Chapter One: The Royal Invitation
Chapter One: The Royal Invitation
It is a clear, bright and sunny morning in Ponyville and Rainbow Dash is doing her daily flying exercises when she sees something that she never thought she would, Princess Celestia and Luna walking together in Ponyville. Normally Luna would most likely be asleep right now, or at least look very, very tired. However both Luna and her big sister, Celestia are smiling and full of energy. As they see Rainbow Dash they wave and call out to her.
"Hey, Rainbow Dash can you come do here for a moment," the say in unison.
Rainbow upon hearing them call her name, nods and lands beside them with a smiling. She then kneels and bows respectfully before the Princesses.
“Princesses..."
Princess Celestia and her sister smile.
"Hello Rainbow Dash, we came here to offer you and all your friends a personal invitation for a very special surprise. Here are some invitations for yourself and your friends as well as anyone else you wish to come, they say handing Rainbow a small bag of invitations. We'll be awaiting your arrivals with great anticipation, Luna and Celestia say. Until then, farewell Rainbow Dash," they say with a bow before vanishing in a mix of silver and gold light.
Rainbow Dash wonders what could make the Princesses more happy than they have ever been all these years. Even Luna who is usually groggy and sleeps most of the day is full of energy. The rainbow-maned Pegasus mare shrugs and heads off to tell her friends about what she has experienced and to hand out the invitations that the Princesses had given her. Her first stop is her friend, Twilight, or should we say, Princess Twilight, as she is a princess now, who lives in the Ponyville Library.
Twilight Sparkle, now Princess Twilight, had no idea of what kind of a surprise she would have today nor do she ever expect to see Rainbow Dash as enthusiastic about something other than flying and friendly competitions or adventure. She especially never expected her to be thrilled about a royal invitation from the Princesses, especially when they are expected to dress up nicely for it, though Rarity would be thrilled to make them for her as well as others. At the moment however the purple unicorn mare princess is at her desk with a single book open in front of her and is scribbling away with her quill at a single piece of parchment. Twilight pauses as she hears a knock on the door of her home.
"Spike, can you go answer that, please? I would do it myself but I'm very busy. I'm working on something very important for the Princesses."
"Sure thing Twilight, I'll be right there after I finish with this, Spike says as he finishes placing the last book into place. Then he walks over to the door and opens it. As he sees Rainbow Dash with an invitation in her hoof he smiles back. Well hello there, Rainbow Dash, what do you need," he asks.
Rainbow Dash gazes at Spike and smiles.
"Hello Spike is Twilight in, I need to talk to her about something. Oh and I need to give her this," the rainbow-maned Pegasus mare says pointing to the envelope in her hoof.
Spike nods.
"Yeah, she's here. She's working on something at her desk. I'll see if I can get her away from her work for a few minutes, for you. Go ahead and make yourself comfortable while I go get her," Spike says after letting Rainbow Dash inside the house.
Encircling Rainbow Dash are vast shelves filled to the brim with all kinds of books, from Children Fairy Tales to ancient histories about different parts of Equestria. Now Rainbow Dash has never and would probably never be as much of an avid reader and lover of books as her friend, Twilight Sparkle but there is one book that she absolutely loves and comes to borrow from this library as much as she can. That book and the series of books are called The Adventures of Daring Do. This rainbow-maned Pegasus loved these books so much that she once even took a copy from the hospital. She had been injured in a fight or some accident and was stuck in the hospital for some time, where she started to read this book. but that was in the past, now all she had to do was visit Twilight and she could get any book for from the series without any trouble.
As Rainbow Dash waits Spike wanders over to Twilight and taps her shoulder. Twilight Sparkle finishes her writing and turns to face Spike. She looks thoroughly exhausted but the purple unicorn is determined not to fail the Princesses. Yawning loudly and shaking herself Twilight addresses her companion and friend, Spike.
"What is it Spike? Who is at the door," she asks yawning again.
Spike gazes behind him, before turning to speak to Twilight again.
"It's Rainbow Dash and she has royal invitations from the Princesses," he says.
Twilight Sparkle gasps and immediately steps down from her desk, splashes her face with cold water and dries it off with a towel before going to her friend, Rainbow Dash.
"Hello there, Rainbow, how are you," Twilight asks.
Rainbow Dash smiles.
"I'm good Twilight but somethings really up with the Princesses," she says.
Twilight looks at Rainbow Dash with a questioning look on her face.
"Why do you say that, Rainbow," Twilight asks.
"You didn't see them when I did, Twilight. Both Princess Celestia and Luna were happier than they've ever been. Luna was out enjoying the sunlight with her sister, Celestia and their eyes sparkled as they spoke to me," Rainbow says.
Twilight Sparkle thinks about all this and nods.
"Well that is interesting, whatever is the surprise they have for us, is something extra, extra special to them. I believe it might have something to do with this," she says pointing to the fairy tale book on her desk.
Rainbow walks over to the desk and gasps holding the book in her hooves for several minutes before replying.
"This is only the most famous fairy tale there is. Every foal in Equestria is read this story by their parents. She flips through the book as she continues. Everyone in Equestria knows the story of the two royal sisters and their..." She stops as she cannot say the last words. What if the surprise was in fact the Princesses' little brother, the missing prince in the story? What if the fairy tale is not just a story but reality, she thinks.
Twilight sees the look on Rainbow's face and places a hoof on her shoulder,
"Are you alright Rainbow," she asks.
Rainbow Dash shakes herself and smiles as Twilight.
"Oh no I'm fine Twilight, I was just thinking about something is all," she says.
Twilight smiles and nods.
"Well we had better go inform and round up the others as well. Why don't you go inform and round up Fluttershy as Applejack and I'll go get Pinkie Pie and Rarity. Once we are done get the others we'll meet at Rarity's alright," Twilight says.
Rainbow Dash nods and smiles.
"Alright that sounds good to me, Twilight. I'll meat you there. We got to hurry though, the invitation says noon and its already 10:30," Rainbow says looking at the clock in Twilight's home.
Twilight nods, placing the fairy tale book in her saddle bag before levitating Spike onto her back. Then she and him head off toward Rarity's boutique and SugarCube Corner. Rainbow Dash takes off toward Fluttershy's home.
Meanwhile back at the palace I yawn and stretch before tossing aside the covers of mine and my sister's bed. I rub my eyes with my hooves and slowly step out of bed. My snow white mane and tail are starlight in the rays of the golden sun that pierce through the cracks in the curtains. My horn sparkles in the light and my wings remain folded at my sides. As I wake my big sisters, Princess Celestia and Luna enter the room. As I see them I gallop over to them and hug their legs. I am very small for a full grown alicorn in fact most would think I am still a foal for I am the size of one.
"Morning, big sisters," I say smiling as I gaze up at them with my midnight blue eyes.
My sisters smile and Luna gently picks me up in her hooves and kisses me on the forehead, before she and my other sister, Princess Celestia nuzzle me affectionately with their heads. Princess Luna places me on her back and nuzzles me again with her head. I smile and nuzzle her back. My other sister, Princess Celestia runs her hooves through my mane as she wanders over to our closet to get me something special to wear. Luna goes over to the closet and with her sister they pull out just the right outfit for the surprise they have for me. I stand still as my big sisters dress me in the beautiful suit that they have chosen as well as place my crown on my head. They also take out a one of a kind necklace that they make for me when I was younger, which they put around my neck. As Princess Celestia fits my wings into my robes, Princess Luna works on getting my shoes on. Soon I am all dressed and my sisters carry me over to a chair in front of a mirror at our desk, before starting to style my mane and tail. As they continue to prepare me, the palace servants and guards do their part preparing the palace. Security measures have been taken to make sure that my sisters and I are safe. Most of the new measures are to protect me though, because I am so small that even the smallest weakness in the defenses could be devastating. My sisters smile and embrace me before they continue their work on my mane and tail. After so many long years, we are finally together again.
Meanwhile back in Ponyville Twilight is headed toward Rarity's when she comes upon two more familiar ponies. It's her big brother, Shining Armor and her big sister, Princess Cadence. Overjoyed to see them both she gallops over.
"Brother, sister what a pleasant surprise. What are you two doing here, I thought that you were going to be away for a while? Well no matter, it's so great to see you guys," she says embracing them both.
Her brother smiles and so does her sister as they speak as the group embrace one another.
"It's good to see you too, Twilly, her brother, Shining Armor says ruffling her mane affectionately with his hoof. Then Cadence nuzzles her and speaks. Its always nice to see you, Twilight, she says. That goes for you too, Spike, they say smiling. Spike waves at them and smiles back. The two then turn to Twilight again. So what has gotten you so excited little sis," the two ask.
Twilight shows them the invitation from the Princesses and tells them what Rainbow Dash told her.
Her brother and sister smile and nod producing their own invitations.
"We've been invited to it too, they say excitedly. I wonder what could make my aunts so happy. It must be something very special, Cadence says. Well why don't we go together as a group, that would make it easier on the palace guards that have enough on the hooves already according to you big brother here," Cadence says. Shining Armor nods and kisses Cadence.
Twilight smiles and Spike agrees.
"Alright, Rainbow said that she'd meet us at Rarity's once she had gotten Applejack and Fluttershy, she says. Let's start at SugarCube Corner, we are certain to find Pinkie Pie there. Then we'll head toward the boutique to re-unite with Rarity and the others," Twilight suggests.
Shining Armor and Cadence nod.
"That sounds good to us, Twilly, her brother says. Lead the way little sis," he says affectionately ruffling her mane.
Twilight returns the affection with a nuzzle against his neck and they all make their way to SugarCube Corner.
Elsewhere in Ponyville Rainbow Dash has arrived at Fluttershy's house. She knocks on the door. It swings open and she enters the house.
"Hello, anyone home," she asks. No answer.
Angel, Fluttershy's bunny sees Rainbow and hops over to her.
Rainbow smiles as she sees the little bunny and nuzzle it with her head.
"Well hello there, Angel, do you know where Fluttershy is," she asks him.
The bunny smiles and nods. Using some sticks and words, he lets Rainbow know about where Fluttershy is. She is at Rarity's waiting for you guys.
Rainbow thanks Angel and gets him a carrot as reward. Angel happily munches on the carrot and waves as she leaves.
Back at Sugarcube Corner Pinkie Pie and The Cakes are very busy making the deserts for the special festivities that are planned. Little do they know that the festivities are to celebrate mine and my sister's re-union after being apart for so long. As Pinkie Pie sees Twilight and her siblings she smiles and waves.
"Hey there Twilight, what are you and your sibling doing here at this hour, Pinkie Pie asks as she steps away from her parents, The Cakes and over to where she and her parents sell the deserts that they make to ponies. Want some chocolate fudge? It was just made this morning," she says smiling and holding a tray of them out.
Twilight shakes her head and speaks.
"No thank you Pinkie, we are not here buying sweets. We are here to invite you to an event at the Princesses' Palace. She reaches into her saddlebags and pulls out an envelope with both Princess Celestia and Luna's seal. They have invited us to the palace for a special and secret surprise," Twilight says.
Pinkie Pie beams and smiles before turning to her parents.
"Mom, dad can I go with her to the special event that the Princesses' have for us," she asks.
Mr. and Mrs. Cake smile and nod.
"Sure you can Pinkie, just remember to behave yourself when you are there."
Pinkie Pie nods and walks over to Twilight before they all head out the door and toward Rarity's Boutique.
Pinkie Pie waves goodbye to her parents and they wave back.
"Have fun dear," they say smiling as they continue work on the deserts for tonight.
Back at Rarity's Boutique Rarity hears a knock on her door and stops her work to let Rainbow in. Applejack is already there having something of her sister's, Apple Bloom, being repaired. Smiling Rarity leads Rainbow to the couch to where Applejack is sitting. Rainbow smiles and sits beside her.
"Hey there, Rainbow, what's gotten you so excited, girl," Applejack says lightly punching her shoulder.
Rainbow massages her shoulder a little and reaches into her saddlebags. Pulling out two small envelopes she removes them from the bags.
"This is what has me all excited," she says as she hands the invitations to Rarity and Applejack.
Rarity opens it quickly and her eyes shine.
"A special event with the Princesses and at noon too. She gazes at her clock and gasps. It is already eleven o'clock. Oh my, we should hurry and get ready, the Princesses are expecting us in an hour. I have made many dresses for such an occasion, but we should wait for Twilight and the others first."
Rainbow nods and walks over to Rarity.
"Have you seen Fluttershy, Rarity," the rainbow Pegasus mare asks.
The snow-white unicorn with purple mane and tail shakes her head.
"No, sorry darling. I haven't see her for a few days. Why is something wrong, Rainbow," Rarity asks with concern.
"Well no, except the fact that her home is completely dark and the last time anyone saw her, she said she was coming here."
Rarity gazes at Rainbow and replies.
"Well she never came here, I'll tell you that, she says. Why do you think she never told anyone where she went," Rarity asks Applejack and Rainbow.
The two mares shake their heads.
"I don't know but whatever it was, it was very important, because she didn't even lock her door," Rainbow says.
Rarity nods and shrugs.
"Well whatever it was, I'm sure that we will find out when we get to the palace. Now where is..." Before the unicorn mare can finish there is a knock on her door. Walking over to the door she opens it up. Twilight and her siblings, Shining Armor and Princess Cadence step inside.
"There you are Twilight and you brought your sister and brother, how nice, Rarity says smiling. Fluttershy is not here, I'm afraid. No one has seen her for a few days now. My guess is that she is already at the palace waiting for us. So come this way Twilight and the rest of you girls. Let us choose what you are going to wear to this event and then we'll be on our way. Applejack, Rainbow, Twilight and Pinkie Pie all follow her to a separate room that she had made just for such things. Twilight goes first. Selecting a beautiful deep violet dress embellished with silver stars that sparkle in the light, she dresses herself and steps out of the room.
Her sister and brother smile as she shows off her dress.
"You look very beautiful, little sis," they say as they nuzzle her affectionately.
Next Rainbow Dash step out of the room. She is dressed in a magnificent sleek rainbow dress with clouds drifting among the rainbows. Waving at Twilight she trots over to her and her siblings smiling. Rainbow waits patiently with the others.
Cadence runs her hooves through Rainbow's mane and smiles.
"You look very pretty dear," she says nuzzling her.
Rainbow smiles.
"Thanks Princess Cadence," she replies.
The Princess laughs.
"Oh, no need to call me Princess, dear. We are all friends here, so I am just Cadence."
Rainbow nods and smiles.
"Alright, thank you, Cadence," she says again.
"Your welcome, my dear," Cadence says stroking her.
Minutes later Applejack steps out of the room. She is dressed in an emerald green dress with Sweet Apple Acres upon it against a vibrant sunset. Waving to the group she trot over to them and waits.
Pinkie Pie and Rarity finally emerge out of the room together. Rarity is dressed in a violet and white dress with diamond designs that glisten and sparkle like the gem itself. Pinkie Pie is dressed in a bright pink dress filled with wild colors and with balloon designs as well as fireworks that glow standing out against the party style dress.
Rarity and Pinkie Pie join the others and together the group sets off toward the train station. When they get there, they see Fluttershy. She is dressed in a beautiful green and yellow dress with flowers springing to life upon it and butterflies dancing among them. As Fluttershy sees the others gallop toward her, she is frightened and looks for a place to hide. A group of guards have been sent to escort them to the event and so she hides behind a large black Pegasus stallion with fiery mane, shaking with fear.
The Pegasus stallion and strokes her gently with his hoof before speaking.
"Shh, its alright little Pegasus we are here if you need us, but everything will be fine, I promise," he says. The other ponies with him nod and stand at attention as Shining Armor comes into view.
Shining Armor walks over to the group and speaks.
"At ease, he says. The guards relax. Why are you all here? I haven't heard of any new security measures?"
The guards reply.
"We are here on the Princesses' order sir. They sent us here to escort you and the others to the palace and through it do to all the changes that have been made. The Princesses will fill you in when you get there,sir. Now shall we," they say opening the door to train.
Shining Armor nods and joins the others before stepping into the train after his wife and his little sister, Twilight. Applejack and Pinkie Pie follow after them and then Rarity soon after. Rainbow starts to step in when she realizes her necklace is missing. This necklace is special to her because her brother gave it to her. She frantically searches around for it, worried that she may have lost it forever. In her frantic search Rainbow falls. Acting quickly one of the guards breaks formation and catches her in his hooves.
"Are you alright, miss," he asks dusting her off.
Rainbow nods and shakily stands up.
The Pegasus stallion then reaches into the pocket of his suit and pulls out a necklace.
"Is this what you were looking for miss," he say smiling.
Rainbow sees the rainbow streaming through the clouds with the sun rising over it. The rainbow has her and her brother's name upon it. With tears in her eyes she nods. "Yes," she says swallowing.
"May I," he says taking the necklace and undoing it before walking toward Rainbow.
Rainbow blushes and nods turning around so that stallion can put on her necklace. The stallion gently places necklace around the rainbow Pegasus mare's neck and fastens it securely around the back with her rainbow mane covering it.
"There you go, Rainbow and by the way you really look beautiful today, Rainbow Dash. Have fun at the event. I'll see you soon, Rainbow," he says before lightly kissing her on the cheek and stepping into line with the others again.
Twilight and the others giggle as Rainbow Dash blushes from the kiss and waves at the guard. As the six mares and the friend as well as the guards step into the train. The train starts to move and they are on their way to Canterlot, where the Princesses live.
Applejack nudges Rainbow and speaks.
"Looks like someone's in love," she says giggling as the others join her.
Rainbow's face grows red as she replies.
"Am no... Well maybe I am," she says nervously.
Twilight smiles and embrace her to be soon followed by the others, including Fluttershy. They break the embrace and Twilight speaks.
"So Rainbow, when and where did the two of you meet," she asks.
Rainbow thinks and replies.
"We meet each other about a year ago but I can't remember very much about the place we were at, save the peacefulness of it all and all the trees surrounding us both.
Applejack thinks about this and smiles.
"You are describing a part of the park here in Ponyville, it's called Tranquil Springs. So why are you attracted to this Pegasus, Rainbow? I mean surely he isn't an athlete like you is he," she asks.
Rainbow Dash blushes and replies.
"Well actually you would be wrong there, Applejack, you see he is actually very athletic but this is not why I am attracted to him though. It is his heart and very nature that does. You've seen for yourself what he is capable of just now. Doesn't that make you see and understand why I like him so much," she asks.
Twilight and the other nod smiling.
Rarity smiles at Rainbow Dash and replies.
"Well you sure are lucky to have such a gentleman. I wish the best for the both of you two. Such a mare like yourself deserves no less. I hope that we can find stallions as good as yours, Rainbow," she says embracing her.
The rainbow-maned Pegasus mare smiles and hugs her back.
"Thanks, I'm sure all of you will find your stallion and that he will be as good if not better than mine," Rainbow Dash says. Then she turns to Fluttershy and speaks.
"So Fluttershy where have you been, we haven't seen you since Tuesday of this week," Rainbow asks with concern.
Fluttershy nervously looks around and taps her hooves on the wooden floor. Then swallowing she speaks. Her voice trembles and shakes due to her nervousness.
"Well, I had some very important things I had to do. Sorry for not letting you all know, and worrying you all. I have been just so busy," she says.
Twilight and the others embrace her.
"As long as you are alright that's all that matters to us," they say as they embrace her.
Fluttershy smiles and nods.
"Well I'm fine, just a little tired from running around a lot and I guess I was a little nervous at see you guys, but that's not your fault at all," she says.
"Why in tar'nation would you be nervous about seeing us, Fluttershy? We're your friends, right ya'll," Applejack says looking at the others.
Twilight and the other three mares nod, before turning to Fluttershy.
The yellow Pegasus mare with pink mane becomes even more nervous. Her legs begin to shake as she struggles to remain standing. Sweat falls down her brow as Fluttershy struggle to remain calm in front of her friends.
Twilight seeing this reaction from her friend, trots over and support her. Rainbow Dash lands and does the same. Taking her to an empty seat they help her lay down and relax.
"There we go, Fluttershy. Now get some rest, OK. We can talk about this more when you wake, but right now you need to rest," Twilight says firmly but gently to the shaking Pegasus mare.
Fluttershy nods.
"Please wake me when we get there. I need to do something for the Princesses before the special event," she says yawning.
Rainbow Dash smiles and runs her hooves through the mare's pink mane.
"Don't worry Flutters, we'll let you know when we get there," the rainbow-maned Pegasus mare says.
"Ok, thanks. Goodnight you all," she says before falling asleep on the seat.
"Goodnight Fluttershy," they say as she falls asleep.
Twilight drapes a blanket from her saddle bags over the sleeping Pegasus mare and trots over to the others. Sitting down in their seats, they begin to converse with one another in low voices.
"So what do you think the special event is Twilight," Rainbow Dash asks.
"I don't know, Rainbow, but it has to be something big if we have guards with us," the purple unicorn mare says.
"I agree, but what could warrant such a step up of security," Rarity asks.
"Maybe, we're all thinking too hard about this. Maybe the reason for the step up of security has to do with the book that the Princesses are having Twilight go through," Applejack suggests.
The others look at each other and nod.
"So what is this book you have to go through Twilight," three of the four mares ask.
Twilight using her magic pulls out the book from her saddle bags. The cover of the book sparkles as the light from the sun falls on it. The cover is a picture of the palace with circle in the center with five alicorns within it. The King and Queen with their two daughters and their little son. The cover is midnight blue with silvers stars and a moon. Written as if it were a constellation in the sky, is the title, The Sun, Moon and Stars.
The others, besides Rainbow Dash, gasp and gaze at the book. They all know this book as well as the story within it very well. Then the white unicorn mare with violet mane speaks.
"So they are having you go through this book," she asks Twilight.
Twilight nods.
"Yeah they send me this book through mail, some time ago. How long ago was it, Spike," she asks her baby dragon companion.
Spike thinks about this and then replies.
"At least a month ago, Twilight. Remember is was Luna, who delivered it," Spike adds.
Twilight thinks back and nod.
"That's right, Luna came herself to make sure I go it. Not only that she comes every evening to check up on me and see how I am doing with my work. Once or twice, my actual mentor, Celestia visits me as well. Though recently I haven't seen either one of them. It makes you wonder even more about the surprise they have for us," the purple unicorn mare says.
The others nod and are about to comment, when the train comes to a stop and the conductor enter the room before speaking directly to them.
"Alright ladies, we're here. Is there anything that any of you need help with," he asks with a slight bow.
Applejack smiles back at him and shakes her head.
"That's awfully nice of you sir, but I think we're good. Thanks for the offer though," the orange earth pony mare with golden mane says as she steps off the train.
The conductor smiles and bows again.
"Anytime," he says before returning to front of the train.
The other three mares step off the train followed by Cadence and Shining Armor as well as the guards.
Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy are the last off. Rainbow is supporting the sleepy Pegasus mare as Fluttershy rubs her eyes and yawns. The other three help, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy get out of the train. Once their hooves are firmly on the ground Fluttershy is fully awake and she speaks. Embracing Rainbow Dash, she kisses her on the cheek.
"Thank you Dashie, for that," she says smiling.
Rainbow Dash blushes but smiles.
"No problem Flutters," she says.
"Well I'd best be off you all. I'll see you at the event," the yellow Pegasus mare says waving at them as she heads off toward the palace.
The other remaining five wave as Fluttershy leaves. Then the guards beside them walk over and take their designated positions around them. As soon as they are all in position, the group slowly make their way toward the palace.
After some march they come to the main entrance of the palace. Never have Twilight and her friends seen so much security. A Minotaur guard walks over to them and bows.
"The Princesses are waiting for you all in the Throne Room, I'll take you there, he says. He turns to the escort and speaks to them. You are all relieved of your duty, the Princesses wish for you to return to your designated posts and remain alert. Nothing can go wrong here, or it could be devastating to you know who," he says firmly. Shadawn and his companions nod before heading off. The Minotaur leads them through hallways with entire patrols marching back and forth, stairwells with a guard on every step and past balcony as well as open windows with guards that change every few hours to make sure that all are at their best while on guard duty. The servants and butlers move about the palace carrying refreshments and drink to the many guards. Finally they come to the throne room. Four Minotaurs salute the Minotaur with them before opening the door. The Minotaur general speaks as they enter.
"Twilight and her friends to see you, your highness," he says with a bow.
"Thank you, Kruelin. You can leave and return to your post now," Princess Celestia says.
Kruelin bows to the Princess as well as Twilight and her friends before heading off back to his post.
As they step into the throne room they notice scores of guards but these are no ordinary guards either. Pegasus, Unicorns, and Earth Ponies stand beside all manners of other creatures. Some of which the have never seen before. Princess Celestia is speaking with a dark brown griffin and a elegantly dressed snake queen. A beautiful rainbow colored snake woman slithers over to them and speaks.
"I apologize for the delay, Twilight SSSSparkle and Friendssss, she hisses. Many new ssssecurity meassssuressss have been put into place in order to protect ssssomething precioussss to the Princessssessss, I hope you undersssstand," she says with a bow.
Twilight Sparkle nods and bow politely back to the snake woman.
"We understand. Is there a place that we can sit while we wait," she asks.
The snake woman smile and replies.
"Yessss, of coursssse, pleasssse follow me, Twilight SSSSparkle and Friendssss, the snake says as she slithers over to a lounge filled with comfy chairs and couches. Twilight and her friends give a satisfied sigh as they relax. Smiling the snake woman speaks. If there issss anything that you need at all, pleasssse call me and I will be ssssure to do whatever I can to make you more comfortable," she says.
The five mares as well as Cadence and Shining Armor nod but instead of Twilight speaking it is Rainbow Dash. She is curious for the reason behind all the security. Turning to the snake woman she speaks.
"Sure we'll let you know if we do, but I do have one question for you miss," she says.
The snake woman gazes at Rainbow Dash with her emerald green eyes.
"Yessss, how can I help you, missssssss," she replies with a bow.
"Why is security so tight here? Even with the invasion of Changelings there wasn't this much security," Rainbow says. The others nod in agreement. This was way more security than any of them have ever seen.
"Hmm, I cannot tell you much, orderssss from the Princesssssessss, I'm afraid. However I can ssssay thissss; whatever is the reasssson behind all thisssss new ssssecurity meassssuressss, issss ssssomething that issss pricelesssss to the Princessssessss and ssssomething that wassss losssst until now," she says.
Rainbow Dash as well as the other three listen to her words and think on it.
"Well thank you, miss. We'll call you if we need anything else," the rainbow-maned Pegasus says.
The snake woman nods and bows before leaving. Then someone they all know enter the room. Midnight, the Princesses' constant companion and friend. Smiling the black unicorn with midnight blue mane walks over to them.
"You can all come in now, Celestia is waiting and Luna will be joining us shortly," the unicorn mare says.
Nodding Twilight and her friends stand up before walking with Midnight into the Throne Room.
Princess Celestia smiles as she sees them.
"Well hello there, Twilight Sparkle and the rest of you, I'm so glad you could make it. I trust the train ride was alright. I do apologize for all that security but it is necessary I'm afraid," she says.
Twilight and her friends smile as they shake their heads.
"No need to apologize, Princess, we were just amazed by it that's all," Twilight replies and the others nod.
Then Shining Armor speaks.
"So why so much security, your highness," he asks.
Princess Celestia smiles.
"You shall see why for yourself very soon. Luna," she calls.
After a few minutes there is a response.
"What sis," Luna says from the stairwell.
"You can bring him out now," she says.
Luna nods and disappears in their chambers before slowly starting to walk down the stairs. Twilight and her friends can see something small on her back, but it is too far away to tell what it is. As she gets closer though the realize what it is. The thing on Luna's back is a little snow-white alicorn foal, dressed in fine clothes. As the Princess of the Night reaches her sister, Celestia reaches over and slowly picks me up before setting me on the ground. Then Luna and her speak.
"Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Spike, Shining Armor and our niece Cadence, this is our little brother, Prince Astrello," they say smiling.
Chatper Two: The Missing Prince
Chapter Two: The Missing Prince
Twilight and her friends gaze in awe at me as Luna sets me down on the ground. I am a pure snow-white alicorn with deep midnight blue eyes. I shyly rake the ground with the shoes I am wearing. I am dressed in a suit that resembles that night and day together with the stars sparkling in the middle. Upon my head is a small crystal crown adorned with sparkling stars. while around my neck is a necklace with the sun and moon glistening brightly to the right and left, with the stars shining within the middle. On my feet are starlight shoes that glint in the light. My mane and tail are starlight in the golden light of the day. As Rainbow moves toward me, I run away and hide behind my big sister, Luna.
Luna giggles at my cute, shy antics and turns to the Mane Six as well as her niece and Shining Armor. Gently she nuzzles me with her head and speaks to me. Stroking me soothingly with her hoof my big sister, slowly moves me out from behind her with her wing. Smiling Luna stands beside me.
"Go on, little brother, say hello, she says nudging me. I shake my head and shyly hide with her wings. Luna sighs and folds up her wings, so I cannot hide. With a frightened little whinny, I run over to my other big sister and hide within her wings. Celestia, my other big sister nuzzles me with her head and shakes her head, folding her wings. Then her and Luna nuzzle me affectionately before nudging me forward. "Come on, Astrello dear, you can do it. Come on," they say encouragingly.
Swallowing and shaking like a leaf, I walk away from my sisters and stand before the others. I rake the ground shyly and swish my mane. My eyes glisten in the light as I gaze back at my sisters. I take a deep breath and speak.
"Um, hello," I say shyly.
"Hello there little prince," the others says smiling as they move forward.
In response, I give a little foalish squeal of terror, before running back over to my big sisters and hiding within Luna's unfolded wing, gazing shyly out at the strangers.
Fluttershy giggles and speaks.
"Oh my he's even more shy than I am. Of course I think this makes him even more adorable," she says to the others.
Twilight and the others nod. Then Twilight speaks.
"Perhaps we should slowly introduce ourselves one by one so as to make it easier for him," she suggests to her friends.
The others nod and reply.
"That sounds like a good idea Twilight."
Rainbow slowly advances toward me and speaks gently to me.
"Hey little one, why don't you come on out. I promise everything will be alright," she says.
I nuzzle my big sister, Luna and slowly step out from under her wing. I trot over to Rainbow and gaze up at her with a small smile. I rake the ground nervously as I wonder what she will do next.
Rainbow gently scoops me up in her hooves and nuzzles me with her head.
"Well hello there you little squirt, I'm Rainbow Dash, the best and fastest flier in all of Equestria. What's your name, little one," she says stroking me.
"I'm Astrello. It's really nice to meet you, Rainbow Dash," I say nuzzling her back.
Rainbow Dash smiles and carries me over to the others with my big sisters Luna and Celestia following behind. Then the rainbow-maned Pegasus mare starts introducing me to her friends.
"This is my mare friend, Twilight Sparkle, she says pointing her hoof at the purple unicorn. She is the librarian for the Ponyville Library, where she lives. She loves to read, learn new things and is just a great friend. This is my mare friend, Rarity, she says pointing to a snow-white unicorn with violet mane. She is a clothing designer and owns her own boutique in Ponyville. "This is my mare-friend Applejack, she says pointing to a orange earth pony with yellow mane. She is part of the Apple Family and her family owns Sweet Apple Acres. He also is a great athlete like me." This goes on for a little while longer until Rainbow Dash has introduced me to all her friends, including Shining Armor and Princess Cadence. After the Mane Six as well as Shining Armor and Cadence spend some time with me, Rarity breaks the silence.
"So all these years you were only acting," she asks.
Luna and Celestia shakes their heads.
"No, no of course not, what you saw was the truth. We buried our pain within us. We couldn't and didn't want to make our friends worry about us, so we wore masks to hide this. We are sorry we deceived you, my friends. We should have told you about all of this," the Princesses' say bowing their heads in shame.
Twilight however shakes her head and speaks.
"You didn't deceive us, Princesses. You hid a great pain that would be far too much for anyone, let alone you two to bare. You had every right to do what you did to make us believe that you were happy. It was better for us to believe that you and your sister, Luna were fine, than to know about Astrello and your painful past," the unicorn says embracing the Princesses.
Luna lifts her head and dries her tears with a handkerchief that she has, before speaking.
"Thank you Twilight for that, but we did. We made you believe that we were fine, when we were not," Luna says firmly.
Twilight shakes her head.
"How was it deceiving us when it was something that we didn't need to know or should have known. Also it was fine to hide something as painful as losing your little brother from us, I'm sure any one of us would have done the same. There is nothing to feel ashamed about princesses," the unicorn mare princess says.
Luna and Celestia look at one another and then back to the Twilight and the others.
"Still you all deserve an explanation to as why you have not heard about our dearest little brother, Astrello," the two say.
Swallowing Luna and Celestia look at each other before my big sister, Luna and her nod.
Rainbow cradles my little form in her hooves and gives an adoring awe as I yawn and fall asleep in her hooves.
"Awe, look the little guy is fast asleep in my hooves. Isn't he so precious," she says running a free hoof through my snow-white mane as she cradles me with the other.
Fluttershy walks over and smiles, nuzzling Rainbow.
"He sure is, Dashie, she says standing beside the rainbow-maned pegasus mare.
Rarity join them and gazes down at me.
"He's so small and yet so beautiful," she says nuzzling my little form.
Applejack removes her hat and gallops over.
"That there prince is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen, don't you think so Twilight," she replies.
Twilight nods and as she gazes down at me her eyes shine as she speaks.
"He sure is. He's unlike anything that I have even seen. I've read about a pure snow-white alicorn prince in this book, the unicorn mare princess says holding out, The Sun, Moon and Stars with her magic, but he was just seen as a myth. I never thought that I'd ever see him for real," she says excitedly.
The others nod and Applejack speaks for all of them.
"Nor did we, but here he is and here we are," Applejack says.
Rainbow smiles brightly.
"I can't believe that I'm actually holding the very Astrello from the greatest fairytale ever. This is so awesome," she says excitedly.
The others nod in agreement.
"Yes, Rainbow this is awesome," they reply.
My big sister, Luna walks over to Rainbow Dash and nudges her with her head.
"Rainbow dear, would you mind taking Astrello elsewhere, while we talk. He is very sensitive about it and we wouldn't want to hurt him anymore than he already is. If you wish to stay and hear the tale, you can hoof him over to one of them, over there, she says pointing to the main door. A black unicorn mare with midnight blue mane stands guard beside it. You know the first one already, her name is Midnight and she as well as the other one. the chestnut brown pegasus stallion with golden mane, who is called Lightfoot, are members of our personal guard. They will probably tuck him back in bed again. Our little brother has had a very bad day and could probably use the rest. It is up to you however, Rainbow," Luna says gazing into her crimson eyes.
Rainbow looks down at me in her hoof and then back at my big sister, Luna.
"Actually I think I'll stay with your little brother, a while longer. The others can tell me all about it later. I want to spend some more time with the little prince, if that's alright with you, Princess," the rainbow-maned pegasus mare asks.
My big sister, Luna smiles and nuzzles the mare with her head. Her eyes glisten brightly in the golden rays of the sun. She swishes her mane before replying.
"Anything you want is fine with me, Rainbow, she says. Have fun with our little brother. We'll let you know when it is safe to return to the others," my big sister, Luna says before returning my other big sister, Celestia's side.
"I have no doubt that I will, Rainbow says stroking me with a hoof. Well I'll see you later, Luna. Later girls," she says waving to the others.
"Later, Rainbow. Have fun. We'll tell you everything later, we promise," her friends say together.
Rainbow trots off toward the Royal Garden with me cuddled securely in one of her hooves.
As soon as she vanishes from sight, Luna and Celestia turn to the others, beckoning them to follow them as they trot off deeper into the palace. The others follow close behind wanting to know all about me, the Princesses' little brother, that was lost to them for so long. Why did the Princesses' have to hide this secret for so long. They were soon to discover this for themselves.
Chapter Three: Into the Memories
As the group come to a large private study behind a portrait of Star-Swirl, The Bearded, Luna and Celestia close it behind them and face the others. Their voices quiver as they speak. What they have planned is unknown.
"We haven't done this in a long time, but we think it is better to show you than tell you. Now Twilight this spell that Luna and I are going to perform is very, very advanced magic. You must not try to replicate it until Luna and I properly teach you, understand," Celestia says to her pupil, Princess Twilight Sparkle.
The lavender unicorn mare princess nods and silently watches with the others as Luna and Celestia draw complicated symbol in the floor with their magic. Never has Twilight or her friends seen such a labor intensive spell. An hour or so later it is finished, Luna and Celestia wipe their brows with a cloth with their magic.
"Alright, is every pony ready? Yes? Good. Alright a few moments a portal will open, when it does, each of you must step into it, one at a time. Any more and things could go horribly wrong. Once the first pony enters the portal, the subsequent ponies most wait 10 minutes before follow after the previous one. We will be going in last, in order to make sure that the portal remains stable. If the portal begins to have problems anyone that has entered must return immediately or they will be trapped in this memory. Now, Applejack would you like to go first," Luna asks the farm pony.
Applejack swallows and steps toward the circle as a glowing silver archway appears. She turns briefly to the others and tips her hat. Her emerald green eyes flash in the light.
"Well, see ya'll on the other side. Just be careful, ya'll. Well, here goes nothin'," the farm pony says taking a deep breath, before leaping into the archway.
Rarity is the next to approach the portal. Her dark purple eyes gleam as she turns to face Celestia and Luna. Her legs tremble as she stands beside the glowing archway.
"I am sorry Princesses, but did you just say that this archway may collapse? I'm not so sure I want to do something so dangerous. Sweetie Bell would be devastated if I didn't come back. Are you sure there is not another way to show us than a spell that you haven't tried in a long time," she asks.
Luna and Celestia turn to one another and start speaking to one another. After a few minutes they turn to face Rarity. Their eyes sparkle in the light emulating from the archway.
"We promise that you will return back here. The archway is completely stable and secure. Everything will be fine," they say.
Rarity swallow and nods.
"Alright if you say so Princesses. It is a truly beautiful archway and you did put in all that work. Well here we go," she says leaping into the archway.
Pinkie Pie steps toward the archway and places a hoof through it. As it vanishes she giggles and withdraws from the archway before placing it back in and withdrawing it several more times. What seems frightening and worrisome to others is just fun for the pink party pony. Then with a hop and skip she jumps into it.
Twilight and Fluttershy are left alone with the Princesses now. Twilight, the lavender unicorn mare princess turns to her mentor, Celestia. Just a little bit ago the Princesses had said that they have done this before. What did they mean? What had they used this spell for before? Could it have something to do with their little brother, Prince Astrello, that was currently away with Rainbow Dash? She doesn't have much time to think about this as her thoughts are interrupted by Fluttershy's nervous voice.
"Umm, Twilight, do you want to...," the timid yellow pegasus mare says.
Twilight turns to her timid friend and smiles, nuzzling her affectionately with her head.
"It's alright Fluttershy if you are nervous about going into the portal, I'll go next. Take what time you need to be ready. I'm sure Celestia and Luna are more than willing to help out in any way that they can," Twilight Sparkle says, before slowing stepping into the archway and vanishing, like the others.
Luna trots over to the frightened pegasus mare and nudges her, gently toward the archway.
"It'll be fine, Fluttershy. Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Twilight are all waiting for you on the other side. I promise that nothing bad is going to happen," the lunar princess says, her eyes sparkling in the light.
"Well if you say so, Princess. I guess I have nothing to fear, then. Well here, I go," she says, closing her eyes and leaping in.
"Oof, gotcha ya, Fluttershy, Applejack says with a smile as she catches her. See, we're all here, safe and sound. That wasn't so bad was it, girl," she says.
Fluttershy shakes her head.
"No, it was actually was not," she says with a small smile. The pegasus mare pauses with the rest of her friends to take in their surroundings. They are in a large chamber with a single large crystal chandelier that is lighting up the room. The floor that they are treading upon is smooth and glassy, making it shine in the golden glow of the hanging chandelier. There are an assortment of small tables in each of the four corners of the room, with no more than two or three wooden chairs beside them. There are empty music stands beside perfect rows of seats, arranged in a particular order to accommodate those that would be occupying them. There is also a large empty stage with thick velvet curtains, that are closed and tied with golden rope.
"Where are we do you think," Applejack asks.
Rarity chuckles a little before answering.
"Why, we are in a Ballroom of course. This floor that we are on currently is the dance floor. Those perfect rows of seats with empty music stands are for the orchestra, the tallest stand being that of the composer, of course. As for the small dinning places in the corners, well not everyone is going to want to dance, and besides, those that do dance, wouldn't mind a drink or a bite to eat now and then," Rarity says.
"Well of course, Applejack says rolling her eyes in mild annoyance. How in tar'nation would we have know that, Rares? We don't go to as many special occasions as you do," she replies with frustration.
"Oh, right. Sorry about that darling. I just got a little carried away is all," Rarity says apologetically.
"That's all right, Rares," Applejack says to the white and violet unicorn mare.
"Now all we have to do is wait for Luna and Celestia," Twilight says.
The others nod in agreement and watch the archway. A few minutes later, the two princesses, step out of it. Trotting over to the five mares, they speak.
"Alright, every pony ready to go?"
"Just about Princesses. Just one question. Where exactly are we," Applejack says looking around again.
Luna breaks the silence. Her deep blue eyes sparkle in the chandelier's light. Stepping forward The Princess of the Night speaks.
"We are all inside The Palace, in the royal ballroom to be precise. This is the ballroom, where Luna and I first danced with the ponies of Arabia. However this is a separate world entirely. In fact we are within Astrello's only memories of us," she says.
Twilight and the others are taken aback by this explanation. Applejack takes another look at the scene before her, as does remaining four. They are amazed at all of this.
"Amazing, to actually be in another person's memories... its just beyond belief," the group says.
"Yes, it really is. Luna and I came up with it a long time ago, but..." Tears stream down the Sun Princess' cheeks. Luna gently dabs away at her older sister's falling tears before continuing where she stopped. Certain things could not be altered from the past, no matter how much we wished them to be. We could not stop our little brother being taken from us. We still lost him," she says her tears joining that of Celestia. Dabbing her eyes with a levitated cloth, she turns to her sister, who is dabbing her own eyes with a cloth and nods.
Twilight trots over to Celestia and places a hoof on her shoulder. Her violet eyes are filled with genuine concern and remorse. The Princess is more than just her friend but her beloved mentor as well. She then moves over to Luna, doing the same.
"I'm so sorry Princesses, for your loss. What happened? How was He taken from you," the unicorn mare princess asks.
Luna, the younger of the two princesses dries her tears and swallows. Raking the smooth ballroom floor with her hooves, she takes a deep breath before speaking. Her sapphire blue eyes are brimming with tears that are just waiting for the dam of her eye lid to break.
"You and the others will learn the truth soon enough, Twilight. For now silence is best for myself and Celestia. This was hard enough for us to do the first few times, but doing it again after... We are suffering even as we speak. Please let us not speak of this again. All will be revealed to you in time, curious one," The Princess of the Night says, swishing her mane and returning to her older sister, Celestia's side.
The unicorn mare princess, Twilight open her mouth to say something but her friend, Applejack places a hoof on her shoulder, shaking her head. She nods toward the alicorns and gently nudges her away from them. After she is a good distance from the two, the farm earth pony speaks.
"Leave 'em be, Twi. This has to be very hard for them. Especially knowin' that that can't change what they want to. To know that they are just gonna' lose him anyway, not matter what they do," Applejack says.
Twilight pauses and takes one last look at the two princesses, before turning away, joining her friends. Levitating a notebook from her saddlebag, she scribbles some notes into it, before returning it. Twilight, then starts looking around, interested in their current surroundings.
The sound of galloping hooves on the carpeted floors grows closer and closer, by the minute.
Luna and Celestia look toward the cracks of the closed main double doors. Turning the others, they swiftly beckon them toward the stage. As the group rushes toward the stage, there is a loud clang of metal as some chairs are knocked over. Two shadows gather around the doors. As the older sister, ushers them behind the crimson, velvet curtains, Luna watches their back. Celestia and the others freeze in fear as the silence is broken by the sound of voices.
"What was that? Something doesn't seem right. What do you think," the first pony asks.
"It sounded like some chairs being knocked over, to me. I swear this room was empty when we locked it. Something must be wrong," the other pony whispers.
"That's what I thought, it was. Quickly, unlock the doors. We need to get in there," the first pony says firmly.
Loud rattling of the doorknobs can be heard and then there is the feared click of metal as someone places a key into the keyhole, turning it slowly, unlocking the doors. The small crack of the doorway grows larger and wider. The clip-clop of two sets of hooves against the beautiful marble floor, fills the very room as the group enter the Royal Ballroom.
"Quickly, there is no time to lose, behind the curtains, everyone. I'll be there shortly, she says, before tiptoeing over to the fallen chairs and swiftly but quietly setting them back up. The clip-clopping of the hooves is getting closer and closer. Even in the dim lighting of the chandelier Twilight and the others can make out the forms of the two ponies. Luna, quick they're coming, Celestia whispers. The Princess of the Night dives behind the curtains just as the lights of the chandelier grow brighter and brighter, till all the room is illuminated by it. Two royal guards stand in the middle of the Royal Ballroom floor. One is obviously a pegasus by the folded wings at its side. The other must be a unicorn because of the glowing horn.
"I'm sure I heard something, just a minute ago. You circle around from the back to the front. I'll start here and we'll meet back at the doors, alright," the pegasus says the unicorn.
The unicorn nods and heads off, while the pegasus starts in the middle. He scans the area, searching for some clue that there are in fact intruders. Stepping toward the table where Luna fixed the chair, he pauses. He notices that there are scuff marks on the chair.
"Where did these come from, the pegasus stallion wonders. However then he finds marks on the floor itself. Ah ha, someone was here. They knocked over some chairs and set them back up hoping that no one would notice. Now, where could they have gone? They can't be far," he says, before starting his search.
Behind the curtains of theater, Luna, Celestia and the five members of the main six remain hidden behind the thick velvet. Applejack slowly peeks her head out of the curtains to look. As one of the guards turns to look in her direction, she quickly vanishes behind the curtains again.
"How is tar'nation are we going escape this? This one guard is really, really intent on catching us. Who knows how much longer, these two will be the only ones searching for us? Any minute they are going to sound the alarm and more guards will come," Applejack says.
Princess Celestia and her younger sister, Princess Luna turn to look at one another as Applejack and the others look toward them worried about their current situation. This alternate world that they are in is a creation from my memories and theirs but the rules of time travel still apply. The dangers of being seen by others, including Celestia and Luna's alter selves remains a threat to them all. For Celestia and Luna however, the biggest danger and threat to them is the strong temptation to try to alter certain events for the better, despite whatever consequences that may occur as a result of such actions. The pain of what is to come still tears cruelly at their hearts. Twilight and her friends have no idea of what is going on within the two alicorn princesses, as they brave going through this again, just so that she and the others, know just why they remained silent for all these years. Silence is all that can be heard as The Mane Six, excluding Rainbow Dash, wait for an answer.
Just as the two alicorn princesses turn to speak to the others, something interrupt them. Turning toward the sound of hooves on wood, they freeze. The curtain that they as well as the rest of the group are hiding, slowly begins to open.
Chapter Four: The Little Star
Back in the actual world of Equestria, Rainbow Dash is with Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor in the royal palace. Rainbow is laying down underneath a large tree with me, asleep against her side. She smiles and strokes me with her hoof, pausing as Twilight's sister-in-law, Twilight says, older sister, and brother, come over to join her. Looking up, Rainbow nods as they approach her.
"Hello, Rainbow Dash. How are you doing? Are you enjoying your time with the little prince, Astrello," Cadence asks her as she sits down beside her, with her stallion and Twilight's big brother, best friend forever, Shining Armor.
Rainbow Dash smiles and nods. Her crimson eyes glisten in the light of the early afternoon sun. Still stroking me with a hoof, the rainbow-maned Pegasus mare speaks.
"Yes, I am, Prin.., I mean Cadence. Just laying down with him and stroking him with a hoof is enjoyable. I really can't wait to see how other things will be like. In fact when he wakes up, I would love to take him for a small flight in the clouds. He would love it."
Cadence and Shining Armor smile. They embrace one another and kiss each other on the cheeks, before turning back to face Rainbow. It has been at least four to five hours and Twilight, nor Rarity, nor Applejack, nor Fluttershy, nor even my big sisters', the Princesses of Day and Night have returned. They are beginning to worry if everything is okay. The couple struggle to find the right words as they wish to express their concerns to Rainbow Dash. Taking a deep breath, they speak.
"Umm, Rainbow? Any idea where, Twilight and the others went with the Princesses? We thought that it was going to be a brief talk or at least not as long as it has been," Cadence and Shining Armor say, concerned mostly about, their sister, Twilight but also the others as well.
The rainbow-maned Pegasus mare shrugs. The Princesses just told her that I needed to be taken out of the room, as they spoke to the others. There was something about me, not liking it, that it causes me pain. Still she is not nearly as concerned about the time that Twilight and the others have been gone, as she trusts my big sisters, Celestia and Luna.
"I really don't know Cadence and Shining Armor. The Princesses said that they needed to speak with them about something to do with Astrello. They said that it causes him pain and that I should go with him or give him to someone else. Then I left with little Astrello and Celestia, as well as Luna, left with the others. I have no idea where they went, but I trust that the Princesses have everything under control. Just relax, I'm sure that the others will return as soon as they can and that they all will be fine," Rainbow says, trying to soothe Twilight's brother's and sister's fear.
Shining Armor looks around for a minute and nods. Leading his mare, Cadence over to the rainbow-maned Pegasus mare's side, the two sit down and smile as Rainbow strokes me with a hoof. They are about to speak, when I begin to stir. Rubbing my eyes with my hooves and yawning, I slowly begin to open my eyes.
"Huh? What's going on? I heard someone say something about me," I say as my eyes slowly begin to adjust to the light of the sun, after being closed for a long time.
"Good afternoon, little squirt. It's nothing important. Did you have a good rest," Rainbow asks as she strokes me with a hoof.
I nod and nuzzle her with my head. My deep, dark midnight blue eyes glisten in the light of the sun. As I see Cadence and Shining Armor as well, I shyly wave at them.
"Well hello there, little prince. You must have been very tired. You have been sleeping non-stop for several hours now. Do you have a good rest, hun," Shining Armor and Cadence ask.
"Yeah, I slept fine thank you. I see three of you, but where are my big sisters and the others? I was sure that they were all here before I fell asleep," I say as I look up at Rainbow Dash.
The rainbow-maned Pegasus mare strokes me with a hoof and shakes her head. I don't need to worry about the others, especially not my big sisters, Celestia and Luna. They will be back as soon as they can. In the meantime Shining Armor, Cadence and her can spend some quality time with me.
"Oh, I wouldn't worry about them, kiddo. Your big sisters and the others will be back as soon as they can. Everything will be fine. So do you want to take a walk with the three of us in your royal gardens, for a little while and then perhaps afterwards I can give you a little ride," Rainbow asks.
"Umm... Sure, that sounds alright to me. Sorry if I am..," I start to say before Cadence, the rose colored alicorn mare places a hoof over my mouth and shakes her head.
"Shh, you don't need to explain, dear. It is obvious from the way that your big sisters are taking great care not to speak of, "It", that you have gone through a lot. In time I am sure that your big sisters, will let us know, the truth in time. There is no need to feel sorry about it. I'm sure whatever you feel is real and just," the princess of the Crystal Kingdom says.
I nod but nervously rake the ground with my hooves as I look around at those around me. So they don't know about "It", yet. Well I suppose that is for the best, until my big sisters decide otherwise. Still I wonder what they are doing with the others. Were they telling them about "It"? I don't know, it wasn't that much of a story. It certainly wouldn't take this long. No, they must be doing something more. Still I try not to think about this as Rainbow cradles me in her hooves and Shining Armor with Cadence, lay down beside her, happy to be alone with me.
Rainbow senses the discomfort and or tension around me and gently nuzzles me with her head, before setting me down on the ground, before standing up. She is soon followed by the other two and we slowly start to walk. The sweet fragrance of the garden brings a calmness and peace to all within. Any concerns, doubts or other things that ponies are feeling, are washed away by the tranquil beauty of it all. Even I, forget about "It" and whatever else is bothering me as the array of soothing scents washes over us, as we stroll through The Royal Gardens. She smiles and runs a hoof through my starlight mane. I nuzzle her back as she does this. The other two, Cadence and Shining Armor, also smile as they see me relax. Forgetting all about the flying, but knowing that she will have time tomorrow for that, Rainbow enjoys the peaceful stroll through the garden with Twilight's big brother and his wife, but Twilight considers her, her big sister. By the time that we return to the entrance of The Royal Gardens, the burning glows of the sun, blankets the land in a vibrant array of colors. The sun is setting and still no sign of my big sisters or the others.
The setting of the sun and raising of the moon, falls to Midnight, my big sisters and mines' personal bodyguard/companion. This is no easy feat, for such things usually take many unicorns working together to do. Alicorns are gifted with great power and responsibilities, that most could not even hope to understand or take. However, Midnight is a strong mare and after a great struggle, manages to lower the sun and raise the moon. Without knowing when, my big sisters will return, a great responsibility is set upon her and Lightfoot's shoulders. For as she will take over the responsibilities of my big sister, Luna during the night, Lightfoot, our other personal bodyguard/companion has offered to take over, my big sister, Celestia's during the day.
