Sweet Apples Under A Night Sky

Chapter Eight

A day before Brandling met Corellia

Lord Duke Admantium paced about in his office as Brandling sat and told him of Blueblood's letter.

"And that stuck up pig wants my help?" Admantium growled.

"Yeah. He thinks having you will put him on the map." Brandling chuckled and poured another glass of his namesake: brandy.

Admantium stopped pacing and eyed Brandling. "And where's the letter?"

"Right here boss." Brandling said and flicked a letter towards the old unicorn. He knew that screwing with this pony meant bad news for everypony involved.

Admantium scanned his eyes over the letter and grunted. "Take a latter, Brandling."

Brandling put down his drink and grabbed the quill and sat, waiting for his boss to dictate.

"Dear Prince Blueblood..." he began and Brandling matched his pace for speaking with that of writing, the quill furiously scribbling along to the duke's words. "Signed: Lord Duke Admantium I."

"Done." Brandling said and punctuated the ending line with a sharp stab of the quill.

"Excellent. Now I can begin my search for my daughter again." the duke murmured sadly.

Brandling got up and placed a hoof on his old friend's shoulder. "Hey, don't worry about it. I'm sure she's fine."

"Last time I saw her, I..." he trailed off, deciding not to tell this pony who he considered a second son, what exactly he had done. "I shouted at her and her mother, making her run off. Then an assassin came for me, even as my wife cowered on the floor from my anger, she still leapt to take the knife for me. I held her in my forelegs as she slowly bled to death, giving a terrible scream as the knife reached her vital organs." he said and felt tears forming in his eyes. "Then Corellia ran away, probably abducted by some sick buck with too much free time on his hooves." he growled. "If anything's happened to my Corellia..."

"Wait a minute." Brandling murmured.

The duke turned to him. "Yes?"

"I thought you hated the 'prince'." the obsidian pony asked and tilted his head.

Admantium chuckled. "Oh I do. I despise him more than anything."

"So why help him?"

"I'm not. I want to see him fail. Which he will. Celestia will never surrender the throne to anypony. I don't know why this crazy devil thinks he stands a chance against her." the old duke chuckled and broke into a coughing fit.

Brandling walked over to his friend and patted him on the back again. "Easy, old timer." he chuckled.

Admantium waved him away and chuckled back. "Don't you 'old timer' me, sonny." he growled and shook his hoof in a mocking way. "I'll still go ten rounds with ya."

"Sure, boss. Whatever you say." Brandling laughed.

The duke's face took on a serious edge to it. "Brandling, I've known you for some years now, and you've been like a son to me. I'd be honoured if you would accept the position of my heir."

Brandling stopped laughing and looked at the old pony in front of him. "You're kidding. You're kidding right?"

Admantium shook his head. "I'm afraid not. I have contemplated this idea for a while now. And I feel you are the only one I trust to fulfil my wishes the way I want them fulfilled. Will you be my heir?"

Brandling blinked at his proposition. "Um... I guess. Although, shouldn't Corellia be your heir?"

Admantium coughed again. "She is most likely dead by now. Or as far away from me as possible. I was a monster to her and her poor mother, rest her soul, and I suspect she wishes to have no more to do with me." he said sadly.

"...Then I'll find her for you." Brandling said as he thought about this.

Admantium looked up surprised. "You'd really do that? Even if she wants to kill me - which I could completely understand."

Brandling nodded. "Of course. I know what it's like to lose family." he muttered.

The duke smiled approvingly. "Alright then. If you wish, look for my daughter, then she take care of her." he told the obsidian pony.

Brandling nodded again. "I will. Until my last breath."

"Good. Now deliver that message. Make sure he doesn't see you. I've got some 'business' to take care of, capiche?"

Brandling nodded a third time and trotted out the door, leaving the crime-boss to his own dealings.

The Lord Duke clapped his hooves together and turned to the hulking pony behind him. "Follow him, Pepé. Make sure she finds him. You may have to rough him up a bit." he added darkly.

Pepé nodded and dragged himself out the door. "Alright lads, follow Brandling. Stay close." he warned the group of thugs as he went outside.

"He, heh. Sure boss." the nearest thug chuckled.

***

The day after Brandling met Corellia

"Your damn goons nearly beat the living crap outta me." Brandling said angrily as he faced the duke again after their last encounter.

"It worked didn't it? My daughter found you, yes?"

Brandling hesitated. "Yes." he whispered.

"And? How is she?"

"I think Blueblood's doing something to her." Brandling muttered and averted his eyes from the duke's wrath.

"What?!" Admantium hissed and grabbed Brandling by the throat, wrapping his magic around the pegasus's neck and hoisted him up into the air for a few moments.. "I'll murder than son of a whore." he growled and released Brandling.

"Well, don't try and kill me while you're at it." Brandling grumbled and rubbed his throat where the magic had grabbed him. "Anyways. She seems fine, just badly shaken at whatever Blueblood does with her every night."

"Every night?" Admantium asked, his eyes full of fear for his estranged daughter.

"It seems so yes, although he let her go early today. She didn't say why."

Admantium fell silent for a few moments. "It must be to do with his mad plan." he murmured.

"So you're actually going then are you?"

"I'll take Pepé with me."

"Hmmph." Brandling snorted. "That brute can barely count to five, let alone is suitable for an important political meeting."

"He's a good bodyguard. And trusting the other nobles, I'm sure I'll need one." Admantium replied, wearily of Brandling's jealousy of the larger pony.

"Hey, I'm a great bodyguard, I was in the army for five years.. I've been in wars you know." Brandling grunted.

This made the duke chuckle. "You've only ever been on scouting missions, never any actual wars."

Brandling scowled "It could've been a war." he muttered.

"Nevertheless. I'm grateful you found my daughter. Now keep her safe - and far away from Blueblood as possible during this whole debacle." Admantium smiled and touched Brandling's shoulder. "And your comrades dropped by before, knowing you spend time with me. They're looking for you. The white unicorn seemed a bit ticked off."

Brandling felt his face fill with dread. "Oh no. Did the cap'n say anything?"

"No, no. He just looked like thunder is all." Admantium grinned.

Brandling groaned. "I have been missing a few training sessions lately. I hope he hasn't heard of my betrayal to Celestia."

The duke's eyes narrowed. "So it was you who told him about Luna's disappearance." he said quietly.

Brandling hung his head ashamedly. "Yes. I got drunk and he had money. If I could turn back time, I'd go and stop myself from drowning myself in all that drink." he lied. Truth is he'd just been feeling greedy that day and wanted some money, for which he could then get drunk.

Admantium sighed. "Alright. Now I must go and attend this infernal meeting of Blueblood's." he said. "Go back to Corellia. Keep her safe."

Brandling saluted and nodded his head once. "I will. Have fun."

"Yeah, yeah." the duke chuckled.

Brandling trotted out and back to Corellia's small home where he had woken up after Pepé and his thugs had beaten him up and left him in the gutter for her to find. Such was the life of a crime-boss's 'guy'.

***

He trotted back to her home and smiled as she opened the door. His smile faltered however as he told her about his meeting with the duke.

"You... help... that monster? Both of them?" she murmured and backed away from him, fear and anger rising in her voice.

"Now, Corry. Please listen-" he started.

She threw a glass at him. "Get out!" she yelled, tears overtaking her as she threw him out. "And never come back, as long as you assist that monster, you are dead to me!" she bawled and slammed the door on him.

Brandling winced as he pleaded wit her, trying to get her to see reason. Eventually he gave up and turned back to the palace barracks, where the remainder of his squad was waiting for him.

Shining glared at him as he smiled sheepish and joined their ranks. "And where have you been?" he growled.

Brandling shrugged. "Oh... around."

Shining grabbed him by the scruff of his neck. "Explain why you've missed training three times this week. Now."

Fizzer nudged his captain as Brandling's face turned purple. "Captain, let him go - else he'll choke."

Shining grunted and released him. He was still upset about Twilight reacting the way she did. More at him for being less blunt than her.

"Sorry, cap'n. I had some stuff that's really important to take care of. I think it's over now." Brandling murmured miserably.

Shining sighed and touched his shoulder. "You're a good soldier, Brand. It's just it makes us look bad when one of us is off doing something else. I didn't mean to snap at you."

Brandling waved his hoof. "It's fine. Seriously. Can we just drop it already?" he grumbled and turned to his bowl of soldier gruel.

Jax nudged the captain and nodded to Brandling as he brooded over his food.

Shining nodded and the two other ponies made a space for them. "What's up, Brand?"

Brandling mumbled something.

"Sorry, didn't catch that." Shining smiled, trying to be friendly, yet a sense of dread was overcoming him.

Brandling looked up, his eyes red and bloodshot. "I've betrayed Celestia." he muttered.

Shining stood up and motioned for Fizzer and Jax to clear the other ponies in the room to leave. He turned back to the obsidian solider. "Care to elaborate?" he asked cautiously.

"Alright, I've been thinking. I did something stupid and told some ponies Luna had disappeared." Brandling said, staring at the captain level headedly. He held up a hoof as Shining Armour opened his mouth. "I did it for money, captain." he muttered bitterly. "And a fat lot of good that's done me."

"That wasn't as bad as you made it sound though." Jax said quietly.

"Yeah, well. I may have told Blueblood. Who now plans to dethrone Celestia. He's gathering a few of the other nobles and prepares for an attack." Brandling whimpered and awaited his captain's harsh words and court-martial.

Nothing came.

Shining stood up and murmured something to Jax. Then he turned to Fizzer and murmured something else.

Brandling glanced up at the three above him. Shining looked down and smiled.

"It's good you told us, Brand." Shining said and tapped his shoulder. "Now come and explain to the princess." he turned to leave and trotted off in the direction of the stairs.

Brandling looked stunned.

Jax and Fizzer had to forcefully move him off the bench and follow Shining he was so stunned.

"Alright, I'm going." he murmured and shook them off, coming to his senses and cantered after the captain.

***

Celestia was furious at the pony who had betrayed her trust. She had bellowed at both Brandling and Shining Armour for about five minuets now after they came to see her.

"Why has he not been arrested yet, captain?" she growled at Shining, who looked just as terrified as Brandling by this point.

"I um... he warned us of the attack by Blueblood, ma'am. Surely he doesn't deserve to be punished yet?" Shining asked hopefully. He had been expecting less of a verbal assault by the princess than this.

"Why in Equestria would you presume that?" Celestia glared at the two ponies cowering before her. Her stress had risen as the media had bombarded her with questions about Luna's sudden disappearance. Now she finds it was one of the ponies she specifically told not to tell anypony, other than Twilight, who had been spreading the rumours around!

"Well, he's a friend and-"

"Silence!" Celestia bellowed.

Shining shook on the spot with visible fear. Brandling was no better. In fact he was far worse, due to her wrath being directed at him.

"Enough. Shining Armour. Arrest that pony immediately. No excuses. He will be trialled after Blueblood's attack. Actually, on second thought." she paused and glared down at Brandling, somewhat admiring his courage for not fleeing when he had the chance. "Who else is involved in the attack Brandling?"

Brandling swallowed nervously and glanced at Shining, who nodded urgently. "Well. I know that Counts Thrace and Obscurus are involved. And Dukes Carim and Aurelius. Oh yeah, and Lord Duke Admantium. Except he-"

Celestia raised a hoof and widened her eyes. "Admantium is against me?" she hissed.

"No, no. He wants to see Blueblood fail and humiliated. I'm not sure why, he claims to have no qualms with you, your highness." Brandling stammered and grovelled again.

Celestia gave a sigh of relief. That's the last thing I need right now: a whole damn army of criminals and organized crime breathing down my neck. I wonder what the good duke has against my treasonous nephew... she thought and shook her head. "I congratulate you for showing true bravery when lesser ponies would have simply fled. Commendable, but you still must face trial." she said and smiled a bit at Brandling.

Brandling looked up and saw her smile. He straightened up and bowed again. "I understand, your majesty. " he turned to his captain. "Take me to the dungeons then cap'n." he smiled sadly, feeling he was not long for this world anymore.

Shining glanced up at Celestia, who nodded and turned to go. He looked back at Brand, the pony whom he'd been friend with for years. The pony who'd single-hoofededly  prevented a griffon invasion using only his wits and keen eye. And now the traitor to the throne and himself. "Come on then." the captain sighed and placed a hoof on Brand's shoulder, guiding him out the door and down to the dungeons.

Celestia glanced over her shoulder and smiled at their bravery again. Brandling for coming to her and revealing his traitourous ways, and Shining for arresting his friend without question. Perhaps that's a bad thing though, sister? Luna's voice whispered.

I know. Are you coming home yet? Celestia thought back, hoping for the voice to be real. Of course it wasn't and gave no response.

The princess of the sun dragged herself up to her room again and waited for Blueblood to strike. If Admantium hates him as much as I, then I have no fears about his ridiculous plan. The other nobles however, will need severe punishment. Perhaps shipping to the edges of the griffon colonies will teach them a few manners and discipline. she chuckled and collapsed onto the bed, picking up the photo album again and flicking through some old photos: one of Luna's eleventh birthday party. One of Celestia creating her first lifeforms, (a small group of insect creatures who thrived on pollen from flowers. More commonly known as bees). This one made Celestia laugh out loud: for it was a picture of her and her sister together, overlooking the world their father had created, their mother by their side, smiling at them.

She missed them both so much and wondered how they could have helped ponies in the world had they still been around. She avoided the word 'alive' for she knew gods do not simply die. Eventually her and her sister's time would come, and their own children would take over perhaps. But, for now, she worried about finding Luna again.

As if an oven light came on inside her head, Celestia picked up the quill on her bedside and began writing a letter to Twilight, detailing her Blueblood's plan and urging her to warn 'Selene' to come home immediately.

She flared the letter up in a green flame and sent it shooting off towards Ponyville.

"Mother guide you, Luna." she murmured and rested her head on the pillow, drifting off to sleep almost instantly.

***

Twilight shook her head in disbelief as she felt something hit her on the shoulder. She glanced around and saw nothing, expecting the recent lack of sleep to be getting to her. Then she looked down and, in the shadow of the dim light, saw the letter with Celestia's royal seal on it. She unfurled it immediately and began to read:

Twilight,

A problem has arisen in Canterlot. I know you are aware of where Luna is and respect your decision to not inform me - I have not been myself recently and cmpletely understand. In fact, I commend your honour and sense of duty to your friends. But now Luna absolutely *must** come home, it is a matter of utmost urgency.*

- Celestia

Twilight blinked in confusion. "Utmost urgency?" she murmured as she re-read the letter, wondering more and more about the informality of the letter. "She must be in danger. I'd better take this to Luna immediately." she made for the door, then stopped. "But she's still with Big Mac." she groaned, feeling sick at seeing him again.

She wondered if he'd told her they kissed. The lavender unicorn whinnied with a mixture of anxiety and an urgency of royal levels. Literally.

After a few moments of worrying and arguing mentally with herself, Twilight finally pushed herself out the library and galloped to Sweet Apple Acres. Only half way did she remember that it was three in the morning. "Maybe a bit too early." she giggled nervously and trotted back home, hoping nopony saw her.

As she reached the door she heard the flapping of heavy wings beating down behind her.

"Twilight Sparkle." a voice called through the night.

Twilight froze. Oh Celestia, what's she doing here? she panicked.

Luna's hoof touched her shoulder and turned her around. "Twilight? Can you not even look at me?"

Twilight's knees wobbled as she looked into the princess's eyes. "I... I..." she stammered, stuck for words.

"I have a... 'proposition' for you." Luna smiled, a tad sadly. "But we should go inside for it." she gestured to the door of the library.

"Oh, of course, p-princess." Twilight murmured, finding her voice again and opening the door, letting the princess in first, then closing and locking it behind her.

"Lovely home. Filled with such knowledge." Luna murmured as she gazed at all the books.

Twilight blushed, "Would you like some tea?"

Luna nodded. "Yes please." she smiled weakly at the unicorn, who trotted off and poured two cups of tea.

"So..." Twilight said, conversationally. "What did you want to speak with me about?"

Luna took a deep breath and rubbed where her horn should be. "I have decided to go back to Canterlot. I feel, seen as how I am immortal, it would not be fair on Big Mac. To see him whither and die while I remain prime and young." she murmured sadly.

Twilight's jaw opened and closed rhythmically

Luna paused and waited to see if Twilight would say anything. She didn't. "So... I would like you to take care of him."

"Princess... are you asking me to... date him?" Twilight whispered.

Luna nodded. "And more. Love him, Twilight Sparkle. Grow old together. Have children. Live a life of love and happiness." she said and embraced Twilight like a sister.

Twilight didn't know what to say. "I... I'm speechless, princess." she murmured as she hugged Luna back.

"You don't need to say anything. Just promise me you will look after him." Luna said and looked into Twilight's eyes, tears brimming her own.

"Of course I will princess. But I thought you two were-" Twilight started. She felt warm tears running down her cheeks. Was this really happening? she wondered.

"Exactly. We were." Luna said and wiped her muzzle. She sniffed and straightened her neck.

"But what does Big Mac think of this?"

"It was his idea. Sort of." Luna replied and smiled softly.

Twilight gasped. "But... but..." she stammered.

Luna hung her head and the smile faded. "We have been talking for a few hours now, trying to find a solution to this problem. This... 'curse' of immortality." she whispered bitterly and looked away. "Eventually we decided that he and you should be together, regardless of my feelings." she smiled and turned back to Twilight. "You are my sister's best student and closest friend. Even if she doesn't show it, she still loves you like another baby sister and I would be honoured to call you as such." she nuzzled the stunned unicorn affectionately.

Twilight fell silent for lack of words again. She sniffed and listened to what the princess had to say.

"Twilight Sparkle." Luna stood up, and flexed her wings. "Will you do as I have asked?"

Twilight also stood up and bowed. "I would be honoured princess."

"Good. I expect an invitation to the wedding." Luna giggled and made poor Twilight blush furiously.

"Of course, Luna." Twilight giggled in response.

They laughed and talked a bit, Luna giving her a few 'pointers' in private areas. She looked up when she felt the first rays of warmth on her cheek from the golden sun. "Now I must go back to my sister and become who I am again. Goodbye Twilight Sparkle. See you in a while." she smiled sweetly and took off towards the train station.

Twilight waved her goodbye, then turned back inside the house and tended her now cold cup of tea. It finally dawned on her what had just happened and she let out a loud laugh and danced happily around for a few minutes.

Owlowicious shook his head at the crazy mare that had disturbed him, and went back to sleep.

***

A few hours earlier

Big Mac gently stroked Luna's mane. She stirred slightly and opened one eye. "Can't sleep?" she asked him when she saw the large black rings under his eyes.

Mac shook his head and leaned down and kissed her. "Ah've been thinking." he murmured as he pulled away and gazed out the window in the direction of Canterlot.

"A dangerous past time." Luna giggled.

Mac scowled jokingly and withdrew his forelegs, allowing her to sit up next to him. "About us."

Luna's ears drooped and she sighed. "I knew this was coming. What do you propose?"

Mac took a deep breath and twitched his ears. "While ah was at Twilight's... we um... kissed." he said quietly.

Luna sighed. "I thought so. You're a terrible liar, Big Macintosh." she said.

Big Mac's eyes darted up and into hers. "You... know?" he whispered and attempted to draw away from her.

She hushed him and pulled him towards her. "Yes."

Mac gulped as he watched him. "Well um... ah kind of have feelings... for her..." he murmured and cringed, awaiting the blows.

Luna sighed again. "Then you should be with her." she said sadly.

"No, no. Ah want to be with you." Mac protested.

"Shhh. You deserve somepony better than me, Big Macintosh. Somepony your own age, who will grow old with you. Unlike me who will watch as you whither and die, feeling my own heart being broken." Luna whispered and kissed him again.

"Ah..." Mac stammered. "Ah don't want to lose you."

"You never will. I'll always hold you in my heart, my love." she whispered and pressed her nose against his. "So it's agreed then: you and Twilight Sparkle shall be together, while I return to my royal duties at Canterlot."

Mac pressed his lip onto hers and silenced her. "Don't be so formal." he scolded her jokingly.

Luna smiled and kissed him back. "Sorry. Anyway, I say you should settle down with her."

Big Mac turned a deeper shade of red. "Well, um... that's interestin'." he murmured.

Luna chuckled at his embarrassment. "I'll go and speak to her, you appearing and claiming the two of you should be wed might push her over the edge, the poor dear."

Mac nodded stiffly and wiped a few tears from his eyes. "Alright."

They looked into each other's eyes and threw themselves at one another. Their tongues intertwined in one last night together, before the princess returned.

Mac picked her up and gently dropped her on the sofa, kissing her neck lovingly.

Luna could feel herself getting ready for their final act of intimacy and gladly welcomed it. Who knows now long the next time love would play a part in her life would be? she thought as he took her, rocking backwards and forwards.

When they had finished, Luna straightened her mane and slipped out the door, leaving mac resting on the sofa with a large grin on his face.

"Goodbye, Big Macintosh." she whispered as she closed the door and left the farm behind her.

She sped off towards Ponyville and to Twilight's library where she saw the unicorn trotting back to her home.

"Twilight Sparkle." she called as she landed behind her.

She noticed that the unicorn had frozen. She gently touched her shoulder and turned her around, her eyes bearing into Twilight's as she avoided her gaze. "Twilight? Can you not even look at me?"

Twilight's gaze shifted from around Luna to Luna. "I... I..." she mumbled.

"I have a... 'proposition' for you." Luna said quietly and gestured to the door, "But we should go inside first." We'll most likely need seats for what we are about to discuss. she thought worriedly.

Twilight hurried to the door and opened it wide, letting the princess in first.

Luna nodded her head respectively and began to explain her and Mac's idea.

***

As Luna took off towards the train station, tears took her mid-flight. She expected this, after leaving her friends and her recent life behind to rejoin her sister's side. What she didn't expect, however, was the small army gathered at the train station.

"There she is!" one of the guards shouted and pointed to Luna. "There's the fugitive! Arrest her!"

Luna flapped down and stood before the pony who'd called out to her as the other guards surrounded her. "What is the meaning of this?" she demanded, her voice resonating in the small stations space.

The guard cleared his throat and took out a scroll. "By order of her majesty, Princess Celestia - Co-Ruler of Equestria and Benefactor Of All Ponies-"

"Yes, yes, I know my sister's title. Why are you here guardspony?" Luna demanded, fear rising in her voice.

The guard looked at her stunned. "S-sister?" he stammered.

Luna rolled her eyes. "I'll explain on the way to Canterlot. I am returning after my long absence."

The guard motioned for the ponies surrounding her to step back. "Alright, princess. Start explaining." he growled and gestured to the golden chariot next to him.

She nodded and climbed in.

"Hyah!" the guard cried as he climbed in after her to the two pegasi chariot runners. The contingent of guard took formation alongside the chariot as it sped towards the capital.

***

As they arrived outside the palace doors, Luna gracefully floated out the chariot and strode up to the large door, kicking it open with a forceful push of her front hooves, making the guards cower in fear.

She stormed up to Celestia's room, putting on a face of fake anger, secretly relieved to be home after so long. The night princess banged on the door as loudly as possible. The door swung open and a face popped out.

And there she was: the picture of grumpiness. "What is it?" Celestia growled at the small pegasus below her.

Luna looked up at her. "Don't you recognize me, sister?" she smiled.

Celestia's face softened as she picked up Luna and hugged her. "Oh, Lulu! I've missed you so much!" she cried, tears flowing down her cheeks.

Luna struggled for air under her big sister's crushing hug. She tapped her sister's shoulder and the big princess dropepd her, then ushered her inside.

Inside the sleeping chambers, Celestia scolded her sister. "You had me worried sick!"

"I know. I'm sorry-"

"Sorry? Oh sorry makes everything better!" Celestia shouted.

Luna felt her knees buckle. "Listen-"

"No! You listen! Thanks to you I've had little to no sleep these past few days!" Celestia raged. "Do you have any idea how stressful raising the moon, while it's current owner still isn't banished, is? As well as the sun?!"

"'Tia, please stop." Luna whimpered.

Celestia noticed her sister's fear and hugged her again, her wings enclosing around the pegasus before her. "Sorry. I've missed you so much. Let's never fight like that again." she said and smiled.

"Agreed." Luna said, flustered.

"Now. First thing's first. Let's get you back to your original, alicorn self before you stay like that forever." Celestia said and brought a wing around Luna.

The alicorn guided her to a large bookshelf. "This one should do it." she murmured and pulled out a large book. "'Counter Spells For Dummies'." she said proudly.

Luna rolled her eyes. "Really?"

Celestia scowled, then laughed. "Hey, it's been useful before. Now hold still." she told her sister and began reading the spells off, one by one. "'Reversal Petrification Spell', no... 'Reverse Purple Boil Spell', no... aha! Here it is: 'Returning One's Little Sister Into Her Rightful self'." she chuckled.

"Does it really say that?" Luna asked and tried to look at the book, but Celestia moved it away and up to the top of the shelf.

"Ah, ah. Here." Celestia grinned and cast the spell on her little sister, bringing up to her full height and wincing at her screams of pain as her horn grew back and her wings elongated.

There was a flash of light and Celestia shielded her eyes. When she uncovered them, there sat a small huddle of dark blue and starry mane. She smiled and gingerly walked forwards. "Lulu?" she murmured, her smile faltering with each stride.

Luna sat up and shook her head. "Am I normal?" she whispered and glanced around her body. Indeed she was the Princess Luna she knew. She smiled sadly.

"What's wrong, Luna?" Celestia asked as her smile grew back and she nuzzled her sister.

"Oh, I'll tell you later- ahh!" she cried and doubled over, clutching her belly.

"Luna!" Celestia screamed and rushed to her sister's aid. "What is it?"

"I... don't know..." Luna whispered as another stroke of blinding pain took her again.

Celestia's horn lit up and enveloped Luna, carrying her out the room and down to the palace infirmary. "Make way!" she bellowed at the small crowd of ponies that swarmed around the infirmary. "Make way!"

All ponies in the room parted and pressed themselves as far up against the walls as possible as Celestia, carrying Luna, stormed through them.

She placed her sister on a bed and stepped back, glaring at the doctor. "What has happened to my sister?" she growled at him.

"I um...." the doctor gulped and placed a stethoscope on her chest. "I'm not sure, but it seems that she is-"

"Princess Celestia!" Shining Armour called out.

Celestia shifted her gaze from her unconcious sister and turned ot Shining. She gasped when she saw him. "Where have you been captain?"

Shining was covered, head to hoof, in sewage like substances. "No time to explain. Blueblood is attacking!"

Celestia froze. "I thought your friend said three days?" she said slowly.

"He did, but Blueblood had gotten wind that you know of his plans and moves against you now!" Shining said to the princess.

Celestia sighed and heaved herself away from her sister and stormed out the palace, onto the balcony. Sure enough, down below, was a small army of ponies, pushing against the gates of the palace.

She growled and swooped down, signalling several pegasi to join her. "Gather the guards, Shining Armour." she commanded him as she hovered in the air for a few moments. "Do not let them in the palace." she warned him, then dived into the fray.

Shining saluted and galloped off to the barracks.

The doctors and nurses around Princess Luna exchanged worried glances and began fussing over her.

***

Blueblood sneered as his informant told him Brandling had revealed his plans. "I knew he was a good for nothing criminal." he growled. "Inform the nobles: we attack today."

The servant bowed and scurried away, fearing to incur his master's wrath any further.

Blueblood turned back to his previous engagement. "Now, where were we?" he grinned and stroked her feathers again. A different servant girl to Corellia. A griffon this time. This was new. "What is your name, my dear?" he whispered in her ear, smiling at her moans of pleassure as he kissed her.

"Your slave, my lord." she moaned.

He recoiled from her as if struck by some invisible blow. "Excuse me?"

"I am yours to do with as you please, my master." she grinned and pressed her rear against him, swishing her lion-like tail against him.

Blueblood smiled and regained his composure. "Finally, somepony who understands something." he gently began nibbling her back and in between her wings.

Suddenly, the door burst open, and there stood Pepé, with Mr Twelve Trees at his side, grinning like a mad pony. "You're dead meat, boy." the hulking brute growled at the prince.

Seeing her opportunity, the griffon next to him swiped viciously at his leg, slicing it open with one of her sharp talons. "That's for Corellia, you sick buck." she growled and spat on his face as he rolled on the floor, clutching his leg. "And all females everywhere, be they griffon or pony."

"What? But... I..." he stammered as Twelve Trees walked over to him.

"Lord Duke Admantium The First sends his regards." he grinned and savagely struck Blueblood across the face, knocking him out cold.

The three ponies dragged his unconscious body to the location their boss had told them.

Oh they were going to have fun in the next few hours.

***

The servant pony relayed the message to Counts Thrace and Obscurus, informing them of the change in plans.

The two counts' hurried to their work, going to and fro, busying themselves with readying their armies. Dukes Aurelius and Carim readied their own solider and, forgoing the prince's plan, attacked the palace head on.

A few of Carim's soldiers had stolen into the sewers, intending to come up out the dungeons. What they didn't count on, however, was an angry guard captain and three of his best soldiers at his side.

"What?" Shining muttered when he heard a noise coming from the sewer grate in the middle of the floor.

Brandling looked out miserably from his cell at the shaking grate.

Fizzer and Jax exchanged glances and readied their weapons.

A group of several ponies, clad in the regalia of House Carim and wielding savage looking weapons burst forth from the sewer grate.

The three un caged ponies back away from them while Brandling watched with mild amusement. He quietly hung back and waited for the closest one to him to come just a bit further closer.

He struck, grabbing the pony by his neck and twisting it, grimacing at the loud crack.

The other invaders glanced around at their fallen comrade.

Shining whistled and he, Jax, and Fizzer leapt forwards, engaging the enemy with their own weapons. Shining lit up his horn and disabled the magical lock around Brandling's cell door.

Brandling nodded and picked up one of the invader's sword, driving it through another of the invaders.

The two groups clashed with the dreary light of the dungeons, steel on steel. The loyalists' golden armour glinting when the light hit it.

Soon, the traitors fled, and Shining jumped after them, down the sewer hole, cutting down a few with his sword made of dark pink magic.

Jax and Fizzer charged after them, while Shining crawled back up and looked at Brandling.

"I'll go with them. Go warn Celestia." he told his captain and dove after his friends.

Shining grinned at his friends bravery, both bouts of it today, and galloped up the stairs and towards Celestia's chambers, where he hard her voice bellowing on the way to the infirmary. Oh no, what's happened? he thought with dread. He charged in the direction of her voice.

"Princess Celestia!" he cried when he saw the back of her head and her royal form huddled over something on the bed.

She turned to him and gasped when she saw the sewage on him. "Where have you been captain?" she asked, perplexed at his appearance.

Shining glanced around him and noticed he was indeed covered in some gooey substance from the small time he was in the sewers. How in Equestria did this much grime get on me? he wondered then shook his head. "No time to explain. Blueblood is attacking!"

***

One hour prior to the attack

Lord Duke Admantium stood before a ramshackle little house in the slums of Canterlot, where Brandling had given him the directions for. "I hope I'm wrong about this." he murmured and knocked on the door gently.

It creaked open, and there stood a young mare, who'd clearly been crying. "Can I help you?" she sniffed at him.

"Is this the address of one: Miss Corellia?" he asked cautiously.

She straightened her neck. "It might be. Why?" she eyed him suspiciously.

"My colleagues and I are investigating prince Blueblood, for reasons to his behaviour around certain mares. Would you mind if I asked a series of questions?" he asked calmly and smiled, hoping his feeling was wrong and the prince hadn't been doing what he thought to his daughter.

Corellia began trembling uncontrollably and started to hyperventilate.

"There, there, my dear. If you have any information, I would advise you to elaborate." the duke murmured gently.

Corellia nodded. "Alright, please, come in." she opened the door wide enough for him to enter. "What's your name, sir?" she asked as she led him to the two chairs in front of the fire place.

"Professor Arcanium, of her majesty's official noble investigation segment." Admantium lied. It felt refreshing to get out and do his own dirty work for a change. Plus he wouldn't have dared ask Pepé to come see her.

"Oh. That's an impressive title." Corellia smiled softly.

He noticed the shards of broken glass on the floor, "May I ask, what happened here?" he asked.

"Oh... a friend. We had a bit of a disagreement and I'd had a bit too much to drink." she murmured sadly. "Oh, Brandling... I'm sorry."

The duke's ears pricked up at his friends mention. "Brandling eh?"

Corellia blushed. "Yes. That was his name."

"I know a Brandling. I'll have to talk to him and convince him to come back." Admantium smiled again, worrying what they had been arguing about. Probably you, you old goat. his inner voice told him.

"First thing's first though, my dear. Tell me about Blueblood, in your own time, of course." he said and flipped out a notebook.

Corellia shuddered and began to tell him about all his... 'activities'. Before and after she started working for him.

The duke's rage boiled inside him. i knew he was sick, but so many mares? He will be punished. He stood up slowly. "Thank you for all the information, miss. Now I shall take my leave of you. Long days and pleasant nights to you, ma'am." he nodded and bowed respectively. I'll have to send her some money to get out this awful place. Maybe to Seaddle or Fillydelphia.

Corellia nodded and showed him out. She turned back to her chair and sank lower, faintly recognizing that smell. She bolted up when she finally remembered where she'd seen his grizzled face before.

The young mare bolted to the door and flung it open, "Father?" she called out to the dark. No response. She slowly went back inside and wept. "Why had he come? How did he know about Blueblood? Unless..." she trailed off. "Brandling." she breathed. "Perhaps he was telling the truth after all, and my father has changed." she murmured and curled up by the fire.

***

The duke's rage had reached a boiling point. He stormed through his house and up to his office, where Pepé, Twelve Trees and Lady Grayfeather were waiting for him.

"So glad you could join us, Lady." he bowed respectively to the griffon.

Grayfeather nodded in approval. "I've heard of this foul brute called Blueblood. My current assistant's sister worked for him. She hung herself shortly after accepting the job. Now we know why." she growled.

"Indeed. Twelve Trees, take Pepé and wait for the word from Lady Grayfeather." The duke commanded.

Twelve Trees bowed. "Of course sir."

Pepé grunted in acknowledgement.

"Good. Once you have him, knock him out and take him to this address." he scribbled down an address of an old warehouse on the edges of the city. "Have him strung up like the pig he is, but do nothing until i arrive. Understand?" he warned them all.

Grayfeather raised a claw. "And how, do you propose, that I infiltrate his estate?"

Admantium chuckled. "Yourself of course. We know he likes females. That's why I brought you, my dear."

Grayfeather ruffled her feathers. "This is outrageous. I like it." she grinned at the duke.

"Excellent." the duke clapped his hooves and sat down in his large chair. "Now go, make sure he believes you are willing to bend to his every wish. Then bend his every wish." he grinned manically.

Grayfeather giggled when she realized what he meant. "At once, my lord." she said with a sultry tone.

Pepé chuckled like a goon. "Hurr hurr. Good one boss."

Twelve Trees tutted in disapproval. "So crude. Yet so deliciously fitting."

"Now go, perform the foul deed I have planned for you. Remember: no funny business until I get there." he waved a hoof at them as they bowed and left.

After they left, the duke began his work to defeat the other noble's armies, surely they had gotten wind of good Brandling's betrayal to them and moved against Celestia early. "Ahhh Brandling, you old fool." he sighed and sat back in his chair. "I told you to look after my daughter, not start a petty argument about me." he sighed and began filling out release papers for his friend. "I'm sure Celestia will understand." he wheezed.