Diamonds are a King's Best Friendby Cerulean WingzChaptersSolnem - Heir to The Crystal EmpireTwins Move to Ponyville Catching FeelingsThe Descending Into Darkness Solnem - Heir to The Crystal EmpireSolnem swore loudly as he paced the black marble floors. The room he was in could be considered two rooms if cut in half, which it was not. The marble went wall to wall. The only break in the smooth surface was for a mahogany inlay of a viper's head. This was where Solnem stopped to glare at a shadow guard posted near the arced entrance. The pony visibly shook for a moment before he recovered and pinned his eyes on the silvery gray "veins" in the floor. Solnem spoke "You impudent fools." He stated the sentence as if it weren't new. "How could you possibly loose a pair of TWINS?!" The building shook as he said the last part. Solnem could hear rock breaking off the shear face of the cliff outside the window at his back. He began to pace again. Those twins... those... twerps!.. would foil everything he had planned if they some how came to know their power... especially the girl... //*// Diamond Peaches Diamond blew a curl out of her face as she sketched another skirt. This Fall's fashion show would definitely be better than last years. Most definitely. I mean how could it not? She was Diamond Peaches after all. The greatest fashion designer ever to grace Equestria.. Right? She sighed. Who was she kidding? She hadn't felt a creative spark since last year and she knew it. She could remember the day she got her mark and started her creative journey... It had been the best day ever... Now she lay on the floor of her bedchamber, chewing on the end of a pencil and drawing a complete blank. How could she impress the Prince with this... this... whatever this was? She flung the notebook across the room and growled as it smacked into a wall and slid to the deep purple carpet... // *// Gypsy Daydreamer "A.... B.... C... wait... where is it?" Gypsy tilted his head as he perched precariously on the rung of a tall ladder-on-wheels, hinged to rollers that slid him around the shelving. The Library was circular and two-floored with a wrap-around balcony. He huffed impatiently as he eyed the lack of the book he was looking for, "Creative Investments". He looked across the shelf to his right, all the while using a hoof to maneuver the ladder. "Hmm..." He tapped his chin and scanned the shelf. He paused with a furrowed brow and extracted the very book he was looking for. Now why would such a book be out of place? He was sure that "Creative Investments" started with "C"? Did it not? He shook his head and descended the ladder-on-wheels. Once on the ground, Gypsy made his way to the front desk and scanned the book into the system. He pressed a few keys and stamped a card that was then slipped into a tan sleeve glued to the inside cover. Gypsy handed the book over to his customer and then proceeded to lock the doors behind the quiet old man. He sighed heavily and turned to his, supposedly, organized shelves. If that wasn't the only misplaced book then someone would have to pay... //*// Mythic Lights The light bulb connected to the potato via wires began to glow. Myth smiled childishly. Yes, the experiment was simple. So much so a foal could do it, but he enjoyed it none the less. He enjoyed anything that could zap you with a thousand volts... This, clearly, was not 1,000 volts, but it still fascinated him. He carefully removed the battery source and backed away from his desk. (which was actually a giant table, marked up with all kinds of mediums, such as glue and paint.) Still on his swivel chair, Myth turned to face the blue prints he had pinned to the opposite wall. One day... he would harness electricity and somehow zap himself into the future.. or the past. Whichever sounded cooler. The future most definitely sounded cooler. Then again who wants to know bad stuff is going to happen before it happens? Its not always preventable. Then there was the past. That desire to go back and "do it all again" as everypony says. Fix things and do things you didn't do before. Ah and then there was that pesky butterfly effect rule... stepping on a butterfly in the past could seriously alter the future.. He pondered the thought more and decided maybe knowing what might happen before it happened may not be so bad... Maybe, he could even prevent a global disaster. Then he'd REALLY be a hero...Maybe then his kids would respect him and he could get his wife back... his LIFE back... maybe... just maybe... //*// Glam Star Ooki bleated at Glam, his mouth full of hair... "Ew Ook, why do you do that?" The goat just stared at her blankly and bleated again, swallowing a hairball. Glam dry heaved and walked back to her office. She stopped at what looked like a solid wall and pressed a hoof to it in a certain spot. She called it the "sweet spot" which always drew laughter from her clients. With a mechanical hiss, a portion of the wall slide away to reveal another room. This one had a long desk, several manikins, and wigs everywhere. Glam stepped into the room and allowed the door to slide shut. Effectively trapping her goat friend outside. She could hear him bleating sadly but she knew he would only eat her creations. Glam did, however, manage to get him to eat only the hair on the floor of the salon... and nothing else. She shuddered at the thought because she did find it sickening. Ooki however loved to chew away at the fallen follicles. Glam sat down at her desk and immediately went to work on a new hair style. This one would be an asymmetrical, razor cut in a bobbed shape. She smiled as she thought of her daughter's beautiful red locks... it somehow had natural pink highlights that she encouraged Diamond to keep. Glam told her that true beauty was natural and to always respect the beauty that was herself. She loved both her children very much, but she knew Diamond needed special attention. She wanted to guide her daughter... her protege... to greatness. Whatever that took. Glam leaned back from her work, satisfied with the style. She tore the rendering out of her sketchbook and pinned it to her cork board. Yep. This style would definitely sell. She had no doubts. //*// Solnem The Dark Prince doubted if his devoted "muscle" could even understand the massive error of not killing the little brats when they had the chance. He was not his Father. No. He wouldn't give out power like that poor excuse for a sire did. What was his angle anyway? Why give a foal... a FILLY no less, the power to control minds? Yeah she successfully took over the little white mare ... fine... but he honestly didn't think that event was really any significance to the overall goal. Taking over Equestria and ruling it with a lethal fist. He needed that power... He needed that girl... Author's Note Detailed profiles for all the characters can be found on my MLP Forums blog via Pony verse. Search for Cerulean Wings. Twins Move to PonyvilleA Decade Earlier... Diamond Peaches "Stop touching me!" "I'm not touching you..." "Stooop!" "I'm not touching you!" Both Diamond and Gypsy cried out at the same time, "MOM!!" Glam sighed, annoyed that her children could still bicker endlessly over nothing. "Diamond quit annoying your brother... besides we are almost there." The trio kept walking along a yellow dirt road. They were on their way to Ponyville from Las Pegasus. The train had dropped them off just outside the city limits, so they didn't have far to walk. However, Peaches was a diva, so she whined. "Tell me why we have to walk again?" Her mother answered without looking back at her, "Because your brother cannot fly. He is of the earth, remember? You are of the stars." Sometimes she really didn't understand her mom. She occasionally spoke in riddles which confused her, and sometimes angered her because she didn't know what it all meant. Peaches kept walking behind her mother and in front of her brother with her mind in the clouds. The only reason they came out here was for her mother to open her shop and for them to be closer to the schools. She didn't know how she was going to adjust from living life in a bustling city and it scared her a little. Would she make friends? Would she be bored out of her little pony skull? She sure hoped not for the latter. How would these new ponies take her fashion sense? She wasn't exactly conventional an Las Pegasus wasn't exactly... subtle. She hoped she could at least make a good impression on the new town. Diamond pulled herself out of her revelry as she approached the town hall with her mother and brother. She gazed at the domed building, tiny butterflies fluttering in her tummy. She walked in with her family. What was this all about? Why town hall? Wouldn't one want to go home and rest first? Peaches followed her mom to an area that had soft plush carpet and photos of ponies all over the walls. "Mayor Mare insists we enroll you into your respective schools as soon as possible. Gypsy you will go to Canterlot Academy and Diamond you will attend Celesta's Academy for gifted Unicorns." Both filly and colt stared at their mother. Of course Diamond was the first to respond. "Why separate schools?" "Because that's the way it works here... and you, Diamond, have very special gifts" "Ok... what kind of gifts?" "Special skills that can use some developing... Soon enough you should know what your Cutie Mark will be." Peaches was aware of the cutie mark. It was a symbol that appeared (usually early in a pony's life) representing a passion, occupation, or special skill. Her's would come when her talents were honed. So hone them she would. //*// Gypsy Daydreamer Dreamer frowned as his mother made his sister seem so much more amazing then him. He was amazing too. Yeah, he didn't have a horn or wings, but he did have his mind. He could recall any event from history that he had previously read about. He read a lot, and the facts appeared in his head as if they were written in front of him. He was useful because he believed himself to be a living time capsule. Gypsy shifted n his feet and glanced around as his mother and sister chatted. The room they were in had an L-shaped desk attached to a counter that sat higher than the desk itself. The room had no windows, only a skylight, and many doors. Some were labeled "conference room" others read "office # (insert digit)" and some were unidentifiable. Gyp looked at some of the art on the walls, enjoying the paintings of the Equestria landscape. He didn't notice when The Mayor walked in until she spoke. "Ah perfect, the new family is here. Soon enough you all will meet Princess Celestia and her Sister Princess Luna. They both rule Equestria from Canterlot castle." The Mayor turned to address Gypsy. " Hello, gentlecolt. I see you have an interest in art." Gypsy turned to face her and blushed a little. He nodded then walked over to where they all stood. The Mayor turned her attention back to Glam Star. "So we will need two enrollment forms, correct?" She said this as she moved behind her desk, sifting through pages of forms. Glam answered. "Yes Mayor Mare, one for CAGU and the other for Canterlot Academy." "Fantastic. I have those applications right here. I'll send you home with them. Just fill them out and bring them back with you tomorrow. You can tour the schools then too." Glam smiled at The Mayor. She levitated the forms into her bag. "That sounds great. We will be there bright and early." Mayor Mare returned the smile and continued; " I'm sure you will all love it here in Ponyville. We are a friendly, quiet town. Diamond and Gypsy, you both should make plenty of friends." Gypsy nervously stared at the floor. He wanted to make friends but he didn't exactly know where to start. He hoped Mayor Mare was right. Dreamer heard his mother say goodbye and he too bid The Mayor farewell. Together the three walked out of the town hall and turned left. They walked down another dirt road. for a while. Gypsy looked around, observing the things and ponies that he passed. Before long they had arrived at a two-story, round building. The structure had a thatched roof and shutters on the windows. It reminded Dreamer of a cottage in the story books he loved to read. //*// Glam Star Star levitated her key out of her bag and floated it into the lock on the door. Using her powers she turned the key, and opened her shop/apartment. Diamond was the first one inside, followed by her brother. Star turned on the lights and glanced around at the first floor. It wasn't all that nice but she could make it nicer. All she needed was a little time and some soapy water. The first floor was bare albeit for a front receiving desk, two pony hair dryers, and two industrial sinks. The one wall was all empty shelving. Behind the desk were cabinets. Glam was glad she had come out to Ponyville early, without her children, to oversee the preparation of her shop. She observed as laborers installed the sinks and dryers. She insisted there be a full wall of shelves for products, and cabinets to keep towels and capes, and anything else she may need to have on hand. The workers did a fantastic job and Glam had paid them well. Now she walked to one of the shelves and inspected it. Satisfied, she motioned for her children to follow her. She walked down a short hall in the center of the shop. She passed two doors, one on each side. One door was an office, the other for storage. The next door led to a restroom. In the place of what one would assume to be another door, was in fact a set of stairs. Glam climbed them and found herself in a living room area, a half kitchen was off to the left and she could see another hall leading to three bedrooms and another bathroom. Glam stepped farther into the loft apartment and headed for a bedroom that was considered a master. Her foals followed behind, stepping into their own sleeping quarters. The trio was exhausted and soon they all would be asleep. Author's Note Full character Profiles and Bios can be found in my blog on MLPF via Poniverse. Just ask for a link. Catching FeelingsCatching Feelings The Next Day... Solnem "I don't care that you see her potential! I am your son! You should be giving that power to me!" Solnem growled under his breath as he stared down his father, King Sombra. The other stallion didn't flinch. He didn't even look like he heard what his son just said. Sombra finally answered. "My son. I know you find my decision to be unfair, but you must realize the big picture. That foal has a hidden power she is completely unaware of and if Celestia gets even a whiff of her potential all our efforts to convert her will be in vain." Solnem just stared. His gaze narrowing. "The big picture?" "Yes. We will use her powers to take over this forsaken land and turn it into a dark paradise. We will rule and all will tremble at our might." "Ok sure.. let's say you succeed. What will you do with her when we no longer need her?" "Discard her of course." Solnem didn't react to that. He was used to his father throwing away what he didn't need anymore. Like his own mother. Solnem saw his mother's face only once before she was violently snatched from him. He could still hear her echoing screams if he allowed himself to remember. He never allowed that though. Too much pain and he needed to focus. The Prince turned from his father and chose to stare out of the long, tall window overlooking a drop off that led to miles and miles of ice. They lived on the outskirts of the frozen north where no pony dared to wander. Solnem didn't want to rid the world of Diamond Peaches. To tell the truth he was rather fond of the feisty filly. He liked her tenacity and determination. He knew his father would disown him if he found out and making his father proud of him was more important than a crush. Sombra addressed his foot soldiers, instructing them to kidnap the twins and bring them to the castle. Solnem stared out the window but listened to his father command the shadow soldiers. Kidnapping wasn't as easy as it sounded but his father had more confidence than most. He had no doubts his plan would work. The shadow soldiers left in unison after they all called out "hail King Sombra" Solnem turned his attention back to his father, who had gone to his throne to sit and observe an image orb. The orb sat in an iron stand, metal "fingers" keeping it in place. He observed as the sky darkened above a building. A school, the prince realized, where some ponies were engaged in play and others simply watching. The watchers (Solnem assumed they were teachers) were the first to look up at the sky in curiosity as shadow soldiers descended upon them.. //*// Mythic Lights Myth groaned and fell over in his sleep, right on his muzzle. "Ooww!" He complained as he stood up. "Dang-it... every time I have a nightmare I fall in my sleep..." He trotted into his bathroom and washed up, moving to the kitchen after to make food. Once his morning routine was finished he grabbed his messenger bag and headed out of his tiny, cabin home. He was headed for Ponyville. His foals ran through his mind as he approached the train stop. He wondered if they were OK. If their mother was OK. Celestia help him, he still loved that mare... He wondered if she still loved him. After a while he ceased thinking about his broken family because it only made him upset. One day they would be reunited. Unfortunately that day was not today. The train arrived and he boarded, showing the conductor his yearly train pass and then going to sit by himself in the back. The ride wasn't long but it gave him enough time to ponder his tasks for the day. The pavilion, where the Summer Sun Celebration was held, needed a checkup. The Mayor was concerned that the "lights would not illuminate our fair princess properly." He didn't know if the princess was fair but he did know she seldom was seen outside of her castle unless an event was going on. He continued to think about his jobs. Glam Star wanted him to rewire her shop with recessed lighting. That would take most of his day. So he would go to the pavilion first. The train stopped outside of town and Mythic got off. He started on his way to the pavilion, nodding greetings to the ponies he passed. He arrived at the huge, circular structure and gaped at it. Was it always this big? He went inside and started pulling out his tools... //*// Glam Star "M-.....mo-......mom!" Star stumbled out of sleep to find herself eye-to-eye with her son. "Yes Gypsy, what is it?" She rubbed her eyes with the back of a hoof. Blinked. Then yawned loudly. "Did you hear me?" The colt stared at her impatiently. She answered. "Huh?" "Diamond and I have finished our entry forms. We were hoping we could go outside and wait for you.." She blinked again and nodded. "Yes, of course, go get some air." He walked away and she sighed, going to the wash room to freshen up before dawning one of her favorite silk scarves. She levitated three apples out of a fruit basket and headed downstairs to join her children, grabbing her messenger bag alone the way. Once outside she dropped two of the apples on the dewy grass and bit into the third. Diamond and Gypsy ate their breakfast. Full, they left to go to the schools for their open houses. Canterlot Academy was first on the list. They took the train and arrived promptly at 6am. The foals yawned and almost made her yawn, but she stifled it and went inside. She stopped at the reception desk and got the secretary's attention. The other mare smiled at her and spoke. "Can I help you, miss...?" Star smiled back. "Call me Glam, sweetheart. I'd like to enroll my son into your lovely academy, if you please." "Of course. Do you have his application?" "Yes dear, one moment please." She levitated her colt's entry form out of her satchel and onto the counter top. The other mare read through it. She looked at Star and smiled, saying; "I'll be right back. Let me submit this to our principal for review." Glam nodded approval and watched the receptionist take away the application. She turned to face her son, who was looking around at the photography and art all over the walls. She followed his gaze, they were amazing displays of perspective, color, and form. Dreamer eyed a long clear box mounted on a stretch of wall at least a yard in width. The case was filled with trophies, plaques, sports memorabilia, and more photos of ponies, earth ponies, doing amazing things with obstacle courses and hurdles. Some ponies were even in the water demonstrating an uncanny ability to swim. Gypsy looked at Glam and smiled a little. She smiled back reassuringly and said; "I believe you can do amazing things. Anything you set your heart to." "Really?" "Of course. The first step to failure is denial." //*// Gypsy Daydreamer He tilted his head at what his mother just said, but before he could ask what she meant, the principle arrived. They all turned to face Celestia and bowed in respect. Gypsy blushed slightly. He had never seen anything so radiant in his entire life and he swore he never would again. He tried not to stare, instead focusing on the glittering rainbow that was her mane. "Welcome to Canterlot Academy. We know you will learn plenty and enjoy your time here" The princess smiled at them. Gypsy smiled back reflexively then immediately blushed again. Wow she was gorgeous.... He caught the tail end of her talking about a tour and followed behind with his mother and sister in hoof. The Descending The Descending //*// Diamond Peaches Peaches rolled her eyes at the princess's back. How cliche of an introduction... she was glad she didn't go to this school. She loved her brother. However, having magical abilities was so thrilling, she couldn't help but to also love being the one with the unicorn gene. She followed behind her brother and mother, her mind wandering, as she half listened to the princess go on about what Gypsy would learn here. Her mind went to the last book she read. "The Legend of the Frozen North." The book said that some pony named ... Somba? S-sim..ba.. whatever. His name could have been kachoobra for all she cared... her main focus was on the powers he used. She knew she could levitate things like her mother but he could also blow things up and control other living things. She found that intriguing. He could make anypony do whatever he wanted. Anything at all. She wanted that power. Peaches wanted to be able to obtain whatever she wanted, and easily. This mind control stuff sounded like the power she was looking for. I wonder how I can find this dark pony.... There's gotta be a way to gain the power I desire. Diamond continued to follow her brother, mother, and Mayor Mare. They were half way through the tour when the building started filling with noise... screams to be exact. Peaches turned to see what the commotion was and had been met with ponies, mostly foals, running in their direction. "He's back! Sombra has returned! Run!! Run and hide before he catches you!" None of their group ran. They just watched the others move swiftly past them and out of sight. Following the students' panic was a line of Shadow Soldiers. They marched toward Diamond and then stopped a few feet away. One stepped forward to speak "We seek the twins that arrived yesterday. King Sombra wishes an audience with them." Celestia's brow furrowed as she stepped forward, in-between Glam and her family and the Shadowcolts. "Your king has no business requesting anything from us! He should count his lucky stars we have not tried to run him farther into the north. As it is, he is still technically in Equestria..." The Shadowcolt replied "This request is not up for debate, princess. We will be taking the twins." "I think not. Be gone!" Celestia's horn began to glow as she unfolded her wings and reared. //*// Gypsy Daydreamer Daydreamer's jaw dropped as he watched the magnificent display that was Celestia's anger... he was shocked that she could maintain her beauty yet seem so intimidating. He fell back farther behind his mother and his sister, who was now in a defensive stance. He ping-ponged his gaze from Celestia to the shadowcolts, to his sister, and back to Celestia. Who was going to make the first move? He didn't want to be held captive in King Sombrero's castle... that was his name right? He shook himself. Who cared what that evil pony's name was? He wasn't going to let them take his sister. Or himself if he could help it. Gypsy moved to stand closer to Celestia but still behind her, getting into his own defensive pose. //*// Diamond Peaches "You're kidding right? You think you're just going to waltz in here and take us hostage? Do you not know who I am?" Diamond scoffed at the shadowcolts, making the one grimace in offense. She stepped out in front of everyone and addressed the three shadow ponies with an air of authority. "Here's how its going to go. You all won't lay a finger on my mother or my father. You will allow me and my brother to be free whilst visiting this.... King Kachoobra.. and you will leave the rest of Equestria in peace." She could hear Celestia and her mother protest behind her but he didn't acknowledge them. She kept her eye on the leader of the small group of henchman. He seemed to contemplate what she said and after a long pause decided to answer. "Very well then. You will come with us, freely, and we will not harm anypony else." The smile he gave her was almost enough to make her reconsider but she shook off the feeling. Better to have everypony else free to make a plan then have everypony held captive. She nodded in agreement, then turned to face her family and Celestia. //*// Glam Star "Peaches?! You can't be serious?! I won't le-" Diamond cut her off, "Mother. I know what I am doing. Just go home. We will be just fine." "But" "Trust me..." Glam's eyes began to fill with tears as she watched Gypsy reluctantly join his sister. He nodded at her, leaning in to kiss away a tear. "It will be OK, Mom. We will be back in time for the first day of school." He offered her a smile which she only half returned. Diamond spoke now. "I will find a way to contact you. Don't worry." With that, her children turned to follow the shadowcolts. She let more tears fall as she watched them walk off, and then turned on the princess. "Why did you not stop them?!!" The princess lowered her head a bit in shame and then gave her an answer. "There is nothing I could do. Your children have a plan in place, I'm sure, and having us all captured would not have helped. There is a reason they decided it best to go without a struggle. We are to make a plan in their absence." Glam stared at the other mare and then blurted, "Are you insane?!" She started pacing. "What plan?! How do you know this?!" The princess patiently answered all her questions; "No I am not insane. The plan that Diamond has. I could feel her thoughts... " Star stopped pacing to again stare at Celestia. She opened her mouth than shut it again. Peaches had a plan that the princess felt? Strange... then again she had no doubt the capabilities of her daughter. That was half the reason she didn't protest much. The other half was a lapse of sanity. She was sure of that. None of that mattered though. What mattered now was putting whatever plan Diamond had in motion. She needed to pick the princess's brain. //*// Princess Celestia Celestia stood there reeling. This was not the way things should have gone but she was powerless to stop it. She had been feeling more and more powerless as the days went by, but she didn't want to admit it. To admit that, would be to confirm it into reality. She wasn't ready for that. She tried to console the frazzled mother, slightly amused at the tiny mare's ferocity. Now she knew where Diamond got her attitude. Speaking of.. "She knows what she is doing, Miss Star. I assure you we will get your children back." The other mare stared deep into her eyes, as if searching for confirmation that it truly would be OK, within their depths. Celestia tilted her head back as if praying and then started walking toward the nearest exit. "Where are you going?" Glam asked, following behind at a trot. That mare was so short... "First to gather my sister and then to the library. We need to search for a way to seal away this evil for good." Celestia walked out of the school into the warm day. It would soon be cold. Into Darkness Into Darkness Luna Luna yawned as she studied a thick text book. She was sprawled out on one of her navy blue body pillows, using her telekinetic powers to flip pages. She didn't look up when her sister stepped into the private library, followed closely by a petite, rather frazzled, mare. "My dear sister, we have a guest." Celestia sat right in front of her sibling. Luna looked up finally, smothering another yawn behind a slender hoof. "Oh? Well who is this guest you speak of, sister?" "Her name is Glam Star. She comes from across Equestria. She has two children enrolled in our school system." "How positively lovely," Luna smiled and set her gaze on Glam. Glam was laying down behind and to the right of Celestia. She was close enough to hear the princesses, but far enough so she did not impose. Luna spoke to her sister once more, after Glam returned her smile with a half hearten one of her own. "So, sister, what brings her here to the castle?" "Sombra has returned.." ".... Sombra?.. didn't we banish him to the frozen north?" "Yes. However something has happened. He has sent his shadow soldiers to collect Glam's children." "Wha-? Why?! You didn't let them go did you?" "We had no choice... Glam's daughter is quite determined to handle the problem. I don't trust Sombra to keep his word and allow Equestria to remain untouched." "What do we need to do, Celestia?" "We need a plan to save the children and seal away Sombra and his evil for good." The two princesses stared at each other for a long moment. The task was easier said than done. //*// Glam Star Star listened patiently as Princess Celestia relayed what transpired. She felt sick to her stomach... How could her daughter be so hard headed. Why did she let her go? Glam didn't notice the princesses were now staring at her. She blushed hard. "I think we need a little help... " Celestia's brow furrowed. "From who? Luna and I are the only alicorns capable of subduing Sombra. Even then, It's a heavy risk.." Glam sighed and gazed at her hooves. She wished her husband, Mythic Lights, was here. Despite their disagreements, she couldn't deny that he made her feel safe. Now she felt as vulnerable as a new born foal, and just as confused. "Maybe... maybe I can get someone to help us. What of the Elements? Aren't they strong enough to assist?" Celestia pondered Glam's question." Yes... I would have to pull them out of their studies." "I will send word now." Luna at once stood and practically floated over to her low-lying, writer's podium. Her horn glowed a pretty, nighttime blue, as she dipped a quill into ink and began the letter that would summon the Mane 6. Glam watched for a moment before turning her attention back on Celestia. She could see the anxiety etched on her beautiful, pale face. She noticed her mane and tail were not glowing and sparkling as they usually did. As if the colors were mixed with a bit of black to mute them. "How are we going to do this?" Glam's voice was strangled a little from her holding back the need to sob. Celestia's face relaxed for a moment as she devised a plan out of thin air. "We go to the Crystal Empire and seal Sombra in The Shard..." She said, as if it were well known a shard existed. Glam arced a brow, "One does not simply trot into the Crystal Empire. Its surrounded by villages of crystal ponies and shadowcolts... You aren't planning on a sneak attack are you?" "On the contrary. You will trot right through the gates." Glam's jaw dropped as The Princess inclined her head. Glam stumbled on her sentence. "C-come again?" "I will disguise you as a shadowcolt. You will be able to slip right under his radar. He cannot see passed the walls of this castle. Luna will make the illusion work and you will leave for the Crystal Empire through the courier's entrance. The ever free forest will be of easy access and he won't suspect a thing." "Wait... aren't you coming too?" As The Princess opened her maw to answer, a soft knock could be heard at the door. "Come in.." Celestia stood and greeted Twilight Sparkle with a hug, she simply smiled at the rest and then addressed them all. "Thank you for coming, I know your studies are important to you..." //*// Rainbow Dash RD rolled her eyes as the princess relayed what happened at the school. "He's seriously at it again? Look, I'll give the stallion points for persistence but as for execution I'll have to say 0. Our Elements powers alone could ta-" "Slow down there, filly, I think we need to have a think through before we go chargin'" Applejack adjusted her hat, flashed green eyes at Glam, and winked. Rainbow made a face and then set her own eyes on Star. She immediately questioned the mare. "Who are you? Did you already know about this?" Her eyes narrowed as she asked the last question. Glam was standing by now, and inclined her head proudly. "My name is Glam Star. I make my living as a stylist. I did not know of Sombra's return though I am curious as to who he is exactly?" Rain sighed softly, whether in relief or exuberance, Glam wasn't sure. She sat down and looked at Twilight. "Well? //*// Twilight Sparkle "Well I think we definitely need to have somepony sneak into the castle." "Precisely. That is why I am employing Glam Star as an insert. She will go undercover as a shadowcolt and learn of Sombra's plans. Once we know what he's up to we can take the necessary steps to eliminate him." She glanced at each of the six ponies as she told of her plan. "Um.. okay.. where do we come in?" "Once we have Glam inside she can allow the rest of us access. I suggest you all prepare for battle" "But Celestia, how do we know he isn't stronger than the last time we defeated him?" ".... We don't." //*// Fluttershy "W-we don't?" Fluttershy's voice was like the soft beat of butterfly wings. "But then we may be walking into a trap.." The room fell silent. Fluttershy blushed and hid her face in her long, rose-pink hair. She disliked when ponies all had their attention on her. It made her feel funny. She didn't speak again. Only listened to everypony else as they hashed out the details with this new piece of input. "Alright." Twilight moved next to Shy and nodded derisively. "Miss Star will go in first and then we join her to confront Sombra." Fluttershy merely nodded in agreement and unfolded her wings to hover. She felt better suspended in mid-air. //*// Pinky Pie "Oh dear... well OK so what do we do?" Pinky bounced over to Celestia and stared up at the princess. "You six will use your elements to trap Sombra in this shard..." Celestia cantered over to a black, shiny box, lifting it from the bookshelf it was on with her powers and placing it in front of Star and the others. She opened the box, revealing a moderate sized shard of glass. Inside the shard, silvery smoke swirled eerily, as if it were alive. Glam gasped at the sight of it and frowned. "So we trap him in this and then what?" Luna spoke this time, closing the box with a snap. "Then we cast him into the black seas." Her face was cast in shadow, giving her statement a more menacing feel. Everypony was silent for a moment. Pinky broke the silence with a cheerful giggle. "Alright then. This shouldn't be too hard. He had been defeated before. We can do it again. Besides, we have Glam to help us." She grinned at Star who nervously smiled back. How could she be so happy about all this? Pinky bounced some more. "We can make it a fun journey. It doesn't have to be so serious, right?" Everypony stared at her now. "Right?" //*// Rarity The purple maned one frowned at Pinky pie. "I think you are taking this a little too lightly dear. We aren't going to a party or to visit a friend. This is Sombra. The stallion who once tried to enslave us all." Pinky's smiled faded as she lowered her head. Rarity addressed Star "Miss Glam... if I may... why did you allow your daughter to go with those awful shadow ponies? Are you not aware of our dark history with them?" Glam sighed, "No. My daughter is bullheaded... she cannot be persuaded to not do something she has set her mind on. I am confident she has a plan.. We just need to back her up." Everypony in the room nodded in agreement. They would set out for the castle after dark, when everypony else would be tucked in for the night. They would make their journey under Luna's moon. //*// Luna "I will cloak you in the disguise of the shadowcolt now, Miss Star. Please hold still." Luna closed her eyes and manifested a thick blackish smoke from her horn. The smoke wrapped Glam up in its airy embrace and made her invisible for a moment. When she reappeared, she was no longer the navy-colored mare she once was. She now boasted a coal black coat and sickly yellow eyes that glowed eerily. Everypony took a step back except for the princesses. Glam Star had become Glam Shadow. She looked down and spun once to check out the rest of herself. Her mane and tail was now jet black and gleaming. She wore a vest that bore the insignia of Sombra. The transformation was complete. She looked at Celestia who seemed to outwardly cringe and stepped back from all of them. Celestia spoke, "Go now... we don't have much time." Glam nodded and went to the door. She looked back only once and then disappeared into the hall, heading for the courier's entrance.
Solnem - Heir to The Crystal EmpireSolnem swore loudly as he paced the black marble floors. The room he was in could be considered two rooms if cut in half, which it was not. The marble went wall to wall. The only break in the smooth surface was for a mahogany inlay of a viper's head. This was where Solnem stopped to glare at a shadow guard posted near the arced entrance. The pony visibly shook for a moment before he recovered and pinned his eyes on the silvery gray "veins" in the floor. Solnem spoke "You impudent fools." He stated the sentence as if it weren't new. "How could you possibly loose a pair of TWINS?!" The building shook as he said the last part. Solnem could hear rock breaking off the shear face of the cliff outside the window at his back. He began to pace again. Those twins... those... twerps!.. would foil everything he had planned if they some how came to know their power... especially the girl... //*// Diamond Peaches Diamond blew a curl out of her face as she sketched another skirt. This Fall's fashion show would definitely be better than last years. Most definitely. I mean how could it not? She was Diamond Peaches after all. The greatest fashion designer ever to grace Equestria.. Right? She sighed. Who was she kidding? She hadn't felt a creative spark since last year and she knew it. She could remember the day she got her mark and started her creative journey... It had been the best day ever... Now she lay on the floor of her bedchamber, chewing on the end of a pencil and drawing a complete blank. How could she impress the Prince with this... this... whatever this was? She flung the notebook across the room and growled as it smacked into a wall and slid to the deep purple carpet... // *// Gypsy Daydreamer "A.... B.... C... wait... where is it?" Gypsy tilted his head as he perched precariously on the rung of a tall ladder-on-wheels, hinged to rollers that slid him around the shelving. The Library was circular and two-floored with a wrap-around balcony. He huffed impatiently as he eyed the lack of the book he was looking for, "Creative Investments". He looked across the shelf to his right, all the while using a hoof to maneuver the ladder. "Hmm..." He tapped his chin and scanned the shelf. He paused with a furrowed brow and extracted the very book he was looking for. Now why would such a book be out of place? He was sure that "Creative Investments" started with "C"? Did it not? He shook his head and descended the ladder-on-wheels. Once on the ground, Gypsy made his way to the front desk and scanned the book into the system. He pressed a few keys and stamped a card that was then slipped into a tan sleeve glued to the inside cover. Gypsy handed the book over to his customer and then proceeded to lock the doors behind the quiet old man. He sighed heavily and turned to his, supposedly, organized shelves. If that wasn't the only misplaced book then someone would have to pay... //*// Mythic Lights The light bulb connected to the potato via wires began to glow. Myth smiled childishly. Yes, the experiment was simple. So much so a foal could do it, but he enjoyed it none the less. He enjoyed anything that could zap you with a thousand volts... This, clearly, was not 1,000 volts, but it still fascinated him. He carefully removed the battery source and backed away from his desk. (which was actually a giant table, marked up with all kinds of mediums, such as glue and paint.) Still on his swivel chair, Myth turned to face the blue prints he had pinned to the opposite wall. One day... he would harness electricity and somehow zap himself into the future.. or the past. Whichever sounded cooler. The future most definitely sounded cooler. Then again who wants to know bad stuff is going to happen before it happens? Its not always preventable. Then there was the past. That desire to go back and "do it all again" as everypony says. Fix things and do things you didn't do before. Ah and then there was that pesky butterfly effect rule... stepping on a butterfly in the past could seriously alter the future.. He pondered the thought more and decided maybe knowing what might happen before it happened may not be so bad... Maybe, he could even prevent a global disaster. Then he'd REALLY be a hero...Maybe then his kids would respect him and he could get his wife back... his LIFE back... maybe... just maybe... //*// Glam Star Ooki bleated at Glam, his mouth full of hair... "Ew Ook, why do you do that?" The goat just stared at her blankly and bleated again, swallowing a hairball. Glam dry heaved and walked back to her office. She stopped at what looked like a solid wall and pressed a hoof to it in a certain spot. She called it the "sweet spot" which always drew laughter from her clients. With a mechanical hiss, a portion of the wall slide away to reveal another room. This one had a long desk, several manikins, and wigs everywhere. Glam stepped into the room and allowed the door to slide shut. Effectively trapping her goat friend outside. She could hear him bleating sadly but she knew he would only eat her creations. Glam did, however, manage to get him to eat only the hair on the floor of the salon... and nothing else. She shuddered at the thought because she did find it sickening. Ooki however loved to chew away at the fallen follicles. Glam sat down at her desk and immediately went to work on a new hair style. This one would be an asymmetrical, razor cut in a bobbed shape. She smiled as she thought of her daughter's beautiful red locks... it somehow had natural pink highlights that she encouraged Diamond to keep. Glam told her that true beauty was natural and to always respect the beauty that was herself. She loved both her children very much, but she knew Diamond needed special attention. She wanted to guide her daughter... her protege... to greatness. Whatever that took. Glam leaned back from her work, satisfied with the style. She tore the rendering out of her sketchbook and pinned it to her cork board. Yep. This style would definitely sell. She had no doubts. //*// Solnem The Dark Prince doubted if his devoted "muscle" could even understand the massive error of not killing the little brats when they had the chance. He was not his Father. No. He wouldn't give out power like that poor excuse for a sire did. What was his angle anyway? Why give a foal... a FILLY no less, the power to control minds? Yeah she successfully took over the little white mare ... fine... but he honestly didn't think that event was really any significance to the overall goal. Taking over Equestria and ruling it with a lethal fist. He needed that power... He needed that girl... Author's Note Detailed profiles for all the characters can be found on my MLP Forums blog via Pony verse. Search for Cerulean Wings.
Twins Move to PonyvilleA Decade Earlier... Diamond Peaches "Stop touching me!" "I'm not touching you..." "Stooop!" "I'm not touching you!" Both Diamond and Gypsy cried out at the same time, "MOM!!" Glam sighed, annoyed that her children could still bicker endlessly over nothing. "Diamond quit annoying your brother... besides we are almost there." The trio kept walking along a yellow dirt road. They were on their way to Ponyville from Las Pegasus. The train had dropped them off just outside the city limits, so they didn't have far to walk. However, Peaches was a diva, so she whined. "Tell me why we have to walk again?" Her mother answered without looking back at her, "Because your brother cannot fly. He is of the earth, remember? You are of the stars." Sometimes she really didn't understand her mom. She occasionally spoke in riddles which confused her, and sometimes angered her because she didn't know what it all meant. Peaches kept walking behind her mother and in front of her brother with her mind in the clouds. The only reason they came out here was for her mother to open her shop and for them to be closer to the schools. She didn't know how she was going to adjust from living life in a bustling city and it scared her a little. Would she make friends? Would she be bored out of her little pony skull? She sure hoped not for the latter. How would these new ponies take her fashion sense? She wasn't exactly conventional an Las Pegasus wasn't exactly... subtle. She hoped she could at least make a good impression on the new town. Diamond pulled herself out of her revelry as she approached the town hall with her mother and brother. She gazed at the domed building, tiny butterflies fluttering in her tummy. She walked in with her family. What was this all about? Why town hall? Wouldn't one want to go home and rest first? Peaches followed her mom to an area that had soft plush carpet and photos of ponies all over the walls. "Mayor Mare insists we enroll you into your respective schools as soon as possible. Gypsy you will go to Canterlot Academy and Diamond you will attend Celesta's Academy for gifted Unicorns." Both filly and colt stared at their mother. Of course Diamond was the first to respond. "Why separate schools?" "Because that's the way it works here... and you, Diamond, have very special gifts" "Ok... what kind of gifts?" "Special skills that can use some developing... Soon enough you should know what your Cutie Mark will be." Peaches was aware of the cutie mark. It was a symbol that appeared (usually early in a pony's life) representing a passion, occupation, or special skill. Her's would come when her talents were honed. So hone them she would. //*// Gypsy Daydreamer Dreamer frowned as his mother made his sister seem so much more amazing then him. He was amazing too. Yeah, he didn't have a horn or wings, but he did have his mind. He could recall any event from history that he had previously read about. He read a lot, and the facts appeared in his head as if they were written in front of him. He was useful because he believed himself to be a living time capsule. Gypsy shifted n his feet and glanced around as his mother and sister chatted. The room they were in had an L-shaped desk attached to a counter that sat higher than the desk itself. The room had no windows, only a skylight, and many doors. Some were labeled "conference room" others read "office # (insert digit)" and some were unidentifiable. Gyp looked at some of the art on the walls, enjoying the paintings of the Equestria landscape. He didn't notice when The Mayor walked in until she spoke. "Ah perfect, the new family is here. Soon enough you all will meet Princess Celestia and her Sister Princess Luna. They both rule Equestria from Canterlot castle." The Mayor turned to address Gypsy. " Hello, gentlecolt. I see you have an interest in art." Gypsy turned to face her and blushed a little. He nodded then walked over to where they all stood. The Mayor turned her attention back to Glam Star. "So we will need two enrollment forms, correct?" She said this as she moved behind her desk, sifting through pages of forms. Glam answered. "Yes Mayor Mare, one for CAGU and the other for Canterlot Academy." "Fantastic. I have those applications right here. I'll send you home with them. Just fill them out and bring them back with you tomorrow. You can tour the schools then too." Glam smiled at The Mayor. She levitated the forms into her bag. "That sounds great. We will be there bright and early." Mayor Mare returned the smile and continued; " I'm sure you will all love it here in Ponyville. We are a friendly, quiet town. Diamond and Gypsy, you both should make plenty of friends." Gypsy nervously stared at the floor. He wanted to make friends but he didn't exactly know where to start. He hoped Mayor Mare was right. Dreamer heard his mother say goodbye and he too bid The Mayor farewell. Together the three walked out of the town hall and turned left. They walked down another dirt road. for a while. Gypsy looked around, observing the things and ponies that he passed. Before long they had arrived at a two-story, round building. The structure had a thatched roof and shutters on the windows. It reminded Dreamer of a cottage in the story books he loved to read. //*// Glam Star Star levitated her key out of her bag and floated it into the lock on the door. Using her powers she turned the key, and opened her shop/apartment. Diamond was the first one inside, followed by her brother. Star turned on the lights and glanced around at the first floor. It wasn't all that nice but she could make it nicer. All she needed was a little time and some soapy water. The first floor was bare albeit for a front receiving desk, two pony hair dryers, and two industrial sinks. The one wall was all empty shelving. Behind the desk were cabinets. Glam was glad she had come out to Ponyville early, without her children, to oversee the preparation of her shop. She observed as laborers installed the sinks and dryers. She insisted there be a full wall of shelves for products, and cabinets to keep towels and capes, and anything else she may need to have on hand. The workers did a fantastic job and Glam had paid them well. Now she walked to one of the shelves and inspected it. Satisfied, she motioned for her children to follow her. She walked down a short hall in the center of the shop. She passed two doors, one on each side. One door was an office, the other for storage. The next door led to a restroom. In the place of what one would assume to be another door, was in fact a set of stairs. Glam climbed them and found herself in a living room area, a half kitchen was off to the left and she could see another hall leading to three bedrooms and another bathroom. Glam stepped farther into the loft apartment and headed for a bedroom that was considered a master. Her foals followed behind, stepping into their own sleeping quarters. The trio was exhausted and soon they all would be asleep. Author's Note Full character Profiles and Bios can be found in my blog on MLPF via Poniverse. Just ask for a link.
Catching FeelingsCatching Feelings The Next Day... Solnem "I don't care that you see her potential! I am your son! You should be giving that power to me!" Solnem growled under his breath as he stared down his father, King Sombra. The other stallion didn't flinch. He didn't even look like he heard what his son just said. Sombra finally answered. "My son. I know you find my decision to be unfair, but you must realize the big picture. That foal has a hidden power she is completely unaware of and if Celestia gets even a whiff of her potential all our efforts to convert her will be in vain." Solnem just stared. His gaze narrowing. "The big picture?" "Yes. We will use her powers to take over this forsaken land and turn it into a dark paradise. We will rule and all will tremble at our might." "Ok sure.. let's say you succeed. What will you do with her when we no longer need her?" "Discard her of course." Solnem didn't react to that. He was used to his father throwing away what he didn't need anymore. Like his own mother. Solnem saw his mother's face only once before she was violently snatched from him. He could still hear her echoing screams if he allowed himself to remember. He never allowed that though. Too much pain and he needed to focus. The Prince turned from his father and chose to stare out of the long, tall window overlooking a drop off that led to miles and miles of ice. They lived on the outskirts of the frozen north where no pony dared to wander. Solnem didn't want to rid the world of Diamond Peaches. To tell the truth he was rather fond of the feisty filly. He liked her tenacity and determination. He knew his father would disown him if he found out and making his father proud of him was more important than a crush. Sombra addressed his foot soldiers, instructing them to kidnap the twins and bring them to the castle. Solnem stared out the window but listened to his father command the shadow soldiers. Kidnapping wasn't as easy as it sounded but his father had more confidence than most. He had no doubts his plan would work. The shadow soldiers left in unison after they all called out "hail King Sombra" Solnem turned his attention back to his father, who had gone to his throne to sit and observe an image orb. The orb sat in an iron stand, metal "fingers" keeping it in place. He observed as the sky darkened above a building. A school, the prince realized, where some ponies were engaged in play and others simply watching. The watchers (Solnem assumed they were teachers) were the first to look up at the sky in curiosity as shadow soldiers descended upon them.. //*// Mythic Lights Myth groaned and fell over in his sleep, right on his muzzle. "Ooww!" He complained as he stood up. "Dang-it... every time I have a nightmare I fall in my sleep..." He trotted into his bathroom and washed up, moving to the kitchen after to make food. Once his morning routine was finished he grabbed his messenger bag and headed out of his tiny, cabin home. He was headed for Ponyville. His foals ran through his mind as he approached the train stop. He wondered if they were OK. If their mother was OK. Celestia help him, he still loved that mare... He wondered if she still loved him. After a while he ceased thinking about his broken family because it only made him upset. One day they would be reunited. Unfortunately that day was not today. The train arrived and he boarded, showing the conductor his yearly train pass and then going to sit by himself in the back. The ride wasn't long but it gave him enough time to ponder his tasks for the day. The pavilion, where the Summer Sun Celebration was held, needed a checkup. The Mayor was concerned that the "lights would not illuminate our fair princess properly." He didn't know if the princess was fair but he did know she seldom was seen outside of her castle unless an event was going on. He continued to think about his jobs. Glam Star wanted him to rewire her shop with recessed lighting. That would take most of his day. So he would go to the pavilion first. The train stopped outside of town and Mythic got off. He started on his way to the pavilion, nodding greetings to the ponies he passed. He arrived at the huge, circular structure and gaped at it. Was it always this big? He went inside and started pulling out his tools... //*// Glam Star "M-.....mo-......mom!" Star stumbled out of sleep to find herself eye-to-eye with her son. "Yes Gypsy, what is it?" She rubbed her eyes with the back of a hoof. Blinked. Then yawned loudly. "Did you hear me?" The colt stared at her impatiently. She answered. "Huh?" "Diamond and I have finished our entry forms. We were hoping we could go outside and wait for you.." She blinked again and nodded. "Yes, of course, go get some air." He walked away and she sighed, going to the wash room to freshen up before dawning one of her favorite silk scarves. She levitated three apples out of a fruit basket and headed downstairs to join her children, grabbing her messenger bag alone the way. Once outside she dropped two of the apples on the dewy grass and bit into the third. Diamond and Gypsy ate their breakfast. Full, they left to go to the schools for their open houses. Canterlot Academy was first on the list. They took the train and arrived promptly at 6am. The foals yawned and almost made her yawn, but she stifled it and went inside. She stopped at the reception desk and got the secretary's attention. The other mare smiled at her and spoke. "Can I help you, miss...?" Star smiled back. "Call me Glam, sweetheart. I'd like to enroll my son into your lovely academy, if you please." "Of course. Do you have his application?" "Yes dear, one moment please." She levitated her colt's entry form out of her satchel and onto the counter top. The other mare read through it. She looked at Star and smiled, saying; "I'll be right back. Let me submit this to our principal for review." Glam nodded approval and watched the receptionist take away the application. She turned to face her son, who was looking around at the photography and art all over the walls. She followed his gaze, they were amazing displays of perspective, color, and form. Dreamer eyed a long clear box mounted on a stretch of wall at least a yard in width. The case was filled with trophies, plaques, sports memorabilia, and more photos of ponies, earth ponies, doing amazing things with obstacle courses and hurdles. Some ponies were even in the water demonstrating an uncanny ability to swim. Gypsy looked at Glam and smiled a little. She smiled back reassuringly and said; "I believe you can do amazing things. Anything you set your heart to." "Really?" "Of course. The first step to failure is denial." //*// Gypsy Daydreamer He tilted his head at what his mother just said, but before he could ask what she meant, the principle arrived. They all turned to face Celestia and bowed in respect. Gypsy blushed slightly. He had never seen anything so radiant in his entire life and he swore he never would again. He tried not to stare, instead focusing on the glittering rainbow that was her mane. "Welcome to Canterlot Academy. We know you will learn plenty and enjoy your time here" The princess smiled at them. Gypsy smiled back reflexively then immediately blushed again. Wow she was gorgeous.... He caught the tail end of her talking about a tour and followed behind with his mother and sister in hoof.
The Descending The Descending //*// Diamond Peaches Peaches rolled her eyes at the princess's back. How cliche of an introduction... she was glad she didn't go to this school. She loved her brother. However, having magical abilities was so thrilling, she couldn't help but to also love being the one with the unicorn gene. She followed behind her brother and mother, her mind wandering, as she half listened to the princess go on about what Gypsy would learn here. Her mind went to the last book she read. "The Legend of the Frozen North." The book said that some pony named ... Somba? S-sim..ba.. whatever. His name could have been kachoobra for all she cared... her main focus was on the powers he used. She knew she could levitate things like her mother but he could also blow things up and control other living things. She found that intriguing. He could make anypony do whatever he wanted. Anything at all. She wanted that power. Peaches wanted to be able to obtain whatever she wanted, and easily. This mind control stuff sounded like the power she was looking for. I wonder how I can find this dark pony.... There's gotta be a way to gain the power I desire. Diamond continued to follow her brother, mother, and Mayor Mare. They were half way through the tour when the building started filling with noise... screams to be exact. Peaches turned to see what the commotion was and had been met with ponies, mostly foals, running in their direction. "He's back! Sombra has returned! Run!! Run and hide before he catches you!" None of their group ran. They just watched the others move swiftly past them and out of sight. Following the students' panic was a line of Shadow Soldiers. They marched toward Diamond and then stopped a few feet away. One stepped forward to speak "We seek the twins that arrived yesterday. King Sombra wishes an audience with them." Celestia's brow furrowed as she stepped forward, in-between Glam and her family and the Shadowcolts. "Your king has no business requesting anything from us! He should count his lucky stars we have not tried to run him farther into the north. As it is, he is still technically in Equestria..." The Shadowcolt replied "This request is not up for debate, princess. We will be taking the twins." "I think not. Be gone!" Celestia's horn began to glow as she unfolded her wings and reared. //*// Gypsy Daydreamer Daydreamer's jaw dropped as he watched the magnificent display that was Celestia's anger... he was shocked that she could maintain her beauty yet seem so intimidating. He fell back farther behind his mother and his sister, who was now in a defensive stance. He ping-ponged his gaze from Celestia to the shadowcolts, to his sister, and back to Celestia. Who was going to make the first move? He didn't want to be held captive in King Sombrero's castle... that was his name right? He shook himself. Who cared what that evil pony's name was? He wasn't going to let them take his sister. Or himself if he could help it. Gypsy moved to stand closer to Celestia but still behind her, getting into his own defensive pose. //*// Diamond Peaches "You're kidding right? You think you're just going to waltz in here and take us hostage? Do you not know who I am?" Diamond scoffed at the shadowcolts, making the one grimace in offense. She stepped out in front of everyone and addressed the three shadow ponies with an air of authority. "Here's how its going to go. You all won't lay a finger on my mother or my father. You will allow me and my brother to be free whilst visiting this.... King Kachoobra.. and you will leave the rest of Equestria in peace." She could hear Celestia and her mother protest behind her but he didn't acknowledge them. She kept her eye on the leader of the small group of henchman. He seemed to contemplate what she said and after a long pause decided to answer. "Very well then. You will come with us, freely, and we will not harm anypony else." The smile he gave her was almost enough to make her reconsider but she shook off the feeling. Better to have everypony else free to make a plan then have everypony held captive. She nodded in agreement, then turned to face her family and Celestia. //*// Glam Star "Peaches?! You can't be serious?! I won't le-" Diamond cut her off, "Mother. I know what I am doing. Just go home. We will be just fine." "But" "Trust me..." Glam's eyes began to fill with tears as she watched Gypsy reluctantly join his sister. He nodded at her, leaning in to kiss away a tear. "It will be OK, Mom. We will be back in time for the first day of school." He offered her a smile which she only half returned. Diamond spoke now. "I will find a way to contact you. Don't worry." With that, her children turned to follow the shadowcolts. She let more tears fall as she watched them walk off, and then turned on the princess. "Why did you not stop them?!!" The princess lowered her head a bit in shame and then gave her an answer. "There is nothing I could do. Your children have a plan in place, I'm sure, and having us all captured would not have helped. There is a reason they decided it best to go without a struggle. We are to make a plan in their absence." Glam stared at the other mare and then blurted, "Are you insane?!" She started pacing. "What plan?! How do you know this?!" The princess patiently answered all her questions; "No I am not insane. The plan that Diamond has. I could feel her thoughts... " Star stopped pacing to again stare at Celestia. She opened her mouth than shut it again. Peaches had a plan that the princess felt? Strange... then again she had no doubt the capabilities of her daughter. That was half the reason she didn't protest much. The other half was a lapse of sanity. She was sure of that. None of that mattered though. What mattered now was putting whatever plan Diamond had in motion. She needed to pick the princess's brain. //*// Princess Celestia Celestia stood there reeling. This was not the way things should have gone but she was powerless to stop it. She had been feeling more and more powerless as the days went by, but she didn't want to admit it. To admit that, would be to confirm it into reality. She wasn't ready for that. She tried to console the frazzled mother, slightly amused at the tiny mare's ferocity. Now she knew where Diamond got her attitude. Speaking of.. "She knows what she is doing, Miss Star. I assure you we will get your children back." The other mare stared deep into her eyes, as if searching for confirmation that it truly would be OK, within their depths. Celestia tilted her head back as if praying and then started walking toward the nearest exit. "Where are you going?" Glam asked, following behind at a trot. That mare was so short... "First to gather my sister and then to the library. We need to search for a way to seal away this evil for good." Celestia walked out of the school into the warm day. It would soon be cold.
Into Darkness Into Darkness Luna Luna yawned as she studied a thick text book. She was sprawled out on one of her navy blue body pillows, using her telekinetic powers to flip pages. She didn't look up when her sister stepped into the private library, followed closely by a petite, rather frazzled, mare. "My dear sister, we have a guest." Celestia sat right in front of her sibling. Luna looked up finally, smothering another yawn behind a slender hoof. "Oh? Well who is this guest you speak of, sister?" "Her name is Glam Star. She comes from across Equestria. She has two children enrolled in our school system." "How positively lovely," Luna smiled and set her gaze on Glam. Glam was laying down behind and to the right of Celestia. She was close enough to hear the princesses, but far enough so she did not impose. Luna spoke to her sister once more, after Glam returned her smile with a half hearten one of her own. "So, sister, what brings her here to the castle?" "Sombra has returned.." ".... Sombra?.. didn't we banish him to the frozen north?" "Yes. However something has happened. He has sent his shadow soldiers to collect Glam's children." "Wha-? Why?! You didn't let them go did you?" "We had no choice... Glam's daughter is quite determined to handle the problem. I don't trust Sombra to keep his word and allow Equestria to remain untouched." "What do we need to do, Celestia?" "We need a plan to save the children and seal away Sombra and his evil for good." The two princesses stared at each other for a long moment. The task was easier said than done. //*// Glam Star Star listened patiently as Princess Celestia relayed what transpired. She felt sick to her stomach... How could her daughter be so hard headed. Why did she let her go? Glam didn't notice the princesses were now staring at her. She blushed hard. "I think we need a little help... " Celestia's brow furrowed. "From who? Luna and I are the only alicorns capable of subduing Sombra. Even then, It's a heavy risk.." Glam sighed and gazed at her hooves. She wished her husband, Mythic Lights, was here. Despite their disagreements, she couldn't deny that he made her feel safe. Now she felt as vulnerable as a new born foal, and just as confused. "Maybe... maybe I can get someone to help us. What of the Elements? Aren't they strong enough to assist?" Celestia pondered Glam's question." Yes... I would have to pull them out of their studies." "I will send word now." Luna at once stood and practically floated over to her low-lying, writer's podium. Her horn glowed a pretty, nighttime blue, as she dipped a quill into ink and began the letter that would summon the Mane 6. Glam watched for a moment before turning her attention back on Celestia. She could see the anxiety etched on her beautiful, pale face. She noticed her mane and tail were not glowing and sparkling as they usually did. As if the colors were mixed with a bit of black to mute them. "How are we going to do this?" Glam's voice was strangled a little from her holding back the need to sob. Celestia's face relaxed for a moment as she devised a plan out of thin air. "We go to the Crystal Empire and seal Sombra in The Shard..." She said, as if it were well known a shard existed. Glam arced a brow, "One does not simply trot into the Crystal Empire. Its surrounded by villages of crystal ponies and shadowcolts... You aren't planning on a sneak attack are you?" "On the contrary. You will trot right through the gates." Glam's jaw dropped as The Princess inclined her head. Glam stumbled on her sentence. "C-come again?" "I will disguise you as a shadowcolt. You will be able to slip right under his radar. He cannot see passed the walls of this castle. Luna will make the illusion work and you will leave for the Crystal Empire through the courier's entrance. The ever free forest will be of easy access and he won't suspect a thing." "Wait... aren't you coming too?" As The Princess opened her maw to answer, a soft knock could be heard at the door. "Come in.." Celestia stood and greeted Twilight Sparkle with a hug, she simply smiled at the rest and then addressed them all. "Thank you for coming, I know your studies are important to you..." //*// Rainbow Dash RD rolled her eyes as the princess relayed what happened at the school. "He's seriously at it again? Look, I'll give the stallion points for persistence but as for execution I'll have to say 0. Our Elements powers alone could ta-" "Slow down there, filly, I think we need to have a think through before we go chargin'" Applejack adjusted her hat, flashed green eyes at Glam, and winked. Rainbow made a face and then set her own eyes on Star. She immediately questioned the mare. "Who are you? Did you already know about this?" Her eyes narrowed as she asked the last question. Glam was standing by now, and inclined her head proudly. "My name is Glam Star. I make my living as a stylist. I did not know of Sombra's return though I am curious as to who he is exactly?" Rain sighed softly, whether in relief or exuberance, Glam wasn't sure. She sat down and looked at Twilight. "Well? //*// Twilight Sparkle "Well I think we definitely need to have somepony sneak into the castle." "Precisely. That is why I am employing Glam Star as an insert. She will go undercover as a shadowcolt and learn of Sombra's plans. Once we know what he's up to we can take the necessary steps to eliminate him." She glanced at each of the six ponies as she told of her plan. "Um.. okay.. where do we come in?" "Once we have Glam inside she can allow the rest of us access. I suggest you all prepare for battle" "But Celestia, how do we know he isn't stronger than the last time we defeated him?" ".... We don't." //*// Fluttershy "W-we don't?" Fluttershy's voice was like the soft beat of butterfly wings. "But then we may be walking into a trap.." The room fell silent. Fluttershy blushed and hid her face in her long, rose-pink hair. She disliked when ponies all had their attention on her. It made her feel funny. She didn't speak again. Only listened to everypony else as they hashed out the details with this new piece of input. "Alright." Twilight moved next to Shy and nodded derisively. "Miss Star will go in first and then we join her to confront Sombra." Fluttershy merely nodded in agreement and unfolded her wings to hover. She felt better suspended in mid-air. //*// Pinky Pie "Oh dear... well OK so what do we do?" Pinky bounced over to Celestia and stared up at the princess. "You six will use your elements to trap Sombra in this shard..." Celestia cantered over to a black, shiny box, lifting it from the bookshelf it was on with her powers and placing it in front of Star and the others. She opened the box, revealing a moderate sized shard of glass. Inside the shard, silvery smoke swirled eerily, as if it were alive. Glam gasped at the sight of it and frowned. "So we trap him in this and then what?" Luna spoke this time, closing the box with a snap. "Then we cast him into the black seas." Her face was cast in shadow, giving her statement a more menacing feel. Everypony was silent for a moment. Pinky broke the silence with a cheerful giggle. "Alright then. This shouldn't be too hard. He had been defeated before. We can do it again. Besides, we have Glam to help us." She grinned at Star who nervously smiled back. How could she be so happy about all this? Pinky bounced some more. "We can make it a fun journey. It doesn't have to be so serious, right?" Everypony stared at her now. "Right?" //*// Rarity The purple maned one frowned at Pinky pie. "I think you are taking this a little too lightly dear. We aren't going to a party or to visit a friend. This is Sombra. The stallion who once tried to enslave us all." Pinky's smiled faded as she lowered her head. Rarity addressed Star "Miss Glam... if I may... why did you allow your daughter to go with those awful shadow ponies? Are you not aware of our dark history with them?" Glam sighed, "No. My daughter is bullheaded... she cannot be persuaded to not do something she has set her mind on. I am confident she has a plan.. We just need to back her up." Everypony in the room nodded in agreement. They would set out for the castle after dark, when everypony else would be tucked in for the night. They would make their journey under Luna's moon. //*// Luna "I will cloak you in the disguise of the shadowcolt now, Miss Star. Please hold still." Luna closed her eyes and manifested a thick blackish smoke from her horn. The smoke wrapped Glam up in its airy embrace and made her invisible for a moment. When she reappeared, she was no longer the navy-colored mare she once was. She now boasted a coal black coat and sickly yellow eyes that glowed eerily. Everypony took a step back except for the princesses. Glam Star had become Glam Shadow. She looked down and spun once to check out the rest of herself. Her mane and tail was now jet black and gleaming. She wore a vest that bore the insignia of Sombra. The transformation was complete. She looked at Celestia who seemed to outwardly cringe and stepped back from all of them. Celestia spoke, "Go now... we don't have much time." Glam nodded and went to the door. She looked back only once and then disappeared into the hall, heading for the courier's entrance.
