Infinitas Exemplum

“Ugh,” Saberspark yawned, leaning against the pegasus carriage in the private gardens at the palace. “How much longer do we have to wait?” The young colt was clearly upset about having being woken up so early in the morning for reasons he didn’t know of, and waiting around never sat well with him.

“Saber,” his brother Brightspark replied, tiredness clear in his voice as well. “The Princess can take however long she wants. Besides, shouldn’t you be happy you’re not on patrol detail for once?”

“Yeah,” Saber muttered lifting himself off the carriage as he began hovering using his wings. “But you’d think they’d tell us what we’re doing instead of keeping us in the dark.”

“I’m sure the Princess and Lieutenant Razorwing have their reasons.”

“You bet Starswirl’s beard we do.” A gruff voice answered them and the two turned to find an older pegasus stallion glaring at them.

Lieutenant Razorwing’s dark grey coat and silver mane stood in contrast to the bright garden the two brothers waited in, while his golden eyes showed the strength of a warrior, and his cutie mark was a tornado with wings stretching from it. But the thing most ponies noticed first was the scar that ran across his left eye, which he got during a border scuffle with the gryphons.

“Sir,” Saber and Bright said in surprised unison, standing at attention next to each other and saluting. Razorwing nodded before stepping aside, and out of the doorway he was next to came Princess Celestia, a small smile starting to form.

“Your Highness,” the brothers said in unison again, this time bowing their heads. Celestia shook her head a little, though she still smiled. These two were fresh out of the Royal Guard academy, the first brothers to graduate in the same year if she remembered correctly.

Saberspark was a pegasus with a pure white coat, almost like her own, and he wore his navy blue mane in a style where the middle was gelled up while the rest fell naturally. On his flank was a cutie mark showing a wing with the end feather shining at the tip. From what she had heard, he was an energetic colt who wished to prove himself in the field, instead of stand on guard duty like most Royal Guards.

His brother Brightspark, on the other hand, was his opposite in nearly every aspect. He was a navy blue unicorn with a short cropped silver mane while his cutie mark was a four-pointed star with a quill standing vertical in the middle, said to represent his tactical prowess. Unlike his brother, Bright was attentive and reserved, as well as a quick thinker. Some ponies had rumoured he had what it takes to become the next Captain of the Royal Guard.

“There is no need for formalities, Saberspark and Brightspark,” She said, forcing them to look back at her. “Especially not on the mission we now find ourselves tasked with.”

“But,” Saberspark spoke up nervously. “What is the mission, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“We’ll fill you in on the way,” Razorwing said sternly. “Now take off that armour and saddle up.” The brothers looked at each other in confusion, then to the Princess for answers.

“This is a covert mission,” Celestia elaborated. “Only my sister knows where we will be exactly, so that we do not draw unwanted attention to ourselves.”

“Forgive me if I sound rude, Your Highness,” Brightspark spoke up now as Saber got out of his armour. “But you’re not exactly a pony that can get lost in a crowd.”

“Brightspark,” Razorwing chided him, but Celestia raised a hoof to stop him.

“He does have a point Razorwing,” She stated, turning back to the young unicorn. “That is why I must appear a common pony like you.”

As Celestia stepped back, the brothers now realised she wasn’t wearing any of her regalia, not even her crown. Spreading her wings, the Princess summoned a sphere of light at the tip of her horn the size of a ball. It then split in two, circling around the Princess slowly until it encompassed her completely. The orb of light shone brightly for a moment before vanishing, and the guards pull their hooves away to see what happened.

As the small amount of smoke cleared, two jaws dropped at the sight. Standing in place of Princess Celestia was a tall mare, her coat still pure white but her mane and tail were now as they were when she was a filly; a shade of pink bar a streak of gold she had added for the fun of it. Her wings had vanished and her cutie mark was now a cloud with rays of sunlight streaming down from it.

“So,” Celestia’s new form asked with a smile, “How do I look?” Razorwing smiled, but Saber and Bright were still stunned at the transformation.

“P-Perfect...” Bright replied as he quickly composed himself and smacked Saber in the back of the head to stop him from staring.

“Ouch, what was that for?”

“Don’t stare at the Princess.”

“You were staring at her too.”

“Was not!”

“Were too!”

As they bickered, Razorwing came over to Celestia’s side. “Are you sure about choosing them, Your Highness? I mean, they’ve never had anything besides guard duty and they’re definitely not the best fighters.”

“But that isn’t what I chose them for.” Celestia answered, looking back at the veteran soldier. “Their youth could help in our cause. And they wish to prove themselves, this is their opportunity.”

“I still say you should’ve let me chose your escorts.”

“Oh,” Celestia’s cheeky grin emerged. “You wanted us to be alone together, didn’t you? You naughty soldier you.”

“What?” Razorwing nearly shouted, flustered as his outburst stop the brothers arguing. “No, Princess, I’d never-” He stopped when Celestia held up her hoof up, softly giggling at her playful joke.

“I’m kidding. Now then,” She said, calming down. “Shall we be off then?”

Saberspark nodded and ran around the carriage, strapping himself into the left station while Razorwing flew over and took the right. Brightspark finished taking off the golden armour he was wearing and hopped into the carriage, followed calmly by Celestia.

“So,” Saberspark asked with a confident grin, “Where to?”

“To Manehatten, as fast as possible,” was Celestia’s reply. Razorwing nodded and he and Saberspark soon had the carriage in the air, soaring away from Canterlot. Celestia took one glace back, catching Luna on one of the balconies watching them go. It saddened Celestia to leave so much on Luna’s shoulders, but nothing could be done about it. I’ll make it up to you, Celestia thought to herself, making a mental note, I promise.

Soon the group had left Canterlot airspace and were now nearing the skies above Ponyville. Celestia could already see the vast expanse of trees that belonged to Sweet Apple Acres, and soon the whole town came into view. Though the Princess had travelled there by carriage before, she had never seen the small town from this angle.

As she spotted the tree that served as the town library, Celestia suddenly had the urge to shout IDEA, much like Twilight told her how Rarity did when hit with inspiration.

“Lieutenant,” She called out over the wind, “Land us near the edge of town. There’s something I need to do.” Though he didn’t look back, Celestia could see the old stallion nod, and help steer the carriage down to the ground. With a soft thud, the two pegasi brought them to a gentle stop, un-strapping themselves from the carriage harness.

“Brightspark, would you accompany me into town? There’s somepony I need to speak with.”

“Yes Your Highness,” He replied as he jumped off the carriage.

“Don’t say that,” Razorwing snapped. “We can’t let anyone know it’s her.”

“Razorwing is right,” Celestia agreed, though in a more diplomatic tone. “While we’re in public, please call me Sunshine.” Bright raised an eyebrow and the mention of the name made Saber, who was now resting against a tree, look at the Princess.

“I admit it’s not a very original name,” Celestia smiled. “But it’s a false name I’ve grown attached to.” Bright just shrugged and nodded. “We shouldn’t be too long,” she went on, turning to Razorwing, “Though this may hamper our progress to Manehatten.”

“It’s fine,” he replied. “If need be, we can camp.”

“Very well then. Brightspark, shall we?”

“So, this is Ponyville, huh?” Bright said more to himself as he and the disguised Princess walked down the main street. He looked around at the straw-roofed houses, and saw lots of ponies out enjoying themselves in the park. “Seems like a nice place.”

“It certainly is,” Celestia said, using her magic to slightly alter the tone of her voice so nopony would recognise her. “I’ve often wondered if I could escape my royal duties for just a moment like this, to walk among my little ponies without the hassle of being Princess.”

“Do you... dislike ruling?” Bright asked, though his voice was more a whisper at the end.

Celestia shook her head. “No, but sometimes being a Princess doesn’t allow me to be myself. I have to present myself properly; otherwise it would be a big scandal back in Canterlot.”

“I see,” Bright replied, going back to looking around town. It was only now he noticed that other ponies were staring at them. No, not them, her. Bright understood though. Even when disguised, the Princess was a stunning mare to behold. Celestia catch him watching before he turned away, blushing knowing it was too late.

“Come on,” Celestia said, smiling at the young stallion. “We need to reach the library.”

As Celestia stepped forward to knock on the door, Brightspark looked up at the large tree, seeing the number of windows and balconies among the branches. It wasn’t long, however, before the door was opened by a purple aura. Standing before them was a lavender unicorn with a purple mane and tail, striped with a lighter shade of purple and pink. Brightspark was face to face with Twilight Sparkle, the Element of Magic and Princess Celestia’s personal student.

“Oh, hello,” She said with a smile. “Can I help you?”

“Yes,” the Princess replied. “May we come in?”

The young mare stood back letting them in, and Bright couldn’t help but look around the interior. Every spare space on the walls was a bookshelf, and each of those was full to the brim with books on all manner of subjects. It wasn’t until the door closed behind them that he snapped out of it and stood by the window, standing on lookout.

“So,” Twilight asked again, “What can I help you with? I’m a little behind schedule since my assistant’s out with a friend.”

“Oh really,” a playful smile played on the Princess’ features. “Do you think he’ll propose to Rarity?”

“I doubt he’d do something like that so sud-” Twilight stopped and stared at the apparent stranger. “How do you Spike and Rarity?”

Bright turned back to see Celestia turn side on to Twilight and close her eyes in concentration. Her horn glowed in a golden light for a moment as the illusion spell receded around her flank, revealing the royal sun cutie mark. As soon as the point was made Celestia re-applied her disguise, the false cutie mark returning once more.

Twilight’s mouth hung open for a moment before she could even speak. “P-Princess? What are you doing here? Why didn’t you write? If I’d known you were coming I’d...” Twilight’s eyes shunk, but before she could continue her frantic worrying Celestia placed a hoof to her student’s mouth.

“I’m afraid I can’t explain Twilight, but I would like to ask a favour of you.”

“Of course. What is it?”

“Since Spike is currently absent, you’ll have to take this note for me. I wish to contact my sister.”

Twilight was about to ask a question, but though against it. Something had to be up for Celestia to handle something personally, especially if she was in disguise. Twilight disappeared in a flash and then re-appeared a second later, paper and quill levitating at the ready.

Celestia nodded as she began. “Dear Luna. I am writing to say that I have decided to send Twilight Sparkle and her friends to Canterlot. Please send of a couple of carriages for them. They can help you rule the kingdom in my stead for the next few days, and if necessary, help defend the city with the Elements.”

Twilight stopped reading as more questions kept raising their head inside hers. Why is Princess Luna in charge of the day court? And why would we need to use the Elements again? Is Equestria in danger? Somepony clearing their throat snapped Twilight out of her train of thought to reveal both Brightspark and Celestia waiting for her to continue writing.

“Oh, sorry,” the young mare whispered, blushing.

“And as for the spell you cast,” Celestia continued, “I am aware what of what may happen. But given the alternative, I am willing to take that risk. Your Sister, Celestia.”

Twilight set the quill down on the table while rolling the letter up and looking back to her teacher. “Princess, I don’t understand. What’s happening, and why do my friends and I have to go to Canterlot?”

“I wish I could say Twilight,” Celestia replied, the internal conflict to explain everything clear on her face. “But as I said, I’m afraid I can’t. I must be at the southern borders of Equestria within the next few days.

“However, I will say something important has arisen, something that needs my undivided attention. I’ve left Luna in charge of the Day Court, but I think she’ll need some help.”

Twilight looked uncertain, but nodded nonetheless. She wasn’t the type of pony to ignore a request from the Princess. “Alright Princess.”

A smile returned to Celestia’s face before a large gale blew past the street outside, sending stray leaves and somepony’s hat flying. Racing outside, Twilight and Brightspark could see two trails quickly zooming across the sky; one dark blue, the other a rainbow.

“Looks like Rainbow Dash’s racing again,” Twilight stated with a smile. “I don’t know who she’s racing though.”

“It’s my idiot brother,” Bright deadpanned, causing a slight chuckle from Celestia.