Hidden Secrets

"So far, you've told me this necklace can cast powerful illusions, use the powers of any form of any pony, and harness the power of shooting stars. Is there anything else it can do?" Twinkle asked, wanting to know about the powers she hadn't heard of until today.

"Unless another necklace you have found, your powers past this point are bound." Zecora told her pupil. "A search is needed to do more, but learning is another door. I will teach you what I can, but also learn yourself, by your own hand."

"Zecora, where are you?" came a voice unfamiliar to Twinkle. The zebra motioned for Twinkle to hide, before entering a meditative stance. Then a pony, presumably the one who had called out, came out of the underbrush opposite the pegasus filly. "There you are! Oh, sorry for disturbing your meditating. I'll just wait here."

"Twilight Sparkle, what is so important as to come at this hour. I thought you wouldn't come on a night this dour." Zecora stated to the alicorn.

"I thought there might be some clues that appeared only in moonlight or something. I came to ask if you wanted to help me look." Twilight said. "But I guess you're busy."

Twinkle couldn't help it. The bush was tickling her nose and it made her sneeze. She immediately held completely still, not event daring to breath in hope of the pony not seeing her and dismissing it as a trick of her head. But her luck wouldn't allow that, so she stayed in the bush while Twilight Sparkle tried to coax her out of it.

*  *  *

Celestia was sorting through paperwork when the guard arrived. "Well?" she asked as his fellow g[uards backed away from her.

"We are still unable to locate the escapee. We have searched everywhere we can think of there's still no sign of her." The guard gulped bowed as low as he could.

"Find Prince Shining Armor. He'll be heading this operation from now on. Tell him that we're looking for a criminal that escaped justice. It's close enough to the truth and he'll go after her, no questions asked. You will then tell the public that same story, and get them on the lookout as well. Remember not to mention the rebel colonies.

"What rebel colonies?" The guard asked, understanding completely, but making it perfectly clear he wouldn't say anything.

"Good. Now go and do as I told you!" The princess ordered, causing all the guards to scuttle from the chamber. Including the one that will tell Prince Shining Armor the truth.