CoRoNa

CoRoNa
04
...

Following the strange attack at Canterlot Golden Acres, there had been an investigation, and a lot of questions for the trio of youngsters.

Who the attacker was, what he wanted, why he had attacked and much more. They did their best to answer, but most of the questions were answered with “I don't know.”

The few remains of the attacker had been gathered up to be examined. There was not much at all really. Had Corona's fire been that hot as to actually destroy the Unicorn attacker's whole body? There was no evidence of the Unicorn having used teleportation magic, so he had to have died, thought there was the lingering traces of strange magic.

After the investigation, the three youths all went home.
...

Princess Celestia paced back and forth in her meeting room, a few of her most trusted noble ponies, as well as the Captains of her royal Guards present.

“The attack was unforgivable.” One noble, a blue coated and green maned Pegasus stallion spoke firmly. “To attack any member of the Royal Family... We need to find out who was responsible and make them pay.”

“Now now Thunderclap, there is no need to resort to violence.” Celestia stopped in her tracks and turned to face the pony who had just spoken out. “I myself have examined the scene of the attack, and I believe the attacker was not, in fact, killed.”

“Not killed?” The Captain of the Unicorn Guards gasped. “But, there were no remains, the heat from the fire magic even turned the ground too glass. He had to have been incinerated with such heat.”

“I do not believe so. Rather, I believe that nopony was actually hurt, more like a puppet of sorts.” Celestia replied.

One Unicorn, with deep red coat and matching mane spoke up. “Beg your pardon Princess Celestia, but if the attacker was using some sort of puppet magic, then that would mean he or she is still out there, meaning the Princess, as well as both Elusive Stargem and Honey Crisp Apple are all still in danger.”

Celestia nodded in agreement. “I agree with you Ruby Rain. We cannot protect them at all times.” She sighed. “Are there any suggestions?”

The nobles and Captains all looked at each other, then at Ruby Rain as she spoke again.

“Perhaps we can hide them outside of Canterlot, someplace secret that nopony, other than a few select, know about.”

Celestia sighed. “I do not know if taking them outside of Canterlot is the wisest idea at this time. Within her walls, the Royal Guard can at least respond quickly to any threats.”

Ruby Rain shook her head. “The attacker may have used Puppet magic. That's a very advanced form of magic, meaning the attacker is a Unicorn of no small skill. The best bet on protecting the Elements of Harmony would be to place them someplace that cannot be scryed upon with magic, a place outside these very walls.”

“And you would have a suggestion?” Captain Stoneheart raised a bushy eyebrow.

“Actually, indeed I do.” Ruby Rain smiled. “I know of a place where magic does not work, and I cannot think of a safer place to hide from those who use magic.”

Celestia frowned a little. “But, if magic does not work, how can we keep them protected should they be found and attacked again.”

“Only I know of this place, and that is where I feel the Elements would be the safest. Captain Stoneheart's Earth Pony soldiers would be the best suited to protect these precious foals.”

Stoneheart scowled. “Are you certain this is a good idea?”

Celestia sighed. “I see little we can do at this time. The magic used was ancient, dark, and evil. Such a place may be the only safe place in all of Equestria.” She turned to Ruby Rain. “Very well. Give me the details of this 'safe' location, then we shall see about transporting the three foals there for safe keeping, for the time being.”

“Of course your Highness.” Ruby Rain bowed, her dark grin hidden by her mane.
...

Elusive was not exactly feeling comfortable at the moment, considering he was within the very walls of Canterlot Castle. He never felt comfortable here, knowing well his commoner status, and being surrounded by nobility, royalty (other than Corona) and the Royal Guard.

He glanced over at Honey Crisp, who was looking to be having the time of her life as she looked out the window from Corona's own quarters. He knew she was nobility, but like Corona, she was a friend, and such status didn't seem to matter.

“Hey Lucy.” Crisp glanced over her shoulder, a grin on her face. “Have ya ever seen such a view?” She gestured out the window.

“Never been one much for heights.” He replied, giving Honey a slight glare for calling him Lucy again., then glanced at Corona. “Are you alright Corona?”

“I don't know... I... I killed that pony back at the farm.” Her eyes were dry, having cried themselves out. “Other than the Ponyville horror, nopony has ever killed another, for over a thousand years... and it was I who killed at least three ponies back then... This makes a fourth...” Her expression was a pained one.

Honey trotted over and hugged Corona. “Ya'll dun worry bout that Princess. Ya said yer magic acted on its own, right? Ya saved us, so it was all in self defense, right?”

“I... I know, but still...” Her ruby eyes looked toward Elusive. “I don't know why my magic did that, acted on its own. I don't even know any attack magic, do I?”

Elusive offered a soft smile. “Let's not worry about that. Princess Celestia, the Royal Captains and some of her most trusted nobles are discussing the matter right now, right?”

Corona nodded and stepped back from Honey. “I guess...”

Just then there cam a knock at the door, and Corona's mother entered.

Elusive and Honey Crisp both bowed, while Corona just looked up at her. “Mom?”

“It's alright dear. What you destroyed at the farm was no pony. It was a magically controlled pupped. Nopony was hurt at all.”

The look of relief on the filly's face was priceless. “R...Really? I didn't murder that pony?”

“No, you did not. Now, we have a rather serious situation. The Cult of the Tyrant King is a very dangerous one, filled with many powerful Unicorns. For this matter, my council and I have decided to transfer you to a place where they cannot locate you.”

“Transfer?” Elusive winced. “Where too?”

Celestia nodded. “A place a few days walk from Canterlot, but you will be transported by carriage and Pegasus. The overall trip will only take half a day.”

“Wait a second.” Honey looked up. “What 'bout th' farm? Ah can't leave it. What if this cult send another puppet?”

“I have stationed guards to protect it, and your family as well.” Celestia reassured Honey Crisp. “With your absence, the cult will have no reason to bother them, and the guards will ensure any attempts too do so will fail.”

“Ah... Ah guess that's fine then. But...”

Celestia nuzzled the filly. “Do not fret young one. I will see too it personally that once this matter is tended too, you will be returned home immediately.”

Honey nodded a little. “Ah understand Princess Celestia.”

“Now, Elusive, I know you are concerned with your studies, but don't be. I will personally help you catch up with any lessons you have missed while on... vacation.” Celestia smiled at the colt, then at her daughter. “And you as well dear.”

“Thank you Mom, but, why so far away? Wouldn't we be safer here?”

“Magic can still be used to locate all of you here in Canterlot, and no matter how well guarded, you can still be put in danger. The place is on the edge of the Everfree Forest, far too the south, and is ringed in a field where magic will not work. Magic cannot be used to locate you.”

Corona frowned. “But, what about Elusive and I? We both rely on our magic.”

Elusive added another question. “And how will we get there? If they can track us, then they can track us to that location. The cult would know about it the moment we vanish.”

Celestia answered Elusive first. “I will be casting a spell that will make all of you untraceable for a day.” She then answered Corona. “You are just as capable as any Earth Pony when it comes to using your hooves for everyday tasks. This matter should only take, at most, a few weeks.”

Elusive winced. “A few weeks without magic?”

Celestia giggled. “Consider this a lesson in anti-magic control. Anti-magic itself is magic. Take this time to learn how to bypass it so you can use your spells.”

Corona's eyes lit up. “They don't even teach that in school, not till collage level. Do you have any books about how to get started?”

“As a matter of fact, I do.” Celestia giggled. “I will have them supplied in the carriage, which should be ready to leave within the hour.”

“Can I at least say goodbye to Mom?” Elusive asked.

“There is not enough time, so I will let her know personally that you are attending a special course.” She turned to the door. “Ruby Rain, please come in.”

The red coated, darker red maned, and ruby red eyes Unicorn mare entered, offering a bow to both Princesses. “Princess.”

“Ruby Rain will be your instructor while you are away.” Celestia explained. “She is the one who created the anti-magic field you will be safely hidden away in. She can use magic in that zone, and she will be teaching you both how too do so as well.”

“What 'bout me?” Honey Crisp asked. “What am Ah s'posed t' do?”

Ruby Rain levitated a small pouch. “I have apple seeds here. I have always wanted to plant an apple orchard, but I lack such skills. You can certainly have a full run of the gardens to plant them.”

Honey's eyes sparkled. “Really?”

“Most certainly. The gardens are, at the moment, barren of anything but a few flowers and some other plants. There is a stream running through the center of the garden, and it receives plenty of sunlight all day long. A few of my Pegasus servants will be more than happy to help with any rain you might request.”

Honey Crisp pranced on the spot for a moment. “Oh thank you Ruby.”

“As well, my own son, Wish Star will be there as well. He is lonely, and about the same age as the rest of you. He will be your guide, and hopefully, your friend.”

“I do enjoy making new friends.” Corona beamed a smile. “How good is his magic?”

“His magic?” Ruby Rain blinked. “Oh, he is a Pegasus, like his father. He's lived at the mansion his entire life.”

“His whole life?” Corona raised her eye. “Does he ever go out?”

“No, not ever. He's quiet and prefers to keep too himself, but I think foals his own age might do him some good, as well as the location offering you the protection you need from the Cult.”

Celestia nodded in agreement. “Remember, this should only take a few weeks, maybe a month. Your academic lessons will continue as well.”

Corona and Elusive sighed. “Yes Mom / Princess.” They spoke almost in unison.
...

The carriage was an enclosed one, with no windows. This was a security procedure for transporting valuable cargo and / or passengers.

The interior was lavish and very comfortable. The academic and other promised books were placed into the travel trunk, attached too the back of the carriage.

Inside, there were snacks and drinks for the journey, so the young trio wouldn't starve. Finally, there were a few board games, including a deck of cards.

Elusive offered a hoof to help Corona inside, then did the same with Honey Crisp before boarding himself. He heard the door close and click locked. They had been told it was standard practice to lock the door for security reasons, as well as the protection of those on board.

Corona sat on one seat and rested her head. “I've never been away from home before. I'm really nervous.”

“Ah, dun ya worry yer pretty mane 'bout it. Think ah this as a vacation.” Honey grinned.

“A vacation where we still have to study and try to master our magic.” Elusive added. He sat on the floor, offering the other sofa seat to Honey Crisp. “I don't know about you, but I'm used too having my Mom away for long periods of time, but never more than a couple weeks. A whole month? This is going too be tough.”

Corona nodded and closed her eyes. “I've never been away from home... I already miss Mom and Aunty. I even Miss my cousin Gallant.”

“Gallant?” Honey Crisp asked. “You mean Prince Blueblood?”

Corona nodded. “He's always come visit every month for a weekend. He pretends to be arrogant when he's receiving unwanted attention from commoners or lesser nobles, but he's actually a really nice guy. He donates lots of money for all sorts of things, such as roads, the railways, even the sky ship research and development.”

Elusive was familiar with the sky ships. Beautiful craft that could fly without Pegasus, carried by hot air balloons. “Those were created by Unicorns, right?”

Corona nodded and opened her eyes as she felt the carriage start moving and lifting off the ground. “Yea, but they're still not as fast as Pegasus drawn chariots and carriages. Still, they can carry lots more ponies and cargo.”

“Doesn't the royal family have a Sky ship?” Elusive asked. “I mean, I've never seen one at the castle.”

Corona shook her head. “No, we don't own one. Not that I know of at least. They are very expensive to build, and we don't want to spend tax payers money on something like that. There are more important things.”

Honey Crisp nodded. “Yea, like roads, weather expenses an' more. Being a noble, Ah learned all 'bout that stuff.”

“Say...” Corona levitated the deck of cards, wanting to change the subject. “While we can still use magic, who wants to play a game of cards.”

It was rare that Corona would change the subject like that, but the trio agreed, a game of cards would help pass the time more quickly.
...

Princess Celestia stood next to Princess Luna. “I wish I could track them, to know that they are indeed safe.”

Luna nuzzled her elder sister affectionately. “Corona and her friends, the Elements of Harmony will be fine. Ruby Rain has for over thirty years been one of your most trusted allies, and friends. If she says she will protect those three, then she will protect them.”

“I hope you are right Luna... I hope you are right...”
...

Princess Celestia was awakened late that night by Luna bursting into her room. “Luna? What is it?”

“The carriage... It's been found, in ruins.”

“C...Corona?”

“No signs of any of the three. We... We found the charred remains of six Pegasus, all wearing royal armor, and one Unicorn Mare. They've been killed with the blackest of magic.”

Celestia stared at Luna, shock on her face. “How... How could they have found them? Does the Cult have spies among my own trusted? Wait, Unicorn mare? Ruby Rain, she was riding at the reigns on the carriage...” Celestia tried to fight back the tears.

Six of her most trusted guard, and one of her oldest friends and allies, dead... Her daughter, Elusive, and Honey Crisp, the Elements of Harmony, missing...

“That is not all that was found...” Luna held up a scroll.

Celestia snatched it and unrolled it aloud.

“Dear Princess Celestia.

Thank you ever so kindly for sending the very Elements of Harmony into our grasp. We sincerely apologize to you, and the families of those who have been killed, but they were necessary sacrifices.

Soon, we will have all six, and the resurrection of our lord, the Tyrant King, shall be fulfilled with their sacrifice. Your false reign shall come too an end. Prepare yourselves, for when our Lord awakens, the first thing he will do is to strike down all those who oppose him, especially you.

Yours truly, The Cult of the Tyrant King.”

Celestia dropped the letter. “Send message too Ruby Rain's mansion. They need too know so they can help us find the foals.”

“I already did... my messenger relayed that the mansion was in flames when she arrived. There were no survivors.”

Celestia rose from her bed, her magic straitening her mane and tail as she dressed. She did all this as she walked for the bedroom door. “Gather my three Captains, as well as your three. We have to find the foals. The future of Equestria depends on it.”
...

To Be Continued...