The Old Order

The Mane Six approach Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Discord as they gather in the Throne Room. The Princesses signal the royal guards to leave the room for privacy.

"We are sure you have many questions, but I am afraid our time must be kept short." Celestia stated.

"Agreed sister." Luna looks to Twilight, "From what you now know Twilight Sparkle, how do you believe we should proceed?"

"I...I don't know." Twilight looks to the floor in self-doubt. "We have been in many situations that made things seem impossible to overcome, but this is all too much. Discovering so many things in a matter of minutes."

"He did say we should gather an army." Applejack cut into the conversation. "Maybe we should start with that."

"A wise decision." Princess Luna stated. "We shall ask the neighboring kingdoms for their aid."

"How can we possibly ask them for help against a dark army from Tartarus?" Twilight questioned.

"Actually..." The Princesses look to Discord.

Discords sighs. "We decided I will be the reason. The story goes that I used my chaotic powers to gathered forces to conquer Equestria."

Fluttershy immediately breaks away from the Mane Six and embraces Discord in a hug.

"Discord no! You have gained trust and friendship with so many. We can't ask you to do something like this."

"Isn't there another way?" Twilight questioned.

"We considered telling the truth, but we fear that if Equestria knew of a new enemy with great power, it may cause a world wide panic. Plus, the neighboring kingdoms may not agree to help us."

"So we lie to them for their help!?!" Applejack protested.

The room fell into complete silence. Both the princesses closed their eyes and lowered their heads in shame. Breaking the silence was the cries of Fluttershy, as she buried herself into Discord's embrace.

"You are right." Princess Celestia agreed. "If we are to truly unite and defeat Typhon, then there should be no hidden secrets kept from our friends. We will tell them everything, but...I fear this will make things more difficult." Princess Celestia looks to Discord, "Discord, please forgive us."

Discord magically made a handkerchief appear and wiped away Fluttershy's tears. "I was always alone and hated by everypony. For the first time in my life, I was ready to be serious and...help my friends. I was a fool to help Tirek and I wanted to make amends."

Fluttershy looks up at Discord, "We have already forgiven you Discord. We just ask that you help us when the time comes."

"Of course Fluttershy. You were the first to give me the chance. I will never betray that trust again."

Discord then teleported away from Fluttershy into the air above everypony. However, he was clothed in casual attire, a baseball cap, and carrying a briefcase. "In the meantime, until that day comes. I am in need of a vacation. Ta ta everypony! I am going to visit an old friend!" With the snap of his fingers, Discord vanishes.

"He has friends?" Rainbow Dash questioned, followed by a shove in the gut by Applejack.

"How can he possibly think of a vacation at a time like this!?!" Luna exclaimed.

"He said he will come and I believe we should trust him." Fluttershy replied as she regroups with her friends..

"Agreed. Now, about our guest..." Celestia changing the subject.

"Our guest? What about gathering allies?" Twilight questioned.

"Leave that to us. I will send word to Cadence and Shining Armor for their support as well. As for our guest however, he stated that he is sworn to protect all of you. He made a request to us that you all remain here in the castle, watched over by the guards constantly...and never leave until Typhon's arrival."

"WHAT!?!" The Mane Six shouted in sync.

"Who knows how long that is going to be! I will go nuts if I can't get outside to fly!"

"My animals, I can't leave them alone."

"My family! I need to help them on the farm!"

"Mr. and Mrs. Cake will be worried. I have to babysit the little Cakes!!!"

"I have to meet the deadline for my dresses. I must get back to my boutique!!!"

"Everyone calm down!" Twilight shouted and then focused her attention to the Princesses. "Princesses, you can't expect us to remain isolated in the castle until the attack. He have responsibilities and it will only cause suspicion."

"We already sent word to everypony that you are all my guest here in the castle. However, we have agreed that you will all take turns in going outside. With the condition that our guest will be your escort." Princess Luna replied.

The Mane Six look at one another with looks of discontentment. However, they realize this was not up for debate and accept their roles.

"Now then, who shall get the first-"

"I WOULD LIKE TO GO FIRST!"

The Princesses and the Mane Six look to Rarity with the mixed expression of shock and disapproval.

"Oh come on girls. You have seen how he looks. I would very much like to get him cleaned up."

"Well he was a little dirty." Fluttershy mentioned.

"A little?" Rarity asked.

"Okay okay he was real dirty." Rainbow stated.

"I guess that makes sense. Okay, anypony against Rarity taking the first day?" Twilight questioned.

There were no objections.

"I got the second day!" Rainbow shouted.

"Hold on there Rainbow," Applejack interrupted, "I need to help my family as much as I can on the farm."

"But Big Mac can-"

"It is almost Harvesting time and Big Mac can't do it alone. I have to be there for them."

"Okay fine, I will get the third day."

"Umm actually Rainbow Dash, umm..." Fluttershy muttered.

"...Let me guess...your animals?"

"I can't leave them alone for that long. I have to be sure I left enough food for them. I also need to ask somepony to look after them for me while I'm gone."

"Fine fine I will take the fourth-"

"Eh...hehehe." Pinkie Pie giggled with a forced smile on her face.

"What Pinkie!?!" Rainbow Dash shouted.

"Well, the Cakes need me to help them restock their shelves with tasty treats. I would also like to say 'Hi' to the Baby Cakes before I am trapped her forever and ever and ever."

Rainbow Dash gives a loud sigh and then looks to Twilight. Rainbow Dash quickly changes her expression from frustration into a face of a filly, pleading for their parents to go outside to play with their friends. Twilight gives a smile to Rainbow Dash, "Don't worry Rainbow, you get the fifth day."

Without warning, Rainbow Dash flew into Twilight and lifting her up in the air.

"FINALLY!!! OH THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU TWILIGHT!!!" Rainbow Dash shouted with excitement.

"It is settled then. We ask that while you enjoy your day out, you are on your guard and learn more about our guest." said Celestia.

"Are we ever going to give him a name? I don't think we should call him 'guest' all the time." Pinkie Pie questioned.

*     *     *

Back in the secured dungeons, the mysterious pony remains still in his dimly lit cell. His head is low and silently says his praryers.

The door then opens and he raises his head to bring his attention to them. Twilight Sparkle enters the room with a guard. She nods to the guard and then he begins to unshackle the pony. After doing so, the guard then leaves the cell. Twilight is slightly uncomfortable as she looks to the pony. The pony's hood is once again covering his face and has shown no reactions to being set free. She slowly steps forward to the pony and takes a deep breath.

"Since we do not know your name, we decided to call you...Light."

"Light?" The pony questioned.

"Do you not like it?"

After a few seconds of awkward silence, the pony speaks. "It will do. Very well Princess."

Light now bows before Twilight, "I swear, by King Sol and Queen Stella, I will protect my sisters and the Mane Six with my life."