> The Alicorn Pearl > by keithsterling > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Chapter 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It 00:00 hrs silent Alarm triggered, Canterlot Central Bank, Financial District, City of Canterlot, and Capital City of Equestria. The Financial District of the City of Canterlot is where all the credit bits pass through at any given time whether it be from one of the huge corporations or individuals who want access to their funds via their mini-computer bracer or MCB. The Canterlot Central Bank is the largest financial institution in Equestria with trillions of assets in bits. Because of that, the institute has one of the toughest security protocols on the Canterlot Matrix. It’s only second next to the top secret security protocols of the Grand Royal Palace and the residence of the Royal Family. In the main Canterlot Central Bank branch, located in the financial district, a group of five pony anthros work on the ceramic-titanium vault door of the bank. A wireless hacking node is plugged into the keypad. A sequence of ten numbers continuously runs through the combinations trying to break in, but it takes time as the hacker is using a custom MCB. Before long the vault door springs open and ponies run into the vault. They make a beeline to a single safe deposit box and break it open. Inside the box was a large pink pearl called the Alicorn Pearl. 1000 hrs the following day, Burglar alarm-silent investigation, Canterlot Central Bank, Financial District, City of Canterlot and Capital city of Equestria. The area surrounding the Canterlot Central Bank is swarming with the Canterlot Military Police Department personnel from CMP Peacekeeper, the beat cops ,to CMP Detectives the investigators of crimes. They intensely search the crime scene for clues trying to figure out what caused the silent alarm to go off late last night. Inside the bank, near the vault area, a dark blue unicorn stallion anthro with a gray mane and tail wearing the navy blue nano-suit of a CMP Peacekeeper kneels in front of the keypad. He’s running diagnostics on the bank security protocols trying to figure how they broke into the bank network. This stallion is Detective Black Shadow, a CMP computer specialist in the CMP Cyber Crime Division. At the same time, inside the vault looking at the broken safe deposit box, was a lavender colored unicorn mare anthro with a sky blue mane and tail also wearing the navy blue nano-suit of a CMP Peacekeeper. This mare is Royal Investigator Alysia Ara Silverlight, a CMP detective from the CMP Detective Division. “Alysia! I got it!” Black calls as Alysia runs outside followed by an earth pony anthro (the bank manager of the branch). “So how did they get in?” Alysia inquired as Black removed the wireless node from the keypad. “They used an exploit program to find a weakness in the security protocols of this keypad and spiked it. This caused it to activate the automatic repair protocols to fix it, in turn, the vault door opened allowing access to safe deposit boxes.” Black explains as Alysia examined the keypad. “Can you tell who did it, Black?” Alysia inquires as Black stood back up “Not yet Alysia, not until I get back to the computer lab and send the signal through the hacker library for a match.” Black explains as a beautiful 5ft 5in gold colored pegasi mare anthro with a black mane and tail walks into the basement of the bank wearing the navy blue nano-suit of a CMP Peacekeeper. This pegasi mare is Detective Lilly Shining Star, an AV specialist in the CMP technical service bureau. “Did you find anything on the surveillance system, Lilly?” Alysia inquired as the pegasi mare shook her head. “There was nothing on the surveillance system; Alysia a virus was injected into the surveillance system network it knocked out all the cameras at the time of the theft. But it’s a long shot. I’ll run the crystal date cube through my system and try to recover what I can from the video. Maybe we can get a clue of the thieves.” Lilly explains as she held a dime sized square glass cube between her fingers. “All right, both of you head back to CMP Technical service bureau and see what you can recover.” Alysia orders as Black and Lilly went back upstairs to leave the bank. It 1130 hrs a week earlier, Canterlot Grand Royal Palace, Princess Celestia Silverlight bed chamber, Private living area, Royal Ward, City of Canterlot and Capital City of Equestria. Sitting in a small treasure box on a small table in the center of Celestia’s bed chamber was a 16 inch round pink sea pearl called the Alicorn Pearl. Standing next to the table resting her five fingered hand on the box, was Celestia. She was adorned in a cobalt white sleeveless leaf slightly below the knee dress and gold wedge sandals. She was speaking to her granddaughter Princess Alysia Silverlight who’s lips twitched. She was adorned in a white & black sleeveless fit and flare dress and black gladiator sandals. “I trust you with my second most treasured possession, Alysia. My Alicorn Pearl. It took me forever to find just the right color pearl for my collection. so this jewel is very rare and worth about 10,000 or more bits, I will be unable to find another one ever.” Celestia explains as Alysia started to chew on her lip nervously. Slowly, Celestia close the box in front of Alysia. “Till the more secure display case is finished at the Royal Canterlot Museum, you must deliver this treasure box to the Canterlot central bank for safekeeping. I already made arrangements with the bank president of the Central bank to store this jewel in one of the safe deposit boxes in the vault.” Celestia explains as Alysia’s stomach begins to knot several times, watching her Grandmother pick up the box and walk over to her. “Y-e-s,yes grandmother.” Alysia answer, her voice edged with tension as she raises her shaky hand to receive the small treasure box from her grandmother Celestia. “Oops!” Celestia exclaims as the small treasure slips out of her hands and falls to the ground, quickly Alysia dives for the box. “Huh?” Alysia exclaims puzzled as the small treasure box floats in mid-air in a yellow magic bubble as her grandmother releases great gales of laughter As Alysia stares at her grandmother’s bare sandal clad feet in front of her, she realizes that her grandmother was playing a trick on her and she had no intention of letting it fall to the ground. “GRANDMA!” Alysia said in a cool and icy tone of voice, as she tries to grab hold of her grandmother’s ankles with her hands. But Celestia is one step ahead of her and leaps backward well out of reach of her granddaughter’s grasp. “Grandma that is not funny!” Alysia said testily as she dusted herself off and got to her feet. “Of course it’s not funny, grandchild It’s downright hilarious.” Celestia said amused with her granddaughter’s reaction. “Besides, did you not hear me Alysia. I said ‘I trust you’.” Celestia said reassuring as she handed her the treasure box. “But papa.” Alysia said still a bit worried as she took the treasure box from her grandmother’s hands. “Is that what you are worried about Alysia. The purple sentinel theft several years back? Well then?” Celestia remembering as her granddaughter shook her head. “If you think I am going to hold you responsible for my jewel being stolen perish the thought granddaughter. It took the end of the Crystal War to finally recover it after so many years. When it was found in the treasury of the Crystal Empire and it was returned to your Grand Aunt Luna those two ponies of the night had made-up for that.” Celestia explains as she hugs her granddaughter before sending her to take the treasure box to the bank. It 0900 hrs that morning, the gaming floor, Eternal Eclipse Casino and resort, Greenback ward, City of Canterlot and Capital City of Equestria The Eternal Eclipse Casino is a multi story hotel and casino that dominates almost three whole blocks in the Greenback ward in the City of Canterlot. Pony morphs of every level of society frequent this establishment to win that coveted pot of gold in the numerous games of chance in the casino. Sitting at a machine on the gaming floor was a well-off blue earth pony stallion with a blue and white streak mane and tail. He was attired in a short-sleeve solid polo shirt and classic flat-front pants. A pair of casual slip-on shoes were on his feet. He reaches up and pulls down the lever of a slot machine. The reels of the machine spin once then twice then three times. On the third spin the reels click once with a picture of an apple followed by two more apples. The stallion’s hopes raise, but is soon dashed as the last reel stops on a picture of cherry. He reaches into his pocket to insert another coin into the machine. Before he could, a five fingered hand covers the slot. The hand belongs to a beautiful white unicorn mare morph with a green and red streak mane and tail. She was attired in a black sleeveless lace fit and flare dress with black pumps on her feet. In her other hand she was balancing a round tray with empty drinking glasses. This unicorn mare is casino cocktail waitress Adelle Glory. “Franco, you told me you were done for the night and you were on your way home.” Adelle said testily as she finishes her last shift at the casino at about midnight last night and he was still sitting at the tables’ playing cards. “I never asked you to keep an eye on me, Adelle. besides I had a feeling this machine was going to pay off.” Franco said obsessed as he yanks her hand off the slot and inserts the coin again. But once again the machine didn’t pay off a jackpot like he wanted. “If I was not your girlfriend I would not care what would happen to you. But I am, Franco do you know how much you are in debt to the casino with these feelings you get. You have good paying job at the Canterlot Central Bank and bits I make here at the casino as the head cocktail waitress and shift manager allow us to live in very a comfortable townhouse in the luminosity ward.” Adelle explains as a pegasi mare flies up to her and informs her that one of the other girls just called in sick. She and four other cocktail waitresses were going to be working the tournament going on today at the casino, now she must quickly resign a new cocktail waitress to cover the tournament before the first card is dealt. As Adelle turns back around, Franco, her boyfriend has disappeared from the slot machine. She figures he headed home to get a quick nap, before he heads over to his job as the bank manager of the Canterlot Central bank branch in the financial district. ]It 1200 hrs that same day, hallway between the employees break area and the gaming floor, Eternal Eclipse Casino and Resort, Greenback Ward, City of Canterlot and Capital city of Equestria. Walking down the hallway on her way back to the gaming floor, after taking a short break in the employee break room, was Head Cocktail Waitress Adelle Glory. She was going over her shift’s schedule on her Mini-Computer Bracer. The afternoon shift is the busiest of the whole day with more ponies coming to the casino. Currently she is very short staffed on the gaming floor as the card tournament is still going on in the poker room. As she reaches the middle of the hallway she is slammed against one of the walls by an ash gray colored earth pony stallion wearing a navy blue sport coat and pants. “Lorenz what going on?” Adelle inquiry nervously as he is joined by two charcoal colored earth pony stallions like him wearing a navy blue sport coat and pants. One of the charcoal colored earth ponies is sporting a gray fedora on his head. “His Lord is none too happy about your boyfriend racking up more debt to the casino and not paying it back.” Lorenz comment as Adelle’s eyes widen in alarm. “If you were not the most popular cocktail waitress at the casino this warning would end in bloodshed.But his Lord instructed us not to leave a mark on your body. So count yourself lucky Miss Glory for if your boyfriend doesn’t pay up next time you will not be so lucky.” Lorenz says threatening as Adelle sat on the floor; a chill runs up her spine. In that very moment, a decision was made by Cocktail Waitress Adelle Glory that would change the life of her and her boyfriend forever. Inside a hidden pocket in her cocktail waitress uniform she retrieves a small business card. A few years back she was accused by a high born ex-boyfriend of stealing a large sum of bits from him. He was so well connected to a corrupt noble family in Canterlot; she had little hope of being cleared of the charges against her. At a different casino she worked at, a patron she knew very well, gave her a business card. The patron convinces her that there no harm in talking with the unicorn lawyer the business card belongs to. On the day of the trial as she waited in the court house lobby, the sense she got from everyone in the building was she was going to be charged with the crime of robbery and sentence to the Canterlot City Prison. This was outcome she dreaded because she could no longer work as a cocktail waitress at any of the casinos in Equestria for rest of her life. As the trial time drew near, everything changed in the court house when Lady Serena Silverlight arrives as her defense attorney. ~back to the Present~ “At the time of the trial. I didn’t know my defense attorney was the aunt to the Royal Foals of the rulers of Equestria and she made her career proving the innocence of ponies accused of crimes by the many corrupt noble families in Canterlot in the end, I was cleared of all the charges and an ex-boyfriend of mine was force to admit he fabricated the whole incident to get even with me for break-up with him. After the trial, Lady Serena Silverlight slips away from all the news crews and returns to her office at her law firm.” Adelle thought as she brought up her vid-phone on her MCB and dialed the number on the old business card. It rings once and a moment later the holographic head of an impressive looking dark blue unicorn mare with a well styled crimson red mane spring to life in front of her. “Golden Dawn Law Firm. Lady Serena Silverlight speaking. How can I help you?” Serena said friendly as she blinks with surprise upon seeing the holographic head of Adelle spring to life in front of her. “It’s me Adelle Glory the cocktail waitress from the Blue Moon Casino. Can I speak to you Lady Silverlight about something important. I now work at the Eternal Eclipse Casino and Resort in the Greenback ward. The casino is owned by Lord Bruno Darkmore.” Adelle explains fearful as she begins to weep. “Yes of course Miss Glory come to my office on your next day-off. You should know the way to my office.” Serena said as Adelle shakes her head in agreement. “I’ll be there tomorrow it’s my only day-off. Because of my popularity with the patrons of the casino, Lord Darkmore doesn’t allow me any other day-off. But that day.” Adelle explains “All right, about what time?” Serena inquiry “After 10:00 am, That’s when my boyfriend heads to work and doesn’t return home till 4:30.” Adelle explains “Ok after 10:00 am, sounds good. I think I know what you want to talk to me about, Miss Glory. So I am going to ask my oldest niece to join us at the firm. She will be very interested in what you have to say.” Serena explains as the breath catches in Adelle’s throat. “The Grand Princess of the Sun Aurora Silverlight will be at the meeting with us.” Adelle exclaims as Serena shakes her head. > chapter 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It 1300 hrs Bank Robbery investigation, Canterlot Military Police Department, Technical Service Bureau Building, Computer Lab, Judicature Ward, City of Canterlot and Capital of Equestria. The Technical Service Bureau Building is a three story building towards the center of CMP complex in the Judicature Ward of the City of Canterlot. The CMP Computer Lab is a medium sized high-tech laboratory with the latest computer systems and matrix adapted network. Since returning from the Canterlot Central Bank heist Black has sent the unknown signal he obtained from the hacked key pad through the hacker library in the Cyber Crime Division for a match. So far the signal doesn’t match any known hacker signal in the data base. “Huh?” Black exclaims as two hacker names come up on the screen that closely match the unknown signal. “Hacker Mimic and Hacker Majesty. Both of these’s hackers are notorious on the matrix.” Black thought as he brought up the criminal profiles of the two hackers suspected of being the tech brain behind hacking into the bank security system. “Both of these Hacker’s have the skills to break into the bank security system, like it was nothing. But it goes against both their MO. Hacker Mimic likes making copies of prototype programs and sells them to the highest bidder for a commanding price. Hacker Majesty believes herself the pinnacle of hacker greatness and would never take such a job she sees beneath her.” Black thought as he typed something on his computer and brought up a recent news feed about hacker Majesty. It stated that hacker Majesty (AKA Leiko Endo) was found assassinated in her apartment in the Penumbra ward a week before the heist. “I know this story is true because Alysia and I were sent to investigate the killing at the apartment building that day and that’s how I found out that this earth pony mare was the notorious hacker named Majesty .we both believe the shooting was done by the Agency because the case we were working on for the Agency to find the hacker that has been hacking into their Matrix ended that same day.” Black thought as he was back to square one in the case It 1330 hrs Bank Robbery investigation, Canterlot Military Police Department, Technical Service Bureau Building, AV Lab, Judicature Ward, City of Canterlot and Capital of Equestria. The CMP AV Laboratory is smaller than the Computer lab located on the second floor of the Technical Service Bureau building. The AV Laboratory has video editing equipment and audio equipment that is used to forensically search for video and audio evidence in criminal investigations. Sitting in front of a video screen, running the bank’s surveillance video through various forensic filters was Detective Lilly Shinning Star. The surveillance video from the bank would run normally for several hours as customers and employees enter and leave the bank; a normal business day. Then the suspected time of the crime approaches and all the cameras in the bank just flick off at the same time. It’s half an hour later, the cameras flick back on revealing the vault door open and nothing else. A frustrated Lilly slams her fist down on top of her desk and starts the video over again. “Huh?” Lilly exclaims as she accidentally rewinds the surveillance video to two days earlier, at precisely 1730 hrs the cameras momentarily cut out as if something was introduced into the security system network. “Well it’s a starting point two days before the break in at the bank.” Lilly thought as she begins to run the video trying to find a suspect that might have tampered with the security system network. Its 1430 hrs Bank Robbery investigation, Canterlot Military Police Department, Main building, Detective Division, Judicature Ward, City of Canterlot and Capital of Equestria. The CMP Detective Division in the headquarters of the Canterlot Military Police Department main building dominates the second floor. It’s made-up of two individual areas; the first area is the larger of the two. This is where you would find the junior and veteran CMP Detectives working out of during a normal shift. The second area of the floor is a simple dead end hallway, lined with several wood doors of the offices of Head Detectives who coordinate with the main part of the Detective Division. Maneuvering her way down the hallway was Royal Investigator Alysia Ara Silverlight who was heading to her office at the end of hallway. As she passes the other doors, the head detectives would bow to her because she still holds the rank of Equestrian Royalty even here. Alysia often wondered if her grandfather and father felt the same way, that the only reason suspects and victims talk to them is because they are royalty and not a good detective. “Greetings father and Grandfather. I am back again.” Alysia said friendly touching the small plaque under her name on the wall with her fingers. The plaque it read: Royal Investigator Somnus Silverlight In memory of Royal Investigator Justice Silverlight. In the office, Alysia walks behind her desk and plops down on the chair. A moment later her office door is opened by a 5ft 6in elegant looking light green earth pony mare with a wine colored mane and tail. She was attired in a rose colored pants suit and white pumps. Around her neck hung her TV news credentials from the Equestria News Network channel. “Who are you mare? I thought I told all my people not to let anyone in without my permission.” Alysia said irately as the vid-phone rang on her MCV. “That call would be from your father Grand Prince of the Moon Somnus Silverlight. He’s the one that gave me permission to see you and offer my services to you. it’s the continuation of a long standing business arrangement between my own father and yours. The business arrangement ended when my father retired and left Canterlot to live quietly. Now it’s my turn to live-up to my father’s expectation.” The mare explains as the holographic head of Grand Prince Somnus springs to life on his daughter’s MCV. “Father who is this mare that you sent to see me?” Alysia inquired “So she has arrived, Alysia. As I can no long get involved with CMP business. I thought, as your father, I would send you a gift to help you as the new Royal Investigator. This mare is Reporter Eda Bucks.” Grand Prince Somnus explains as Alysia blinks with surprise. “Bucks? Father isn’t that the name of your best informant when you were the Royal Investigator even though Grandmother didn’t trust him?” Alysia comment “You are right, Alysia.He was my best informant But this Bucks will be able to get more information without arousing suspicion as she is a news reporter for ENN. Who would question a news reporter doing her job?. Just remember, when you use her information make sure there’s no way to trace it back to her.it’s part of the business arrangement I and her father made for working together.” Grand Prince Somnus explains as he had to quickly hang-up to attend the meeting he and his sister were going to. “All right Miss Bucks. Let’s test how good your information is. Who would want a stolen one of kind Pearl?” Alysia inquiry “Any number of rare gemstone collectors would want a one of kind Pearl as for it being stolen that might be a little tougher. The public gem market would never buy a stolen gemstone especially as prominent as the Alicorn Pearl that’s owned by your Grandmother Celestia. As for the private market, that’s even tougher to sell to because who ever buys it would possess a very hot rock indeed.” Eda explains as she looks at her MCB clock as she had to be on the air in about an hour. It 1130 hrs two days later, Golden Dawn Law Firm, Lady Serena Silverlight office, Civilian sector: Judicature Ward, City of Canterlot and Capital of Equestria. The Golden Dawn Law Firm is owned and operated by Lady Serena Silverlight the oldest sister of the late Prince Justice Silverlight. The firm is a two story high office building located in the Civilian Sector of the Judicature ward. Looking through a second floor window was a magnificent looking 6ft 2in sapphire blue unicorn mare with a crimson red mane and tail. She was wearing a grey skirt suit and black pumps on her four-toed feet. On her forearm was MCV. Sitting on a chair in front of this unicorn mare’s desk was Miss Adelle Glory, the cocktail waitress from the Eternal Eclipse casino and resort. Sitting on a nearby sofa was Grand Princess of the Sun Aurora Silverlight. “We the royal family thank you profoundly for your bravery Miss Glory, stepping forward to give us a better insight into the workings of the Eternal Eclipse casino run by Lord Darkmore.” Aurora said very pleased as her aunt Serena sighs slowly to herself. “Save your thanks your highness. Just as long as you keep up your part of the bargain.” Adelle said struggling to control the quavering in her voice. “Preparations are already in motion, Miss Glory, for you and your boyfriend to disappear from Canterlot. A Solar Guard vehicle is waiting downstairs for you to take you to a safe house till we acquire your boyfriend from his job. Farewell Miss Glory.” Aurora said as two Solar Guard troopers acquire Miss Glory from the office and take her to the car. “So now what auntie?” Aurora inquiries “As much as I don’t want to do it, we have no choice but to involve the Agency in this Royal investigation. I hate to admit it but their Black ops resources are more suited for this kind of operation we need an agent inside to gather evidence on Lord Darkmore before we can move against him.” Serena comments as she cracks her knuckle. A moment later Aurora stands up and hugs her aunt. “Whatever you think is best, Auntie. The royal foals will support your decision.” Aurora said diplomatically. “Thank you your highness.” Serena is grateful as Aurora stood up to leave her aunt’s office “If you would excuse me Auntie. I must return to the Royal Palace I have business to attend to Farewell your grace.” Aurora said politely bowing to her aunt. It 1800 hrs that same day, the Agency secret headquarters, Dream Eater’s office, Civilian sector: Judicature ward, City of Canterlot and Capital of Equestria. The Secret headquarters of the Agency is a nondescript office building located in the civilian sector of the Judicature ward. Those that know how to gain access to the secret headquarter have a high security clearance of any pony in Canterlot but not as high as the Royal family members do. Sitting on the edge of a wooden desk in the office with her arms crossed was a 6ft 3in magnificent looking maroon colored unicorn mare with a tiffany blue mane and tail. She wore a midnight blue skirt suit with black slingback pumps. Sitting in the chair behind the mare taking it all in, was an attractive dark blue unicorn stallion with a brown mane. Wearing a mid gray business suit was the Agency Chief, Dream Eater. Pacing back and forth in the office was Lady Serena Silverlight. After getting the information from Adelle Glory about Lord Darkmore, she made her way over to the Agency to talk about black ops to get evidence on Lord Darkmore’s involvement with a group called Neo-Steel Talon. “Do I have carte blanche on this operation, your grace?” Dream Eater inquiry as the mare gawk in disbelief with the question. “You do as long as it can’t be traced back to me or the Royal foals, Please keep the bloodshed to a minimum, Dream Eater,last time we gave you carte blanche it took over a week to clean it up and the Canterlot Military Police Department is still investigating the incident.” Serena explains as she walks up to the desk and shakes Dream Eater’s hand and leaves the office. “Maxwell are you seriously going to do the black ops?” the mare inquiry to Dream Eater as she quickly gets to her feet and turns around to face Dream Eater. “Of course I am Beverly this is our opportunity to learn a little bit more about Neo-Steel Talon. That group has killed many of our best agents. The last agent they killed was Raven in Griffonstone. He said he had something interesting about the group and before we could get it they killed him.” Maxwell explains as he walks in front of his wife Beverly, a chill runs up her spine. “Besides do you not want to get even with Lord Bruno Darkmore after he left you for dead when an assassination attempt that he hired you for went wrong pretty quickly. If I didn’t have a backup plan I would have lost you during that job.” Maxwell explains as tears begin to fill Beverly’s eyes. Its 2000 hrs later that evening, Grand Royal Palace, Canterlot archives Mainframe server system, sub-basement of the palace, Royal ward, City of Canterlot and Capital of Equestria. The Canterlot Archives mainframe servers system is located in the second sub-basement level of the palace. It’s a huge reinforced concrete box full of numerous computer servers that run the whole Canterlot Matrix. This one room in the second sub-basement of the Palace is the most secure with several layers of security systems from Solar Guard security units that patrol the basement to small unmanned drones that patrol as well. Standing in front of a workstation terminal in front of a small bank of servers was the Grand Princess of the Sun, Aurora Silverlight. A small strangely shaped silver key has been inserted into the panel and turned to the off position. This position allows the user to access the Canterlot Archives mainframe without having the three Royal Passkeys inserted into the same panel. Aurora’s fingers move rhythmically across the holographic keyboard of the workstation terminal as she inputted new data onto file NSTG-S-41. When she finished she turns the silver key to the standby position and seals the file behind an Alpha Princess Priority security level. ‘There, it is done, the secret black ops has been entered into the file.” Aurora thought as a wounded look appears in her eyes as she turns the system back on. “But why does my heart feel so empty all of a sudden. I am doing it to protect those I love, It’s my job as the oldest Silverlight sibling.I can’t let my brother and sister get involved in this, if this goes south. The scandal will destroy their rule of Equestria. I have pretty much sealed my own fate by agreeing to this option if it is discovered and uncovered.” Aurora’s voice degenerates to a childish whimper. As Aurora regains her composure, she lifts her foot up and reaches down to unbuckle her sandal. She removes it and holds the front of her shoe in the palm of her hand. Using the end of her finger nail she, slides open a small door on the insole of her sandal revealing a secret hollowed out compartment in the heel. She drops the small strangely shaped silver key into the secret compartment before re-buckling her sandal back on her foot. Watching from the deep shadows of the room were a pair of solid white eyes that belong to her Aunt, Princess Luna Silverlight. Luna is no stranger to keeping secrets, she taught her nephew Grand Prince Somnus a lesson during his time under her tutelage. As Aurora leaves the servers room Luna emerges from the shadows and walks over to the workstation terminal. Like Aurora, Luna removes her sandal and retrieved an identical small strangely shaped silver key from the secret compartment in her shoe. ‘Keeping secrets 101 always have master keys that no one knows about. I see Somnus taught his sister that lesson about having a set of master keys. Now let’s see what my niece is hiding from her siblings.’ Luna thought as she gains access to files that Aurora was hiding from her siblings. > Chapter 3 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It 1500 hrs three weeks later, Bank Robbery investigation, Canterlot Military police Department, Main building headquarter, Detective Division, Alysia’s office, Judicature ward, City of Canterlot and Capital City Of Equestria. It has been over three weeks since the theft of the Alicorn Pearl from the vault of the Canterlot Central Bank. Since that time, the CMP detective division has been in overdrive chasing down lead after lead after lead in the case. But yet, none of the leads have panned out to solve the case. In her office, Alysia taps on her keyboard doing some research on a name of a group that keeps coming up in every conversation with informants. “Neo-Steel Talon. I know Steel Talon, all too well. Prior to the combined forces joining the Crystal War against Princess Flurry Heart Sparkle. The Steel Talon, using some of Flurry Heart’s troops to aid them and try an unsuccessful coup d’état, against my aunt, The Grand Princess Aurora that was lead by the Griffonstone Ambassador Gardi Red Claw. When he was discovered to be the Mastermind behind the coup d’état the tentative agreement with the Crystal Empire forces shattered and the troops retreated back to Crystal City. Leaving the hand full of loyal Steel Talon troops to be defeated by the combined forces and Gardi Red Claw killed by Chief Razor Ironbeak. The leader of Griffonstone.” Alysia thought as she continued reading the info on her screen. “After the death of Griffonstone Ambassador Gardi Red Claw, the troops that survived quickly took flight. Along with the mercenary troops hired by the ambassador to boast his handful of troops, last I heard from the Solar Guard Military Intelligence was most of the surviving Steel Talon troops went underground never to be seen again. As for the mercenary troops under contracts with the Griffonstone Ambassador, mostly made up of ponies, they surrendered to the Equestrian Royal Army and fought in the Crystal War under contracts, of course.” Alysia thought as she continued doing research into the Neo-Steel Talon Group. Then she hit a very powerful firewall on a file containing information on the Neo-Steel Talon Group. She inputted her Royal Passkey into password options. This allows her access to any files in the royal palace archives on the Canterlot Matrix no matter the level of security clearance the document has, but one. After several attempts to gain access to the file using her Royal Passkey the connection was terminated with the Canterlot Matrix. Alysia flustered with the results, dials her Aunts’ numbers to seek her help in gaining access to the file. Her vid-phone rings once, a moment later the holographic head of her Aunt Grand Princess Aurora springs to life in front of her. “Oh hello Alysia, what can I do for you?” Aurora inquiries friendly “Greetings Auntie. I am having trouble accessing a certain file with my Royal Passkey.” Alysia explains as a dumbfounded look appears on Aurora’s face. “That’s strange; all the files are accessible with your Royal Passkey, Alysia.” Aurora explains a bit confused with the trouble her niece is having. “That’s why I called you, Auntie as the ruling Princess of Equestria. I am hoping you can help me gain access to the file.” Alysia inquiry “What’s the file number, Alysia?” Aurora inquires “File NSTG-S-41.” Alysia said as Aurora’s eyes widen with alarm “File NSTG-S-41. Is Alpha Princess Priority Security level which means you may not access that file even with your Royal Passkey Good bye, your highness.” Aurora said abruptly hanging up on her niece. In the office Alysia, sat stupefied with her Aunt Aurora’s abrasive reaction towards her, undeterred by it. Alysia heads down to the CMPD motor pool and repair facilities to borrow CMP plain clothes patrol vehicle and drives over to the Grand Royal Palace to talk to her aunt. To find out why she couldn’t access the NSTG-S-41 file about Neo-Steel Talon. Sometime later that same day, Canterlot Grand Royal Palace, empty Throne room pause between Aurora’s court sessions, Royal Ward, City of Canterlot and Capital City of Equestria. “Why have you forbade me from accessing NSTG-S-41 file on Neo-Steel Talon and mark it an Alpha Princess Priority security level?!” Alysia said hotly as Aurora’s eyes narrow with contempt toward her niece. “I don’t appreciate that tone of voice you’re using, Alysia. I am the current sitting Princess at this time show some respect to my rank Princess Alysia Ara Silverlight.” Aurora said deliberately as Alysia’s mouth crimps in annoyance. “Very well explain to me your highness. why you will not let me access that file on Neo-Steel Talon?” Alysia said coldly but politely toward her aunt. “I already told you, your highness, it’s an Alpha Princess Priority security level. Enough said, you have taken up enough of my court time you are dismissed, your highness.” Aurora said testily as Alysia storms out of the throne room. A small wooden door leading into a side hallway next to the throne room closes with aloud slam, Aurora shaking her head in commiseration. “I am so very sorry, Alysia. But I can’t let you see that part of the file. You have too much of my late father in you he will definitely not approve of the method I am using to gather evidence against Lord Darkmore.” Aurora thought as she went back to conducting business of the court. On a small balcony, adjacent to the hallway that she uses to leave the throne room, Alysia slowly calms herself down. Leaning against the balustrade of the balcony, she once again brings up her vid-phone and dials another number. It rings once and a holographic head of her father, the Grand Prince of the Moon, Somnus Silverlight, springs to life in front of her. “Greetings Alysia, what’s wrong daughter you don’t look to happy about something.” Somnus said knowing as Alysia sighs once. “Are you in the palace somewhere today, father?” Alysia inquires. “Yes, I am dear, I am in my office doing some paperwork.” Somnus answer. “May I talk to you, father, about Aunt Aurora in your office?” Alysia explains as Somnus was a bit puzzled with the request from his daughter. “Sure alright come down to my office. I am very interested in what you have to talk to me about my sister Aurora.” Somnus said as he hangs-up the vid-phone. It took a few minutes for Alysia to get to her father’s office located in the private living area of the palace. She walks in and he gestured her to sit down on the chair in front of his desk. “So what did you want to talk to me about your aunt Aurora, Alysia?” Somnus inquires “You know I am investigating the thief of the Alicorn Pearl for the Canterlot Central Bank the one name that keeps coming up from the informants was Neo-Steel Talon. They might be the ones that took the pearl to fund something. I was doing some research into the Neo-Steel Talon group when a file about them came up. It was sealed behind an Alpha Princess Priority security level. I asked Aunt Aurora to unseal it so I can see what’s in the file, but she refused.” Alysia explains as her father gawked in disbelief. “What is Aurora up to? She can’t seal a file behind an Alpha Princess Priority Security Level without permission from me and Blueberry we must first review contents of the file before she can seal it. I received no request from her.” Somnus said gruffly as he quickly accessed the Canterlot Royal Matrix via his office computer. “Alysia what is the file number you’re try to gain access to?” Somnus inquires “NSTG-S-41.”Alysia answered as Somnus entered the file number into the search option on the matrix. A moment later the files come-up on his computer. He inputs his Royal passkey into the password option. “What! Access denied!” Somnus said sharply as Alysia knew not even her father’s Royal passkey would open that file. “Alysia, Call your Aunt Blueberry’s number she’s here at the palace today and ask her to come to my office.” Somnus asked as Alysia shook her head. She dialed her aunt Blueberry’s number. A moment later the holographic head of her Aunt Blueberry springs to life in front of her. “Oh hello Alysia what can I do for you?” Blueberry said friendly “Hello Auntie, father said you are at the palace today, is that right?” Alysia friendly as Blueberry shook her head. “That I am.” Blueberry answered “Father asked me to ask you if you can come down to his office, Auntie.” Alysia said “Sure I’ll come down. I am not that far from your father’s office. See you in a moment.” Blueberry answers as she hung up the vid-phone. A moment later, the door into Somnus’s office opens and in walks the Grand Princess of Love, Blueberry Swirl Silverlight. She’s dressed in an off white sleeveless slightly below the knee length dress and brown gladiator sandals with her Princess’s regalia. The gentle unicorn mare leans down and places a kiss on Alysia’s cheek before walking over to her brother and hugging him. “Alysia asked me to come to your office, brother, Why?” Blueberry inquires as she sat down on the armrest of the sofa next to her brother’s desk. “Can you try your royal passkey on this sealed filed, sister?” Somnus inquires as she walks up to her brother’s computer and inputs her Royal Passkey into the password options. “What’s going on? Access denied!” Blueberry exclaimed as her breath catches in her throat. “Aurora locked-out our Royal passkeys and sealed this particular file behind an Alpha Princess Priority security level.” Somnus explains as Blueberry stood thunderstruck. “I received no request from Aurora so she can’t do that.” Blueberry said in a huff “Neither did I, Blueberry.” Somnus said hotly “So our sister did this and locked both of us out of the system that goes against royal protocol that the three of us agree on. Anyway what was in the file she sealed?” Blueberry inquires still fuming at the break of protocol. “Apparently the file was about a group called Neo-Steel Talon.” Somnus said as Blueberry’s face glazes with shock that was quickly picked up by Alysia. “Do you know something about Neo-Steel Talon group, Auntie?” Alysia inquires hopeful as Blueberry’s breath becomes raw in her throat. “Why do you want to know about the group, Alysia?” Blueberry inquires “That group name keeps coming up from many informants who might have taken the Alicorn Pearl. So I am trying to find out about them.” Alysia explains as Blueberry saw the hopefulness in her niece’s face. “All right Alysia, there’s rumors going around my Crystal City of a bitter group of griffons’ anthros that attack any ponies that enter a particular region of the forest between the Crystal Empire and Equestria. I have sent the Crystal Army Rangers into the forest to search for them and they come up with nothing.” Blueberry said as it sparks a memory in Somnus head. “Wait a minute, .I just remembered something like that too. A scout team from my Night Wing rangers encountered a small flight of griffon anthros heading towards the Crystal Empire they fought them and killed one of them. A search of his MCV revealed that the Neo-Steel Talon had their eye on an earth pony that was very deep in debt to a local casino and was in a position to get his hands on a lot of bits in a short amount of time to pay off the debt that’s all the team could get from his MCV as it was busted.” Somnus explains as Alysia leaps to her feet. “Father! Tell me you kept the broken MCV?” Alysia asks “Of course I did, it’s intelligence, Why?” Somnus comment “Father if you will give me your permission to take the MCV from military intelligence. I’ll take the device over to the department and let Black go thought it and try to recover more data from it. if you like, I’ll have Black make copies of the data he recovers from the device for you.” Alysia explains as Somnus shook his head. “Would you like a copy as well, Auntie?” Alysia inquires looking toward her aunt Blueberry sitting on the sofa. “Yes, Alysia I would It would be very helpful to the safety of the Crystal Empire to have that data maybe my military intelligence analysts can find out why Neo-Steel Talon has taken up residences in my Empire.” Blueberry said a bit crossed with the idea of having a bitter griffon group living in her empire. Sometime later that same day, the main Equestrian Royal Army base, Department of Special Services Building, Solar Guard Lieutenant Colonel’s office, Military Ward, City of Canterlot and Capital of Equestria. The military ward is the only ward that is separate from the main wards of Canterlot. It has its own Military police unit with no connections to the Canterlot Military Police department that serves as the city’s main law enforcement and internal security division for the whole City of Canterlot. Ponies living in the Military ward hold to the code of uniform law that all military follow. The Department of Special Services is the main command and control of the Special Forces divisions within the Equestrian Royal Army. In a small office inside the Special Services building, with her back turned, looking out a small window was a ravishing, beautiful, 5ft 9in navy blue bat pony hybrid mare with a lime green mane and tail. She was attired in the gunmetal gray Nano-suit of a Solar Guard trooper. Her navy blue leather like bat wings are covered with a fine layer of jet black feathers. This bat pony hybrid mare is Lt. Colonel Adrian Nightwing the commander of the Grand Prince Somnus’s troops. “Your father already sent word to me, your highness to hand over that dead griffon’s broken mini-computer vambrace. So here it is.” Adrian explains as she pushes the box containing the MCV with the end of her bat wing across her desk toward Alysia. “Thank you Adrian.” Alysia politely says as Adrian covers the box with her wing before Alysia could grab it. “Tell me Alysia, do you really want to do this? I mean you thought that you lost your father during the initial attack on the Border Assault command base that started the Talon war.” Adrian explains as she waited for Alysia’s answer. “Huh? Why would you ask me that, Adrian?” Alysia inquires a bit confused. “Just answer my question, your highness?” Adrian asks “I have no choice this is where the evidence is leading me toward this MCV. So, yes, I really have to do this.” Alysia answers as Adrian lifts her wing off the box. “We recovered an old video feed recording from this MCV. This MCV belonged to an original member of the Steel Talon. It was this very griffon that targeted the command tent that your father was commanding the combined forces at the base and call down a artillery bombardment that destroyed the tent.” Adrian explains as Alysia gasp. Soon her eyes begin fill with tears. A moment later, a memory forms in Alysia’s mind of the burning command tent. When the fire died down, two troopers recovered a badly burned body that has the same build like her father. The next thing she hears is her yelling, ‘Father’ and everything going black. “I understand and thank you for telling me.” Alysia comments as she takes the box and leaves. > chapter 4 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It’s 2100 hrs the evening of the Bank Robbery Investigation after recovering the Steel Talon Mini-computer vambrace from the Solar Guard Military Intelligence, Canterlot Grand Royal Palace, Princess Alysia Silverlight bed Chamber, Private Living Area, Royal Ward, City of Canterlot and Capital City of Equestria. The bed chamber of Princess Alysia Silverlight is a medium sized room in the private living area of the palace decorated in your typical young noble mare style. Tossing and turning in her comfortable bed was Princess Alysia. She was reviewing the old video feed recording of the attack on the Assault base during the Talon war that she believes her father was killed. All the fears of that day have resurfaced in her memory, sending ripples thought the dream world. These ripples have not gone unnoticed by a certain dark blue alicorn mare that is closely related to Princess Alysia and her father. Slowly the bed chamber door opens, the first thing through the opening was a bare, dark blue foot followed by a second foot. Standing in the darken bed chamber was Princess Luna Silverlight, the great aunt of Princess Alysia. Her moderate cyan colored eyes glowed with a solid white light that allowed her to peer into the darkness. She was attired in a red orange evening robe that was tied securely around her muscular alicorn figure. Luna carefully maneuvers her way over to her great niece’s bed and carefully sat down on the edge. “Wake up great niece.” Luna said softly reaching her hand out and placing it on Alysia’s shoulder as she gently shook her awake. As the sea green eyes of Alysia opened up, sitting on the edge of her bed was a dark blue alicorn mare. Alysia throws her arms around Luna and began to weep catching Luna by surprise with the emotional outburst from her great niece. Hesitantly, Luna begins to stroke Alysia’s mane with her hand trying her best to calm the distressed young unicorn mare down. A moment later, Alysia composed herself and drew her legs up, before wrapping her arms around them. “What happened great niece? Your emotions sent shockwaves through the dream world that drew me back to the awaking world when I first sensed them, I didn’t know it was you it was not till I returned and followed them. It leads me to you.” Luna explains as she gets comfortable on the edge of the bed and crosses her long legs over each other. “I am sorry Great Auntie. I thought I got over that nightmare when the two wars ended. but seeing that old video feed recording of the attack on the Assault base during the Talon war brought it all back.” Alysia explains as Luna was a bit lost with her great niece’s explanation. “Don’t get angry at me Great niece, but could you tell me about this nightmare you had and how it started?” Luna inquires as Alysia shook her head. “The nightmare starts with something pinning me to a wall. I watch as my father slowly burns away unable to get to him to help. I scream to let me go so I can help him. By that time, I awake in a cold sweat.” Alysia’s voice quavering as Luna touches her knees with her hand to reassure her she’s there to help her. “As for how it started, Great Auntie before the Crystal War started there was another war called the Talon war. my team and I were assigned to my father’s command as a Reconnaissance team to perform scouting and infiltration duties along the border of the Crystal Empire. My team just completed a deep infiltration mission into the Crystal Empire to map unknown parts of the Empire. In that mission, I lost several of my team. So we were put on reserve status till new troopers could be trained to replace the lost team members.” Alysia explains as a tear comes to her eye and runs down her cheeks. “Please continue Great niece.” Luna said caring as she reaches over and wipes the tear away with her finger. “Instead of sending me back to the Main Equestrian Royal Army Base in Canterlot, Father reassigns me as his temporary adjutant till the new troopers could be fully trained and sent to the front to fill my team. During that time, as his adjutant, I was exposed to more of the duties of the Royalty of Equestria. Then in the morning, two days later, father allowed me to sleep-in as he was busy with all the night strategy meetings in the command tent at the center of the base. I was awakened by the wailing of alarms coming from outside. I quickly got to my feet and ran to the door just in time to watch incoming artillery shells arc overhead and striking with precision the command tent and destroying it.” Alysia explains burying her incurably sad face into her knees as Luna hears crying once again. “Now I understand where this nightmare comes from, my dear great niece. Take it from this long living Alicorn, you come from a long line of two very strong Alicorns who have seen the death of many through their long lifetime. If you keep carrying that sadness deep inside your heart soon it will eat you up inside for your whole lifetime which is very long in deed. So let it go besides, your father survived that attack and helps expose a traitor in Canterlot.” Luna said reassuring as Alysia’s face flushes with happiness upon hearing the words of her Great Aunt. “Now have sweet dreams, my dear great niece and remember your great Aunt not only will watch over you in the awaken world she watches over you in the dream world as well. Good night Alysia.” Luna said as she waited for Alysia to fall back to sleep and left. “Huh? Oh it’s you, Somnus did you feel your daughter’s ripples in the dream world like me?” Luna inquires as she met Somnus standing outside his daughter’s bed chamber door. “I did Auntie, but I was in a different part of the Dreamscape when I picked up my daughter’s ripples. So by the time I returned to the Equestria Dreamscape, her ripples were gone so I assumed that you had arrived first and took on the responsibility of counseling her.” Somnus explains as the two Alicorns walked together toward the moonlit palace garden to talk. “That I did, Somnus, but you never told me that Alysia thought you were killed during an artillery bombardment on the command tent during the Talon War. My skin grew clammy when she told me that.” Luna said fearful as the two Alicorns sat down on a bench in the garden. “Chief Razor Ironbeak the leader of the Griffonstone forces and I were going over the latest Intel from the military intelligence in the command tent that night. We soon discovered that Intel was incomplete. Without the rest of the reports, we couldn’t formulate strategy for the coming battle with the Steel Talon forces and the Crystal Empire. We searched through all the files more than once till we found that the Intel was gathered by a nearby Border Surveillance post. So we flew over to the post to get the completed report. It took the rest of the night to gather all the pieces of the report from the military intelligence analysts.” Somnus said bitterly as he composed himself. “As the sun rose that morning, we were startled by several loud bangs from the other side of the border in the Crystal Empire. We looked into the morning sky and watched several artillery shells arc overhead in the direction of the assault base. That is when we got the first radio report that shells stuck the command tent and it was destroyed. A moment later, a mixed division of Steel Talon forces, Crystal Empire force and mercenary flooded across the border into Equestria territory we were forced to retreat from the Border Surveillance post back to the assault base and the rest is history Auntie.” Somnus voice wooden and sounded distant as he walks off in distress with reliving the Talon wars. “I am sorry my little Somnus it must have been a very bitter pill you swallowed being forced to retreat when the Steel Talon and the Crystal Empire launched a surprise offense into Equestria territory that caught you unprepared. And to add more bitterness, your daughter thought you were killed in the artillery bombardment two more stories I can file away in the saddest chapter in the life of our royal family.” Luna thought as she watched Somnus walk off without saying good night to her. It’s 0900 hrs, two months later, Bank Robbery investigation, Canterlot Military Police Department, Main Headquarter building, Detective Division, Alysia’s office, Judicature Ward, City of Canterlot and the Capital of Equestria. It has been two months since the theft of the Alicorn Pearl from the Canterlot Central Bank in the Financial District. Sitting at her desk once again, going through the written report of the crime on her computer was Royal Investigator Alysia Ara Silverlight, the head detective on the case. She obtained more Intel on the Neo-Steel Talon from her Father and her Aunt. Alysia is no closer to linking the theft of the Alicorn Pearl to the Neo-Steel Talon group. She feels she would be much further along in the investigation if her other Aunt, Grand Princess Aurora would allow her to view the file NSTG-S-41 that she placed an Alpha Princess Priority Security Level on. But still, her Aunt Aurora still refuses to allow her to see the files. Her last hope is that her friend Black can recover important data from the Griffon’s broken MCV that she got from Military intelligence. Suddenly an out of breath Black burst through Alysia’s office door startling her. “I-I-I got the last texted message from the griffon’s broke MCV It names a new suspect in the theft of the Alicorn Pearl. I sent a picture of the suspect to Lilly to see if he appears in the Bank’s surveillance video heading towards the security office at the time of the insertion of the virus into bank security system.” Black explains as he hands the recovered text message to Alysia. Lord D has put the Neo-Steel Talon on the trail of an earth pony stallion so deep in debt to him Because of his gambling habit that he will do anything to pay it off before his girlfriend finds out. This Stallion is, Bank Manager Franco Credit. He works for the Canterlot Central Bank. To sweeten the deal, Lord D learned that Princess Celestia Silverlight is planning to store her Alicorn Pearl in the vault of the Canterlot Central Bank till a more secured display case is build at the Royal Canterlot Museum. SF. Before Alysia can say another word, the vid-phone on her MCV rings, she answers it. A moment later, the holographic head of Lilly springs to life in front of her with a huge Cheshire cat smile on her snout. “It was him he injected the virus into the bank security system after I, ID him on the Bank’s surveillance video. I called the bank president and asked if he could check the card storage system. All the employees of the bank must swipe their cards through the card reader to enter any room in the bank on the day of insertion of the virus, he swiped his card through the security office’s card reader and entered.” Lilly explains catching her breath before continuing. “The bank security guard called in sick that day and left the security office unattended they were waiting for another bank security guard to arrive. As a matter of policy in the bank, no employees may enter the security office unescorted for any reason.” Lilly explains as Alysia went to work to arrest the Bank Manager Franco Credit for the theft of the Alicorn Pearl. It’s 1600 hrs that same day, Bank Robbery Investigation, serving a felony arrest warrant, Townhouse of Franco Credit and Adelle Glory, Luminosity Ward, City of Canterlot and Capital city of Equestria. Two blocks away from the townhouse of Franco Credit and Adelle Glory in the Luminosity ward, the Canterlot Military Police Fugitive Recover team finalizes their plan to serve the felony arrest warrant on Bank Manager Franco Credit in connection with the theft of the Alicorn Pearl from Canterlot Central Bank. Leaning against the hood of her hover car was Royal Investigator Alysia Silverlight. She was attired in CMP navy blue standard combat body armor. A moment later, the CMP fugitive recover team captain gestured to his team to load up and move out. The CMP armored vans speed down the two blocks from its staging point and skid to a stop in front of the address on the arrest warrant. The team hit the ground running, lead by a muscular earth pony stallion carrying a steel battering ram wearing CMP heavy combat body armor with a PMP 5 strapped on his back. “CMPD warrant! Open up or we’re breaking down the door!” The stallion called as he got no answer; he slams the battering ram against the door, breaking it. A second CMP officer tosses in flash-bang grenade. It was followed by a bright flash and a loud pop as the team enters the residence to secure it. For the next few hours there are a series of loud pops and flashes throughout the home as the team clears each room one by one. “Your highness, target location secured. No sign of the suspect, It looks like he and his girlfriend cleared out months ago.” The fugitive recovery team captain reports over the radio as he hears a deep aggravated growl from Royal Investigator Alysia Silverlight. “Understood Captain. Have your team secure the scene. I’ll send a CSI unit to the location and see if they can recover anything from the suspects residence.” Alysia explains over the radio. “Roger, your highness, What about you?” The captain inquires over the radio. “I am ok, Captain. But I have something to finish.” Alysia comments over the radio. Sometime later that same day, Canterlot Grand Royal Palace, empty Throne room end of Aurora’s court sessions, Royal Ward, City of Canterlot and Capital City of Equestria. “Because of you, Auntie!, Not letting me look into that NSTG-S-41 file my prime suspect Bank Manager Franco Credit and his girlfriend Adelle Glory escaped from Canterlot with the stolen Alicorn Pearl and went into the wind.” Alysia said venomously as her Aunt Aurora listens to her niece unfazed with her anger toward her. “Those names didn’t appear in the mentioned file, Alysia. It would not have helped you in your investigation of the stolen Alicorn Pearl. So there’s no reason for you to look into it.” Aurora explains calmly as she’s rummaging through a treasure box behind a wall in the throne room. “How would I know for sure if I was not allowed to look into the file, Auntie?” Alysia said bluntly as Aurora picks up a small blue cloth bag from the treasure box and brings it out, before setting it on a table between her and Alysia. “This gift should allow you to close the case on the stolen Alicorn Pearl, Alysia. Please open it.” Aurora said diplomatically as she gestured Alysia to open the bag on the table. Alysia unties the knot on top of the bag and blinks her eyes several times upon seeing the stolen Alicorn Pearl sitting inside the bag. “But how?” Alysia said shocked as her aunt walks over to a small display case with a crown in it that belong to her father Prince Justice Silverlight and rests her hand on the case. “I believe in the rule of law, your grandfather taught me that, but at the same time, sometimes you must reach beyond the rule of law to obtain a goal. That doesn’t mean I will willingly betray a member of my family it goes against everything I believe in.” Aurora said mysteriously as she walks out of the throne room leaving her niece dumbfound with her aunt’s words