Nova

Day court. The third most annoying part of my day. The second being anything having to do with Blueblood and the first; whenever anything goes wrong in Ponyville; however, if something does go wrong and it is easy to fix it gets me out of two and three. I love my subjects, don't get me wrong, it's just that listening to the nobles complain about everything; asking to have something ridiculous done that would benefit only them. That is what I can not stand. The nobles used to be respectable, like Fancypants. He is a good example of the old nobility. Now I'm stuck listening to Shining Gold drone on about wanting higher taxes for those that are not nobility. "I apologize Sir Gold; but your request to alter the tax structure is denied."

"And the taxes of the nobility should be lo-. Pardon?"

"The tax structure will remain as is. There will be no change."

"Wha... but but but I..."

"Good day to you Sir Gold." Hopefully I don't have to deal with any more nobles today. It's unlikely, but one can hope. Just as the next noble is entering the room, a spark of light and a scroll appears in front of me. Catching it in my magic before it can hit the ground; I open it up to read.

Dear Princess Celestia.
While overseeing the construction of Ponyvill's new pool, a large metal box was uncovered. I would like you to, at your earliest convenience, head here to see what it is.
Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle.

Well then, looks like I'll be visiting my student today. "Day Court is closed for the day due to urgent matters that I must attend to." With that taken care of, I head outside and fly off.

I sent the letter, now I just have to wait. the workers have the box mostly dug up. If it is a perfect cube as it appears; there is still about three feet left. The entire box is covered in runes that I can't read. I sent Spike to find my books on old runes but there was nothing in there either. Whatever this box is, it's very old. I hear the wing beats of the princess approaching. Turning to look, I see her. Once she lands, I run up to her. "Princess Celestia, I'm grateful you made it here so soon."

"Of course Twilight. I always have time for you. Now then, where is this box you mentioned?"

"Yes Princess, right this way; it's down there." Leading her down to the box, I see her normally calm demeanor take on one of puzzlement and wonder. It doesn't last long however. "This box has odd runes on it. Do you know what they say?" She looks at the runes for a moment before turning to me.

"Yes, as a matter of fact I do. It is very old Runic scripture. Its common use fell out over ten thousand years ago. The only reason I know of them is because I studied them when I was younger. It isn't really a description of what is inside; just spells. They're carved in runes to make the effects last longer."

This is amazing, I could learn about a whole new set of runic characters. "Really! What kind of spells?"

"Oh Twilight, ever the inquisitive one. The spells are to prevent any damage to the box; either elemental of otherwise. It is also designed so it can be only opened by an Alicorn; there are other spells as well. I do wonder what is inside."

"You could open it."

"Yes Twilight. I suppose I could."

Her magic envelops the box; the whole thing has a golden light about it. I climb up the dirt slope so I can see better. A set of lines form on the top of the box in an X shape connecting the corners. The lines deepen and expand till the box can open on the top. It unfolds and continues opening. After only a few seconds, a blur of light shoots out of the top. It is then that it occurs to me. Somepony was in the box. But how? That box must have been there for at least ten thousand years for the runes on it. Also, for Celestia to have had no idea about it? Whatever it is, it shot out like a bat out of tartarus. Looking over to the princess, I see that she looks almost as surprised as me. I look back to where the thing went; it's a hundred feet up in the air. It's just floating there as if without a care in the world. Just gazing at the sun. It has beautiful wings of light that stretch out from its back; arms open, it's like it's relishing the light of the sun. What is it? "Princess Celestia, do you have any idea what that is?"

"I am afraid to say that I have no clue."

I turn my attention back to the thing; but I see that it has turned its attention away from the sun, and toward us.