A much deserved vacation

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4

Chapter 1

The shifting of papers could be heard through the great spires of Canterlot Castle, it was another usual workday and everypony had woken up to the great light of Celestia’s sun, the roads are being filled with a torrent of unicorns, pegasi and earth ponies as the city of Canterlot wakes up and begins another day.

And through this mess of a city was Princess Celestia herself, she has already woken up to raise the sun and is already reviewing the daily news from Canterlot’s premier newspaper agency, the Canterlot Herald.

“Looks like that high speed railway is near completion Raven, most impressive of those French engineers” said Celestia as she read through her morning news.

“Yes Princess, the Canterlot-Manehatten high speed railway will be an achievement for Equestro-French engineering, it will be a testament of our continued relationship between our respective nations and peoples.” Raven replied.

“As if the trade agreements already established isn’t enough” Celestia said as she scanned through the papers again, finally ending her read and signalled the start of her day court with a simple nod to her assistant.

“Of course Princess” was the only reply she got before the guards opened the door and a torrent of nobles and the occasional commoner come streaming into her throne. She is of course used to this situation after thousands of years of experience, nobles are always a rowdy bunch but they do serve a purpose.

It does not make it more bearable for Celestia though, and she suppressed a sigh of annoyance as the screaming of nobles was calmed down by her royal guards trying to keep order in her day court.

“What in the world is this Celestia?!?!? I thought Equestria was still a standing nation that has a proud tradition of independence, this railway project with France has endangered our national standing!!! The local nobles in Manehatten are also not very happy with the installation of this new train system, it ruins the natural beauty of this great country and for us this is unacceptable!!!”

“Frankly I agree with the great Baron Gold Crust, that railway with all it’s…..powerlines and…….sleekness is completely not to our great standards of aesthetics Princess!!! That is what we get when we cooperate with a nation of commoners of all things, I frankly think that Equestria should go even farther and declare that we must reevaluate our relationship with a nation that has killed it’s king.”

“I….think that would be too harsh of a measure Jet Set, Ironhoof industries has prospered cooperating with local French steel manufacturers in terms of steel production, If any of you have been to Los Pegasus or Vanhoover than you can clearly see that France has produced nothing but overall benefits to Equestria” the foundry magnate among the group retorted.

“Only Duke Ironhoof would say that!! I Prince Blueblood frankly thinks that this ‘skyline’ towering in Vanhoover and Los Pegasus tarnishes the natural beauty of those cities, only ponies with money on their minds would think that they look good on any scale!! Snd no, the French doesn’t count!!! They are a nation of commoners! Therefore don’t have an opinion in this!!!” the nephew of the ruling Princesses blurted.

“SILENCE!!!!!” Shouted Celestia as the crowd of rowdy nobles suddenly turned their attention to the now very assertive monarch. “Now before you resume to your normal debates, please do note that this is the throneroom of Equestria and it would be best to keep it civilized in here”

“But auntie, you must understand that this is an affront to Equestria!! For a bunch of…..commoners to come here and build an-”

“I said enough Nephew, the construction of that railroad is already nearing completion and a bunch of nobles acting like foals demanding attention is not going to change my opinion, that is final!!” said Celestia in a very loud roar that echoed through the castle.

“Now let’s move on to other things shall we?” the alicorn urged.

The sun was nearing twilight and Celestia walks through the busy hallways of Canterlot Castle with clear tiredness in her eyes. Today, despite the support from sensible nobles like Ironhoof and Fancy Pants. The local nobles have been unusually pissy about the railroad issue tonight, far more than usual actually. I need to take a vacation she thought as she entered the dining hall, greeted by the usual sight of a groggy Luna drinking coffee.

“Good….evening sister, I trust daycourt has been most productive?” Luna said as she continued drinking her coffee and occasionally suppressing a yawn as she waits for it to kick in.

“Yes it has been, did some tax rebates, oversaw the construction of the railroad, and did a bunch of appointments with some very important ministers, a most productive day indeed Luna” she conveyed in irked sarcasm.

“Celestia, did someone tick you off? I can tell from your tone that it might be Blueblood and his cronies again” the nocturnal sibling surmised.

“Well what do you think? Of course it’s Blueblood and his cronies! They have been very…..very resistant to that railroad ever since it has been announced, don’t they see beyond their delusions how beneficial this railroad will be for Equestria?!?”

Celestia took a rather vehement bite from her salad.

“I think an appointment with our ‘nephew’ would be beneficial if he keeps railing you like this, Celestia. Or, you can…..y’know, exclude him from your court,” Luna offered.

“I can’t, there’s some old law that prohibits the princess’s relatives from being excluded from court, he’s going to complain about that ancient text if I try to do anything…..ugh” complained Celestia as she slumped on her table, lazily eating her salad in a definitely unprincesslike manner.

“Perhaps you need to consult mother about this one Celestia, if there is somepony capable of taking on unruly nobles, it must be our mother” the dream walker proposed with glee.

“Oh……” Celestia responded.

“What? Are you still afraid of mother?”

“Not afraid…..just…...disappointed”

“Oh? Is it because you failed to rescue her during those years in the Everfree?”

“N-no”

“Be honest Celestia”

“I don’t need this” as Celestia took off to her bed, bringing the still unfinished salad with her, Luna could only stood by, looking at her sister with clear worry in her eyes.

“To only be greeted by the whining of nobles after all those battles, Celes- no, we need a vacation” as Luna finished her dinner and went off to her throneroom, eyes filled with determination.

“Can you please summon mother? We need to discuss something of utmost importance” Luna ordered.

“At once milady” a Night Guard responded as he opened his bat-like wings and flew outside her throne room. The dreamscape had been unusually quiet today, so with some free time left, Luna decided that a discussion with her mother about Celestia is sorely needed.

Whether or not Celestia realizes it, if she keeps this up…….there will be consequences, I must put an end to this before she breaks.

“Princess!! Your mother has arrived”

“Please, let her in” Luna responded as the gates to her throneroom were opened to reveal the Queen of Equestria herself. Well a Queen in name only, we are still not sure what responsibility we should give to her…….Thank the stars she has been very supportive in all of this.

“You summoned me my daughter?” Harmony said as she trotted ever so slowly towards Luna’s throne. Eyes focused onto the Princess herself.

“Y-yes, pardon me for the sudden intrusion into whatever you’re doing mother”

“Oh think nothing of it my dear Luna, I reckon that such a short notice must mean something important must be ahoof”

“Yes, but not the usual kind. This is something…...different”

“Oh?”

“It pertains to the…...emotional health of your eldest daughter, she has been through so much…”

“I would believe it, fighting an enemy thought long forgone and to return, only to be greeted by the whine of nobles must not be a healthy thing at all” Harmony said, ending the sentence with a small smirk in her face.

“W-wha? H-how did you?”

“You think I didn’t use an invisibility spell during your dinner? As a mother I will always listen and take into account your thoughts and feelings Luna…..even if you’re not fully aware of my presence”

“O-oh…...can you….please not do that, it’s a bit…...creepy y’know, spying at your own daughters and all”

“Okay-okay, I may have gotten a bit overboard at that dinner but I do understand your concerns, I think a suitable vacation is in fact necessary for all of us, staying in Canterlot for too long will not bode well for our health and well being yes?”

“Of course mother…….do you want to invite the element bearers?” Luna asked shyly, anticipating the response she’s going to get.

“Please no….”

“But why not?!?!? They are all nice ponies and it would be for the best!!!”

“Please no…...I don’t need the Element of Laughter of all ponies to accompany Celestia, she needs bonding and healing, not some……….ponies who will ruin the moment.

“Hmpf, fine” Luna pouted as she continued her paperwork. Working through the deployment of the Royal Night Guard into Bat Pony settlements to rework their relationship with Equestria, the bat ponies had always been feared as Nightmare Moon’s loyal guardians and that tripe must be-

“So I’ve heard that you have a coltfriend now Luna, so who is this dashing stallion hmm? A member of your night guard perhaps?”

“MOTHER!!!!!” Luna shouted, never expecting a line so out of context to be uttered.

“So you are planning to move the 20% tax rate to Ponies who earned 200.000 bits upwards?”

“Yes Raven, this accompanied by the moving of the tax brackets generally upwards would improve our coffers and provide enough of a break for ponies to invest more. It would be for the betterment of Equestria to do this, have you brought this to Minister Whitestar?”

“Not yet Princess, but I’m planning to meet him for lunch, the finance minister would surely be interested in the new tax code you’re planning, too bad it must come at such resentment from the Canterlot elite.”

“Don’t let their whinings get to you Raven. Our loyalty is ultimately to Equestria, not to the Canterlot nobility”

“Most true Princess, I’ll pack these in my folders on the way out” Raven responded as she took off from the throneroom.

“Now let’s see what do we have next……….visit to Ponyville, meeting with Baron von Hooferston, Appointment with…...Applejack? Since when does the Apples need a meeting with me?” Celestia wondered, looking at the piece of paper with clear suspicion.

The door suddenly opened to reveal Applejack in a clearly unamused state of affairs.

“Oh...Applejack, to what do I owe you this visit? I understand that this visit is not about your farm yes?”

“Actually Princess it is, have you read about the letter ah sent to you?”

“I was about to before you showed up, rather unexpected I might say”

“Then you should get to readin it Princess, it might be ‘to your interest’ as somepony might say it”

The meeting with Applejack, something Celestia expected to resolve within just a few hours, turned into a drawn out debate about the Apple Family’s ability to compete in the new market, with Applejack trying to explain that they can’t compete with French Agriculture and Celestia arguing that it would be better for the Apples to adapt. In the end Celestia manages to convince Applejack to at least consider modernizing with the assistance of Twilight and her other friends, but it was a drawn out battle.

“I’ve never had such vigorous debates since the early days of court” Celestia grumbled as she entered the dining room.

“Another bad day I presume?” Luna asked, amused at her sister’s current mood, usually by next week things would swing right in her favor and she would become the usual cheery Celestia she would know of, but apparently this week has been anything but cheery.

“You wouldn’t believe it Luna, Equestria is entering a new era of change and yet Applejack of all ponies is the one resisting it, I can’t believe that one of our element bearers are resisting the Sun Princess”

“I guess that is the price of change isn’t it Celestia? New enemies will be formed without a doubt”

“Easy for you to say, I managed to convince Applejack in the end, but by the stars will this be the start of a round of complaints from Ponies all over Equestria” Celestia sighed as she took a slurp from the soup. “Anyway, how’s mother doing?”

“Oh really well. She just visited the city of Fillydelphia just last week, the ponies are absolutely throwing themselves at her! it appears that rumors travels fast indeed”

“Her personality shouldn’t be too much of a problem either. Anyways, any news from the French?”

“Still occupying our homeland, minimal resistance and rebuilding is currently underway. I heard that French mages are apparently very well regarded down there”

“So I’ve heard, humans are wonderful yet terrifying allies aren’t they?”

“We both went on that trip Celestia, we both know just how culture shocked we both are. I swear I never thought steel could be mass produced that quickly, it took quite the effort to build the Equestrian railway network and here we have humans mass producing the needed materials in copious amounts, darn humans.” Luna grumbled as she slurped her soup once more

“Well it has been nice talking to you Luna, I pray for your safety in the dreamscape” Celestia said, ending their conversation on a formal note.

“Psh, as if I needed safety anymore, the active defenses have been in place before my banishment Celly, what am I? A foal?” Luna replied, unamused at Celestia’s antics.

Now with Celestia gone, Luna just nodded and a white mist seemingly out of nowhere burst out to reveal the image of Luna’s mother, her face saddened at what she saw.

“It appears that you are right Luna, I think a vacation is in order, have you organized the necessary contingencies?”

“But of course mother. Should I announce the trip at her by dawn? The royal traincar is being prepared as we speak, and…..ah you’re here”

Just at Luna’s announcement, some of Celestia’s finest ministers and assistants just arrived at the dining hall, fully knowing what Luna’s intentions are.

“So, a two week vacation?” Raven blatantly asked, curious into what the night Princess and her mother had planned.

“To Horseshoe bay yes, you do understand that this is a personal matter yes?” Harmony replied, her eyes stern just to get the message through.

“Personally I think this vacation is overdue, she has dedicated an insane amount of time servicing Equestria with all her needs and she deserves frankly more than two weeks time,” Kibitz said, grabbing the attention of some of the ministers.

“I have no problems as well, the finance ministry has got everything under control, the finances of Equestria are safe under my guidance,” Minister Whitestar also replied.

“I have to agree with Kibits and Whitestar here, the Maritime Ministry won’t implode for just two weeks without Celestia’s guidance” Minister Seawave Froth said, warming up to the idea of a royal vacation.

“Fine, if that is what her majesties wants, then a vacation is what you will get, the Royal Guard will keep Equestria safe in the meantime”

Following this, a wave of ‘yesses’ followed suit as the remaining ministers agreed to the idea, it looks like Luna’s idea is working.

“Very well then, we shall depart tomorrow at night, you are thereby dismissed” Luna said, seeing the group of ministers and assistants dispersing like bees from a hive.

With her daily duties over, Celestia looked over at the warm sight of her bed, this bed has been recently commissioned under the personal order of her majesty and is magically imbued with a natural fluffiness once the solar monarch throws herself into it. Sometimes she asked herself whether a personal commission for a bed of all things was worth the expense, but on days like this. She was reminded that all of the money spent on searching for the best bedmakers and enchanters has not gone to waste.

“Best. Bed. Ever” Celestia muttered as she took of her regalia and put on her socks, magically imbued as well for maximum comfort. Celestia is one pony that takes no exception when it comes to personal comfort, and many dreamfilled nights were had due to her foresight and attention to detail. “Well, nighty night Celestia” she finally said as she levitated herself into her bed, letting the deep enthrall of sleep overtake her as the solar monarch slept.

Celestia was in an open field.

She took a step forward and it turned into a sight she never saw for millenia. Her old castle in Everfree at her heyday, what a sight to behold indeed.

She took another step and saw the faces of Twilight and the rest of the Element Bearers. Something tells her that danger might be coming, but she pressed forward nonetheless.

The wind became more howling as a sleet of snow suddenly arrived in her third step, she was sure that this must be somewhere near the crystal empire, and her fears are confirmed once she saw the dark tower in the distance.

She took another step forward, and another, and another. Her body could not handle the snowstorm and she collapsed.

She suddenly woke up at the sight of a great forest, untouched for millenia by the looks of it, she is at full regalia again and saw Discord, Sombra and Chrysalis mingling with one another.

“Ah! There you are Celestia!! What are you waiting for? I told you that the forest is awesome!!” Chrysalis said, her face practically beaming with confidence and happiness.

“It is certainly a pleasing sight Celestia, that castle of yours is too stuffy for my tastes,” Discord said, he’s a bit of an annoyance yes, but a good friend nonetheless.

“I just looove the sight of this forest, certainly beats my stuffy hive in appearances”

Celestia suddenly felt that she has known all of them for a long time, taking a step into the trio of ponies (and draconequus), reaching in no time at all.

“Soooooo Celestia? What are we doing here? Are we here to play hide and seek or something else?” Chrysalis asked, her eyes practically beaming in excitement.

“Nononononono Chrysalis” Sombra replied, “I think a better game would be…...hmm what do you think Discord?” Sombra asked.

“Ah I get it!! I think a good game to play was…..guess the traitor.” His last tone possessing some venom within it.

Suddenly all eyes were on Celestia, “W-what?!? What did I ever do to you?!? We’re friends right?!?” Celestia said, flabbergasted at the very thought of betraying her friends.

“Oh please, who exiled me into the Crystal Empire for over a thousand years?”

“Oh, and don’t forget using the elements of Harmony to banish me”

“And don’t forget ignoring the needs of my hive!!!!”

And with that, the trio suddenly closed in on Celestia, their cheery looks suddenly turned into a predatory sight, like a lion sighting it’s prey for the first time.

“Stay back!!! I said STAY BACK!!!!” Celestia screamed, preparing her most potent magics, her heart dropped when she realized that she is just a mere pony.

“H-help!!! Help!!!” Celestia screamed, taking off at great speed.

“No one’s here to help you Celly my dear”

“You betrayed our trust, betrayed our friendship”

“And turned allies into enemies, some friend you are Celestia!” as the trio closed in, wrapping Celestia into darkness.

Celestia woke up. Cold sweat running throughout her body as she grasped for air. She is back on her bed, back in Canterlot, back in Equestria.

“Back home…..” as Celestia woke up, lighting up her horn to bring in morning for all of Equestria.

Once the deed is done, Celestia decided that she needed some time on the bed, ordering her sock covered hooves to move. She slowly trotted into her bed and cuddled for a while.

She realized that she couldn’t do this forever (despite how much she loved the idea of cuddling forever) and woke up, trotting into the royal showers for a much needed shower after that mess of a dream came knocking.

“Another day at work by the looks of it” as Celestia lighted her horn and took off her socks, throwing them onto the rack and turn on the faucet for the shower, getting ready for another day once more.

Chapter 2

A dark shadow moved through the alleyways of Canterlot, it is still early morning and Celestia still hasn’t raised her sun yet, a perfect opportunity for the shadow to do it’s purpose, to do it’s duty for the betterment of Equestria. The shadow knew that recent events has allowed it to fulfill it’s duty.

The shadow finally reached it’s destination, without hesitation it moves towards the direction of the royal train yard and at last it’s destination was finally sighted. Conductor Steamy Stacks of the Royal Canterlot train. This train has been used extensively by the royal sisters to travel across Equestria and is filled to the brim with luxuries only royalty could afford, comfy couches, whole dining tables that filled an entire car, the softest beds Equestria could make and of course, red velvet draped across each car.

“And the the supply of coal is good, now let’s move on to the boiooooooh what are you?!?” exclaimed Steamy Stacks as he saw a rapidly approaching shadow, he was just doing his regular checks when a mysterious message just….arrived in his office, it just said ‘ready your train’ and at first he just thought it was just a fluke, but the arrival of this shadow just reminded him of the message he just threw in the trashbin.

The shadow slowly turned into the image of Princess Luna, further indicating the Steamy Stacks shouldn’t just discard that anonymous message away. Oh ponyfeathers, if she realized that I just threw her message I would be-

“Y-yes Princess, t-to what do I owe your pleasure of v-v-visiting?” Steamy cautiously asked, sweat coming off his brow.

“Why to see whether or not the Train is ready of course, is it ready?” Luna asked assertively, giving Steamy Stacks more reason to worry.

“W-weeeellllll”

“Is it ready Steamy Stacks? It is rude to stall a Princess”

“N-no Princess”

“Say again?”

“N-no Princess”

“UGH! I knew that sending just a message would not be enough, well you heard it first from the Princess. Ready the train for immediate departure at 8 in the morning, I have a special need for your services”

Steamy Stacks was taken aback at that statement, “I know that this is currently 5 and for you that is enough time, but do understand that I never expected a request for the royal train to leave that early. Is it for a special occasion?”

“But of course, meet me in the secret location as usual”

“Ah, you’re talking about the Private train station built at the bottom? Will this be a personal trip?”

“More or less, can I expect you to do this?” Luna asked, expecting a yes from Steamy Stacks.

“Well…..yes but it will be a close one”

“Good, then get to it then, see you at the trainstation at 8”

And with that, shadows just enveloped the Princess and she was gone.

Now with the order given, Steamy Stacks realized that this is a most special order indeed. He went back to his office, put his cap back on and went back to the locomotive.

If the Princess needs this then I must be at my best, I sure hope Shining Gears arrived on time, that mare always came to work far too late.

With the deed done, Luna raced towards Canterlot castle as fast as she could, the fact that the sun is rising indicated that Celestia has woken and is about to enter the dining hall. She zoomed through the sentries of Canterlot, ignoring their confusion as to what just happened and raced through the still empty halls of Canterlot castle towards the dining hall.

Admittedly it was a close one, because as soon as she just arrived and transformed into her normal form, Celestia had just entered and greeted her sister in a manner she’s familiar with.

“Greetings Lulu, I hope nightcourt has been most productive yes?” Celestia greeted, her smile always present.

“Oh yes, most productive indeed” Luna replied, entering her seat and waiting for the chef to deliver the food. If mother kept her word then all she needs to do was stall and smalltalk Celestia until she starts her daycourt.

“Alright then Lulu, it was a pleasure talking with you and I would like to hear more about your stories in the dreamscape, but alas royal duties awaits me and I must go. See you at dinner” Celestia said as she stood up.

“Yes sister” Luna replied, standing up as well, “I shall tell you more stories about a filly named Scootaloo once you visit the dining hall once again. For now I must go……...TO SLEEP!!!”

Celestia could only response with a chuckle, “Of course you do Luna, have a good night” she voiced as she left her sister and walked into her throneroom. It was nearing 8 o’clock in the morning and she must brace herself for another busy day at court.

“Let’s pray that Fancy Pants and Ironhoof are going to take over for today, I’m not planning on debating those prissy ponies with their privileged lifestyles” Celestia muttered as she entered an…..empty throneroom?

Normally she would expect Raven of Kibitz to at least be present here doing some of the paperwork, but there’s literally no one here.

Where are my assistants? It’s unusual for them to be late for work.

She wandered around her throneroom a while, confused as to what is happening when the huge doors behind her opened, she turned her head expecting some sort of a ploy to capture her. I seriously pray for anyone brave enough to pull off a coup, they do not know what I am capable of Celestia thought as she charged her horn.

The door finally opened to reveal……..her mother?

Acting like lightning, she immediately relaxed her stance and lowered her spell, If I was more hesitant mother could expect a full beam of solar energy directed to her, thank the stars that did not happen.

“Mother? What are you doing here? I didn’t expect you of all ponies to come to court this early” Celestia asked, curious into what are Harmony’s intentions are.

“Oh nothing Celestia, I just wanted to tell you something. Something rather important” Harmony cryptically responded, careful in her choice of words.

“Oh? What is it then? certainly this wouldn’t be a major issue to Equestria….right?”

“Oh but it is, I think it may come to you as trivial, but make no mistake. This situation could go…...out of hoof rather quickly”

“Then what is the problem mother? You can trust me” Celestia asked rather concerningly.

Mother is certainly careful in choosing her words, maybe her life might be in danger while she was investigating the issue perhaps, I might need to coordinate with French intelligence to find out.

“Fine then, this might come as a shock, but It concerns you Celestia.”

“M-me? Did I do anything wrong?”

“No, you just need a vacation”

Before Celestia could even react, a sudden bolt of magic hit her right in the forehead, Celestia tried to ready her battlestance but she suddenly feel very woozy. “W-wha?” was all the words Celestia could mutter before she collapsed on the floor, peacefully sleeping.

“She is always rather adorable when she sleeps” Harmony chuckled as she lighted her horn and lifted the sleeping body of Celestia, “Now to take her into the train station” as Harmony trotted into a certain section of her daughter’s throneroom, she pressed her hoof into one of the ‘odd’ outcroppings and a flight of stairs suddenly collapsed.

She just trotted down towards the stairs and they suddenly reformed into just another part of the throneroom. As if they didn’t exist at all.

“Where is she? Where’s mother?” Luna wondered, trotting around the empty train station just a couple of floors below Canterlot Castle. She had packed her baggages and has packed Celestia’s as well, and now with nothing to do, Luna just sat around on one of the few benches in this dust filled rail platforms shielded from the populace.

This train station itself was also magically enchanted to be silent in the hopes of preventing any curious ponies from wandering into the Princesses’ getaway plan, and although the original intention of this secret train station was to secure the diarchs in case of an attack on Canterlot. The station is now just a secret getaway mode for the royals who wanted to get away from the hustle and bustle of the capital.

Suddenly, the walls just behind Luna opened, revealing Harmony still carrying an unconscious Celestia.

“Oh mother there you are, I see you’ve brought my sister” the princess of the night expressed as she stared amusingly stared at the sleeping solar diarch, “I see you’ve put her to sleep, you don’t trust Celestia to come here on her own free will?”

“Of course, my daughter is a very insistent mare. She could foil our plans if I didn’t prepare that sleep spell, you have packed all of our bags correct?”

“But of course, the train should arrive just about-”

And with that, the slow chugging sound of a train was heard. The chugging sound slowly got louder and louder until the figure of a train could be seen entering the station. The train stopped precisely in position and with a nod, both Luna and Harmony walked into one of the many cars it had.

“Welcome aboard Princess Luna; Princess Celestia. Please put your belongings in the appropriate compartment and we can start your trip to Horseshoe Bay” a voice intercom boomed. “I just need to note that it took all of our training to come here discreetly Princess Luna, you sure are a hard mare to please”

“Am I?” Luna asked as she put the bags in the appropriate compartment, “Anyway, let’s not beat around the bush here, you can go immediately Steamy Stacks” the night princess responded through the radio on the table.

“Of course Princess. Gears, set course to Horseshoe Bay”

And with that, the royal train took off, the smoke emitted from the stacks was immediately redirected into the ventilation system. Masking the train smoke as just simple emission from the castle’s numerous fireplaces.

“This is going to be fun” muttered Harmony as the train left the station and entered the rails outside the city. She kinda wondered how the nobles will react once they knew the Princesses were gone on a vacation and lightly chuckled at what was to be the reaction of the century.

Celestia’s eyes slowly opened, the last thing she remembered was being shot by her own mother of all beings. Her brain slowly registered and she is seeing…...the roof of a bunk bed?

She gradually rose from her slumber and realized that she’s no longer in her throne room, as she slowly surveyed her surroundings she slowly realized that she’s in the-

“Royal Train, just what am I doing here?” Celestia wondered as she looked around the traincar.

The door in front of her opened and the sight of Princess Luna could be seen, she was happily humming some tune she didn’t recognize and stopped when she saw the confused face of her sister.

“Ah sister, you’re awake” Luna greeted, anticipating a flood of questions about her sister’s whereabouts.

“Just….where am I Luna? I remember being in the throneroom and…..mother of all ponies putting a sleep spell on me!”

“Well you’re not wrong there Celly, mother did zap you with a sleeping spell”

“W-what?” Stammered Celestia, confused as to why Harmony of all ponies would do such a thing, “Why?”

“Because we frankly believe that you wouldn't join us Celestia, even if we asked you nicely. You have always been the more stubborn of the two of us” Luna replied.

“W-wellll” Celestia stammered as she puts her hooves on the back of her head, “You are not wrong. But frankly, I can’t afford a vacation Luna. Only our ancestors would know what would happen to Equestria if we left them to their own devices!”

“Oh don’t worry about that Celestia, I would be a fool to leave everything without preparation.” Replied Luna as she continued, “let’s just say that Raven hasn’t been completely honest with you Celestia”

“B-but, Equestria!”

“NO buts Celestia, you’re going on a vacation with me and mother and you’re going to enjoy it” shouted Luna. Much to the surprise of her sister.

Realizing that she had completely lost this battle, Celestia could only sigh in defeat and bowed her head down, “Well, you can at least tell me the vacation destination Luna, I have…..plans for you if it’s Horseshoe Bay”

“Then prepare for a battle then dear sister, for we are, indeed going into horseshoe bay”

Celestia’s only response was a sly smile, enough of a hint for Luna to prepare herself that this trip won’t be all sunshine and rainbows for her.

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN SHE’S MISSING?!?” raged Blueblood as he searched extensively throughout the throneroom, trying to find any clue as to why his auntie suddenly went missing. When news of Celestia’s dissapearance arrived to him he immediately suspected something must be up. He got out of bed, straightened his mane the best way he can and rushed to the castle at full gallop. Only to encounter a bunch of nobles similarly wondering where the Princesses’ had gone.

“I’m just telling you Blueblood, until we can find the Princesses, all complaints are to be put in the complaint box” Raven replied in a cold tone, a hint to Blueblood that he must stop ransacking the throneroom of his aunt.

“But why? Surely you know that I care for my aunt, what would I be if it were not for Princess Celestia, the Unconquered Sun?”

Blueblood’s attempts to gather sympathy only garnered a mostly dissaproving face from Raven, “Blueblood, I’m sure that most nobles would like to hear your ‘oh so tragic’ backstory of having a luxurious life right when you were born. But, please stop searching. We are calling in investigators as we speak so it would be nice to NOT tarnish the crime scene?”

Assuming that this is a crime scene to begin with. Good luck trying to track them, if any of those nobles are willing to.

“Oh but Raven, you must understand that I care for Celestia, if you could just spare-”

“I said no Blueblood!!” Raven asserted, much to the shocked reaction of Blueblood and the other nobles, “Just as I said, if anypony wants to complain, write them and put them in the complaint box, other than that” Raven gathered her breath to say what was coming next, “GET OUT OF THE THRONEROOM!!!”

“Okay-okay geez” said Blueblood as he nodded his head to the other ringleaders, signalling that their attempts were, at least for now.

Fancy Pants and Ironhoof just winked their eyes to Raven before leaving the throneroom. Raven usually doesn’t trust nobles but a few of them were informed of what was actually happening and have been…….very cooperative so far.

Just after leaving, the doors to the throneroom opened again. “Ugh” Raven grunted, “I already told you, unless if you’ve written something then get out of here, and nopony can write that fast”

“Oh I am no noble Raven, I believe you hired me for a rather ‘specific’ task yes?”

Raven immediately turned around to see her hired investigator, a pony by the name of Dark Cloak. She already briefed the person about the whole situation and judging from his resume, he is trustworthy enough to be given privy to royal secrets.

“Just mislead the nobles Cloak, I want them running around Canterlot and not getting an inch of information. That should entertain the populace for a while”

“Of course Raven, the letters I’ll send to you later on will be…...incredibly detailed to say the least”

“And I’m going to enjoy every bit of it” replied Raven, her normal calm demeanor broke as she wickedly smiles in anticipation for what Dark Cloak has in mind.

The chugging of the train seemed near endless as Celestia took a sip from her Dodge City 976, a most fine specimen of wine she acquired from that rustic yet charming town. The servants, apparently really do know her type of wine and the taste didn’t dissapoint.

“I beg you Luna, this wine is most impressive, you should try it.” Celestia asked, much to the chagrin of her sister.

“Celestia” Luna replied, taking a sip from Sweet Apple Acres signature hard cider, “you must realize that I’m a more cider mare than your prissy little tastes. Unlike your wine I have a more…...direct palate for alchoholic beverages. And trust me, this cider will blow the everliving socks off your weak little wine”

“Luna….is that a challenge? A challenge whether or not a bunch of applefarmers in Ponyville could beat the great legacy of the Dodge City wineries? You certainly are behind the times are you now, dear sister” Celestia responded, her horn glowed as she put down her wine bottle and stood up.

“Oh certainly sister, you must realize that the Apple Farmers possess something the prissy wine makers in Dodge City don’t have, innovation and creativity. They can certainly outproduce your weak flanked drink.”

“Oh that is rich” Celestia laughed, wings spread out in faux aloofness. “You must realize that quantity isn’t everything Luna, and frankly quality beats quantity everytime. Have you tasted what this superior wine has to offer? I can assure you that Applejack and her…….unsophisticated methods can’t handle all of this rich flavour Luna”

“Oh yes, let’s make fun of the hard working earth pony.” Luna sarcastically responded, ”Celestia you realize we are over that era right? I frankly think Applejack’s cider could beat your liquor anytime”

“In fact” Luna continued, “I’m so confident I wouldn’t even bother tasting your brew, I certainly will believe cider beats wine every time of the day”

…………

In a split second, their serious stares lightened and both mares burst into laughter.

“Oh Celestia, that is some great defense. I will never be a wine mare but you do sure feel insecure everytime somepony doesn’t approve of your tastes” Luna exclaimed as she rolled on the floor, her face clearly blushing due to the copious amounts of alchohol she drank.

“As if you’re the ultimate authority, I believe your ‘defense’ right there proves your insecurities Luna” Celestia responded, her head thrown back in an unprincesslike manner as she tries to recuperate herself from the alchohol streaming through her body.

Their tirade of Wine vs Cider was suddenly interrupted by the sudden appearance of Harmony, “Oh hello there my daughters. It appears you both have developed a taste in alchohol, I personally find the homemade beer brewed in Canterlot most exquisite”

Both Luna and Celestia’s horns lighted and they both shifted their position, both of them staring deadeyed at Harmony’s face. It appears that the sobering spell worked and now both Princessess have found their target.

“Did you say?” Luna started.

“Beer?” Celestia finished.

“So…...it appears that we have a common enemy now sister” Celestia said, slowly standing up from her chair.

“Indeed sister…..a heretic has infested our dear mother, I suggest we must purge them immediately”

“Uhm…..wha?” Harmony stammered, never expecting a sudden turn of personality from her own two daughters.

“I think we must cleanse this infection my dear Luna”

“But of course! everypony and their mother knows that beer is the lowest form of alchohol there could be, I think an adequate punishment should be…….tickling?”

“A most excellent suggestion my dear Luna”

As if on cue, both her daughters shared a predatory glance, a predatory glance aimed at her.

Already taking more than enough hints, Harmony ran.

Next time…..I must choose my words carefully, I can already tell by their glances that they don’t intend to play around!

Chapter 3

The small town of Sandy Shores is a small settlement built on the banks of Horseshoe Bay, rarely anyone recognizes the town due to it’s location and it has some of the best scenery Equestria has to offer. Sad that only a select few ponies know of this town’s presence, the community around this town is very engaging and open, willing to greet someone new just to break their isolation at least temporarily.

And one of the inhabitants of this town is currently harvesting seaweed.

“Nnggh!!” grunted Seawave Froth as she pulled another batch of seaweed floating off the coast. She is one of the few seaweed harvesters of the town and being the daughter of a seaweed farmer herself, she naturally developed a passion for seaweed farming.

“I think that’s enough for today” voiced Seawave, with her saddlebags packed to the brim with freshly harvested seaweed, she waded her way out of the shores of Horseshoe Bay, beelining towards the location of the local market of Sandy Shores.

The town market, as usual is highly populated. With ponies from all over town buying foodstuffs and whatever commodities they desire. As she trotted through the town, she was greeted with a bunch of ‘Hello’s’ and ‘Greetings’ she is now used to. Always nice to have a community like this, way better then Baltimare at least, thought Seawave as she finally reached her destination.

The doorbell into the local seafood shop rang as Seawave entered the store. It was one of the few seafood stores in town and Seawave could see her pony of interest, a gruff looking stallion named Soaring Sails.

They were really good friends ever since they met each other, with both having a passion for the ocean. This coupled with their highly fruitful business partnership meant that sometimes the locals occasionally mistook Seawave as the special somepony of Soaring. Much to her denial of course.

“Ah Seawave!” greeted Soaring, already expecting her, “So how’s today’s catch? Did it go well?” the gruffy looking Stallion asked.

“Oh yes Soaring, this batch of seaweed has been very easy to catch. The town’s gonna love it!” replied Seawave as she lowered her saddlebags and brought it into the table for the stallion to see.

“Hmmm…...this is indeed a good batch, good work Seawave. How much do you want?” the stallion asked, expecting some high prices judging by the quality of the seaweed.

“Well….nothing much, I think 200 bits would suffice?”

“That’s…..actually lower than expected” replied Soaring as he opened the store’s register and handed Seawave the appropriate amount of bits.

“Meh, 200 bits per day is not a bad income, mind if I look over the store a bit? I needed to do a grocery run anyway”

“Sure Seawave, I need to go unpack the seaweed so take your time” replied Soaring as he takes the batch of seaweed from Seawave’s saddlebags and dumps it into the local pool of enchanted water.

As Soaring busily prepares today’s batch of seaweeds, Seawave Froth scanned over the aisles of the seafood shop. Due to the fact that ponies don’t eat meat, seafood shops tend to not have a lot of visitors due to their lack of variety. the only edible seafood ponies eat were naturally plants, with Kelp, Seaweed and dried Algae being to most common. Outside of towns like Sandy Shores, most ponies usually kept to growing their food on the ground instead of harvesting them from the oceans.

“Such a sad thought, Algae is actually quite good if you cook it right” muttered Seawave as she grabbed a cart and starts strolling through the shop, grabbing dried seaweed, seasoned kelp and dried algae along the way.

The chugging of the train slowed as they neared their destination. Celestia knew that there is no direct route from Canterlot to Horseshoe bay and they need to walk the rest of the journey by hoof. Personally she finds this can be potentially relaxing or potentially life threatening as Horseshoe Bay was not only famous for their pristine beaches, but also for the storms that occasionally hammer the region.

Not that it would matter anyway, I’ve flown into many a hurricane before in my life. Still not an experience I want to repeat though thought Celestia as the train slowed down to a halt.

“Princess Celestia, Luna. We have reached our closest point to Horseshoe Bay by rail, from now on you have to travel by hoof.” the intercom said.

“Don’t worry too much Steamy Stacks” Luna replied, “We have walked to Horseshoe Bay many times in our lifetime, this won’t be our first walk anyway, isn’t that right Celly?”

“Right you are Lulu” replied Celestia, “Steamy Stacks, once me, my sister and mother have left, you are to return to Canterlot immediately. If anyone asks you where you went just say the Crystal Empire, this is a royal order and it cannot be altered in any way. Is that understood?” ordered Celestia, intent on confusing the nobles in any way she can.

“Of course Princess” replied the intercom.

“Good, very good” said Celestia as she nodded to both Luna and Harmony. Getting only smiles as a response

“So...is that all of them?” asked Luna as Celestia lifted the final bag from the traincar.

“Yep, that’s all of them. Mother?”

“Of course Celestia, I’ll tell the driver that everything has been unloaded.”

A short time later, the royal train suddenly reversed course and only in a matter of minutes was gone from sight.

“Okay, now with Equestria not knowing the location of their diarchs, where exactly are we going Luna?”

“Oh, I think mother will take care of this. Mother?”

“Of course Luna, just after my return, I began extensively researching everything about Equestria, from society to culture to economy to politics. One of the funny things I found during my researches was that Horseshoe Bay does have other, smaller towns other than Baltimare, and when I was informed by Luna about her plans. I decided to pitch in to offer a special place for our little outing”

“And what town are we going Mother?” Celestia asked

“A small town by the name of Sandy Shores. It’s location is about a couple of miles from here, should be reachable in a couple hours walk, give or take of course”

“Oh, meeting a town of ponies who I haven’t been too, that should be interesting.” Celestia wondered, “And should I assume that Luna has made the arrangements for our stay?”

Luna’s heart sank after her sister asked her that question

“Well?” Celestia questioned, looking intently to her eyes.

“W-weelll”

“I assume that is a no then”

She didn’t like to admit it, but although she did plan for all eventualities in Canterlot. She didn’t plan out the trip all too well.

“Yes sister, I didn’t plan our stay” Luna reluctantly replied. Which is met by a small sigh from Celestia.

Shaking her head, Celestia replied. “Well, we have to improvise then. Won’t be the first we’ve done it, won’t be the last either.”

“Then why don’t we start moving then my daughters, we still have a long day ahead of us and I don’t want to waste it all on small talk”

“Of course mother” both sisters replied.

“I’m home!” Exclaimed Seawave as she entered her house, the smell of the ocean still ever present, she entered the house and unpacked her saddlebags now laden with goods and produce.

Her house is nothing special, a sturdy home made with wood, thatch and some brick and mortar to keep things in one place. She loved her home, but one thing she even loved more are the inhabitants of said home.

Before she could even react, a small pegasus filly suddenly flies into her face and tackles her on the ground.

“Hi mommy!!!” the little filly exclaimed, excited that her mother has returned from work.

“Yes, it’s nice to meet you as well Flying, did you do well at school?” Seawave asked, curious about her daughter’s performance at school.

“Well, Wide Seas is being a meany meanypants but we can handle them, I got a C on my test though.” Pouted the filly.

The filly herself was named Flying Winds, the pegasus daughter of Seawave and….someone Seawave met at a bar apparently in Baltimare, admittedly Seawave was a bit shocked when she tested positive but eventually she came to love her much beloved daughter, she was a real joy when Seawave came back from her hard days at work, I still have to find the husband though, he might be shocked that his one night stand might have reached an ‘undesirable’ conclusion.

“Well you gotta study more young filly, but first, why don’t we go to the park?” Seawave said, her only response was a happy squeal from the young filly, which is more than enough indication for Seawave to drop her bags, open the door and go to the park alongside her little angel.

The local park of Sandy Shores is nothing special, with walkways criss crossing what is practically a sectioned off forest. Properly manicured and maintained, the park is a definite spot for relaxation for the ponies who, after a long day’s work, needed someplace to nap, rest and have fun.

One of these ponies wandering around is Seawave Froth and her little filly, Flying Winds. The lack of rainy downpours also lightens up the mood as Celestia’s bright sunrays is filtered by the thick forest canopy, giving the forest a mysterious but welcoming atmosphere.

“Wow mommy! The forest sure looks ummm, I think the word is ‘atmospheric’ right?” Flying asks, flying around her laughing mother.

“Yes, I think that’s the proper word little filly, now why don’t we sit down and have some lunch?”

“Yay lunch!! Are we eating daisy sandwiches? I love daisy sandwiches”

“No Flying, we’re instead eating something better. Kelp sandwiches!!” proclaimed Seawave, much to the disgust of the little filly.

“Ewwww, but I hate kelp, it always looked so….so icky.” Responded Flying, sticking her tongue out in disgust.

“Oh not true, it’s only sticky once you get it off the sea, once you've dried it, trust me Flying, it’s even tastier than daisies!!” Seawave smiled, not convincing her daughter one bit.

The sour face of her daughter eventually brought Seawave over, she only gave her daughter a deadpan look and sighed.

“But, if you want to I did bring daisy sandwiches, it’s not like they taste any better than-”

“Yay!!! Daisy Sandwiches! Mommy is the best” squealed Flying. Much to the disappointment of her mother, she always wanted to get her daughter to love seafood, but so far all attempts have been constant failures. One day Seawave, one day.

They eventually founded a place in a clearing between two trees, and Seawave immediately put down the picnic covers and set about organizing the picnic. A couple of minutes later, with orange juice poured and sandwiches in place, she called her daughter for lunch and sure enough, her daughter came.

As both ponies ate their lunch, Seawave could only chuckle as Flying effectively devoured daisy sandwich after daisy sandwich, Seawave occasionally wandered how Flying could eat so much, only to remember how much she effectively flies everyday. Makes me wonder how she will become, will she become a Wonderbolt? Oh I hope she does, that will definitely make me a very happy mother Seawave thought as she took another bite from her Kelp sandwich, looking around her surroundings and feeling at peace.

“The forest sure looks peaceful, I need to congratulate the mayor for this, he really did his work designing this park”

“Mommy, who are you talking to?”

“Oh….n-nothing sweetie, just...play around will you, you have the clearing all to yourself”

“Yay!!!”

And with that, the little filly took off, happily flying around the clearing like bees from a hive, her mother looking at her happily from the distance. Occasionally cheering every time Flying did a cool trick or two.

With lunch over, Seawave quickly packed her bags and slowly walked home, it would’ve been an uneventful and serene walk if not for what’s about to happen.

As Seawave walked through the forests, she could see a silhouette of three rather….tall ponies, curious into who they might be, she closed in around the three figures.

“Stay behind me Flying, if they look menacing then fly away okay, mommy will be fine” Seawave ordered, judging by the size of these three ponies, they must be definite giants, comparable to the princesses themselves. As for why they are doing here. Seawave doesn’t know but something in her mind is telling her to be wary.

Flying, already getting seawave’s tone slowly nodded as they slowly approached the three beings. As their distance shrinks, Seawave could hear some voices emanating from the three giant ponies. Probably smalltalk.

A couple of seconds later, the three beings immediately spotted Seawave, her heart sank as Seawave trembled at the sheer size of these ponies, they could do……...anything to her.

“Look mother, that pony is clearly terrified. I tell you, our size can definitely scare some ponies straight to submission”

“Oh nonesense Celestia, let me talk some sense to her, hello there my little pony, what is your name?”

“S-s-seawave….F-f-froth”

“Seawave Froth? Now that is a lovely name if I can say. My name formerly is Solaria Sol, but you can call me Harmony” the creature said, approaching closer into Seawave.

As the creature approached, Seawave slowly realized that those large creatures are apparently the Princesses themselves, alongside somepony…..else?

“P-p-p-Princess? W-what are you doing here?” Seawave asked, bowing as fast as she could to both the rulers of the Sun and the Moon.

“Please, we are not here on any formal visit, so please rise and don’t do more formalities. I’m getting kinda sick with all the bowing really” Princess Luna said.

Just like lightning, Seawave ceased her bow and just stared at the two most powerful creatures in Equestria, a million questions are flowing through her mind as to why the Princesses of Equestria would come to such an…..isolated town like Sandy Shores, but before she could ask any of them, the Princesses asked a question so propestorous, so out of left field that she was left without an answer.

“Anyway, hello there Seawave, I know this next question will sound bizzare, but can you please provide us with temporary accomodation? I expected Luna to arrange things, but alas my sister had not done that” Celestia asked, much to the shock of Seawave.

Seawave stared at the princessess. The princess is asking ME of all ponies for a place to stay, h-how should I respond to that, I know it would be a great honor but…..Im not sure if the house has enough space to house three ancient deities….oh buck it!! Flying would love the company anyway.

“T-that’s a certainly odd request p-princess……..I would be honored b-but I don’t know if I have-”

“Then it is settled!! Looks like this vacation won’t be ruin by my lack of planning!!” Luna declared triumphantly, “Now my little pony, can you please direct us to your house, I’m sure your house would be the talk of the town after this”

Seawave could clearly see a happy Flying jumping around and having some smalltalk with the…..unicorn? With the Princesses giggling at such an adorable sight, she would’ve squee’d to if not for that one line said by the princess of the night.

“YOU’RE ON VACATION?!?!?”

The proud spires of Canterlot is certainly a majesty to look at, it serves as a beacon of hope for a nation that has endured so much. It is home to countless historical figures such as Celestia, Luna, Twilight, Cadence, Bright Seas, Stout Defense, and more famous ponies to match.

And right now, with two of these figures gone, Blueblood is essentially fuming over his ruined plans.

“Just where in the world is Celestia?!? it’s impossible that she could just be…..gone in just a day!! There must be some clues left behind, some form of evidence! The diarchs couldn’t just…..leave!!”

“Settle down Blueblood, you’re being a bit annoying, I’ve already talk to Raven before submitting my complaint and there’s no stopping her and her adamant refusal to let us in, she also told me that the investigation is currently underway, so by the looks of it we’re stuck here, incapable of doing anything, I know it sounds frustrating but it’s the only thing we can do Blueblood.” Jet Set replied, frustrated by the current condition as well.

“At least we still have Princess Cadence in case we need another monarch, poor mare is already busy managing the Crystal Empire. I wonder what she will think about the politics of Canterlot” Upper Crust said.

“Well I can’t just stand here and drink Upper Crust, I have a mission to rescue Princess Celestia from definitely certain danger. The Canterlot Herald will absolutely love having a dashing prince save the Princess from definite danger”

“Well...at least you have motivation”

All eyes turned towards the newly arrived pony.

“Excuse me, but do understand that you are intruding into my property, would you please kindly lea-”

“No need for any of that Jet Set, I’m the investigator hired to search for Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and their mother. And I have a proposition you might not ignore”

All three ponies’s judging eyes turned into interest. “Please…...speak, you might interest us with your…..proposition” Upper Crust said, a glint in her eye hinting that she might be interested in finding the princesses after all.

“Okay then let me introduce myself. My name is Dark Cloak. investigator from the Equestrian Royal Intelligence Service. or ERIS for short. I am in need for field informants, and I assure you the tabloids would certainly love nobles who would risk their lives to find the Princesses”

“This intrigues me, go on then” Blueblood replied.

“I’ll send you a letter later in the evening, on it will contain directions for a mission I specifically designed for nobles, don’t worry on any potential conflicts or shootouts, I’ve already taken care of that”

“Alright then ERIS agent, we’ll see your letter later on the evening, any more potential notes you might want to inform us?” Jet Set asked.

“No, just…..be wary, there might be other agents watching us”

“Hmpf, fine then agent. You may leave.” Said Upper Crust, more than enough indication for Dark Cloak to tip his hat and leave the mansion

The trip to Seawave’s house has been rather eventful for all three ponies, just the arrival of the two princessess was a shock to the little town, the fact that the third unicorn was, in fact their mother put the entire town to chaos. Ponies scrambled as they took their cameras to snap pictures of the princesses just casually strolling alongside Seawave to her home.

Seawave had to admit, the attention of an entire town directed at her was a bit….overwhelming.

“And here we are Princess, my humble….house.” Seawave awkwardly smiled, letting the princesses check on her house.

“Most sturdy construction, I’m impressed, would you mind if you could show us your guest room?” Luna asked.

“Oh nononono not at all Princess, please come in.” Seawave replied, ushering the leaders of Equestria to come at her house.

With the princesses inside and the crowd not dying down, Seawave gave a short tour of her house to the princesses and their….mother, eventually ending at the guest room of her house.

“And here it is, thankfully the guest room could house all of you. NOT that it’s a bad thing for you princess.” Seawave quickly added, worried that she could offend the princess at any moment.

“Oh think nothing of it Seawave,” Celestia replied. “Countless ponies have had problems housing us due to our size, it can be troublesome really.”

Luna only lightly chuckled, “I still remember that time when we first visited Zebrica, they had a most hard time finding us suitable accommodations. It’s kind of funny really, watching all those zebras running, renovating our room as fast as possible.”

“Oh yes that time, thankfully we established good relations with that nation. Would be a shame to sour relations just because of accommodations.”

“Of course sister.”

As both princesses continue their smalltalk, the giant unicorn glanced at Seawave and smiled.

“Why don’t you take me on a tour to see the sights? Celestia and Luna tend to be really…...focused when they talk about the past. And surely a town located in such an exquisite location would be host to many a wonderful sight?”

“O-oh, of course. I don’t know if we can shake the local townsponies though.”

“Think nothing of it, I have a simple spell that will do the trick.”

Harmony’s horn glowed and a bright flash could be seen, Seawave raced to the house’s window to see the effects, and just as Harmony promised. The crowd begins to disperse.

“W-what did you do?” Asked Seawave, curious into what spell did Harmony cast.

“Only a simple normalization spell, makes everypony react just the way they see a neighbor for quite some time. Very useful for calming down the paparazzi in my experience at least.” Harmony replied.

She continued, “Now...about that trip.”

“Oh of course, follow me, Flying why don’t you…..hang out with the princesses.” Ordered Seawave as she and Harmony left the house.

“Yay!!! I get to play with the Princesses!!” squealed the little filly as she rushed to the guest bedroom.

Author's Note

WOOT!!! New chapter's out.

Chapter 4

Seawave is nervous.

Despite the assurances from the Queen (how could she be the Queen of Equestria Seawave would never know) that she won’t harm her in any way, shape or form. Seawave was visibly shaking as she escorted the princess into her new home for the next two weeks.

“S-so we have our market here, n-not to shabby right?”

“A modest market for a modest town, how...fitting. Pray tell, what goods do you sell here?”

“Oh, w-we don’t get a lot of trade so it’s mostly seafood and local produce. Sorry if it’s not up to your standards.”

“Oh nonsense, all my life I’ve lived a life of luxury, it will be a good change of pace to have some more….modest means to live.”

“Oh...of course your highness.”

“Indeed, now. I heard that this particular stretch of the coastline is famous for it’s beaches, would you mind continuing the tour miss Seawave?”

“Of course your highness, right this way please.” Seawave responded, leading Harmony out of the crowd, finally reaching their main destination.

“Here’s our beach!! I’m soooo soo sorry that I’ve been a horrible tour guide your highness, I stutter a lot and lead you to all the sites only I thought was interesting.”

Harmony only gave the mare a curious look, and lightly chuckled. “Dear Seawave, you have nothing to be sorry about. I thoroughly enjoyed your trip throughout the city, seeing sights like the local market, up to that seafood shop where you showed incredible enthusiasm for a food type ponies usually don’t eat. I have to admit, I’m impressed.”

Harmony paused a bit, seeing the sights of the beautiful coast and continued. “I have seen many sights and sounds in my lifetimes, alas not one of them involved seeing the beautiful Horseshoe Bay, or the Grand Quay at that time anyway.”

Seawave was taken a aback at Harmony’s last statement, “Grand Quay? You mean the site of the legendary golden fleet? An airship force that has battled legendary creatures and is the pride and glory of the ancient Alicorns? I thought that was just a myth?!?”

“Oh it’s anything but a myth Seawave, during my time, this humble bay you see before you was the site of the infamous Grand Quay.”

“The Quay is built by the Alicorns?” Seawave further asked.

“Oh yes, most definitely Seawave. I even met the lead architect himself.”

Seawave only gave a look of disbelief, much to the light chuckle of the Alicorn.

“Oh don’t give me that look Seawave, why don’t we take a short walk around town. And I could tell you how the former Alicorn Queen got here in the first place hmm?”

“A-alicorn Queen?!?” Seawave further stammered, Celestia and Luna must of course have a mother, but she didn’t expect that Harmony herself could be the Alicorn Queen, unless if she’s thinking about the wrong Alicorn empire.

“So wait, you’re telling me that you are the Queen of that ancient Alicorn Empire? The empire that conquered Zebrica, Griffonia and Equestria itself?”

“But of course, I still remember those days rather vividly…...much to my regret.” Harmony replied.

“What’s there to regret about? I mean, the legends say that Alicorns are not the nicest rulers of the land. But they did bring unity among the once quarreling pony kingdoms right?”

“Partly true, if I’m not wrong, Equestria was founded when all three pony tribes came across the windigoes, defeated them using the power of harmony and settled down in Equestria correct?”

“Y-yes.”

“Well there is one asterisk in that play that I must correct, despite being united for quite some time. Old divisions like the preposterous idea that unicorns are superior, and that Earth Ponies being of no value still persist. We only exploited those divisions and conquered the Pony lands piece by piece, the legend that we bring unity among the pony tribes was just a myth Seawave.”

“Oh, that explains why that legend and the story of the unification doesn’t add up.”

“It doesn’t does it? Only in the end did all three pony tribes actually unite against us, and that is partly of what we did in the Alicornian Capital that brought the Ponies to unite.”

“Really? Did you and Luna do something in the Capital? Speaking of which, where is the capital of the Alicorn Empire? All the legends I read during my filly days didn’t mention anything about the Capital.”

“It is located in the place where you least expect a capital would be Seawave, could you guess?”

“Ummm, the Frozen North?”

“Not quite, the armies of the Crystal Empire were rather formidable back then, putting our capital next to their lands would be seen as an insult to the Crystal King.”

“Uhhhh, the Hayseed Swamps?”

“Not quite, the Hayseed Swamps is dangerous, yes. But it was far more dangerous back then.”

“Okay I give up, where is it?”

“The Everfree Forest.”

“........say again?”

“The Everfree Forest my dear, yes that is not a mistake. The ancient capital is located in the Everfree Forest.”

“B-but how?!? The Everfree Forest is the place where magic doesn’t work the way it’s supposed to, the clouds move by themselves, the trees grow without help at all...just….ugh.”

“Huh, I could think of one race that doesn’t think the Everfree Forest is unnatural. Anyway, yes, Everfree City is the ancient capital of the Alicornian Empire. It is where I lived, where my beautiful daughters lived and yes, it is the place where the Emperor lived.”

“Anyway, enough about my past. Why don’t we just admire the view of your beautiful coastline, It’s a shame the ponies of Baltimare fails to see the paradise that's just next door.”

“Heh, you’re right about that one. During my days working at Baltimare, I always kept talking to these Big City ponies about how beautiful Sandy Shores is, all I got was a laugh and was just….sidelined I guess.”

“True, ponies in Big Cities are always…...a bit arrogant I must say. I once met this cute little mare in Manehatten. I think her name was ‘Coco Pommel?’ I think her name was Coco. Poor mare was coming into the city, just trying to look for work and this Suri Polomare just manipulated the poor dear to make her dresses without proper pay.”

“That’s horrible!” Exclaimed Seawave, “Why didn’t she protest at all?”

“She’s far too afraid dear Seawave. Of course, once I got wind of the issue, I assured her that everything will be okay, true to my word, I invited miss Polomare for a ‘private meeting’. She thought I was planning to have a commision, turns out that it was just a means for me to threaten her with exposure unless she gave in to my demands.”

“And what were your demand exactly?”

“Why simply asking her to fire Miss Pommel and let me hire her to be the new royal seamstress, she now works at a government commissioned shop at Canterlot. Creates some rather exquisite dresses the last time I had a dress tailored to myself.”

“Heh, not too much of a fancy mare. But I can tell that you’re a good mare Harmony.”

“Thank you Seawave, it’s rather nice for you to say that. Considering what I’ve done before….” Harmony trailed off, seeing the Horseshoe bay coastline. Her daughter’s sun beginning to set upon these shores.

At first, Seawave was just staring in awe over the sight, despite having lived in Sandy Shores her entire live, the sight of the Sun setting over the beach is just too beautiful to ignore.

She then realized that it’s almost sunset. “Oh dear me I almost forgot, we need to get back for dinner!” Seawave exclaimed, bursting into a dash for her house. Leaving Harmony behind.

“Never expected to be left behind in the middle of nowhere.” Harmony said to herself, “Well it isn’t that I didn’t know the layout of the town already, or better yet, I could locate her house by detecting Luna’s spell.”

Harmony then cast a spell, a spell that could locate Luna’s signature spell that would signal night. “Searching for mana expulsion of over 200 KH, searching for brain activity above 30 Neurals aaaaand aha!” Harmony exclaimed, locating significant magical activity in a certain house.

“Now at least I know where the house is.” Harmony said, walking back to Seawave’s house.

“Luna, are you finished?” Celestia asked. “I’m preparing some wonderful pasta for dinner!”

“Be patient dear sister! Lowering the sun is not a job thou can do in an instant.” Luna replied rather angrily.

Soon she heard a voice accompanying Celestia’s. “But Princess Luna, if you don’t lower the sun, the pasta would grow cold, and it’s not nice to keep the Griffons waiting right?”

She turned her head and sure enough, Flying Winds was pouting like a little dog. Showing off her cute little face and those adorable…...eyes.

“Ugh fine, let’s get this over with.” Luna said, increasing the magic power of her spell, lowering the sun just a little bit faster. And soon enough, nighttime falls upon the town of Sandy Shores and Equestria at large. Just in time for Seawave Froth to arrive back home.

“I’m back!! Sorry for being late everypony!” Seawave shouted, much to the shock of the three ponies inhabiting the living room.

“Oh there you are.” Celestia replied, looking out of the kitchen curiously. “I was wondering why the tour went for so long.” She said, sliding back her head to the kitchen.

“Your majesty, a-are you cooking?” Seawave asked, curious that the Diarch of the Sun is cooking.

There are many things Seawave expected from the Princesses, but the ability to cook was one Seawave didn’t expect.

“But of course Seawave. I’m preparing a very old recipee from the old counts of Fillydelphia, it’s a shame the Canterlot elite never get to taste the wonderful Fillydelphian Cheese Sandwich.” Celestia commented.

A bright flame then erupted from the kitchen, Seawave slightly winced at the thought of her house burning down.

“Oh, and before you ask anything Seawave.” A voice said, she turned her head to see Princess Luna coming in from the backyard. “Do not worry about your house burning down, Celestia is one of the most capable cooks I’ve ever seen and she likes rather flashy burns to cook things faster….much to my dismay of course.”

“Oh pish-posh Luna, anyway, dinner’s served everypony!” Celestia announced, coming out of the kitchen, bringing out some rather ravishing looking Fillydelphia Cheese Sandwiches.

“Oooooooh tasty!!! Gimme gimme gimme!” Flying said, rushing to the dinner table, grabbing plate after plate and setting up the table for eating.

“Now now Flying be patient, I’m not even finished with my cooking.” Celestia replied, bringing the hot plate of Cheese Sandwiches down to the table. “I still have mashed potatoes and a very special salad that you will enjoy. So don’t finish those cheese sandwiches just yet.”

“Awwww” Flying pouted, returning back to the living room in a depressed state.

After what Harmony thought was an eternity of wading through alleyways and streets, she finally reached the house where she would be staying the entire vacation.

Panting and clearly sweating, she opened the door and her heart melted.

Right in front of her, was the sight of her two daughters having such a wonderful time with a little filly and her mother. Her sour mood was brightened up immediately and she entered the room with a smile on her face.

All four ponies currently enjoying their meal suddenly looked at Harmony, and almost immediately, Seawave’s face turned red.

“U-uhm, I-i’m sorry for leaving you alone milady. P-please forgive me.” Seawave said meekly, hiding her face in embarrassment.

“You are concerned with the well being of your filly Seawave, think nothing of it. And you might not know it, but I’m famed for my lenience during my ruling days Seawave.”

Not willing to interrupt such a heartwarming moment. Harmony continued. “Now why don’t we have a nice dinner shall we?” She said, much to the delight of the group.

“You’ll like this mother, I’ve saved some caesar salad for you.” Luna said, handing Harmony a plate and started filling up the plate with sandwiches, mashed potatoes and those oh so wonderful human caesar salads, sans the meat of course.”

“Oh most wonderful, these salads taste exquisite Luna, I would have no idea humans could invent such….ravishing foods for the pony tongue.”

“It came to all of us as a shock isn’t it?” Luna commented, to which all of them laughed. Leaving only a befuddlled Seawave and a curious Flying.

“Mom, what’s a ‘hyumen?’” Flying asked.

“I…..have no idea too Flying, umm Princess Celestia?”

“Yes my dear?”

“What is a ‘hyumen?’ Is it some kind of species we never heard of before?” Seawave asked.

“Oh? You never heard of the humans have you? That is most concerning.” Celestia responded, putting her hoof right below her chin.

“Umm why? Did they do something recently?”

“Oh Seawave, your town needs to get on with the times.” Luna interjected.

She saw Luna standing up, lighthing her horn and

“LUNA WAIT!!” she could see Celestia cry before…….

Everything went dark?

Do not worry dear Seawave, this is just a projection of my mind. Thou art connected to mine mind and you are about to experience what it’s like meeting a species with no magical affinity whatsoever.

She was very well spooked by the disembodied voice. “W-wait what? Where’s my body? And what do you mean no magical affinity?”

“Exactly as I said it Seawave, humans have no magical affinity whatsoever. And do not worry for your body, for it is still safe in thine house…...BEHOLD!!!!”

And everything went white. Seawave was a bit horrified at first but then she saw the projection of Princess Luna approaching her.

“I assume you do know of the races that inhabit this world yes?” Luna said, eyes filled with intent, like she wanted to…..teach her.

“Uuhh….y-yeah I guess?”

“Do name some of them.”

“Oh, there are Griffons and Saddle Arabians and Kirins, we have Zebras too.”

“Correct, but have you heard about the humans Seawave?”

“As I said before, not really? is this some kind of new race we found?”

“Welll...In a way..” Princess Luna replied, looking rather embarrassed about the whole thing.

“W-why are you embarrassed Princess?”

“Oh nothing, just some memories about how our encounter with the humans were under….less than desirable circumstances.”

The whiteness of the room suddenly gave way to a very harsh desert environment.

“When we encountered the humans Ms Seawave, we were at war.”

The harsh desert wind blew through Seawave’s coat, she has heard of tales from Appleloosa and Dodge City before, but never a desert this harsh.

The already harsh environment was suddenly made worse by what Seawave saw in front of her.

Carrying the banner of the Royal Sisters, she saw the Equestrian Royal Guard in all it’s glory, the shining golden armour gleaming in the desert heat, and up to the sky she also saw those infamous flying teams, the Wonderbolts.

“You have heard about the wedding of Princess Cadence and the apparent attack from the Changeling Swarm correct?”

“Y-yes? I saw that in the second latest edition of the local papers. After that all I heard is Equestria going to war and then…...well, nothing.”

“I need to arrange for your town’s presence on the map then. But essentially, we went to war against the Changeling Empire. The Queen has broken a peace treaty created some 200 years ago. Ending Changeling incursion into our lands.”

The detached voice then continues. “We then sent our best and brightest. The cream of the crop of the Royal Guard as you can see from there. A whole slew of mages, warriors and Wonderbolts led by Shining Armor and Spitfire themselves.”

She then pointed Seawave to the other side. “And right there is our dreaded enemy.”

She was utterly shocked at what she saw facing the Equestrian Army, a black mass of Changeling Warriors, led by a general of sizable strength and size.

“That right there, is General Carapace’s army.”

As both sides move closer to battle, Luna continued. “We…..Celestia, have done some serious damage to the military in the years after my banishment.”

What happened next shocked Seawave, the proud Equestrian Army engaged the Changelings, spears raised and spells casted. And within hours was routed, with scattered resistance pushing back the Changelings from utterly annihilating the Equestrian Army.

She could hear the screams of agony of both sides as Guardsponies are cut down and the Royal Guard fighting back. Killing off Changelings.

She saw the ponies retreating back to the canyon, and was shocked to see that the canyon was somehow occupied by changelings

“They….already expected our arrival here, they knew where we were going to fight all along. We barely survived the onslaught.”

The scene suddenly changed as Seawave was brought back to the town of Appleloosa, the scene was complete chaos as bandaged Royal Guardsponies are being ferried into trains and the townsfolk doing their best to evacuate the town as well.

“Canterlot and Ponyville suddenly became a haven of buffalos and country ponies that day. The influx of refugees from the buffallo tribes and settlers from Appleloosa came as a shock to the posh lives of the ponies of Canterlot.”

The scene suddenly changed into the great city of Canterlot. Where the Princessess themselves are managing a crisis, ordering remaining guardsponies to provide temporary housing for the refugees coming from Appleloosa. She lightly chuckled as the rustic looking townsponies completely changed the posh and elegant posture of Canterlot into a more country style city. With ponies talking more in countryisms and understandably making themselves unpleasant for the posh Canterlot ponies.

She lightly chuckled at the scene.

“Don’t laugh seawave, these are refugees taken from their homes. It would be unwise to put salt into an already open wound.”

She was surprised by Luna’s sudden assertion, but backed down nonetheless.

“O-okay then, since I haven’t heard any announcements about your defeat, how did you win the war then? I certainly haven’t seen any changelings around town.”

“Why the humans of course, while we do not know how they arrived into this world. What we do know is that humans and their nation of France intervened on our behalf, sending an advancing changeling army reeling back to their homeland.”

The busy streets of Canterlot was suddenly replaced with a scene Seawave was completely unfamiliar with.

She was at night, and she saw Luna as well. but what laid in front of her was completely alien. She saw a road, a VERY wide and open road at night. With lights on the ground lighting the way like some sort of pathway or something, she also saw strange white paths criss-crossing said road.

“W-what is this Princess?” a confused Seawave asked the Princess.

“What you’re seeing here Seawave, is the runway of Saint Dizier-Robinson airbase.”

“W-what?” Seawave further asked confusingly. What’s a runway? Saint Dizier? I never heard of a saint with such a strange name before.

Luna, sensing Seawave’s confusion just silenced the poor mare, “Oh hush Seawave, look in front of you and you’ll see.”

Despite her confusion, she obliged to the request of the Princess and looked straight forward.

What she saw was truly…….unique.

She saw a ‘thing’ that was right at the end of road. Despite it’s range, she could hear the screams of the thing all the way from over here.

It is certainly something to look at.

Then the thing started moving, with the shrieking turning into a more guttural roar, the thing began moving a bit too fast for Seawave’s comfort and she tugged Princess Luna at the forehoof.

“Umm princess, I think we should move out the thing’s way perhaps? It looks like it’s going to crash on us if we don’t move.”

“Oh nonsense Seawave, just look in front of you and you’ll see why the humans really did help up in a massive way.”

“Y’know Princess? This is getting a bit stupid here, it’s like you’re revering the humans as godlike beings that needs praise, certainly the humans could’ve helped Equestria but it couldn’t have been that mu-”

FWOOOOOSH!

Seawave’s tirade was suddenly interrupted when she sees the thing…..flying above her.

She didn’t expect it at all, she saw that the thing might get closer and closer and assumed Luna would just rescue her if things didn’t pan out. She didn’t expect that such a large and heavy thing could fly, it doesn’t have the air of a balloon nor the moving wings of a pegasi.

“W-wha?”

“You didn’t expect that do you Seawave?”

“B-but how? That thing’s ‘wings’ doesn’t move, the thing is made out of metal so it’s going to be heavy, and it has no balloons floating the thing up.”

“Well that is one of the ‘things’ that helped us defeat the Changelings Seawave, that is a Dassault Rafale fighter jet. Or a plane if you want to simplify terms.” Luna said.

“So what does this thing do that a pegasus can’t? Because it seems to me that it’s just a more complicated flying contraption.”

“While it is certainly a contraption, useless it is not. The plane you just saw flying is capable of engaging the enemy from beyond the horizon.”

“But that’s impossible! How could you attack something you cannot see?”

“Because they don’t need eyes to see Seawave, they use something far better.”

“Which is?”

“I’m afraid that’s classified.”

“Hmpf, so be it.” Seawave responded, seeing as another Rafale took off, rattling the ground beneath her.

“I believe that is enough for today Seawave, I would be ecstatic if you have more questions. But for now I’ll break the spell.”

And just in an instant, Seawave’s image of the Airbase was suddenly and abruptly interrupted with the dinner table.

She shook her head to see the face of a less than amused Celestia and the beaming face of her ecstatic daughter.

“Luna, next time please inform me if you want to bring the poor mare into the dreamscape artificially. I was spending all my time informing Flying here about what happened and why both you and Seawave fell asleep.”

“Oh sister, you are but no fun.” Luna pouted, not amused at the scolding she’s receiving.

Before things could heat up any longer, Harmony interjected. “Now now children, it would be a bit out of form for the two diarchs of Equestria to bicker in front of their loyal subjects. I think it’s time we get some shuteye no?”

“Ugh, yes mother.” Both sisters responded. Begrudgingly ending their dispute for now.

Harmony continued, “Now then dear Seawave, I trust that you might have some form of bedroom reserved for guests yes?”

Seawave suddenly froze at Harmony’s inquiry.

“Ummmmmmmm…..”

Author's Note

University Happened. I'm so sorry.