Friendship Amongst The Stars

Meanwhile across the galaxy in the province of Equestria Shining Armor has arrived in Canterlot to remove the ships from the courtyard. He recruited a few unicorns to levitate the craft and place them on carts and Earth ponies to haul them away. As the carts were being pulled from the courtyard Metzel was in his root form wearing his cloaking belt watching as they faded from sight he wondered if it was wise to let them go. Days before while in Luna form he asked to have the ships destroyed. But Celestia said otherwise he considered using the theta wave generator but did not want to draw attention by having Celestia acting out of character. He could not help but wonder if this decision would come back to bite him. He returned to Luna’s chambers and deactivated and removed his belt.

He walked over to a dresser and picked up a communicator pressed a button and said “Metzel calling Kalios come in Kalios.”

A voice replied “this is Kalios what is your status?”

Metzel said Celestia is under our control and has signed the treaty.”

Kalios said “good begin operation bortas.”

Metzel said “acknowledged.”

Pressing a button and closing the communication device he put it down then focused and took the form of Luna. Then went to Celestia and said “we received a report from a concerned subject. They said that the Crystal Empire is plotting to undermine the new treaty we signed.”

Celestia asked “did they say who they were?”

Luna replied “no they chose to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal.”

Celestia said “I will increase security”

Luna asked “what about the Crystal Empire?”

Celestia said “let them make the first move.”

Luna said “as you wish.”

She then turned and returned to her bedroom and pulled on a saddle bag. She put the invisibility belt and scanner in it then placed the saddle bags on her back. Went to a balcony and leapt off spreading her wings and taking flight. Being a shape shifter Metzel had been many creatures his favorites were the winged flying ones. He smiled as he soared over the landscape looking back he could see Canterlot and how majestic it looked. He traveled several kilometers and soon saw what he was looking for Kalios’s base camp. Landing nearby Luna approached the base the gate was guarded by 2 changeling pony guards.

One of them said “halt state your business.”

Luna said I am here to see Kalios” the changeling pony said follow me.”

The changeling led Luna to where Kalios was he was talking to Chrysalis.

The changeling pony said “my lord there is a visitor to see you.”

Luna walked up to them and Chrysalis said “Luna what are you doing here how did you find this place?”

Kalios just smiled Luna said “the mare in the moon brings glad tidings.”

Chrysalis just hoof faced then looked over at Kalios who just stared laughing he calmed down and said “Chrysalis meet Metzel.”

Chrysalis was a bit surprised then Metzel shifted to his root form and shook hooves with the changeling queen

Chrysalis said “the mare in the moon is an old legend about an evil pony imprisoned in the moon.”

Metzel said “wait what?” That pony tricked me.”

Chrysalis said “what pony?”

Metzel said “a lavender pony with a blue and purple mane said something about the mare in the moon granting wishes.”

Chrysalis said “oh that would be Twilight Sparkle she tripped me up when I tried to take over Canterlot do not underestimate that little pony.”

Metzel just shook his head.

Kalios asked “what did you find in Canterlot?”

Metzel said “Celestia had the ships that were damaged in the attack removed not destroyed.”

Kalios said “what about the Crystal Empire?”

Metzel said “Celestia wants them to make the first move.”

Kalios grinned and said “very well they will make the first move wait here.”

He left for a moment then returned with a small box he handed them to Metzel.

Metzel asked “what are these?”

Kalios replied “a holographic generator with voice sampler” then grinned wickely.

Metzel smiled wickedly as he placed them into the saddlebags and said “oh the fun that can be had with this.”

He then focused and shifted to the form of Luna then said “operation bortas has begun.”

Then turned and left the base camp and took to the air.

After returning to Canterlot Luna placed the projector in a closet and left the castle for Ponyville. After landing on the outskirts shifted to the form of an Earth pony stallion with an orange mane and a tan coat and a 3 brick cutie mark as he entered the town. He saw ponies wer walking around doing various activates and carrying on with their day.

He soon came to a building that said Mayor Mare’s office he went inside and saw the mayor sitting behind a desk. He walked up to the mayor and said “excuse me mayor sorry to disturb you.” The mayor looked up as the stallion continued “my name is Menznor Zentah I am from the city of Yanhoover in north western Equestria and have some valuable information you may find interesting.”

The mayor looked up and asked “what is it?”

Menzor said “several days ago Yanhoover was attacked” closing his eyes he continued “by a group of ponies wielding some exotic weapons. Their leader was a pink alicorn with a purple, red and yellow mane.”

The Mayor asked “do you know why they attacked?”

Menzor said “they wanted to expand their empire and took over the province and raised their flag over the capital. Afterwards they enslaved the citizens I escaped and found my way here speaking of which where am I?”

The mayor said “this is Ponyville, you should inform Princess Twilight.”

Menzor knew the name and who Twilight was but acted as if he did not know he asked “who?”

The mayor said “I’ll take you to her castle.”

After leaving the mayor’s office the 2 walked to the giant crystal castle outside Ponyville and knocked on the doors moments later the door opened.

Spike stood in the entrance and said “hi mayor what can I do for you?”

The mayor said “is Princess Twilight home?”

Spike said “yes come on in.”

The trio went inside to the throne room where Twilight and the others were sitting discussing various topics when Spike and the 2 guests entered.

Spike said “Twilight the mayor and a guest are here to see you.”

Twilight said “hi mayor how can I help you?”

The mayor said “this is Meznor Zentah and he has something he wants to tell you.”

Twilight asked “what is it?”

Menzor told them the story he told the mayor every pony just sat there is astonishment he then said “what can be done about this?”

Twilight asked “what evidence do you have to support this?”

Menzor replied “I don’t have any evidence to support my claim I realize how it has to sound.”

Twilight replied “I’m sorry but I cannot help you without some tangible evidence.”

Menzor nodded turned and left the castle leaving Twilight slightly confused once outside the castle he shifted to the form of Luna and took off into the sky. Fluttershy was outside on one of the balconies filling a bird feeder when she noticed and earth pony leaving the castle then Luna flying away. Confused by what she saw she ran inside and soon found Twilight and told her what she saw.

Twilight said “we need to warn Cadence we need to get to the train station and the Crystal Empire as soon as possible.”

Turning to Spike she said “Spike I want you to stay here and keep an eye out for anything unusual.”

Spike asked like what?”

Twilight replied “anything out of the ordinary.”

Spike saluted and said “I’ll do my best.”

Twilight smiled as they left the castle for the train station once there she purchased 6 tickets for the Crystal Empire with her royal discount. On the train Twilight stared out the window wondering if they would arrive in time. When they arrived the empire was in chaos ponies were running everywhere they saw a royal chariot flying away from the castle. They went inside and found Shining Armor he was sitting in the throne room he looked distraught. He was staring off into nothing with a blank expression.

Twilight waved a hoof in front of his face “Shining are you alight?”

Shining looked over slowly “T-Twilight th-they took her.”

Twilight asked “who did?”

Shining said “the royal guards they placed her under arrest.”

Twilight asked “did they say for what?”

Shining said “they left this” he levitated a scroll it read this is a warrant for the detainment of Princess Miamorah Cadensa aka Cadence the charge is treason. A tribunal will be held today at 5:45pm in Canterlot the courtyard. Twilight looked at the clock on the wall read 2:15.

Twilight said softly “no”

She said “Shinning find Zackmar and Synora have them meet us here.”

Shining nodded and summoned his guards he gave them instructions they saluted and left a short time later Zackmar and Synora entered the room.

Synora said “we got the message is something wrong?”

Twilight showed them the scroll Zackmar said “this is not good.”

Twilight said “were going to Canterlot and talk to Cadence, Zackmar sneak into the castle and see if you can find anything interesting. Synora you and Shining Armor stay here and calm the citizens it’s a mess out there.”

Shining and Synora saluted as Twilight and the others left for the station.

On the train Twilight stared out the window when the others came over and Applejack asked “you alright Twilight?”

Twilight slowly turned and said “I can’t believe Cadence would do something like what they are accusing her of.”

Rainbow said “we don’t either.”

The others nodded in agreement Twilight smiled slightly as the train passed through Ponyville and soon arrived in Canterlot. As they disembarked from the train Zackmar put on his invisibility belt as the group was reminded of the trial of Princess Cadence in the courtyard in an hour. As the group gathered in the courtyard there was a stage set up with 3 cushions. In the middle was a dome shaped device.

Twilight said “I am going to speak to Cadence meet back here in an hour.”

Twilight went to the castle dungeon near cadence’s cell were 2 guards she said “I would like to speak with Cadence.”

One of the guards said “ok but beware there is an anti-magic field in place to prevent breakouts.”

She nodded and walked past them and soon walked under a blue green light she soon came to a cell inside sat a depressed light pink alicorn.

She said softly “Cadence.”

Cadence looked up “Twilight!”

She came to the front of the cell and they performed their secret greeting they sang in unison “sunshine, sunshine ladybugs awake clap your hooves and do a little shake” followed by a giggle.

Cadence said “I’m glad to see you I think some pony set me up the question is who?”

Twilight sat down and said “I saw the letter I think the Pontian’s are involved.”

Cadence asked “what do they want?”

Twilight said “I’m not sure they are allied with the channelings” she paused “wait oh no the Crystal Empire!”

Cadence was confused “what?”

Twilight said “remember when the Changeling queen tried to take over Canterlot and feed off the love from the citizens. If the Crystal Empire is the realm of love and light then it stands to reason they would target it.”

Cadence said “and gain enough strength to take over Equestria, you said the assault on Canterlot failed right?”

Twilight nodded.

Cadence continued “then they would take over using a more subtle approach.”

Twilight thought for a moment then said “something like have Celestia hand over the kingdom or the planet.”

Cadence just sighed.

Twilight said “I know you’re innocent.”

Cadence smiled and was about to say something when 2 guards came in one of them said “it’s time for your trial. One of them lowered the field as the other came into the cell and placed a magic inhibiting color around Cadence’s neck then led her to the stage in the courtyard. As they came into the courtyard it was filled with ponies. Twilight followed them into the courtyard and soon met up with her friends and watched the trial. As Celestia and Luna came out with their wings extended outwards as they approached Cadence.

Celestia said “citizens of Equestria since the founding of our far kingdom no ruler has ever attacked an outlying realm it seems recently that has changed.”

Turning to Cadence she continued “Princess Miamora Cadenssa you stand accused of treason by attacking an outlying realm how do you plead?”

Cadence said “not guilty.”

Celestia said “we have proof you did in fact do what you stand accused of, this video clip was filmed by a soldier at your request.”

She pressed a button on the floor with her hoof and the dome lit up and projected images into the air just above the dome it showed Cadence leading an army of ponies and attacking a region. Ponies were running in every direction Cadence laughing as they ran as if she was enjoying them running for their lives.

Cadence landed and said “I hereby claim this land in the name of the Crystal Empire.”

A Crystal Empire flag was raised in the capital and Cadence said “this is only the first soon all of Equestria will fall to me.”

After turning off the dome Celestia turned to Cadence and said “how do you explain that?”

Cadence was stunned by what she saw all she could say was “I-I can’t how can this be? I haven’t left the Crystal Empire in months.”

Celestia said “that is you attacking a region and causing havoc raising that flag and that was your voice was it not?”

Cadence said “yes that is my voice and likeness but it was not me.”

Celestia said “this is a serious offence can you explain how it’s not you when it’s your voice and your likeness?”

Twilight and the others noticed Luna had a slight smirk.

Cadence said “changelings?”

Celestia asked “if that’s true then why are they not attacking and feeding they also do not wipe entire realms off the face of the planet can you explain that?”

Cadence said softly “no”

Celestia continued “then based on this evidence and the testimony of Meznor Zentah I hearby find you guilty of treason against the Equestrian Union and our Pontian allies. Hence forth you are hereby striped of your position as ruler of the Crystal Empire and exiled from the Equestrian Union forever. If you set hoof in this land again you will be exiled from the planet. You have 3 days to get your affairs in order and leave this land, this tribunal stands adjourned.

Cadence’s ears flattened against her head as she lowered her head and began to softly cry as the crowd disbursed she just sat there not sure what to do or even to say. She was so distraught she broke down and began uncontrollably sobbing.

Twilight and the others came up to her and consoled her as best they could. As Cadence regained her composure Twilight asked “are you going to be alright?”

Cadence nodded “yes.”

Twilight said “meet us at my castle.”

Cadence nodded and took to the air.

Twilight noticed a shimmer nearby and walked over “did you see that?”

Zackmar said “I did, as he deactivated his belt and came into view “I scanned the dome and found a holographic generator underneath such a device is generally used as a recreational purposes. It can simulate anything or anyone that is why it is inadmissible in Sandarian inquiries and tribunals.” Shaking his head he said “this has gone too far, if they take control of this planet and the secrets of magic they will be unstoppable. We need more allies Sandarian command may not be able to help us but I have a friend who can.”

Twilight said “meet us back at my castle.”

Zackmar said “I’ll see you there.”

Twilight and the others left for the castle Zackmar went to the Crystal Empire to see Synora and asked “is your ship nearby?”

Synora said “yes.”

Zackmar said “I need to borrow you communications system.”

He boarded the ship went to the console pressed a few buttons and said “Zackmar calling Dentra.”

A being appeared on the screen it had light blue skin yellowish green eyes “hi Zackmar long time no see.”

Zackmar said “hi Dentra its been too long I need your assistance.”

Dentra asked “what do you need?”

Zackmar told his friend about the situation and how Sandarian command was unable to assist.

Dentra said “that sounds like the Zandarian command what is your location?”

Zackmar said “I am on a planet 72° to the axial plane to the red supergiant Zeplar.”

Dentra said “coordinates received I will arrive in 2 hendars.”

Zackmar said “acknowledged.”

At the same time Luna went to her royal chambers and shifted to the form of Metzel picked up a communication device and said “Metzel to Kalios.”

A voice said “Kalios here report your status.”

Metzel replied “the crystal princess has been deposed.”

Kalios said “excellent, we will proceed with phase 2.”

Metzel said “understood I used the name Menznor Zentah” and sent a holographic image of the form he used.

Kalios said image received Menznor Zentah will arrive soon.”

Metzel said “acknowledged.”

After turning off his communication device he walked over to a nearby dresser put it down and picked up a theta wave generator and pressed a button and said “Menznor Zentah is going to be the ruler of the Crystal Empire since his province was destroyed.”

Later that day Menznor Zentah arrived and Celestia held a royal court to make an announcement.

She and Luna faced their subjects Celestia said “citizens of Equestria since the betrayal of Princess Miamora Cadenssa the Crystal Empire needs a new guardian. After some deliberation with my sister Luna we have decided on a new ruler. Hence forth I designate Menznor Zentah ruler of the Crystal Empire since you lost your province to the former ruler it seems only fair.”

Menznor stepped forward bowed “thank you your highness I wish to bring the refugees from the decimated land to help grow the glory of the Crystal Empire.”

Celestia said “of course.”