. “Others? You mean Princess Luna… I thought I was the only one,” Lightning finished lowly, disgruntledly accepting the fact that this Trixie was also on her way to The Crystal Empire, tasked with a duty of her own.

A duty Lightning was convinced was hers alone.

“But of course!” Trixie proclaimed with a pointing hoof. “Princess Luna approached Trixie some months ago, requesting that Trixie assist her in the protection of Equestria should the time come. She considered Trixie to be a valuable as-”

“Asset, yeah, I know,” Lightning stated with a snort, vaulting herself over the bar with a sudden flap over her wings. “She gave me the same speech,” Lightning continued to drolly say as she rummaged through the fridges, her muzzle drifting over the chilled contents within.

Trixie pursed her lips at Lightning’s apparent disinterest, unable to determine if Lightning was annoyed with her or just didn't care. She decided to carry on the conversation, interested in discovering just who this pony was, especially seeing as they were going to travel together. “Well, seeing as Trixie has introduced herself, who exactly does she have the pleasure of addressing? Trixie doubts Luna would have selected you for this little endeavour unless you held significant talent of some sort,” Trixie said, approaching Lightning with a grin on her face. She hoped that by appealing to Lightning’s ego she may incite a more welcoming response, it would have worked for her after all.

To Trixie’s pleasure, the gambit appeared to work and she spotted Lightning cover her smirk at the unexpectedness of the compliment. Lightning turned away from the fridge and looked to Trixie more warmly, holding a hoof to her chest. “Lightning Dust, greatest flier in Equestria.”

Trixie’s smile held firm. “A bold claim,” she replied, leaning over the bar in a relaxed slant. Trixie's smile faltered for a second as a memory emerged; the memory of a rainbow maned mare who had made similar statements about her flight. “A claim which Trixie has heard before.”

Lightning growled under her breath, once more ducking below the bar to rummage underneath. During her time at the Wonderbolts Academy, everypony at some point or another had claimed to be the best of the best. That they were somehow unfeasibly talented above all others. There was a big difference between Lightning and those pretenders however, a fact Lightning clung to dearly.

Lightning looked up to Trixie, and she responded in the only way she knew how. “Ponies can claim a lot of things. I don't make claims, I just am that good, and one day all of Equestria will see it.”

She said no more, choosing to wait on Trixie's probable dismissive reply, saying how somepony like Rainbow Dash was obviously a much better flyer than herself because after all, she had saved Equestria and performed a Rainboom, so how could Lightning possibly compare? Why should Lightning even bother?

“Well, Trixie won't argue with you. Assuming Luna’s task for us is as perilous as she suggested it would be when she approached us, there will undoubtedly be plenty of opportunities for us both to live up to all we claim to be. Trixie most definitely assures you that you will be wondered by her!”

That was not what Lightning had expected in the slightest, and she looked to the smiling, unjudging eyes of Trixie with a growing grin of her own. For some reason beyond Lightning’s understanding, she felt that even if Trixie didn't see her as the best flyer in Equestria or something of similar prestige, she wouldn't care, she didn't care.

She hadn't looked away, snorted or laughed her claims off, she just accepted them.

And Lightning was nothing if not loyal to those who accepted her for who she was.

Lightning ducked below the bar abruptly and grabbed two bottles of something out of the fridge, offering one to Trixie the second she arose. About to grasp the lid, Lightning instead jolted back as Trixie’s horn suddenly lit up and the bottle caps of both their bottles popped off in an instant. They shared a smile as their glasses clanged together and they gulped down the soothing contents within.

Floating over the bar, Lightning leaned back into the air while Trixie sat herself upon a nearby cushion, her cape magically leaving her and floating over to a clothing hook bolted to the wall nearby. 

“What do you think Luna has planned for us?” Trixie asked out of the blue, pleased that her initial meeting with this Lightning Dust had been as successful as it was so far, a rapore between them appearing to swiftly build.

Lightning rubbed her dirty mane, it hardly being as slick or as stylish as it once was. “I have no idea. Your letter didn't say anything did it? Mine just said go to The Crystal Empire, Luna wants to see you. You'd think they go to the trouble of actually telling us what we're doing, or maybe it's like a security issue? Like ‘top secret for your eyes only’ sort of stuff.”

Drolly nodding in response, Trixie leaned back even further, happy to be free of her restricting cape for the time being. “Trixie has no idea either. Perhaps it will be a glamorous adventure across Equestria, or maybe even a deadly battle with an unfathomable foe! Ohh just think what Equestria will think of us when they find out we’re fighting alongside Princess Luna for the protection of Equestria! It will be glorious!”

Lightning blinked, having not considered Trixie's logic until now. When Luna had first approached her, she had just been enamoured by the fact that she would have a honest to Celestia role to play in the grand scheme of things again, no longer needing to spend her days wallowing in dives and dumps of decadent society. But the possibility of rebuilding her reputation? Of showing the world just how great she really was?

Lighting had to admit, that did sound rather appealing.

Raising her bottle in agreement at Trixie's words, Lightning visualised the scenario of her standing up proud to a chanting crowd of Wonderbolts, fighting for a glimpse of the greatest flyer in all of Equestria.

“Trixie does hope it's not too dangerous though.”

And just like that the thought was gone, overcome with utter horrific images of Lightning falling beneath the feat of a grand enemy rampaging indiscriminately across the globe. Trixie just had to be a downer.

Distracting herself with a different topic, Lightning turned her attention towards unicorn’s unique pattern of speech, realising just how bizarre it was to say your own name over and over again. “Mare, what's with the… Saying your own name instead of ‘I’ thing? I don't know what's it's called, but it's really weird.”

Trixie response was immediate. “Oh, Trixie is merely maintaining her stage presence! The use of third-pony inspires the imagination of the masses and… Uh…” Trixie grew silent, as if she suddenly came to the realisation that she was not in front of a crowd of ponies, that she did not need to perform at that very moment for a pony she had just met.

Her thoughts drifted towards Starlight Glimmer; Trixie's dear friend. She accepted Trixie for who she was without the need for any grandiose displays or over the top declarations and demonstrations of self worth. If Lightning Dust was any similar, Trixie's continued use of her stage persona might only succeed in driving her away with time, just like it had done to so many others before.

So Trixie relented, lowered her defences and responded as Trixie Lulamoon, not as The Great and Powerful. “I guess I just like the sound of my own name out loud,” Trixie admitted with an insecure laugh.

One which Lightning swiftly mirrored boastfully. “Ha! I hear that!”

Lightning then leaned forward, much to Trixie's surprise, sticking her foreleg through the air and flying just a bit closer. Trixie recognised the gesture immediately and shared in the motions with vigor. “Trixie, since we're probably going to be working together, what do you say about being friends?” Lightning asked as saw Trixie's foreleg rise.

Their hooves bumped. 

“I wouldn't have it any other way, Lightning Dust,” Trixie said with a smile, her new friend responding in kind as the train departed.
> 15. Bon Bon Voyage
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------







“No.”

“Lyra, I'm being serious.”

“Bon Bon, we are getting married in three weeks! You can't just run off now!”

Bon Bon did not cease packing her bags despite Lyra’s incessant questioning, continuing to stuff seemingly random items into a disused brown saddlebag she’d dug out from under the bed. The objects she packed were, unknowingly to Lyra, in actuality advanced gadgets concealed as normal everyday items, littered around the house disused and dusty.

One explosive alarm clock, guaranteed never to wake up anypony who uses it. A waist belt with a build in piton. One of Bon Bon’s favourites was perhaps the trick toothpaste, which was in reality a plastic explosive. Bon Bon would never forget the time Lyra’s friend Minuette had misplaced her own toothpaste and then somehow stumbled across Bon Bon's, coming unnervingly close to blowing her own face off. All Minuette had done was complain about the taste.

Bon Bon often wondered why she still kept these old things lying about after that little incident. She had chalked it up to nostalgia, even though most of the memories were ones she'd rather forget.

“Believe me, Lyra, there's no place I'd rather be than here,” Bon Bon huffed out as she threw the saddlebags onto her back, swiftly strapping them into place. “But I need to go to The Crystal Empire, it's really really important and I can't say no. We talked about this, I told you that one day I might be called off somewhere for some reason.”

“Yeah, but you never said why!” Lyra shot back gruffly, instinctively placing herself between Bon Bon and the door. “I thought us being together meant we trusted each other, but you're still keeping secrets!” she stated yearningly.

It was a question Bon Bon battled to avoid answering daily. After Luna had come and gone some time ago now, Lyra had immediately noticed something was up with her betrothed, after getting over her inexplicable joy of being accepted by basically every high value music venue south of Canterlot that is. 

After persistent questioning, Bon Bon had simply told Lyra ‘not to worry about it’ and that ‘she was working things out.’ Then this morning Bon Bon informed Lyra she was leaving for The Crystal Empire. No warning, no explanation, no nothing. All Bon Bon had said was that she needed to go, just like she said she would need to some day.

And Lyra refused to accept that answer any longer.

“You are not leaving this house until you tell me what is going on! Pronto!”

Bon Bon hated it when Lyra’s made her feel guilty like this, and given the secrets she kept, Lyra’s general workload and accumulating stress about the wedding, this had not been a unique occurrence.

Yet Bon Bon told herself the same thing every time her feelings on the matter strived to take over. Telling Lyra about her employment under Princess Luna would only cause harm for both of them. In the long run, an ignorant Lyra was a happier Lyra.

“I don't know if I can do this anymore, Bon Bon.”

And with that, Bon Bon’s facade crumbled and her internal reasoning shattered under the weakened glare of her fiancé, who stood slackened before the looming form of the once retired special agent. 

Bon Bon's new mission, her continued insistence to keep secrets… It was a burden. A burden, which despite how much Bon Bon hated to admit it, was starting to affect their relationship for the worse.

Lyra wouldn't understand, she'd grow angry, confused, even raging if Bon Bon told her the full truth. 

But then again a half-truth was no better, a lie of an omission was still a lie.

And Bon Bon was tired of lying. 

As Bon Bon stood their in a daze, she came to realise that the consequences if she refused to open up were too great to comprehend any longer. Lyra deserved to know, Lyra ought to know.

“I work for Princess Luna to protect Equestria.”

Either way could result in her losing Lyra… But they agreed to trust one another, they were willing to vow it.

Bon Bon’s answer had been so abrupt that it took Lyra several moments to fully realise what she’d meant. She blinked in sequence, her eyes jolting around to avoid Bon Bon’s gaze. Once the answer appeared to sink in, Lyra practically erupted where she stood. “You're doing secret agent stuff and you didn't tell me!? Why didn't you tell me? What possible reason could you have for not telling me? And don't say ‘to protect you’ or something like that, I already know you're an agent, Bon Bon!”

The candy maker stood still, the veering form of Lyra doing little to reassure her of this course of action. “I didn't have a choice,” Bon Bon stated looking at the ground, unwilling to meet Lyra’s eyes.

“Pony feathers!” Lyra shot back, her glare faulting for a moment as a new thought came to mind. “She's not forcing you to work for her is she?” She said, but her tone remained fierce.

“No but-”

“But nothing then!” Lyra interrupted. “No one's making you do this and you told me that you were done with all this secret agent business, so what's the deal huh? Why are you walking out on me!”

“Because how else am I going to provide for us, Lyra?!” 

Bon Bon eruption startled Lyra enough that she couldn't think of a response. Bon Bon ran a hoof through her mane, gripping locks of her hair as if she was in pain. “Think about it, Lyra! I sell candy! Next to Sugarcube Corner! That doesn't exactly scream smart investment does it? I can barely make enough bits to meet my half of the rent.” Her grip on her mane tightened. “And with the wedding and you… what else am I supposed to do, Lyra? Princess Luna just came out of nowhere saying that I could have whatever I wanted from her if I just did this job for her. How could I say no? Why would I say no?”

She paused as if she was waiting for Lyra to give her a sign of approval; a touch of her foreleg or a kiss on her cheek, something to show that she understood where Bon Bon was coming from.

But a worried whimper was not what Bon Bon was expecting.

“But what about you, Bon Bon?” Lyra weakly soothed. “If you don't want to do this then you don't have to. We’ll get by, you know we will. I'm even getting work now! Someday soon we might even be able to get a place of our own outside of Ponyville! Landlord be damned!”

Bon Bon grimaced, not having the heart to tell Lyra that all that work she was acquiring was because of Luna’s doing.

The fact of the matter was that Luna had held up on her end of the bargain, so now it was Bon Bon’s turn to do her part.

Once she was through with that, her and Lyra could start that life they had always dreamed of together. There would be no need for anything else.

This was a temporary problem at worst.

“I gave her my word, Lyra,” Bon Bon said with a determined glare, gripping Lyra’s hoof tight. “I can't back down, not now. She wouldn't have called me if she didn't have a reason.”

The green mare stood firm, her face contorting into a variety of expressions. Pain. Anger. Sadness. One after the other until they all seemed to meld into one, a demeanour of indifference being the end result. A smile creepily made its way onto Lyra’s muzzle as she pecked Bon Bon on the lips with a quick jolt forward.

“Running off to save the world then?” Lyra asked with an amused smirk. “You just make sure Luna pays for our wedding in full, and I want Celestia to officiate. If she's giving you whatever you want for doing this then we are going to milk it for all it's worth!”

Bon Bon adjusted her bags and held Lyra in a warm embrace, her face turning stolid at Lyra’s next words.

“Just come home safe.”

This was it. The world was out there waiting for Bon Bon to concur it. She was soon to face whatever it was that had Luna spooked. But at the end of the day, she knew she had one thing to look forward to; Lyra, sat at home awaiting in their bed. Their future together looming on the horizon.

Bon Bon had to come home safe. She needed that future. She'd earned it.

The trot to the awaiting train positioned on the platform of Ponyville’s train station was quiet that morning. The sun was barely a quarter of the way through the sky, a blue glow reflected off the meticulously positioned clouds. Bon Bon still had a whole day waiting before her, though most of it would be spent cooped up on a train speeding in the direction of The Crystal Empire. 

The crystalline walls of the carriages shimmered as Bon Bon walked alongside them in the direction of the front of the train where the Princess's personal carriage resided. Princess Luna apparently wanted her journey to be a luxurious one.

It was in that moment that Bon Bon’s attention was drawn to the task ahead. A new threat had apparently emerged and Luna saw fit to call upon Bon Bon to deal with it with all the experience and expertise she possessed from many years serving Celestia. Bon Bon distinctly remembered Luna mentioning a team when she had met with her and Bon Bon couldn't help but wonder who they might be. Did they possess similar skills to herself? Might they have been former members of the agency also?

It only took Bon Bon opening the carriage door to realise just how mistaken she was.

“Come on, Lightning! You've almost beaten your best time!”

“Forget my best time! As long as I beat you that's all that counts!”

The sight Bon Bon was met with once she stepped upon the lush red rug of the exotic cabin left her with a look of astonishment and bemusement. To her right was a lime-green pegasus, standing on her forelegs on top of a wooden table, her wings flapping at her sides to support her in remaining up straight. On each of her rear legs was a empty glass bottle, rattling about as the mare struggled to keep them balanced upon herself. Upon hearing the carriage door slam shut the mare’s concentration broke and she fell off the table, one of the bottles bouncing off of her head as her body hit the floor.

Bon Bon watched the display with a single brow raised.

“Ow ow,” the pegasus mumbled out, the blue unicorn sat on a cushion near her laughing at the show.

“Ha! It's seems Trixie’s dexterity is unmatched, though that is to be expected.”

Despite the mocking tone, the green mare just shook her head with a playful shrug. “You know you're lucky you're endearing,” she replied as she too sat on one of the cushions, both then turning in Bon Bon’s direction upon noticing her presence, wearing warm grins and welcoming stances.

“Hey! You going to the Crystal Empire too?” spoke the green mare.

“Well obviously, why else would she be in this carriage?” replied the blue mare rolling her eyes.

“She could be the ticket collector or something! It's not like either of us know who's going to turn up,” retorted the green mare.

“But even if she was the ticket pony she would be going to the Crystal Empire regardless! Your question was faulty.”

“You're faulty.”

“Like your balance?”

“More like your taste in clothes!”

Bon Bon had absolutely no idea what to make of any of this.

The blue and green mares kept up their verbal battle for several more moments before the topic completely flipped to something else entirely, the hurtful words and trash talk between them seemingly forgotten. Bon Bon still had no idea what was going on, half listening to the ongoing random conversation and half wondering if she had walked into the wrong carriage.

They then started to argue again, how it had started Bon Bon had no idea.

“Clothes are an essential part of maintaining decency, the ponies of Delamare would never roam the streets in the nude!”

“This ain't Delamare you broad!”

‘What are they even talking about!’ Bon Bon though with a hint of alarm.

“Okay, stop you two!” Bon Bon spoke out in a huff, causing the other two quite immaturely acting mares in Bon Bon’s opinion, to look up at her as if she was a scolding parent. “Who are you two? What are you doing here and why does this place stink of booze?” she finished with a wrinkle of her nose.

The two shared a look, the green one pointing to one of the bottles that littered the floor with a lopsided grin. “Drinking, duh,” she stated factually before she decided to run a hoof down her face. “In seriousness though, I’m Lightning Dust and this is The Great and Powerful Trixie. We're both on our way to the Crystal Empire in the service of Princess Luna!”

“I prefer the term in accompaniment of Princess Luna, service sounds to much like servitude. Trixie is no servant.”

“What about your whole ‘I perform in service of the populace’ bit you said earlier?” Lightning replied with exaggerated waves of her hooves in imitation of Trixie’s displays of grandiosity.

Trixie merely scoffed. “That's hardly relevant you blithering-”

Bon Bon refused to allow them to start up again. “Oh no! No more trash talk!” She stated firmly with a growl before her gaze soon turned onto Trixie, the purple hat and scheming eyes stirring buried memories. “And you,” Bon Bon continued as she veered towards the recoiling Trixie. “You mean to tell me that Luna picked you to help her? You?! A sideshow clown and a part time dictator?”

Despite her initial wariness Trixie once again scoffed, this time at Bon Bon’s tone. Her smile then turned sickly sweet, her teeth practically glowing against the light. “Hello,” she said lovingly as she rose her hoof in greetin, much to Bon Bon’s confusion. “My name is The Great and Powerful Trixie, and I'm the one not judging you on your past. Nice to meet you.”

Bon Bon only frowned deeper at the obvious mockery. “You don't even know me, mainly because I don't get up in everyponies faces about how great I supposedly am!”

The two met eyes and their glares burrowed into the other, Trixie even rose from her seat to meet Bon Bon directly, growing rather annoyed at the fact Bon Bon towered over her slightly.

A green blur shooting up between the two forced them to retreat. “I'm sensing some hostility here,” Lightning nervously chuckled out, holding a hoof against each mares chest to deter each for pouncing on the other. “Think you guys could calm down a bit? It's a long way to the Empire and we basically just met and may or may not be working together so how about a truce? Just for a few hours?”

Trixie drew back first, averting her gaze and sticking her chin out. “Only if she stays on her side of the cabin!”

“This is stupid…” Bon Bon drolly shot back, turning away and seating herself on one of the velvet sofas on the far side of the cabin. For some reason the curtains were drawn, leaving Bon Bon dampened in shadow.

Within time the tense atmosphere seemed to dissipate and Trixie and Lightning returned to babble to each other about nothing like a pair of excitable teenagers. Bon Bon only chose to glare at the sight as she reached into her saddlebags and pulled out a book, relaxing into the seat as the train began to depart.

Her mind refused to focus however, her attention constantly being stolen by the two mares at the other end of the carriage, one now throwing candy into the air for the other to catch in their mouth.

‘These are the ponies Luna wants to save Equestria? They're acting like foals!’

Bon Bon turned away, refusing to allow herself to become distracted by the two, however ungodly annoying they appeared to be. All Bon Bon could do was reassure herself that Luna would answer everything in full the second she arrived, the thought of getting all of this over and done with and returning to Lyra’s side driving her to persevere.

She could not however shake the terrible feelings of dread that accompanied her on their entire journey up into the snowy mountains of the Frozen North.