Sunrise at Moon Watch

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10

Chapter 1

It was a week or two since the Tirek incident. Life in Ponyville had, if not returned to normal, at least started that direction. Soon Twilight would be contacted for another wild ride on the friendship train, through a magic mirror into a battle of the bands. For now though, she had a brand new crystal castle to move into, and while it might look nice, it was seriously lacking in comfort. The Tree of Harmony might enjoy sitting on hard crystal benches, but most ponies did not. Tigers either for that matter.

Thus it was that Robert found himself levitating an entire sofa through the immense double doors of the crystal castle. “You really should come up with a name for this place.” he said to Twilight, who was busy directing other furniture moving ponies with their tasks.

“What? Why?” she asked, looking over her shoulder at him for a moment. Just long enough for a minor disaster to occur. She turned her attention back.

“Because I keep thinking of it as the Crystal Castle, and your sister-in-law and Princess won't like ponies getting confused.” Robert said, waiting patiently.

“Technically it's called the Friendship Castle. After all it's the bonds of friendship that built it.” Twilight reminded him. “And don't call him that.”

“You don't hear Celestia and Luna calling the Castle Canter, Stonemasonry Castle, do you?” Robert chuckled. “And I'll stop calling him that when it stops amusing me.”

“I still don't understand that name. It doesn't make sense.” she sighed. “Can you not do it around me at least?”

“As my Princess commands, so shall I obey.” Robert bowed. Twilight huffed. “If you don't like the title, don't give orders.”

“That was a request.” Twilight clarified.

“I see. Then as your friend I shall honor it. And speaking of friendly things, did you know there's actually a Tiger Tradition for house warming gifts for houses that magically sprout out of the ground?” Robert asked curiously.

“You're joking.” Twilight said, not rising to the bait.

“I am not. I even spoke to Dawn-seer to be sure.” that caused Twilight to turn. Chaos ensued for a moment behind her, before the furniture movers got used to working without 'help' again.

“Your mentor? How? He's not here is he? I mean, he's still in the...” she looked at him.

“Tribelands. Yes, he's still there.” Robert replied.

“Then how did you talk to him?” Twilight asked.

“I spoke to him in the dream.” Robert shrugged.

“Didn't you tell me you couldn't do that?” Twilight asked.

“I have no natural talent for it, true. But I also recall that you had no natural talent for walking on clouds. Like you, I over came my limitation with spellcraft. Of course I was taught to do so, while you found it on your own.” Robert shrugged. “That being said, where might I put my gift, because it is becoming quite weighty as time passes.”

“Oh.” Twilight blinked. “Ummm.... how about in here.” she trotted through a door, and into another room. Robert followed. The sofa caught on the door. He did not bang it on the doorway. It disappeared in a flash of light and reappeared near the ceiling inside the room. “Just against the wall there.” Twilight pointed. Robert set it down. “Thank you.”

“You're welcome.” she paused. “Why is there a tradition of gift giving when houses sprout out of the ground?”

“Because traditionally our houses were grown in place. Plant some saplings apply some magic, boom, instant house.” she blinked.

“Really? I mean, I thought it took years to make an entire house out of trees. I read that the library took almost fifty and it was already old when the town was founded.” Twilight paused, eyes tearing up. She shook it off after a moment.

“True enough, however, what is a true house, and what is the minimum amount to keep your head out of the weather are two different things. We however do not have access to the kind of Earth pony magic necessary to use the interiors of large trees as homes. So instead we let many smaller trees grow into each other to form the walls.” he considered it. “Most of the time the sight is chosen in the fall, and magic is laid into the ground where the saplings will be planted. The magic remains... not idle, nor dormant. Passive I guess. It spends the winter drawing off some of the energy shed by the nature of things existing, and holds onto it. Come spring, the snow is removed gently to avoid disturbing the magic, and and then saplings are planted around it's edge.” Robert smiled. From out of the huge pile of stuff being moved into the castle, she'd found pad and quill and ink and was writing everything down. “The type depends on what kind of building you're trying to build, but most go with oak. Once they're in place, a second piece of magic is laid over the first, just a bit larger to encompass the saplings. Then magic is applied to the first spell and it expends it's energy into the area between itself and the second circle. That makes the trees grow big quickly, and at the same time strengthens and stretches their roots down toward water.”

“Doesn't accelerating the growth like that cause a problem?” Twilight asked. Robert nodded.

“It can. Sometimes it's not just the tree that gets accelerated. Any diseases it has are also accelerated. I have seen a few home trees that grew into great, beautiful houses, that then toppled or had a hole in them after a sick tree died. And on at least one occasion we had a giant beetle that attacked after we grew a house.”

“How giant?” Twilight asked, eyebrow raised for a Rainbow Dash quality tall tale.

“About the size of Winona.” Robert said, raising a paw to demonstrate. “Ash borers are nasty enough when they're tiny.” he paused. “Tasty though.” Twilight looked ill. “He tried to eat me first.”

“That's disgusting.” Twilight pointed out. “Anyway, it's funny you should mention Cadance and Shining.” Robert's eyes narrowed.

“Why?” he asked suspiciously.

“They're coming down next week to 'officially welcome me as a princess'. I guess it's not required until I have my own castle or something.” Twilight sighed. “I just hope this doesn't turn into a 'thing'.”

“Probably won't be that bad.” Robert shrugged. “Most of the kingdoms aren't so close, and mostly they'll send an emissary, or possibly an ambassador. I suggest you take a day in Canterlot and work out a single date when you can have them all over in one group, something like an official function. Ask Cadance, I'm sure she had one after she took control of the empire.”

“Good idea.” Twilight scribbled it on a new sheet. Undoubtedly a checklist. “Let's see.... furniture in: Check. Restock library: Working on it. Waiting on a shipment from Celestia. Hire staff: Apparently not allowed to list Spike as everything.” Robert chuckled.

“Having a staff is not THAT big of a deal.” he shook his head. “Look, this place is huge. Chances are, that even you can't keep it going yourself. Unless you seal every room you're not using. Then it's just a waste of space.”

“I don't really want a bunch of ponies hanging around, getting underfoot.” Twilight said, shaking her head. “It's bad enough with the movers.”

“Don't worry about it too much.” Robert shrugged. “The staff doesn't have to be too large. Maybe eight ponies maximum. And only one or two full-timers. A seneschal and a herald are must haves, and the only full-timers you need.”

“Why those two?” Twilight asked.

“The seneschal is basically a living appointment book. He'll make appointments for you in free time slots and tell anyone who doesn't have an appointment to come back later or make one. Moreover he can be present at any meetings and take notes in your place so you can devote your attention to the pony at hoof and then go over everything afterwards. Unless you have a separate secretary for that job. I'd advise having one for use during appointments where you don't want to be disturbed, so the Seneschal can remain at the gate and ward away the unwelcome.” Robert nodded.

“Okay, and the Herald?” Twilight asked.

“That's easy enough. Not every noble wants to be announced, but some do warrant such a thing, and on occasion you'll want to make a grand entrance and being announced does that.” Robert shrugged. “Just please, do not be like the Saddle Arabians, and use a three-piece kazoo band.” he shuddered.

“They really did that?” Twilight asked. He nodded. “I'll remember to say no.”

“Thank you.”

Chapter 2

Wind rustled through the pines, dancing through the branches as it swept down out of the mountain passes. The wind was the loudest thing in the valley as an earth pony walked, eyes scanning the brush around him. It was hard to think of a sun yellow pony moving stealthily, yet this one managed. It was the result of not inconsiderable practice, and he kept it up as if his life depended on it. His quarry slipped through the woods nearly so quietly, risking the slight peak of sound for speed, hoping it would be lost in the wind. It was, but the yellow pony caught sight of movement in the wrong direction and continued his stalk. He did not need speed to catch his quarry. Steady movement and a properly chosen moment to strike would lend him all the advantage he needed. If he should have more, all the better, but he would create what he required.

The long train snaked it's way south from the Crystal Empire. No mere single carriage affair, the ten car train carried the royalty of the great northern empire and was polished to a shine fit for such nobility. Cadance was pretty sure they'd gone overboard. Shining was completely certain. His proclamation that the goggles did nothing hadn't strictly won him any friends amidst those who'd done the polishing, but the chuckles from the guards had shown him his audience wasn't entirely unappreciative.

Cadance had merely given a wifely sigh of long suffering impatience, to the appreciation of the polishers, and to further chuckles from several guards whom she was aware were married themselves. A few of the younger, and unattached guards hadn't gotten the joke, to the further amusement of those that had.

The fact that several ponies had very nearly been struck blind by a particularly spectacular sunrise, had lead to an impromptu repaint and strict orders not to giggle at the repaint. The coating of the crystal locomotive and carriages, had been done with the only thing immediately to hoof, which unfortunately turned out to be several dozen gallons of pink hoof polish. No one seemed interested in asking why they had that.

The train stopped in Trottingham. The entire guard contingent vanished into the city and came back with a small hardware store. It took longer to remove the polish than apply the paint.

Twilight was waiting for them at the train station, with the other elements when they arrived. She and Cadance did their dance and laughed.

“It's been too long Twilight.” Cadance grinned. “Well, except for that Tirek thing.”

“Hey Twily.” Shining ruffled her mane.

“Hey BBBFF.” she grinned. “It has been too long. So is there some protocol for this kind of thing?” Twilight asked. “I looked it up. I did research and I couldn't find anything. You're not really foreign dignitaries, you don't fall under the Pax Crystalis anymore...” she trailed off.

“No protocol's.” Cadance chuckled. “We checked.”

“Good. Maybe I should write some?” Groans met the suggestion and Twilight laughed. “I'm kidding. Mostly.” Shining reached out and ruffled her mane.

“Come on Twiley, let's see this castle of yours.” he laughed. She pushed him off, and led the way, laughing.

Twilight showed them into the main library. As opposed to her private library, her research library, her study library, and what she referred to as the little fillies library. Already the books were piling high in the room.

“The good part is that the majority of the books were in the cellar, and since smoke rises, most of them were undamaged. Sadly, the water from the fire crew damaged a few of them, but they were just trashy romance novels so no loss.” Cadance opened her mouth to have a few words in defense of those novels, but Twilight cut her off. “Fortunately, Rarity had a complete collection, so we're borrowing hers until we get a new set printed off.”

“Twilight, I'm surprised that you'd count even fictional books as trash.” Cadance admitted.

“What? No, it's... here.” Twilight's horn flickered to life and a book levitated off the shelf, over for Cadance to read.

“The Garbage Mare and her stallion.” Cadance laughed. “Got me there.” Twilight returned the book to it's resting place.

“She did indeed.” Robert chuckled from the door way. “Your majesty.” he bowed with one leg. “Princess.” Cadance rolled her eyes, and Twilight glared.

“Ah, Sir Fluffikins.” Shining replied with a bow of his own. Robert laughed.

“Very good. And only eight months. A new record for you.” Shining turned red for a moment before Cadance touched his shoulder. “Twilight? Spike wanted me to remind you that it's almost three?”

“Three? Oh, right the zoning commission.” she sighed. “Who's turn is it today?”

“The mayor.” Robert replied. “Looks like her Cravat is in a bunch.”

“We did... okay. I'll be right there.” Twilight said. Robert nodded and disappeared.

“So, I see he found his way here.” Shining said.

“He did.” Twilight nodded. “He came to study with Zecora. She said it won't be much longer, and she's away arranging what she needs for his final exam.”

“Oh?” Cadance said, eyebrow raised.

“She gave me a list, but it was all in Zebra. I guess some of it's kind of far away.”

“What's he doing here?” Shining asked.

“He's serving as my Seneschal until I find a permanent pony for the job.” Twilight shrugged. “I better go see the zoning commission.”

“I didn't build the castle. It was grown organically by magic. I'm claiming the organic housing exception.” Twilight dropped the relevant book on the table.

“Doesn't apply. The castle is not a living structure.” the mayor plonked an equally large tome on the table. “As such I'll have to fine you for not acquiring the necessary permits.”

“Is that all?” Twilight skittered a manila folder across the table. “I'm glad Princess Luna gave me these when I was coronated.”

“These are undated.” Mayor mare commented.

“Not exactly.” Twilight replied. “They're open dated. Good for one castle, anytime, anyplace.”

The mayor read through the documents. “Okay. They look all in order then.” she stamped them approved.

“Good. Any more hoops I'm missing?” Twilight asked.

“Well, there's a complaint from the local flower growers association.” the mayor held up a folder.

“Now what's Roseluck complaining about?” Twilight asked, burying her head in her hooves.

“It seems you're shading her green house.” the mayor replied, reading through the folder.

“Great. How exactly am I going to fix that? Move the castle?”

“That does seem to be the gist of her request.” the mayor admitted. “It is a question of lively hood.”

“Oh good.” Twilight smiled. Minutes later, she joined the mayor at the top of the castle, with surveying equipment. “Now, where exactly is her greenhouse?” she asked, quill already sketching the area around the castle. The mayor pointed it out. The quill sketched it in. Then Twilight began making calculations.

“Princess, I don't know if this is such a good idea...” the mayor spoke just a moment too late. Magenta light flickered from a purple horn, and light refracted through the castle. The shade in which the green house had sat was replaced with a vaguely purple tinted sunlight.

“See? You've just got to learn to trust me.” Twilight said. Which was exactly the moment when the giant rose burst through the top of the greenhouse, carrying a screaming Roseluck. Twilight threw herself into the air, and rose after the unfortunate mare. Down below, smaller roses shattered through the sides of the green house as they grew legs and began to attack bystanders. Rainbow Dash was the first pony to respond, diving in head first, and coming away coated in thorns for her trouble.

“Don't get close. Ow!” she screamed as other ponies approached. Applejack took the advice to heart, and began launching chunks of stone with powerful kicks. The first flower monster went down from a lucky blow just below the petals of it's head. “Darned hippies.” the earth pony grumbled.

“This is just not ri-ight!” Rarity griped, dodging a spray of thorns. “I should be working, not gardening.” her horn glowed and slashed a limb off one of the rose monsters. It grew back almost instantly.

“Needs more fire.” Pinkie announced. The party cannon went off, blowing a rose to shreds. Which began regenerating into more monsters. “Yes, much more fire.” she pushed the party cannon away, and pulled out a long tube, dripping flame from one end. The horde of monsters went down in a burst of brilliant flame.

“What'n tarnation is that?” Pinkie turned the tube so she could read it. “Candle lighter 9000. 'Course it is.” The aforementioned tube turned another rose into dust on the wind and Pinkie just grinned.

“Don't worry, I can fix it!” Twilight called triumphantly, setting a thoroughly unamused, and completely horrified Roseluck on the castle balcony with the Mayor. Her horn flared to life again, and once more light burst through the castle. And faded away, leaving the giant rose mostly in the shade.

“How's about somethin' a little more fast actin'?” Applejack asked.

“Oh, right.” a book flew out of one of the windows and landed in front of her. “Ah, here we go. Greenhorn's Pesky Perennial Pruner.” Twilight's horn glowed. It really says something, when ponies are less inclined to complain about dodging foot thick, five foot wide slices of giant rose, than they are about fighting mutant rose monsters. What it says is up to the imagination.

“Well.” the mayor prodded one of the pieces of greenhouse with a hoof. “I believe we can write this one off as a magical accident.” Roseluck blinked, and opened her mouth for an indignant reply. “Which of course means crown compensation.” teeth clicked as the other mare shut her mouth. “And perhaps an exchange of land? Something on the southern end of town where you get the mid-afternoon shade you require without a complete blockage of the sun?”

“Yes, that sounds just the thing after such a terrible accident.” Roseluck agreed.

“Delighted to hear it.” the Mayor smiled. “I'll send some pony along with the paperwork as soon as I get back to my office.”

“Thank you Mayor.” Roseluck said. She paused a moment. “And thank you Princess for your help.”

“Heh, the least I could do.” Twilight said, wincing slightly. Roseluck pretended not to notice and walked off. She was wobbling slightly, but Golden Harvest gave her a shoulder to lean on.

“That could have gone better.” Rainbow nodded, landing beside the other two.

“Could have gone worse.” the mayor acknowledged. “At least that's the last of the complaints.”

Chapter 3

Sunrise, is a magical time of the day. Light burns away old magic, washes away curses, and warms the hearts of those that watch it. And there are few places to watch it more pleasing than from the top of a mountain. The tip top of a castle will do in a pinch. Pegasi, being naturally superior in matters of altitude claim clouds beat both. Robert sat on the top of the castle, one leg wrapped around the pole, and pointedly ignoring the pegasi. The sun rose on schedule and on course. He jotted the angle down in his notebook. Wings spread out, he leapt, and glided down from the peak, swirling down to the balcony of the castle. Flaring, he touched down softly, and the wings vanished in a burst of orange light. He reached up and tapped the door. Purple magic twisted the handles, letting him into the bedroom.

“Good Morning Twilight.” Robert said, inclining his head.

“You don't have to bow.” she pointed out, still brushing tangles out of her mane.

“Necessity has little to do with it. Though as I am serving you in an official capacity, some deference is expected.” he shrugged. “So, what are your plans for today?”

“I didn't have anything planned I'd need you for, but I keep getting these.” she levitated a handful of letters, sent through the conventional mail system to him. He picked them up in his magic, and read through them.

“Ah. It would appear that it has started.” he said, folding and returning the letters to their envelopes.

“What has?” Twilight asked.

“The push to court.” he replied. “I have been told that Princess Luna had a similar 'grace period' to readjust to modern life. Then they pushed her into holding court so they could get her to agree to things that Celestia would never have approved.”

“What happened?” Twilight asked curiously.

“It would seem that Luna is more clever than they gave her credit for. If she couldn't see all the angles of a plot straight away, she'd ask for a day to 'sleep' on it, and show it to Celestia. And then she'd either give them a... ahem ROYAL reaming, or pass the matter to the day court as not falling within her purview. And Celestia would give them her disappointed head shake.” Twilight shuddered involuntarily. “Of course there is the I presume purely anecdotal story about the noble who attempted to slip the closing of an orphanage into a bill to build a new mansion.”

“That's... where the new statue came from.” Twilight coughed.

“Not for me to say, just what I have heard.” Robert shrugged. “It is of course your choice to even hold court. While you are indeed Royalty, and thus entitled to do so, you are also not required to, given the presence of two other active courts in the land.” he considered it a moment. “Though anything particularly odious, or onerous could be transferred to the Crystal Throne. And then back again. Only the most determined of malcontents would be willing to undertake such a long journey more than the once.”

“That's cruel.” Twilight said, shaking her head.

“It is that. And yet effective.” he examined her schedule. “There's a free period just following lunch. I believe a short open court could do wonders for your experience, and still leave you time to relax before the next scheduled event.”

“I guess it would be okay?” Twilight considered it. “What would I have to do?”

“Mostly sit and listen to whatever complaints are brought forward. Should be no different than listening to the complaints at the trade fair. Hopefully none of those who sent these letters are around to hear about it.”

“It can't be that bad. I mean, we're all friends here, right? I mean, some ponies don't gt along, but really, how bad can disagreements between friends be?” Twilight's tone was altogether too hopeful. Robert remembered the advice: Never miss an opportunity to say nothing. This one was waving a flag at him.

Twilight's eyes were starting to glaze over. She'd set aside an hour following her lunch, presuming to get through three or four disputes. She'd been in Celestia's court often enough to know that more than that was hoping beyond hope. Her mind idly ran the probabilities that listening to Lord Hardstone was some kind of cosmic balancing effort against all the good she had done for ponykind. If it was, she decided, somepony needed to stop the Princess train, because she was getting off right here.

The worst part, said the bits of her brain still listening, was that he had a point. Several of them. All of them good ones. He'd done research. Good research, said a very impressed part of her brain. Not as good as Twilight's research, when she'd done it as a thought experiment. She'd covered all the good points, then moved on to the massive laundry list of bad points.

“Lord Hardstone.” Twilight tried her calm voice. It attempted to cut through the droning, but was rebuffed as solidly as a plastic spork digging stone. “LORD HARDSTONE.” her stern voice, more potent than her calm one, got his attention, enough to make a smile touch his lips that she was still listening. “LORD HARDSTONE.” The Royal Canterlot voice was not an inside toy. Even so, it cut through the sound, and if it made a few ears ring, it was worth the cessation of his voice. After a few minutes, the ringing in her own ears ran down.

“Lord Hardstone. I admit, that I to have given the matter some consideration. And while I appreciate the effort you have undergone, I must unfortunately inform you that it is for naught. Moving Cloudsdale into permanent position over Canterlot to shade it, is an unviable long term solution. Not least because Princess Celestia needs to be able to see the sun to raise it, but also to be able to lower it. In addition, should it become stuck overhead, it would evaporate the city eventually, causing a not at all gentle rain of Pegasi and their possessions. Given the average size of the pegasus ancestral home, and the accumulated... memorandum within, I estimate it would be sufficient to knock Canterlot off the side of the mountain.” Twilight paused momentarily for breath. “Furthermore, such an action would kill off all plant life within the city in short order, leaving it unable to grow any of it's own food. And while the rest of Equestria is able to provide foodstocks, such an effort would be unsustainable, and would rapidly lead to famine. Not to mention medical diseases caused from lack of sunlight.”

“Well... I am quite certain that...” Hardstone began, before Twilight cut him off.

“Unless you intend on living on the fungal growth beneath the cloud cover. Which would of course require corpses for those vital nutrients which are not provided by normal manure.” she waited.

“Umm....” Hardstone's articulate reply told Twilight quite clearly she had won the argument.

“Very well then. Request for permanent anchorage of Cloudsdale over Canterlot, is denied.” Twilight stamped the paperwork, passed it back to the noble and looked at the clock. “Well, I have time for one more pony, provided it's quick.”

“Lord Pasturn.” Robert read the next random name off the list. It seemed the better part of Canterlot's nobility had been sitting in Ponyville, waiting for a chance at a fresh court.

“Really your highness, this is far too short of a court time for a proper argument to be made.” he started.

“I know, but it's all the time I could spare. I shall plan accordingly in the future. Please, make your presentation and I will consider it afterwards.” Twilight inclined her head politely.

“I do not know that I can. A mere fifteen minutes is barely time to scratch the surface, and to let you look it over is to not benefit from the weight of my expertise in the matter.” Twilight affected her best approximation of Fluttershy's stare. “I shall endeavor to do so none the less.”

He began to quickly outline his proposal and then get down to specifics. After a moment or two though, Twilight's eyes narrowed even further, and her temper began to rise. When he proposed defunding the School for Gifted Unicorns however, she snapped.

“Stop. Right there. How could you even think I would agree to that?” Twilight's mane lifted slightly off of her neck. “If it weren't for me going to such a prestigious academic institute, we would not be here. I would not know my friends, I would not be sitting on this throne, in this castle. We would all be dead. Decomposing corpses under eternal night. Or maddened, under Discord's influence. Or enslaved by Sombra.” her eyes began to glow around the edges. “Yet you have the audacity to ask me to take away funding from the institution that saved us all?” Spike touched her shoulder. She deflated.

“Umm... yes?” Pasturn ventured. Twilight inhaled.

“Court is officially adjourned for this day.” Robert laced magic into his voice, spreading it to each ear in the room, though he spoke just above a whisper. “The room is to be cleared in an orderly fashion.” The vast majority of the ponies stood, and left the room. Lord Pasturn did not move, no matter how his attendants prodded him towards the exit.

“I demand an official answer.” Pasturn shouted above the noise of departing ponies. Twilight leveled a glare at him.

“I should think such an answer is self-evident.” she replied.

“I must have an official answer.” Pasturn insisted.

“Very well...” Spike cut her off with a claw on her shoulder.

“No Twilight. He's after a court event.”

“Stay out of this lizard.” Pasturn snapped. Twilight's gaze narrowed further. Unbidden the spell to turn something into an orange flickered into her mind.

“I will thank you not to speak to my assistant that way.” Twilight snorted. “What do you mean Spike?”

“Lord Pasturn, plaintiff in no less than eight court suits against various organizations, including two against the Princesses.” Spike raised an eyebrow. “One against Princess Celestia, and one against Princess Cadance. For some reason, he hasn't filed against Princess Luna. Or you, but this will give him cause.”

“Meddling reptile.” Pasturn snapped.

“Court. Is. Adjourned.” Robert's voice was much louder this time. His wings stretched skyward, and beat down. One massive blast of wind cut through the room, rocking the remaining ponies. “Leave, or be removed.”

“You really think your pet carnivore frightens me?” Pasturn's lip curled.

“Very well.” the wings stretched upward again. This time though, the physical wings were not all that spread out. Magic stretched beyond them, grasping air to the top of the vaulted ceiling. Then they beat downwards in time with the physical. The gust of wind was enough to lift the tiger from the floor, save that his claws had buried themselves in the crystalline material. The blast of wind lifted the obstinate noble off the ground and flung him on a wave of air out through the front doors, and into the square outside. The blast caught Rainbow Dash off-guard and rolled her through the air. She caught herself and flew into the castle.

“Everypony okay?” she asked, landing.

“We're fine.” Twilight said. “Robert, why did you do that?”

“He was asked politely to leave. He did not. He was warned to leave or be removed. He did not, and so he was. Nothing but his pride should have been wounded.” Robert replied, meeting her eyes. “I see my actions did not meet with your approval. Such is the reason I believe you should find another for the position.”

“Look, Twilight, I'm sure Robert meant well. Who did he remove?” Rainbow asked.

“Lord Pasturn.” Twilight answered.

“Him? Good job.” Rainbow threw up a hoof to Robert. He bumped it with his paw.

“What?!” Twilight asked, turning to face her the pegasus.

“He's an earth pony-supremacist.” Rainbow snorted. “He's been at the Cloudsdale weatherboard to” she closed her eyes as if reading something. “Halt Pegasus interference in the natural processes, and end their unwelcome influence on earth pony farmers.”

“That's insane.” Twilight shook her head. “I guess it didn't happen?”

“No, the weatherboard agreed, on the condition of a two-third's consensus among the affected farmers.” Rainbow grinned.

“And farmers can't agree?” Twilight hazarded.

“Not exactly. Two-third's of the farmers in Equestria? Apple family.” Rainbow laughed. So did Twilight after a moment. “Only the small hoofful on Pasturn's land voted with him. The rest voted with the Apples.”

“When did this all happen? And why didn't I hear about it?” Twilight asked.

“It's been a while, not long before we first 'met' Discord actually. You weren't exactly into politics then, and we got really busy, really quickly.” Rainbow chuckled. “Then it was all over after we got finished with Discord. I guess having your weather go nuts on you, makes you grateful when it's going good. Especially when it's managed by an awesome Pegasus like me.” she threw up onto her hind legs and polished a hoof on her coat. Twilight shook her head, then turned to Robert.

“There are better ways to handle things like that.” she said, looking him in the eye.

“Perhaps there are. They require planning and tact. I am unversed in them. The direct approach has always worked for me.” Robert shrugged.

“Fine. Next time, let me know you're going to do something like that.” Twilight shook her head. “I think you're right. I need someone else for that job.”

“Definitely.” Rainbow nodded. Twilight laughed, then the others joined her.

Chapter 4

“Hello Robert!” Derpy threw a hoof over his shoulder as he came in the door.

“How's it going?” Robert asked, letting her lead him to the couch.

“Not bad. DROP IT.” the last was directed at a tiny filly behind the kitchen counter. The Cookie Jar lid clinked as the magic lifting it winked out. “After dinner.”

“Okaay.” Dinky Doo stepped out of the kitchen. “I was just practicing like I was told.”

“Aren't you supposed to practice with the balls you were given?” Derpy asked.

“Yes.” Dinky rubbed a hoof on the carpet. “But they don't taste like cookies.” she admitted. Robert laughed, and got prodded in the ribs with a hoof.

“You keep quiet.” Derpy said, then hugged him. “Go find your sister, please.”

“Yes Momma.” Dinky turned and trotted into the back of the house.

“So, what have you been up to since Tirek?” Derpy asked.

“Helping Twilight, delivering things. Making messes. Cleaning them up.” Robert shrugged. “The usual. You?”

“Pretty much the same. Except they're not usually my messes.” Derpy chuckled. “You helped Twilight? And you didn't even get a chair?” she teased, settling on the couch.

“I didn't do much of anything. Besides, I bought her a couch.” Robert smiled.

“What? But you gave her all that help with Scootaloo, and the formula for Pegasus flight.” Derpy shook her head. “And I heard you took on Tirek, even though you didn't have to.”

“Twilight would have figured out the formula eventually. And then she'd have solved Scootaloo's problem.” Robert shook his head. “Tirek... he'd have come for me. Me, Zecora, and then my home. Twilight and her friends had the chance to defeat him. I just bought them a little time.”

“That's surprisingly... sensible.” Derpy sighed. “Still, I'd think you'd want to brag a little.”

“I” he reached out, and tapped her snout. “am not Rainbow Dash. I know what I've done. I know others know. I don't need to spread the word. As long as I know I did the right thing, that's all that matters.” he paused. “I did hear something about dinner though, didn't I?”

“Ooh, right. Spaghetti, with brussel sprouts.” Derpy grinned. “Sparkler's a master at it, right?”

“Yeah mom.” said the unicorn, shaking her head. “C'mon Dinks, let's get cookin'.” the pair wandered into the kitchen.

“So.” Robert looked through the front window.

“What? I can see the wheels turning in your head. What's on your mind?”

“I'm just wondering. Zecora's gathering ingredients for her final exam. Which means I graduate. And yet, I'm still a few stripes short of a full set.” Derpy burst out laughing. “Oh ho, very funny.”

“I've never heard it put that way.” she kept laughing,but waved him on.

“Anyway, I'm not really sure where to go from here.” Robert admitted. “I mean. Yes, I got invited to learn from the Buffalo, and I really want to go down there and do that. It's just... I don't know. I'm supposed to be earning my stripes. And I'm a little stuck.” he waved at the stripes which stopped just behind his shoulders.

“What did you do that earned you those?” Derpy asked. Robert looked her in the eyes.

“I really don't know. I mean, sometimes it seemed like nothing at all would cause them to appear. I mean, I got some when I fought off a bunch of bandits. But then I got some when my wings got fixed.” Robert shook his head. “I thought it was feats of magic, but that doesn't seem right.”

“Well... Twilight keeps saying Friendship is Magic.” Derpy admitted. “So maybe you being friendly is what's doing it?”

“Maybe? I guess I could try that.” Robert sighed. “So, I've been working for Twilight, acting as her Seneschal at the castle.”

“Sounds like fun.” Derpy nodded. “Throw out anypony interesting?”

“How did you know I'd thrown anypony out? It's not really even part of the job description.” Robert asked, curiously.

“Because Twilight doesn't have any guards, and you're not going to let a little thing like being outside of the duties of the job stop you.” Derpy grinned.

“Hah. Lord Pasturn was ejected for failing to heed the warning to shut up.” Robert shook his head. “Actually, that's not entirely fair. He was told the session of court was over, and refused to leave. I've been informed that he wanted to pick a fight so he'd have reason for legal action.” he paused. Derpy was laughing.

“I wish I'd seen that!” she fluttered half off the couch, head rolling back. “I've heard all about that...” she glanced into the kitchen, “buffoon. He tried to get unicorns banned from Canterlot. Seriously.”'

“Is there anyone he hasn't offended?” Robert asked.

“Princess Luna.” Derpy nodded solemnly. “Supposedly he's afraid of her.”

“One can only wonder why.”

“Dinner's ready!” Sparkler called from the kitchen.

“Coming!” Derpy stood up. “Careful with the plates.” Sparkler had them all four plates, the spaghetti bowl and silverware wrapped in her magical field.

“Don't worry, I've got them.” she settled them to the table. Nothing broke. “Good trick.” Sparkler grinned at Robert. She raised a hoof. Robert bumped it.

“Look sweetie, I know we're trying to make up.” the stallion ducked around the far side of the table, chased by the mare. “But I don't think this will...” she went over the table and tackled him.

Cadance glanced up from her book. “That's odd.”

“What's the matter?” Shining asked, scrubbing a towel through his mane.

“Just a strange feeling.” she shook her head. “Like something that's right was just... wrong?”

“Anything specific?” Shining asked, settling down on the bed.

“No.” she blinked. “It's just a feeling. I must have eaten something I shouldn't have.” She lay her head over his neck.

Chapter 5

Leaves rustled as wings beat over the tree tops. “Come on slowpokes.” Rainbow flitted ahead and then back to Twilight and Robert.

“Rainbow, we're supposed to be out for a relaxing flight.” Twilight shook her head. “I know, slow is not what you call relaxing. So go on ahead. We'll catch up.”

“And leave my friends behind? Never.” Rainbow exploded forwards nevertheless, though instead of racing away, she began doing ever larger loops, always racing past them at the bottom.

Twilight shook her head. “Robert, can I ask something?”

“Certainly.” he said, almost absent mindedly.

“It's about your magic. I mean, unicorns channel through our horns, and we developed inhibitor rings, and magical capacitors to store up and siphon off excess energy. But you said tigers channel through their fangs. I imagine those methods wouldn't work, or would be uncomfortable.” Twilight finally took a breath. “So how do you deal with young tigers who can't control their magic, and criminals?” she asked.

“Inhibitors do work, but you are correct, they are not comfortable. More, we require two of them, and they must be a perfect match in frequency. Preferably, they are forged as a pair, so that they are guaranteed to match.” he paused. “However, for many years we had neither, and so we had two ways to deal with such things. For cubs who could not control themselves, or their power, there was the ritual of binding. It does not completely remove magic, but suppresses it. You would be reduced to what you held as a newborn foal. It is not permanent and if left unattended, it will wear off in a few weeks. It can be fought through if one knows how.”

“Is it common knowledge?” Twilight asked.

“Of the ritual?” she nodded. “That it exists is common knowledge. How to perform it is a secret of the Shaman's.” he considered it. “I have yet to master it. It will not be one of my stronger abilities I believe.”

“What do you mean?” Twilight seemed surprised at the admission.

“Ritual magic, at least as it is done amidst the tigers, requires a focus and concentration during the construction of the required outlines and apparati that I have, but the actual casting requires a mental clarity and organization that I lack.” he shrugged. “Not that it would be totally useless, mind you, but it would be less effective and last a shorter time.”

“Interesting. You said there were two ways. What's the other?” she asked, unsure if she wanted an answer.

“The other option, was always reserved for criminals. I have said that all tigers possess magic like Unicorns. Most have only one or two simple spells, and thus are like unicorns who can only levitate. Some of us have magic more powerful than others. Most of us become Shaman's. But not all who can do great magic, are called to Shamanhood. Some on the path fall. For those who do no harm, they are left alone. But those who become criminals, they lose their magic.”

“How is that possible?” Twilight asked. He looked her in the eye. After a moment she realized it wasn't her eyes he was staring at. “No.”

“Yes.” he shrugged. “It was either that or kill them. Now we have the ability to capture them, thanks to our peace treaty. Though it still might be handed down as punishment for their crimes.” Twilight shuddered, horrified at the very thought.

“You sound... approving.” she realized the way he'd said it was part of what made her afraid.

“Follow me a moment.” suddenly he climbed, rising straight up. Twilight followed a moment later. High in the air, they could see for miles. Canterlot on it's mountain, clear as day, the skyline of Manehattan off to the east, and the mountains between them and Vanhoover to the northwest. And amidst it all, dozens of small villages and little towns the size of Ponyville. “Ponies, for miles and miles. Even deep in the untamed wilderness on the edges o the Everfree, ponies make their homes. And you are numerous. Hundreds of ponies even in Ponyville. Canterlot holds thousands, and Baltimare? Twice that at least. More on market and delivery days.”

“So?” she asked, not understanding what all this had to do with her question.

“My tribe, one of the largest, is just a bit smaller in number than Ponyville.” he said, and waited. Twilight did a quick mental calculation.

“Just eighteen thousand tigers?” she asked, staring at him.

“Yes, give or take. Some tribes are smaller in number. One or two others are larger. And this Twilight, is why we take life and death so seriously. If not, we would surely perish.” he tipped a wing, and swooped down towards where Rainbow was wheeling in and around the trees. Twilight watched him go for a long moment, and then tipped her wings to follow.

Rarity flicked her eyes back to the magazine. Less is more, because less gets you more. That was the tagline for the article, and it went into far more detail than she was truly interested in. Yet, each of them echoed the line in some way. This was not the way she'd predicted fashion would go, and so all her dresses seemed... wrong. But she knew, deep down they were right. The magazines simply had to be wrong. Right?

Robert relaxed. More than he'd done in a time long enough he could not remember it clearly. Aloe's hooves worked knots out of muscles he'd forgotten he had, much less that they could be sore. At the same time, Lotus worked her chiropractic magics on his spine, aligning and freeing it. He'd been surprised, pleasantly, that Lotus was trained to work on Tigers.

“It's not a skill I've been called upon to use often. I've only had one minotaur customer, and he didn't even need much. I don't get many ponies that ask for it either.” the pink maned pony sighed. “Even though it's right there on the sign.”

“Well... I will certainly... be a repeat... customer.” he managed around the massage. “And I... will spread the... word.”

“Thank you. I'm glad to hear it.” Lotus twisted him slightly, to the sharp popping of the bones. “Better?”

“Much.” he sighed. Much of the gossip the pair engaged in over Robert's head, did exactly that, passing over his head. Other bits filtered through his ears though.

“Hear about the weddings?”

“Yeah, all that sudden bunch of lovesick ponies.”

“So affectionate.”

“The princess of Love was in town.” Robert murmured.

“True.”

“Very. Although...” Lotus trailed off. “You do have quite the powerfully muscled figure.”

“And such fine haunches.” Aloe said, massaging just that.

“Ladies, I think that's enough.” Robert's voice rumbled, as he looked up at the pair. Neither of them ceased the their ardent ministrations, Lotus having shifted also to massage over her chiropractic therapy. “While I appreciate the sentiment, I doubt my fiancee would consider the matter in the same light.”

“Yes, but she's not here.” Aloe smiled as she said it.

“And what she doesn't know, can't hurt her, can it?” Lotus added.

“Yes, but what she finds out will cause her to hurt me.” Robert pushed himself up off the table. The ponies staggered back. “If you'll excuse me.” He vanished in a flare of light. The pair of spa ponies searched for him for several moments.

“Another teleporter. I just don't get it. Can't be us, can it?” Lotus shook her head, mane falling out of her headband.

“Not at all. Perhaps we're just approaching the problem wrong.” Aloe shrugged.

The pair of ponies was so busy arguing that they did not notice the door swing open, as an invisible tiger slipped through it, pulling his tail through an instant before it swung shut on it. Something was going on, and for a moment he thought the applicable phrase was fishy. A moment later as he passed by an open door, he realized that while it was slimy, it was not fish that were the issue. There were a pair of sentients in the room. One was a pony. The other, by the smell was not. Robert's lips parted, and it was not a snarl. If they were the problem, then finding a local authority figure was the logical course of action.

Stepping out into the street though, he became aware, that finding such a figure would not be a problem. Being sure that they were who they should be, was another issue entirely. The entire town seemed to be out and about, and engaged in activities not always suitable for the range of ages involved. Granny Smith was busy stalking another elderly pony, who was fleeing as fast as his walker would go. At the same time a bunch of colts were fleeing from a herd of fillies with what he would have called murderous stares at any other time. The latter seemed quite intent on catching their prey, though he was fairly certain they wouldn't know what to do once they caught them.

A flash of blue denim caught his eye, as the town escort, Guilty Pleasure galloped at a quite impressive top speed, away from a herd of adult mares, all of them with the exact same glint in their eyes as the fillies. The stallion skidded around a corner, and vanished. The mares were undeterred and followed, even if they log jammed into the entrance to the alley.()

Robert moved on, the scent waxing and waning as mares moved close and then continued on, often in pursuit of some stallion or other, or when he had to go close to one or more who'd already caught their target. The door to the town hall hung open, swinging on it's hinges. The building was packed full of ponies, not a single one in the mood to answer questions, even if he'd been willing to let his spell falter. He backed out of the mayors office, trying desperately to forget what he'd seen within.

The way back through the lobby was blocked when he attempted to leave, and so he found himself leaping from the upper balcony. Six hundred pounds of tiger does not land easily, especially not from a second floor. His right front leg buckled as he landed, and it sent him stumbling forwards. He just missed hitting his head on the post of the fence surrounding the town hall, but slammed his shoulder into it instead. Biting back a roar of pain, and other words bound to give his location away, he limped on three legs towards the castle.

Robert didn't mind the castle on general principal. It wasn't nearly as intrusive as it could have been. On the other hand, built as it was for the purpose of making friends, it was large and airy and open. Which meant from the point of view of his warrior instincts made it completely useless. Of course, as he approached, he could see that the great double doors were closed tight. Spike was sitting dejectedly against them.

“Are there any females around?” Robert asked. Not releasing his spell.

“R-robert?” Spike glanced around. “Something's wrong with Twilight.”

“Something is wrong with a great many ponies.” The invisibility spell stretched out to encompass Spike, suddenly making Robert visible to him. “And I suspect I know what it is.”

“Changelings.” Spike started. “But why?”

“They tried to take over one pony, and didn't win. I suspect they've decided to take over more than one. By taking them all at once, it leaves us without a chance to suspect anything.” Robert coughed. “I don't think they anticipated the excitement of the feast.” Spike shook his head.

“How could they manage to replace Twilight? I mean, she's really powerful.”

“I do not know Spike.” Robert looked up to the balcony he knew was her room. “I intend to find out.” he looked back at Spike. “Do you have a diamond on you?” Spike blinked, then pulled one out. “Excellent. I need you to find Shining Armor. He's probably with Cadance. I don't know if she's been grabbed. If she has... we'll deal with that. If he's alone, tell him what's happened. If not, wait.” he reached out, and touched a claw to the diamond. “So long as you hold onto that, you're invisible. I can also find you with it. Keep it safe.” Spike nodded and tucked it away.

“What do we do if they've gotten Twilight?”

“We get them back. All of them.” Robert nodded to Spike, withdrew his spell, and gathered himself. Spike trotted out the gate, and Robert launched himself up the wall. Claws dug into the wall, after a moment of scrabbling. Climbing the wall was more difficult than flying up, but it allowed him to keep his spell going. The last thing he wanted was to be spotted, as he climbed. The tracks in the crystal were bad enough.

Halfway up, he paused for a rest. And resolved not to have too many of Pinkie's cupcakes. The rest of the climb was even more difficult than the first half, but he finally reached Twilight's balcony. His head popped up over the decking, and he was assaulted, first by the smell, which was not just of a changeling, but of something else. Visually he confirmed his nose, and sincerely wished he hadn't. Shuddering slightly, he let himself back down to hang off the stonework. Letting his spell fall, Robert reached out across town. Spike had stopped, and since he was some distance off the ground, Robert suspected he'd reached Shining's room. There wasn't much for it. Flight was the fastest way to his target, and even if he was noticed, he was willing to bet there were only one or two pegasi in town he wouldn't be able to outfly. And he was willing to bet that not being themselves, they'd be previously engaged.

He plummeted down from the building, wings spreading wide and sending him swooping over the town. Spike was on a rooftop, waving at Robert as he approached. He was still invisible, but Robert had cast the spell and could see him. Whether Spike knew that or not, Robert wasn't sure, but he landed beside him.

“Shining's in the room, but...” Spike shook his head. “He said he couldn't reach the door.”

“Head for the door then, I'll land on the balcony.”

“Right.” Spike ducked down the stairs, while Robert swept around towards the balcony. It was the only one on the floor. Shining was inside, buried beneath a shield, with Cadance pounding on the outside. Shining turned to shout at the door, and Cadance turned her head the same way. A moment later Robert landed on top of her.

“What are you doing!” Shining asked, shield falling.

“This.” the low growl was laced with energy, and it roiled across the skin of the pink pony trapped beneath his paws. For a moment, nothing happened, then green fire ripped across the surface of the pony, transforming it.

“Oh Celestia... no. Not again.” Shining rocked gently.

“This is not their queen.” Robert said, growling at the changeling beneath his paws. It chittered at him. “Relax. I am not about to destroy you. No indeed. We're going to have a conversation.”

“You.. you understand it?”

“Her. I understand her quite well. She is afraid of me. Rightfully so. Open the door and let Spike in.” Shining's horn glowed momentarily as he unlocked the door to let in the very worried, but also invisible Spike through the door.

“Where is he?” Shining asked, peering out the door.

“Spike, you're still invisible.”

“What do I do? Set it down?”

“Better to eat it, so it doesn't fall into the wrong hooves.”

“Right.” Spike crunched the diamond, and faded into visibility.

“Cool trick.” Shining commented, then shook his head. “Look, what's going on?” Spike gave him a short recap.

“I've seen things. Things I can't unsee.” the little dragon shuddered. “I'll never look Cloudkicker in the eye again.”

“Few can.” Robert turned to the still pinned changeling. “I know you can speak equestrian. Or else you would be a poor infiltrator. I am going to allow you to shift back, so my friends can understand you. If you try to run, I will rend you limb from limb. Am I clear?” more chittering. “Good.” Another rumble, this one different from the first, and the changeling scrambled to it's hooves, and shimmered into.... not quite Cadance. Indeed, it appear to be Cadance without a horn.

“What do you want of me?” it asked, hissing slightly.

“Where is my wife?” Shining demanded, lunging. The changeling cringed away, and Robert pulled him back.

“Stand down.” Robert growled, Shining fell back momentarily, so similar was the voice to his old drill sargeant. “I understand your concern. I would be in no better shape were it my Rose, but we must have her co-operation.”

“How do you know it's female?” Shining asked.

“I'll give you an anatomy lesson later.” Robert turned back. “What was the plan?”

“I do not know details.” the changeling admitted, shaking it's head. “The queen kept most of them to herself. We were only told which pony to impersonate. Most of us had to pick our own targets. I was sent to become the Savior.” Shining gasped.

Author's Note

Guilty Pleasure is of course, the mane character of Disco Knight's awesome Escort's Journal Great story, and awesome author for letting me have him cameo.

Chapter 6

“The Savior?” Robert asked, settling to his haunches.

“The Princess of Love has the power to save our species. This is what some of us believe. Queen Chrysalis believes draining her power is the key to this. I am not one of those who agrees.” the changeling shrugged.

“Then why kidnap her?” Robert picked up on the question Shining had been about to ask.

“Queen commands. We obey.”

“You love her.”

“Queen is life. Through her all are born. Through her, the hive may be restored. The queen lives, the hive lives.”

“The ponies taken are safe?”

“Yes.”

“Where?”

“Home.”

“Where is home? The hive?”

“Home is home.”

“Show me.”

“How... oh.”

“I see. Yes, I understand.” Robert turned to Shining. “They're in one of the old Thunderwall forts.”

“Oh no.”

“We will do what we can, but you must continue to be The Savior. Tell them he is ill.” he waved a paw at Shining. “Keep the faith, and I will see that The Savior receives the message.”

“Thank you.” the changeling shifted, once more Princess Mi Amore Cadenza.

“So what now?” Spike asked.

“We'll need help. The Thunderwall forts are all but impenetrable.” Shining said. “And we don't know which one.”

“Are there maps?”

“Yes, in the military archives. I can't get to them though. I don't work there any more.” Shining said.

“Leave that to me.” Robert said. “See if you can get to Celestia or Luna. If they've not been taken, they might be able to help.”

“Right. Who else?”

“Around here? Discord, but I don't know how to get in touch with him.”

“Leave that to me.” Spike said. “Fluttershy showed me how.”

“I know of two others.”

“If you're thinking of who I think you're thinking, remember what I said.”

“What did he say?” Spike asked.

“That if he ever saw him again, he'd be an earth pony.”

“I meant it.”

“I know. He's still at home for a reason.”

“Good.”

“Let's head for Canterlot. Spike, can you meet us?”

“Yeah, Discord can take us.”

“Good.” Shining's horn flared. Spike stared at the spot they'd left from, then turned and headed out the door.

Fluttershy's cottage was empty, as Spike had expected. The lamp was on the table, and Spike crossed carefully to it. He took a deep, calming breath, just like Twilight had taught him, then inhaled.

“Spike!” the purple reptile choked on his dragon fire. He spun to face Pipsqueak, and surprisingly, Big Mac slamming the door behind themselves. “You gotta help hide us.”

“Eeyup.”

“Hide you? From? Oh..” Spike flicked his glances around, watching hordes of mares approach. “Into the cellar.” he pointed. The pair dove through the hatch, and Spike shifted a carpet over the entrance. Then he turned to the door and opened it. The herd of mares skittered to a stop just before running him over, piling up against one another in their haste to stop. One or two of them dropped their camouflage for an instant, before restoring it,but Spike pretended not to notice. “Can I help you ladies with something?”

“Oh, umm...” Roseluck paused.

“We were wondering where those two hunks got to?” Said a voice he couldn't identify, somewhere in the crowd.

“Yeah, they're cute.” said Scootaloo from the front. Spike choked back a sentiment that the impersnator wasn't doing a very good job.

“I just saw them heading into the Everfree.” looks of disbelief flowed through the crowd. “Said they were going to wait it out with the others.”

“Others!” The herd charged away into the forest. Spike waited for them to go, and then closed and locked the door. A few moments more to lock the windows and draw the drapes, and he knocked softly on the cellar.

e“Coast is clear.” he called. A moment later, Big Mac and Pipsqueak popped out of the cellar.

“Spike, what in tarnation is goin' on?” Big Mac asked.

“It's kind of a long story.”

Twilight groaned, and raised her head. Immediately, she learned this was a bad idea as the world began spinning. Instinctively, she ignited her horn to provide a steady point of reference. This was an even worse idea. The inhibitor ring clamped around her horn absorbed the spell and fed part of it back into her horn. She yelped in pain, and tried to back away from her horn. It didn't work, and in any case she only went a step or two before backing into something else. She turned, regretting it immediately, but found herself staring at Princess Celestia.

“Princess, what?” she paused as she realized Celestia too was wearing an inhibitor. Her eyes went wild for a moment, taking in the surroundings. They were in a medium sized cell, which her examination discovered also held Cadance and Luna.

“We have been captured.” Luna said, sounding not only unsurprised, but also curiously unbothered by the predicament.

“By who?” Twilight asked. “Why? HOW?”

“Who? I do not know. Nor the answer to either of the other questions.” Celestia admitted, eyes glowing softly. “But whomever it is, is draining my power somehow.”

“As they are mine sister.” Luna acknowledged. “How, I have yet to work out.” the tone of her voice said that she was busy doing just that.

“They're doing the same to me.” Cadance added. “I suspect who it might be, but I have been over ruled.” she sounded less than amused that it had been the case. Luna snorted.

“You always suspect the changelings.” Luna said sourly. “I do not know yet if you are wrong or not however, and so I reserve judgment.”

“They would not dare again.” Celestia spoke. “They were defeated soundly before, and would not dare attack so boldly again.” There was an edge in her voice. Twilight swallowed.

“My sister takes not well to captivity. It offends her, and causes her to seek vengeance.” Luna said, a hint of teasing in her voice. Celestia laughed softly.

“I seem to recall not so long ago that you sought vengeance at the end of imprisonment.” Celestia said fondly. “During which I spent a rather lovely day admiring my sun first hoofed.”

“I do not have the slightest idea what you are speaking of.” Luna said, examining a hoof. Celestia laughed again.

“Good to see captives in such good spirits.” Four heads turned to the cell door, saw the Changeling queen, and sighed. “Not the response I anticipated.”

“We're already quite sure you're aware you're not going to get away with this.” Celestia shrugged.

“There's no point in explaining it to you.” Luna added.

“Yet again.” Twilight offered, sounding like a teacher talking to a particularly dense student.

“The others will save us.” Cadance nodded.

“The others? Oh my. You think I captured only the princesses?” Chrysalis waved a potted hoof off to the side. “I took every single female of your land. Quite the impressive feat, if I do say so. The number of drones required, oh, it took a very long time.” two drones drug a big mirror into place.

“Look out, she's going to put on a fashion show!” Twilight fainted dramatically against Luna.

“Ha ha.” Chrysalis tone was desert dry. “Not at all, I simply wish to show proof of the hopelessness of your situation.” she waved a hoof over the mirror, and a scene flickered to life. Hundreds upon hundreds of ponies, unicorns with inhibitors, earth ponies under harness, and pegasi flying in unison, straining to move a huge chunk of some kind of chitinous construction material into place, all guarded by changelings. “Not a single one of your friends escaped.” The scene flickered from Rarity to Applejack and Pinkie to Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash.

“The stallions will save us.” Cadance offered helpfully. Chrysalis laughed so hard she slipped on the stone floor, and fell, hooves kicking into the air.

“That is quite rich indeed.” said the queen when she recovered herself. “Your stallions are so enthralled with their new mares, they'll never think twice, never know anything is even wrong. In short, I have won.”

“And when the sun and moon do not move?” Celestia asked.

“I have thought even of that. The rings you wear allow your replacements to move the heavens as the pair of you do. And our dear Cadance's allows her double to create love the same way she does. Soon enough no stallion will even have time to consider any problem with their new situation.” she was smug as a bug in a position of absolute confidence in her power. Twilight Sparkle, for all the other things she was, was ultimately a very intelligent pony, something inherent and not suppressible by magical means. So the rock she kicked with a hind leg hit Chrysalis square between the eyes. The changeling yelped in pain, and then snarled. “Very well then, perhaps I will remember to send down some food.” she turned, and attempted to stomp off, only to trip over the changeling drones. Luna chuckled at the slapstick stylings of the amazing Chrysalis.

“So, how do we get out of here?” Cadance asked.

“I have no idea.” Celestia admitted.

“I might.” Twilight nodded, and began scratching in the dirt.

Chapter 7

“Are you okay?” Shining asked.

“No.” Robert acknowledged. “I think I might be allergic to teleportation.” he resumed emptying his stomach. “It is however, a matter for another day. For now, go find your others, and I will go and acquire the charts.”

“I hope they're able to come.” Shining admitted. “You're sure this protection spell of yours will work?”

“I am quite certain.” Robert acknowledged. “If not, complain, and I will give you a full refund.” Shining opened his mouth, and then closed it. Then he turned and walked away, shaking his head.

Robert watched him go, then considered the directions he'd been given. A look to the sky showed him that wings would be the fastest way to travel, since it seemed the entirety of the cities pegasus population was out of the skies one way or another. He took to the air in two great leaping bounds, first to a wall then to the roof of the neighboring building, then he was in the air. For a moment, he could see Shining trotting along the streets, then the buildings hid him. Robert beat his wings, gaining altitude. Then he dove forward, swooping down towards the castle. No guards patrolled it's halls, no servants moved anywhere inside it's windows. He alighted on the balcony to a room leading to his destination. The war room was unguarded. He slipped into the room to find that there were ponies keeping it from being abandoned, but they were inside, and did not have their minds on the job. None of them paid attention to him, for a long minute, before returning to the tasks at hoof. Or other body part as the case might be. Slipping through the... mess, Robert moved deftly to the door, and ducked inside. That was the easy part. Inside, there were dozens upon dozens of traps. At least so Shining Armor said. Robert glanced at the room with his Sight. There were not dozens of traps. There were thousands. Layered one after another on top of each other until it was impossible to tell where one left off and the next began. Idly, he mused Twilight would have had a field day trying to pick them apart. Fortunately, Shining had given him a key. Or tried. As he explained, no longer being captain of the guard meant he would not have a current access spell.

Robert cast it out, and as expected, it came back as a failure. He didn't try to cast it again. He didn't need to. The spell had fallen in certain places, and hadn't had the right frequencies. And so the traps had rejected it. They were alerted now. A second failure would trigger some of them. He sincerely hoped it was only the non-lethal ones. The harmonics of the spell in his mind shifted. The new spell flowed outwards, more smoothly than the last one. All but one of the locks opened. Then a wall of pure force slammed into him, pressing him against the doors to the room. Energy met energy a moment later, and the wall failed, having pressed against what it felt were the runes of the material wall. Robert lay on the ground, gasping for air for a moment. Then he changed the spell in his mind again, a subtle suggestion of difference, and lay it forth. The locks opened, and the traps disarmed themselves. Robert moved forwards gingerly, the experience of being crushed against the wall having slightly mangled him.

The interior door with the conventional lock was designed to stop unicorns who passed the traps. A large portion of the worlds supply of Adamantine rendered it entirely magically inert. The marble frame however, was less so. Robert set the door off to the side, and made a note to apologize later. The room inside was completely full of maps. Skipping most of them, he found the markings he'd been told to look for. The lock would have been difficult, but not impossible to manipulate with hooves, but toes had many advantages. The lock opened, and the hidden door swung open. He skimmed through the scrolls, found the right one, and tugged it out. The door snapped shut behind him.

Leaving, Robert paused, then turned and laid an illusion over the hole, and the door. Then laid his own trap into it. Any creature trying to enter would find itself in a mind trap. They'd think themselves in the room, and would remain so until they left in their head. Then they'd be allowed to walk away. He didn't want anyone hurt, so there was no reason to make it trap them permanently.

It took a couple minutes to work out how to rearm the magical traps, which Shining had neglected to explain how to do. It was as simple as closing the outer door, which reset the traps once the tongue of the doorknob clicked into the jamb. He trotted to the balcony, and took wing for the park.

Shining was waiting for him, with a bright yellow earth pony stallion. Of a size with Shining, the pony seemed to have no cutie mark visible. Robert touched down a few feet away from them, and folded away his wings.

“As impressive as you mentioned.” the new pony inclined his head.

“Robert, this is Sunny.” Shining introduced them. “He's a former Royal Guard.”

“Pleasure.” Robert offered a paw. Sunny shook it.

“The same. Shining has filled me in. Shall we have a look at the map?”

“Indeed.” Robert offered up the scroll and Shining unrolled it.

“This is the Thunderwall.” he swept a hoof across the map. “Only these eight lie in the badlands.” he pointed to a short stretch. “The badlands are fairly recent, so the map doesn't show them.”

“Only these three lie within the Shadowed Crescent.” Robert pointed. The others looked at him blankly. “Our name for the lands controlled by the Changelings. It can only be one of these two.”

“How can you be sure?” Sunny asked.

“On my way to Equestria, I passed near to Storm Watch, what this map calls Morning Tower. The battle of Storm Watch is legend, much honor was gained on both sides, before the Long Patrol called down the lightning on us.” Robert coughed. “I have always been an adamant student of history, and wanted to see it for myself. “

“Describe what you saw in the vision you were given.” Sunny said, closing his eyes.

“High stone walls, grey, but moss covered. Six sided, with round watch towers. The ground around flat, but the fort itself on a hillock. Perhaps artificial.” Robert added the last after a moments contemplation.

“Could be either Moon Watch, or Golden Dawn.” Sunny admitted. “Did you see a well?”

“No, but it looked like there was water in the background of the memory.”

“Moon Watch then. Golden Dawn was built in the high plains to watch for Dragons. Moon watch was built so the light reflecting off the water would show any griffons to the night guards.” Sunny opened his eyes. “You're not the only student of history.”

“Then we know our destination. Now for the rest of our party.” Shining said. “Hold on tight, this is going to be unpleasant.”

Discord popped into Fluttershy's house. More literally than normal. The first sign was a popcorn pan, which appeared from nowhere. Before any of the occupants could move, it bubbled up, and the foil burst, causing the pan to disappear, and Discord to take it's place. “Hello Fluttershy.... you, while not entirely unknown, are most definitely not Fluttershy. Rainbow Dash Mark 2, right?”

“Spike.”

“Right. Where's Fluttershy?”

“Kidnapped.”

“What? I'll destroy them!” Suddenly the house was gone and they were floating in an infinite void. Discord held a ball in one paw, and a jewelers glass in his claw. “Just have to find them.”

“It's not just Fluttershy. Everyone's been taken. Twilight, Applejack. We even think they got Princess Celestia.” Spike threw the names out. Suddenly they were back in the house, and Discord stared at him.

“Who?”

“The Changelings. They took all the girls.”

“So it's just you and I, out for vengeance.”

“Not exactly.” Spike filled him in.

“Oh, I see. Well then, let's get ready.” Shining and his passengers chose that moment to crash the party. Robert took the next few firmly in his grasp and spent them being violently ill, outside, over the railing.

“What's with the Caution sign?” Discord asked.

“He's allergic to teleporting.” Shining shrugged.

“Oh, how terrible.” Shining outlined their plans, and the destination.

“I can't bring us all there.” Shining admitted. “Twilight could, but I don't have her ability. I learned teleportation as a last ditch escape plan. Three ponies here from Canterlot are about my limit.”

“I don't suppose we can take the train?” Robert asked, looking a relieved that there wouldn't be more teleporting.

“The conductor isn't going to be doing anything with the train.” Spike offered.

“Well...” Discord opened his mouth.

“Not around Spike.” Shining interrupted. Discord chuckled. “Not a problem though. We can drive the train, right Sunny?”

“Absolutely.” the yellow earth pony nodded.

“I find myself curious?” Big Mac said, raising an eyebrow.

“The guard uses a lot trains to haul cargo around, and troops, so most of us get training on how to operate locomotives in emergencies. This certainly qualifies.” Shining replied.

“Just have to find a line map.” Sunny nodded.

The ring around her horn rocked. Not much, and not enough, but it did rock. Twilight released the pent up magic. The ring absorbed it.

“How much longer?” Cadance asked.

“I don't know.” Twilight admitted. “It's an exact science, but without the proper tools to record my findings, it's guess work. And I might try something I've tried before. And I can't throw too much power behind it, or...” she shook her head. “Not soon.”

“Luna.” Celestia's voice was sad. “I wanted to tell you I'm sorry.”

“Sorry for what?” Luna asked.

“For not seeing your hurt earlier.” Celestia looked at the stars through the window of the cell. “For letting you become so filled with anger.”

“The apology is not accepted sister, because the fault is not entirely yours.” Luna shifted over to her sister. “I never said anything. I never voiced my opinion.”

“I should have thought of you.” Celestia shook her head.

“For a thousand years you did. For a thousand years you watched me every night. Thought of nothing but bringing me home.” Luna stretched out a wing over her sister. “For one thousand years, you did nothing but sorrow over what you had done, and prepare for my return. Prepare to save me. And you succeeded.” Luna paused, fighting away tears. “Your willingness to even try was, has always been apology enough.”

“I still feel bad.” Celestia admitted.

“Good.” Luna smiled. “So do I.”

“How touching! I should record this for....” Cadance hoof cut Chrysalis comments short. She'd never been a particularly strong magic user, but the cell was just enough for a single wing beat of momentum. The hall was just wide enough for Chrysalis to back out of reach, but not so wide she could stand without being in reach again. “You'll pay for that. I'm going to make her drain him dry.” Chrysalis slid down the hall until she was well out of reach. Cadance collapsed.

“No.” Twilight put a wing over her back.

“Shining is strong. He'll be okay.”

“Twilight. Perhaps the rings can be shorted.” Celestia offered. “Perhaps they are attuned to us.”

“It's worth a try.” Twilight admitted.

“Ugh, my hooves have never been so dirty.” Rarity whined. She prodded gently at the mud-caked appendages. Her white coat was covered in a layer of brown mud.

“Quit yer complainin'.” Applejack snorted. “It's just a little mud. You don't mind it on your face.”

“That is a rejuvenating mask.” Rarity snapped. “It is not dirt.”

“I think it's fun.” Pinkie said. “See?” she landed all four hooves in a puddle. Rarity turned darker shade of brown. Applejack just shook her head.

“Any progress?” the orange coated earth pony asked under her breath.

“No.” Rarity admitted. “I am not Twilight. I could accessorize this dreadful thing, but I haven't had any luck removing it.” Rarity whispered. “Pinkie! Stop getting me dirtier!”

“How about the others?” Applejack whispered.

“It's not like we can get clean, so let's embrace the dirt! Whee!” Pinkie bounced in the puddle.

“No word yet. I'll keep an ear out.” Rarity glared at Pinkie. “I'll show you embracing the dirt!” she lunged, but Pinkie leapt out of the way and Rarity flew through the air into a tangle of other ponies, taking them down and starting a fight. A dozen changelings detached from the ceiling and broke up the combat.

Pinkie vanished.

Chapter 8

The station in Dodge junction wasn't exactly crowded, and those who were there, were very much occupied with other things.

“Let's get on with this then.” Sunny asserted, starting south. The others followed. The badlands, contrary to the generally accepted understanding, do not merely encompass the rocky and sandy regions south of the Appaloosan desert, but a fair chunk of the dense jungle to the south, and the high, rocky spurs of the Macintosh Hills. It was at the foot of those hills, mis-named mountains that they were, that the group found themselves heading south towards the old fortress of Moon Watch. The underbrush wasn't nearly so messy as further to the south, where the jungle met the badlands. There were few things that survived in the same places that Changelings took up residence. Those that did, were almost entirely worse predators than the Changelings ever thought of being. Thus Sunny led the way with both confidence and a healthy dose of caution.

Only the strongest of those would dare to challenge such a large party, thus was the thinking at least. As Shining fell back at noon to take up the rear from Robert, he asked if there was anything out there.

“Something's following us. Something big.” the tiger replied. “Haven't seen it, haven't smelled it. Whatever it is, it's very, very quiet, but not quite quiet enough. Listen close.” Shining listened as they moved forward, and did indeed hear something, but what he could not fathom.

Night was just beginning to fall when the attack came. Stone colored birds, with long legs, razor tipped toes, and huge sharp beaks came thundering towards the camp, feathers shaking as they ran. The first of them made a sound as it crashed against Shining's shield. The impact cracked the bubble for a moment, before Shining threw power into it, smoothing the crack, and reinforcing it. More of them came on, some lashing out with dagger toed feet, at the obstruction, others simply throwing themselves against it as they sought a weakness in the shield.

“W-what are they?” Pip asked, voice trembling.

“Dangerous.” Shining answered, teeth gritted.

“Shining, give me an opening when they fall back.” Spike called, stepping up and inhaling a deep breath. The birds fell back, preparing for another charge. A hole opened in the shield. Spike exhaled, a stream of green fire threatening the birds back further, and splashing onto the rocks. Magical as it was, the fire clung on where no normal fire could have. The birds were wary, but several of the braver ones advanced. Dragonfire however, reached up seemingly of it's own accord and caught onto the oily feathers on their backs. Though the fire lasted only moments, the panic it instilled within them was enough to turn them, sending those handful of brave ones squawking in terror and outrage. The others caught the scent of burnt and frightened comrades, and fled beside them, the entire flock scrabbling for purchase on the gravel as they fled.

The group retreated up to the top of a small rise, with only one way up or down from it for the night. As Big Mac and Spike made a fire for the night, Shining and Robert slipped down the path a short distance. Sunny watched from the top of the path.

“Tell me, what do you know about warding?” Robert asked.

“Not much. I always preferred an active defense, over a passive one.” Shining admitted. “I can recognize them, and bypass them, but I know nothing about making them.”

“I can understand that. I know a little about setting them, but the ones I know are all very much only early warning spells. I wonder if perhaps you can weave your shield into it.” Robert suggested. “So that when the ward is tripped, the shield raises enough to give us time to rise.”

“It won't work. You can't tie off shields.” Shining shook his head.

“I had this same argument with your sister. I convinced her. Do you want to stand out here and freeze our dangly bits off while I convince you?”

“I suppose convincing her is enough.” Shining admitted, shivering slightly. “Let's do this.” Horn and fangs alight, the pair worked quickly, laying a line of magical power across the path. Anything coming up would be in for a rude surprise. Anything with hostile intent would be even more surprised. The pair retreated up, and sat down with Sunny beside the fire. Spike served a bean stew, with chopped parsley that he'd gotten from somewhere.

Twilight's meal was far less tasty, and in fact was all but inedible. Or would have been.

“Hiya Twilight.”: Pinkie appeared out of the soup bowl.

“Pinkie! You have no idea how glad I am to see you.” Twilight wrapped her hooves around her friend. “How did you get in here?”

“It wasn't easy. I hads to use the Precious.” Pin.kie rubbed her legs together for a moment. “How did you get in here?”

“We were taken by Changelings.” Luna answered drily.

“Oh, right.” Pinkie chuckled sheepishly. “Everypony seems to be doing okay, though we're wondering how we're going to get out of this one?” Pinkie's cheerful expression belied the hope in her tone.

“We're working on it. It's slow going. I don't have my research notes or my number one assistant and I'm doing it all in my head.” Twilight took a breath. “Try and keep everyone's spirits up. Just do your Pinkie thing.”

“And have faith.” Celestia suggested. Pinkie's head rotated slowly, creepily towards the princess of the sun.

“Okie. Dokie. Lokie.” Pinkie vanished. Luna laughed.

“What pray tell is humorous sister of mine?” Celestia asked.

“I shall tell thee some Mid-summers night.” Luna chuckled. “For now, we must destroy these rings.”

“Oh, and so still you try to escape. So cute.” Chrysalis smirked from the door. “Such a shame. I came to tell you of a delightful development. We have sensed some of your stallions coming to rescue you. Their love is a beacon. And soon they will guide me to them. Such strong love. Soon I will have the Crystal Empire, and then, the Griffons, and soon, the world. And all will have nothing but love for me.” Celestia stamped a hind hoof. A chunk of ceiling fell off and smacked the Changeling queen in the hindquarters. She yelped and instinctively bolted forwards. An instant later, Luna and Cadance's wings beat, air sucking towards them. The Changeling Queen crashed head long into the bars of the cell. Twilight spun, and left an imprint on the queen's carapace, sending her sailing to the far side of the hall.

“Go right ahead Chrysalis. We shall see if you become as powerful as you say.” Celestia smiled. Two drones drug their queen away.

“Sister? Was it wise to irritate her like that?” Luna asked.

“More than wise. It was necessary.” Celestia smiled. “Now she will go angrily unto them, and forget to be stealthy.” Celestia laughed. “I suspect Shining will see through that.”

“How do you know Shining is with them?” Cadance asked.

“I read ahead.” Celestia smirked.

Chapter 9

Shining was not a happy pony. The fact that his nigh impenetrable shield was being used to flatten and crush down the undergrowth for the others to follow, was no small contributor to his bad mood. The rest was the comparison of a dung beetle's rolled ball. Big Mac gave the shield another push. Shining grumbled inside, as he ran against the front, keeping it going until the growth was too thick, or a tree trunk found itself in the path. When that happened, it took a moment or two for Mac to work his way around to the side, and shove it clear the trunk, or push hard enough to force the shield forward.

“Is it really wise to leave such an easily followed trail behind us?” Sunny asked Robert, as they watched the work.

“Normally, I would say no.” Robert admitted. “But when we free the mares, we will have a huge herd to take home, and need an easy route. I do not know if anypony will have the strength to take them straight home through teleportation. So we prepare a route.”

“Fair enough. Yet what if it attracts our enemy?” Sunny asked.

“Then we know where they are.” the big tiger shrugged, and then a thud came from up ahead.

“Stuck.” Big Mac explained unhelpfully when they inquired what happened. Shining, and his shield was jammed beneath an enormous pile of rocks. He'd rolled into a small fissure in the ground, and brought down the rocks held up by the vegetation. The three outside pushed against the shield, hooves and claws digging into the ground, but it refused to budge.

“Can you release the spell?” Sunny asked. Shining shook his head.

“No, I'm directly under the rocks.” he pointed up with a hoof.

“Spike, you hungry?” Robert asked.

“I don't eat rocks.” Spike shook his head. “I could melt them maybe, but the shield would conduct heat.”

“And pony-b-que Princess.” Robert nodded.

“I think I can get over them.” Pip said, staring at the rock pile. “Maybe I can break them free from the otherside?”

“Worth a try.” Spike said with a shrug.

“It is too dangerous.”Sunny shook his head. Pip's eyes narrowed slightly. “I do not impinge your bravery young colt. But if those who took our mares, should come upon you while you are out of our reach...”

“I'll go with him.” Spike offered. “I can watch his back.”

“Let them.” Mac said.

“Yes.” Shining agreed. “If I have to...” he didn't finish his sentence. There was no need. Spike and Pip began the climb. The slope was not too steep, but each step caused shifting in the rocks, as they rose up the incline. Finally Spike vanished over the top, and then reached a claw over to pull Pip after.

Sliding down the back side of the slide, the pair found themselves fighting the undergrowth on their own. But claws that could dig through solid rock, had no trouble at all carving through the dense brush. Pip studied the rocks. “I think I see it. We need to move that one.” he pointed. The rock was almost as large as he was. “ I need a lever..”

“Right.” Spike found a likely looking tree, and chopped it down. The branches he stripped away.

“Put the big end right here.” Pip pointed, and spike drove the stick in. “Right, stand out of the way.” Spike scrambled to the side, and Pip set himself. Muscles flexed as he strained against his impromptu lever. For a long moment, it didn't seem ready to budge, then all of a sudden it gave way. The rock shifted, hung for a moment, then rolled forward. Pip threw himself clear towards Spike, and the little dragon caught his forelegs and swung him clear. The rock slide wasn't bothered, or slowed by the underbrush, rolling forward as unstoppable as the tides. Shining let his shield fall, and he gathered with the others to watch the wall of boulders roll and crash through the forest.

“Nice job boys.” Shining grinned. “Saved me, and saved me the trouble of clearing path.”

“You needn't have bothered.” Chrysalis voice called out as she hove into view above the trees.

“Isn't she early?” Sunny asked.

“Not at all, we had a late script change..” Discord announced. “My dear Chrysalis, you've made a grave mistake.” Chrysalis laughed. “You shouldn't have taken Fluttershy.” Discord snapped his fingers. A flash of light surrounded Chrysalis. Nothing happened. “What?”

“Oh, poor Discord. I am the very embodiment of Order. Everything within my Hive operates precisely in it's place. There is no chaos in me for you to harness.” she flashed a blast of green magic at him. It skittered harmlessly off his scales. She growled.

“Such protections work both ways.” Discord offered smugly. “So I suppose I just have to stand back and watch.”

“Watch what?” Chrysalis asked, suddenly suspicious.

“This!” Mac kicked Shining's shield, sending him flying through the air, crashing into the startled changeling queen. She kept in the air if not so steadily as before, but lashed out, with a blast that knocked Shining down to the ground. She sneered at him, opened her mouth to speak, but in focusing on him, she missed the fire.

Dragon Fire has many magical properties. It can be used to send things through the mail, be controlled by mere thoughts, and it's also very good at producing lots of heat. Changeling mucous has many fine properties, such as acting as a lubricant for all manner of joints and to protect chitin from itself. And when dried it's a very tough, very hard construction material. Chrysalis mind flashed to a carnivorous mammal for a moment as her wings seized and gravity exerted itself.

The hardened mucous shattered as she crashed to the ground, and she pushed herself back to her feet. She found herself facing half the group, as Pip and Spike rushed to rouse Shining. Sunny moved left, Robert moved to the right, and Big Mac started inexorably forwards. Chrysalis smiled, and sparked magic the length of her horn. Mac threw his head side to side, struggling to fight the effects. Sunny charged, hoping to distract her. Mac's eyes opened, and saw the yellow earth pony charging at Apple Bloom. Mac charged.

Magic built. Slowly, carefully, but it did build. Twilight watched Luna's eyes carefully. The glow was slowly building. The rings only prevented them from expressing magic. Not gathering it. This was the easy part. The dangerous one came next. They approached each other slowly. If this worked, it would destroy the rings. If not? Well, it would hurt. A lot. Yet, every other plan had failed. This one would have to work. Horns touched.

Tiger met stallion in a thunderous crash of bones and muscle, as Robert threw himself against Big Mac. Sunny ducked away from the pair as they struggled, one to crush him, and one to save him. He found himself facing up against Chrysalis.

“And now the retired guard. As useless as all the others.” Chrysalis sneered. “You're barely worth my effort.” Sunny caught her across the snout with a hoof. “But I will destroy you all the same.”

“Celestia!” Sunny threw himself at her. She lowered her horn, intent on skewering him. But a rope wrapped around it, and jerked her off balance, so that Sunny landed on top of her. Chrysalis twisted her head, horn slicing through the rope. She glared down it's length where Pip was hurriedly gathering it for another loop. She twisted around, and shoved Sunny away, from where he'd begun hammering on the base of her wings. Magic flashed out at Sunny, but it slammed into a shield an instant before it hit. Shining shook his head.

“Not today.” The shield twisted, and lashed out at her. She rolled clear as a lance of energy slammed into where she'd been a moment before. All the love in the world wouldn't have saved her there, but the speed did. She smiled.

“So, more followers of useless princesses.” Sunny's face fell from where he was pushing himself up. “How pathetic are they, that they cannot even protect themselves, much less that they need rescuing.”

Robert finally got the upper paw, shifted and threw Big Mac. Chrysalis slapped him to the ground with her magic. The interaction broke her earlier spell, but she paid it no mind. Deep within, she drew on the connection to the hive, drawing on the love they'd harvested. She seemed to get bigger. The group closed in on itself. Shining started forward, but found Sunny in his path.

“I shall deliver your burnt out husks to the pitiful Princesses. That should break them at last.”

“Do not speak so of Celestia.” Sunny ordered. It was an order, there was no mistaking that tone.

“Why? Will the giant cake monster manifest and crush me with her over grown flank?” Chrysalis threw her head back and laughed. She did not see the glow. Shining did. He jabbed Robert in the ribs and pointed. The tiger nodded. Discord wrapped himself around Pip and Spike and the three vanished.

“You will NOT SPEAK of PRINCESS CELESTIA IN SUCH A MANNER.” Though his voice raised, Sunny's manner was still calm.

“And who are you who makes demands of a queen?” The changeling snarled. Robert and Shining threw themselves against a still dazed Big Mac, the three of them falling into the trench in the ground. Shining threw up the strongest shield he had.

“I am SER SUNSTRIKE. KNIGHT ERRANT OF THE ORDER OF THE UNQUENCHABLE SUN. The last living thing you will ever see.” his cutie mark flared.

The horns touched. A blinding flare of light erupted, and sheared through the rings they wore, as if they were tissue paper. It still hurt. As much as expected.

There was light. The dazzling brilliance defied any other definition. There wasn't sound as much because the sheer volume was enough to make other sound cease to be. There was heat, because light and sound and heat exist for no reason but to exist together. Minutes, hours, days seemed to tick by in the presence of that great light and heat and absence of sound. But in truth it was only a few seconds, perhaps a minute before the heat and the light died away, and sound returned, though there was no sound but that of breathing for long minutes. The shield died away, and three ponies stood up.

A mile long scar of burnt vegetation, and melted rock cut through the scrublands before them. Heat rose in waves off the rock as it began to cool, wilting trees to either side, though it seemed nothing left loose to burn had avoided being drawn in.

At the head of the scar, panting with exhaustion, stood an ash grey pony, cutie mark of a yellow sun in glory with a single flare spiraling out from it. He started to fall. Shining reached him a moment before impact.

“Easy brother. At ease.” Shining held him, watching his breathing to ensure it continued.

“Somethin'.” Mac said. Robert just nodded.

Chapter 10

The restraining rings gone, it was a simple matter to free both Celestia and Cadence, despite the headaches the two had throbbing just below the bases of their horns. Celestia took the lead. She did not need magic to exit the cell. The door warped and melted into a puddle before her. Her magic swept it aside, leaving behind a trail of molten iron as it flew down the hall. For all that they had been captives, for several long halls, more than enough time for Twilight and Luna to recover, they saw not even the hint of a changeling. The first hint was a terror filled drone that disappeared down a side passage before any of the wall of magical attacks could reach it. The wall behind it was not so lucky, and was reduced to rubble.

“Perhaps only one of us at a time should attack sister?” Luna suggested. “It would not do to free ourselves, only to bring the fortress down upon our heads.”

“Agreed.” The next changeling they encountered was equally terrified, though whether this was at the sight of three angry princesses, or because he'd been painted white and was being waved up and down frantically was difficult even for Twilight to discern.

“Why is that one white?” Cadence asked.

“A good question.” Celestia admitted. “Why are you white?”

“Because we don't have any flags to surrender with.” came a voice from around the corner.

“That doesn't sound like Chrysalis.” Twilight offered.

“That's because it's not... her.” the voice sounded again. “Will you accept our surrender?”

“If you can tell us who you are, and why you have the authority to offer it.” Celestia answered. Cadence whispered to Twilight.

“Weirdest negotiation yet.” Twilight held back a snicker.

The white changeling fell to the ground, realized that it had not only been dropped, but also in front of their enemies, and skittered around the corner. There was an... argument, in very loud, yet still not quite audible whispers around the corner for several minutes. Then a changeling appeared. Larger, and more feminine than the others, she held up a hoof to stop several drones from following.

“I am Princess Pupae. I now rule the Changelings.”

“And what about... your predecessor?” Celestia inquired delicately.

“Gone. The love she took from us, that we took from you was not enough to save her.” Pupae shuddered.

“Save her from what?” Twilight asked. Pupae shuddered again.

“I do not know. Please, let us talk of the terms of our surrender. The other ponies are being released as we speak. A gesture of... good faith?”

“A good start.” Celestia nodded.

Mac carried Sunny on his back as the group approached the doors to the fortress of Moon Watch. Discord hovered along side, Shining lead. The gates were closed, the drawbridge up.

“Open the gates and prepare for battle!” Shining's voice echoed out into the clear morning. The draw bridge lowered slowly, revealing Luna, staring at him.

“I see we must work on your etiquette of besiegement.” she shook her head. “Come in, the morning is cold.” Shining's jaw hung open until Mac gave him a push.

“So, we came to save you to no good purpose.” Shining seemed depressed.

“Not at all Shiny.” Cadence pulled him close with a wing. “If we hadn't been able to get free, you'd have saved us for sure.”

“How did you get free?” Spike asked.

Twilight inhaled for an explanation. Celestia smiled. “Twilight worked out how to break through the rings suppressing our powers.” Twilight deflated.

“Except, it shouldn't have worked.” Twilight admitted. Celestia raised an eyebrow. “I've done the math Prin... Celestia. I mean I did it in my head, but when I worked it out, that kind of power should have blown our heads off.” Luna blinked.

“Meaning?” Rarity asked, clearly unsure why Twilight had been WRONG.

“Meaning, something turned off the rings before we gathered enough power to do that.”

“Sunny.” Robert acknowledged the slowly recovering earth pony. “When he used his super fly swatter,” Celestia choked on her tea. “she must have been the one who made the rings. So when she got … eliminated, the rings were disabled.”

“Precisely.” Twilight nodded, shield flickering out, tea falling to the floor of the room. “So even though we were trying to escape, you did sort of save us.”

“Not exactly.” Princess Pupae spoke up. “I am... aware of how the rings you were fitted with were created.” she exhaled. “They were, not designed to contain your power. Trying such on something as strong as an Alicorn, would be... inefficient.” she explained, leaving a room full of blank expressions, except for Twilight, who nodded along.

“I presumed as much.” Twilight confirmed. “So they wouldn't have blown our heads off?”

“No. They were designed to fool you into thinking you were building up far more power than you thought. The excess was being stripped off by the rings, and fed into the collective.” Pupae coughed. “Sorry.”

“So, she was stealing our power and using that to fight our friends.” Twilight shuddered. “I can't say I like the idea of having to destroy her, but...”

“What is past is past Twilight Sparkle.” Luna shrugged. “Something tells me we haven't seen the last of her, but for now, we must move forward.”

“Indeed, one should never fear the fall of a faithful foe.” Sunny said. “More umbrellas please.” his head lolled back sideways.

“Is he going to be okay?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Sunstrike will be fine.” Celestia smiled fondly at him. “He is... a distant relative.” Luna blinked. “Yes.” Luna's eyes widened. “He does not exercise his particular talent often, because he cannot control it. Had he been born a unicorn, it would be easier on him. Even as a Pegasus he could have learned to use only a portion of it. Earth ponies lack the inherent traits necessary to use such powers to less than their full extent. Each time he expresses his talent, he expresses it to it's fullest potential.”

“Makes it a might hard to practice, don't it.” Applejack nodded.

“Precisely.” Celestia nodded.

“He did say something I didn't know.” Shining said. “That he was a Knight Errant of the Order of the Unquenchable Sun. Is that true? I mean, I thought the knightly orders were disbanded?”

“Hence Knight Errant.” Celestia smiled. “He came to me, not long after he came upon his cutie mark. It was nearly so impressive as Twilight's.” Twilight flushed. “After he told me the story of what had happened, I explained it's nature to him. His talent is to tap the strength of the sun and use it upon his foes.”

“Okay... so why the knighthood?” Shining asked.

“That is his story to tell. I knighted him for his actions, and granted the title of Knight Errant. It was a gesture which he did not think himself worthy.” Celestia sighed. “I have often found cause to regret the disbanding of the orders.” she shook her head. “But such melancholy thoughts should be saved for other times. Right now, we are negotiating peace between our two peoples.”

“Umm please don't hurt us?” Pupae suggested hopefully.

“It's good to be back home.” Shining admitted. “I kind of miss this place.” he looked around the palace.

“I know, it's lovely.” Robert agreed.

“Why did you come up here?” Cadence demanded.

“I told someone I'd do something for them. No reason for concern.” he smiled.

“Fair enough.” Shining shrugged. “Just try not to cause too much trouble.”

“No promises.”

Far away to the south, beyond the hives now claimed by Princess Pupae, an egg cracked open. The soft chittering of the hatchling within it gave way after a moment to silence and then labored breathing. It's eyes opened, sooner than could have been expected as it began the process of removing the remaining membrane. Even as they opened, the segmentation faded, into pupil and green iris.

The End