> Twilight's Reign
>  by James Pwyll
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> The Reign Begins
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"So...here we are," Spike mused.

Twilight smiled to him. "Yeah...here we are." The two had spoken with the same kind of quiet calm one normally did after having been through an ordeal, and the coronation was certainly a memorable time. Yet, after all that, here she was. Twilight Sparkle, now the sole ruler of Equestria. It had been a long road, but that journey had turned her into a mare who was more than worthy of leading her people to a new era. And of course, who could forget her most trusted companion. Spike, now the royal advisor, sitting beside her on his very own throne, though admittedly not as large or ornate as hers. Twilight glanced around, seeing all the royal guards lining the walls of her throne room, but never once looked in her direction. Besides them and Spike, the room was empty, and she sighed. "Guess this is how it starts then."

Spike looked to her, concerned. "You worried?"

Twilight smiled back to him, patting him on the shoulder. "Don't worry, I'm ready. I just..." She looked ahead, to the vast chamber she and Spike now sat in. "...I just wish they'd have been here too."

"Ask, and ye shall receive!" a familiarly-fancy voice called out.

Twilight's ears perked up, and she turned with a wide smile upon her face. Her hearing had not deceived her, for it truly was her friends who now approached, having entered the throne room from one of the side doors just behind where she sat. "You made it!" she said happily.

Cackling, Rainbow zipped ahead of the others, landing right in front of Twilight and giving her a quick hug. "Hehe, you didn't really think we'd miss today of all days, did you?"

"Yeah! We might not be here for every day, but we'll definitely be here for your first," Pinkie added.

"After all, it's scary enough to rule without having all your friends with you," Fluttershy said to her with a smile.

"Besides, we simply have to make sure you look spit and spot for your first day," Rarity announced, walking behind Twilight and making a few quick adjustment to her regal-looking outfit.

Applejack, rolling her eyes to her fashion-loving friend, trotted right in front of Twilight and shook her hoof. "If this is the first day yer rulin', best ta let Equestria know yer doin it with friends."

Twilight smiled to each and every one of them, and after Rarity had finished her work and was joining everypony else, the newly-crowned Twilight exhaled deeply, as if a great weight had been lifted from her. "Thank you. All of you. I didn't know if I was going to be able to do this without you." A quick cough from Spike caused her to giggle as she looked to him. "Of course I'd have still been fine with you here, Spike."

The young dragon gave a firm nod to that, but it was Rainbow who spoke next. "So...how does this work? I'm not really seeing anypony here for you to, you know, rule over."

Then, as if to answer that very conundrum, the great doors of the throne room opened, causing everypony to look in its direction. They could see another of the Guard enter, walking right up to the throne. And when Twilight saw who it was, her eyes widened. The pegasus stallion couldn't have been much older than her, and be bore a distinct yellowy-orange coat of fur. When he reached the foot of the stairs leading to the throne, he bowed deeply to her before speaking in a very formal tone. "Your Majesty. Flash Sentry, reporting for duty."

After a quick moment of hesitation, where Twilight knew full well her friends were smirking at her behind her back, she cleared her throat. "Arise, Sir Flash. I don't recall sending for you."

Flash stood tall once more, nodding to her. "You did not. But the ruler of Equestria requires an announcer to declare the arrival of important visitors, and I was selected for that position for you."

Twilight arched an eyebrow. "You were? By who?"

Flash smiled. "Your royal sister-in-law, Princess Cadance made the recommendation. I'm not entirely sure why, but she seemed very insistent that I be the one in the position."

Twilight's right eye twitched slightly, and she could hear her friends doing their absolute best to hold back the knowing giggles from this unexpected development. But with so much experience of royalty and leadership behind her, Twilight simply resorted to the breathing trick Cadance had taught her so long ago, then smiled to the young guard, speaking softly. "Of course she did. Well, I'll be sure to give my sister-in-law a very special 'thank you' when I next see her."

Flash, totally oblivious to the undertones there, smiled back to her, giving another bow before taking a few steps backwards. "In that case, your Highness, I shall bring in the nobility."

Here, Twilight stumbled. "Um...nobility?"

Flash halted, looking back to her and nodding again. "Yes. It is an ancient tradition Princess Celestia has undertaken throughout most of her reign. The heads of all the noble pony families within Canterlot will arrive and declare their vows of allegiance towards you."

The gathered mares and Spike all looked to one another with understandable confusion, and even Rarity was a bit nonplussed about that. "Begging your pardon, Sir Flash, but I don't recall the Princess ever speaking of such an event."

Flash bowed to her, showing just as much respect for Twilight's fellows as for Twilight herself. "I believe the official word is that she would not have considered the event really worth bringing up in casual conversation."

Rainbow smirked to him. "So she thought it was too boring to talk about?"

Flash paused, but only for a moment. "I would not dare speculate on the reasons behind the Princess' decision." He looked to Rainbow giving a knowing nod to Applejack, then looked again to Twilight. "It is really little more than a formality. Long are the centuries since the days when noble families would serve the Princess as they did in ancient times. In truth the vows now simply act as the ceremony to open the new year of the Princess' reign."

Pinkie giggled to such a notion. "Ha! You silly stallion! It's December! Kinda late to be calling this the start, don't you think?" She paused, then tapped her chin. "Or early, I guess."

Flash nodded. "True, but Princess Celestia decided to would be a good first duty for Princess Twilight. I believe it was her final command to us here in the Guard prior to her and her sister's retirement."

Twilight, hearing all that, smiled. "Perhaps it will be good then. I'll be spending a good deal of time among these ponies in the future, I'm sure. So it'll be good to get introductions out of the way." She cleared her throat again, speaking in the same kind of formal tone she'd heard her beloved mentor speak in for so many years. "In that case, Sir Flash, you may allow them entry."

The stallion again bowed to her, then finally turned around in earnest, making his way back to the doors. Opening them again, he exited the throne room, closing them behind him. And only now did her friends finally let loose their laughter. "Oh wow, you rule Equestria and your old crush is here every day? This'll be fun, eh?" Rainbow chuckled.

Twilight rolled her eyes. "Yes, yes, let's get this over with." She listened to her friends laugh in their own unique ways for about a solid minute, and then, when it was all over, looked to each of them with a totally deadpan expression. "...Done?" When they nodded back to her, she nodded back. "Good. Let's get down to business then." She and her friends stood in a line, with Twilight at the centre of course, and watched as the large doors once more opened wide. This time, with Flash at the head, a group of noble ponies entered, looking as aristocratic as one could imagine a collection like this being. Some faces Twilight recognised, like Fancy Pants, whom she smiled to. But others were less familiar. Still, she told herself, these would be the ones she'd be working with here in the city, so she knew this meeting was necessary. 

Once having arrived before her, the nobles bowed, with Flash joining in before doing his job. "Announcing the arrival of the heads of all the great noble families of Canterlot, here to swear their allegiance to Princess Twilight Sparkle, ruler of Equestria and all of ponykind!"

Pinkie leaned in towards Fluttershy, whispering to her. "Hm, he's pretty good at that."

Twilight smirked to her bouncy friend, then took a step forward, looking to all the assembled nobles, who rose from their bows to look at her. Taking a deep breath, Twilight, at long last, began her first duty as her nation's leader. "Welcome to the palace. Know that you are welcome here, as allies and as friends." Her smile widened slightly. "Let us begin."
> Wonderbolts Rising
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"Announcing the arrival of Spitfire, leader of the Blazing Squadron and Captain of the Wonderbolts!"

Flash stepped aside, allowing entry for the famed pegasus mare. Twilight and Spike smiled as she drew nearer, accompanied by two of her fellow Wonderbolts. When she was close enough, she bowed, and Twilight did the same. Only when she rose up again did Spitfire finally speak. "Thank you for the invitation, your Majesty."

Twilight giggled. "Your courtesy is appreciated, but you needn't speak to me like that, Spitfire. We've known each other long enough now."

The other mare chuckled, nodding to herself. "Yeah, you're right. Honestly, if you'd have told me back then that the bookish friend of one Young Flier winner I met once would be somepony I'd be bowing to one day, I'd have said you'd been downing one cider too many."

The pair of them laughed together, followed shortly afterwards by their respective companions. But after the laughter died down, Twilight mused on Spitfire's words, and glanced to her accompanying Wonderbolts. She recognised them immediately as Vapor Trail and Sky Stinger, whom she gave a smile and a nod to. But her smile faded, if only a little, as she again regarded Spitfire. "So...is anypony else coming with you today, Spitfire?"

As Twilight herself had said, the two had known each other a fair while now, so it took no time whatsoever for Spitfire to know what she was talking about. "Sorry, Twilight. But it was Rainbow's turn to head the classroom session for some of our latest recruits today."

Though naturally disappointed that her friend wasn't going to be here, Twilight nevertheless found some amusement in the answer she'd been given. "Oh dear, she won't like that."

Spitfire chuckled again. "Nopony does." Sighing, the Captain stepped forward. "But I imagine you didn't call me here just for a bit of casual conversation?"

Twilight nodded, gesturing to Spike, who began to write the details of the meeting as the former spoke up again. "What would you say if I were to tell you that I had plans to not only expand the importance of the Wonderbolts, but also their reach as well?"

Spitfire tilted her head slightly, raising one eyebrow. "I'd say you have my undivided attention."

Twilight turned, looking to several of the stained-glass windows that decorated the throne room. "As you've no doubt heard, there have been many incidents that have blighted ponykind over the years, and while those like my friends have done all they can to thwart those problems, we haven't always been there for everypony." She again looked to Spitfire. "Have you ever heard of the Hope Hollow debacle? Or the matter of the village whose cutie marks were stolen?"

Spitfire thought on that, then nodded slowly. "Yes, I've heard of them. But you and your friends managed to fix everything in those cases, right?"

Twilight nodded back. "We were, but in each case, they were problems that were going on for a long time without ever being noticed by me, my friends, or anypony else in the wider realm of Equestria." As before, Twilight looked to the windows, and specifically to the one that depicted the conflict between Celestia, Luna and Discord. "Princess Celestia loved other ponies. All ponies. And there is no doubt in my mind that she would have wanted to help all those who were in trouble." She took a deep breath, then exhaled. "But while it pains me to admit to this, it's now obvious that, though she clearly tried to keep watch over all of Equestria, there were some places that escaped her gaze, and who suffered because of it."

Here, Spike interjected, addressing Spitfire directly himself. "Places like Hope Hollow were going through bad times for who knows how long, and nopony else knew about it. And if the Cutie Map hadn't told Twilight about the village with the cutie mark problem, it'd probably just have stayed bad even now."

Spitfire, finally, understood her reason for being here. "I see. You want the Wonderbolts to go out and keep an eye out for problems like this?"

Looking back to her, Twilight nodded. "I do. Equestria is big, and that vastness is too great for even an alicorn Princess to properly look over at all times. I require eyes and ears out there, beyond the furthest point of Canterlot's knowledge." She smiled. "For centuries, the Wonderbolts have served as ponykind's greatest and most renowned fliers, and now I call upon you to serve ponykind and watch out for any problems that might have otherwise gone unnoticed."

Spike nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! And if some big bad like the Storm King ever pops up to cause trouble again, this way we'll have some kind of early warning against it before they get too close! I mean, heck, that guy's forces just showed up without anypony knowing until it was too late!"

There was no denying that much, and Spitfire was clearly deep in thought over the proposal, which ended with her giving a firm nod to her new ruler. "Princess, the Wonderbolts stand ready to serve Equestria. If this is a role you wish us to have, we'll serve as best we can."

Twilight, hearing the genuine acceptance in her voice, bowed her head slightly. "Thank you, Captain. I cannot say enough how much I appreciate this."

But then Spitfire hesitated, nervously scratching the back of her head. "Except...there is one problem."

Twilight's smile too faltered, though she kept her composure. "Oh?"

Spitfire sighed deeply, taking another step closer to her. "It's the numbers. Sure, the Wonderbolts may have more applicants now than ever before, but even if we were to accept and graduate every single one of them into our ranks, that wouldn't even give us half of the number of pegasi we'd need to cover the kind of ground you're talking about. And even among our top fliers, there's only a hoof-full of them that I'd feel confident sending out that far. To do what you're asking of us...well...we'd be stretched pretty thin."

Twilight considered that, and the way she now smiled to Spike, and how he smiled back, made it pretty clear that the two of them had already considered this particular issue. And so, when Equestria's ruler turned back to face her guest, she spoke with utter confidence. "There's no need to worry. I don't expect for you to instantly have all that you need for this task just because I've decreed it. But there is one solution that might help."

Curiosity came to Spitfire. "Oh yeah?"

Twilight nodded. "Yes. I believe the time has come for the Wonderbolts to accept those other than pegasi into their ranks."

Immediately, Spitfire's eyes widened. Not because she was upset by the notion, but simply due to surprise. "You mean...incorporate some of the other flight-capable races? The Griffons? Dragons? That kind of thing?"

Again, Twilight nodded. "Indeed. After all, Griffons, just as one example, have been included in Cloudsdale flight schools for some years now, correct? Rainbow Dash went to school with a Griffon named Gilda as you may recall. Is it really that big of a stretch to ask them to go from that to Wonderbolts? Or for others to join as well?"

Spitfire tapped her chin. "Hmmm...it might be a hard sell with some of the older members of the group...but I think it'll certainly help with our number problem."

Twilight giggled. "I have every faith in your ability to smooth out the kinks in the plan, Spitfire. One does not become a Wonderbolt Captain without ability and charisma after all."

Spitfire smirked to that. "Hehe, dang right, Princess!"

Spike too smiled. "And hey, you might already have a recruit lined up! Ever heard of Silverstream?"

Spitfire's eyebrow raised again. "The Hippogriff Princess?"

Spike nodded to her. "Yep! She talked about maybe wanting to join the Wonderbolts one day. So hey, maybe give her a shot?"

Spitfire thought on that, then smiled again. "A Princess Wonderbolt, eh? Huh, not a bad idea."

Twilight looked down to Spike, smiling to him and feeling confident that this was going well. Then, she cleared her throat, getting everypony else's attention, before addressing them all. "Well then, let's start sending word to the other kingdoms of this development. Would you care to join me in drafting out the messages, Captain?"

After a brief pause, Spitfire gave her a deep bow. "Princess Twilight, it would be my pleasure."
> Teacher to Teacher
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"Twilight, do we really have to have this guy over today?" Spike asked, clearly uncomfortable.

Twilight nodded back to him. "I realise we had our issues in the past, but I promise you, he's better than he used to be."

Spike rolled his eyes to that. "Kind of a low bar, Twilight."

The young Princess sighed, reaching over and patting him on the shoulder. "Don't worry. Everything will be fine. Besides, he has an important place in this nation, and we'll need to work with him if we're to make all our plans happen."

Spike scoffed. "If he'll even listen."

Before Twilight had the chance to respond to that, she was interrupted by the opening of the door of the throne room, with Flash Sentry entering soon afterwards. Clearing his throat, the stallion did his usual thing. "Announcing the arrival of Neighsay, Chancellor of the Equestrian Education Association."

Twilight and Spike stood from their thrones, looking on as the stallion who once gave them so much trouble entered, giving Flash a quick nod before focusing on making his way to the throne. He kept his usual dignified composure, even though Spike was clearly struggling to look anything other than uncomfortable around the guy. Eventually, he reached the throne stairs, giving a bow to his leader. "Princess. A pleasure, as always."

The tone was genuine, and as such Twilight returned the bow. "Chancellor. I trust the day finds you well?"

Standing, Neighsay nodded. "I'd say so. I was surprised to hear your summons, though. I imagine you wish to speak with me on a matter regarding Equestria's schools?"

Twilight nodded back. "Straight to the point, I see. Yes, that is indeed why I've called you here. But before I talk to you about education in this country as a whole, I felt like I should inform you of my choice for successor over at the School of Friendship first."

Neighsay arched an eyebrow. "Yes, I was wondering who would be taking up your mantle in your absence. One of your friends, perhaps?"

A smile came to Twilight. "You are correct. Starlight Glimmer, my former apprentice, now serves as the school's Headmare." There was a pause, and Neighsay appeared to be thinking that matter as he gave his beard a quick stroke. After a while though, Twilight looked to him with more seriousness. "I trust you do not disapprove of my choice?"

Neighsay considered his words carefully before answering. "Forgive me Princess. I realise that I don't exactly have the best history when it comes to being a judge of character."

Spike stifled a chuckle. "Understatement of the century," he mumbled.

Neighsay cast him a look, then looked back to Twilight. "With the greatest respect, Princess, I know you place great trust and faith in your close personal circle of friends, and that your old protégé is no exception. However, I would like to remind you of her, shall we say...chequered past? Are you certain that placing her in charge of young students is a wise move?"

Fortunately for Neighsay, Twilight didn't look anywhere close to offended as he might have suspected. On the contrary, she actually smiled to his words. "I realise she's had many dark moments in her life, but I've known her ever since those days, and I can assure you she's more than up to the task. Even if we don't take into account all she's done for Equestria in recent years, she's had a long time of getting to know the students and look out for them in her time as the school's counsellor." Her smile widened. "Believe me, Chancellor, there is none better suited to taking my place there."

Neighsay thought on that, then gave a quick bow of his head, silently accepting her decision. "Very well, Princess. As you say. Now..." He looked her right in the eye. "What other matters did you wish to discuss with me?"

Twilight looked over to Spike, who handed her a parchment, before clearing her throat and speaking up again. "While I realise that you have overall authority with regards to EEA matters, it is also within the purview of the ruler of Equestria to pass out the laws that the EEA must adhere to. As such..."

"You wish for us to include those other than ponies within Equestrian schools?" Neighsay said, cutting her off.

Though naturally a little irritated at having been interrupted, with Spike especially glaring at the stallion, Twilight was, in this moment, far more surprised than offended, looking to the Chancellor with confusion. "You...you already knew?"

Neighsay smirked, giving a quick nod. "Word gets around quickly, your Highness. After it became known that you wish for the Wonderbolts to be more open with their recruitment, it became clear to me that you'd likely wish for such policies to be included in institutions such as our schools. Especially given your choice of students for your School of Friendship."

Spike, having heard all that, matched his smirk. "Hehe, I'll bet that caused you a bit of stress, eh?"

But the stallion shook his head. "While there was indeed a time it would have had that exact effect, I think you'll find my old...shortcomings...are not what they used to be. If it is the will of the Princess of Equestria that Equestria's schools open to those beyond our borders, the EEA will comply."

Spike, after taking in all that, turned away with a huff. "Ugh! I was hoping for a meltdown from him or something!"

Twilight giggled to her advisor's remarks, then looked to her guest again. "I'm glad to hear it, Chancellor. Having seen just how much good there can be from having those beyond Equestria take part in just one of its schools, there is no doubt in my mind that we can start something wonderful here by including them in others." Then, she started to look a bit more thoughtful, then gestured to Spike, who began writing her words as she resumed speaking. "And I would also like you to know that I intend for my predecessor's own institution to be opened to others as well."

Here, Neighsay actually looked taken aback. "You mean...Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns?" When he saw her give a nod to confirm that was indeed what she'd meant, Neighsay sighed. "Princess, pardon me for saying this, but those schools are intended to teach magic. I mean, not to sound crass, but it's in the very name of the place. What possible use could pegasi or earth ponies get from attending that school?"

Twilight glanced to the side, to the nearest window. "I've known many amazing people over my time in Ponyville, Chancellor. And I've become very aware of just how much value there is in having somecreature know of magic without the ability to use it themselves. Sunburst, for instance, knew of the exact spell we needed to aid in the restoration of the Crystal Heart, even though he himself was unable to cast such a spell. And my friend Zecora was a great help in my own personal growth in magic, even though, as a Zebra, there was never a chance magic could be known to her." She looked back to him with a smile. "Those we allow into the school may not ever cast a spell of their own, but never underestimate just how much good can be done when the knowledge of magic is theirs all the same."

Neighsay thought long and hard on that, then gave a slow nod. "Very well. We'll need to think of a new name for the school of course, but if that's your decree for it, I will honor it."

Twilight nodded. "Excellent. And there is one more matter, Chancellor. I wished to discuss with you the possibility of perhaps expanding the idea of the School of Friendship to other places within Equestria."

Another raised eyebrow from Neighsay. "Oh? You feel the one you've already created is not enough?"

Twilight pointed to him. "You may remember this yourself, but the incident with Flim and Flam made it clear to me that there is interest in places beyond Ponyville for a place like that. The first School of Friendship will always stand, I assure you, but its lessons may be spread even further afield if there is more than one, and in more places."

The older pony looked to her, then to Spike, before again regarding his Princess. "Yes...and given that I was personally willing to approve of a so-called 'University' like that, I suppose it would be unreasonable for me to object for such plans now."

Spike folded his arms, looking to him smugly. "Yyyyyyyyyep!"

Neighsay frowned to him, then relaxed a little as he looked again to Twilight. "This is a great deal of change, Princess. It will require herculean quantities of paperwork on our part."

To that, Twilight smiled. "Don't worry, Chancellor. I think I might be able to help on that front."

Spike chortled. "Trust me, she can."
> Royal Visit
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Will that be all, Miss Inkwell?" Twilight asked.

The white mare beside her gave a respectful bow. "Yes, Princess. The last of the papers."

Twilight nodded, smiling to her. "Thank you. You may go now. I don't wish to keep you." After seeing her bow a second time, Twilight watched as her aide, who had once served her mentor for so many years, departed, leaving her to her solitude. Twilight sighed as she glanced down to the few papers on her table, but for now she simply levitated a small cup of tea to her lips, taking a small sip before sighing. "Ah...lovely." She turned, looking out from her spot on the balcony and looking to the bright and sunny day that had graced the city. Things were calm, peaceful, and relaxing, or at least as much as they could be when you were the head of state. Twilight kept her smile for a time, enjoying the moment of quiet that she knew would come rarely to her these days. Thoughts of her first days in this new role came and went in her mind, yet never once did she look in any way stressed or overwhelmed by it all, evidenced further by her relaxed tone when she finally broke the silence. "I hope I'm doing alright."

"From what I hear, you're doing wonderfully."

Twilight's smile widened, for without even looking she knew who it was that now arrived to see her. And when she turned, she saw the equally-smiling face of her beloved sister-in-law now entering the balcony to greet her. Setting her cup aside, Twilight walked over, just in time to see her old foalsitter give a bow of her own. Twilight, rather than be taken aback by this, merely rolled her eyes. "Cadance...please."

A giggle from the Princess of Love. "Oh, don't mind me. I just had to get in one." The two shared a laugh, ending when they moved in closer for an embrace. It was a good moment for the two, and Twilight in particular felt a good deal happier by simply having her here. When they at last parted, Equestria's newest ruler gestured to the table, which already had a second seat prepared. Moving to it, Cadance took her place, and after waiting for Twilight to resume hers she looked to her with interest. "So...how fares the nation?"

Twilight looked out to the rest of Canterlot. "Things have been going well so far. Honestly, I'm surprised things have been going as smoothly as they have been. For as long as anypony can remember, it's always been Celestia in this place. Now...she's gone, and I'm here I her stead."

Cadance nodded. "Well, it's not too difficult a problem, Twilight. You're a national heroine, and several times over for that matter. Much easier to accept a new ruler when that ruler is somepony who routinely put herself out there to save others. I don't think there's a mare or stallion in this entire country that would have ever objected to you taking Celestia's position at this point."

Twilight nodded slowly, thinking on that. "And that might be the most daunting thing of all. Everypony, and not just Celestia, had such high expectations of me."

Cadance reached over, patting her on the hoof and gaining her attention. "If it's any consolation, I know the feeling."

Twilight's smile returned. "That's right. You were fairly young when you first became a Princess."

Nostalgia came to Cadance. "Hard to think so much time has passed since then. For the most part I like to think I've done well in my role." Her smile turned into a slight smirk. "And I don't hesitate to say that I think you'll be even better than any of us have been."

Twilight blushed. "Oh, you're just saying that!"

Cadance shook her head. "No, I mean it. Celestia, Luna and I may have had our fair share of successes over the years, but the impact you've had on Equestria will forever dwarf ours. And believe me..." Her expression softened. "Nothing could make me prouder. To know the little filly I cared for all those years ago would go on to do so much...well...it's wonderful."

The two smiled warmly to one another, enjoying this tender moment. But then, when it had passed, Twilight cast a glance to the door her fellow Princess had arrived through. "I take it I won't be seeing my brother or niece today?"

Cadance giggled. "Alas, no. Shiny's busy up north. There's work to be done with some new recruits, and he wanted to tend to it personally. Besides, he wanted a bit of time with Flurry while I was down here."

Twilight looked to the side, gazing out in the northern direction of where they sat. "We talk of how far I've come, but one day that little filly will be a force in her own right. Equestria may look to her the same way it looks to me. Or at least in the Crystal Empire anyway."

Cadance nodded, thinking fondly on her daughter. "It'll be a big responsibility, being born into a future role of leadership. I'll do what I can for her, but only time will tell how she'll cope with it."

Twilight got her smile back as she looked to her. "With you guiding her? Yeah, she'll do well." Then, after a long silence between them, Twilight started to look slightly more serious. "Cadance...I want to tell you something. Something that I'm not sure if Celestia ever said to you. But if she didn't, then I should say it now."

Cadance started to feel concerned at this sudden change in tone from her friend. "Twilight? Are you okay?"

Twilight reached forward, taking Cadance's hoof into her own. "Nopony has said it, not to you and not to me, but I think we both know that, among the crystal ponies, there's always been a sense of feeling like...like they weren't a part of Equestria. A nation, lost for a thousand years, now here again and joined together in a way they never were before. No words are said about it, but when an Equestrian walks through their city, you can sometimes feel it in the way they'd look to you."

Cadance said nothing for a time, but she knew the truth of her sister-in-law's words, and slowly nodded. "It's been a difficult adjustment for several of them. I've done what I can to ease relations, but...you're not wrong." She traced her hoof along the edge of her tea cup. "Sombra broke that Empire, Twilight. Equestria came along and helped it back on its hooves, but it'll never be what it once was. If one of the crystal ponies came to me and just flat-out told me that they felt their nation was some 'junior partner', I wouldn't be surprised."

Twilight knew already what she was going to say to that. "I'd understand the feeling. For a long time, that's what I felt when I was with you and the other Princesses. Just the youngest member of a better group. But over time, I knew that wasn't the case." She smiled again. "Equestria and the Crystal Empire aren't a master and their vassal, Cadance, just as me and you aren't. We're partners. Equals. Two branches of the same family. Equestrian and Crystal Pony. Friends and allies, now and forever." She looked to her softly. " And I consider them to be no less than any Equestrian you see walking down the streets of Canterlot or Ponyville."

Cadance raised an eyebrow, looking just the tiniest bit mischievous. "Well, you cant deny that, of the two of us, you're sort of responsible for a heck of a lot more than I am."

Twilight shook her head. "Be that as it may, you, just like the crystal ponies, are in no way some 'lesser version'. We rule ponykind together, you and I. We're more than just allies, we're friends. Family." As before, Twilight patted her hoof. "And I consider you my sister, Cadance. Not just an in-law, but a sister."

Cadance sat there, clearly touched by her words, and soon returned the sentiment. "I think the ponies I reign over would be done a world of good to hear you say that as you've said it to me."

Twilight chuckled briefly. "Well, maybe it's best if Equestria's newest ruler made her way north for a brief time. Can't very well make them feel like they're equal friends in this relationship if I don't tell them in person."

Then, as if on cue, who should suddenly turn up but Twilight's announcer, Flash, who gave a deep bow to the two Princesses. "Pardon my intrusion, Princess. But Fancy Pants has arrived to discuss some matters with you."

Seeing him, Cadance smirked. "Oh, what a fine guard to have by your side at all times, eh Twilight?" She watched the younger Princess scowl at her before again looking to the stallion. "I imagine you must be quite the popular fellow, Sir Flash, being such a fine member of the Princess' personal protectors."

Flash smiled, looking to the side. "Oh, it's really only my wife who likes to talk about that."

Hearing that, Cadance's expression froze. "...What?"

Flash, oblivious to her, kept speaking. "Oh yeah, the most wonderful mare in the world. Uh, if you'll pardon me saying so."

Twilight, who was understandably very amused by this, now had a smirk of her own. "Consider yourself pardoned. I'm sure we'd both love to hear of this wife of yours, right Cadance?" she asked with an obviously-forced grin.

Cadance, now realising her secret plots regarding these two were definitively ruined forever, sighed. "Drat...foiled again."
> Dangerous Treasures
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Got everything, Spike?" Twilight asked.

Her faithful assistant nodded confidently. "Yep! But I just want to make sure. This visit is all business, right? You're not just inviting her because you're a huge fan?"

Twilight seemed offended at the prospect. "How could you say that, Spike?! I intend to keep the uttermost professionalism in these meetings!" Seeing Spike slowly arch an eyebrow to her, beads of sweat started rolling down Twilight's forehead, culminating in her starting to look a little sheepish all of a sudden. "Well...maybe there was a little bit of me wanting to see her again."

Spike chuckled. "There we go. Oh! They're here!"

Twilight looked on as she saw her advisor had the right of it, for Flash once more assumed his duties after having entered the throne room. "Announcing the arrival of the esteemed A. K. Yearling and her associate, Groom Martingale!" He stepped to the side, allowing two older ponies entry.

Twilight, seeing them enter, smiled widely, with Spike naturally rolling his eyes to it all. But nopony said anything for now, instead waiting until the two were at last at the base of the throne stairs, giving a quick bow to their newly-appointed leader. "Princess Twilight. An honor," Yearling declared.

Twilight nodded to her, and also to "Martingale". Then, after a few moments of silence, the young monarch glanced around, looking to all of her guards. "I would like for some privacy with my guests, if it's alright." Though clearly an unexpected request, the guards, after giving a quick glance to her, gave a simultaneous bow in acceptance of her command. One by one they made their way out of the throne room, with Flash being the last as he closed the door. Now alone with her guests and her friend, Twilight stretched out her wings and gently glided down to greet the former, with Spike close behind her. "I figured you wouldn't want to talk openly with an audience."

Yearling chuckled, taking off both her hat and glasses. "No need for apologies, Twilight. I'm grateful for it."

"As am I!" the stallion beside her added. The others looked on as Martingale ripped off his clearly-fake beard, revealing himself as none other than Dr Caballeron, who now scratched his chin vigorously. "I swear, if I had to have that thing on my face one more moment, I was going to go insane!"

Twilight giggled. "Now, I'm sure you're wondering why I called you both here today."

Daring nodded. "Just a little. I've had a few interesting encounters in my life, but a royal invitation is definitely a new one."

Caballeron smirked. "And it is nice to know one as remarkable as myself is finally being recognised as a worthy guest of this fine establishment." After seeing the unamused looks he was getting, he cleared his throat a little. "Um...so...how can we help, your Highness?"

Twilight gave Spike a nod, and he rummaged around his pile of papers, which he'd been carrying with him this whole time, before again addressing her guests. "You two, despite your differences, are undoubtedly the greatest treasure hunters in Equestria."

Caballeron's chest puffed out, and Daring rolled her eyes to his as-yet unspoken bravado, before looking again to Twilight. "Thanks for saying so, but I'm not sure what use that skill can be to the Princess' needs."

Twilight smiled. "Trust me, there is great value in that skill." She began to walk past them, along the wall where all the stained-glass windows were, and they followed behind her as she spoke. "During the years leading up to my coronation, my friends and I came upon many strange and often dangerous artefacts, many of which were used against us or ponykind in general. The alicorn amulet. The staff of Sacanas. These and more have been a serious issue for Equestria, as I'm sure you both well know."

Daring grimaced at the thought of those incidents. "I've heard. I never saw them at work myself, but from all those I've talked to about them, I'm sure they were pretty nasty to go against."

Twilight frowned. "Believe me, they were." She took a deep breath, stopping in her tracks before turning to face them again. "As the foremost trackers of rare and precious artefacts, I decided it was best to call upon the two of you for what I have planned here."

Caballeron looked to her warily. "And what do you have planned, Princess?"

Twilight looked back to him, seeming more serious than before. "I have no doubt that there are other dangerous magical items and weapons out there in the world. Some we may never have even heard of. Some which may even be here within Equestria's borders, unknown and unseen. Given all the damage such things have caused in the past, I've decided that we can no longer leave such things to chance."

She stepped forward, placing a hoof upon Daring's shoulder, smiling to her yet again. "I ask you both, and any who might be willing to work with you, to go out as far as you can, both to lands old and new to you, to find as many of these dangerous artefacts as you can, before the day should come when others might get them."

Daring nodded, finally understanding. "I get it. You want those things under lock and key, right?"

Twilight too nodded. "I do. I fully expect that, at some point in the future, some creature will stumble upon one or more of them. Some creature who might not have the best interests of others in mind. I would prefer it if those things were under our watch, before it's too late."

Daring considered that, glancing to her recently-acquired colleague, before smiling again to Twilight. "Very well. Consider it done."

Caballeron, by contrast, was not so excited at the prospect. "Eeeeeeeeh, pardon me for my impertinence, Princess. But you ask a great deal. To scour the length and breadth of the land for treasure is one thing. It was my profession after all. But to go after items of such danger? That is a risk on a whole other level." He smirked as he glanced to the side. "I don't really make it a point to put myself in dangerous situations like that if I can help it. So with all due respect, what reason have I to accept this charge you give me?"

Twilight raised an eyebrow to that, and Spike shook his head, clearly not happy with the stallion's reaction. But Twilight, thankfully, was not upset by his remark, and indeed started to look like this was something she'd expected. "You're right. It is a big ask. But perhaps you'd be more receptive if I were to, shall we say, sweeten the pot?"

Slowly, Caballeron cast her a look. "Caballeron is listening."

Looking down to Spike, Twilight nodded to him, and the latter pulled out one scroll in particular, leading to the Princess again addressing her less-than-helpful guest. "As I'm sure you're aware, Doctor, you and your associates have committed a number of criminal acts over the years. Not only here in Equestria but out among our neighbouring allies. If you were to accept this task I ask of you, and work for the future safety of Equestria, I will see fit to offer you and those who've worked with you a full pardon for your past actions."

Caballeron actually seemed amused by that notion. "A pardon? Forgive me, Princess, but that hardly seems like much of a rewards. Besides, how numerous could my past indiscretions have possibly been?" As if waiting for that very question, Twilight gave Spike a firm nod, which he returned, before finally unrolling the scroll he'd been holding. Both Daring and Caballeron watched as the thing fell to the ground, rolling out and stretching forth to a truly surprising degree, to the point where it was heading straight for the other side of the room. In fact, so long was that scroll that it actually hit the opposing wall before it managed to fully unfurl. Caballeron, seeing this enormous list before him, gulped, before slowly turning to look to his Princess. "Yes...well...perhaps my life had led me to one or two...misdemeanours." After seeing the incredulous looks he was getting, he finally sighed. "So...about that pardon..."

Twilight smiled. "Glad to hear you're on board. With the two of you working together, I'm sure there won't be a single dangerous magical relic in Equestria that will escape your notice."

Daring chuckled. "Oh yeah, I think I'm gonna really like you as our leader, Princess."
> Connections
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Do you ponies know how much my wings ache when I'm called down here for your littler get-togethers?! I swear I'm gonna be putting my back out coming this far from Griffonstone like this!"

The words weren't exactly what Twilight would have wanted to hear after the arrival of her guest, but she knew full well at this point that, when it came to Griffonstone authority figures, Grandpa Gruff was all they really had to offer. So, taking a deep breath, she composed herself as best she could, smiling to her elderly visitor. "Mr Gruff, I realise such journeys are difficult for you, but I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that..."

Alas, she didn't get to finish, as the doors of the throne room opened yet again, revealing not only Flash but Twilight's counterpart from the Dragon Lands, Princess Ember. Flash naturally began to announce her, only to be halted by Ember herself, who placed her claw on the stallion's lips before he could even get a word in. "No need, bud. Everypony already knows me here." She chuckled as Flash seemed taken aback by this, then flew over the rest of the room, landing right before Twilight's throne. "So, first visit by foreign leaders. Pretty exciting, eh Twilight?"

Twilight smiled, happy to see that Ember's attitude hadn't changed towards her since her coronation. Sadly, Grandpa Gruff was not so thrilled. "What?! You never told me I wasn't the only one coming here!"

Twilight sighed. "I realise this is a bit of a surprise, but I wanted the two of you here to discuss an important matter, and one that, hopefully, will please you especially, Mr Gruff."

The old Griffon snorted, incredulous to that claim, but Ember seemed more curious about it. "There's not some big magical problem on the horizon we need to know about, is there?"

Twilight shook her head. "Not at all. But with this new age of peace coming into its own, we all have to come to terms with the fact that, in the last few years, Equestria and all the nations that surround it have become much more intertwined than they used to." Nostalgia came to her. "It wasn't that long ago that groups like the Changelings or Hippogriffs were completely unknown to the general public of Equestria, and Griffons and Dragons were known primarily for being hostile." She blushed at that one. "Um, no offence."

Ember shrugged. "Meh, none taken. Even I'd have said that about us."

Twilight, glancing down to Spike, continued. "But now? Now, we all know one another. We're friends instead of enemies or bitter neighbours. The world is changed, and it's likely to keep on changing in the future."

Grandpa Gruff coughed unceremoniously to that idea. "Don't remind me! I remember the good old days when we Griffons never used to be worried about anycreature but ourselves! Now look at us! Always having to think about 'relations with other people' and all that hogwash!"

Twilight frowned, but took on a more mischievous look soon afterwards. "If you like, I can call Gallus in here to speak with you. I'm sure a fine young Griffon like him could give you a few courses on getting along with others."

Gruff grimaced. "No thanks! The boy's been unbearable enough about that stuff as it is! No need to ask him to talk about it too!"

Ember, who had been thoroughly amused by her feathery companion's bluster, soon turned again to Twilight. "Well, we all know the world's changed, Twilight, and you won't hear me complaining about it. But I'm guessing you have some plan about it?"

Twilight nodded, looking down to Spike again, who stood from his throne and, after sharing a smile with Ember, cleared his throat and spoke. "How would you two feel about a greater degree of transportation infrastructure between your lands?"

Gruff hacked and wheezed. "Speak plain ponish, boy! Some of us aren't used to fancy political jargon!"

Spike rolled his eyes. "I'm asking if you'd be willing to allow the construction of transport lines like trains in and between your countries?"

Gruff's one good eye bulged out at hearing that. "What?! You want us to let you build a bunch of flimsy pony trains in Griffon territory?!"

Spike nodded confidently. "Pretty much. Yeah. With all the different creatures around Equestria growing closer and closer, we decided it might be a good idea to actually help connect them more. Make it easier for people to get from one nation to the other."

Ember, for the first time today, seemed uncertain about that. "Don't know if you noticed this, Spike, but Dragons and Griffons can fly. We kinda don't need to use stuff like that."

Spike nodded again. "True. But the journeys can often be long. And as you can see from Gruff here, it can be kind of a drain." Seeing the oldest person here suddenly cough incessantly, Spike arched an eyebrow. "I can imagine a few Dragons would want the journey to be easier too."

Ember smirked to Gruff, then sighed. "Yeah, you got a point. I still remember how much my wings ached when I visited Ponyville that one time."

Twilight looked to her. "And then there's the matter of those without flight. The Yaks being the primary case there. One account by a Yak visitor said they travelled for about a week before even being within sight of Equestria one time."

Ember shuddered. "Ugh! A week of travelling in snow?! No thanks!"

Spike then pointed to both her and Grandpa Gruff. "Griffonstone and the Dragon Lands are pretty close to one another, so we got to thinking that, if this big plan was going to happen, it might be worth starting it out with the two of you. You know, try it out and see how it sticks?"

Ember tapped her chin. "It might work. But I don't think I need to remind you that the Dragon Lands aren't exactly the safest place to be even at the best of times. Pits, lava, that sort of thing? Kinda hard to make train tracks in an environment like that."

Grandpa Gruff stepped forward shortly afterwards. "And the passes around Griffonstone are darn-near deadly to those who don't know em! There's a reason our nearest trains stopped so far away!"

Twilight, stepping forward, smiled to them both. "I assure you, transport infrastructure and engineering has come a long way recently. With enough time and know-how, I'm confident we can create a viable means of getting this network running properly." Then, after just a pause, she smiled again. "And you know, if you're still worried about we ponies not doing a good job, perhaps we can see this as an opportunity for greater cooperation?" As she saw the looks of confusion she was getting from that statement, she began to explain herself. "You're right, we ponies don't know those lands very well. But your peoples do. If you allow this new era of connectivity to begin, your people, perhaps even you yourselves, might have an important part to play in it becoming a reality."

It took no time whatsoever for Ember to understand what she'd meant by that. "You mean you want us and ours to help clue you in on how to build all this without making a mess of it?"

Twilight nodded. "Indeed. Think of it as a greater chance for us to grow closer as nations. Working together on something that'll join us as never before." She then looked to Grandpa Gruff. "And if the trains succeed, we can also consider having our airship services extend to your lands as well, and you could help us navigate the dangerous air currents that surround your skies."

Gruff, having listened intently to all of this, scratched the side of his head, half worried and half uncertain. "Well...it's not something I'd have thought about. Inviting more creatures to Griffonstone. Trains and airships and who knows what else just coming along like that?"

Spike gestured to him. "Well, wouldn't you want to maybe to go a place like the Crystal Empire for a visit without having to worry about tiring yourself out from it?"

Gruff thought on that, then twisted his beak into what, generously, could be called a smile. "That does sound mighty sweet." Then his usual grumpiness reasserted itself. "But I don't gotta tell ya this here's gonna be difficult. Most creatures don't work together on much, and what you're asking is for something more than we've ever done together before."

Twilight nodded. "You're right, it is. But if we can come together to fight the likes of Chrysalis and Tirek, we can come together to accomplish anything."

Ember, folding her arms, chuckled, then leaned over to Gruff. "She's got ya there, old-timer."

Naturally, Gruff frowned to that. "Alright, I'll agree to this fancy-schmancy plan of yours! Just tell me what I need to do so I can get back home already! All this optimism is making my boils flare up again."

Turning away, Spike did his best to hide his disgust. "I really didn't need to hear that."
> Keeping Your Guard Up
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"You know, Twilight, she might not be entirely welcome in the castle," Spike pointed out.

Twilight sighed, knowing her companion was right, but she nevertheless looked to him with greater softness soon afterwards. "I realise her invitation will be seen as controversial, but I can think of no others that are suited to the task." She perked up moments later. "Besides, everypony knows she's our friend now, so I'm sure things will be fine."

Spike still seemed uncertain about that, but before he had a chance to comment further, the two looked on as Flash entered the throne room, and unlike almost every other time they'd seen him, he looked particularly wary today. He cleared his throat, then glanced behind himself before attending to his declaration. "Announcing the arrival of...Tempest Shadow."

Just as Spike had predicted, all of the guards immediately turned to the door, looking less than pleased with this news. Twilight kept on a professional look about her, standing tall and watching as, sure enough, the one-time invader of Canterlot now entered her throne room. Tempest, no longer garbed in the armor of the soldiers of the Storm King but instead a simple dark robe and scarf, walked in like any other pony. But there was no getting around the fact that, aside from Twilight and Spike, her reception here was icy. Nopony among the Guard was happy to see her, and while Twilight was not pleased with this, she also knew she couldn't blame them. Tempest, for her part, tried her best to ignore the looks she was getting, and when she arrived at the throne, she bowed as any other might. "Princess. Thank you for your invitation."

Twilight smiled to her. "You're quite welcome, Tempest. I'm sorry we didn't get the chance to speak during my coronation."

This time, it was Tempest's turn to smile. "In fairness, you had a lot on your plate that day."

Twilight giggled. "Well, you're not wrong." She took a few steps closer to her, with Spike alongside her, and as she spoke she did so with the same tone she'd do with any of her other friends. "How goes your journey across the Storm king's former lands?"

Tempest sighed. "Slowly, but progress is being made. Most are happy he's gone of course, but the real difficulty was in getting into those lands to begin with. I..." She grimaced. "I often aided him in his conquests, Twilight. There are few who would welcome me back there, even to deliver news as good as that of his demise."

Twilight nodded, reaching forward and placing her hoof upon her taller friend's shoulder. "Give it time. They'll come to accept you just as I did."

Tempest smiled again. "You always were the more optimistic one."

The young Princess then glanced around, seeing that many of her guards had returned to their usual stance of stoicism, though some would occasionally cast Tempest a look from time to time. After a pause, Twilight again looked to her guest. "There are many among my friends who I once counted as my enemy, and one thing I learned with one in particular was that, sometimes, it can take a lot to ensure that others view them as a better person." She took on a more confident look. "If you're willing, I think I have something that might just aid you in proving to others that you're no longer the mare you once were. Something that will aid Canterlot and Equestria a great deal."

Tempest arched an eyebrow. "Tell me."

Gesturing to Spike, Twilight gave him a nod of permission, and after taking a step closer to the much larger pony, the small dragon finally began to speak to her. "One thing we can all agree on with you, Tempest, is that you're probably the best fighter anypony's ever seen. Sure, we've had plenty of ponies who've been willing to throw down if it comes to it, but there's no question that you're a lot better than any of them when it comes to just...well...kicking butt."

Though briefly flattered by the remark, Tempest gained a more thoughtful look shortly afterwards. "A lifetime of surviving and living among warriors tends to harden a mare." She stopped, looking over her shoulder to some of the guards. "Though it pains me to say this, I'm sure there are many here who remember all too well just how damaging those skills of mine were when first I came to this city."

Spike nodded. "You're right. But those skills can also be really useful to everypony! Because if you can learn how to fight as well as that, then so can others."

Tempest looked to him with understandable confusion. "You...you want me to teach ponies how to fight?"

Twilight nodded. "We do. I have every confidence and respect for the Guard of Equestria, but it's become apparent to many that, when faced with truly overwhelming opponents, they're frequently outmatched." Her ears drooped slightly. "I don't like to think ill of the group my brother spent so much of his life working with, but after hearing how he and others fared against the likes of Tirek during his first rampage, I think measures have to be taken to ensure that they stand a fighting chance when dealing with other threats."

Tempest tapped her chin, thinking on that. "Well...you're not wrong. Your guards may be useful at stopping your run-of-the-mill bandits or infiltrators, but you and I both know that the world has far nastier to offer. And those larger threats have only become more prevalent in the last few years."

Twilight sighed. "There's no denying that. Celestia's reign was a thousand years of peace. But ever since the day I first arrived in Ponyville, life in Equestria has become increasingly dangerous. With luck, we may be past the worst of it, but as its new ruler I can't take a chance like that. Not when the lives of my subjects are possibly on the line."

Tempest seemed amused by such words. "Subjects? I see you're growing well into your new role then."

Twilight blushed to that. "Well, I certainly like to think so." She cleared her throat. "So, do you think this is something you can help with?"

After a moment of pondering that, Tempest seemed less than certain. "Far be it from me to turn down a friend's request, but I can see a few problems with it."

Twilight tilted her head slightly. "Oh?"

Tempest nodded. "First and foremost...I'm no teacher. I wouldn't even know where to start."

Hearing that, Twilight giggled. "Oh, no need to worry on that front, Tempest. I spent quite a while as a teacher myself, recently. I think I can help you if you need some pointers on how to deal with students."

Spike looked to her incredulously. "Er, you didn't teach combat, Twilight."

Twilight shrugged. "Hey, if it helps, it's worth it."

Tempest, though having enjoyed that little exchange, soon turned serious once more. "Secondly...you're asking me to pass on what I know to those I once hurt. Do you really think any of them would be willing to hear what I might have to teach them?"

A pause on that one, and Twilight again looked around the room. She knew Tempest was right, and that having her involved with the guard like that would be controversial at best. And yet, she soon smiled again. "The guards chose this life because they wish to defend their nation and their people. If they are truly committed to that cause, then I have no doubt that they'd be willing to listen to anything that could help them achieve it. Even if that wisdom is coming from one they once faced off against." She smirked slightly. "If nothing else, they'll want to know how to counter big threats like you in future."

In spite of herself, Tempest chuckled. "Well then, if that's the case, I'll get started immediately. I'll need a place to speak to large groups and demonstrate to them."

Twilight nodded. "No problem. I've already chosen an appropriate place for you here at the palace to get started. Flash will escort you there so you can make further preparations." She leaned to the side, looking over to the stallion in question and giving him a silent nod, to which he gave an instinctive salute. Seeing that, Twilight again looked to Tempest, giving her a friendly smile. "And thank you, Tempest. I really appreciate it."

Tempest bowed again to the Princess. "If it helps Equestria, then trust me, I'm willing to help."

But then, as she rose up, Spike looked to her with curiosity. "You know, I'm wondering...why do you still go by Tempest? Why not go with...you know...your actual name?"

The tall mare thought on that, then smirked to the little dragon, giving him a quick pat on the head. "Simple...I just love a badass name."
> A Numbers Game
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I've got to say, Spike, I'm very impressed with you right now."

Her young dragon companion looked up from his desk. "Oh yeah? Why?"

Twilight smiled as she took a step closer to him. "Well, most wouldn't be all that enthusiastic about this kind of work, yet here you are, throwing yourself into it like you were made for it."

Spike chuckled. "Twilight, I'm a dragon raised by ponies. I think we can safely say that I'm never going to be like 'most', can't we?"

Twilight too laughed, giving him a quick pat on the shoulder before glancing down to the open ledger he was looking through. "Still, I'm glad you're not bored by working on things like this. Taxes and national finances aren't exactly going to be drawing in a lot of excitement for ponies."

Spike too looked again to his ledger, as well as to several others that were piled up on the side, all ready to be looked over once he was finished with the current one. It was all neatly-organised and marked and all in their proper places, and as he looked to them he gave a firm nod. "Hey, I'm kinda used to this sort of stuff by now, Twilight." He smirked to her shortly afterwards. "Especially after having lived with you all my life."

Twilight looked to him with some confusion. "Dare I ask what that's supposed to mean?"

A snicker from her advisor. "Well, not to put too fine a point on it, Twilight, but I did a lot more than just writing letters for you while I was living with you. Whether it was here in Canterlot, over at the Golden Oak, the Palace of Friendship, it was always me who sorted out things like this. Not that I blame you or anything. You had a lot on your plate, but that did leave me with a lot of house management while you were researching big magical wonders or going off to save the world."

Twilight arched an eyebrow. "I'll have you know, my dear Spike, that I am not as lacking in matters of money as you think."

A pause, after which Spike started to look somewhat mischievous, which he followed up by picking up his current ledger, turning it around and then showing the open page to Twilight. "Alright then, what do you suggest we do about all of this?"

Twilight glanced at the page, awash with numbers and terms that most ponies would be quite unfamiliar with, and stared at it for some time. After a while, she looked back to Spike, her prior expression of self-assuredness fading just the tiniest bit. "Well...what would you suggest we do? Just so I know that you have a good grasp of this."

Spike rolled his eyes, silently happy at having scored that small victory for himself. But his Princess had asked a question, and he was sure to answer it. "Put simply, it looks like there's a lot of public money devoted to big celebrations like the Grand Galloping Gala and other parties. And we're talking a lot of money here, Twilight. If anypony in the street were to see just how much was spent on them, they'd have a fit."

Twilight giggled. "Oh, Spike, it can't be that expensive." Hearing her, and after looking incredulous, Spike took a small spare piece of parchment, wrote in it quickly, then showed the resulting number to Twilight, whose face suddenly became a bit paler. "Okay...maybe it's a touch dearer than I thought."

Spike sighed. "You want my honest opinion here, Twilight?"

His closest friend looked to him seriously. "You're my royal advisor, Spike. You wouldn't be doing your job if you didn't give it."

Spike nodded. "I think events like this need to be cut back a bit. Have the money sent somewhere...well...where it can do more good than just throwing a party."

Twilight nodded. She understood his reasons, and who could blame him, but even now, she found herself giggling. "Be careful not to let Pinkie hear you say that. Calling other things more important than parties would make you her arch-nemesis." 

The two shared a laugh over that, but it ended when Spike again looked to his ledgers. "Well, in any case, we'll need to at least look into ways of making them less expensive than they've been in the past." He then looked to the pages with some concern. "You know, you never really appreciate just how much money goes here and there unless you're here, looking the cold numbers in the face. And we'll also need to take in some of Equestria's newest residents into account when that whole matter comes into its own."

Twilight looked to him with uncertainty. "Hm?"

Spike sighed. "We've got a lot of different people coming into the country in the near-future, Twilight. Yaks, Dragons, Changelings. All these and more will be making a home for themselves in Equestria, living alongside ponies, getting jobs, that sort of thing. And a lot of them come from places where stuff like taxes aren't really, you know, a thing. How are we gonna tell Dragons that they need to part with the money they earn so it can all go together to benefit the nation as a whole? Benefit people they've never met?"

Twilight smiled. "Oh Spike, I'm sure it'll work out."

The small dragon rolled his eyes. "Yes, yes, I know it'll work out, but we need a plan to make it work out! Plans are always your specialty, right? So maybe, I dunno, talk to Princess Ember about explaining the concept to her people before some of them move over?"

Twilight tapped her chin. "Huh. That would have been important to bring up during her last visit."

Spike nodded. "We'll also need to talk about communities in Equestria that haven't been paying at all. The Hoofields and McColts lived and warred for generations without anypony even knowing they were out there. So you can probably bet they haven't been paying taxes either." He grimaced. "I'd hate to think what the reception will be when that lot is told about it."

Twilight laughed, but it was a dry one. "I'm sure they'll listen, but yeah, it won't be pleasant." She then started to ponder. "I do wonder sometimes. All those precious gems we can find just lying around the place, like that gem cave you and Rarity liked to go to? Just pop in there, get as many as we can and use all that to pay for stuff. Might have come in handy when the palace needed rebuilding. Or that huge hoard of gold from that dragon that nearly covered Ponyville's skies in smoke? Who knows how much cash was just left behind there?" Then, after thinking for a while, she sighed deeply again. "Let me guess...wouldn't have worked?"

Another nod from Spike, complete with a smirk. "Got it in one." He started pointing to a few of the numbers on the pages. "Start bringing in lots of gold or jewels and the money we've got suddenly plummet in value. It's like really famous paintings. Pretty expensive because, hey, there's only one of them. Start bringing in lots and, well, suddenly they're not so rare and precious."

Twilight grimaced. "Things are just never easy for us, are they?"

Spike actually seemed amused by that. "Have they ever been?" Again, the two laughed to that, and when they were done the royal advisor again looked to his ledgers. "If it makes you feel any better, Celestia made sure to keep as many accurate records of this stuff as she could, all with Miss Inkwell's help of course. So if there's any problems, it'll be pretty easy for us to spot them and figure out what to do about it."

Nodding slowly, Twilight looked to him with interest. "And...are there any problems I need to worry about?"

Turning a few pages, Spike frowned as he looked to some of the names written down there. "Well, for one thing, it turns out we have a few notable ponies who haven't been paying their due here in Canterlot. Celestia's been keeping track of just how much they've been trying to embezzle or hide away. Well, they think they hid it away at least."

Taking a deep breath, Twilight started looking a little tired. "Shall I assume that these individuals are among the city's aristocracy?"

Spike, looking just as tired as her, gave a nod of confirmation. "Let it never be said you don't know your people."

Twilight shook her head. "Well then, guess I need to bring the matter up the next time I see them. I'll ask Miss Inkwell to arrange a meeting as soon as possible."

Here, Spike smirked. "You know, you could always have Tempest with you during the meeting. It might help your side of the discussions if the Royal Guard's new, no-nonsense trainer was accompanying you."

Twilight looked like she was taken aback by that. "Spike! Are you suggesting that I threaten my own subjects?!"

Spike shook his head, not at all concerned with the accusation. "No, no, no! Not at all! Just...have here there. Standing right beside you, never saying a word. " He smirked to her. "And let the nobles' imaginations and paranoia do the rest."

After blinking a couple of times, Twilight matched his look of mischievousness. "You know...I think getting you involved with politics here was my best decision yet."

Spike shrugged. "Well, I wasn't gonna say it."
> The Betrayed
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I gotta say, Twilight. Things have been pretty nice today," Spike remarked.

Twilight smiled to him. "You're not wrong. Aside from a few papers, things have been relatively calm so far."

A pause, and then Spike gave a deep and tired-sounding sigh. "So...when do you think it'll go wrong?"

Twilight too started to look wary. "Oh, perhaps a minute or two?"

Unfortunately, the two of them didn't even get that long to themselves, as the great doors of the throne room suddenly creaked open, and from outside emerged Flash, who seemed to look a touch more worried than normal, though Twilight was uncertain why. The stallion cleared his throat, then stepped to one side. "Announcing the arrival of Mrs Chestnut and her party."

Twilight and Spike watched as an unassuming light-brown earth pony mare entered the room, followed shortly by about a dozen or so others. They were ponies of all stripes, unicorn, pegasi, and from their dress they appeared to be from a number of different places all across Equestria. They had an odd look on their faces, unhappy, yet also worried about being here. It was an odd thing, and something that gave Twilight a clear feeling that they weren't here to talk to her about anything good. Still, she kept her regal demeanour, getting to her hooves and stepping forward before formally accepting them. "Welcome to the Royal Palace. How may I help you?"

The group of ponies all looked nervously to one another, with the exception of Mrs Chestnut at the front, who similarly stepped forward and gave a respectful bow of her head. "Princess. Thank you for meeting with us today. My friends and I have been working for a very long time, and we've finally reached our goal."

Twilight arched an eyebrow. "I'm happy to hear it, though I'm not entirely sure what your goal actually is."

There was a moment of hesitancy, after which Chestnut took a deep breath, before then glancing to one of her unicorn friends. She gave a nod, prompting the latter to light up their horn. What followed was the levitation of what appeared to be a bound collection of papers, which Twilight herself soon accepted with her own magic. Opening it up, both she and Spike began to look through, and saw that it was a collection of names. Quite a lot of them in fact, and after looking to one another with confusion, it was Spike who asked the obvious. "You've...been collecting ponies' signatures?"

Mrs Chestnut gave a firm nod. "These are not simply any signatures. They are ten thousand. From ponies of all walks of life, all across Equestria. Ponies who were affected just as much as me and my friends were. It is a petition. One meant for...for an important purpose."

Setting the papers aside, Twilight looked to her with some concern. "And what purpose would that be?"

Chestnut glanced away, albeit briefly, before looking Twilight in the eye with a steely resolve. "We wish to ask you...to re-contain the spirit of chaos, Discord...into his stone prison."

The silence in the throne room was deafening, and yet, in spite of the monumental declaration, Twilight kept her composure. One would never think that a torrent of thoughts was rushing through her mind, given how calm she looked. Spike, by contrast, was very much worried about the request made of her, and looked to her, awaiting her response. After a while, Equestria's leader slowly closed her eyes. "...I see. I take it you have issue with his past actions?"

Chestnut nodded solemnly. "Yes...many of his actions in fact." She gestured to the rest of the group. "Every single pony you see here is somepony who has been hurt by him in some way. And every name on that list can say the same."

Twilight briefly glanced again to the petition, then back to Mrs Chestnut. "Discord has been a close associate of mine for some years now. If you have a quarrel with him, I would like to hear your grievances, if that's alright with you." Again, Chestnut nodded, and turned to one of her companions, a pegasus mare. The other mare gulped nervously, then stepped forward, clearly less sure of herself than Chestnut was. Seeing that, Twilight spoke softly to her. "You have nothing to fear. Say what you wish to say."

Taking a deep breath, the mare spoke. "M...my daughter attended your School of Friendship. Yet one day, while you were absent, Discord used his power to cause utter havoc there! He terrified the students, even setting dangerous beasts upon them! My daughter, all of those children, their lives were at risk because of him!"

Twilight sighed, remembering well that conflict sparked by Discord and Starlight's issues with one another during her absence from the school. "I see. But...I gather it is not simply that which causes you to all be here?"

Another pony, a unicorn stallion, stepped forward next, looking far angrier than the mare before him. "You're darned right, Princess! Years ago, when that monster Tirek was loose on Equestria, Discord helped round us all up in our neighbourhood so that horned abomination could steal our magic!" The stallion seethed. "We were treated like animals! Like we were to be gathered together and eaten! Discord was supposed to be on Equestria's side, yet there he was, tearing us down!"

It was an unpleasant memory, to say the least, and Twilight, even now, could still feel the parts of her that ached after the great battle she'd endured against Tirek. A battle that would have admittedly been a lot less difficult had Discord not aided him. "Discord committed a terrible act that day. I will not deny it."

"And he did it again!" This time, the voice came from what appeared to be the youngest of the group, barely older than Twilight's students back at the school in Ponyville. She approached, her wings flapping with clear nerves, and it was here that Twilight noted the way she shimmered in the light. A crystal pony. And just from that, Twilight could sense where this was going, yet still she stood where she was, allowing the youth to say her piece. "My people, in the Crystal Empire. We've lived for the last few years in the knowledge that the most terrible figure in our history, Sombra, would never return to harm us. That he was gone and wouldn't ever come back." She grimaced. "But then...but then..."

Chestnut walked over to her, patting her on the shoulder and giving her reassurance. "It's alright. You can say it."

There was a pause, after which the child finally spoke. "Sombra came back...because of Discord. The tyrant lived again, and he took our home! He made us slaves again! And why?! Why did Discord do it?! For some ridiculous plan to have you fight him and prove yourself?!"

Twilight hung her head, that old sadness at having learned that truth herself rushing to her mind after so long. She was in a bind, and she knew it. Every pony in front of her had every right to be angry and to feel that hurt right now. And she was sure to tell them that. "Your anger...is justified." Her head lifted again, and she looked each and every one of them in the eye before continuing. "Discord erred...many times. His actions hurt you and every pony in this petition. I remember my own anger towards him with every mistake he made, every danger he wrought." She took a deep breath before speaking her next words. "But Discord...no longer does the things he does for mere amusement as he used to. His actions now have meaning. Betrayals, like his union with Tirek? He paid for those with having been betrayed himself. And his resurrection of Sombra, or the gathering of Equestria's other enemies...that was, if nothing else, done for what, in his eyes, was a good cause."

Chestnut fumed. "It's all well and good if he thinks he's doing good, but what about us?! What about those in Equestria who bear the brunt of what he's done?!"

Twilight nodded. "I know. Were I to refuse your request simply on the basis of him being my friend, it would be an unforgivable abuse of my position. Yet..." She looked to Chestnut specifically. "Think back to all those who have tried to hurt our people in the past. Princess Luna. Stygian. They and so many others, who now serve our nation in their own way. Had we cut their lives short then and there...they would not be here today, going good."

Chestnut, though a touch calmer than before, was still clearly angry. "That may be...but Discord just...kept...doing it! We're not talking about a one-time offender here, your Highness!"

Another nod from Twilight. "I know. But rest assured, I know him better than any of you. I know that he will not do so again what he's done in the past. The betrayal, the actions that have endangered our people...I am certain that will not occur in the future."

Chestnut didn't seem at all satisfied with that, nor did her companions. And yet, as the silence persisted, that lead mare considered their position. "You're one of the greatest heroes in Equestria. We all owe our lives to you more times than I dare consider. Trust is something you've earned a thousand times over. You mean to tell us, with all honesty, that Discord will never do anything like this again?"

A bow of the head from Twilight. "You have my word."

Chestnut's eyes narrowed. "And if he does? If he slips again, as he's done before...will you also give your word that something will be done about him?"

Spike looked to Twilight, worried about how she'd respond to that, and after a while, the Princess of Friendship gave a far heavier nod than she did before. "I do not wish to ever find myself as a foe of my friends...but as Equestria's ruler, should Discord become a threat to our nation...then the nation and its people must be my priority."

The gathered ponies all looked to one another. Whether they believed her was up for debate, but after a while, Chestnut exhaled deeply. "Well...we came here to make sure Discord never hurt anypony again...I guess we sort of have." She bowed, but didn't look to Twilight, most likely due to her still being angry. "Thank you for your time, Princess."

Twilight nodded, then watched as they all began to depart. There was a lot of dissatisfaction, she could tell, yet she said nothing until after they'd all left. "Well, that was...a rather frank meeting."

Spike again looked to her with worry. "So...do you think you will have to stop Discord doing something really bad in the future?"

For the first time in a long time, Twilight looked sad. "I hope not, Spike...I truly hope not."
> An Early Reunion
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Though it probably went without saying, ruling a nation was difficult. Twilight, though she had strived to stay as professional and composed as a Princess was expected to be, nevertheless felt the sheer weight of her responsibilities, especially at the end of her day. The sun had been set, as she'd done several times now, and a loud yawn escaped her as she began to make her way to her chambers for the evening. Guard after guard after guard saluted her as she walked those long halls, and though she offered a smile to each of them it was clearly a tired-looking one. After turning a corner, she finally looked up to see the doors of her room, only to feel some slight confusion when she noticed a certain young dragon walk out of them. "Spike?"

Immediately, the draconic youth jumped up in surprise. "Oh! Twilight! I didn't see you there!"

Already, Twilight knew her lifelong friend was up to something, but she also knew that it was likely something she was going to like, hence the smile she now wore towards him. "And what, pray tell, am I going to find on the other side of those doors?"

Spike nervously poked the ends of his claws together. "Find? What's this about a find? I don't remember saying anything about you finding anything!"

Twilight shook her head, sighing a little before again looking to her advisor. "Spike...please..."

After a moment of hesitation, her faithful assistant shrugged. "Well, guess this song and dance has been done too many times for you to not see it coming, eh?"

Twilight gave a firm nod. "Got it in one, little dragon." The two shared a laugh, ending when Spike turned again to Twilight's door. He pushed it open, standing to one side to let her by, all while trying to contain a giggle from escaping him. Twilight rolled her eyes, though admittedly had a little giggle of her own, before finally entering her chambers. It was dark in there, with the curtains having been pulled together and not even a candlelight to help her see. But Twilight, being an old pro at this sort of thing, already knew what was about to happen. "Okay, three...two...one..."

Sure enough, lights suddenly appeared around her, as did five very familiar and very happy-looking faces "SURPRISE!!!" Her friends all rushed forward, embracing her in a way that had been done so many times in the years they'd known one another. Yet this closeness was exactly what Twilight needed right now. A moment that caused a rush of happy memories from so many years together back in Ponyville. Soon enough though, they parted, and it was naturally Pinkie Pie who spoke to her first. "Well? Whadda ya think? Pretty neat surprise, eh?"

Twilight, though always happy for a moment like this, gave her exactly the answer she wanted. "It's something I'll never get tired of Pinkie."

The party pony squealed with joy, but said nothing else as Rarity then stepped forward. "I must say, darling, things have been quite abuzz across Equestria since you took the throne. You can barely go one day without somepony commenting on some remarkable thing you've done!"

A blush from the young Princess. "Oh, I've just done what I can. It's really not worth..."

But Rarity already halted her with a hoof to her lips. "Ah-ah, darling! Modesty is all well and good, but you deserve some praise at this point!"

Applejack chuckled as she walked alongside her. "She ain't wrong, Twi. Folk are callin' ya the best thing ta happen ta Equestria since...well...ever."

Twilight sighed. "I just...hope people don't try to call me better than Celestia. I've done my best, but if people are going to forget all she did..."

Rainbow smirked as she flew around and landed right next to her bookish friend, wrapping her foreleg around her and holding her close. "No need to worry on that, front, Twilight. Celestia was around for so long that ponies will never forget her! Heck, I'll bet ponies will be telling stories about her all the way into the days of their great-grandkids!"

Twilight smiled to that. "I certainly hope so."

Meanwhile, Fluttershy was walking over to Spike, smiling sweetly to him. "And we can't forget about you, Spike. I hear you're the best advisor the royal palace has seen in quite some time."

Like Twilight not so long ago, the young dragon blushed, nervously scratching the back of his head. "Hehe, well, I try."

Rainbow snorted. "I hear there's a whole bunch of snooty aristocrats who've been sweating bucket-loads over having to pay a bit more than usual."

Spike shrugged. "I'm just glad I didn't cause a revolt by suggesting that."

Rarity swept aside some of her mane. "Word on the street is that our friend Fancy Pants had a hoof in keeping them placated. He's got a good head on his shoulders, that one. If the Princess of Equestria says he and his needs to contribute more, then he's going to see that they do."

Twilight nodded. "I'm glad I have somepony like him as an ally. It makes things a lot better for everything we've been doing."

Pinkie giggled again. "Hey, if there's one thing we've learned in all our years together, it's that having friends can be pretty great, right?"

They all shared a laugh together, and when it eventually died down, Twilight looked to each of her friends in silence for a time. Then, at the end of it all, she took a deep breath before exhaling. "I'm...really glad you're here."

Applejack tipped her hat to her. "We're always gonna be here fer ya, Twi."

"That, we promise," Rarity added.

Pinkie leapt forward, giving her a big hug. "Yeah, silly! What good's being ruler if you're not gonna have the ponies who matter to you coming along and helping out now and then?"

Fluttershy nodded in agreement. "Besides, eve if we're not together as much as we used to be, we're all still working for Equestria. Every day, we're helping to bring people together, in our own way."

Rainbow nudged Applejack in the side slightly. "Like a certain farmer making sure that a certain pair of brothers don't try to swindle ponies when they try to show up in town with big fake moustaches?"

Applejack looked to her with a smirk. "Honestly? That's just reflex at this point."

They all had another good laugh together over that, and after Twilight again looked around the room, she smiled. "I wish Starlight could've been here."

Rarity nodded back to her. "I hear she's quite busy gathering further faculty for the school."

Twilight pondered that. "Those are some big horseshoes to fill, given how popular you all were."

Rainbow rolled her eyes, then looked to Fluttershy. "Some of us more than others, if I remember right."

To that, Fluttershy simply shrugged. Then, after a brief moments pause, the animal lover pointed to Twilight. "Speaking of teaching, have you given any thought to doing that sort of thing while you're ruling?"

Twilight was a touch taken aback by that. "Me?"

Pinkie bounced into view. "Yeah! I mean, Celestia was your teacher, right? Maybe you could take a student while you're ruling too?"

Rainbow cackled as she eyed Twilight. "Not a bad idea, mini-Celestia!" Seeing the glare she got from Twilight after that, she backtracked a bit, laughing nervously. "I mean...you know...Celestia did all that stuff to prepare you to take over from her and stuff. You think you might do the same? You know, get an apprentice and all that?"

Twilight considered that, then slowly smiled. "Well...I did enjoy my time as a teacher with the school. And like Celestia, I don't think I'll be ruling forever. So..."After a while, she looked to them with a warmer smile than before. "Perhaps I will." Seeing them smile back to her, she glanced away, looking out of the window to the rest of Canterlot. "I won't just rush into it though. That kind of thing will take time. I'd need to seek out the right kind of person. Somepony who has as much to give as Celestia saw in me when we first met."

Spike looked to her, curious now. "Think you'll know them when you see them?"

Twilight kept her smile as she glanced down to him, patting him on the head. "I think I will, Spike. After all..." She giggled. "These things tend to play out rather well, don't they?"
> Reaching Out
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Since her coronation, Twilight had received many visitors to discuss important matters. Some she'd known for a long time, while others were only just being met that day. But today brought a smile to her face as she considered who was coming to see her. Spike too seemed to be eager as he shifted in his chair. The two shared a glance, and though no words passed between them, it was clear that they were both looking forward to this. The silence ended when the great doors of the throne room opened at last, and Flash Sentry entered as he so often did, giving a salute to his Princess. "Announcing the arrival of Sunset Shimmer!"

Twilight stood after the announcement, and sure enough she watched as her guard stood to one side, revealing her otherworldly friend. Sunset smiled as she entered, glancing around and obviously reliving old memories from her own time in this place. Spike, forgetting the usual protocol, rushed out of his chair to greet her, leaping to her and hugging her tightly. Though taken aback at first, Sunset soon chuckled, returning the hug. "Good to see you too, Spike."

The Princess of Equestria didn't wait for her friend to reach the bottom of the stairs, and instead moved down herself, gliding gracefully from her throne to land just a few feet away from her fellow student of Celestia. "It's good you could make it."

Sunset smiled back to her. "Hey, I'm just sorry I wasn't here for the coronation. I hear it was quite the event."

Twilight blushed. "Trust me, I'd love to catch you up on everything that's happened. But..."

Sunset nodded. "I know. You wouldn't have called me here just for a casual bit of chit-chat."

Twilight nodded solemnly, then glanced left and right before leaning in closer. "Even so..."

Sunset smirked to her. "They're all doing fine over there, Twilight. In fact..." She reached behind herself, into the saddle-bag that rested upon her back, before pulling out a small photograph. Smiling to it, she offered it to the young Princess. "They wanted me to give this to you, since they couldn't be here themselves."

Twilight accepted the gift, looking to it and smiling warmly. It was a photo of all of her human friends from the other world. From the looks of it they were all seated at that world's version of Sugar Cube Corner, and they were smiling and waving to the camera with the words "hope to see you soon" scribbled in the bottom. Sighing contentedly, Twilight looked up to Sunset again. "Thank you. This means a great deal to me."

Sunset shrugged. "Well, who knows? Maybe they can make their way here one day for a proper visit."

Twilight grinned at the prospect. "Nothing would please me more." But before she could continue, she noted a slight poking in her side, prompting her to look down and see that it was Spike, who gave her a knowing look. Sighing, Twilight assumed her now-practised regal tone. "But as you know, there is important business to attend to."

Sunset nodded. "Of course." With that, the three of them moved to the side after Twilight gestured to a small table beside one of the massive strained-glass windows of the chamber. As they moved there, Sunset took a moment to appreciate all the events depicted in those windows, especially the ones involving Twilight and what she and her friends had accomplished. But eventually, they reached the table, and after sitting down beside it, Celestia's former student looked to her royal friend with curiosity. "So...what's the big plan, Princess?"

Twilight took a single, calming breath, then looked to Sunset with a smile. "I wanted you to be the first to know...that I plan on opening diplomatic relations between Equestria and the human world."

At first, Sunset was stunned to hear such a thing, as anypony would. But as the moments passed, that feeling dimmed, and she instead put on a small smile and slowly nodded. "I had a feeling this might happen sooner or later. Our two worlds have had so much to do with each other in recent years it would have been unlikely to think some sort of official talks between them wouldn't happen at some point."

Spike gestured to her. "Well, with all the magic, monsters and baddies that world has had to deal with because of Equestria, it's sort of our responsibility to at least approach them in some way."

Sunset nodded in agreement. "Well, I'm sure all our friends back there would be pretty eager to establish closer ties with Equestria, as would anyone who's had some involvement with you." She paused, tapping her chin with her hoof. "I do foresee some difficulties though. For the most part, the notion of magic and other worlds would, at best, be seen as the work of fiction over there. Letting people know that it really does exist would be a pretty big announcement, and one they'd have a hard time with at that."

Twilight sighed. "I know. Something like this needs to be handled with care and delicacy. One wrong move and we risk causing unnecessary panic. Worst case scenario, they'll see Equestria as a danger."

Spike chuckled. "Mostly because of all the dangers we've put on them." Seeing the slightly irritated looks he was getting from the two mares over that remark, Spike nervously poked the ends of his claws together. "Right, staying quiet now."

Shaking her head to that, Sunset glanced up to Twilight again. "I recommend making your overtures as soon as you can. Chances are word about magic and the like will be spreading pretty far by this point."

Twilight nodded solemnly. "Because of the yacht incident, I assume?"

"Not just that," Sunset added. "There have been other instances of magic, far beyond the area of Canterlot. It's not just something confined to a single town anymore. Word is getting out, and it's likely going to keep happening."

A sigh from the Princess. "I feared as much."

Sunset leaned forward. "And since a about a hundred human civilians were taken through a magic island portal through Equestria itself, chances are that'll be common knowledge in the near-future too."

Twilight glanced to the side. "There's a lot that will need to be done, I know. We'll need to send messages to their world's leaders. We'll need to build embassies. We'll need to maybe try and establish that island portal as an official meeting place between our two worlds."

Spike looked to her. "That thing leads straight underneath Equestria's capital. So yeah, we'll need to keep an eye on it."

Sunset, hearing that point in particular, started to look worried. "Ever since we went to that island, I've been wondering, or worrying rather, that there might be other portals out there between our worlds. Portals we don't even know about. What if someone or somepony just falls through one by accident?"

Here, Twilight smiled. "Oh, no need to worry on that front, Sunset. Let's just say I have one or two ponies out there already to keep an eye out for strange magical goings on."

Sunset smiled back. "I had a feeling you'd want to cover the bases. And you know, it might actually go rather well, us and them making formal introductions and all."

Twilight tilted her head slightly. "Oh?"

Sunset nodded. "There might have been a lot of bad coming through, but there's also been a lot of good. The magic me and the other girls have has been used to help a lot of people. So when it eventually gets revealed that magic is out there, at least there'll be a base of goodwill towards it through our actions."

Twilight took a moment to enjoy some of the tea that had been here on the table since they sat there, thinking hard on Sunset's words. " I hope you're right. This isn't like meetings between Equestria and Griffonstone. These are two worlds that, for the most part, don't have any real knowledge of one another. The mere fact that they exist will be enough of a shock, but to discover that there's already been involvement between them, and that not all of it has been benevolent, will take some getting used to."

Sunset gave a sigh of her own. "I know. But..." She reached over, patting Twilight on the hoof. "If there's anypony who can do it, it's you."

Twilight blushed again. "Thank you, Sunset. That means a lot."

Spike stepped closer to her, patting her on the side. "Come on, Twilight, you deserve the praise. How many dragons, changelings and griffons would be friends today if it wasn't for you?"

Sunset looked to her fellow mare, impressed. "Honestly, if you'd have told me back then that that would happen one day, I'd have called you nuts."

Twilight giggled. "Well...I try."

Taking a sip of her own tea, Sunset began to speak more casually. "So, since we've established all that stuff, how about we take a moment to do that 'catching up' now?"

Twilight practically beamed over that. "I'd be honored."

Sunset nodded, then cast a sly look over her shoulder. "So...I couldn't help but notice that your guard there bears a pretty strong resemblance to a certain...musician."

Twilight, seeing the smirk Sunset gave her soon after saying that, gave herself a facehoof. "Oh no! Not you too!"
> Unsatisfied Nobility
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Do we really have to do this, Twilight?"

The Princess of Equestria sighed. "I'm not looking forward to it either, Spike. But he is a member of the elite of Canterlot, so we were going to have to meet with him sooner or later."

Spike grumbled as he folded his arms. "Later would've been better."

Twilight sympathised, but there were some things her position simply forced her to have to deal with on occasion, however unpleasant. But, let it never be said that she wasn't willing to put on a show when those times came, so she forced a smile and stood just in front of her throne, looking ever the royal as she looked to Flash, who stood beside the great door of her throne room. "You may give him entry now."

Flash saluted, turning around to open the door in question. Once open, he turned again to face Twilight. "Announcing the arrival of Prince Blueblood!"

The aforementioned Prince walked right into the room, with that usual swagger that gave the distinct impression that he felt like he owned the place. But, before he approached Twilight proper, he halted, giving some side-eye to Flash. "A good enough announcement for one of my station, I suppose."

Flash held back his frown until the aristocrat was looking away from him, and Twilight had to silently admit that she shared her guard's sentiment on the matter. But she held her tongue for now, watching as her predecessor's nephew finally reached the throne, giving a quick bow to her, which she responded to with a small bow of her head. "Prince Blueblood. Welcome to the palace."

The white stallion smirked as he rose back up again. "Oh, I assure you, Miss twilight. I am far more familiar with this place than you. No need for official welcomes."

Spike stepped forward, pointing to him. "That's Princess Twilight to you!"

Blueblood rolled his eyes. "Oh, yes, my apologies," he said, not sounding the least bit apologetic. "I suppose, when one spends as many years as they have addressing certain other mares with that title, it can be easy to forget that there was more than one."

Spike's frown deepened, though Twilight placed a hoof on his shoulder to calm him down, before speaking up herself. "I understand you wished to speak to me?"

Blueblood swept aside some of his blonde mane, looking to her with as much respect as he was able to muster, which admittedly wasn't much. "Indeed. Though I must confess I am somewhat irked that you've waited until now before allowing me an audience."

Twilight looked away briefly. "Well, I've had a number of others I needed to speak to during that time. It's only now that I've had some available space in my schedule."

Blueblood seemed unconvinced. "Oh? And what matters could possibly have required your attention more?"

Spike, as if waiting for that very question, started counting off his claws. "National leaders, the various ponies she needs to speak to for enacting reforms in Equestria, the new trainer for the Royal Guard..."

"Oh, them," Blueblood remarked nonchalantly. But then he shook his head. "Regardless, I have matters of the uttermost importance to discuss with you."

Though Twilight secretly doubted just how important said matters were, she nevertheless gave him her attention. "Proceed."

Blueblood nodded. "The first matter is, of course, my request to resume my prior residence here at the palace."

Twilight blinked to him a few times before speaking up again. "I...was not aware you were living here at all."

Blueblood arched an eyebrow. "Oh, I was here for many years. Kin to Princess Celestia would naturally live in the royal palace after all."

A slow nod from Twilight. "Yes, I suppose so."

"Anyway," Blueblood continued. "When my dear Auntie decided to retire, she said it was time I too left the palace, since it was unlikely that the new Princess would wish for me to live in what is essentially her home now."

Spike thought on that, then gestured to the Prince. "Wait...don't you, like, own some really fancy mansion in the city's most prestigious district or something? A mansion you owned but never actually lived in, even in all the years you were here?"

But Blueblood waved him off. "Yes, yes, that is the case, but we're talking about a mere hundred-million-bit property here. Far from the grand splendour of the palace that I've grown so accustomed to." He smirked to Equestria's monarch. "I'm sure you understand, Princess. A stallion of my statue and breeding requires a dwelling far more notable than a mere mansion at the other end of the city."

Twilight and Spike looked to one another, both clearly expecting this to be some sort of joke on the Prince's part. Alas, it became depressingly clear that this was not to be, and so Twilight looked back to her guest with totally unrestrained incredulity in her expression. "Pardon me for saying so, Prince Blueblood, but I do not believe that personal preference on your part is a substantive reason for you to take up residence here again."

To his credit, Blueblood didn't kick up a fuss about that point, though he continued to look unsatisfied with the situation. "Oh well, I guess I'll just have to settle for the home I have then."

"Oh, how terrible for you," Spike muttered with obvious sarcasm.

Blueblood, having apparently not heard him, took a single step closer to the Princess. "In any event, the second point I wish to bring up with you is my apparent removal from the city's main charity board?"

Here, Twilight knew what he was talking about. "Yes. As Princess, it's my responsibility to choose those best able to serve as the heads of Canterlot's largest charity organisations. I like to think those I've picked will serve ably in their new positions."

Blueblood frowned. "That may be, but it doesn't explain why I've been asked to step down from that position."

Spike snickered to that. "Would you like the list?"

Luckily, Blueblood had once more failed to hear the small dragon's remarks, but Twilight, by contrast, was sure to make her voice heard. "Part of my responsibilities on this particular issue is to conduct a thorough review of the activities of the committee. What they do, how well they do it and so on. When it came time to look over your involvement..." Her expression became more serious. "It looked as though your work with the charity was, to put it mildly, minimal."

Blueblood looked downright insulted by the words. "I'll have you know that I was absolutely devoted to that charity! I gave a great deal of my time and effort to it!"

Twilight nodded to Spike, and he, in turn, offered her some parchment, which she levitated in front of herself to read off. "According to the official minutes from your ten years on the committee, you hardly ever spoke to anypony else during their regular talks. In fact, your one time of speaking up was motivated solely by your need to complain about the fact that your yearly stipend had arrived a day later than usual."

Blueblood paused, then resorted to speaking as entitled as he usually did. "Well, I'd say irregular deliveries are a fine reason to complain, wouldn't you?"

Spike gave himself a facepalm, but Twilight maintained her composure. "Prince Blueblood, you must realise that a charity requires devotion, a willingness to give up one's time to a greater cause." Her eyes narrowed. "Not simply sitting around for a few hours every week waiting to go home and count of the days before you get paid for being there."

Blueblood, naturally, didn't look or sound like he was in any way feeling like the wrongful party here. "Well, if I am not to be part of that organisation, then what, pray tell, would you suggest a notable stallion such as I should do with his time?"

Here, Twilight smiled. "Oh, I assure you, there is a very important role that I've saved, just for you."

Both Blueblood and Spike looked to her with surprise. "You have?" Blueblood asked.

"You have?" Spike echoed.

"I have," Twilight answered with a nod, then looked down to Spike. "Take note of this, would you?" She waited for her advisor to get his quill and parchment before speaking up. "Prince Blueblood, by the power vested in me as ruler of Equestria, I hereby appoint you to be the official ambassador to the nation of Breezies."

Blueblood's face lit up. "An...an ambassador?! Oh my! Such a respected position! One worthy of my station! I'll...I'll go and pack my things straight away! Thank you, Princess! You won't regret this!"

Twilight and Spike watched as the now-eager noble rushed out of the throne room, almost knocking down Flash as the latter stood aside to give him his path out. When the doors finally closed, and all were sure he was out of earshot, Spike looked to Twilight with a smirk. "Does he, by any chance, know that the Breezies are secluded behind a magical portal that only opens on one rare occasion per year? Thus making it virtually impossible to actually talk to any of them most of the time? Or that the one time they come to Equestria they'll be too busy carrying pollen to actually do any talking to him?"

Twilight tapped her chin, then looked to her advisor with a coy smile. "Hmmm, you know, I don't think he does."
> Unprecedented Unions
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"So, any word from Daring?" Twilight asked.

Spike rummaged around the pile of scrolls on the table, before smiling at one in particular. "Yep. Her and Caballeron managed to find a pretty nasty artefact in some desert temple somewhere. Apparently it's called the Ginna...Ginnag...Well, it's called something, and they're gonna be bringing it back to be properly locked up."

Twilight smiled. "Good. One less dangerous artefact out there. And the Wonderbolts?"

Spike's smile widened. "Going good so far. They've had a pretty big intake of non-pony recruits, like you hoped. Some of the Changeling kids are having confidence issues, but aside from that things seem to be going along smoothly."

Leaning back into her own chair, Twilight sighed. "I'm glad to hear it." Then, before she had the chance to speak to her advisor further, she was interrupted by the sound of somepony clearing their throat to her right. Turning, both she and Spike saw that it was Flash, helm at his side, who gave her a salute, prompting another smile from Twilight. "Good morning, Flash. Nothing bad, I hope?"

Flash, putting his helmet back on again, shook his head. "No, Ma'am. We have some visitors to see you. They didn't have a scheduled appointment, but they had something important they wished to discuss with you."

Twilight considered that. She wasn't in her usual royal garb for official addresses or visits, but she nevertheless felt fine with receiving somepony here today, and so gave a small nod to her guard. "Very well. Let them in."

Flash nodded, turning and giving a nod of his own to the two guards who stood watch on either side of the throne room's doors. They, in turn, gave a salute before opening said doors, and Twilight moved herself away from the table on the side to the middle of the room. Here, with Spike beside her, she watched as two ponies, maybe a couple of years younger than her, entered. A stallion and a mare, both of whom looked nervous to be here, especially when they saw the Princess. Twilight, for her part, was happy to see them, giving a quick bow of her head. "Welcome to the palace. To whom do I have the honor of speaking to today?"

The stallion stepped forward, clearing his throat. "Um...my name is Oak. And this..." He gestured to the mare beside him. "This is Rose."

The mare timidly walked beside Oak, giving a deep bow to Twilight. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Princess."

Twilight was used to ponies being unsure around her, but she nevertheless returned the bow. "And to you, Rose." Standing tall again, she looked to them both before speaking up again. "Now then, how can I help?"

Oak and Rose looked to each other, silently staring, as if worried about what was going to happen, and Twilight was sure to give them as much time as they needed to get their thoughts in order. Eventually, Rose herself was the one to finally speak. "We...well...we were wondering if you could be so kind as to give us...your blessing."

Twilight arched an eyebrow. "My...blessing?"

Here, a blush came to Rose's cheeks. "Your blessing...to marry."

Slowly, Twilight's face lit up, and it was mere moments later when she sounded as giddy as a school-filly. "Of course you can have my blessing! I'm so happy for both of you!"

But, rather than the excitement or happiness that she might have expected, both Oak and Rose started to look concerned. They silently looked to each other again, and then, after a moment, it was Oak who spoke next. "We're grateful, but...before you grant that to us, there's something you should know."

Twilight was confused, but said nothing as Rose continued her betrothed's words. "We're not what you'd call a...usual couple."

Twilight titled her head slightly. "I'm...not sure I follow."

Rose hesitated, then looked to Oak, who smiled warmly to her. "It's okay, honey. You can show her."

Again, Rose paused, looking around the room to everypony here. She gulped, and then, after making sure she was as calm as possible, she closed her eyes. Immediately, Twilight was taken aback to discover that this unassuming mare was now engulfed in what appeared to be magical flames. Her guards did their duty, rushing forward to protect their Princess, but Twilight raised a hoof and halted them. For those flames lasted mere seconds, and when they died down, the one who stood there was not a pony mare, but instead a female Changeling. Rose opened her now-insectoid eyes, and again looked wracked with nervousness. "This...is what I really am."

Suddenly, all the pieces came together in Twilight's mind. The nerves, the downright fear they were feeling while they were in her presence. It was all clear now. But Twilight, looking to both of them, spoke calmly. "How...how did you two meet?"

Oak spoke first. "I was part of a travelling merchant group, and with the Changeling Empire opening up to Equestrians, it was decided that they might be interested in our wares."

Rose nodded, smiling to him. "I was there when they arrived, and after a bit of haggling he and I got to talking. We struck up a friendship and, well...one thing led to another."

Twilight considered them both. "I see. Well, I hope you realise that a union like this has...well...never been done before."

Rose's ears, or at least the Changeling equivalent of them, drooped slightly. "I know. And if you decide the world isn't ready for something like this, we'll understand."

To that, Twilight frowned. "I never said that."

Rose and Oak looked to her with surprise, with the latter's voice wobbling just a tiny bit as he spoke. "You mean...you're not unhappy with...this?"

Twilight smiled to him. "Changelings have been our friends and allies for some time now. Having ponykind and them grow closer is something I've been working towards for a long while." She glanced to Rose. "True, I never really considered this to be a consequence of that friendship, but you will not find me unhappy about it."

Naturally, validation like this caused no end of joy for the young couple, who eagerly embraced one another, much to Twilight's delight. In fact, so wrapped up were they in their loving moment that they even kissed, right in front of her, causing her to blush and look away. Realising what they'd just done in front of the ruler of all Equestria, they parted, looking somewhat embarrassed over the matter. "Oh! Um...sorry about that, Princess," Oak apologised.

But Twilight simply giggled. "It's no problem. My own sister-in-law is the Princess of Love, so trust me, public displays like that are nothing new to me."

However, Rose soon started to look worried again. "I'm grateful to you being accepting of this, but...we know there's a lot of people out there who might not take kindly to us. I know ponies and Changelings haven't always had the most positive of relationships."

Twilight frowned. "If anypony gives you grief over this, they'll have me to answer to. My friends and I have spent years trying to make our world into one where people from all corners can come together. If you two have found love, then I know we've succeeded. And to those who look down on you, who say you're 'wrong' for loving one another...those kinds of people simply aren't worth giving the time of day to."

The two visitors smiled with appreciation to her, bowing simultaneously to her. "Thank you, Princess. You have no idea how long we've been wanting somepony to say that to us."

Twilight bowed back, then gave them a knowing smile. "It's no trouble. And for the record, if you're struggling with preparations for the wedding, I have a certain somepony in mind who can help you out with finding a good dress for it."

They both beamed at that, and after giving one final bow they finally tarted to back away, before turning and leaving the throne room proper. Twilight waved them off, and after the doors of the room had been closed, Spike looked up to her with interest. "If I were you, I'd get a letter to Cadance over this. Chances are she'll be eager to hear about it."

Twilight sighed. "Oh, no doubt. She'll be squealing with joy for hours over a new kind of relationship starting to happen."

Then, Spike started to take on a worried look of his own. "Do...do you think they'll be okay? I mean, you and I both know that there are ponies who don't even like the idea of different peoples going to school together. When this gets out, there's probably going to be more than a few who'll have some harsh things to say about it."

In response, Twilight frowned. "For a long time now, I have fought against that kind of intolerance, and I fully intend to continue to fight it. In the past, we were all divided, Spike. Ponies, dragons, hippogriffs, all of us. Those walls are coming down, and a new era is coming in after it." She turned, looking out of the nearest window. "And I promise you...those old, divided days will never come back."
> Judgement
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"You know something, Spike?" Twilight asked.

"What?" the young dragon asked back, looking to her with worry.

Twilight sighed. "There are days when I knew this position wasn't going to be pleasant. No ruler ever goes their whole reign without at least one bad day. And today..." Her eyes closed. "Is definitely not a good day for me."

Spike reached over, patting her on the side and causing her to look to him as he offered her a small smile. "I know, but...you can do this. I know you can."

Twilight too smiled, thankful at the small comfort he gave her. But again, it was only a small comfort, and their smiles faded when they looked up together. They were not alone here in the throne room today, and there was far more than just a few guards or some daily visitor. Here a great many had gathered, nobles and commoners alike, and they all stood in groups on either side of the chamber. Taking a deep breath, Twilight stepped forward from her throne, causing all here to look to her. She stood at the edge of the stairs that led down from said throne, putting on her most serious expression, before stretching out her hoof and pointing forward. "Bring him in."

The guards at that end of the room saluted to her, opening the door as ordered. All turned to look upon  the one who now entered. A rather scruffy-looking stallion, walking slowly into the room while being accompanied by several guards, with Flash at their head. The most notable thing about this stallion however was the fact that he had chains around his hooves, which naturally hindered his movements. Nopony said a word, not even him, but this silence was broken by Flash when they at last reached the base of the stairs that led to Twilight's throne. "Princess Twilight. This is the criminal you have been told about. His name is Rough Edge, and he was seen having started a tavern brawl some time last night. There was a great deal of fighting before the city guard were able to arrive and intervene. And before they did..." He frowned as he looked back to Rough. "This stallion had seriously injured one of the other ponies there."

Twilight too frowned. "How is she?"

Flash sighed before answering. "The doctor's report states that she's stable, though the injury was still quite bad. Chances are it'll be a while before her hind leg is recovered enough for her to walk on it."

Twilight nodded to him. "Thank you, Flash." She watched as he saluted to her, stepping forward and allowing Rough to be escorted just a few steps closer. Here, he was stopped, fully surrounded by the guards, refusing to even look up to her. Twilight, by contrast, gave him her full attention. "Before we begin here, have you anything to say?" The stallion remained silent after that, earning him the scorn of many of the surrounding guards. Twilight took a moment to glance down to Spike, who was similarly concerned, before again turning her gaze to Flash. "I hear this stallion has other crimes to his name?"

A grim nod from the guard. "He has." Reaching behind himself, Flash produced a parchment, which rolled out onto the floor. "He is charged with numerous counts of unnecessary aggression towards Canterlot citizens. Multiple acts of theft, many of which were conducted violently. Vandalism, with his targets usually being ponies' homes. Shall I continue, your Highness?"

Twilight shook her head. "No. That will be all." She watched Flash give her another salute, then focused her attention on Rough. Nopony said anything for a time, but eventually Twilight finally addressed him. "I know of you, Mr Edge. You used to serve as one of the associates of Dr Caballeron, yes?"

Rough unceremoniously spat on the floor after hearing that name, much to the chagrin of the guards nearby, before looking up to his Judge. "That old coot ain't got no business with me anymore. He cut us loose when you and yours made him go legit."

Twilight frowned. "I offered the Doctor a chance to do some good. And rest assured, that's exactly what he's doing right now. Under supervision of course."

But Rough was unconcerned. "I don't care what he's dong now. All I care about is that me and the guys had nothing to do once he was done with us. We were a tight crew for years, and then, boom, left behind."

"Be that as it may, taking your frustrations out on innocent ponies is far from an acceptable thing to do. I hope you understand that you've committed several serious crimes? Ponies have been hurt by you, and there is no doubt in my mind that you'd likely have continued to do wrong if you hadn't been apprehended by the Guard."

Rough stayed quiet for a few moments, then cast her a scornful look. "I don't care about them. I don'rt care about the Boss..." His eyes narrowed. "And I don't care about you." There were, of course, many angry murmurs in the crowd over his disrespectful remarks towards the Princess. But like with everything else, he ignored them. "Just throw me in a cell if you want. We all know that's where I'm heading."

Twilight took a deep breath, looking down to Spike for a second or two, before again turning her gaze to Rough. "Doubtless there are many here who would love nothing more than for me to do that. For me to throw you in some dungeon and throw away the key." The looks of pleasure on the faces of many in the crowd proved her suspicions on that count, but she kept on speaking. "But you should know...I have no intention of having you spend the rest of your life in some cold cell. Not even in the face of all the terrible things you've done."

Slowly, Rough looked to her, clearly confused. "You...what?"

Twilight stepped forward. "Mr Edge...I intend to give you an opportunity not unlike that which was offered to your former employer."

All eyes were upon her, and none bore more shock and surprise than Rough himself. However, this sentiment on his part was short-lived, as he soon burst out laughing. "What?! You think you're gonna make me into one of your little servants? Trotting around Equestria on goodwill missions or something?"

Twilight's expression was a stony one. "Do not mistake my words for a pardon. You've seriously hurt the citizens of this city, and you will be paying the price for those actions. But when that price has been paid, and you step out again into the light, there's no need for you to keep on wandering back-alleys without a goal in your life."

To that, Rough's dismissive attitude seemed to wane, if only a little. "So...what are you doing to me, exactly?"

Twilight paused, briefly, then addressed the entire crowd. "Let it be known that for the crime of willingly committing injuries to another pony, Rough Edge is hereby sentenced to a year of imprisonment." She waited for the resulting murmurs to die down somewhat, before then locking her eyes with Rough's again. "But when you walk free from that, we will speak again. Because I promise you, I will not allow anypony to simply go through life being a danger to others. There can be an outlet, a purpose to your life, Rough. But whatever it may be..." Her face softened, at least a little. "Then I hope you're willing to take it when the time comes."

Rough didn't know what to say, but his body language, turning away from her, made it pretty obvious that he had a lot going on in his head right now. The guards, having heard the verdict, began to escort him away, never letting their eyes leave him just in case he tried something. The other assembled ponies, regardless of their station, were all abuzz with discussions over the Princess' verdict, though even they too began to disperse after Rough had finally been taken out of the throne room. After several minutes of watching ponies walking out, Twilight finally allowed herself to relax, reclining back into her throne, all while Spike looked to her with concern. "Think ponies will be okay with that? Wanting to make this guy into a productive member of society and all that?"

Twilight gave a quick shrug. "I'm not sure, Spike. But the fact of the matter is that I have forgiven those who have committed far worse acts than him. I've even called those people friends, and on more than one occasion. What would it say about me if I was not willing to offer the chance to grow and become better to one like him?"

Spike folded his arms, looking deep in thought. "Can't say. What I can say though is that I really don't envy you on days like this, Twilight."

To that, Twilight looked to him with a smirk. "In that case, Spike, I'd be more than happy to trade places with you next time this duty comes along."
> Posterity
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Looking out from her balcony, a soothing cup of tea in her hooves, Twilight couldn't help but sigh with contentment. Her role as Equestria's ruler wasn't always easy, and indeed this past week had proved that, but she would always be grateful to moments like this that just allowed her to stop and take it all in. The sun was setting slowly, thanks in no small part to her own involvement, and she was sure to watch every single moment of it. After all, it was watching the moving of the sun all those years ago that first inspired her to walk the path that led her to where she is today, and those fond memories caused a smile in her as she took another sip of her tea. Alas, her peaceful solitude was interrupted by the sound of her balcony doors opening up behind her. But there was not the sound of hooves coming towards her, but a far more familiar sound of movement, and one that caused another smile in her as she didn't even bother to look back before speaking. "Afternoon, Spike."

Getting into his chair on he other side of the small table where Twilight was sitting, the diminutive dragon smiled back to her. "And you, Twilight."

Here, Twilight finally did look to him, and she saw that he was carrying what was most definitely a collection of newspapers. Another sigh escaped her, for she knew what that meant. It was something of an unofficial routine the two had fallen into since coming to their current positions, and as Twilight set her cup down for a moment, she took a deep breath, bracing herself for the worst. "Alright...how bad is it?"

Spike's smile faded as he rummaged through some of the various headlines of the papers. "Well, things seem to be okay for the most part. There are plenty of ponies who are pretty happy with the fact that things have been pretty quiet and peaceful since you came to power. There's also been a lot of positive buzz over things like your decision to expand the use of the Wonderbolts..."

Slowly, Twilight looked to him, eyebrow raised. "But...?"

Spike hesitated, but knew he couldn't keep quiet about every matter indefinitely. "But...there are some papers that are critical of your decisions to increase the amount of 'mingling' Equestria does with others."

Disappointment came to Twilight's expression. "I thought there might be."

Spike frowned. "You don't need to pay attention to them, Twilight. People with those kinds of views are just living in the past. Like when we first met Neighsay? They'll come around."

Twilight looked out to the horizon. "Be that as it may, Spike, even if they do change one day, that day might be very far off. And in the meantime their words can and will reach the ears of a lot of ponies. Ponies who'll be influenced a great deal by this kind of sentiment." Her ears drooped. "How many will be turned against the world we're trying to build?"

Spike mournfully scratched the back of his head, looking away to the horizon. "Can't say. With luck it won't be that many. Times are changing, Twilight. Equestria isn't what it used to be, so who knows? Maybe ponykind really is past all that bad stuff now."

Twilight smiled to him, thinking fondly on his words. "I want that to be true, Spike. I really do." Her smile faded shortly afterwards. "All these things I'm trying to do. Helping Equestria, bringing us closer to those beyond our borders..I hope I'll be remembered well for it."

Spike chuckled, casting her a sly look. "Oh, no need to worry about how you'll be remembered, Twilight. You'll be ruling for a long time yet."

As before, Twilight smiled to him. "I'll certainly try to. But if Princess Celestia taught me one thing, it's that nothing lasts forever. Even she stepped down after a time. That same will happen with me one day, and however it happens, I hope..." A sigh escaped her. I hope...ponies will look back on my era happily."

The young dragon beside her gave a shrug. "How could they not? All the things you, me and our friends have done, there's not a creature in the world who doesn't know that you've done good wherever you go. If your time gets taught about in history books one day, I've no doubt they'll sing your praises every time."

Twilight knew he was trying to cheer her up, for which she gave him an appreciative look. But then new thoughts came to her, and she once more looked solemn. "Events of the past aren't always thought of as well as we'd like them to be, Spike. Just look at Luna." She grimaced at the memory. " For a thousand years, the ponies of Equestria didn't even know she existed. All we knew was of a 'wicked mare of darkness' who once challenged Celestia for control of the nation. Her name, her true name, was forgotten, and whatever good deeds she might have done before her turn was lost to history, replaced instead with tales of a monster who'd devour children."

Scratching his cheek, Spike too started to look uncomfortable. "Huh...I guess history can be pretty harsh sometimes." He started to look more worried after that. "Stygian was in the same boat too. I mean, how long was he helping the Pillars to fight evil? Instead, most ponies for the last few centuries only ever knew of the monster the Pony of Shadows."

Twilight nodded. "I wish it were not so...but one day, my name will also be forgotten. The deeds I do, unknown. Perhaps I too will only be told of as a fable, a myth. And perhaps not even a good one, even after all my friends and I have tried to do." She took another sip of her tea to try and calm herself. "I don't like to dwell on things that are far away, but the thoughts come all the same."

As was often the case, Spike wanted to think of a way to help her, and so, for a time, the two simply sat in silence, looking out over the lands of Equestria that were still lit by the continually-setting sun. Then, after a moment, Spike's eye widened, and his face lit up. "Maybe...you can get your own story out there!"

Twilight looked to him with confusion. "Huh?"

Spike looked to her eagerly. "Think about it! What if you don't just wait for your story to be told by others? What if you're the one to tell it? An autobiography!"

The Princess of Friendship considered that, but seemed sceptical. "An autobiography? Just...just me writing about my life? Doesn't that sound a bit...self-indulgent? I don't really want to be the kind of monarch who just brags about what they've accomplished."

Spike shook his head. "You're not bragging, Twilight. You're getting your side of things out there for all to see! You worry about how history will remember you, but there's nothing to say that yours can't be one of the voices talking about that history, right?"

Twilight tapped the end of her chin. "Well...I'm certainly not opposed to the idea of some official documentation about my reign or the years before it, but...I'm no writer, Spike."

Spike scoffed, rolling his eyes. "Oh yeah? All the piles of paperwork the Golden Oak and Friendship Palace would beg to differ."

His friend giggled. "Writing essays and reports is one thing. This is something else altogether. I'm not going to pretend that biographies, auto or otherwise, are something I have any experience or skill with."

Looking away, Spike thought on that for a moment, then smirked to her. "Then we'll start small. Don't just write the book willy-nilly. We'll start by gathering testimony."

Twilight looked to him with further confusion. "What, are we in a court case now?" she asked with no small degree of amusement.

The tiny dragon waved her off. "You know what I mean. It's like that memory book me and Starlight made for you. It wasn't you making it, even if it was ultimately about your life in Ponyville. It was stories and memories from all those you know. That's what we can do. You've touched the lives of so many people, Twilight. And not just ponies, but plenty of others too. And I guarantee that every single one of them would be willing to talk about all you've done if it means future generations will be able to look back and smile at your time on the throne."

Twilight blushed. "I...thank you, Spike. I'm not really sure about the idea of having some big book about my life, but...I suppose it's just better than letting the winds of fate decide how those in the future will think of me."

Spike nodded his head. "No argument there. I mean, can you imagine just how many truths are lost forever just because people didn't have the common sense to write it all down?!"

Twilight shuddered. "Okay, yeah, point made." She clapped her hooves together. "In that case, o royal advisor...let us discuss book titles."

To that, Spike grimaced. "Ah shoot. I hate coming up with names!"
> After a Long Day
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Uuuuuuuuuuuugh!" The tiredness in Flash's voice was a clear as day as he walked through the front door of his home, letting out a deep sigh as he closed it behind him. Raising his hooves to his temples, he rubbed himself there slightly as he began to take deep breaths. "Announcing isn't the most active job in the world...but at least it's better than library duty." He shuddered. "Just...standing like a statue."

"Oh dear. Bad day, honey?" called a voice from another room.

The sound of that voice brought a smile to Flash's face, and he moved over to just outside the door to the aforementioned room. "Trust me, sweetie, I've dealt with worse. Action I can deal with, but tedium is something else altogether." Then, his nostrils flared, and he took in a sweet aroma. "Oh...what is this I'm smelling tonight?"

A giggle from the other room. "Oh, just a little something I thought I'd prepare for you coming home. It's been, what, a whole week since you were here?"

Flash's ears drooped. "I'm sorry, dear. I wish I could just come back after every shift, but..."

He was halted when the voice spoke up again. "No apology needed, Flash. Your work is important. I can't ask you to give up what you do just because I miss you." A long pause, and then she spoke again. "...But yes, I do miss you." Then, as if she could hear him approach, she spoke again. "Ah! Not yet! As much as I'd love to smother you in kisses right now, I'm at a pretty delicate stage of the cooking, so...could you...?"

Flash smiled, giving a nod he knew his wife could not see. "Not a problem, dear. I'll just be in my favourite place," he remarked with a sly look. After that, he stayed quiet for a time, then walked off away from the direction of the voice, entering his living room. He smiled warmly to the sight of the armchair on the far side, by the window, and he made his way over to sit down in it. The feel of that softness washed over him, and as he let out another groan, this time it was one of utter satisfaction. "Oooooooooh yeah, that's the stuff." He turned, looking out of the window, seeing all the other pegasi flying by, greeting one another in the street or just tending to the clouds that made up their front fences. He chuckled to the sight. "Cloudsdale-born I may be, but I tell ya, it's weird spending most of the week down on the ground and then coming back to this."

"I can imagine," his wife said from the other room. "I could never get used to it down there. I don't know about you, but I much prefer how cool the air is up here."

Flash turned to her direction, even though he still couldn't see her. "Probably why you love your job so much."

"I still maintain you'd love weather control too, Flash. You were pretty good at it back in the day."

A look of nostalgia came to the stallion. "Yeah...it's where we first met."

"Now don't go getting lost in romantic memories, Flashy. That's my job." The two laughed together, even though they still couldn't see one another. Fortunately, that latter fact was soon to change, as Flash could, even with the benefit of a floor made of clouds, hear hoofsteps approach from nearby. This of course prompted him to turn and look to the doorway, where he finally laid eyes upon his wife. A mare with pink fur and a purple mane, whose cutie mark was that of a small cloud next to a bright sun. Naturally, the two smiled lovingly to each other, and Flash practically leapt out of his chair to move over to her. They embraced, which inevitably led to the long-awaited kiss they'd been denied for so long. So passionate was it that it lasted a full minute before they finally withdrew, though they continued to stare into each others' eyes. "Oh, I've missed that," his wife remarked.

"You and me both, Clear," Flash agreed.

Clear Skies glanced over her shoulder, then gave him a sly look. "Would you...like that dinner now?"

But Flash shook his head, maintaining his smile for her. "Right now, all I want is you. I want to know everything, sweetie. How have things been? How were your friends in the weather team? Been up to anything good while I was gone?"

Clear chuckled. "Oh, it's all the same stuff really. Me and the guys got into another debate about whether one of our co-workers was talking about me or the actual clear skies, but aside from that nothing really new to report."

A small laugh on Flash's part. "I will never get tired of hearing you and your friends talking about that stuff."

Clear arched an eyebrow. "I'd be happy to trade places if you like. Not much chance of that kind of confusion happening with a guy called Flash Sentry in the spot."

Flash blushed, but then leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek. "Nah, they're far better off with you dealing with the weather than I am."

His wife gave him a sly look. "Ooooh, flattery. That's gonna get you some good stuff later on."

"I look forward to it, Flash replied, matching her look.

Again, the two kissed, and again it lasted a long time. When they parted, they moved together, sitting down on their sofa made from, what else, clouds. Holding hooves, they continued to look to their spouse with nothing but love, though Clear started to develop some unmistakable curiosity. "So, I hear things have been going pretty well with the new Princess?"

Flash sighed. "Honestly, it's always something new and different with her. I've served under all four of the alicorn Princesses, Clear. And in all that time never have I seen as much activity as I have since Twilight took the throne."

Clear, nuzzling him slightly, kept her interested tone. "So I've heard. Wherever you go nowadays it seems like all anypony wants to talk about is some new thing the Princess has done. Some big change she has planned or maybe just something else she's done."

Flash looked down to her, gently stroking the top of her mane with his free hoof. "I'm grateful you want to talk about the things that have happened at work, but if there's one mare I'd actually like to talk about right now, it's you."

Clear giggled. "You hopeless romantic."

"Guilty, as charged," Flash concurred. After the two laughed together, he looked down to her again. "You know, I've got some vacation time built up, if you maybe want to head off somewhere for a week?"

Clear smiled widely to him. "Oh, I'd love to. I've got time to spend myself, and it'd be good to just be with each other for that time."

Flash tapped his chin with his hoof. "Only...where to go?"

His wife smirked to him. "Somewhere other than Canterlot or Cloudsdale, I bet."

Flash sighed. "Yeah, as great as those two places are there's only so long we can be around them before we want a change. How about..." He pondered for a long time, then regained his smile. "Oh! How about a trip to Mount Aris?"

Clear's eye lit up. "The Hippogriff Kingdom?! Oh, I've been wanting to scope that place out ever since they reopened their borders!"

Flash held her close, kissing her on the cheek. "Then it's settled. As soon as we're off, we'll head straight there." Getting himself off the sofa, he held out his hoof, offering it to her. "Come on. Let's get to that lovely meal you've made. Because I'll say right now, standard food over at the barracks will never compare to your cooking."

Clear blushed. "Oh, I don't know about that."

Flash shook his head. "None of that, honey. Your food is terrific and you know it. Now let's prove that statement by eating it!"

Clear rolled her eyes. "Only you could make an evening meal sound like some epic adventure." A long sigh escaped her. "Times like this when I remember why I married you."

Flash gave her a wink. "And believe me, nopony's more happy about that than I am." His wife gave him another playful nudge after those words, and again the two laughed together. But then, they headed off together, hoof in hoof, to the kitchen, and as soon as they entered Flash's nostrils were overtaken with a plethora of delicious smells the likes of which he probably hadn't experienced in quite some time. "Ohhhhhhhhh yeah, now this is gonna be a good meal!" He looked on, seeing the veritable banquet his wife had made, and he grinned like a fool to it all. "Well, I'd say you're definitely taking inspiration from that cookbook you got the other week." Then he paused, taking in just the sheer quantity of food on the table. "Um...don't think me ungrateful, sweetie, but isn't this kind of a lot?"

Clear shrugged, then gave him a sly look as she leaned over and whispered. "Maybe...until you remember I'm not just eating for me."

Slowly, Flash nodded. "Ah, right. Gotcha." Then, after a long pause, he turned to look her in the eye. "...Pardon?"
> Reporting In
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spike hadn't seen Twilight this nervous and excited since she first took her throne, yet here she was, trying desperately not to just giggle happily at the thought of what was coming. It brought a smile to his face to see that, even with a role with as much responsibility as hers, she could still find joy in life. She looked down to him, placing her hoof upon his shoulder, whispering to him in that way one did when they were definitely looking forward to something. "Can you believe it, Spike? It's been so long!"

The young dragon chuckled. "Not that long, Twilight."

She gave him a quick nudge. "We spent years seeing her every day, Spike. Having been apart from her this long definitely feels like an age has passed."

Thinking on that, Spike gave a shrug. "Meh, can't argue with that." His smile resumed. "And yeah, I'm looking forward to seeing her too."

Twilight brought him in close, and the two shared a quick hug, just in time to hear the doors of her throne room open, which of course prompted them both to assume more official stances. One of the guards entered, ready to announce the arrival. Though it was not Flash in that particular role today, as he and his wife had taken some vacation time recently. Even so, the guard cleared his throat and spoke aloud all the same. "Announcing the arrival of Rainbow Dash, squadron leader of the Wonderbolts, and her escorted companion, Miss Daring Do!"

Twilight grinned happily, but Spike looked unimpressed. "Meh, Flash had a better voice for it. This guy's not bad, but still, I'd say about seven-out-of-ten at best."

Twilight wasn't paying attention, and was naturally focused on the new arrivals to the room. Daring Do was here, carrying a satchel over her back. She gave a tip of her hat to the Princess, which Twilight naturally returned, but what the latter was truly focusing on right now was the one accompanying her. Sure enough, Rainbow Dash, decked out in her Wonderbolt uniform, approached, looking as confident as ever. It was a sight for sore eyes as far as Twilight was concerned, and barely had the newcomers reached the base of her throne-stairs when the Princess, in a very un-Princess-like move, leapt forward, embracing Rainbow in a tight hug. Rainbow, perhaps having expected this from her, simply chuckled, patting her on the back. "Yeah, I know. I missed you too, Twi." As they parted, Rainbow then noticed Spike walking behind his older friend, and the cyan Wonderbolt afforded him a smirk before patting him on the head. "And good to see you too, Spike."

Spike smirked right back. "You too, Rainbow." After only the barest of pauses, the small drake too rushed forward to hug her, which Rainbow was glad to return.

Twilight clapped her hooves excitedly, but then noticed and remembered that Rainbow had not come here alone today, and so blushed as she turned to face Daring. "Oh! Of course! Welcome to the Palace once more, Miss Do," she said as regally as possible.

The adventurous author gave a quick bow of her head, but then cast a glance in Rainbow's direction. "It's alright, Princess. You go ahead and catch up with Rainbow. I can wait."

Twilight silently mouthed the words "thank you" to her guest, then looked over to Rainbow. Specifically to her uniform. "So, a squad leader now? What's that like?"

Rainbow grinned widely. "It...is...awesome! Actually having ponies under my command? Oh, can you believe I'd ever actually get to this point?!"

Twilight moved forward, placing her hoof upon Rainbow's shoulder. "Rainbow...I never doubted you for a second."

Rainbow maintained her happy look, but looked down to Spike as the latter cleared his throat. "So, who are the lucky ponies you get to boss around?"

Rainbow frowned, in a good-natured way of course, before answering. "Oh, just a pair of ex-students of Twilight and me."

Instantly, Twilight's eyes widened. "Wait...Sky Signer and Vapor Trail?!"

Rainbow nodded, returning to her earlier prideful look. "Yep. They're my new wingponies. And let me tell ya, they've come a long way since we last saw therm."

Twilight thought back nostalgically to her time at the Academy when she and Rainbow were helping those two with both their flying and their friendship. "I'm glad things worked out for them." A sly look came to her. "I imagine you've been pushing them a fair bit on your missions?"

Rainbow chuckled. "Kinda have to, Twi. Especially since your new command is for us Wonderbolts to go further afield these days."

Twilight briefly looked guilty after hearing that. "Yes...I hope that's not too bad for you?"

Rainbow waved her off. "Are you kidding? It's great to go out that far! So many sights to see and new skies to fly! I tell ya, Twilight, your plan for us has really brought in a new chapter for the Wonderbolts, and I bet everycreature who comes into it now is really gonna appreciate you for it."

Twilight giggled. "I really hope so." Finally, the Princess turned to Daring. "And of course you two met up on one of those far-flung scouting missions?"

Daring nodded as she stepped forward. "Yep. Me and Caballeron was just coming back from our last artefact-hunt. Got caught up with a pretty nasty manticore on the way back." She nudged Rainbow in the side, giving her a knowing smile as she did so. "Luckily these guys were around to lend a helping hoof to us on that one."

Rainbow chuckled. "Well, hey, it's no problem. We're pretty good at fighting monsters these days." The group all shared a laugh together, after which Rainbow looked to Daring again. "Though I will say it was pretty sweet seeing Caballeron scream like a little filly when that manticore got close to him."

Daring sighed. "Oh yeah, I'll treasure that memory for the rest of my life."

Spike stepped forward, looking to Daring with intense curiosity. "So...what did you find? Some big evil magical jewel or something?"

Daring smirked to him, taking off the satchel from her back and holding it in front of everycreature. "Here it is. The artefact we wrote to you about."

Twilight stared at the bag. "The one with the unpronounceable name?"

Daring nodded. "Yep, that'd be the one." She looked to Spike again. "Wanna see it, kid?"

Spike stepped forward, then stopped, thinking hard on that choice, before taking another step backwards, all while holding his claws up. "Er...no, thank you. I've kinda had my fill of magical artefacts over the years."

Daring shrugged. "Suit yourself." Her attention then turned to the Princess. "I hear you've got someplace for me to put all this?"

Twilight too nodded. "Yes. I've been preparing a special place, right here at the palace, for the storage of potentially dangerous magical items. By the time we're finished with it, it should be the most secure place in all Equestria."

Rainbow whistled. "Sweet. Good to know you're not taking any chances with these things, Twi."

Twilight sighed. "Given our history with these sorts of things falling into the wrong hooves, there's too much risk letting them just be out there in the world for anycreature to pick up." Frustration came to her. "It's just a shame we don't know more than we do. This one wasn't even known to us until you and Caballeron messaged us about it," she remarked to Daring.

The other mare herself looked to her satchel with some level of concern. "You're not wrong to be worried. It was hard to get to, and those who put it there centuries ago probably weren't too keen on it, given all the terrifying sculptures and wall paintings around it." Noticing all the worried looks she was getting, Daring chuckled nervously. "Oh, but I'm sure it's nothing to worry about. Not once we get some sort of experts on it."

A knowing smile came to Twilight. "Which brings me onto the next thing that needs to be done. With so many unknown magical powers being unearthed and brought here, we'll need somepony brought in to try to study and catalogue it all. Somepony who is utterly devoted to knowledge and who can make sure we do what we can to keep these artefacts under the proper precautions."

Rainbow matched her look as she turned to face her once more. "I know that face, Twilight. You've already got somepony lined up, right?"

Twilight giggled. "Oh, I might. But she still has some things to do before she gets here. Until then..." The Princess moved forward, embracing Rainbow once more. "It's been wonderful to see you again, Rainbow."

As before, Rainbow hugged her back. "You too, egghead. Here's hoping we won't always have to wait a whole month to see each other."

As they parted, Twilight's smile grew. "Well, if you're interested, I got a letter from Rarity yesterday. Apparently she's very interested in the idea of us and our friends having special 'friendship committee uniforms' for our meetings."

Naturally, Rainbow's face was overtaken with a look of horror. "...Why did you have to tell me that?"
> Trouble in the Treasury
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ever since he took on this position, and even years before, Spike was no stranger to having piles of papers in front of him. But while there was a time when he might have relished going through such documents, these ones only brought him frustration, as every page only furthered the frown he wore. "Okay...there's no denying it. This needs to be fixed."

"Quite," a voice from the side said to him. "Princess Celestia often struggled to keep things from escalating, but thankfully, now that we've found the source of the problem, we can maybe get this matter resolved."

Spike turned to look upon the white earth pony, Raven Inkwell, standing beside him, looking over the same papers he was. "Did we manage to get them?"

Raven, taking off her glasses for a moment, rolled her eyes. "Yes...though not without considerable effort."

Spike sighed. "Let me guess, they charmed the guards and got away?"

Raven nodded solemnly. "Twice, unfortunately."

The young dragon rubbed his temples. "Yep, thought as much." He leaned back into his chair, glancing around the well-kept office he did most of his work in. "Times like this when you wonder just how Celestia kept herself from going nuts for all those centuries"

A knowing smile came to the mare beside him. "A good night's sleep, and plenty of good tea in the morning. That usually did the trick."

Spike chuckled drily. "Heh, might give that a try." His eyes narrowed. "But first..."

Raven smiled and then nodded again, understanding his meaning. "Of course." She gestured to one of the two guards that were stationed just outside of Spike's door, and the latter saluted before opening said door. On the other side, and being escorted in by another pair of guards, was a duo of unicorns that Spike had seen several times in his life, though ones he'd wished not to see again anytime soon. Raven was likewise unimpressed with them, yet maintained her professional tone. "Mr Flim. Mr Flam. Thank you for joining us."

Let it never be said that the brothers didn't try to act modest when they knew they were rumbled, as the first gave a bow. "Why it's no trouble at all, my dear. My brother and I are happy to be invited to the palace."

"Even if we were rather pressed into the matter," the other remarked, much to the prior brother's irritation.

Raven adjusted her glasses before gesturing to Spike. "If you would, the Royal Advisor has a matter of great importance to discuss with you."

It was only here when the brothers noticed Spike, and this apparently caused them some amusement. "Ah! Spike my boy! How stupendous to see you again! Why, it seems like only yesterday we were rubbing elbows with all our allies in the great battle against Tirek, Chrysalis and...whatever that little filly's name was. Ah, good times, am I right?"

Raven, who was clearly offended on Spike's behalf that these two would assume such good terms with him, stepped forward to speak, only to stop when Spike spoke up himself. "Oh, certainly. In fact, since we're such close allies, I was hoping we could talk about a few things."

Flim and Flam, sharing a confident look, waltzed right on over to Spike's desk, pulled out a couple of chairs, then plonked themselves in and stretched like they owned the place, much to Raven's obvious chagrin. But she kept herself quiet for now, listening on as Flim began. "I say, old boy, jolly nice of you to want to converse with us like this. Need a few pointers for public speaking or the like?"

Spike, looking like absolutely nothing was wrong, reached over and pulled out something from the drawer on his desk. After that, he tossed it over to Flam, who caught it between his hooves. Both brothers looked on at what had been thrown their way, and immediately their eyes widened. It was a golden coin, a bit, and one totally unassuming, yet for some reason caused the brothers some concern. But like Raven they too kept quiet, watching as Spike leaned forward to speak. "Do you know what that is?"

Pulling at his collar, Flim tried to act innocent. "Why it's a bit of course. Totally normal and nothing wrong with it."

Flam started sweating. "Was...was that all? Can we go now?"

Slowly, Spike shook his head. "Unfortunately, it is not a normal and ordinary bit. It looks like one, but a lot of the smaller details, like the writing on the coin and the markings around the edge, aren't in-line with what other bits have on them."

A quick gulp from Flim. "Oh...fascinating."

Spike smiled slightly. "In fact, it's almost as if this isn't a real bit at all, but a fake." His eyes narrowed. "Now, I wonder who would be so tricksy as to try and introduce counterfeit coins to the economy? Hmmmmm?"

Flim, his eyes darting around the room, quickly tried to assume the role of the confident conman yet again. "Oh! Well done, my lad! You found our little prize! Oh boy, we wondered if anycreature was going to find it at all, weren't we, brother?"

Flam, picking up on the cues, nodded enthusiastically. "Oh yes! But you did it, Spike old chap! And for that you win the prize of..."

Unfortunately, the two had no chance to finish whatever quick scheme they'd thought up, because at that moment Spike reached back into the drawer from before, pulling out a large sack, then dumped it onto the desk, causing several dozen more counterfeit coins to fall out. A long silence fell over them all, during which time the brothers could feel Spike's gaze drilling into them. After a long while of this, Flim again looked to him with nervousness. "Um...boys will be boys?"

Spike shook his head. "Flim...Flam...I'm going to assume you know it's illegal to do this. But even if you didn't, please know that this is an incredibly damaging thing to do."

Flim, who apparently did not believe that, waved him off. "Oh pish! Surely you exaggerate. It's just my brother and I trying to get a bit extra for our pockets, that's all."

Spike's look of disapproval was as clear as day. "Every new coin that goes out there, fake or not, devalues bits as a whole. The less valuable they are, the harder it'll be for people to buy stuff with it. Now, ponies like you, who like to surround yourselves with as much money as possible, probably won't feel that pinch, but for those who do it'll make life a lot harder for them." He balled his claw into a fist, slamming it onto the table and causing the brothers to flinch. "When I took this job, I did so because I felt I could try and make things good for this nation. So did Princess Twilight. And if you think I'm going to let this kind of thing carry on, you've got another thing coming."

The brothers were visibly nervous now, doubly so when they noticed that the guards who had escorted them here had actually taken to standing right behind them. After upping the amount of sweat he was letting out, Flam spoke to the small dragon before him. "What...what are you going to do?"

Taking a deep breath, Spike stood on top of his chair, making sure he was at eye-level with the two stallions. "First, you're going to give your full cooperation to the guards. We'll be conducting an investigation of all your dealings, and hopefully we'll be able to track down every single one of these fake bits you've put out there. As for you two..." He took a moment to enjoy the fear in their eyes, then continued. "You'll be sent to a place where you'll have to learn the value of being open and honest with people. There's a seminar being held in a town close to Canterlot, and the speaker is one known far and wide for getting across the importance of the truth." A sly smirk came to her. "I believe you know her well."

Instantly, the color drained from the brother's faces. "No...no! Not her! Anything but her! She'll...she'll eat us alive!" Flim declared.

Spike shrugged. "Well not to put too fine a point on it...but you should've thought of that before you started making fake money." His smile faded, and he looked to them with pure seriousness now. "I hope you both know that not cooperating with the guards won't earn you any points with me, right?"

Flam and Flam looked to each other, then the former put on perhaps the sleaziest smile Spike had ever seen. "Would...a free day in Las Pegasus maybe sway your opinion of us?" The arched eyebrow Spike gave him was all the answer he needed. "Right...message received and understood."

Spike gave a firm nod. "Good." He gestured to the guards. "Take them to that old 'university' of theirs first. If we're looking over their paperwork, that's a good place to start." He got a salute from the guards, watching as the two con-ponies were escorted out of their office with their tails between their legs. As soon as the door closed, and it was once more just him and Raven, Spike looked up to the latter. "Think we'll be able to get all the false bits?"

Raven smiled to him. "If anyone has a knack for finding gold, Spike, it's a dragon."

Spike smirked again. "Dang straight."
> The Princess and the Queen
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Okay, Twilight...just breathe." Twilight's words were as calming as possible as she spoke to herself, and per her own advice, she tried breathing in and out. It was standard relaxation exercises, and she'd used them ever since Cadance had taught them to her so long ago. But even with this being done, there was a tension in her that simply wouldn't let her go, and it was starting to get to her. "Spike...I'm not looking forward to this."

Spike, sitting beside her in the throne room, looked to her with equal concern. "I know the feeling. Last time we saw her wasn't exactly on the best of terms." A smile came to him. "But, you know, a whole bunch of good stuff has happened since then, and ponies and Hippogriffs are close friends now, so...maybe it'll be okay?"

Twilight's ears drooped. "I know...but she and I haven't spoken since my...since the last time. Whenever she's come to Equestria it was always Princess Celestia she was talking with. Today's the first day I'll be the one she's visiting." She gulped. "I just hope this goes okay."

Just then, the doors of the throne room opened, and from them emerged Flash's current replacement, who fulfilled his duties loudly. "Announcing the arrival of Novo, Queen of the Hippogriffs!"

Twilight stood from her throne, as did Spike, and watched as the distinguished monarch entered. Flanked by two other Hippogriffs in royal armor, Novo made a graceful approach to the throne, and Twilight, seeing her composed and stern face, gave a deep bow as soon as she got there. "Queen Novo. It's a pleasure to welcome you to the Royal Palace."

Novo returned the bow, then rose up again. "I am grateful for the invitation, Princess Twilight. It has been quite a while since we last saw one another. I trust your time on the throne has been successful thus far?"

Twilight, to that at least, was able to smile. "It has been. Taking on a role like this has been daunting...but I like to think I've risen to the challenge."

Novo gave a nod, then glanced both to her own guards and to the ones stationed around the rest of the room. "Pardon my forwardness, but I prefer not having too much of an audience during my official visits."

Twilight understood immediately. "Of course." She gestured to her guards, all of whom gave a salute before starting to make their way out. Novo's own guards followed suit, and before long it was just the two monarchs and Spike. Taking a few steps down from her throne, Twilight's uncertainty about the visit was starting to show in her tone. "I was...unsure if you'd be willing to come here when I invited you. I'm glad you accepted."

To that, Novo smiled. "But of course. My people spent years away from all others. Now that the shadow of the Storm king is no longer upon us, I have no intention of staying down below the waves if I have a chance to get out and about."

Spike, who had been keeping quiet throughout most of this, looked to the Queen with curiosity. "How's Skystar?"

Novo looked down to him, appearing happy that such a question was asked. "Oh, my daughter is the same as always. Eager to get out and see other things, even more than she was before. It can be quite a hoofful, as you can expect. You and your friends certainly had an impact on her during your brief time with us back then."

Twilight too thought back happily on their brief interactions with the excitable Princess. "It was a delight to meet her, and all of you. I cannot thank her enough for her help in battling the Storm King."

Here, Novo's smile faltered, though only a little. "Indeed...though I wish the rest of your first visit had been similarly pleasant."

And there it was, Twilight thought to herself. The sticking point she'd feared since this visit first began. The one thing she'd been dreading having to talk about all day. Here it was, staring her in the face. She knew it, Novo knew it, and Spike certainly knew it, given how the latter was starting to shrink away from the two leaders. After a long silence, Twilight took one last deep breath in an effort to calm herself, then spoke earnestly. "Queen Novo...I should have said this a long time ago...but I am truly sorry for what I did." Novo didn't answer, thus giving Twilight leave to continue. "I tried to steal from you and your people. I let my desperation cloud my judgement and cause me to act...shamefully. No matter my intentions, or what I hoped to achieve...what I did was a crime, and for that..." She bowed. "I beg forgiveness."

Novo stared at her intently, her mind clearly going through a great deal. And after almost a full minute of not saying anything, she sighed deeply. "Yes...you did wrong. But..." She hesitated for a second before getting her words out. "I erred too." Seeing Twilight look to her with confusion, she elaborated. "For so long, I had one priority above all else. Keep my people away from the Storm King. I transformed us, I hid us, and I kept outsiders away from us all to achieve that goal." A grimace came to her. "And after all that, I'd closed my heart to the suffering of others. You and yours...the Storm King hurt you, just as he meant to hurt us, yet when you came to us, appealed to us for help, begged us for a way to free your people...I turned a blind eye." She stared Twilight right in the eye. "Had I been in your position...I might have done the same thing if it meant giving my Kingdom some small hope of a future."

Twilight was stunned to hear this, but still wasn't entirely happy. "It...was still wrong to steal from you."

A firm nod from Novo. "Yes, it was. Intentions may explain an action, but it will never truly excuse it." Then, her expression softened. "Likewise my intentions, safety for me and mine...cannot excuse my willingness to allow others to suffer without doing something to help them." She shook her head. "Fear had taken control of me, Twilight. A fear I'd allowed to grow in me for far too long." A frown came to her. "Fear cannot be what leads a people, no matter how noble the goals behind it." Again, she looked to Twilight. "You were wrong to try and steal...just as I was wrong to refuse to help." Another sigh. "How much suffering in this world is kept going simply because those who see it refuse to step in and lend a hoof?"

Twilight too looked saddened. "A great deal of it, I imagine."

Spike, looking from one monarch to the other, scratched the side of his head, then stepped forward, his voice tinted with nervousness and uncertainty. "So...we're good?"

Novo looked down to him, and after considering the question, broke out into a smile, reaching out and giving him a quick pat on the head. "Yes, little one, we're good."

Twilight, as one would expect after hearing that, breathed a deep sigh of relief. "Oh, that's so good to hear. You would not believe how worried I've been about this."

Novo chuckled. "I can imagine. Still, it's good to get these things off our chests. Besides, given all you and your friends have done for the world, I can't really hold something like that against you forever, especially since it's thanks to all of you that my people can see the sun again."

Twilight blushed. "Well, learning how to move that thing around has been tough going, but with luck I'll be able to do it as well as Princess Celestia was able to."

Novo nodded. "Be careful not to compare yourself too much to others, Twilight. That kind of standard can be hard to reach sometimes." A sly look came to her. "Even if I do believe you'll surpass it one day."

Twilight gave another bow. "You're too kind, your Majesty."

Novo shrugged. "Well, given how much my niece keeps going on about you when you were her teacher, it'd be hard for me to think you don't have it in you."

Looking back to her, Twilight took on a happier look. "I'm glad to hear Silverstream has enjoyed her time at the school, even if I'm not there anymore."

Novo considered that, maintaining her smile. "Oh, she wouldn't stop going on about it, nor would she stop talking about all her new friends." She then leaned forward. "Friends who seem to be very eager to try and follow in the example of you and your friends. Shall I assume you took some of that school time to try and teach them to be world-saving heroes?"

To that, Twilight shook her head. "No..." Then, she smiled. "They were heroes already. They just didn't realise it yet."

Hearing that, Novo nodded slowly, her mind no doubt dwelling on the smiling face of her niece. "...That's my girl."
> Flames and Futures
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Though Twilight had come across many problems since she took the throne, none had left her more exhausted and unhappy-looking than the one she had just gone through. Her eyes went over the same passages on the report in front of her over and over and over again, and nopony, not even Spike, was willing to speak until she herself had done so. As ruler, Twilight did her best to try and hide her feelings, much like Celestia would have done, but there was no hiding this, as her eyes slowly closed and she exhaled deeply. "...How?"

One of the assembled guards stepped forward, his helm in his hoof, looking to her with equal concern. "We're still conducting the investigation, but it seems to have been a gas leak. Their cooker most likely. And when one of them tried to ignite a nearby candle to read..." He didn't finish, for all there knew exactly what that combination meant. Instead, he looked left and right, to his colleagues, all of whom looked just as upset about the situation as he was, before speaking again to his monarch. "The house went up almost immediately, your Highness. There was nothing anypony could have done."

Twilight did her best to hold back the anger she felt that a tragedy such as this had occurred in her time as Princess, and she glanced out of the window, seeing the wisps of smoke rising from the far end of Canterlot where this had all taken place. "And you're sure the fires on the surrounding homes were put out?"

The guards nodded to that. "Yes, Ma'am. The fire teams worked all night, but they got it out."

Spike, who had been looking just as saddened as Twilight, stepped forward. "And...casualties?"

The guard looked down to the ground, solemnity taking hold of him. "For the most part, everypony was okay. Some light burns here and there, but otherwise fine. Except..."

Again, Twilight closed her eyes, only opening them again to look the guard right in his. "...Except the two who died."

Her court, albeit a small one in these wee hours, avoided her gaze. And yet again, it fell to this lone guard to answer her. "Yes, Ma'am. But, if nothing else, the report from the doctors said it was quick for them." Seeing the scowl Twilight now looked to him with, he stepped backwards slightly. "Not...not that such knowledge makes this any less of a terrible thing."

Twilight could feel he meant that, and so softened in her expression. "This might have been beyond my control, but they were still my people." She stepped forward, looking firm in her expression, addressing the crowd with all the authority she'd learned in her relatively brief time as Equestria's ruler. "Send out everypony we can to clear what remains of the house. Send every available doctor, even my own physicians if you have to, to tend to the needs of the injured."

The guards all saluted, but as the rest began to leave, the one who'd been speaking remained, if only for a moment. "And...the little one?"

Here, Twilight thought long and hard, then spoke quietly and softly. "I will go to her." She watched as the guard saluted, going off to join the rest, before getting down from her throne and walking off to one of the palace's many long hallways. Spike waked alongside her, as always, and for a long time the two just journeyed in silence. Then after a while, Twilight began to let herself look disheartened. "To be without her parents so young...she'll never know them."

Spike too seemed worried about that. "Yeah...I know the feeling." Then, a small smile came to him. "At least I had somepony to be close to during all that time."

Twilight smiled to that, thinking back on all their long years together. But the smile faded as her mind once more turned to the child they were going to. "But this foal...she has nopony. I asked. Her parents were the only family she had." A sigh escaped her. "Arrangements need to be made. She came to us, so we need to decide what will be done." Her mind went over plan after plan, even though the prospect of ensuring the well-being of a child without family never really fell to her before. Still, she didn't get too much time to dwell on it, as it was right here when she and Spike finally arrived at the private rooms they'd been heading to. The guards there gave a salute, to which Twilight nodded back, after which she opened the doors with her magic. "How is she?"

Along with the many physicians that the palace sported, there was also a contingent of nurses, and one of them stood watch over a cradle on the far side of the room. As soon as she saw the Princess enter, she bowed, but standing tall again revealed the concerned look she bore. "She's asleep, finally." She glanced down to the aforementioned crib. "Thank Celestia, there was no injury to her. Not even a burn. She was terrified of course. No telling what kind of effect this might have on her."

Twilight winced. "We already know the effect...she is alone now."

The nurse too looked saddened by that. "I know." Then, she looked to Twilight fully. "Shall we contact any of the city's orphanages?"

Twilight shook her head. "Not yet. I need to see her first." The nurse nodded, stepping back from the crib to allow Twilight to approach. Getting closer, Twilight looked within, seeing the sleeping child there. If one were to look at her now, with her pink fur and light-orange mane, they wouldn't have ever suspected what she'd just gone through. But Twilight knew, and it was all she could think about. "Hello, little one. I am..." She hesitated, her voice starting to wobble when she finally spoke again. "I am...so very sorry."

Spike walked up to her, patting her on the side. "There was nothing anypony could do, Twilight."

"That doesn't make this any less of a bad situation, Spike," Twilight replied sharply. Then, realising how she'd come across, she sighed, trying to calm herself. "I'm...I'm sorry. I'm just upset over what happened."

Spike gave her another pat. "Hey, it's no problem. Anypony would be stressed out after something like this."

Slowly, Twilight shook her head. "This...this isn't meant to happen. Not here, not now, not when I'm leading the nation. Ponies shouldn't be dying on my watch."

Spike, staring at her for a time, spoke with understandable softness. "You might be the Princess of Equestria...but that doesn't mean you're going to be able to control everything, Twilight."

Twilight hung her head. "I...I know. Princess Celestia certainly couldn't stop bad things happening during her reign...so I suppose I should just accept that some things are going to happen against my wishes too." After a long pause, she frowned. "But still...all the things I and my friends do, or have done in the past, to make sure Equestria is safe and happy...and a small accident can lead to a massive tragedy while we weren't even looking. How can I ever feel like I truly lead the nation if some random act of chance can just swoop in and destroy lives like this? With me being unable to do anything about it?"

Spike, in stark contrast to how Twilight might have expected him to act under the circumstances, actually cracked a smile. "But you can do something about it! You can learn how it happened, find out ways to stop it happening in the future. You can look after those who are left behind by it..." That last remark was accompanied by a gesture towards the still-sleeping foal of course. "You can take precautions, just like everypony else."

Though Twilight had been letting herself wallow in a sense of failure, hearing Spike's words actually helped a great deal in getting her out of it, and she afforded her lifelong friend a genuine smile. "Thank you, Spike. You're right. We can learn from this. It might not be any help to those who've already been lost...but we can still do what we can to prevent this sort of thing happening again."

Spike chuckled. "Hey, no worries. I've come to expect you getting worried whenever things don't go to plan." Then, his shoulders slumped slightly. "Though...this is admittedly a pretty big deviation from your plans."

Another solemn nod from Twilight, but before she could speak once more, she was distracted by the sound of the nurse clearing her throat from the side. "Apologies for speaking up, your Highness...but there's still the matter of the child. Shall...shall I contact the orphanages?"

Twilight paused, then looked down to the crib, to the child who looked like she had not a care in the world. Then, with determination upon here face, Twilight spoke. "...No. This child will not simply be set aside for us to not think about again. Let it be known that the Palace will be her home." She rested her hoof upon the edge of the crib. "Here she will stay, and here she will be raised. I might not have been able to help her parents...but I can help her." Naturally, Twilight turned to see stunned faces on the others, though they said nothing to her, leaving the way open for her to ask the next obvious question. "Tell me...what's her name?"

The nurse, after recovering from that previous statement, again cleared her throat. "Oh! It's Luster, your Highness. Luster Dawn."

Twilight gave a short nod, then looked down yet again to the crib, just in time to see that innocent filly open her eyes and see the Princess for the first time. "...Welcome to the Palace, Luster Dawn."
> Hopes
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"You adopted a kid?!" Rainbow blurted out.

Twilight, after taking a sip of her tea, rolled her eyes. "No, Rainbow, I did not adopt her. I simply decreed that she'd be living with me here in the palace and that she would be my ward...and also that I'd be responsible for her upbringing...and education...and general care..." She cleared her throat slightly. "Alright, maybe I did adopt her."

Her friends all did their best to hold back the snickers they were clearly feeling, but in the end it fell to Rarity to reach out and pat her on the shoulder. "Well, that filly couldn't be in better hooves, my friend." Her smile faded. "But it is a shame that she had to come to you in such circumstances."

Twilight nodded solemnly. "It is. But I've accepted her into my life, and I will endeavour to do whatever I can for her. I can't guarantee what kind of a life she'll lead...but I hope I can give her a good one."

Pinkie, having finished her prior giggle, smiled widely. "Sure thing! If you can run a whole country full of wacky magical antics, you can take care of one filly." She took a sip of her own tea, then suddenly looked to her royal colleague with uncharacteristic seriousness. "Just be warned, if you look after two baby ponies, you'll soon be driven to points of stress and near-madness the likes of which you couldn't even fathom."

Everypony blinked to her, with Spike leaning in and giving Twilight a quick whisper. "I think she's having Cake flashbacks again."

Twilight smiled to him, then looked to her friends as a whole. "As grateful as I am to hear your advice, I'm much more interested to hear how you've all been getting along out there since we last got together. I could really use a break from all the other duties I've been enacting lately." She glanced to the side. "No offence to Moondancer, but let's just say she got way too excited when I put her in charge of archiving all those new magical artefacts." A look of amusement came to her. "But, to be fair, I'd have likely reacted the same way in her place."

Applejack tipped her hat. "Well, Sugar Belle finally moved into Sweet Apple Acres."

Twilight's face lit up. "Really? Was it hard getting all her stuff over from the village?"

Applejack waved her off. "Nah! With me an' the family helpin' out, we got it sorted out in no time flat. An' hey, she's even started settin' up a new stall ta sell her stuff right there in Ponyville."

Twilight sighed. "I really must get around to trying some of her baking when I visit you all over there."

Pinkie quickly zipped to her side, bringing her voice to a hushed tone. "Let's just say she's way better at muffins than she used to be!"

Everypony laughed again to that, and when the laughs died down, Rainbow, after setting her teacup aside, leaned on the table they were all sitting around before looking slyly to her friends. "Well, I probably don't need to tell you all that things are pretty awesome over at the Wonderbolts. I mean, hey, it's the Wonderbolts. When are they not awesome?"

Pinkie, had she the fingers for it, would have likely started counting them off. "Well, there was the time their most famous member tried framing you for a crime you didn't commit, or the time their leader praised Lightning Dust even though she nearly hurt us all in a tornado, or..."

Rainbow, blushing, looked away. "Well...yeah, besides that?" After enduring a look of amusement from her friends, she got back on track. "Anyway, things have been going well. Thanks to Twilight we're all over the place now, and my squad are doing pretty great if I do say so myself," she said with no small amount of smugness.

Fluttershy smiled to her. "I'm glad Vapor and Sky are doing well out there."

Rainbow nodded, then looked left and right, as if worried some other pony might come in and overhear them. "Also, and you didn't hear this from me, but I'm kinda getting the feeling that there's a little something-something happening with those two when I'm not around, if you catch my drift."

Rarity gasped. "Oh my! How positively scandalous!" Then, her eyes sparkled as brightly as the gems she so adored. "I simply must start taking measurements of them both! One never knows when one will be called upon to make something fabulous for...shall we say, certain aisles?" she said with a wink.

Twilight rolled here eyes before again looking to her. "And speaking of fashion, how are things going on your end, Rarity?"

The fashionista beamed with pride. "Oh, they couldn't be better. Sales in Manehattan and Canterlot have been going through the roof since your coronation, Twilight. Anypony who was anypony was there, and when they saw that dress of yours, well, my name suddenly started floating around a bit more than usual."

Fluttershy looked to her with concern. "Um, you haven't been asked to make hundreds of copies of that dress, have you?"

Rarity gave a firm shake of her head. "Thankfully, no. And fear not, I learned my lesson from last time on that count." Then a look of interest came to the famed dressmaker. "Though that does bring us neatly onto your little corner of the world, darling. For I couldn't help but notice that Discord had been spending rather a lot of time over at your sanctuary."

Fluttershy responded to that with a look of joy. "Oh, he's been so helpful over there lately. I asked him to assist me in bringing injured animals from places I can't get to because of how far away they are, and he's risen to the occasion. The sanctuary has never been busier. And we're getting in animals I'd only ever heard of!"

Applejack chuckled. "Oh yeah? Ah reckon Angel's gonna be mighty jealous then."

Fluttershy kept her smile. "No, we're actually talking and spending more time together than ever before. Things have really been good between us since...well...the incident."

Rainbow shivered. "Wow, how did you of all ponies manage to make that word sound intimidating?"

Pinkie grinned widely. "This is Fluttershy we're talking about! If she can stare down a dragon, she can do anything!"

Fluttershy, naturally, blushed to a compliment like that, but then suddenly realised who it was who had said that to her. "Oh! I meant to ask, Pinkie. Is it true you and Cheese have been working together on some new party-planning?"

Pinkie happily clapped her hooves together. "You betcha! Us working together is going to make the most super-spectacular-awesomest and most amazing party anypony has ever seen! Seriously, we've been working nonstop since he showed up in town a few days ago."

Twilight smiled right back to her. "I'm glad to hear it. You two have always shared such a passion for this, so consider me pretty excited to see what you'll come up with."

Pinkie leaned back into her chair. "Oh, you and I both have something to be excited about. Cheese hinted that he was going to bring over a 'very special box' for me when we have dinner together tomorrow, so don't be surprised if I end up squealing a bit more than usual when I get that early birthday present he's obviously planning to give to me."

Her friends, seeing her start to down her remaining tea like a thing possessed, all looked to one another, half shocked but mostly just amused and silently agreeing to keep what they suspected a secret, lest it spoil that which the stallion in question clearly had in mind. Clearing her throat, Applejack decided to change the subject. "So...um...ah hear Starlight's doin' pretty well over at the school. The kids there are pretty happy from what ah hear."

Twilight, as always, was happy to hear news of her school. "That's good to know, AJ. I have every confidence that Starlight will be able to handle that place as well as I did. Maybe even better, since she has her closest friends to help her."

Fluttershy smiled to the thought of the school. "Well, if there's one thing that school was always meant to teach, it's that things are always better when you work with your friends."

Rainbow cackled. "Heck yeah! I mean look at us! Alone we'd have had some pretty awesome lives, but together? Together we took on the world and made it better than it ever could have been!"

Rarity nodded. "Indeed, darling. I shudder to think just how dull our lives might have been if we'd never known one another."

Twilight grimaced. "Trust me, I've seen the worlds when that didn't happen. It wasn't good."

"That's putting it mildly," Spike mumbled.

Applejack reached over, placing her hoof upon Twilight's. "Well, what we know is that Ponyville, Equestria, an' shoot, even the whole world is better fer us bein' together. An' it never woulda happened without the two o' ya comin' ta Ponyville all those years ago."

Twilight resumed her smile, seeing the affection her friends were giving both her and Spike. It was a moment that, as always, led to the seven of them all coming together in a group hug, with the nearby guards all turning, understanding that this was a private moment for the gathered friends. After a while, Twilight sighed, looking to each and every one of the ponies and dragon who mattered so much to her. "When I took on the crown, I wondered if the seven of us would be enough. But now?" Her smile widened as a single tear developed in her eye. "Now...I know there was nothing at all to worry about."
> The Contest
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight always enjoyed a good flight, and today was no exception. Plus, being able to get away from the politics of Canterlot was good as far as she was concerned. There was, after all, only so much of stuffy unicorn nobility she could take in a single week. So, for now at least, she contented herself with enjoying the feel of the wind through her mane as she and Spike travelled in the chariot that, once upon a time, would have been used solely by Princess Celestia. The two pegasus guards, veterans of this particular task, were performing their usual duties admirably, dodging and weaving around the various clouds in their path with their usual grace and giving a very comfortable ride in the process. Glancing down from her platform, Twilight smiled at the sight of Equestria below, being reminded full well of her first journey to Ponyville. But, it was neither that fond home of hers nor Canterlot she was journeying to today, as the magnificent form of Cloudsdale soon arrived into view in the distance. Twilight's smile grew, for her ears could, even from this far away, pick up all the cheers coming from the city in readiness for what she herself was hoping to see. "Isn't this exciting, Spike?"

Her closest aide smiled back. "It sure is. But..." His smile faded as he tapped the side of their vehicle. "Is it really worth us going there in this thing? I mean, not to put too fine a point on it, but you and I do have a pair of perfectly good wings for this," he emphasised by flapping his own.

Twilight sighed. "I know, I know, but you know how all those advisors were back there. It's just tradition to make an entrance as a princess. So, I suppose we'll just have to grin and bear all the pomp and circumstance."

Spike grimaced, folding his arms and leaning against the side. "I know, but remember, you put me in charge of Equestria's finances, and I just don't think going from place to place in a solid gold chariot is really the best use of bits when we can both fly."

Twilight giggled, patting him on the shoulder. "I'm glad you're taking your responsibilities seriously, Spike. Tell you what, how about we trade it in for a sliver one when we get back? Because honestly I think that's as good as I can do with all the castle staff being as stuck in their ways as they are."

Spike rubbed the bridge of his nose. "I guess it'll have to do, for now anyway."

Twilight glanced upwards, her smile returning, which prompted Spike to look ahead also. They had arrived at the famed pegasus city, and in particular they were heading to the massive flight arena on the outskirts of the place. From the looks of things it was as if every pegasus in the city was here, and all of them were cheering with excitement, not only for the arrival of their newest princess, but also the event itself. "I can still remember how exciting our first Young Fliers Competition was. I hope this one will be good too."

Spike arched an eyebrow to her. "If by 'exciting' you mean utterly terrifying because one of our closest friends was falling to her doom, then sure."

Twilight blushed at her apparent forgetting of that particular point, and she coughed slightly to clear her throat. "Yes, well, I'm confident something like that won't happen this time. I mean, if nothing else, it hasn't been long enough since the incident for ponies to forget about it."

In response, Spike's eyebrow arched even higher. "Twilight, it's been ten years since the one Rainbow and Rarity were a part of."

Twilight's head snapped in his direction, and she looked to him with utter bafflement. "What?! No! It can't have been! It was only..." Her voice trailed off, and Spike knew that, had she the hands of her otherworldly human form, she'd have been counting off her fingers right now. Instead, he watched as a look of horror crossed her face, and she attempted to put on a more regal and dignified look in his presence. "Well...it's not really that concerning how much time has passed, is it?"

Spike, still keeping his arms folded, chuckled. "You just felt yourself get older, didn't you?"

Twilight's eye narrowed. "Not. Helping." Spike knew her well enough not to push further, and in any case now was not the time to press the matter. Because the two had been flown directly into the exact same spot Princess Celestia herself once stood in audience to this event. And with the landing complete, Twilight disembarked, followed shortly by Spike. The young monarch gave a nod to her two charioteers, who bowed in response before flying off. Here, in the special royal box, the two of them had a grand view of the entire arena, and all of the crowds cheered loudly in the presence of their new leader. Twilight smiled to them all, giving a customary wave, like what she remembered her mentor giving to audiences a thousand times over. Eventually, and after waiting for the crowds to finally quieten down, Twilight cleared her throat, and while she was tempted to use the Royal Canterlot Voice to address them, she had done enough of these speeches by now to make herself heard without them. "Citizens of Cloudsdale! I thank you for welcoming me to your fine city! Now, it is my honour to open this, the annual Young Fliers Competition! May our contestants prove their mettle on this fine day!"

The crowds resumed their cheering, and Spike, leaning over the edge of the box, looked around in every area of clear sky he could see, as if expecting to see something. Eventually, he glanced back to Twilight, his expression a mix of both hopefulness and nervousness. "Think she'll be here?"

Twilight smirked. "Oh, trust me, she wouldn't miss it." Then, her ears perked up, as the distinct sound of high-speed flying began to make itself known above the collective noise of the crowd. "Ah, right on cue." All eyes, hers and Spike's included, looked upwards, and just in time to see three trails zooming across the open blue above them. As before, the Wonderbolts had arrived to greet the opening of the contest. But this was not the old-guard trio of Spitfire, Soarin and Fleetfoot that had been here when Twilight for came to this contest years ago. No, these were the newest frontrunners of that famed flying institution. Newcomers Vapour and Sky, and in the middle of the formation, leading them with her usual confidence and flair, was Rainbow Dash. That very name was now being chanted among the crowd, which Twilight knew would please Rainbow's ego to no end, and the princess watched as her friend flew upwards, higher and higher, preparing herself for what she knew was coming. Then, in a flash, she did it, a sonic rainboom, sending a bright circle of colour in every direction, much to the amazement of the gathered pegasi, and Twilight's amusement. "I had a feeling she wouldn't be able to resist another one of those in this contest."

Spike nodded, clapping to their friend's performance. "Rainbow, Cloudsdale and a sonic rainboom. Like old times, eh, Twilight?"

Twilight sighed with nostalgia, placing her hoof gently upon Spike's shoulder. "Yes, Spike. Like old times." Turning, she watched as Rainbow and her two wing-ponies took position in their own box, just on the other side of the arena to where Twilight and Spike were. Across from her, Rainbow took her goggles off, and while Vapor and Sky gave the usual bow, their leader gave a wink in Twilight's direction, which Twilight herself was glad to return. With the opening performance done, however, the princess of Equestria stepped forward, again looking to the crowds who were all giving her their undivided attention. As Twilight looked down to see that the first of the titular young fliers were lining themselves up on the grounds below, she smiled and nodded to them all, before finally speaking aloud to the entire arena. "Let the games begin!"
> Intervention
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Though Twilight had always hoped that her time upon the throne would be calm, peaceful and devoid of troubles, she knew that a day would come when a more serious matter would need her direct involvement. And today was that day. Soaring through the sky as fast as her alicorn wings could carry her, the wind sped past her ears to the point of being almost deafening. Her eyes squinted with the increased speed she was achieving, passing over places both familiar and foreign in her quest to get to where she needed to. The message had come in the middle of the night, and while most castle staff would be loathe to wake her, she'd made it abundantly clear that all important news was to be brought to her immediately. As soon as she'd read that letter, she was off, and though her escort would have wanted to be alongside her, there really was no catching up to the magically-enhanced flight ability of an Equestrian princess. Fear and concern were abundant in her, but as ever she maintained her cool head, looking across the horizon for that which she knew she'd have to face. "Where...where are you?"

"Princess Twilight!" a second voice called to her.

Twilight turned as she maintained her flying, and she smiled, albeit briefly, to the familiar sight of none other than Dragon Lord Ember, bearing the great sceptre of her people, flying in an intercept course for her. Eventually, the two met up, and together carried on, speaking loudly so as to actually hear one another over the loud winds up here. "What's the word?"

The leader of the dragons sighed. "Not good, I'm afraid. He's been told time and again not to do this, but he's just not listening."

Twilight's eyes drifted over the sceptre she was carrying. "I thought Dragon Lords had absolute authority over their subjects?"

Ember groaned. "Believe me, I wish that was the case. But in truth it's just a really strong influence. Get a dragon who's hot-headed enough and trust me, they'll disobey alright."

Looking ahead, Twilight's eyes narrowed again. "Then we may have no choice. Reports say he should be close now. Maybe together, we can convince him to step down."

Ember chuckled. "Good luck. From what my Dad told me, he's been difficult for a long time now."

Twilight didn't doubt it, for their destination was soon straight ahead of them. A mountain, and one that, at first glance, was just like any other in the area. But what was especially eye-catching was the surroundings. Where once there had been a woodland, now there was scorched earth, with smoke still rising from the freshly burned-out timber. Even the remains of a small village were there, though thankfully no sign of any bodies. "It's a miracle the ponies here got out okay," Twilight said to herself. Ember took on an understandable look of guilt, but instead of saying anything she focused on the task at hand, which at this point was her and Twilight landing at the entrance to the massive cave nestled at the very top of the summit. Stepping forward, Twilight frowned as she could hear the sound of snoring from within. A sound she remembered well from her first year in Ponyville. But, she also knew that this was, first and foremost, a dragon matter, and so looked to Ember before giving a nod. "Go ahead."

Ember took a deep breath, then took a single, authoritative step forward before bellowing out in a commanding tone. "Blaze! This is your leader, Dragon Lord Ember! By the right given to me as ruler of all dragonkind, I demand you leave this place and return to our homeland!" After that, there was nothing. The snoring had stopped, so both of them knew he was awake, but besides that it was utter silence. Frowning to this, Ember took another step forward. "You coming here, terrorising the ponies, burning these lands, is a direct violation of the Equestria-Dragon peace accords! You will answer for your crimes and come peacefully!" Her grip on her sceptre tightened. "Or else I will have to take you back home by force."

That did the trick. For now there was a very angry-sounding growl coming from within the cave, and after just a moment, two bright eyes could be seen from the gloom. Then, a sound. A loud stomping. Twilight knew what was coming, and though her instincts told her to retreat, she would not do so. She was Equestria's leader, and her place was to stand her ground. Before long, the occupant had finally emerged. An enormous dragon, the likes of which Twilight had not seen for many years. But her expression became one of shock, for emerging into the daylight had revealed the dragon's appearance to her. In general terms, he was not unlike the great beast Fluttershy had talked down so many years ago. But the big difference was that this one was coloured green. Instantly, Twilight knew who this was. "You!"

Both dragons looked to her, with Ember especially looking concerned. "You...know him?"

Twilight's shock soon morphed into a barely-contained disdain. "Yes...I do." She stepped forward. "This dragon nearly killed Spike!"

Ember's eyes widened, and her head snapped towards the larger of her kind, her voice now filled with rage. "For the sake of your health, you'd better tell me she's wrong about that!"

The large dragon chuckled. "That little runt? Yeah, I tried to torch him. Serves him right for wandering into my home and eating my gems."

Ember looked like she was ready to deck the guy, but she was halted by a raised hoof from Twilight, who looked to her and spoke in a tone of diplomacy that would have made Princess Celestia proud. "Personal matters aside, we have the more immediate crimes to prioritise."

Ember was unhappy of course, but she knew her fellow head of state had the right of it. So, after taking a calming breath, she again looked to Blaze. "I will say this once, and I expect it to be obeyed." She paused, waiting to make sure she was being listened to before continuing. "You will return to the Dragon Lands immediately. And you will answer for the crime of violating Equestrian territory!"

Blaze lowered his snakelike neck down to his leader, his eyes, for lack of a better word, blazing with fury, and his voice very clearly that of a person who was just an inch from being pushed too far. "Oh yeah...or what?"

Ember glanced to Twilight, who herself spoke to him. "Or else we will have to have a more direct confrontation with you."

To that, Blaze bellowed with laughter, clearly amused by the prospect. "Oh, you think me intimidated, little one? You may be an alicorn, but I promise you, a tangle with me will be no easy thing." His eyes turned to Ember. "And having our diminutive Dragon Lord here won't help you either." He grinned, showing off his razor-sharp teeth. "Face it, neither of you has the strength to bring me down if it came to it!"

Ember gave a quick shrug. "Maybe...but he does."

Blaze was confused, but only for a moment, for as he turned to look to his left he was just in time to see a bright red claw grab onto his face and slam his entire head into the side of the mountain, sending a ripple through the ground. The two royals stepped back from the impact, looking on another, familiar full-grown dragon that had arrived. And one that Twilight had known even longer than Blaze, smiling up to him. "Nice to see you again, Red."

The new dragon smirked back to her. "And you, Princess. Apologies for my lateness. Fluttershy's message didn't get to me very quickly."

"Don't worry, you're here now, and that's what matters," Twilight replied.

Blaze, who had at least partially recovered from having his head colliding with solid rock, glared angrily at his fellow dragon. "What is this?! Why are you helping them?!"

Red's nostrils flared angrily, smoke blowing out of them. "Because unlike some of us, I actually obey my lord!"

Ember folded her arms with satisfaction. "Dang right he does."

Blaze's wings unfurled and spread out in an intimidation display, but Red matched this motion. And while Blaze was big and strong, Red was even more so on both counts. Despite the former's attempts to lunge, Red simply pushed him back, eventually pinning him against the mountain. And it was right around here that Twilight's escort, which had been far behind her until now, finally arrived onto the scene. Dozens, if not hundreds of the Royal Guard, now maintaining their mid-air positions above the errant dragon. And speaking of whom, Blaze looked around, no doubt calculating his odds against such an amassed force. In the end, and with no small amount of discomfort, he sighed, ceasing his struggle against Red. "I...yield."

Ember gave a firm nod. "Took you long enough." She looked to his brief opponent. "Red, escort him back home. Make sure he doesn't take any side-trips on the way."

Red gave her a bow of his head, then firmly grabbed onto Blaze's claws and held them behind his back, as if arresting him. Twilight watched them go, her own guards joining Red as they left, before finally sighing in relief. "Well, glad that's over with."

Ember balled her one claw into a fist before slamming it into her other palm. "And I'm gonna have a little chat with him about threatening Spike."

Twilight nodded solemnly. "Thank you for dealing with this, Ember. If we're going to keep the peace, we need to work together whenever this happens."

Ember placed her claws upon her hips. "I just hope we won't have to rein our people in too often."

Twilight, for the first time today, smiled. "Well, with luck, friendship will win out, and one day we'll find ourselves looking upon a world where ponies and dragons will live as happily together as me and Spike have always done."

To that, Ember chortled. "You know, I sometimes forget how optimistic you ponies get."

Twilight shrugged. "Well, I'm their leader now. Kind of goes with the job."
> First Steps
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Come on now, Luster. You can do it. Just one hoof in front of the other." Twilight, kneeling down on one side of her personal chambers, watched with both concern and eagerness as Luster, the young filly who had recently entered into her care, wobbled on shaky legs on the other side of the room. Though seeming about as aware of her surrounding as any other young pony that age, the filly nevertheless found herself looking to Twilight, smiling as she did so. Twilight smiled back, silently encouraging her ward to approach her. After several minutes of simply standing there, Luster eventually did as her carer instructed, placing one hoof carefully in front of the other. Twilight, her ears perking up, watched with growing excitement as it looked like Luster might finally achieve this milestone in her development. Unfortunately, that excitement dwindled rapidly when the milestone was cut short, with Luster's legs finally giving out and leaving her falling face-first into the soft carpet of the chambers. But thankfully, there was no torrent of tears on the child's part, merely puffed-up cheeks to show her annoyance. Twilight, giggling slightly, walked on over before using her magic to levitate Luster over to her so she could carry her. "Don't you worry, Luster. You'll get there eventually."

Luster smiled again, giving the usual, happy, babyish sounds she normally did, but it was around here that Twilight's chamber door opened to reveal her oldest friend, Spike, entering. As per usual at this time of day, he was carrying a number of papers, and he smiled as soon as he saw the carried child. "So, did she make it this time?"

Twilight shook her head, setting Luster down gently. "Afraid not. Still, she'll get there sooner or later."

Spike nodded, setting the papers over by Twilight's desk before wiping the sweat from his brow. "Definitely a lot here today."

Twilight gave the papers a quick glance. "Anything out of the ordinary?"

To that, Spike shrugged. "Normal stuff. Schedules for public appearances, reports from the Wonderbolt squadrons, that sort of things." Then, he snapped his fingers. "Oh! And one other thing!" He rummaged through the paper until he came to one sheet in particular, whipping it out of the pile and walking over to Twilight with it. "A request for you. Seems some ponies want permission to have a new train station built. Needs royal approval before they can start."

Twilight accepted the paper, an as-yet unsigned royal permission for construction. "Where's the request from?"

Spike wandered on over to a map of Equestria that Twilight had hanging on her walls, scratching his head as he looked it over. "Er, some place called...Zeffy High, I think?"

Twilight smiled to him. "Zephyr Heights. It's a getaway resort for pegasi up in the mountains. Usually not that many ponies up there, but a few have started to live up there permanently, so the numbers are on the rise certainly."

Spike looked back to her, arching an eyebrow. "Is a tiny place like that really worth putting in the effort to make a station for?"

Twilight responded to that by wagging her hoof to him. "Don' forget, Ponyville was also a small and out-of-the-way place. And if they were allowed to have a station, I see no reason why the Heights shouldn't be either."

To that, Spike folded his arms. "True..." He grimaced slightly. "Not sure if it's something they really need though."

Twilight considered that, then looked down to Luster, who had taken to trying to reach up for the big pile of papers. Smirking slightly, Twilight once more levitated the filly over to her. "Well then, let's see if our friend here can break the tie." She glanced at her young friend. "Luster? Do you think Zephyr Heights should get a new train station?"

Luster looked to her, blinking blankly a couple of times, before smiling and laughing happily while patting the request form. Spike, seeing that, chuckled. "Well, guess it's two against one. A station it is." After seeing the filly be set down again, Spike looked to her with curiosity. "So, how's she doing?"

Twilight gently tussled Luster's mane before answering. "I'd say she's doing well. After what she went through I'd have expected her to be traumatized beyond belief. But she seems to have escaped all that." A sad look came to her. "I knew little of her parents, so I won't be able to tell her much about what they were like when she eventually asks questions about them."

Spike nodded solemnly. "I know." Then, he perked up shortly afterwards. "Then again, I was able to go through life without really needed to know much about my family, so I'm sure Luster will be fine with that too, especially if it's you that's looking after her." The two looked to each other fondly, and for a moment they were content to simply watch as Luster played with a few of her toys, simple wooden cubes with letters on, seeing her try to spell out words. Then, after a time, Spike noticed Twilight looking deep in thought, and gave a long sigh. "Okay, I see where this is going."

Twilight took on a confused expression after that. "I'm sorry?"

Spike gestured to the little filly. "The way you look to her. It's the exact same way Celestia used to look at you." He stepped closer to her. "I realise you've spent a lot of your time as princess trying to live up to her example, so I have to assume you've been thinking about doing with another pony what was done when Celestia took you under her wing."

Looking out of her window, Twilight answered. "I already did that with Starlight, remember?"

A nod from Spike. "Yes, but that was different. Starlight was less of an apprentice and more of a peer you helped along the way. And while you both became teachers, it's clear that the school of friendship is where she's going to belong."

Twilight resumed her earlier smirk. "Look at you, talking all fancy all of a sudden."

Spike rolled his eyes, but kept his smile as he did so. "You know I'm right. You and Luster is much more like what you went through. A young filly, taken in by the princess in some way, like a second mother. And I bet you already plan on giving her special magic lessons when she's old enough."

His alicorn friend could not deny that, as one look to the side showed the big selection of magical tomes she'd already gathered for herself in the corner of her study. "You know me well, Spike." She looked back to him and nodded. "You're right. That plan was in the back of my mind when I first decided to take her in, and it's still there now."

Stepping over to Luster, Spike got to one knee as he watched her play with her aforementioned blocks. "So, you seeing a future princess of Equestria here?"

Twilight too sat beside the child, contemplating her future. "Hard to say. I want to believe that I can choose a capable leader for the future just as Celestia thought she did when she chose me. But at the same time...trying to plan a child's entire future is a big thing. I was almost afraid to do it."

Spike looked to his companion again. "You're the only parent Luster has, Twilight. Guiding her is sort of in the job description."

A long sigh from the princess. "You're not wrong. And if I'm lucky Luster will grow into a fine young mare. One who can do great things and try to make friends just as I once did. Leadership? Only time will tell. But...one can always hope, right?"

Spike smiled back, looking to Luster just in time to see the latter actually manage to spell the word "Twilight" with her blocks. Seeing that, the little dragon's smile widened. "Well, she's got the smarts for it at least."

Twilight allowed herself a quick giggle. "Well, maybe following in my hoofsteps isn't such a far-fetched idea after all then."
> Successors
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spike looked out of the window eagerly, his tail wagging with as much energy as that of a dog. For a moment, Twilight was tempted to remind him of his form from the human world, but thought better of it, instead waiting for her trusted aide to return to her side. "Think they'll have any interesting stories to tell?" he asked excitedly.

A quick giggle from the young princess. "Who knows? It was quite a task they'd set for themselves, trying to fill our horseshoes, but I have every confidence that they'll be able to handle it."

Spike's smile widened. "Well, they had a good teacher to get them started."

Twilight blushed, but otherwise said nothing, for it was here when Flash spoke out in his usual, loud way. "Announcing the arrival of Gallus, Silverstream, Ocellus, Yona, Smolder and Sandbar!"

Stepping aside, the stallion allowed for the opening of the great doors, and the reveal of the six youths whom he'd declared the arrival of. Being as young as they were, they were of course largely unsure of how to behave in a place as pristine and high-class as the very palace of the nation, with the notable exception of Silverstream. Being royalty herself, she naturally knew the proper etiquette when approaching Twilight, and so gave a deep bow, followed shortly by her friends. Twilight returned the gesture, and as soon as they were at the base of the steps leading up to her throne, she broke the silence. "It's good to see you all again. How go your studies?"

Sandbar was the first of them to speak, looking quite happy to do so. "They're going great. Starlight's a pretty good Headmare, so I mean it when I say that the school's running just as smoothly as it was when you were in charge."

Twilight nodded to him. "I'm very glad to hear that."

Smolder snorted. "But, as good as the schoolwork is, I'm pretty sure that's not why you called us here."

Some of the more conservative members of Twilight's court might have called that kind of tone insubordination. But, thankfully for the six children, it was not they, but Twilight who had heard it. "Indeed. I am very interested to learn how your true life task is going."

Ocellus was next, looking as nervous as she usually did. "Well, it was definitely a lot to take on. We were all happy to do it of course, but it was only when we got started that we realised how big a job it is."

A solemn nod from Equestria's leader. "I can imagine. Trying to fix friendship problems across the nation and beyond was always a tough task even when my friends and I were doing it. You six have had to start out not only without the years of experience we began with, but also with a palace that no longer even points you in the right direction."

Yona smiled widely to that. "It no problem! Ocellus very smart! She find way to figure out good places to look!" she declared, giving the friend in question a heart pat on the shoulder, causing the expected blush on the latter's part.

Twilight looked to Ocellus herself, her youthful curiosity coming back to her with a vengeance. "I'd be quite fascinated to hear of your methods, Ocellus. I'll be sure to come and visit you someday when you have time."

Ocellus nodded meekly, but nevertheless looked honoured by the request. Instead, it was Silverstream who spoke next. "Our first mission went great! Ocellus was right on the money when she figured Griffonstone as a place where friendship problems could be found!"

Gallus sighed, glancing away briefly. "Yeah, but not without a few bumps along the way."

That comment earned him Twilight's undivided attention. "Oh?"

Gallus knew he'd caught her interest, but some mild discomfort in him was as clear as day to everycreature else, with Silverstream giving him a reassuring claw upon his shoulder. The two smiled to one another, and Twilight surmised that, whatever their first mission had been, it had clearly been a personal matter for the young Griffon, and so silently decided not to press the matter. "In any case, I want you all to know that I'm very proud of all of you. Your commitment to helping ponies, Griffons and everycreature else is a true inspiration."

Gallus chuckled drily. "I'm pretty sure you and your friends are still the real inspiration in the land, your Majesty. Me and the guys here? I doubt anycreature is gonna see us as heroes like they do with you."

In response, Twilight shrugged. "Maybe. But maybe not." She began to descend down her stairs, with Spike close behind her. "Don't forget, it wasn't so many years ago that my start in life was as humble as yours. I may have been Celestia's student, but few, if any, would have guessed that I or my friends would go on to do the amazing things we ended up doing." Reaching them, she too placed a hoof on Gallus' shoulder. "To many, the real heroes of Equestria were those like Starswirl, or Rockhoof. Great, grand names that would cast large shadows over anypony who would try to make a name for themselves." She looked to each of them with a genuine smile. "But in the end, I look to all of you in the same way Starswirl and his fellow Pillars looked to me or Fluttershy or Applejack or any of us. You are not replacements or shades, you are your own generation, your own heroes. Worthy of standing where we stood and doing the good work of friendship."

Silverstream squealed with delight. "Eeeeeeee! Royal endorsement! How great is that?!"

Folding her arms, Smolder snickered. "Not a bad start to the day, I'll say that."

"We won't let you down, Princess!" Ocellus declared.

Twilight nodded to her, still smiling. "I know you won't. Any of you."

The mood was pleasant, but of course, leave it to Spike to bring up other matters shortly afterwards. "So...anycreature want to pay a visit to the filly Twilight adopted?"

As expected, Silverstream's eyes widened with delight and amazement upon hearing those words. "There's...THERE'S A BABY HERE?!?!"

Giggling again, Twilight once more looked to her oldest friend. "Well, let it never be said she hasn't got her priorities straight."