"Spike!" Twilight Sparkle called, "have you completed organising the eastern wing".
"Yes Twilight," Spike spoke back casually, holding a list he looked up at Twilight "By the way you're forgetting something... Ditzys birthday party".
With her eyes widening Twilight swung towards Spike, who began backing carefully away.
Twilight shrieked, "OH NO, THE PARTY!," In less than 10 seconds twilight ran out the door while magically levitating the tray of fresh delicious berry muffins Spike had baked earlier. Then she ran back in with a panicked expression on her face.
"Twilight you better get going," said Spike quickly, "I'll finish the books in the Upper North Wing and come to the party later".
Twilight turned and ran back out yelling, "thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you," the door slammed shut behind her, leaving Spike to his work.
" MUFFIN PARTY!" Yelled the party pony Pinkie Pie in her regular excited demeanor.
Twilight was dancing with her friends Pinkie, Fluttershy and Applejack. Rainbow Dash was taking a nap on Ditzys couch and Rarity was speaking to a potential customer of her boutique.
"Hey Twilight," called Ditzy waving, "thanks for the muffins".
Twilight yelled back over the music, "thank Spike, he'll be here in a short while".
A stallion walked out of Ditzys kitchen, with his muzzle covered in something. "Uh Derpy...you're out of butter," said an odd looking blue eyed, brown stallion wearing a green tie and an hourglass cutiemark.
Twilight chose to ignore the pair heading to the kitchen and resumed dancing with her friends. Then all of a sudden Spike burst through the door and ran towards Twilight and her friends. Even though he frightened Fluttershy and woke Rainbow dash, he didn't say anything, he simply stood there gasping for air for a brief moment.
"Twilight, Princess (gasp) Celestia sent a (gasp) note, we need (gasp) to go," Spike quickly said still gasping for air. He turned around ready to run for the door, when a purple aura of magic gripped his tail and held him in place.
Twilight firmly stood there, horn glowing and a curious expression on her, "Spike calm down let me see the letter".
"It's not a letter, it's a note," stated Spike in a calmer voice, while handing it over. He then remembered that he had unintentionally frightened one of his friends. "Oh uh sorry Fluttershy," he apologized to the kind Pegasus, he was still breathing heavily.
"Oh don't worry about it Spike, you only startled me," Fluttershy said in her calm, soothing whisper.
"Hey what's the big idea!" yelled a cyan Pegasus, Rainbow Dash was never in a good mood after a rude awakening. She was searching for a reason from Spike and unexpectedly got it from Twilight.
"Everypony we need to get to Canterlot Palace A.S.A.P. The Princesses are in need of us," Announced Twilight after read the message.
"Oh another Canterlot trip with royalty how delightful," Rarity was obviously excited. She turned to the door, "let me wear something nice, after all we...", her sentence was cut short as she was enveloped in Twilights Aura and was teleported to the side of the purple pony. " I require an explanation Twilight", demanded Rarity, surprised by the actions of her friend.
Twilight looked at all her friends with a serious, determined look. They all fell silent, once she spoke over the party music. "Alright the Princesses want us to get to Canterlot as fast as possible with the elements of harmony."
"Is there any reason? It sounds mighty important," asked Applejack.
"It only says "secret", nothing else is mentioned," responded Twilight. "Ok we need to go to the library, get the elements of harmony and then I'll teleport us to Canterlot".
"No need young Princess of books," said a squeaky small voice, "I brought them for you, as ordered by the princess".
The group looked around, searching for the voice. Suddenly, in a magical flash of light, the reformed lord of Chaos, Discord, appeared casually sitting on Applejack, wearing all the elements.
"What in tarnation!," Applejack yelled before collapsing into a pile with Discord on top.
Getting back up Discord instantly grew a long blonde Mane, showing off his new pieces of jewelry. "Surprise everypony, don't I look just fabulous, the elements suit me so well," he claimed in a feminine comedic voice, giggling.
After everypony regained their composure, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and some party guests started laughing at Discords appearance and jokes. Applejack, Twilight, Rarity and a few other ponies didn't laugh for various reasons. Applejack wasn't happy that she got sat on, Twilight was suspicious about Discord and Rarity wasn't happy that a Draconequus was wearing her precious element of generosity. All the other ponies weren't sure whether to trust him or not, after all even if Celestia did announce that he was reformed, many knew that he was the one responsible for a chaotic Equestria in the past.
"Discord you've had your fun, now give back the elements of harmony," Twilight insisted.
"Hey calm down Princess, I only wanted a little fun," poked Discord playfully.
"You mean like that flying princess coronation card?" Twilight reminded him coldly of the enchanted coronation card sent by Discord in the mail; it was made of candy. It grew wings and flew around the library playing an annoying song two months ago, until Pinkie Pie ate it.
"Eyup, did you like it," smiled Discord playfully as he snapped his fingers and teleported the elements to their respective ponies.
"I loved it, can you make another, it was so sweet and delicious and tangy, like a Chimmy-Cherry Changa!" Pinkie spun a full 360 degrees summoning a muffin from seemingly nowhere, "wanna try Spikes muffins they're great!"
Thanking Pinkie Pie, Discord shrunk himself down to pony size, took the muffin and began casually consuming it with a smile. Meanwhile Twilight gathered her friends around her and began charging her magical teleportation spell. Teleporting more than 4 ponies at any one time required twilight to charge the spell before activating it, after all it takes a lot of concentration.
"Hey Spike thanks for the muffins," called out Ditzy, walking out of the kitchen with her brown friend.
"It's fantastic with butter," said the brown stallion from earlier walking out of the kitchen, next to Ditzy.
"Sorry I can't stay Ditzy, we need to go," Twilight called out towards Ditzy Doo. She then turned to the others, "the spell is ready lets go".
Once Discord, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Spike, Fluttershy, Rarity and Pinkie Pie surrounded Twilight, a magical purple aura instantly engulfed them, transporting all of them across Equestria to the capital Canterlot. Leaving an empty smoking spot in the house that was shortly filled by other ponies.
Ditzy turned to her friend, the brown stallion, "uh...Doctor...maybe we...".
The stallion replied, he already knew what she was going to ask, "Sorry Derpy, we can't interfere, fixed points in time and all that". He then bit into his muffin with a stick of butter, "Spike isn't as good a cook as you Derpy, but i can't resist the butter!"
Meanwhile at Canterlot Royal Palace, the Royal guard stood in front of the princesses grand throne room with a regiment of 10 Guards. All the guards tensed a little as they saw a young stallion guard gallop around the corner and head towards the throne room in obvious haste. When the leader Shining Armour saw the guard closer up he turned to his troops and ordered them to stand down.
"Slow and salute soldier," demanded Shining Armour before saluting to the approaching guard, "rank, sector leader and the reason why you are here please?" After he stopped for a salute Shining Armour could see that the guard was a blue maned, orange Pegasus stallion.
The stallion replied with a surprisingly tough attitude, "Captain Shining Armour, I'm the new guard sent by Commander Stardust, I'm at rank Private sir".
Shining Armour Smiled, he could clearly see this rookie had potential and Shining already knew Stardust well enough as a friend. This rookie was likely the highest in his class and seemed to be an honest soldier, but he seemed too serious for some reason. Shining Armour turned around to his guards, "Bumblebee your on report duty, check on all the palace patrols and report to me every 2 hours, or if anything out of the ordinary occurs. Remember my recommendation, trot don't gallop and don't be too wary". Moving aside Shining let a well built yellow unicorn mare trot past and head to her first checkpoint.
As the orange Pegasus walked into his place among the guards he asked, "Captain, may I please be updated regarding my orders"?
Shining began repeating the orders that was given to him 3 hours previously, "The Princesses are inside the grand throne room for some unknown reason, we have been given 5 orders, protect the grand throne room, protect Canterlot, keep watch over Equestria, no one is allowed to enter the throne room except a select few and the final order is to escort the elements of harmony and Discord the lord of chaos to the grand throne room if they are seen anywhere in Canterlot".
The Pegasus snapped into salute. "Thank you, captain, is there anything else I should be aware of," he then stepped into his position among the regiment.
"I'm to leave my post every hour then return again. Respect is expected when the princesses guests arrive." Shining Armour smiled as before stating, "and don't be surprised if me and Twily greet each other with a hug".
The new Pegasus held back a burst of laughter before asking his neighbor, a white unicorn stallion, "who in the hay is Twily, it sounds like a little filly name".
The soldier chuckled a little before answering, "Princess Twilight Sparkle is the captains younger sister, Twily is the nickname he called her by since she was a filly".
Standing post at the Canterlot Critter Park, an orange unicorn stallion guard yawned with boredom as he looked at his watch.
"Still two more hours of guarding this place," he stated flatly. Looking around the park he saw nothing but fillies playing with a puppy off in the distance.
The bored orange unicorn was caught of guard and fell to his side, when a teleportation spell sprung next to him. Looking up he was shocked to see 5 ponies, a baby dragon, an Alicorn princess and a Draconequus.
Rainbow Dash was the first to speak with a sarcastic smile, before taking to the sky, "Oh great, Twilight you teleported us into the Canterlot Critter Park, this is totally the Canterlot sculptor gardens".
Ignoring Dash's sarcasm, Twilight smiled happily, "why yes I did and that means were aren't too far from the royal palace, we should go".
The Orange unicorn guard from earlier stood back on all fours, he realized who these were and decided to clean himself a little before speaking to royalty. Using his magic the stallion took off his guard uniform and helmet and began beating the dirt out of them.
"Hi there, my name is Pinkie Pie!" Pinkie Pie saw the orange unicorn beating the dirt out of his uniform and introduced herself as fast as she could. The unicorn put his clean uniform back on with a clang, but not before everypony noticed his cutie mark, two yellow lightning bolts, and his blue and yellow hair. Pinkie Pie often played a game when she met new ponies, Rainbow Dash, Twilight and Applejack sighed heavily. Discord on the other hand realized this. He magically summoned a couch and simply sat back with a bucket of popcorn in his paw ready for the show to begin.
Pinkie Pie appeared behind the guard and began hysterically talking, "oh, oh, oh wait let me guess your name...Twin Bolt".
The guard looked at her with a confused look before replying nervously, "um no".
"Flashlight!"
"No"
"Lightning Bolt!"
"Again, no."
"Flash Dash," Rainbow Dash couldn't help but face-hoof in the sky of the background.
"Nope"
"Lightning Eyes"
The guard looked at Pinkie Pie with a shocked expression, he replied stuttering, "wha...but...how did you know?"
Pinkie couldn't help but shrug with a huge smile, "just a hunch".
Pinkie Pies grin grew wider. She knew that she guessed his name correctly from Lightning Eyes reaction. Spike, Applejack, Fluttershy and Rarity stared in shock, Pinkie Pie actually for once guessed a pony name correctly. Twilight couldn't help but feel deja vu at seeing this. She knew she would need an anti-headache spell later. Discord watched the comedy unfold from his couch and couldn't help laughing hysterically, "that's priceless!" He chuckled as he wiped away a tear.
Rainbow Dash had gotten used to Pinkies odd antics, she ignored her and gave a recommendation to the guard. "Get used to it, it's just how Pinkie the party pony is".
Taking Dash's advice he ignored the odd Party Pony. Lightning Eyes looked at Twilight, bowing respectfully to royalty he spoke, "Princess Twilight Sparkle, the honor is all mine, I am Private Lightning".
Rarity couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy, she wanted to be as respected as Twilight, but she was still happy for and proud of her friend.
Resuming his full stance Lightning continued, "the Royal Princesses have ordered that if you and your friends are seen anywhere in Canterlot, you are to be led to them immediately." He turned to the direction of the castle, "follow me please".
Twilight blushed slightly as she started to follow Lightning. She still wasn't used to her status as princess. Rainbow Dash began flying, following the guard in the air, Rarity, Fluttershy and Applejack began following Lightning behind Twilight. Pinkie Pie however was skipping along playfully singing behind Applejack, as she was doing so Spike began running up to Applejack and jumped onto her back. Applejack didn't mind, spike didn't weigh much and he couldn't get on twilight because of her new wings.
Smiling Discord snapped his fingers, turning the couch he was sitting on earlier into a pink candy bike. Putting on some dark sunglasses he sat on the funny vehicle saying; "lets ride", before driving after everypony else leaving behind a trail of strawberry scented smoke.
Meanwhile back at the castle, a table was covered with sheets of parchment and books, some of which looked over a hundred years old. The windows of the grand throne room were normally left open revealing the lovely stained glass windows, but they were now covered by dark curtains blocking the outside sunlight. However the room was still bright inside. High upon the roof in the center of the room a brightly glowing miniature star the size of a grape. It illuminated the room like a sun, only one pair of beings were capable of this feat. Sitting at the table the two regal alicorn princesses of the night and day sat, both were normally very calm and relaxed, even in times of great danger. This day was an exception, both princesses looked stressed, worried and even afraid, they were quickly looking through ancient scrolls, notes, parchments and books, any piece of paper they could find, really.
Princess Luna looked different to her regular self, normally she was a dark night blue color with light blue eyes and her hair, with its beautiful night looking aura, flowing as if in a breeze. She now looked more like an average pony with light blue non aura hair flowing down her chest, she's now a light blue color and her eyes were slightly grey from stress. Her older sister also looked different to her regular self, normally Celestia had a lovely flowing rainbow aura for her hair, light purple eyes and a pure white coat. At the moment Celestia still had her pure white coat, but her eyes were a deep purple color and her hair was now regular pink hair instead of her previous mane. The princesses were also a little shorter then they were only a few days ago.
"Sister are you certain now is the time?" The princess of the night was worried and uncertain, she paused reading her book, The Alchemist Guide.
"Believe me Luna, I wish we had more time, but she needs to know the truth now," replied Princess Celestia. She was nervous, the spell they needed was hidden away centuries ago and she knew it was going to be difficult to find. She attempted to give her sister a comforting smile.
Luna couldn't help but be worried, she put down the ancient book she was reading and reached for another parchment that read, Alchemy magic with matter. Before reading the fragile paper Princess Luna looked at her sister, "what if we don't find it, we both know it is essential for her".
Celestia looked at her worried sister, "that isn't what you are worried about, is it Luna? You are worried about our past and the present".
Princess Luna didn't reply, she did truly fear the past, it haunted her to this day and she was worried for what she had now.
Reading the parchment in hoof Luna called to Celestia with a mixture of fear, and pride, "I found it, it's incredibly complex, more than anything we did before".
Only two things were similar about the papers, all were written by the legendary Starswirl the Bearded and all of them held his secrets.
Chapter 1: The Secret of Magic.
Shining Armour and his regiment of ten guards stood post outside the Grand throne room when a yellow unicorn guard came galloping through the castle at full speed. Arriving at her targeted destination the guard stopped and saluted in front of Shining Armour.
She breathed heavily for a couple of minutes before speaking aloud in a rushed manner, "Captain Armour sir, I have an urgent report from the gate guard".
Shining Armour wasn't expecting Bumblebee to come with an urgent report fifteen minutes after her position rearrangement, he wasn't worried, but he was very curious. After saluting in return Shining Armour answered back with the calm demeanor of a leader, "calm down Bumblebee, please report your knowledge".
Bumblebee began her report, she was extremely nervous, "the gate guard has reporting seeing a group a distance away coming in our direction. The group is Discord the lord of chaos, Princess Twilight Sparkle and her friends. They have arrived in Canterlot with the elements of harmony and it seems they are currently being guided by a member of the park guard".
Shining Armour couldn't hold back his smile, his little sister was coming with her friends, this was going to be an interesting afternoon. Shining Armour joked a little at Bumblebee, "you might want to calm down lieutenant, otherwise ponies will think you're part ghost", some guards among the regiment giggled and smirked at their captains joke. Shining knew moral among his men needed to be high and jokes always helped.
After his joke Shining Armour looked at Bumblebee with a slightly more serious attitude and gave a series of orders, "head back to the castle front and open the gate, report to Commander Stardust instead of me from now on and all other orders are to remain the same until I, my second in command, or somepony with a higher rank than me say otherwise. Have I made orders clear lieutenant?"
Bumblebee answered hastily with a confident salute, "yes sir", before turning around and galloping in the opposite direction towards the castle gates as fast as her well built muscles would carry her. She joined the royal guard 2 years ago and their training classes made her the fastest foot messenger in Canterlot. She was running at twice the speed of an average pony, but she wanted to be faster, like her mother Spitfire.
Princess Twilight Sparkle and her companions kept following the park guard Lightning Eyes for some time, they could see the Palace a distance away.Rainbow Dash called out while flying, "hey guys the castle gates are opening up", sure enough the castle drawbridge was steadily lowering, the huge Limestone gates behind the drawbridge gradually opening up.
Lightning Eyes saw the opening and after a short moment of gathering his thoughts and logic notified the others, "the gate guard probably saw us from a distance, they were very likely ordered by Captain Shining Armour to open the castle gates for you".
This caught Twilights immediate attention, "Shining Armour is here? I thought he was at the crystal empire in the north with Cadence," Twilight was excited that she was going to see her BBBFF (Big Brother Best Friend Forever) again, however that excitement was short lived. She knew that if Celestia brought Shining Armour all the way over from the crystal empire, in the frozen North, this unknown danger was likely as bad as or possibly worse than the danger Queen Chrysalis of the changelings.
Lightning Eyes looked at Twilight with a serious expression before stating, "that is why I'm afraid for Equestria, this threat is serious and my guess is this is likely being kept secret so there won't be a mass panic". For the short time the group knew the guard he was a calm logical nice pony, he had never been this serious before and Twilight knew there was good reason why.
A shy stuttering whisper interrupted the conversation and asked a question, "um...h-hello Mr Lightning sir, you said the gate was opening for me and my friends, what is going to happen to you?"
Lightning Eyes replied back, thankful he could get his mind on other serious matters, "oh about that, you will be approached by a mare named Cristyne when you enter the castle, she will guide you further into the castle as I head back to my post for guarding duty". Shifting his attention to the oddest of the group Lightning called out to Discord, "hey Discord get rid of that bike, you know Princess Celestias rules and you know how Cristyne is".
Rainbow Dash swooped down and began gliding at pace with Lightning asking him, "so what kind of special talent leads to have a cutie mark that is two lightning bolts". She was curious if this pony was an athlete or not, but her answer wasn't what she expected at all.
"speed reading, I can read 70 pages of data in 10 minutes, that's my personal record", he said proudly before continuing, "I normally work at the guard office, I create and find secret messages hidden in plain sight among official documents and sometimes behind enemy lines".
"So your...A SPY", Rainbow Dash got very excited, she was finally meeting a real spy pony, just like Daring Doo did. "You've got to tell me everything, how do I join and what perks do i get".
"One I'm not a spy, I'm an agent and two I will not put an element of harmony in danger, even if Princess Celestia tells me to, you are all too important". Lightning knew these ponies were much too important to make into spies and he was only an agent when he was called upon by his superiors, until that moment his day job was working as a guard.
Before Rainbow Dash could plead with the stallion further they arrived at the Palace gates, which were now fully open. "Besides even if I were to help you we wouldn't have any time", looking at the group Lightning saluted at them before heading back saying his farewells.
Twilight smiled as she and her companions entered the royal palace, she was quite glad that the gate guard had opened the castle gates for her previously, thus saving precious time. A sapphire blue unicorn mare with a light flowing blond mane, pale green eyes and a clear diamond pen for her cutie mark trotted towards the odd looking group.
After bowing to Twilight she introduced herself, "greetings Princess Twilight Sparkle and elements of harmony. I am Princess Celestias personal secretary Cristyne, I have the honor of escorting you all to the Princesses, they have been waiting for you". Shifting her gaze to Discord Cristyne began to frown and spoke to him with an annoyed voice, "Discord, you know the princesses rules about your chaos magic in Canterlot, get rid of that thing right now".
Discord couldn't help but smile as he jumped off his bike, "oh come on Cristy why not have a little fun, look at Rarity, she once had a pet rock named Tom", -Discord grinned at Rarity who was glaring at him like mad before answering back.
"Please tell me Discord what is that odd bike made of, it doesn't look like metal or wood", Rarity asked innocently.
Discords grin doubled in size before he answered loudly with obvious pride, "why I'm proud to say it's an edible candy bike, the engine is milk chocolate, the body and shell is made of strawberry candy and the bike is fueled by a mixture chocolate milk and whipped cream". Discord smiled gleefully, he had clearly forgotten that nothing stood between Pinkie Pie and sweet treats.
After hearing some chewing and slurping noises behind him Discord realized his mistake and spun around, he awkwardly stared for a short moment before yelling in a dramatic and comedic fashion, "NOOOOO!".
Spike couldn't help rolling his large eyes, "what a drama king".
Pinkie Pie was lying in a large chocolate puddle on the ground where the bike used to be, she had a huge grin on her face, her belly was swollen and the bike inside was being rapidly broken down. Behind Discord the others including Cristyne were laughing and giggling together at Discords loss.
After the laughter passed Cristyne gave Discord a serious glare, "Discord you do remember the rules Princess Celestia gave you don't you," she threatened.
Discord sighed heavily, he hated these cliched rules almost as much he hated being imprisoned in a stone statue, "no transformative magic on ponies, buildings and creatures. Walking, flying, hovering and teleporting is my only means of transport while in Canterlot or any other major city or town. I'm allowed to use my chaotic magic so long as I don't corrupt, influence, hurt, or kill anypony." Glaring at Cristyne discord asked, "happy now?"
Cristyne was now quite cheerful, "yes I am, please don't forget them," -she turned around and began walking- "now if everypony may please follow me we will head to the princesses grand throne room, they are waiting"
After the group followed the secretary for a few moments curiosity caused Rarity to try and struck up a conversation, "excuse me Crystal, may I ask you a question?"
"It's Cristyne miss Rarity and yes, ask away", Cristyne answered back with cheer in her voice, she was starting to sound like Pinkie Pie.
Rarity asked as politely as she could, "In all my travels I have met very few ponies, other than myself, who have a gem or crystal as their cutie mark, but you are the first pony I have met with a crystal pen for a cutie mark, what exactly is your special talent?"
Cristyne smiled as she kept walking, she was asked this question often and her answer often boggled the minds of most ponies. She chose to simplify the answer for the ponies, "I can and I'm quite skilled at using magic to manipulate gems and crystals to make art, illusions and messages. It is a skill of magic that is very unique and difficult to specialize in, thus it is a rare skill, let alone a rare special talent among non crystal ponies".
This caught Raritys interest, she often used gems herself as a designer to regularly make art out of her dresses, but she never realized that gems could be used for messages and illusions. Twilight was very intrigued, she decided to do two things, she wished to ask the Cristyne to show and explain to her how the magic worked and Twilight wanted to learn some of this magic herself. Twilight remembered reading references to this magic in various books, but never in great detail. She also remembered Princess Celestia using this magic when the Crystal Empire first returned, showing twilight her mission of defeating King Sombra. She also knew she would need to ask another time as they rounded a corner and saw the large doors of the Grand Throne Room. The doors were guarded by a regiment of eleven guards with a recognizable certain captain unicorn guard standing in front, with a huge grin.
Twilight burst into a gallop for a short moment before slowing down to lovingly embrace her BBBFF, Shining Armour hugged back his little sister before hearing Twilight ask, "how's Cadence"?
"She's great, she is ruling the Crystal Empire like a proper Princess should, with grace, forgiveness and kindness," he pulled away from his sisters embrace, "so Princess Twily how is it being royalty," he smirked.
Twilight wasn't expecting such a question from her brother, with an annoyed tone in her voice she responded, "don't you start calling me princess, I'm not a fan of being royalty yet, though the wings are nice to have at times".
Shining looked up smiling and greeted Twilights friends with the additional guest, Discord, this wasn't the first time they met. However reunions needed to wait, turning to the doors Shining said, "you may need to wait for a short moment as I open the doorway". He shifted his attention back to Twilight, "hopefully you can tell me what Equestrias secret problem is later", he had traces of worry in his voice.
Shining Armour turned to the large white and blue doors marking the entrance of the princesses grand throne room. Blue magical energy, an aura flowed out of Shinings horn and surrounded the doorways before a loud click was heard. A few minutes passed silently before the doors finally opened up wide enough so two ponies could enter standing side by side. Twilight realized there was an odd light inside but decided to continue into the throne room. The group walked in, first Cristyne then Twilight, Rarity, Applejack with Spike on her back, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Discord hovered in lazily and in skipped an oddly happy Pinkie Pie.
Light, a byproduct of a powerful magical spell was filling the throne room, nullifying the floating star, its source the powerful Alicorn princesses, who now looked like their regular majestic selves. The night princess heard the large doors opening and closed her link to the spell. Princess Celestia realized the action her sister took and closed the spell entirely. Looking back both princesses saw their requested subjects walking into the throne room with the doors closing behind them, each had a look of worry and curiosity.
Cristyne stepped forward and announced, "Princess Celestia, may I introduce Princess Twilight Sparkle, Spike, Discord of Chaos, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Pinkie Pie. They have arrived as you requested princess".
Twilight couldn't help but ask bowing respectfully, " hello princesses, may I ask what you're doing and why we were so urgently called"?
Celestia looked at the group, she knew she had to tell them everything and they may think she and her sister had lost her minds. She took a deep breath to calm her nerves and replied, "I will explain in detail Twilight, but only after a little bit more patience until dinner".
Luna stepped in and spoke calmly, yet with slight worry, "the time has come for me and my sister to fulfill our duties of the day and night, however we will return for dinner after our duties and you may stay in the guest room to rest for a little bit until then".
Twilight looked around the room realizing her environment and that the princesses were subtly keeping an item hidden from sight. Twilight knew she shouldn't ask, she knew the princess's are wise and most likely has a good reason that would be explained. However Twilight still asked about the throne room, "princess why did you close all the windows and cast a starlight spell".
"You will find out soon", Celestia replied before opening the door to the balcony and walking out onto the balcony with her sister, Luna.
Twilight and the others watched as the princesses opened and flapped their wings, flying into the blood red afternoon sky. Twilight couldn't help but feel worried and she couldn't get rid of a feeling that something important was at stake. This didn't go unnoticed by her friends, Cristyne and Discord.
"Don't worry Twilight, whatever problem there is I'm sure it's nothing for us", said Pinkie Pie wrapping a leg around Twilight, being cheerful as always.
"Besides, we've defeated threats to Equestria before, like how I helped stop Sombra", Spike stated proudly, looking at his own covered stained glass window.
Cristyne, with determination took a step and spoke in a voice of honor yet hinted with great respect, "Princess, if I may so boldly state a fact I know. I have read reports, letters and books about you and your friends using the Elements of Harmony and the magic of friendship. You all defeated Nightmare Moon, Queen Chrysalis, King Sombra and Discord. You split the foretold Nightmare and turned her back into the true form of Princess Luna and even taught Discord, the very embodiment of chaos, the importance of friendship. You all brought Rarity back from her greatest nightmare and defeated the nightmare forces permanently. You are the most capable ponies I've ever met, together you all are powerful enough to put down even Princess Celestia. I believe if you keep hoping, believing and keep your friendship strong in yourselves and each other we can survive this ordeal".
Twilight looked at Cristyne for a long moment, gathering her thoughts before replying, "if only I could believe that. Cristyne there is one thing that Princess Celestia taught me when I was still a young school mare, there are three types of magic. The first is aura, energy that can be used for a huge multitude of purposes and it is the most commonly used type in Equestria. The second would be enchantments, spells cast on inanimate objects or items for the purpose of temporarily allowing the item to affect the holder, wearer or itself, it never lasts longer than a few months. The third most controversial and only illegal magic in Equestria is Alchemy. Using magic in it's most purest form with the most purest materials achieving a new item, these items can take multiple forms and are often a huge source of power. Alchemy is the hardest magic to master and the reason why it is illegal is because it has been the cause of death and extinction for many others. The Alicorn amulet is a example of alchemy gone severely wrong, it is the same item that destroyed the pony empire of Atlantis 2000 years ago by corrupting King Poneidon until it finally consumed him".
Everypony was quite, even Pinkie stopped skipping and Discord was listening intently, with a stern expression. Rarity stepped forward, she was confused, "Twilight? I went to unicorn school as well, agreed I went to Ponyville, but I only learned about 2 types of magic, why never this third type"?
"That's because Celestia kept the truth and lied to her entire kingdom, she did it to protect us all and had only sworn and told a select few ponies the truth. This is the secret of magic, a forbidden realm that is worse and more powerful than dark magic. All of you must keep this secret between us and never tell any pony else, if you do it might have untold consequences".
"It would explain who this King Poneidon character is, I have been told by the princesses many times to find general history before their trips to other nations like Saddle Arabia. I read some of these and there have been a few references to an unknown King Poneidon, I assumed that he was a prominent figure who hasn't been discovered by historians yet. I was so wrong, Celestia hid the truth of that King and Atlantis so we wouldn't discover the magic that destroyed them and so Atlantis eventually became legend," Cristyne said. She understood everything Twilight said and she knew this was a potential danger even to them. She silently decided that Twilight made the right choice, the others deserve to know these facts, Cristyne didn't know about Poneidon until Twilight told them all. Something bad was going on, something very dangerous from within a distant shadowy land.
Meanwhile, deep in a far off kingdom, something dark had survived and had begun to grow and thrive. Eyes looked upon the sphere, "soon your dark powers and abilities will belong to me, little thing".
