My Little Pony: Advent of the Goblins

Chapters

chapter 1: The Goblin in Black
chapter 2: the bodyguard
Chapter 3: Fire on the Horizon
chapter 4: casting the first stone

chapter 1: The Goblin in Black

Chapter 1
The Goblin in Black

Princess Celestia shot upright from her bed in a cold sweat, her eyes widened in fear. After a moment of heavy breathing, she ran over to the window, throwing open the blinds with her magic. Her violet orbs scanned the horizon for anything amiss, but found nothing. She breathed a sigh of relief, the premonition had yet to come true. But when would it?...

The door to her chamber creaked open, and in stepped Princess Luna. "Sister?" she asked. "What troubles you tonight?"

"Another vision, sister," replied Celestia. "This one perhaps the most troubling of them all..."

"What did you see?"

Celestia turned to face Luna, worry and dread having conquered the princess's features entirely. "I saw war."

Luna's eyes widened. "A-a war? With whom?"

"The goblin kingdom. They will come to us with intentions of conquering equestria, and soon."

Luna shook her head. "That cannot be. The goblins never attack unless provoked, it's not in their nature. And we have done nothing to them."

"I don't know, sister. All I know is that it will happen, my visions have never lied before."

Luna took a deep breath and released it to keep her anxiety from overtaking her. "So, what do we do?"

Celestia turned back to the window. "Send out a summons to all of the kingdoms leaders. Tell them to drop whatever they're doing and meet here as soon as they can. We need to prepare for the invasion, and every second counts."

"What are you going to do?"

"I'm going to send a letter of my own..."

Across the plains of Equestria, a train sped down the tracks towards Ponyville. Inside, ponies of all shapes and sizes conversed, wandered and slept. But the lead car was nowhere near this casual.

The residents of the lead car stared in a mix of awe and terror at the unusual passenger sleeping in his chair. The figure was bipedal, for one, and was clad in a pitch black overcoat and a black wide brimmed hat. Because of his attire, it was impossible for anypony in the car to discern who or what this was sitting with them. One pony was so anxious, that she called for a train worker to try and convince him to leave the car. The worker walked up to the sleeping giant and gently prodded him with his hoof. "U-um, sir," he said. "I'm sorry to say, but your presence is kinda disturbing the other passengers. Could you kindly move to a different car?" The lump of black stirred. His crossed arms parted, revealing bright green, meaty hands that travelled up to his hat to push it out of the way of his face. His lizard-like eyes scrutinized the pony beneath him, and his mouth, filled with jagged teeth, let out a sigh. The worker, meanwhile, was freaking out internally, because he was staring down a full blown Goblin! And he didn't look very happy that he just woke him from his nap.

The pony winced when the goblin reached into his pocket, but when he opened his eyes, he only saw an envelope being handed to him. The worker took the letter, opening it and reading the contents inside. His eyes widened as he processed the words on the paper. With a deep breath, he handed the letter back to the goblin, nodding. "My apologies sir, I was unaware of your special status." The goblin simply grunted and returned to his nap.

With a sharp hiss, the train pulled to a stop in Ponyville station. The goblin in black stepped off of the train, pulling out a map of Ponyville from his coat pocket. After finding the best route to his destination, he folded the map, placed it back where it belonged, and made his way downtown.

Needles to say, he got some weird looks from the townsfolk. He paid them no mind. However, one pony made herself nigh impossible for him to ignore.

"HI THERE!" shouted Pinkie Pie, who bounced up in front of him."oooooh,you'reagoblin,I'veneverseenagoblinbefore!ItisjustSOOOOOnicetomeetyou!Whatdoyoudoforfun?Youlikeparties?Ilikeparties,butthenagain,WHODOESN'TLIKEPARTIES?!AmIright,oramIright?" As pinkie continued her tirade of adorable insanity, seemingly teleporting around him, The goblin readied his hands, waiting for the right moment to strike. In a flash, he reached out and grabbed Pinkie in mid air. Small trails of smoke came from his hands, as if he had caught a bullet. Gently, he set Pinkie Down, patted her on the head, tipped his hat to bid her goodbye, and continued on his way. "Wait," she said. "What's your name?"

He looked back at Pinkie with a small smile. "Xanadu," he said in a gruff, but oddly soft voice.

Xanadu's walk led him through the park. He didn't need to, really, but he wanted to admire the sights of this town for a bit before having to get down to business. He stopped when he felt a small object roll into his foot. Looking down, he saw that it was an apple. His attention was then drawn to a small yellow filly near the apple. Applebloom stood shaking like a leaf, which only made more apples fall off of the small cart she was dragging behind her. While Applebloom had never seen a Goblin before, she had heard what they looked like, and this one fit the bill perfectly. Xanadu sighed, reaching down to pick up the apple. Kneeling down on one knee, he placed the apple back on Applebloom's cart.

He was about to gather the rest for the filly, but a new voice interrupted. "Hey!" shouted Applejack, who ran up in front of her sister, leaving her own cart behind. Applejack's fierce demeanor vanished for the briefest of moments when Xanadu stood up, dwarfing the orange mare.

But she quickly regained her composure, glaring daggers at Xanadu. "W-what are you doin here, Goblin?" she asked.

"Business," he replied with a shrug. "You, uh, dropped some apples the-"

"I got 'em" Applejack interrupted, gathering up the fruit and placing them on Applebloom's cart. "Now, uh, get on with ya business, please, I can take it from here."

"Very well," Xanadu replied. "Good day." With that, he continued off.

Applejack heaved a sigh of relief while Applebloom looked up at her sister. "Sis, that wan't very nice o' ya," she said.

Applejack sighed, knowing she was right. "I-I'm sorry Applebloom, but if you heard the things I've heard about Goblins, then you'd understand." Maybe this Goblin was on the up and up, but Applejack wasn't gonna take any chances until she had proof...

Author's Note

And that's it for now. Sorry for the abrupt end, but I need some time to figure out how Rainbow Dash and Rarity will react to Ponyville's newest resident.

Til then, take care

chapter 2: the bodyguard

Chapter 2
The Bodyguard

Twilight Sparkle, princess of friendship, was asleep at her desk in her study. Unattractive snoring spurted from her muzzle, as drool crept down her mouth to the scrap of paperwork beneath her head. Her slumber was interrupted, however, when a napkin was pressed to her mouth to prevent the drool from soiling the paper. Twilight let out a snort, then a groan, and lifted her head, blinking the sleep from her eyes. Twilight looked down to see that it was her assistant Spike, who had woken her up. "Glad to see you back among the living, Twilight," he said.

Twilight rubbed her left eye with her left hoof and groaned once more. "Spike, can't a girl get some sleep?"

"Not when she has literal tons of paperwork to get done," Spike replied, gesturing to the three stacks of papers on her desk. "And certainly not when there's a certain somepony at the door waiting on you."

"Really? Who is it?" Twilight asked. Spike simply replied with a knowing smirk. Realization hit Twilight like a freight train, her eyes widened, and her purple coat shone red. "Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh, I must look horrible! I forgot he was coming today!" Twilight sped out of the study, and in mere minutes, was back looking like she didn't just have the most uncomfortable nap seconds ago.

Twilight rushed down the stairs of the castle to the front door. Skidding to a halt, she assumed her best dignified pose and opened the large crystal doors with her magic. Behind the doors stood none other than Flash Sentry, who grinned at the sight of the princess. Twilight did her best to maintain her composure. "A-ah, sir Sentry. So good to see you once aga-"

"Twilight, nopony's here but us," Flash interrupted. Immediately after saying this, Twilight dropped her act, ran up and kissed him. After separating, Twilight nuzzled her face into his neck.

"I missed you," she said. For almost a year now, the two had been meeting in secret. Twilight hadn't even told her friends about her relationship with Flash, out of the chance, however small, that they might tell somepony. The last thing either of them wanted was the press and the gossip seekers breathing down their necks.

"I missed you too," Flash muttered back. The two stepped back, locked hooves, and stepped inside to enjoy each other's company in private.

Xanadu could see the castle just a few miles away. Seeing no reason to continue stalling, he made his way down the road. However, yet another obstacle came into existence as a small whimper caught his attention. Xanadu looked down and saw none other than Fluttershy, who, like Applebloom, was staring wide eyed at the newcomer, shaking like a leaf. Xanadu sighed, already growing tired of this routine, and moved to step around the mare. However, this simple gesture caused Fluttershy to panic, scream bloody murder, and speed off to god knows where. Xanadu rolled his eyes, and kept walking.

Something told him that this was gonna be a long stay.

Now if he could just get to that castle without something else happening. Unfortunately, the gods decided they wanted to screw with him some more, and a blue blur sped down towards his head. Xanadu, thinking fast, jumped back to avoid the incoming projectile that collided with the space of dirt he was previously inhabiting. When the smoke cleared, Rainbow dash was left standing in a small crater in the ground.

Xanadu pinched the bridge of his nose and groaned. Screw lasting his stay here without incident, he'd just like to get through a single hour. Xanadu took off his hat, and stood up. "Can I help you, ma'am?" he asked.

"Yeah," replied the hot headed pegasus. "I want to know what you were doing, scaring the daylights out of my friend."

"With due respect, your friend just ran off screaming like a mad mare," Xanadu replied. "I apologize for scaring her, but I really must be going." Rainbow dash refused to move from her spot, continuing to glare at the goblin.

Meanwhile, Fluttershy had returned to the scene, flying over to Rainbow Dash. "R-Rainbow, I, I don't think this is necessary," she said. "I-I just overreacted, is all."

"Listen to your friend and let me pass," Xanadu said.

"Yeah, how about no?" Rainbow asked rhetorically.

"Rainbow, wait!" Fluttershy pleaded, but it was too late. Rainbow shot forth like a bullet towards Xanadu, who reached into his coat in preparation.

"Stop it, both of you!" Shouted a fourth newcomer. Xanadu and Rainbow were then coated in a light purple aura that, while it didn't completely hinder their movements, it did stop the two from colliding. Xanadu and Rainbow looked to their left and saw Rarity, huffing and puffing, as the spell she was using to restrain the two was no doubt taking its toll on her. "Honestly, Rainbow, how rude. This young Goblin-"

"I'm actually 49," Xanadu interrupted.

"This...middle aged, almost old Goblin, frightens Fluttershy-which I assure you sir, is not that hard a feat to accomplish-and you immediately try to eviscerate him, without even hearing what he has to say."

Rainbow Dash pouted. "How long you gonna keep us here?"

"Until you promise that you will not attack him if I let you go."

"Ugh, fine, whatever..." Rainbow said, rolling her eyes. Rarity heaved a sigh of relief and released the two from the spell.

"Thank you, ma'am," said Xanadu.

"Yes, that was very well handled," Fluttershy chimed in as she trotted up behind Rarity.

"Now then-" Xanadu pulled out the object he had grabbed from his coat, revealing it to be the paper he had shown the train worker earlier. "Maybe this will assuage your fears." He held out the paper for the mares to read. All three ponies eyes went wide as dinner plates. "May I please be allowed to go to the castle?" The three shook their heads to wake up from their daze

"O-oh yes, right this way," said Rarity, who walked ahead.

Twilight and Flash walked together hoof in hoof through the palace gardens. The various colors found throughout the foliage, combined with the gentle summer air, made for a relaxed and romantic atmosphere. "And then I tell him "Razor, sometimes you need to take a step back and ask yourself: how the hay did I get here?" And well, I'm pretty sure you can figure out what happened next," Flash said to Twilight, who giggled at his story. "The moral of the story is: Don't steal the princess's headache medication."

This time, Twilight let out raucous laughter, leaning on his shoulder for support. "You know, one of these days, I really need to meet these friends of yours," she said, wiping a tear from her eye.

"Yeah, they're a bunch of numbskulls, but they're there for you." Flash sighed. "I'm really gonna miss them..." Twilight stopped, stepping in front of the yellow-orange stallion.

"W-what do you mean?" she asked.

Flash pursed his lips before letting out another heavy sigh. "No point in tip toeing around this anymore. Twilight, Cadance knows about us."

Twilight's eyes widened. "W-what? But how?"

"I don't really know myself. But considering we just tried to hide a relationship from the princess of LOVE, I'm guessing she has ways of finding out if ponies are together."

"Well, what did she do?"

Flash's face went somber. "She ordered that, effectively immediately..." The somber face then vanished, leaving a wide grin behind. "I am to pack my things, and move to ponyville to act as your official bodyguard, and personal servant."

Twilight's mouth hung agape before a fierce glare dominated her features. "You damn tease!" she said, lightly striking his arm with her hoof. "My heart was about to stop!"

"Why?" asked Flash through fits of giggling. "Like Cadance would honestly try to separate us."

"I know but still..." Twilight nuzzled her face into his neck. "Please don't pull something like that again."

"Fine, fine, I promise." Flash wrapped his hoof around her back and the two held each other for several minutes.

"Twilight!" Shouted Spike, who swung open the doors to the gardens, interrupting the tender moment.

Twilight, face beet red, was about to yell at spike for the interruption, but the color drained from his face and his dinner plate wide eyes cooled her down. "Spike? What's wrong?" she asked.

"T-there's someone else at the door. H-he's asking for you. I think you should go see him." Twilight knew her assistant well enough to know that he wouldn't be this tense unless it was serious.

She nodded and turned to Flash. "Well, we better go see him." Flash nodded in agreement, following the princess very close behind. Spike, meanwhile, hopped onto Twilight's back and wrapped his arms around her neck.

The three arrived at the door, and Twilight opened the door with her magic. Her eyes widened like spike's when she saw who was on the other side. Flash remained where he was, but his eyes narrowed. Not in anger, but in preparation.

Xanadu gazed down at Twilight. He removed his hat, held it over his chest, and knelt down on one knee before the princess of friendship. "Your majesty," he said, reaching into his coat and pulling out the paper, handing it to her. Twilight read the paper and digested the words. The paper read...

By order of Princess Celestia, mare of daylight, all who read this paper are to grant the goblin Xanadu safe passage through the land of Equestria. For he has been chosen to be the escort of royalty. The personal guard and protector of the princess of friendship, Twilight Sparkle.
So says Celestia...

Twilight looked up from the paper, her eyes having changed to a look of confusion. Flash had returned to his neutral posture, having full faith in the Princess's words. Spike had calmed down, but still stayed safely on Twilight's back.

Xanadu remained how he was, bowing before his new master. "I know what you must have thought when you saw me. I promise, you will have nothing to fear of me as long as you shall live."

Slowly, a kind smile danced across Twilight's face, and she stepped to the side. "Why don't you come in? You've clearly had a long journey." Xanadu rose back up to his feet and stepped into the castle.

Author's Note

Wow, I have never updated a chapter so quickly! Also, I noticed a good many of you might not care for this story so far. If you have a problem, please tell me in comments and reviews. I'm not kidding when I say this is the first time I am writing these characters, so I'm probably getting some details wrong. But I cannot fix it if I'm not told what to fix.

Thanks for reading, see you in the next chapter!

Chapter 3: Fire on the Horizon

Chapter 3
Fire on the horizon

"And here is your room," said Twilight, who pushed open the crystalline door with her magic. Xanadu had to duck to fit into the room normally outfitted for the comfort of ponies. Unfortunately, that meant his bed was half his size, and he had to lean his head down so he didn't bump it on the ceiling. "Sorry about the size, I'll send out a request for a bigger bed."

"Yes, that would be most appreciated," replied Xanadu, who placed his rucksack on the floor next to him, the sack being just a tad too big for the shelf.

"I really am sorry," Twilight said again. "It's just that you came so suddenly, and for some reason, I wasn't informed in the slightest." Why would princess Celestia not tell her about the arrival of two new servants? One of them being, in case you forgot, a GOBLIN!

"I'm certain the princess has her reasons," said Flash. "Perhaps she's busy. From what I hear from the grapevine, she's calling for dignitaries from all over equestria, and even from several surrounding kingdoms."

"Again, why am I not informed of these things?" asked a now pouting Twilight.

"I am certain that is hardly the princess's fault," Xanadu said, his hand raised. "She personally summoned me, so she clearly had time to write letters. The messenger probably got lost." As if on queue, a loud burp rang out from downstairs. "What was that?"

"The messenger, I'll be right back," said Twilight. The princess rushed downstairs to check on her assistant, leaving the two new bodyguards alone together in awkward silence.

"So..." said Flash.

"So..." replied Xanadu. Not much was said after that.

Twilight galloped down the stairs, to find her five friends standing around Spike, who was holding the letter which had sprung from his mouth moments ago. Twilight stopped in front of spike, taking the letter. "Thank you, spike," she said.

She was about to open the letter when Applejack nudged her on the shoulder. "So uh, Twi. How's um..." Applejack cocked her head towards the stairs. "The goblin guy?"

"The goblin guy?" asked Twilight.

"What? I don't know his name."

"Oh, it's Xanadu."

"Fine, how is Xanadu?"

Twilight shrugged. "He's alright. I'll have to have some workers come by here and make his room a bit bigger, but I think he'll like it."

"Think we can trust him?"

"He was personally sent here by Princess Celestia, why wouldn't I think he was trustworthy?"

"But why didn't she tell you ahead of time? And forging a letter isn't exactly hard," said Rainbow dash floating in the air with her hooves on her hips. "How do we know she really sent him?"

"Well maybe if you guys let me open this letter from the princess, maybe we'll find out," Twilight said, stopping the other two in their tracks. She opened the letter with her magic, reading the contents.

Dear Twilight Sparkle,
By now you must have received your two new bodyguards. I apologize for the surprise one of them must have been to you, but I can promise you that Xanadu is completely trustworthy. I would've notified you sooner of his coming, if not for some urgent matters that have come up recently. Matters that concern you. As such, you and your two guards will report to my castle in Canterlot immediately. There is much to discuss, and precious little time to discuss it.
Sincerely,
Princess Celestia...

Twilight looked up at her friends, concern painting her features. The other five were equally nervous. The princess's words suggested she was immensely troubled, which has never lead to good things in the past. "I...I guess I need to head to Canterlot," said Twilight.

"You sure you don't need us?" asked Rarity.

"If the princess wanted all of us, she would've specified for all of us. I'll be back soon. Spike, you're in charge of the house until I return." Spike gave a salute to the princess as she walked up the stairs.
~~~

"Is that so?" asked Xanadu, who was now sitting on the floor for obvious reasons.

"Indeed," replied Flash with a smirk. "And the best part, he still doesn't know where Rachael is." Both men gave devious chuckles at Flash's story.

Twilight ran up the stairs, stopping in front of the two. "Sorry Xanadu, but you'll have to settle in later. We've been summoned by Princess Celestia."

Xanadu rose to his feet, dusting off the lower half of his coat and donning his hat. "Very well. Lead the way Princess," he said. Flash also rose from his seat and nodded in agreement.

As the three made their way down the steps and towards the door, Rainbow floated down in front of Xanadu. "hey, you're Twilight's bodyguard, right?" she asked.

"Indeed," replied Xanadu with a nod.

The blue pegasus prodded his chest with her hoof. "You better do your job." With that warning, she flew out of the way.

"I will, I promise." Xanadu caught up with Twilight, who opened the door to find a carriage already prepared for them.

Before Twilight joined her two guards in the carriage, she looked back at her friends one last time. "It'll be fine, I promise," she said as she entered the vehicle. The two Pegasi in the front whinnied as they took to the sky.

Applejack looked on with the other five. "I do hope you're right, Twi," she said under her breath.
~~~

The streets of Canterlot were crowded like they had never been before. Ponies gathered from all around to see the new arrivals. Lords and Ladies, Kings and Queens, rulers of every kingdom Equestria had good relations with (or those who simply owed the princesses favors) were flocking to the castle at the center of the pristine metropolis.

Pack Grandmaster White fang of the northern white wolves strode down the lane, his two guards at his sides. Their stride reflected their noble but fierce nature.

Not far behind him was the Prince of Yakyakistan, also joined by his two servants. Their stride was one of pride and strength.

Further ahead of them both was Queen She'lara of the eastern Cheetah republic. Her stride was a far brisker walk than her colleagues behind her.

And behind them all was Gilda of the Griffons. Due to her kingdom only now getting back on its feet, she was the closest thing they had to a leader. And her only escort was her Grandfather. Her stride was tight and quiet, for even the brash Gilda knew the gravity of the situation around her, and was completely at a loss for what she would do once at the castle.

The doors to the castle slowly opened, allowing the nobles inside. Meanwhile, Twilight's carriage touched down in the pegasi hangar on the western wall. Twilight, Flash and Xanadu stepped out and made their way towards the throne room.
~~~

Celestia stared out of the window next to her throne, bags beneath her eyes. A hoof gently patted her on the back, causing her to turn to see Luna, giving her a reassuring smile. Celestia smiled back as best as she could. The doors opened and in walked the nobles, with Twilight bringing up the rear.

Twilight rushed to the princess's side. "Princess," she said.

"Hello Twilight," replied Celestia. "I'm glad you could make it. Cadance should be here soon, and then we will begin." Celestia looked over to Xanadu, who simply nodded.

It didn't take long for Princess Cadance and Shining Armor to arrive. But before pleasantries could be exchanged between Twilight and her brother, Celestia stomped her hoof, causing a large map to be erected in the center of the room, as well as catching everyone's attention. "I apologize for the suddenness of my summoning you here, as well as my wish to get to the point. But there is little time to lose. So, I will just tell you what you're all here to be told." Everyone in the room gathered around the map, while Cadance, Shining Armor, and Twilight took their places at the side of their fellow princesses.

"As many of you already know, one of the main factors that has kept Equestria relatively safe for so long is my ability to have premonitions of the future in my dreams. I have had yet another, and it is this dream that has brought you all here today."

"So Princess," said Whitefang. "What dream has the mighty alicorns so spooked that they would call upon our assistance?"

"The Goblin kingdom. It is my belief that they intend to wage war upon us." The entire room went still with shock. Twilight and Cadance looked to their senior in disbelief.

"That is a mighty claim, Princess," said the Yak prince. "The goblins are a purely defensive people, and have rarely had contact with Equestria. What reason could they have?"

"I know not," Celestia admitted. "All I know is that it will happen soon."

"Then tell us this," growled She'lara. "Why is there a goblin among you?"

"Sir Xanadu is a trusted friend," replied Celestia. "When I informed him of what was going to happen, he immediately volunteered to help however he could."

"And how exactly does he plan on helping?" asked Gilda, who got her second wind.

Celestia turned to Xanadu and nodded. Xanadu nodded back and stepped forward. "I know the goblin military inside and out. I may not be able to completely prepare you for what is coming, but I can tell you vital information on what it is you're up against."

"Well, what are you waiting for?" asked Whitefang.

Xanadu took a deep breath before speaking...

Author's Note

And done! Probably one of the longest chapters I've ever written for any of my stories. Well, enjoy, hopefully the next chapter will be done soon

chapter 4: casting the first stone

chapter 4: casting the fist stone

"Because of our ferocity in battle, very rarely are we ever engaged in active war by anyone who doesn't think they can take us. Which is most sane people," Xanadu began. "Thus, I am willing to bet not many of you are familiar with the nature of our war department." No one else in the room spoke up. While the reputation of the goblins preceded them, only a select few actually knew in what ways they were dangerous. "Then I will fill you in on the details." Xanadu reached into his coat and pulled out a bag of magic dust, which he threw upon the magical map in the center of the room. The map took on the form of three sets of goblin armies, each with their own banner above them.

"These are our three "war guilds", the three sections of our royal armada." Xanadu pointed to the army on the far right, whose banner was a blood red emblazoned with a battle axe that was on fire. "The first is the advance battalion, known as "the arson gang". They are purely meant for shock and awe. They come in, stir up as much chaos as they can, and leave the enemy in disarray so that things will be simpler for the other two."

Xanadu then pointed to the next army, who had a banner that displayed two knives criss crossed against a raven crest. "This is the second battalion, known as "the queen's knives". They are, as the name would suggest, the queen's personal assassins. Their job is simpler, yet more complex. They come into the country we're at war with while the arson gang distracts everyone's attention, kill any political figures who would be trouble for us, and leave as quietly as they came."

Finally, Xanadu pointed to the last army, if one could even call it that. There were only seven people under the third banner, which was a hammer gripped by a goblin's fist, set against a skull crest. "Finally, we have our last resort: the Warmongers. Do not let their small numbers fool you, these are the most powerful soldiers our army has to offer. Just one of them could conquer an entire city. The downside is that they're not easy to control once released onto the battlefield, for their bloodlust overtakes them and they have a tendency to attack both friend and foe. As such, they are strictly a last resort secret weapon. Any questions?"

The others at the table were about to raise their hands, when Xanadu's eyes widened and looked to the ceiling. "Everyone get down!" Xanadu threw his hat at Twilight. The hat was then punctured with three throwing stars intended for the head of the princess of friendship. Celestia, Luna, Cadence and the rest of the officials looked up to where xanadu was looking and saw a queen's knife running across the upper banisters to a nearby window. "Stop her!" The would be assassin was nearly to the window when Celestia zoomed up in front of her and summoned a wave of energy that blasted the goblin back into the wall on the other side.

Everyone else in the room stared in awe, as they hadn't even seen Celestia move. Xanadu pulled his jaw up from the floor and climbed up the wall tapestry to confront the assassin.

The goblin tried to get up, but found a porcelain hoof pressed down on her chest. She looked up and saw Celestia, a focused, patient fury in her eyes. "Now then," she said in her usual monotone voice, but anger laced her words nonetheless. "I want you to answer me truthfully, for your answer may decide your ultimate fate. Those throwing stars weren't meant for my precious student, were they?" Celestia's purple pupils disappeared, leaving the whites to glow in ferocity.

"If you would prefer my knives to be for you, I'd be happy to oblige!" said the goblin, who raised her arm to reveal a mounted crossbow. However, the arrow wasn't airborne for long, as Xanadu had caught it before it hit the princess's head.

"Hello Jade. I see General Iago doesn't waste time," Xanadu growled. "You do realize that there's officially no backing out of this war now, right?"

"Sorry Xanadu," replied Jade. "We lost all choice in the matter a while ago. You're the only one who cares so little as to risk the alternative."

"At least I'm doing something!" Xanadu spat back. Celestia, having calmed herself, rested a hoof on Xanadu's shoulder. The goblin looked at the immortal princess and let out a heavy sigh, stepping back.

Celestia used her magic to create a magic orb that trapped Jade. "You will be dealt with later," she said, teleporting the orb away. Celestia floated down with Xanadu in tow. Xanadu returned to Twilight's side, picking up his hat to pull out the throwing stars.

"T-thank you, Xanadu," said Twilight.

Xanadu gave a curt bow to the princess before turning back to the dignitaries. "I hope you see now the gravity of the situation. None of the guards on the roof are hurt, I can promise you. They're probably not even aware someone got past them. This is your enemy, my friends."

"What would you have us do, then?" asked She'lara. "If we are so outmatched, what hope exists?"

"Only one,"Xanadu replied. He threw more magic dust on the map, creating a different image. Now, only two goblins were shown. One was a tall, slender woman dressed to the nines in regal attire. The other was a young boy, around the age of 10, dressed in equal magnificence. "This is our Royal Family. The Queen Sayla, and her young son Prince Alistair. We goblins are many things, but chief among them is that we are naturally fiercely loyal to our queen. However, that is not the case for one goblin..." A third goblin appeared, this one dressed in military clothing, and decorated with medals and badges of all kinds. "This is High General Iago. But now I guess he prefers KING Iago. I'm not sure how, but he was able to convince a select few of the military council to help him turn on the queen. They threw her in a cell in an unknown location, and Iago currently has the prince's throat under a knife. And he has used this advantage to force the entire country on a crusade against the entire world, with Equestria as the first stop. I have no idea why, or what he thinks he stands to gain from this, but nobody wants to risk the prince's safety by rebelling. That is of course, except for me. The plan is simple, the army won't be prepared to launch the attack for another month, so I and a small group of volunteers, will sneak into the goblin kingdom and rescue the royal family. The minute the prince and queen are safe, Iago's rule falls apart at the seams."

"You speak as if it will be easy," said Whitefang.

"It won't be, but it's the best plan we have," Xanadu said. "Letting this war play out is out of the question. Even if you do somehow win, the loss of life will be catastrophic."

"Sir Xanadu is right," said Celestia, with Luna nodding in agreement. "in the meantime, I want everyone here to gather their forces at the northern shores. If they do attack, they cannot be allowed to make landfall. Does everyone understand?" The dignitaries nodded in unison. "Good, then begin the preparations at once. This meeting is adjourned." With that, the dignitaries rose from their seats and left the throne room.

Celestia turned to Xanadu. "I assume you already know who you are bringing with you?" she asked.

"I do, princess," Xanadu replied. He turned to Twilight and bowed before her. "I have no place to force you to do anything, but I would like to-"

"I'm coming with you," said Twilight. "Me and Flash will help you."

"Thank you, my lady. I promised your friends no harm would come to you, and I intend to uphold that oath."

"Don't worry, I can take care of myself." Xanadu stood while flash remained silent. Even if it was his place to question whether or not he had a say in this, he would still have elected to go.

All three turned to Celestia and Luna. "We will have your means of entering the goblin kingdom ready by tonight," said Celestia.

"We highly suggest you get all your matters in order before then," Luna added.

Cadence and Shining armor approached Twilight and hugged her tightly. "Good luck Twilight," said Cadence.

"I wish I could do this for you," Shining armor chimed in. His place was with his troops, but his heart still ached with worry.

"Don't worry, you two, I'll be fine," Twilight said before stepping away from the hug and making her way out of the throne room, her two guards close behind. "Pack your things when we get home, boys. We have a war to stop..."

Author's Note

I am so, so, so, sorry this took so long. My computer had some problems, and long story short I had to wipe my entire hard drive ;_;

needless to say, any motivation I had was shot right in the leg. But I do plan on getting back into the swing of things.

see you all next time