Twilight, Equestria's greatest secret

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".