A blizzard straight from Tartarus had blown in over Canterlot, and it made Senior Custodi Gray's hooves ache against the cobbles. The sky was almost a pure blanket of white and he could barely see to the end of the street. The Castle was nothing but a distinct glow in the distance. Most ponies were inside and bundled up, but the duty of the Canterlot City Guard never ceased, even if it was going to be a slow, hard night on Gray's old bones.

"Keep up, colt," He barked out, his maille clinking under his several layers of cloaks, voice like old gravel and smoke. He was sure he would be heard, he'd spent fifty years in the Legion, far too many of those as a Centurion.

From behind him, he heard the shuffling of maille and hooves on hard ground. He glances back, taking in Custodi Night Rising. A thestral of all things. Green as grass, too. His youthful face was obscured by layers of cloth, but those slitted silver eyes seemed to shine in the low light of the evening blizzard. Gray was no tribalist, but those nightponies were queer. In his day, the colt would have been in the Night Watch with every other thestrals. Modern policy meant spreading them out, though. Not that he was complaining, a thestral was good company. Especially the accents.

"Sorry, Sir," he called back, lightly slurring his s's, moving up to Gray's side, falling into pace with him. "I thought someone had left a shop door open."

Gray grunted in approval, falling into an easy watchpony's trot, comfortable over the many miles they would walk tonight. "Call me Gray, colt. Good to keep an eye out for things like that. You won't see too much crime in Canterlot, but there's plenty of accidents. Wouldn't want some elder mare freezing on a night like this. Where did you say you came from again?"

"Adamantia, sir - Gray." He responded quickly, eager.

"That's the one down the mountains, isn't it?" Gray really had barely heard of it at all. Thestrals kept to themselves and never caused any trouble.

Gray could sense the moment of confused hesitation from the thestral before his response, "I - Yes. All three of the holds are in the mountains, but Adamantia is the closest to Canterlot."

"Is that so? Had no idea. I was never the best at geography. In my day, the EEA hadn't updated the standards for nowhere towns, and I'm from up near the Wastes. First time I saw a full-made map was when I joined the Legion." That had been a damn good year, compared to mining the Legion was easy work, and he'd never had any desire to go back to his hometown. He hadn't seen it for a hundred years and could go a few more without seeing if any relatives were still kicking.

The thestral nodded like he had heard that before. Had Gray told him that story before? Eh, it doesn't matter. He pushed on, "Patrol tonight is takin' us past the Castle, I'll introduce you to a few of the Royal Guards - they call 'em Exterior Patrollers. Means they stand around on the street and walls and watch the gate. Boring, but makes sure none of those cultists get in to bother anypony. I think Dark Stone is on gate duty tonight, an old friend of mine. Then we'll stop by Doughnut Joe's. It's a few streets off our patrol, but on a night like this it won't matter much, and you'll be thankful for the coffee and snack."

Rising seemed content with that, and they marched on through the white-out streets. While the colt seemed a little lost, Gray knew these cobbles like the tip of his snout. He'd better, he'd been patrolling them for fifty years.

The glowing mass of the Castle grew closer and closer. Soon the outer wall came into view, a mass of white stone fifty-feet high, the massive drawbridge was lowered but the gates were closed for the night. Twelve Royal Guards stood arrayed on the bridge and in the street leading to it, a few more on the walls. Gleaming golden armour, the only added layers for the cold weather were heavy cloaks that draped across their backs. Snow steamed when it impacted the thick cloth, leaving all of them in a slight haze.

As they entered the street, one of the pegasi broke away from his post and made over to them. He was aging, even more than Gray, and steely-eyed, his wingblades reflecting the glow of street lamps. "Dark," Gray greeted as they came to a stop, "Slow night?"

The pegasi nodded, his eyes flicking to Rising, "Quieter than the grave. This a new colt?"

"Yeah, out of Adamantia. Started a week ago, been showing him the ropes."

"Adamantia?" Dark glanced over Rising, "What brings you to the Canterlot Watch?"

Rising spoke up, eagerness in his voice - silver eyes now literally glowing, "I was in the Night Guard program -" Both Gray and Dark gave low whistles, impressed. "- but I decided it wasn't for me. I heard the Canterlot City Watch has a strong program for qualifying for the Solarian Academy to become a Royal Guard, so I decided to make the move."

Gray eyed the colt with newfound respect, "You were almost a Monster Hunter, colt? And gave it up?" And hadn't been bragging about it...

"They do more than hunt monsters," Dark spoke up, smiling, "It's grim work, so I can understand why you left. A few squads are actually here at the moment. If you did well in their program, I'm sure the Solarian Academy will happily accept your recommendation from the Watch. In fact, if you're any good, I wouldn't mind taking a look at you myself. I can't give you a full recommendation, but it might speed things along in the watch."

Gray had to fight to keep the smile off his face at the colt's wide-eyed smile and eager response, "Oh - Thank you, sir. I'd be honoured, I don't have my things, but I still practice all the katas and -"

Dark laughed good-naturedly, Gray resisting the urge to do the same, and rested a hoof on the thestral's shoulder, "Slow down. You're still in the watch, and have plenty of time. Go on with old Gray here," Gray scoffed at the word 'old', "and come back tomorrow, I'm off-duty. I'll tell the ones on Exterior to send word to me when you show up."

Rising nodded eagerly, joy obvious on his face. Gray was glad he decided to come by this way tonight. As much as he liked the Canterlot City Watch, it was an old warhorse's job, not for youths to spend their whole lives in. He gave a solid nod to Dark in thanks, then turned, "Come on, colt. We still have a patrol to keep."

"You mean you don't want to miss Joe's evening batch," Dark laughed, and Gray ignored him - pressing on into the streets, Rising at his side.

The Royal Guards were soon out of sight in the blizzard.

The colt was practically bouncing with every step, so Gray kept his silence and let him enjoy the victory that had been won. Gray had a feeling the colt was going for Royal Guard the moment he saw him...

A few minutes later they were stepping out of the cold, white street and into Doughnut Joe's. A fire was roaring to a side of the room and the displays were half-full of fresh, steaming pastries. Doughnut Joe - Gray had never learned his real name - stood behind the counter, cleaning off several large sheets, ovens roaring behind him. There were only a few other ponies inside, regulars that Gray recognized, among them the Head Astronomer. He was probably on his way to the Observatory. Gray gave him a nod as he passed and made for the counter.

"Gray," Joe called as he approached, smile coming to his chubby, brown face, "Your regular? And who's the thestral?"

"Yeah. This is Night Rising, came in a week ago. What do you want, colt? It's on me."

The thestral blinked and glanced over the menu, eyes searching carefully before they lit up, "Oh! You have Mosscakes?! I'll take one, please, and coffee with two creams."

"What in Celestia's name is a Mosscake?" Gray asked, confused, glancing up at the menu. That part of it had faded into the background over the years, but proudly displayed was the chosen pastry.

"You need to branch out more, Gray," Joe chastised, smiling, "It's a thestral pastry. It doesn't use actual moss anymore, but in traditional recipes it does. I make a few batches every night, the Night Watch go through them like you do Manehattan Cream."

Gray shook his head, wondering what sane pony would have eaten moss in the first place. A single Manehattan Cream doughnut and black coffee were placed down for Gray, then an odd brown minicake with green frosting and coffee was put down for Rising.

They each scooped up their food and drink with a foreleg and made for a nearby table, sitting down and starting to dig in. Gray spoke up about halfway through this meal, "So, colt, even if you're gonna be moving on to the Royal Guard, you'll want to get to know the people of the city. You'll start to recognize alot of 'em from patrolling around. Especially important ones, like him," Gray gave a nod toward the Head Astronomer. "That there, for one, is Night Light, Head of the Royal Astronomical Society. His daughter's Twilight Sparkle, the Apprentice of the Princess herself. "

Rising's eyes widened noticeably and he glanced toward the dark blue pony, who was absorbed in some tome as thick as Gray's leg, "Really? And he just, what, comes down here for doughnuts and a coffee? I thought that the Princess' Apprentice was from some noble house when I heard about her."

"He just comes down here for a doughnut and coffee," Gray confirms. "And to meet his wife. She comes home from work at the Royal Armouries, she's Head Artificer, when he's on his way to work. Must be why they're so happy together. If you come in at the right time they'll be sharing a snack, but we won't have time to wait around to see it. Learn stuff like this, colt, it's what makes being a City Guard worth it - knowing the ponies."

Rising seemed to take that to heart, nodding. Gray felt satisfied that the lesson had been passed on. It was important, even for a Royal Guard, he thought. Gray couldn't imagine knowing the Princess, but he imagines the colt will if he became a guard - and Gray would be damned if he didn't send the best he could up to watch over her. And you had to know the ponies you watched over, and understand them, to be a truly great Watchpony.

The pair finished their brief meals and drained their coffees, heading into the evening snowstorm once more, the Sun's glow impossible to make out through the clouds.

Gray led them down a narrow street, cutting across small pathways to make it back to their route, "It's a bit labyrinthine now, colt, but you'll get used to the layout... eventually..."

He slowed to a stop, ears pricking at a distant, faint sound, barely audible over the wind. A sound he would know in his bones for all his life. He heard it again and frowned. The clank of Legion Armour. Rising spoke up from next to him, "The layout, Gray?"

"Listen to that, colt - you hear that metal?"

There were long seconds of silence, the wind howling, the light sounds continuing from nearby. Rising eventually nodded, "Yes, sir. Watch Patrol?"

"No... No, we wear maille. That's plates. Some drunk idiots must be out playing with their toys," Gray said, frown on his face. That had to be it. There was one rule of the City Watch that stood above all others, that was their original duty, the ultimate responsibility of the ponies who patrolled the silent, peaceful streets.

The Legion was to never deploy within the bounds of Canterlot. Its members were never to be armed here without express permission. Incoming legionary cohorts had their gear impounded at the stations.

Why was he hearing Legion Armor in his streets?

Gray turned down another street, starting to make for the sound. Mentally imagining the layout of the city in his head, he pictured the path he was taking. It... led to the Castle Gates.

He sped up his trot, joints aching more now. Rising easily kept up, "Sir, what's wrong?"

The noises were getting louder now. This wasn't a few unruly soldiers, he could hear dozens of armoured hoofbeats, hear the clanking of their metal plates, hear the silence as not a single of the soldiers spoke to eachother.

He didn't get a chance to respond to Rising as they rounded a corner, and came face-to-face with a squad of Legionnaires. Armed to the teeth in dark blue plate, faces obscured, clad in heavy cloaks - weapons hung at their sides, their wingblades gleamed in the low light, horns shone. Gray heard the breath of Rising catch and could sense the colt tensing next to him. The legionnaires froze for a moment, eyes wide with surprise - they weren't expecting them here.

Still, around them on almost all sides, Gray could hear more of that familiar clanking in the distance. By Celestia.

"Run, colt," Gray muttered, his old muscles ached, joints tense as they hadn't been in fifty years - he saw the legionnaires tense, their pegasi's wings spreading. "Get to the Castle. Raise the alarm."

The dumb colt was frozen, so Gray turned his head and roared at him, voice carrying easily over the blizzard, "Get to the Gatehouse, Rising! Fly!"

Rising turned and lept into the air, wings beating with impressive speed.

The legionnaires cursed, their Decanii yelled out, "Catch him!" And surged forward toward Gray, his men following him. Their pegasi took to the air, but Rising's headstart would be too much for them, Gray hoped.

He surged to meet them, knowing the sounds of battle would draw more ears, raise the alarm, roaring, "For the Princess!"

Gray heard the haunting clanking of those metal plates until his final moments.

Cadance knew it would be a good day the moment she woke up.

She felt rested and refreshed, accomplished with the amount of work she had gotten through the previous night. There were issues to work through still and she was nowhere near as quick as Celestia, but she had a firm handle on a large portion of that load - and could get it done before nightfall.

Her mane was perfect, her regalia sitting just right, and she couldn't resist giving herself a saucy smile in the mirror - wriggling her flank. Yup, she's still got it. She hears some colts really like regalia... Maybe once Celestia woke up, she'd give wearing gold to the bedroom a try. If she could find a colt who could handle her real form... Her mind trailed off to Shining Armor, imagining that kind smile, soft eyes, strong legs, muscled flank, his long, thick, throbbing length... Mmmph...

Cadance tore herself out of her fantasies after awhile longer and departed her room in very good spirits.

Raven met up with her on the way to her office, as she had every morning. The docket had little unusual on it, mostly paperwork as there was no open court being held today. Cadance had cut out most of the tea breaks that Celestia took on a regular basis, but treated herself with an extra just before the few throne room meetings that were scheduled today. Those meetings did catch her attention, though, and she inquired, "Raven, you said Lieutenant Ferrus wanted an appointment in the Throne Room?"

Raven flipped back a page on one of her many clipboards and nodded, "Yes, that is correct. He lists it as having to do with deployment schedules."

Cadance frowned, "He could have just met with me without an appointment. Is that normal for Royal Guards?"

Raven lightly shrugged a shoulder, "Most never met with the Princess in that capacity, she handled it without prompting - as you have been. I expect he wants to ask to be deployed overseas, but I don't recall him asking like this before."

Cadance sighed, she should expect this by now, "I expect he wants to see if I recall the proper ceremonies. I won't be bothered with it, send him a message to change the meeting to..." She glanced at the passing windows, noting the snow starting to fall, the incoming blizzard looming across the landscape like a cloak of white. "South Gardens, in the shielded gondolas. I'll enjoy a bit of cool weather while we meet." That will give him a proper chastisement. His first meeting with her after ignoring her the entire regency, and he wants her to haul herself over to the Throne Room for a full ceremony? He can enjoy a cold seat for their meeting. "Make sure it's written as an order, Raven, I don't want any misunderstandings."

Raven smirked slightly, and nodded, "As you say, Princess."

Cadance glanced back at her to share the smile, and that's when she noticed her pair of guards. She stopped, frowning - eyeing the pair of completely unfamiliar newcomers. "Where is Sergeant Valve and Corporal Grinder?" She was very fond of the pair. She knew Grinder watched her flank more than the halls, but he had a few good quips in him, and both of them had fine rears of their own. Plus, she enjoyed Sergeant Valve's silent glare of intimidating disapproval at ponies who bothered her with foolishness.

The left one inclined his head slightly, and that's when she noticed their helmets were a half-size too large. She frowned deeper as he spoke, "They were moved to hall duty by Lieutenant Ferrus, your majesty. Apologies."

"Hall duty?" She intoned, now truly annoyed with the Lieutenant. The two were senior guards, and would only be moved from her side as punishment. Cadance wouldn't have it. "Send another order, Raven. I want them back on my retinue by tomorrow."

Raven nodded in confirmation, making another note as Cadance continued speaking, "And why are your helmets improperly sized?"

The Guard always got custom equipment, hoof-made and tailored.

"A mixup at the quartermaster, your majesty," the left one spoke again, apologetic. "We received crates meant for storage by the Third Century, while our equipment was sent to the warehouses. I am told it will be corrected by tomorrow."

Raven frowned slightly now but didn't speak up, making another note on her papers. Cadance nodded slightly, and tried to put it out of her mind, "I suppose everyone makes mistakes, my condolences for your ears."

She turned and pressed on.

Soon the incident faded to the back of Cadance's mind as she arrived at her office, settling down with the first of the day's paperwork.

Time didn't so much fly as limp weakly through the air as she worked. Thankfully, Cadance had wisened up to some of the finer points of doing paperwork all day. She now had a record player in her office, blasting her favourite tunes at max volume. She knew that the guards outside could hear it clearly, her usual pair had assured her they quite enjoyed the break of monotony.

As usual, reports from the Intelligence Service felt lacking, the emotions imprinted on the papers reluctant obedience. Cadance suspected they were up to something but wasn't quite sure what. She resolved to end the farce of their distance from her regency in the next few days, she would pencil in a surprise visit to their headquarters with a full century of Royal Guard and get a good sense of what was happening from the source.

Hours passed without incident. Some sections of her paperwork turned out to be very pleasant. She received a few letters from orphanages in the city requesting more funding, and she happily signed off on their visits to parks and recreation centres. A school in Manehattan had its application for a tour of the Palace approved.

Then, she had to deal with a few minor points in regards to Celestia's personal finances - which she hadn't even been aware of. It seems, despite the National Treasury being literally Celestia's own personal treasury, she had a great deal of set aside wealth. Originally, Cadance had been surprised - thinking her aunt had been siphoning funds, a move most unlike her. The truth was, however, that Celestia was a private business owner, and collected the small tax she was owed on all her noble titles. It had been well managed over the millenium, and was incredibly vast.

What she used this immense wealth for was no surprise to Cadance, though. First, several tropical islands were privately owned. Then there were several baking companies, farms, and other food providers that made up a large portion of the castle's suppliers. All very high maintenance, producing only the highest quality items, all providing for the castle with only the most minimal payments. In addition, she privately owned the entirety of the Crystal Wastes in the far north - a country-sized expanse of frozen land, hills, and mountains that were expected to be mineral-rich, and always had buyers chomping at the bit. No prospecting or development had been performed. Cadance wasn't sure why, but she kept the tradition of refusing all offers.

Finally... A huge amount of her private capital went to dozens of separate scholarships for schools around the country, largely for needy families, in spite of the already extensive public scholarships provided by the government. It surprised Cadance to realize that anyone with the proper drive could attend Celestia's School without paying a single bit if they applied, under the 'Sunflower's Fund for the Gifted.' Sunflower, right - very creative.

As always, there were dozens of applicants for the money to go to Celestia's School alone. Celestia, apparently, reviewed most of them herself. Cadance did not have the same time, and instead usually called in Raven, who was more than happy to spend an hour sorting through them.

As Raven settled into her chair and started to sort, Cadance noticed the big smile on her face. She didn't have to ask, Raven just began speaking, "I saw Twilight on my way to meet the Head of Staff."

Cadance perked an ear, interested immediately - signing off on several bills for 'Chocolate Delights' on Celestia's behalf. Well, Cadance's behalf while Celestia was asleep. She would be sure not to waste a single one, after all.

Raven continued, almost gushing, "She was playing with Blueblood, Duke Redgrove's son, in the Mallorn Garden. Twilight made a little city out of magic. I haven't heard of the game, but she was cheering - and had a big grin on her face. Blueblood looked to be enjoying himself, too - oh and you should see the guards that are hanging around. I saw Sergeant Valve, they were using him as a mannequin while arguing something about armour rating on Royal Guards. She was practically bouncing around!"

Cadance soon had a grin on her face at the mental image, her heart getting light. She felt like she could jump for joy, her wings fluttering. "That's great!" She looked up from her work, rubbing her hoofs together slightly, "Twilight, playing with toys? I'll have to look in on the way to my meeting with Lieutenant Ferrus," A quick glance at the clock did reveal that most of the day had passed away, and a look at the window revealed the blizzard had greatly intensified. The castle's wards would protect the gondolas from the worst of it, at least.

She pressed on with her work, now intent on finishing quickly, so she'd have time to poke in on Twilight without being late.

Cadance made it with time to spare, looking in through one of the windows into the enclosed garden - protected from the wind and blizzard by the castle, only a few flakes of snow falling past the wards. She almost squee'd. It was a close thing.

True to Raven's words, a large area had been spelled into a small city - solid enough illusions to support the little toys they were playing with. Twilight was hopping between buildings, not a single layer against the cold on her. "And this Squad... Their Unicorn will cast... Shield of the Sun!" Cadance was surprised to hear her speaking without a stutter, even if it was slower, but couldn't hold the joy, sighing with happiness while she watched Twilight roll a pair of dice, grinning, seeming to get the result she wanted. "They have... A plus to their... Armour save!"

"Wish I knew that one," Sergeant Valve commented, standing near the mallorn as Raven said he would be. He was smiling as well, a broad, well-built unicorn. A pair of the Royal Guards standing near him chuckled as well. She noted their helmets all fit, as did their armour. That tickled the back of her mind for some reason, but she pushed it aside, focusing on Twilight's joy, which seemed to cause Blueblood some consternation.

"That's the sixth time you've gotten that off, Sparkle," he drolled out, "Despite its difficulty. Are you done with your turn -"

Blueblood was cut off by Twilight noticing Cadance and jumping out of the city, rushing over to her. Cadance lowered herself down to meet Twilight's charging hug, noticing that the little filly had grown a good few inches. It made Cadance's heart feel warm.

Twilight nuzzled her affectionately, excitement in her voice as she started to ramble, gripping Cadance's leg with her hoof and tugging toward the garden, "Blueblood showed me... T-t-this amazing game! It's... You play armies, and there's... Rulebooks and... All kinds of things. Will you play... C-cadance, please?"

Cadance's heart almost melted then and there, and she nods, "I'd be happy to, Twilight - I have to finish a quick meeting in the South Gardens, then I'll be right back, alright?"

Twilight's disappointment lasted only a moment, then she nods excitedly, rushing back over to the little city. "H-hey! I wasn't... Done yet!"

Cadance watched only a moment longer, knowing if she stayed she would never make her meeting with the Lieutenant. Urgh. All the more reason to be annoyed with him... She hopes his balls stick to the gondola's seat. With a friendly nod to Sergeant Valve, which he returned, she turned and pressed on for the gardens.

She let herself become lost in thought, keeping that image of an enthusiastic, joyous Twilight firmly in her head.

Cadance almost ran into someone as she rounded a corner, blinking back to reality, looking down as the stallion took several steps back, giving a short bow. She recognized him after a moment; Duke Redgrove. She smiled, a sudden and wicked idea coming to mind. She had met with him once since his arrival a week ago, and quite enjoyed his sharp tongue. "Duke Redgrove! My apologies, it seems I became lost in thought, I hope I didn't bump your horn?" She hadn't gotten anywhere near bumping into him, really, let alone getting him on the cracked horn.

The Duke blinked, and gave another slight bow, then looks up at her - a welcoming smile on his face as he spoke, "Ah, I was lost in a bit of thought as well. And I am quite well, thank you. I was on my way to peek in on the Princess' Garden. I was told my son was making a friend, and was curious to see."

Cadance nodded in understanding, her own smile became much more genuine at the memory, "Oh, yes - I just saw the pair. They're playing with toy soldiers and dice. I will be returning after a meeting I must attend, but it's quite worth even a few moments looking in."

"Oh?" Redgrove looked pleased, and relieved - a weight seemed to remove itself from the stallion, "That's quite good news. I had been growing worried for my son. He is quite talented, in all humility, but since his mother's passing he has been..." Redgrove searched for the right word, Cadance growing immediately sympathetic - she remembered hearing about that some years ago, an accident if she recalled. "Isolated. I worried for him. He got much more excitable when we began travelling away from the manor, so this is quite the relief."

Cadance nodded, understanding now, "I see, that is a rough event for any foal - Twilight herself has some difficulties in making new friends. I'm only glad it turned out so well, I expect the pair could have easily been at odds instead."

Redgrove nods in agreement, moving out of her way, "I shouldn't keep you any longer, your majesty, you did mention a meeting."

Cadance's plan returned to the forefront of her mind, and she lept, "Actually, Duke, if you would not mind I could use the company for my walk there and back. As I mentioned, I'm returning to play with the pair afterwards in any case."

The Duke seemed surprised, she could see the gears turning in his head as he nodded, "I would be honoured, your majesty."

Nodding, smile now wholly genuine, she pressed on out of the castle and into the south gardens. This side of the castle was much more protected against the weather from the Everfree due to a concentration of wards, and so this part of the gardens had only a light layer of snow. Oddly, she noted mounds had piled up in some places. Down the cleared path, she could see the gondolas, but not the Lieutenant.

Cadance felt a new note of annoyance. Was he going to be late? Of all the -

Her heart froze, and she stopped suddenly. Her eyes locked on the mounds of 'snow', flicking between several of the gondolas, up to the eaves of several trees. Her alicorn eyes saw it all, when she paid attention.

Sixty Royal Guards waited, standing like statues in the snow. She spotted dark-clad Night Guard in the trees, head swivelling to catch even more on the sloped roofs nearby, and her mind began to race, heart thudding in her chest. Monster Hunters? Were they going to -

One of the adamantine-clad shapes stepped onto the path, immediately becoming more visible. He spoke up, and she recognized Lieutenant Ferrus' voice as he declared, "By order of the Royal Guard, you are to surrender yourself immediately into our custody and unseal Her Radiance's room for our inspection. Do not make this difficult, Princess."

Cadance heard Raven gasp in fear from behind her, and the movement of more metal-shod hooves. More Royal Guards emerged from the gardens... No, not Royal Guards, she realized. All of their armour was misfitted slightly, enough that she noticed it now, but was dismissable. Her heart thudded like a drum in her chest. There were a hundred ponies arrayed in front of her now, more likely behind her. Sixty Royal Guard, thirty or forty imposters, and nearly twenty Night Guard in teams around her. Were they going to try and kill her?

No, they wanted her alive. Why? To open Celestia's room. Her heart froze a second time. There were only five ponies in the world who could open Celestia's chambers without laying siege to the wards there; Celestia, Luna, Herself, Captain Steel Wind... And Twilight.

Before she had a chance to speak, though, Duke Redgrove moved several steps forward - his head held high, almost impetuously glaring at the arrayed soldiers. "And what is this nonsense? Lieutenant, I hope you and your men are finished with this little prank... This Princess is Her Radiance's beloved niece and Regent of the Solar Throne."

"Indeed she is," The Lieutenant replied, "That is why she is being offered a chance of surrender into our joint custody. Step aside, Duke Redgrove. You need have no involvement in this."

The Duke seemed to bristle, and his horn sparkled lightly - not one Royal Guard moved an inch in reaction. She could feel their eyes firmly on her, watching her every twitch. The imposters, though, gave small jerks as his horn lit up, but didn't yet act.

Cadance spoke before he could, things starting to click into place. Her failures manifest. "So... Joint custody, Lieutenant?" She asked, voice low but carrying easily. The distant, howling wind felt like whispers clawing at her ears. "Who convinced you of this... plan? Was it IS, or your own initiative? How many have betrayed me?"

The Lieutenant was silent, and that was answer enough.

"A coup?" The Duke says, disgust evident in his tone. "You're a mad fool, Lieutenant. Stand down, she is an alicorn - once-apprentice of Her Radiance. Do you think you can force her to do anything?"

Cadance thought the Duke overestimated her education in war magic, but she was an alicorn - and alicorns needed little more than their own being.

"If she won't, we will have to force Lady Twilight. A course of action none of us want, Princess. Please, do not resist. You will be treated well unless evidence of wrongdoing is found." The Lieutenant sounded regretful at the mention of forcing Twilight to do anything, Cadance supposed that the little filly had won more affection from the guards than she had.

The stand-off is interrupted by a low blaring beginning to echo around the garden, emanating from the castle. Small red stones in the path briefly lit up, flashing lightly. The Gate Alarm?

"Legate Emerald Cut," One of the gold-clad imposters mutters, "We need to hurry, Lieutenant."

There was a distant clash of steel, and unintelligible shouts. Loyal Guards?

Through his eye slits, Cadance could see the Lieutenant's eyes briefly close, and his lips move in a prayer. Then, they opened, "Princess," he begins again, voice firm, "Surrender immediately."

Before she had a chance to respond, Duke Redgrove seemed to grow taller - his shadow long and august. He spoke, voice powerful and angry, like a parent disciplining a child. Cadance could have believed he was one of his Warrior-Unicorn ancestors in that moment, horn crackling. "Surrender! You've let the Legion into Canterlot? How far will you go in your betrayals, Lieutenant!? Do you think Her Radiance will be pleased with what you've done! You've sent your own battle brothers to die!"

The Duke took a breath to keep shouting, the Lieutenant seemed to waver a little, slight hesitation in his eyes. Then, there was a click and whistle, followed by a wet sounding thud. The Duke collapsed with a rising gurgle in his throat. A crossbow bolt was sticking out of his chest, buried almost to the feather, fired from one of the gold-clad imposters, a cold look in his eyes. The Duke's feet lightly kicked against the ground as he desperately inhaled and choked on blood.

Cadance stepped forward, moving to help the Duke - but every soldier in the courtyard tensed, a few taking steps closer. She froze, grinding her teeth, feeling rage begin to boil in her chest. Snow began to melt around her hooves, steaming upward.

"Raven," She managed, voice flat, commanding - eyes now locked on the Lieutenant. She can't imagine what he saw there, but he flinched slightly. "Get the Duke inside, try to help him."

Raven Inkwell slinked forward without a word, shaking from head to hooves. She gently levitated the Duke, pulling him into the castle, leaving a trail of blood far too wide and thick to lose and survive without immediate care.

Cadance took a breath and exhaled. The Courtyard was frozen, waiting for the first move. She could feel the sun in the sky, low in its path - but not yet set, and it wouldn't for some time. Its weak rays seemed to burn against her fur when she focused on them, fueling the molten fury rising in her heart.

She bent her magic around her. Her flesh began to feel stone-like, hard with the rising of her earth pony magic. Her muscles tensed, fed new waves of energy and power. The world felt light and weak, as if she could stamp and crack the very foundations of the castle. The slight movements of the ponies around her began to slow and grow more in focus, all of her vision in perfect clarity now. Her wings twitched with the power coursing around her. They were so slow, like they were trapped in water while she walked free in the open air. In an instant, all the powers of an alicorn were at her beck and call. She did not feel like a pony any longer, she was more. Now, at this moment, she felt like she was free from a prison of her own design.

She was not trained in battle, but an alicorn did not have to be.

Cadance felt the Sun burning far above her, knowing the power at her beck and call if she required it.

The gold-clad imposters moved first, one raising a crossbow. She lept and gave a great flap of her wings hard enough to clear several feet of snow, rising in a great cloud of white beneath her.

The guards surged forth, and battle was joined.

Twilight hopped over the illusionary city, frowning at the move Blueblood had made. "Hey! I wasn't... done yet!"

Blueblood rolled his eyes a little, levitating his squad of Lunar Legionnaires back to their positions, drolling out, "Well then, Sparkle, go on - cast the Shield with your other squads. I'm sure you'll somehow cast every one of them this turn as well."

Twilight beamed, and began to roll for her squads of Royal Guard - each with their own Combat Unicorn duo, of course. Expensive... But worth the points expenditure. She cast three of six successfully, grinning to herself. Her units were well-positioned for the assault of Blueblood, in cover and defensive positions, shielded from the worst of his ranged support.

Then, the mallorn began to creak loudly, its branches twisting in non-existent wind - loud grounds like thunder filling the small garden as the tree seemed to quiver in anger. Twilight's attention was immediately stolen by the tree, eyes going to its smooth bark as it began to glow a baleful red to her magesight.

The voice from her dreams whispered once again to her, insistent, fear and concern filling its tone, 'Call her, Twilight Sparkle! Call her! Call her!'

"What's going on?" Sergeant Valve spoke up, eyeing the tree a little warily, the new guards near him also standing more attentive.

"It's... Angry about... Something," Twilight explained, shivering at the voice resonating in her head - why was it mad? The baleful red started to twist, sinews of purple and orange mixing in. She felt a prickle on the back of her neck. "It's... I don't... know."

"Lady Twilight," A new voice calls from the side of the garden, a squad of four guards approaching, "Sergeant."

Valve turned his attention to the newcomers, the tree's thrashing grew more violent, its branches moving entire feet side to side - the noise of its metal-like leaves colliding like the tolling of bells. She saw the Sergeant frown.

"Y-yes?" She asked, suddenly nervous - Blueblood didn't correct her. She could see his eyes narrow as they rested on the tree, and remain narrow as they regard the new guards.

"There is a situation. Sergeant, an intruder has been detected in the Princess' chambers. Princess Cadance is investigating a gap in the wards, we need to move quickly to -"

"Your helmet is crooked, Guard," the Sergeant spoke, his eyes narrow. Twilight saw him practically bristle, the eyes of the large, stone-coloured unicorn searching over the group. The nearby guards who had been with Valve also tensed, regarding the two newcomers with sudden intensity, their wings twitching.

Twilight eyed the newcomers herself now, the air thick enough with tension to cut with a hammer. All of their helmets were, indeed, slightly off. Either slightly too big or too small. What caught her attention, though... Was the polish. The wing-plates and vambraces had slight grime in them, buildup. Shining had spent ages complaining about all the time the Guards spent polishing armour, that he had cleaned more suits than he could count, and somehow still wasn't as good as the others. No guard would be caught dead in unpolished armour, not in the palace.

Her mind began to race. They were relaxed, too relaxed. Was it guard training? No, if there was a threat to Celestia they wouldn't be here. They would - Cadance wouldn't be investigating a breach in the wards. What was going on? She took a step back, closer to Sergeant Valve. Twilight could feel the moment she stepped into his reassuring shadow.

Blueblood spoke up, giving voice to some of her thoughts - he was so much better at reading ponies than she was... This had to be some kind of misunderstanding, right? "And why isn't the Regent moving to protect her beloved aunt... Corporal?"

A low blaring began to ring through the palace. Twilight knew it at once, she had read about it in a few of Luna's books. The gate alarm? She flinched at a distant shout, then a clash of metal on metal.

In the time she had flinched from the sound, Sergeant Valve's horn lit up and she was shoved behind him alongside Blueblood - the large unicorn's armour-clad body now firmly between her and the new guards.

A gleaming blue shield lept into existence in front of him, his head twisting in a careful arc. The new ponies lept forward, quick, but they looked a little clumsy to Twilight's wide eyes, unused to the ill-fitted armour. Before they even crossed half the distance to the Sergeant, the two nearby pegasi were on them, wings extended, twirling mid-air as they crashed onto the group.

Twilight shut her eyes, but she heard the scream and the yells, heard metal bend and snap, the crack of bone. A quick few flashes lit up her closed eyelids, controlled spellfire. There was a brief plea that she flinched at, followed by a solid, metallic thump. She felt Blueblood press himself against her side, shuddering. The noise in the courtyard died down as quickly as it started.

In its wake, the voice came to her again, whispering in her mind, 'Call her! Call her!'

Her eyes opened when the Sergeant scooped her up, placing her on his back. The two pegasi guard stood tall amidst four corpses or near-corpses. The guards were covered in blood, their wingblades slick with it, chestplates more red than gold. The... the imposters had been shredded quickly, cleanly, efficiently. They didn't stand a chance. One of the pegasi quickly moved over, the small group not even having to exchange words as the Sergeant swept up Blueblood in magic and put him on the pegasus' back.

"Sir, orders?" The unladen pegasus asked as the mallorn continued to groan, creak, and growl in righteous anger.

"The private quarters may be compromised, and we would need to cross the main hall to get into the Lunar Tower. We cannot be sure of the gate's status." She could hear the Sergeant's mind racing as he considered his options. Luna's room was practically across the palace...

"The Regent was going to the South Gardens," the one laden with Blueblood pointed out, "She might need help, and she would be the safest place to be. I think these are IS or Legion, and the Regent will have her personal guards."

The Sergeant nodded in agreement, "No more wasting time, let's move. Foals," he glanced between her and Blueblood now, "If we get into a fight, slide off our backs and hide. If we go down, run to your room and bar the door, Lady Sparkle. Use your illusions. Don't stop for anyone. You remain with her, Lord Blueblood. Do you understand?"

Twilight managed a shaky nod, unable to truly think. She didn't see if Blueblood did, but the Sergeant seemed satisfied. He turned and led them into the halls. The unladen guard led the way, checking each corner and intersection they came to carefully on the short path to the South Gardens.

She clung to the Sergeant tightly, trying not to hear the distant sounds of intensifying battle, trying not to hear the low, droning alarm. Then, she heard a mighty crack-boom from where they were heading and the sounds of yells of alarm and battle. There was the sound of ripping air and thunder, the ground under their hooves shook. They were only a hall from the gardens... What was going on?

Their group came to a halt at the sounds from ahead, there was another earsplitting crack of thunder, shouts that Twilight couldn't make out. She heard many smaller spells zip through the air, whistling. She could feel the magic being drawn closer ahead of them, something was consuming magic - a great tidal wave of it. Cadance?

"Corporal, glance out a window," Valve ordered, covering next to a wall while the unladen corporal moved forward, the ground shaking slightly again. There was a horrific sound of rending metal and a piercing scream. Twilight closed her eyes again, as if that might help.

The Corporal rushed back, "Sir! The Regent is under attack, she's outnumbered - it's the Third!"

Twilight didn't understand the implication. The Third Century was attacking Cadance? Valve froze, though. She heard his breathing deepen, his muscles shudder under the armor. "Corporal, go to the throne room and activate the Siege Wards. Expect resistance, or the Throne Guards would have activated them by now. Off our backs, foals, quickly now."

Before he was even done speaking the pegasus had saluted and rushed down the hall, vanishing in an instant. Twilight slid off his back as she was ordered, the Sergeant turned to her and Blueblood, grim-faced. "Foals, you need to hide. Twilight, you know the castle well. Get somewhere safe, make your way to your room. Slowly, carefully. Use your illusions. We need to protect the Regent."

"C-c-c-cadance is... U-under attack?" She managed to ask between her laboured breathing, fear spiking in her chest, dismay. The Castle was supposed to be safe. She could feel sunlight on her skin, despite being fully inside. "W-w-why?"

"I don't know. Get somewhere safe. Corporal, go get reinforcements if you can." The second pegasus gave a grim nod, and bounded off into the halls, toward the barracks.

Valve looked at the pair of them one final time, a war between duties in his eyes, then he turned and rushed toward the sounds of combat.

The two were left alone. Twilight's breathing came hard. She was useless, useless, useless, useless! She wanted to rip her mane out. This must be a bad dream, a new nightmare, a new horror thrust upon her. She felt her hooves shake. Cadance was in trouble, she was being hurt, and Twilight was useless.

She felt Blueblood's shaky hoof on her shoulder, "We... We need to get to your room, come on. We won't be of any use, Twilight. We have to hide like the Sergeant said. Or we can find my father."

'We won't be of any use.'

'Call her, Twilight Sparkle,' The voice came again.

Twilight felt the weight of expectation on her. She swore she would never be useless again. She promised.

Twilight broke off, sprinting after the Sergeant as fast as her legs would carry her. Blueblood gave a shout of dismay behind her, but after a second, she heard his hooves beating after hers. "Sparkle! What are you doing!?"

She ignored him, purpose burning in her chest. She had to do something.

She could see the doors leading to the South Gardens before her, she spotted a trail of blood leading into a nearby room, but ignored it.

Twilight burst through the double doors, and into Tartarus.

The South Gardens were in ruins. Corpses in broken adamantine plate lay strewn by the dozens, several imposter guards lay half-melted or torn in two. The ground was pocked with dents and cracks, some sections of the paths turned to molten rock, flowing and burning gazebos and the hedge maze. Sections of the castle walls were pocked and marked with spellfire, great chunks of stone ripped from the magically reinforced fortifications.

Dozens of guards still stood, surrounding a lone figure, their plate blackened, burnt, and damaged. Black-clad soldiers flew in circles, others were weaving a great spell in unison, the webs of its unformed body forming in the air between them.

Cadance was in the midst of it all. Her pink fur shone like diamond, her wings blazed with fire and heat, her mane turned into a flowing nebula of magical power. One of her wings had been sheared off, golden ichor pouring from dozens of wounds - yet before Twilight's eyes, they were sealing. Her wing was already reforming, regrowing entire bone structures in mere seconds. An attack hit her across the face, a great spellblow from a royal guard unicorn, melting a section of her jaw free - yet Cadance did not even seem to feel it. Her hoof lashed out like thunder, cracking adamantine plate like so much chalk, sending the guard careening into a tree. She lept to the side to avoid another spell, her free wing swirling, unarmed, into a diving pegasus. There was a horrendous crack as bare flesh and bone dented in the side of the guard's armour, sending him to the ground, still forever.

And Cadance's aura... It burned brighter than ever, the Alicorn turned into a star of her own, shining with every colour of the rainbow, not dirtied by the blood and battle around her.

It pained Twilight to look at, but she had to do something.

She spotted the Sergeant rushing to engage a set of the black-clad guards, no doubt to interrupt their spell - she saw several turn to him, moving to engage. Three-to-one. They were in war plate.

Twilight shuddered, coming to a stop outside. What should she do!? She didn't know enough - what was she thinking?! What was she -

'Call her, Twilight Sparkle!' The voice spoke again in her mind, commanding, ordering her.

She weakly stumbled a little, several of the imposter guards taking note of her from the edges of the melee, more screams and shouts and death eminating from the small area. She heard Cadance roar in anger and rage, her half-melted face already wholly reformed, slick with the golden ichor that was her blood.

Several gold-clad guards began to rush for her from across the garden.

'Call her!' The voice roared again within her mind.

"C-celestia! C-c-c-c-c-" She stumbled back a little, almost falling over as the imposters sprinted for her, "C-c-celestia..."

'Call her!'

Twilight remembered her dream.

Her horn lit up, magic forming true, obeying her command unfailingly, flowing from her horn with the power of her intent - drawn in from the turbulent waves of raw power roiling around her.

She reached for the Sun.

Celestia knew she was dreaming.

She had for some time, plotting her escape from the dreamscape that the Nightmare had created for her. Luna's occasional company was welcome, not that the pair could speak to each other, or interact. Not only was it a dream, but the deception must be maintained, lest the Nightmare grows tired of 'tormenting' Celestia.

Still, some part of this was torment, in spite of Celestia's knowledge that Twilight was safe in the Castle. Her nation in the hooves of Cadance. She couldn't allow the situation to persist for too long, and time was strange in the dream world, but she thought she had plenty of time yet.

The worst part was hearing the crack of Twilight's neck at the hooves of the Nightmare. Feeling her desperate touches at the Sun, calling Celestia's attention. To rush, and to always arrive too late.

It was false, but the potential was very real.

Celestia looked up from the papers on her dream-desk, the writing she had been performing nothing but scribbles in the dream. The office was mostly formless as well, lacking real details, except for the painting of her sister on the wall. At the moment, it truly was nothing but a painting. Luna's attention must be elsewhere, odd.

She felt a tug on the Sun.

Celestia froze. That was not in the dream.

There was another, desperate. Celestia could feel the aura touching her beloved star. Feel the fear, the distress. Feel the horror.

She had waited too long.

Celestia gave a heave, her dream body dissolving in a sudden wrenching of the false world around her. So sudden was her action, that the Nightmare was caught off-guard.

She slammed herself into the boundaries of this trap, grasping at Twilight's light touching of the Sun, latching onto that very real physical sensation. It acted as an anchor, something to feel, something to guide her back to her body.

Celestia strained. This was no contest of finesse, no careful battle of wills. She slammed her mind into this prison, desperate as she feels a third tug on the Sun, horrifying need in Twilight's calls for Celestia's attention.

The Nightmare had been surprised, and Celestia's will was emboldened by the fear that now filled her. Would she be too late, just like in this nightmare?

Sensation returned to Celestia in a flash. Her bed beneath her, the scent of Luna. The sound of the Gate Alarm blaring through her room. She slammed her eyes open, forcing her body into action, leaping from her bed, filling her body with raw magical power. Red runes glowed along the walls, warning of intruders that the castle couldn't act against as of yet. The Siege Wards had yet to be activated, but there were intruders in her castle.

She heard the sounds of battle in the distance, steel against steel, yells and screams and death.

Celestia forced power into her horn, conjuring an image of Twilight in her mind, remembering the feel of her fur, the studious devotion with which she lived her life, Celestia's own feelings of love powering the tracking spell. In an instant, she knew where her beloved student was.

She kicked off the ground, hooves cracking the enchanted stone beneath her, and hit her windows faster than the sound of her rising from the bed. The reinforced, enchanted glass shattered before her, wings giving a mighty beat.

The grand city of Canterlot stretched before her view, and under her the castle. She could see Legionnaires forcing their way past the dogged defence of the gates, they had been forced open from the inside. Betrayal. Her heart burned with fury.

Her eyes flicked to the south gardens, where Cadance was surrounded - making her stand. Adamantine armour gleamed to Celestia's eyes, her sight piercing the snowfall like it wasn't there. She spotted Twilight, gold-clad guards a mere dozen meters from her.

Celestia thrust power into her horn, and she dived.

Touching the Sun had not been as painful as she expected. It was like an ocean of raw magical power, of pure energy. Unfathomable, unknowable. It was alive in its own way, thrumming and pulsing, a heartbeat shuddering through the titanic thing. Her horn burned, but she did not burst into ashes, or get cooked to a crisp.

The gold-clad guards were charging for her still. Twilight gave a third tug on the Sun, desperate. She could see the whites of their eyes. Fear thudded in her chest, she stumbled back now, shaking in fear, blood pounded in her ears, her hooves shook under her. Should she draw on the Sun? Was she not doing it right? Oh Celestia, they're right -

Twilight heard the air rip like thunder, a boom roaring from above her. She stumbled back, looking up, unable to look through the blizzard-filled skies.

A brand of flame burst from the tallest tower of the castle. It shone like a new sun to Twilight's magesight, a star had been dragged from the heavens and placed upon Equus. It burned her eyes, but she could not look away.

It shone brighter, flame and light bursting from it. A wave of force hit her, sending Twilight to the ground, but she could not tear her eyes from the new sun in the sky. From it poured might and magic, a beam of white light pierced the heavens, the blizzard around them dying, snuffed out by a power greater than it by magnitudes unfathomable.

The true Sun shone down over Canterlot, clouds shattering and dissipating in mere moments, and the brand of flame dived - right toward Twilight. Still, she couldn't force herself to rip her eyes away, not even with the gold-clad imposters mere meters away.

The streak of flame hit the imposters, the ground shaking violently. Waves of raw power roared out from the impact, forcefully curving around Twilight, directed by the will that made them. They didn't even scream. The ground of the impact was molten rock, mere feet from Twilight, but she didn't feel the heat. She didn't feel fear in that moment, for Celestia rose from the ashes of the imposters, and stood like a pillar of fire.

Her skin was magma, turned to invulnerable rock by the power coursing through her body. Her mane was fire, blazing around her. Each of her eyes was akin to the sun. Her horn shone like a beacon, and in an instant the black-clad figures were struck from the sky, their armor melting around them.

She moved. Her wings gave a single half-beat and she crossed the entire garden, slamming into the Third Century of Royal Guard like a mountain. Bodies flew as she ripped them from Cadance.

Celestia's horn shone again, and a wave of force thrust from her, forcing the ground to ripple at its passing. Guards were sent flying from the pair of alicorns, hitting the ground like sacks of rocks, limbs twisting and breaking, pegasi forced from the sky dropping like flies.

Twilight stared at the Sun, at Celestia, and felt consciousness leave her.

Author's Note

Wrote all this in one night. Way longer and more detailed than my OG version. Hope all of you enjoy the chapter. I'm going to sleep now.

I'm less satisfied with the combat and action than I wanted to be, but I think it gets everything across. What did you guys think of it?

Oh, and I hope you liked the bit with Gray. I was sort-of inspired to do it while rewriting this chapter, and hope it turned out well.