Secrets and Lies (phase two)

Chapters

Chapter 11
chapter 12
chapter 14
chapter 15
Chapter 16
chapter 17
chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21 (the End)

Chapter 11

January 15, 2026, few moments after the broadcast from Princess Twilight Sparkle, main broadcast central, Eternal Palace, Principality of Dream Valley, Independently owned land within the Solar Empire territory.

Every pony gathered in the main broadcast center in the Eternal Palace watches the live feed from the Crystal Empire and Crystal City. A moment later a shell impact on block 15 destroying the block knocking out the live feed. Quickly a Comm Tech reestablished the live feed from a different camera as a second shell impact knocking out the live feed once again. All ponies recoil in horror as news feeds from E-n-n report the total leveling of block 15 in the Crystal City and partial destruction of block 14.

"Blueberry! What did Harmonia mean dealing a crippling blow to a terrorist group?" Justice inquiry as Blueberry was still in shock.

"The Shadow of King Sombra terrorist group!" Blueberry exclaims as the blood drains from Celestia's face upon hearing the name.

"NO!" Celestia's voice shrills with horror as she started to tremble uncontrollably, before collapsing to the ground and rolled up into a ball. Quickly Justice ran over to his stricken wife and held his shaking wife in his arms.

"What happened to your mother? Someone tell me what happen to Celestia? Why is she like this?" Justice inquiry his heart pumps spontaneously in his chest as he holds his trembling wife as Aurora steps forward.

"About three years ago the Impervious Legion the name the Shadow of King Sombra terrorist group called themselves. Tried unsuccessfully to overthrows Empress Celestia Silverlight and Solar Empire. But that was not their plan. During a battle, a small platoon associated with Impervious Legion separated mother's troops from the main Solar Empire troops. They capture mother and held her for several months during that time they tried to break her strong will and force her to relinquish the rule of Solar Empire to Captain Nigel Obscura their crazed leader." Aurora said to struggle to control quavering in her voice as Celestia begins to weep.

"If our foals didn't rescue me went they did, I would have certainly have been broken and the Celestia you fell in love with would be gone. I would have been the only shell of my original self, my beloved." Celestia said to dissolve into tears as Justice had a deepening hue of shame for what his wife went through with that group.

"Huh?" Celestia exclaims as she feels tears running down her snout that is not her own and she wipes them with her hand. Slowly Celestia lifts her head up the tears were coming from her husband.

Without a word to Celestia Justice flew up the elevator shaft and back up to the main floor of the Eternal Palace.

"Celestia, Go to your beloved. Before its too late." Shimmer said anxiously as Celestia saw the fear in Justice's mother's face. She quickly gets to her feet and flew up the elevator shaft, back to the main floor of the Eternal Palace.

On the main floor of Eternal Palace Celestia flew through the magnificent arched hallways of Eternal Palace desperately searching for her husband not knowing for sure why Shimmer told her before it too late.

As she flew past an open into the palace garden kneeling on the rug with a small knife in his hand pointed toward himself was Justice.

Knowing she wouldn't make it in time Celestia rips the gold heeled sandal off her foot. In act to prevent a needless death Celestia worked up momentum by quickly twisting her body in midair, at the right moment she sending her shoe screaming toward the knife in Justice's hand. Justice recoiled in pain as the shoe impact squarely on his hand sending the knife flipping harmlessly into a nearby pond.

"Justice! What hay are you doing? Did you once again intend to leave me? After reuniting with me after your death and recover your lost memories." Celestia said in a huff as she landed and kneel in front of him.

Soon tears start to run down Celestia snout as she slaps away her husband's hand from wiping away the tears from her snout.

"That night in our bedchamber you told me it was my face that kept you from giving up on recovering your memories. The same could be said about me through the pain, I held on to your face as the only relief I had for those months in captivity. The impervious Legion troops didn't care if I was a mother or mare. Their twisted ideals dictated break me, in other words. We need each other and you killing yourself would be meaningless." Celestia comments as Justice reaches up and placed his hand on the back of Celestia's neck. He pulls her closer and hugs her, before whispering something into her ear and causing a shocked looked on her face.

"Are you serious, Justice? How do we explain what happened to you? I mean you die as a unicorn. Now you're an Alicorn." Celestia said a bit puzzled as they both sit down on the ground in front of each other.

"Do you not have the power to transform a unicorn into an Alicorn, Celestia?" Justice comment gently brings his wife's shoeless foot out so he could tease it with his finger.

"I do, But for me to justify transforming you into an Alicorn you must do something great for Equestria. It's one of the requirements for being transformed." Celestia explains as she uses all her will power to block out tickling sensation her husband is doing to her shoeless foot. As he yet to hit the most sensitive parts of her foot the deep set arch, the puffy balls and under her shapely toes.

"What is greater then marrying Princess Celestia, I mean she is high maintenance, if you think about it. It takes a great stallion to marry her." Justice said teasing as he trying to make Celestia lose focus, so he could hit Celestia's arch with his fingers.

"What? If that was the case I would have transformed you into Alicorn after our honeymoon, d-d-dear." Celestia explains as she broke into burst of unrestrained laughter as her husband's fingers shot right into her deep set arch went she lost focus.

"J-j-j-justice Pleeeheeaseee you win, I'll do it. Bwahahahahanonhooo!!" Celestia laughing as Justice withdraws his fingers from Celestia's ticklish arch.

As he let his wife recover he finds her sandal and slips it back on her foot, before buckled it for her. He slowly brings his wife to her feet. A calm Celestia wraps her arms and wings around Justice not mad that he basically tickled her into agreeing with his plan. Besides that, she no longer had to pretend that he is dead to keep his secret that he was back alive.

Later that same day back in the Capital city of Canterlot from the Grand Royal Palace Empress Celestia Silverlight called a press conference to announce something to the world with her foals dressed in their finest royal clothing and Imperial Regalia. The news core at the palace speculation that the reason for the press conference was to announce that the Solar Empire would enter the war between the Friendship Kingdom and the Crystal Empire on the side of the Friendship Kingdom.

But the News core gape in stunned silence as Emperor Justice Silverlight walked out onto the stage and took the seat beside his wife. The two Alicorns explain in order to create a male Alicorn it took Celestia much longer to perform the ritual, much longer then transform a mare into an Alicorn does. So to give his wife the time she needed to perform the ritual he faked his death and to ensure no one would stop it.

January 15, 2026, few hours after the Empress and Emperor press conference, Private family living area, living room, Old Grand Royal Palace, Capital City of Canterlot, Solar Empire.

Unsurprisingly the two mares wearing the below knee length dresses walk about the living room in their bare feet, they couldn't wait to get their high heel pumps off their sore feet. Standing by a window wearing the navy blue dress uniform of the Solar Empire military was Solar Prince Somnus Silverlight.

He was getting constant updates from the Palace broadcast central over his MCV. Sitting on the sofa wearing the navy blue dress uniform of the Solar Empire military with the addition of short cape was Emperor Justice Silverlight. Sitting next to him on the sofa was Empress Celestia Silverlight like her daughters she was barefooted. Not since she marries Justice has rulership of the Solar Empire has been so lightened.

"Father, mother!" Somnus said excitedly as he walked over in front of his parents sitting on the sofa.

"Yes, Somnus, what is up?" Justice inquiry as Celestia looks toward her son.

"That press conference you and mother gave had some benefits," Somnus commented as his two sisters sit on the armrests of the sofa their parents were sitting on.

"Like what Somnus?" Aurora inquiry as she rests her hand on her knee.

"Several of those new splinter groups that formed last year have disbanded and the leaders of those groups have turned themselves in to the proper authority. It seems the return of mother's best Royal Investigator our father has scared them plenty. The number of splinter groups is now backing to manageable levels which free-up a lot of military resources to protect the Solar Empire and NLR." Somnus explains as Celestia shot a look toward her foals.

"Don't think me rude my beloved foals. But your mother would like to spend some time alone with your father. Before he's officially standing by my side as co-ruler of Solar Empire." Celestia said politely as her three foals’ chuckle into the back of their hands. Slowly the three foals line up in front of their parents as dictated by Royal protocol in order to get their royal commands.

"You're Imperial Majesties what are your orders?" the royal foals said in unison.

"Emperor Silverlight. Would you like to issue our foals with their royal commands? Don't forget Justice we still have the official re-crowning of the Emperor of the Solar Empire tomorrow. That requires the presence of our foals at the ceremony." Celestia explains reminding as Justice shook his head.

"Solar Prince Somnus Silverlight I feel your Aunt Luna would like to know about disbanded and the voluntary surrendering of those groups leadership to the proper authority. So she can move around her resources. Additionally ask her if she coming to the re-crowning ceremony (mischievous smile form on his snout). Oh yes son, tell her I have not forgotten our first meeting in the NLR." Justice explains as Somnus snicker under his breath as the rest of the family looks at each other a bit lost.

"Yes, your imperial Majesty. Your imperial Majesty I believe I'll wait till she arrives here at the palace to give her the rest of your message, you don't want her to change her mind about coming do you, father." Somnus reply as the rest of the family is now totally lost with the exchange between Somnus and Justice.

"Good thinking, Somnus. That mare of the night is tricky, dismissed." Justice said as Somnus bowed and leave the room.

"Imperial Solar Princess Aurora Silverlight you will continue with your routine duties for the Solar Empire. But I have an additional duty for you. Hold right there, daughter." Justice said as Aurora shook her head.

"Solar Princess Blueberry Swirl Silverlight. It’s far too dangerous to send you back to the Crystal Empire for the seeable future until further notice you will be confined to Canterlot, but not as a prisoner of war. You will be giving your full birthrights as a Solar Princess of the Solar Empire with a catch. Your Guardian will be Imperial Solar Princess Aurora Silverlight, your older sister." Justice explains as Blueberry shook her head, soon tears begin to stream down her snout as she can't return to the land she called home.

"You understand Imperial Solar Princess Aurora Silverlight about your new duty. Their some ponies that will blam anyone from the Crystal Empire for trouble and lashes out at them. Blueberry being a high profile persona would be a tantalizing target for those zealots. As she can take care of herself. It doesn't hurt to have an extra set of eyes on her especially if those eyes belong to a mare that cracks shot with her custom pulse pistol." Justice said as Aurora walked over to her little sister.

"Understood Your Imperial Majesty, Excuse me why I take my charge to her room. We have much to talk about." Aurora explains as she bows and takes her little sister out of the room.

With that, the two Alicorns holding hands get to their feet and walk towards the double glass doors leading into the Palace garden from the living room. Celestia doesn't even bother to put her shoes back on.

In the palace garden, the soft green grass felt wonderful upon her pristine large and plushy white feet as she treaded lightly across the lawn, gently pressing down each blade of grass, with the white puffy balls of her bare feet.

It had been a way to long since a tranquil Celestia has allowed herself to forget about her worries of ruling the Solar Empire. But with her beloved husband at her side once again, that tranquility has returned. As the royal couple passes by a small marble fountain next to the path they have walked a mischievous smile form on Celestia's snout, using her magic she creates a small bubble with water in it.

She suddenly stops turn her husband toward her as if she was going to kiss him. But instead, she ducks her head as the water balloon splash across Justice's face. She quickly spread her wings and dives behind a low wall. As Justice cleans the water off his face from the initial water balloon, his eyes widen in alarm as he surrounded by them. Justice can hear playful laughter coming from behind a low wall in the garden and loud snap of the fingers. This cause all the water balloons to pelt him all at once, quickly Justice dives behind a second low wall.

'So a water fight you want, my beloved.' Justice thought as he closed his eyes and used the forever sight ability of the Imperator Alicorn. The Forever Sight ability is shared by all light affinity Imperator Alicorn; by concentrating on one aspect of their target the Imperator creates an image of that target in their mind and lock in on them. In this case, Justice concentrates on his wife's Goddess level of magic she commands, soon the image of Celestia's form in his mind.

"EEK!" Celestia exclaims as she pelted by the same number of water balloons she used on her husband. A drenched and annoyed Celestia rises slowly to her feet from behind her hiding place. Celestia gives a start of surprise as waiting for her to stand up was her husband; he quickly plants a kiss on her lips.

"Checkmate, my beloved," Justice said playfully as Celestia shook her head in agreement.

Before the royal couple continued on their stroll through the palace garden, Celestia affectionately returns her husband's kiss from earlier. Along the plain concrete path, they were walking the perfectly shaped wet footprint of his living goddess decorated the stark light gray color of the path. As the royal couple near the end of the palace garden path's at which time they would turn around and head back.

Their eyes widen with alarm as four pegasi Special Forces mercenaries wearing the combat body armor of the Crystal Empire appear from behind a high hedge at the end of the garden. Three of the soldiers are armed with a custom pulse assault rifles and the final one most likely the squad leader was armed with an odd-looking pulse rifle. It had a small dial on one side of the rifle that could adjust the power level up or down, for what reason Justice had no idea.

"CELESTIA! Run they are probably after you, you are the monarch of the Solar Empire. This probably away to get the Solar Empire involved in the war. If the Solar Empress is attacked by the Crystal Empire it will set off your army commanders!" Justice yells as Celestia gawk in disbelief before taking flight toward the palace.

"Damn you Alicorn! This was supposed to be a quick assassination!" The Squad leader said maliciously leveling the rifle at Justice and pulls the trigger. Justice didn't even feel the shot hit him before just dropping to the ground. The last thing he heard before blacking out was a terrifying scream from his fleeing wife followed by distant sobbing.

chapter 12

January 15, 2026, an hour later after the Empress and Emperor press conference, Palace garden, Old Grand Royal Palace, Capital City of Canterlot, Solar Empire.

Inside Justice's body, the super-advanced nano-bots implanted by his imperator mother went he was born, begins to stir. Unlike the nano-bots used by the Terran ponies that react to a situation by protecting vital organs to keep them alive until help gets to them. The nano-bots used by the Imperator Alicorns quickly adapt to the situation once adapted the same attack can't be used on them again.

Slowly Justice rises to all fours and shakes the cobwebs out of his head. Before shedding the natural-looking bird wings of Terran alicorn and replace them with his bio-mechanical wings. At that moment he flies at an incredible speed in the general direction of the palace the same direction his wife was heading.

Halfway between where he was shot and the palace Justice come upon the four member's Special forces squad, lying on the ground between them was Celestia. They probably used the same weapon on her they did on him. The mercenaries seem to be arguing over who will deal the final blow to Empress Celestia Silverlight it seem whoever does it gets them extra pay for the job.

As they argued Justice creates a wormhole portal under his wife's body. The moment her body drops into the portal he opens an exit portal above his head and catches her in his arms. He nuzzles her neck with his snout to get a reaction from her, in doing so she comes to and her face flushed with happiness seeing her husband still alive.

But the happiness is short-lived as she spot the four mercenaries who shot her below trying to figure out where she vanished to. A moment later Celestia's face flushes with indignation displeased that they interfered with her time alone with her husband. Justice creates a med-gun and uses it to extract some of the adapted nano-bots from his body he flies over to his wife and injects them into her neck to protect her from the weapon they used on her.

He makes a short sheath appear in his hand containing the Wakizashi from his daisho. He presents the sheath to his wife who grabs it with her left hand and draws the blade from the sheath with her right hand. An approving smile form on Celestia's snout as she examined the finely crafted blade her husband lend her.

Before heading into battle the two Alicorns embrace each other in midair and give each other a good luck kiss. In the next instants the pegasi mercenary's team reels with shock as two very vexed Alicorns land on either side of them.

The squad leader thinking he had the upper hand over these two Alicorns because they are armed with blades ordered his men to attack. But soon his decision proved fatal as the two Alicorns quickly cut down his men with the Vibro-blades.

With the squad leader cornered he must think fasts to survive this encounter. That's went he realizes the Solar Empress who was barefooted all this time. Has her feet covered with fresh blood of his men, this will compromise her traction as she standing on a pool of blood. If he can somehow cause her to slip for a moment, he can make a hasty retreat from the palace to fight another day.

Quickly the squad leader tosses the rifle he was holding at Celestia who quickly loses her footing with the amount of fresh blood covering her feet; she tumbles backward into the grass behind her. In that instance, he spreads his wings and is out of there with no time to spare. But doesn't get too far as Justice's marksmanship pegs the fleeting Pegasus killing him with a single shot from a custom pulse pistol one of his men was carrying.

Justice helps Celestia to her feet and walks over to a nearby small fountain, at which time he creates two small buckets that he fills with water from the fountain. With the two buckets, he filled one with clean water and the other one with soapy water he then creates a soft-bristled brush.

"Feels like old-time, My Princess. It has been a long time since I fought at your side." Justice comments as he gently uses the soft-bristled brush to clean the blood off his wife's foot, trying not to tickle her sensitive foot too much with the bristles.

"Indeed, my loyal Princess Protector. But Sir Silverlight you no longer protect, Your Princess, you protect someone more important to you." Celestia comment as Justice used his fingers to open in between her toes to clean the blood out.

"Very true My Princess, that most important pony is my wife. Mrs Celestia Silverlight. Is that right Mrs Silverlight." Justice said as he finishes clean one of his wife's feet. With that done she bring the other one up so he can clean that foot and bring it back to pristine condition.

"But all serious, Justice. Do you really think the target was me? If so why?" Celestia inquiry as Justice continues his efforts to clean the blood off his wife's foot to make it pristine again.

"Yes, Celestia I am very sure the target was you. If you think about it with the mercenaries dressed in the Crystal Empire body armor. who would be blamed for the assassination of Solar Empress Celestia Silverlight?" Justice poses the question to his wife as Justice used his fingers once again to open in between her toes to clean the blood out.

"By my light, it would fall on Princess Cadence and her Crystal Empire. My commanders would rush to aid the Friendship Kingdom to seek revenge for my death which would spark another land into this war and with the number of troops the Solar Empire has it would overwhelm the Crystal Empire forces. But Justice that wouldn't throw all the lands into a bloody war. At best the Crystal Empire would be defeated and peace would return." Celestia answers as Justice begins to clean the blood off her heel.

"Very true, my love, But who would be the likely next target?" Justice inquiry as he carefully cleans the blood from the arch of her foot.

"No! The next target would be Luna most likely a mercenaries group wearing the body armor of the Friendship Kingdom would attack her and try to kill her. Hence New Lunar Republic would join on the side of the Crystal Empire with NLR formidable arsenal it would be a blood bath (Tears come to her eyes) I don't want to think about casualties count if NLR joins the Crystal Empire." Celestia said her face etched in desperation as she tries to yank away her foot from her husband's grip.

"Celestia, I thought that too. So why I was searching for you and the mercenaries. I sent word back to my mother in Dream Valley to dispatch Serena and Seer to the NLR. My sisters should be able to protect Luna and find that group of fakers." Justice said calmly as his calm manner calmed the fears of Celestia.

January 15, 2026, 1300 hrs Equestria Standard time, Ground and Presidential Mansion, Capital City of Mare Serenitatis, New Lunar Republic.

Walking about the grounds of the Presidential mansion using the hide in plain sight ability of her imperator Alicorn species was 6ft 6in dark blue angelic-looking fully grown unicorn mare with Venetian red mane and tail. Her Athletic body was attired in ice blue nano-suit of a soldier in dream valley Military. Around her waist was a utility belt with a holster containing a custom pulse pistol. This unicorn mare was Specialist four Seer Silverlight and Emperor Justice Silverlight younger sister.

Went on assignment as a Dream Valley Commando Seer prefers her unicorn mare form over her natural Imperator Alicorn mare form because it makes it that much easier to move about the general pony population without unwanted attention. To explain why she can use very high-level unicorn magic she says she a prodigy in magic from her homeland of dream valley.

Patrolling the sky over the Presidential mansion also using the hide in plain sight ability of her imperator Alicorn species was 6ft 9in dark blue impressive-looking Imperator Alicorn mare with scarlet red mane and tail. Her athletic body was attired in ice blue nano-suit of a soldier in dream valley Military. Around her waist was a utility belt with a holster containing a custom pulse pistol and sheath containing a Katana. This imperator alicorn mare was Captain Serena Silverlight and Emperor Justice Silverlight older sister.

Like her younger sister during the assignment as a Dream Valley Commando Serena prefers her unicorn mare form over her natural Imperator Alicorn mare form, because it makes it that much easier to move about the general pony population without unwanted attention. To explain why she can use very high-level unicorn magic she says she a master of magic from her homeland of dream valley.

As Serena makes one last patrol sortie of the presidential mansion's grounds. She comes in for a landing in front of her younger sister, out of sight of prying eyes. The two mares dispel their hide in plain sight ability, at the same time Serena transforms into her unicorn form.

"Did you find anything, Seer?" Serena inquiry as she snaps her fingers transform her nano-suit into gray skirt suit with black high heel pump on her bare feet. A light tan briefcase form in her right hand and crossbody bag appear across her chest.

"I found nothing, sister." Seer answer as she snaps her fingers transform her nano-suit into blue pants suit with white sling-back pumps on her bare feet. A black briefcase form in her right hand and shoulder bag appears on her shoulder.

"Do you really think Harmonia would send someone after Luna, Serena?" Seer inquiry as the two mares dressed as business mares makes their way to the front door of Presidential mansion to meet up with President Luna Silverlight and tell her what is going on.

"Harmonia has sent men to assassinate Solar Empress Celestia Silverlight. Knowing our brother he wouldn't let anything happen to that beloved mare of his. If we don't protect President Luna from Harmonia's men, our brother will never forgive us for letting Luna die. He would never admit it but he still has a feelings for that Alicorn of the Night. Even though he married her sister." Serena explains as she knocks on the front door of the Presidential mansion.

Slowly the front door of the presidential mansion opens up standing just inside the doorway barefooted wearing a black fit blouse and charcoal plaid fit suit pants was President Luna Silverlight. She had a perplexed look on her face as she tries to remember who these two mares were standing in front of her. She doesn't recall scheduling any meetings with anyone at the presidential mansion today.

"May I help you mares?" Luna inquiry politely as the two unicorn mares chuckle under their breath as Luna doesn't remember them.

"Do you not remember us, Your Highness?" Serena said as Luna suddenly recalls that these mares were went they called her 'your highness'.

"You are Lady Serena Silverlight and you are Lady Seer Silverlight. You are the sisters of my Princess companion Justice Silverlight, your brother." Luna said as her face brightening with the visit from Justice's two sisters.

"May we come in your highness? We need to speak to you." Serena asked as she noticed that Seer was sense someone watching them.

"Oh, of course, Please come in, My ladies." Luna said welcoming as she let them into the house.

Watching through a pair of infrared distancing binoculars was earth pony stallion wearing the body armor of the Friendship Kingdom, he makes his way down from his observation post. He soon joined by a group of four commando mercenaries all who are Earth ponies.

"Report Specialist four." The squad leader asks.

"President Luna Silverlight is definitely at the Presidential mansion, she just received two Business mares for a meeting with her." Specialist four reports as the squad leader blink with surprise.

"That NLR PFC fool told us there would be no one else at the Presidential mansion with President Luna. That's not any consequence. If those two mares get in the way we can eliminate them as well." The squad leader said as the group moves out.

Meanwhile back in the foyer of the mansion, President Luna stands with Justice's two sisters talking to them went the commando mercenaries break down the front door. They quickly secure the two business mares and lock them in a nearby closet. Before approaching President Luna who stands defiant before them. In the next instance, the commando mercenaries see is flash of a curved blade as they are cut down one by one, leaving only the squad leader.

No more than a second later the closet door flies off the hinges as the unicorn mare punches the door open. The squad Leader stands paralyzed with fear as the unicorn mare is stronger than she looks. She takes the place of President Luna and picks the Squad leader up by the body armor. A second later the spell wears off the Squad Leader eyes widen in alarm as he being held by President Luna.

"You meant to assassinate Luna!" Luna said testily as the second unicorn mare makes the shoes on Luna's feet disappear and reappear on the feet of the first mare.

"Tell me everything you know and maybe I'll let you live and be thrown in jail," Luna said threatening as the squad leader told Luna everything he knew about the assassination attempt. Any hour later NLR internal security unit arrives and takes custody of the squad leader.

"It seems I owe Justice my life. If he didn't send you two to aid me they would have succeeded in the assassination attempt and NLR would be fighting on the side of the Crystal Empire in a bloody war." Luna said obligated as the three mares sat in the living room to talk more.

"So now what your highness?" Seer asks as Luna sits back in her chair, resting her chin on the back of her hands. As Luna chuckles a bit it has been so long since someone called her 'your Highness'.

"I am not scheduled to head to Solar Empire for the re-crowning ceremony until a week from today. Would you two consider being my bodyguards till I leave for the Solar Empire? At which time went I re-meet up with Somnus he will take your duties over. If you do I will pay you two handsomely for your services to NLR and President Luna." Luna explains as Serena and Seek to look at each other, and talk among themselves about the offer.

"Our brother would never forgive us, if we took one bit from you, your highness." Serena and Seer comment in unison as Luna blushed went Serena and Seer refused any payment from her, because of Justice.

"Tee-hee, If that the case, then it looks like I must let Justice get even with me for that trick I did on him went he reunited with me." Luna explains as Serena and Seer make duffel bags appear.

chapter 14

January 22, 2026, 1930 hrs Equestria Standard time, grand hall, Old Grand Royal Palace, City of Canterlot, in the Solar Empire.

The old Grand Royal Palace is beautifully decorated for the Re-crowning of Emperor Justice Silverlight. Standing at the entrance of the old Grand Royal Palace greeting guests as they enter was Empress Celestia Silverlight wearing a beautiful well made evening gown and high heel pumps. To round out her outfit she wore her imperial regalia.

Standing not too far away from his wife wearing his navy blue full dress uniform of a soldier in the Solar Empire was her husband Emperor Justice Silverlight. With the last of the party guest greeted Empress Celestia Silverlight on the arm of her husband Emperor Justice Silverlight gracefully enters the grand hall to join the celebration of the re-crowning of the Emperor of the Solar Empire.

On cue Emperor Justice bows to Empress Celestia, in turn, she curtsy to him, he takes her hand and guides her out onto the dance floor to begin the first half of this evening festivities with the customary first dance of the imperial couple.

As the music starts the guests at the party watched in amazement as the imperial couple executes a beautifully choreographed dance routine in front of them, at the midpoint of musical score Justice twirls his wife around him in slow graceful turns.

As Emperor Justice executes each dance maneuvers flawlessly the smile on his wife's snout grows larger and larger. As musical score come close to it conclusion Justice twirls his wife into a hug and kisses her on her lips.

A moment later Justice twirls Celestia out of the hug till both their arms are fully extended with that Justice dips his wife for a second and brings her back up. Before turns toward his wife and bows to her, why she curtsies to him. He returns to the side of his wife and she laid her hand on his forearm.

The whole room watches in amazement as the imperial couple strolls gracefully and purposely toward a raised platform holding two gold ceremonial chairs. Once at the platform Justice and Celestia ascend the short staircase up to the chairs, Justice present his hand to his wife.

Who gracefully places her hand in it as he leads her to the first chair; she elegantly sits down on the chair. Soon Justice follows suit and takes his seat next to his wife, before clapping his gloved hands together for the party to continue. He kisses the back of his wife's hand this cause Celestia to blush deeper than normal. With that the musical score resumes allow the party guest to begin to dance with their chosen dance partners.

As the camera pans around the great hall standing in one corner of the room was President Luna Silverlight she was wearing an elegant well made evening gown and high heel pumps.

Standing by her side sipping soft apple cider from old-fashioned glass wearing his navy blue full dress uniform of a soldier in the Solar Empire was Solar Prince Somnus Silverlight.

Since the assassination attempt against her in NLR Luna's anxiety has peaked, with Somnus standing not too far away from her that anxiety has got a lot worse. Normally Luna has never felt this vulnerable in her long life as an immortal Alicorn.

But that attempt against her has scared her plenty. She has never realized how much she relies on Somnus being at her side to protect her.

Now she wants something to happen so her anxiety will be eased, she may even consider allowing Somnus if he wants to tickle her silly as long as it releases her pent up anxiety. But she knows he has too much respect for her, to do anything like that to her unless she orders him to.

"Somnus, we are leaving, I have a personal assignment that I will only allow you to do." Luna exclaimed as she grabs hold of Somnus's hand and basically drags him out of the Grand hall after saying goodbye to the Emperor and the Empress.

"Auntie? Why the abrupt exit from the grand hall? And what is this personal assignment?" Somnus ask walking beside his Aunt Luna on their way back to the private living area of the Grand Royal Palace were her old bedchamber was.

"You are only one, I will admit this to the assassination attempt scared me plenty. In my long life, I have never felt this vulnerable. After the attempt, I never came to realize how much I rely on my dear little Somnus to protect me and how much you do for me. It because of that I have this personal assignment for you. Lets wait till we get to my old room to talk about it." Luna explains as they continue down the hallway toward the grand staircase leading to the second floor of the palace were the Private Living area and family bedchamber are located.

Soon the lights from the hallway stream through a crack into the darkened bedchamber. The sound of clicking heels breaks the stillness of this static bedchamber that once belonged to Princess Luna Silverlight.

She reaches for the light switch on the wall next to the door and turns on all the light in her old bedchamber. Luna begins to feel nostalgic as she looked upon her old bedchamber still decorating the bust of unicorn head was her old black tiara and black collar with half-moon symbol on it.

But what brings a tear to Luna's moderate cyan color eyes still sitting on her desk where she left it was the framed crayon drawing of her as an angel come down from her moon to save ponies and not hurt them as nightmare moon drawn by five year old Somnus.

It was this simple gift giving to her with an unfettered heart that changed her mind to take on Somnus as her own student and she has never looked back. A moment later the clicking of dress boots on the tile floor of her bedchamber breaks her train of thought as Somnus has finished talking to the chief of the NLR Internal security unit only the Chief of the unit know Somnus is the President Luna's, Moon Knight.

"So what did the Chief of Internal Security unit want?" Luna asked as she set the drawn back on top of her desk. Before stroll over to her bed and sitting down on the edge of it.

"That mercenary's squad leader you captured had a lot to say, Auntie," Somnus explains as he watches Luna casually remove her pumps from her feet and tosses them in front of her wardrobe.

"Like what Somnus?" Luna inquiries as she started to calm her mind knowing what she about to ask Somnus to do.

"That squad leader fingered the traitor that allowed his team into the NLR. In turn that traitor turns in his boss. The chief call to ask, if he should continue rounding up traitors that work for the boss. I say go ahead, if that all right, Auntie." Somnus explains as Luna gestured Somnus over to her and ask him to sits on the bed down by her large plush and smooth dark blue feet.

"That is fine, Somnus. The fewer traitors in NLR the better. Now for that Personal assignment I mentioned." Luna said as she gestured Somnus to move closer to her went he does she rests her feet on top of Somnus lap and takes a deep breath.

"No matter how much I beg, plead and threaten you don't stop tickling my feet only stop went I am good and tired. I am hoping this will release all my pent up anxiety over assassination attempt you are the only one I trust to do this for me, my precious little Somnus. Please do this for your aunt Princess Luna." Luna said hopefully as Somnus saw the trusting glean in his aunt's eyes. Before starting Somnus sets her large dark blue feet on the bed and wraps his arms around her.

"You know I love you, Auntie," Somnus said affectionately as he kisses his aunt on her cheek.

"I know you do, your one reason I will never become that dark mare again I was long ago," Luna said pleased as she returns Somnus kiss on his cheek.

With that Somnus return to his position at Luna's plush and smooth large dark blue feet. He wrapped his strong arm around both of Luna's ankles exposing the maximum skin on her feet to be tickled as ask by his Aunt Luna. Quickly Luna braces herself as best she can for the impending assault on her super sensitive feet.

But she unprepared for the assault to come went Somnus went straight for the jugular and assault her extremely ticklish toes. In no time she hysterical begging, pleading and threatening to hurt him if he doesn't stop tickling her toes.

Without stopping he's up to his assault on Luna's toes, till one last good gales of laughter are forced out of her. He gently sets her still tingling feet on the bed and Luna slowly sits up with a pleased smile on her snout.

Her faith in her precious little Somnus was not misplaced as he tickled her till she was good and tired. In the room, Luna and Somnus just talk like they did before went they both living at Grand Royal Palace together, this would allow Luna to fully recover from the ordeal.

Meanwhile back at grand hall standing outside on the landing leading into the palace garden wearing a magnificent well made evening gown and well made high heel pumps were Princess Cadence Sparkle.

To round out her evening wear she was wearing her princess's regalia. Even those Crystal Empire was at war with Friendship Kingdom on their island they share, she was obligated to attend the re-crowning ceremony of her uncle Justice as an adopted member of the Silverlight unicorn family.

But that also meant that Princess Twilight Sparkle was obligated as well to attend the re-crowning ceremony of Emperor Justice Silverlight because she was Princess of the old Equestria.

Standing at the threshold of Grand hall leading into the palace garden wearing beautifully designed evening gown and comfortable high heel pumps were Princess Twilight Sparkle. To round out her evening wear she was wearing her Princess's regalia.

As she stood there walking up behind her was Emperor Justice Silverlight from his position on the platform. Sitting next to his wife Justice saw Twilight just stand there and wonder what was wrong with her.

After a short discussion with Celestia of the implications of talking to Princess Twilight in public, the two monarchs agreed that it would be fine to talk to her as long as he talks to Princess Cadence as well.

Because as of this moment the Solar Empire and the New Lunar Republic are neutral parties in this conflict between the Crystal Empire and the Friendship Kingdom.

Before leaving the platform Justice stretched over and kissed his goddess on her lips. Before telling her after this celebration is finished they need to talk about what he learned from both of them. Celestia agreed to wait for him after the end of the celebration in the grand hall so they can talk about what he learned.

"Greeting your Highness." Justice said politely as it caused Twilight to jump. Since the kidnapping from her castle and sequential tickle torture for the command codes to 'FKS Harmony'.

Twilight has yet to fully recover from the ordeal. She has forced herself to continue to rule her friendship Kingdom trying her best to forget what happened to her. Despite even loud a sound she hears causes her to become frightened, more than Fluttershy does.

"Whoa, Twilight. It's Celestia's husband Justice Silverlight. How long has it been, Twilight?" Justice said to try to calm the situation, slowly Twilight lift her head and look the majestic dark blue Alicorn stallion standing behind her.

"J-Justice, JUSTICE! Oh it so wonderful to see you again, but wait I thought you die a year ago." Twilight said a bit puzzled as she had not noticed the dark blue bird wings on his back.

"Did you not see the press conference that I and Celestia held at the Grand Royal Palace? It sort of explained what happen." Justice explains as Twilight finally notices the dark blue bird wings on his back.

"YOU ARE AN ALICORN!" Twilight exclaimed as Justice couldn't help but laugh at Twilight's shocked expression. She looks over to Celestia who like her husband was laughing at Twilight shocked expression.

"Yes, I am Alicorn, Twilight. To give Celestia's the time she needed to complete the Alicorn transformation ritual. I faked my death and she told ever pony she must temporarily leave the Sun throne to her daughter to rule. After complete the ritual, Celestia was down for several months. So I nursed her back to health at the same time I was getting use to my new form." Justice explains very convincingly as an unforeseen side effect of being mated to Imperator Alicorn happened to Celestia, her heart begins to fill with joy that her faithful student bought the whole fabricated story.

"Justice, may I talk to you in private. I need another opinion about something," Twilight asked as Justice shook his head. He led Twilight to a quiet balcony away from the grand hall. Once on the balcony Twilight hopped up onto the balustrade and sat down on it, why Justice sat down on a stone bench in front of her.

Knowing by touching Twilight's foot it will cause her to panic after what Harmonia did to make her give-up the command codes, still, he must do it to make it appear as if he had no idea what happened to her. He slowly lifts her foot up and her foot begins to slip out of the shoe, at that moment she begins to hyperventilate. She suddenly shrieks as her foot is fully exposed she quickly wraps her hands around her barefoot and holds it close to her body.

"Please-please-please-do not tickle my foot. I'll do what you want. Just don't tickle meee.” Twilight voice explodes out of her as she begins to weep.

"Oh, Twilight I am sorry. I just want to see those beautifully designed comfortable high heel pumps you are wearing. I am guessing designed specifically for that evening gown by Miss Rarity. If I know that would happen I would have never touched your foot." Justice said apologetically as Twilight felt safe with Justice around and allowed her to leave her single foot exposed to the cool evening breeze.

"Don't be sorry, Justice I have always felt safe around you. It was just a reflex, I was kidnapped from my castle and tickled tortured by some strange looking alicorn. She focused on my feet till I gave up what she want to know. Went I came to I saw Celestia looking at me, in some strange hospital. Oh, that right I spoke to your mother Shimmer at that hospital.” Twilight comment playing with her soft round toes of her naked foot.

“Through my whole recover at the hospital your mother; treat me like one of her family members. After the ordeal, I need that motherly influence to recover. I should have stayed longer. So next time you see your mother tell her thank you for me." Twilight said thankfully as Justice gave her back her shoe and she put it back on.

"But that not why I want to talk to you. Everyone has told me it was not my fault I didn't launch that gauss shell at the Crystal Empire. It was probably that strange-looking alicorn that kidnap me. But then why do I see myself in my dream doing the broadcast and pressing the launch button, if I didn't do it, why do I have a memory of it. This doubt has cause me to cry myself to sleep every night. Since the return to my castle." Twilight said depressed as she begin to cry again.

"Twilight what about the other members of your friendship assembly. How are they?" Justice asks as he gentle pats Twilight on her hand, not know what he could say to relive her doubt.

"The rest of my friends tell me similar stories they too have memories of doing something aboard the ship. It worse for applejack because she the one that loads the shells into the gauss cannons that destroyed block 15 of the Crystal city and killed many." Twilight explains as she continues crying.

"I have a request for you Twilight. Would you allow me to enter the Friendship Kingdom sometime next month with someone else. I would like to talk to the other members of your friendship assembly and hear their stories?" Justice inquiry as Twilight eyes brimmed with joy hearing that Justice wants permission to enter her Kingdom so he can figure out what happens to them.

"Of course I'll grant you permission to enter my Kingdom. You may even stay at the castle." Twilight said generously as Justice shook his head 'no' at the offer to stay at the castle.

"I can't accept the offer of staying at the Castle, Your highness," Justice said declining the offer as Twilight gape in stunned silence. Slowly she begins to compose herself as her stomach begins to knot.

"Understood," Twilight said sadden as her ears begin to droop on top of her head.

"Twilight the reason I refused your offer of staying at the castle was because as of this moment, The Solar Empire in a neutral party in this conflict. If any member related to the Solar Empire government set foot in the castle of Friendship. This small conflict could explode into a regional conflict. That exactly whom every set this up wants." Justice explains as Twilight's heart soared.

"But still Justice, I want to help you, somehow? If I really did it. The only way I can clear my conscience is to find the truth. If that means to let you decide my fate, so be it. The body and soul of Princess Twilight Sparkle, the Princess of Friendship now belong to Emperor Justice Silverlight to do as he wishes went the truth is found." Twilight said virtuous kneeling on the ground as her snout is soaked with tears, fully knowing if she did do it Justice will execute her without a second thought. Ending the reign of Princess Twilight Sparkle forever

chapter 15

January 22, 2026, 2000 hrs Equestria Standard time, landing leading to Palace garden grand hall, Old Grand Royal Palace, Capital City of Canterlot, Solar Empire.

After talking with Princess Twilight Sparkle for sometime Emperor Justice Silverlight makes his way back to Grand Hall to talk with Princess Cadence Sparkle.

Along the way leaning against a window frame sipping cold apple cider from champagne flute was stunning looking 6ft 12in dim gray Pegasus mare anthro with a charcoal gray mane and tail. Her very physically fit pegasi body was encased in navy blue full dress skirt uniform of a mare soldier in Solar Empire military and shiny black high heel pumps. On top, her head between her ears was a navy blue peaked cap. This Pegasi mare was Captain Erato Aureola the new commander of Justice's Storm Chaser Squadron, an Elite Solar Guard recon unit made up of Pegasus ponies.

"Erato." Justice said stopping in front of the window.

"Huh?" Erato exclaims the heels of her pumps clicked loudly on the tile floor of the hallway as she walked up to Justice.

"Yes, Justice?" Erato asked as she does a shallow military curtsy to him.

"I have a nighttime reconnaissance mission for you and Urania to do." Justice comments as Erato nods her as she follows Justice further down the hall to find Urania.

Not too far away leaning against another window frame sipping cold apple cider from champagne flute was lovely looking 6ft 2in Spanish gray hybrid bat pony mare anthro with onyx black colored mane and tail. Her athletic hybrid bat pony figure was encased in navy blue full dress skirt uniform of a mare soldier in Solar Empire military and shiny black high heel pumps. On top, her head between her ears was Solar Empire peaked cap. This hybrid bat pony mare was Captain Urania Corona the commander of Justice's Midnight Squadron, an Elite Solar Guard recon unit made up of bat ponies.

"Urania." Justice said stopping in front of the windows.

"Yes, Justice?" Urania replies as she does a shallow military curtsy to him.

"I have a nighttime mission for you two. I am planning a covert visit to the Friendship Kingdom to investigate these claims for Princess Twilight Sparkle. But no other land must know this. I need you two to find a route to the Friendship Kingdom that will not be too suspicious." Justice explains as the three discussion the nighttime mission.

After finishing the discussion with Erato and Urania about the nighttime reconnaissance mission, Justice continues on his way to the garden to talk with his niece Princess Cadence Sparkle and get her take on this war between the Friendship Kingdom and Crystal Empire. As Justice's looks through opening still standing on the landing shivering a bit from the cold was Cadence. Using his Imperator Alicorn creation magic ability he creates a fur-lined cape for Cadence.

"This should warm you up niece," Justice said caring as he places the warm cape on Cadence's shoulders. At which time she tied the long cordage around her neck into a bow and pulled it around her.

"Thank you, uncle. I feel a bit warmer now." Cadence said as she turns around and broke down in tears; rest her head on her uncle's chest as tears run down her cheeks.

"Uncle, how can I make this hurting stop? She betrayed me I sat her as a filly. I loved her like a sister. I married her brother Shining Armor but still, she betrayed me by firing on my Crystal City. I just want to rip my heart out of my chest, so I don't feel any pain or sadness." Cadence voice a lifeless monotone as Justice reaches into her dress and rip the gold heart-shaped locket off her neck and pretend to toss it away.

"Uncle, why did you toss my locket away? my most treasured possession. Now I feel like all my love is gone." Cadence said with a hitch in her voice as she dissolves into tears.

"I gave the heart-shaped locket to a pony who understood the power of love. No matter how much pain or sadness she had her heart remain filled with love the heart-shaped locket was meant to remind her how strong her heart is," Justice explains as Cadence regards with open fondness her uncle. Slowly the locket reappeared in the palm of Justice's hand fixed shining brilliantly as ever. Cadence reaches for the locket and takes it before put it back around her neck.

"Once again uncle, you have taught this Princess of Love a valuable lesson about the true power of love, I am supposed to be the teacher of the power of love, but in reality, you are the real teacher of the power of Love," Cadence said a bit embarrassed with her lack of insight into the true power of love.

"Cheer up niece; you are the True Master of Love. I am simply a student of it. Sometime you must be reminded of what love means. Shall we take a walk in the garden niece we have much to talk about?" Justice comment as Cadence shook her head and two Alicorns enter the palace garden and walk.

(An hour later)

At the center of the garden Cadence takes a seat on the edge of a marble fountain with the sun and moon mark on it. As the high heel pumps, she was wearing with her evening gown was starting to feel a bit uncomfortable upon her feet. She so wanted to tear her pumps off her feet and go barefooted, but a proper princess would never do such a thing.

"Cadence be honest with me, How do you feel about this war with your sister-in-law Twilight?" Justice asked caring as he reaches out and pads back of Cadence's hand with his.

"It really hurts, uncle. I watch Twilight grow-up went I was her foal-sitter. I watch her ascend to the rank of an Alicorn Princess. She saves me from evil creature name Queen Chrysalis on my wedding day to her brother Shining Armor there so many wonderful memories with her, But?" Cadence voice quavering as she spoke with some trepidation hidden under a serene and untroubled persona.

"But what Cadence?" Justice asks with some insistence on his face.

"All right uncle you ask me how I feel about this war with the Friendship Kingdom. How I feel is inconsequential to the feelings of my subjects. I am the Monarch of the Crystal Empire and the Guardian of Crystal Pony Kind. I follow the will of my subjects. Those subjects are calling for the head of Princess Twilight Sparkle. Her impromptu attack on my Crystal City reawakens the old scars of enslavement under King Sombra's rule." Cadence explains as she takes a deep breath before continuing.

"A dark chapter in the history of my Crystal Empire because of that I was forced to drop my last name of 'Sparkle' to preserve my reign as the Monarch of the Crystal Empire. I now go by the name Princess Cadence Silverlight (Justice's jaw drops) My name change has caused some friction between me and Shining Armor. Because he refuses to give up his last name. Now whole Crystal Pony population look at him suspiciously because of Princess Twilight attack on them." Cadence explains as she feels as heavyweight has been lifted off her.

"As we always treat you like a member of our family even those you are adopted. Why Silverlight?" Justice inquiry wondering as he looked over to Cadence. Who had a huge smile on her snout?

"Your family name, uncle, carries a lot of respect in the Crystal Empire because of your youngest daughter Solar Princess Blueberry Swirl Silverlight went something bad happens in Crystal Empire she first on the scene to render medical care to the injured or comfort, someone. She carries inside her the very embodiment of the power of love." Cadence explains as hugs her uncle to thank him for talking with her and lifted a weight off her.

After hugging his adopted niece Cadence Silverlight and watching her exit the palace garden by way of one of the many side exits back into the Old Grand Royal Palace. Justice made his way back to Grand hall waiting for him on the landing, outside the grand hall wrap up in fur-lined cape as she promised was his wife Empress Celestia. He walks up to her hugs her and kisses her on her lips.

As the two monarchs of the Solar Empire reenter the Grand hall of the palace, the heels on both their shoes clicked loudly on the tile floor of the deserted hall. The clicking is soon interrupted by the unlatching of a huge door leading into the endless palace corridors of this grand residence. In the corridors, the clicking of heels is not as pronounced as they stroll down a cushy carpet runner in the middle of the corridor. At a certain small door in the hallway Justice once again unlatches the door and opens it for his wife to enter first.

With a gracious smile on her snout, Celestia gracefully walks into the small sitting room as Justice flick on the lights in the room. She maneuvers her way over to the far end of Kennesaw sofa and plops down on it. She soon reaches up and removes all her imperial regalia from her body and rests them on the small coffee table next to her. She can help but blush as her husband gently rest her plush feet on his lap.

The sucking sounds of her pumps being removed from her bare long, wide and thick plushy white feet causes her to giggle endlessly. With her feet finally liberated from her pumps. Justice takes the time to admire the dark red nail polish upon his wife's shapely and perfect not to long toes. Before he begins to knead the soreness out of her fairly large white pristine feet, the massage causes Celestia to unleash an audible sigh of relief. She sometimes feels guilty or is taking advantage of her husband's good nature when he does some like this for her.

'I love him so much he will never really know how much he means to the life of this immortal Alicorn with him being an immortal Alicorn like me. I am looking forward to eternity in his arms.' Celestia thought as she played with the gold heart-shaped locket around her neck with their wedding photo in it.

"Celestia, should I tell you what I found out from Twilight and Cadence?" Justice asked as he started working on her puffy balls of her feet. The sudden question snaps her out of her love induced daydreaming.

"Ahem, yes Justice what did you learn?" Celestia exclaimed trying to sound like she was paying attention and not daydreaming.

"EEK!" Celestia exclaimed as Justice tickled the intersection between the middle and deep-set arch of her foot. To teach her a lesson like a miss behaving school-age filly. Celestia fakes a scowled at him. He stops massaging her feet and stretches over to her and planted a kiss on her lips again, once again she blushed.

"That me saying I am sorry for tickling you, Celestia. Is all-forgiving my beloved?" Justice asks as Celestia giggle like a school-age filly.

"All will be forgiving went you continue massaging the soreness out of my feet," Celestia comments as Justice went back to work on her feet.

"Yes, My princess," Justice said obediently.

"All kidding aside, Justice. Let talk about what you learn from Twilight and Cadence." Celestia said serene and untroubled as she gently retracted her long legs from his lap and sat on them. Before continuing with the conversation she reaches over and kisses him on his cheek to thank him for the foot massage he gave her.

"Let started with Twilight, Justice. She was my faithful student and I am the most worried about her." Celestia asked as Justice's face pales, this caused Celestia's ears to begin to droop on top of her head.

"Twilight told me in her memories she sees herself doing the broadcast. Pressing the launch button she now wonders, if she the one who did the deed. Not Harmonia she also tells me the rest of the Friendship Assembly are having similar memories of the attack on the Crystal Empire," Justice explains as dark shadows form around her eyes, she kneels on the ground in front of Justice with her arms wrap around him and her face buried in his chest crying.

"Justice please ease my pain-filled heart, tell me that you have the ability to implant false memories into the mind of the Terran pony. so Twilight is not the villain here." Celestia's voice is wooden and distant as she hopes against hopes that Justice would acknowledge that his species has that ability.

"I am sorry Celestia but my species doesn't have that ability. The all mother would never give her children that ability. (catching Celestia wrists with his hands before she can strike him for lying) Have I ever lied to you Celestia? Since I have known you?" Justice inquiry as Celestia shook her head 'no' and he releases her wrists. A moment later he kneels on the ground in front of her, she wraps her wings and arms around him and resumes crying. As she known Justice would never lie to her, his loyalty to her is unquestionable.

Meanwhile outside the door listening to his mother and father's conversation was Solar Prince Somnus Silverlight. To slip away from the door unheard Somnus quickly removed his dress boots and headed back to Luna's old bedchamber in the private living area of the palace in his stocking feet. In her old bedchamber, Luna was about to turn in for the night after changing into her most comfortable set of pajamas. Suddenly the doors into her bedchamber bursts open and she in the air like a shot; the last assassination attempt has her still a bit spooked.

"Huh? Auntie where are you?" Somnus calls looking all around the room for her.

"Up here Somnus." Luna answer as Somnus looks toward the ceiling and see his auntie press against the roof of her bedchamber.

"What are you doing up there, Auntie?" Somnus inquiry as Luna looks toward her nephew annoyingly with his question.

She quickly calms herself and flapped her wings on her back and lands back on the ground.

"Never mind that, why did you burst into my bedchamber?" Luna inquired sitting down on edge of her bed.

"That attack on the Crystal Empire might not have been done by the splinter group using a Twilight image to frame her. She might have done it herself." Somnus said shocked as Luna's face glazed with shock.

"Somnus! Do you know what you are saying accusing young Twilight of intentionally attacking Princess Cadence Sparkle and her Crystal Empire. That is high treason under Equestria law! You better have evidence to back up that accusation or you will be facing severe consequences from me!" Luna said threatening as sickening wave of terror well up from Somnus's belly. Knowing his auntie doesn't make idle punishment threats even to her own blood.

"All I can tell you, Auntie, father and mother know about those accusations. Please don't punish me, Auntie." Somnus said begging holding tightly to Luna's large plush and smooth dark blue barefoot with both hands fearful, pleading to her sense of family ties.

"What????" Luna said surprised as she reaches down and brought Somnus' onto his knees. She quickly calmed Somnus' fears and reassures him if he tells her everything he know. She will reprimand him for the transgression and not severely punish him. With that Somnus tells Luna everything he overheard from his parent's conversation about Twilight. Went he finishes she taps her fingernail on her chin.

"I was planning for both of us to leave tomorrow morning. but with this new development, I think a few more days in the Solar Empire is required," Luna comments walking over to the stone bust of unicorn and looks at her black tiara and black collar.

"You remember how to serve royalty, my faithful knight?" Luna inquiry politely looking over toward Somnus who was on his feet and quickly bows to her.

"Yes, Your highness," Somnus answers bowing his head in respect.

"Very good, my faithful knight. Return to my room in the morning. choose the gown I will wear that day and set my silver sandals out for me. Went I get done showering, I will get dressed, why I am getting a ready. Shine up my tiara and collar understood, my faithful knight." Luna explains as Somnus kiss back of her hand, causing Luna to blush a bit.

Chapter 16

January 23, 2026, 1000 hrs Equestria Standard Time, Main Throne room of the Palace, Old Grand Royal Palace, Capital City of Canterlot, Solar Empire.

Bright and early the following morning Lord Somnus Silverlight arrives at his Aunt Luna's bedchamber. As he enters her bedchamber steam billows from her private bathroom as she is taking her morning shower. With that Somnus walks over to his aunt's wardrobe and begin to pick out the dress she will wear for today. After a few minutes he decides on a beautiful sapphire blue colored mid-knee length dress, he carefully takes out the dress and hangs it on the hook by the bathroom door.

He shuts the top doors on the wardrobe, before opening a large drawer on the bottom. Inside the large drawer were all of Luna's shoes as instructed by her last night Somnus retrieve a pair of silver heeled sandals for her and carry them over to her bed. As he passes the bathroom door the hanger that held the dress was empty meaning she has finished her shower and would emerge from the bathroom ready.

A few moments later Luna comes pattering out of her bathroom barefooted and walks over to her bed. She sits down on the edge of her bed and begins putting her sandal on. Polishing up her black tiara and black collar with half-moon symbol on it was Somnus.

"Somnus come here," Luna called as Somnus walks over to his aunt and kneels down in front of her and lowers his head in respect to Luna.

"Yes, your highness?" Somnus said respectfully as Luna gesture her hand for Somnus to lift his head. Went he did she hands him her other sandal.

"You deserve to put the sandal on the foot of your princess as reward for serving me faithfully Lord Silverlight , my faithful knight," Luna said proudly as Somnus slip the sandal onto Luna's large dark blue plush and smooth foot and buckled it. With the sandals on her feet, Luna stands up and walks over to unicorn bust and retrieves her polished black tiara and black collar.

"Now Lord Silverlight, Lets go talk to your mother and get the answer to these accusations. Ready Somnus?" Luna asks after having Somnus place the black tiara on top of his aunt's head behind her horn.

"Yes, Your highness," Somnus answers as the Alicorn and unicorn exit her bedchamber and head to the Throne room to get an answer from Somnus' mother about Twilight.

As the two ponies walk down the hallway head toward the main throne room of Old Grand Royal Palace, along the way palace staff members bows to Princess Luna Silverlight as she passes.

At a four-way intersection, Luna and Somnus are met by Solar Princess Blueberry Swirl Silverlight who attired in finely made lemon-colored mid-knee length dress with light gold gladiator sandals on her light blue bare feet. She adorns in her gold Princess's regalia of the Solar Empire. After a brief discussion with her brother and aunt, the group continues down the hallway heading toward the main entrance of the throne room.

At the huge golden doors of the main throne room, Blueberry and Somnus push open the door. Allowing their Aunt to enter first. Once through the main doors, the group continues down a white-columned lined huge room toward a three-tiered raised platform with two thrones on the top-tiered.

Down at the foot of the three-tiered platform stood Empress Celestia Silverlight attired in Lilac color mid-knee-length dress with gold heeled sandals on her white bare feet. She was adorned in her imperial regalia. Since setting foot into the throne room earlier this morning she has been busy signing her name to numerous officials' documents from various advisors.

Celestia's face glazed with shock upon laying her eyes on the small group approaching her from the main door. She raises her hand up and dismisses all her advisors from the throne room as amused smile form on her snout.

"I thought, I would never again see you wearing your Princess's Regalia, sister," Celestia comments as she looks over her sister wearing her Princess's Regalia a few times.

"Not by choice, sister. I didn't expect to be remaining in the Solar Empire for an extra day so I didn't plan for an extra change of clothes." Luna explains as Somnus and Blueberry stand on either side of Luna as their mother's lip begins to twitches knowing something is going on.

"What is the real reason Luna, you have come to see me?" Celestia asked as she regards the positions of her foals on either side of their aunt curiously as if trapping her in a pincer movement.

"Princess Twilight Sparkle and attack on the Crystal Empire." Luna comment as Celestia's eyes widens in alarm, revealing that she knows about accusations against her ex-fateful student and Princess of Friendship.

"I have no idea what you are talking about, sister," Celestia said her voice pushed to edge of impatience as Luna gesture with her head toward Celestia's foals to go ahead.

Quicker then she can react Somnus and Blueberry kick their mother's legs out from under her cause her to fall to her knees. Once on her knees, the two foals push with all their might her arms behind her back and Somnus creates magic shackles around her wrists.

Blueberry follows that up by creating magic wings clamps hold her wings on her back. To finish Luna slips a gold ring around her horn blocking all her magic. Celestia's foals struggle to keep their mother kneeling on the ground as she much stronger pure Alicorn mare, compared to hybrid Alicorn they are. Quickly both Somnus and Blueberry form shackles on her ankles and link them to shackles on her wrists.

"How dare you trap your Mother! Release me at once!" Celestia said bitterly struggling to break free from the magical bindings placed on her by her foals. Somnus and Blueberry are hybrid alicorn and not as physically strong as a pure Alicorn like their mother. Their magic strength is comparable to their mother's magic strength and with the gold ring on her horn blocks her magic, she at her foals mercy.

"Now with the pre-show done. Shall we speak about Princess Twilight Sparkle, dear sister?" Luna asks floating a chair in front of Celestia who has a peeved look on her face.

"Fat chance, sister, I do not speak to the pony who holds me captive, not even my own foals," Celestia said hotly as Luna shook her head.

"Very well, sister, foals relieve your mother of her shoes!" Luna's order as a chill ran down Celestia's back as she felt her foals grab hold of her feet.

"No!" Celestia screams as her skin crawls. Celestia quickly clamps down her toes onto her sandals to keep her foals from removing them from her feet. To no avail as her foals easily got her sandals off exposing her fairly large white bare feet to the warm air of the throne room.

"My dear and beloved foals please would you really tickle your helpless mother's feet?" Celestia said almost in helpless and shy tone as she looks toward her foals with innocent eyes appealing to their love toward her.

"Foals! Remember why we are doing this! She is keeping a secret from you! That could in danger pony kind!" Luna yelled as it snaps Somnus and Blueberry out of trance their mother almost put them under. Celestia's eyes sharpened on Luna as she almost regained control over her foals from her sister.

(An hour later)

"Pleeeheeaseee my foals-I-I cahahahan't take anymorhoore I'll talk Bwahahahahanonhooo!!!!" Celestia screamed with laughter as her foals stop tickling her feet.

As she lies on the ground gulp much need air into her lungs. Her foals break the magic bindings holding their mother. Fearing retaliation from their mother Blueberry and Somnus brace themselves as their mother gets to her feet and she walks up to them and hugs and kisses them. Telling them if she was very truthful to them, it would have never gone this far. She forgives them for what they did to her because her foals are the most precious to her.

With that Celestia pattered barefooted over to the three-tiered platform and sat down on the second tiered. She crossed her leg over the other and rests a single elbow on her knee, before resting her chin on the flat of her hand. She unleashes a sigh, she wouldn't admit she so proud of her foals for going that far to protect all of pony kind. They are worthy to call Princess Celestia their mother.

"All right what would you like to know my dear foals and sister?" Celestia asked as the three ponies gathered around her besides the three-tiered platform.

"Is what Somnus told me true, Mama?" Blueberry asked looking at her mother's face as she blinks excessively.

"Unfortunately my dear Blueberry, it is true. Twilight told your father that." Celestia answered as the blood drains from Blueberry's face as tears begin to form.

"You know what that means, sister." Luna comment as Celestia shook her head and reach over to Blueberry and pulled her closer, before kissing her on her horn to try to make her feel better.

"Twilight will be charged with high treason against Equestria if the charges are found to be true her sentence for the crime execution." Celestia's voice cracking as she can't believe her fateful student would do something like that.

"No pony has been charged with high treason against Equestria before and executed for that crime, correct sister." Luna comment as Celestia shook her head.

"That is correct sister, but there will be lasting repercussions for royalty in Equestria if Twilight is found guilty of High Treason. Because she is a Princess of Equestria." Celestia voice a lifeless monotone as Luna gasped.

"Mama! Will, they hurt you?" Blueberry exclaims worried with a hitch in her voice.

"Don't worry yourself, my precious foal. What I mean is that my power will be severely diminished in Equestria no one will ever trust royalty again my only saving grace is that, I am a mother. So they will not take my life and spare me. I will live in disgrace for the rest of my long life." Celestia explains as she begins to weep.

"What about father's family. They are royalty as well?" Somnus inquiry toward his mother who is still weeping and will not answer his question.

"The Silverlight unicorn family is so entrenched with common pony population in Equestria that a scandal like this will not affect their reputation. Matter of fact Somnus, went I adopted Silverlight as my last name. Everything change I was no longer viewed as Nightmare moon like went I simply called myself Princess Luna. That is the other saving grace for your mother, she can simply take the noble title of Marquise of Dream Valley. As your father has the title of Marquis of Dream Valley she will be protected under the banner of your Great Grandmother and Dream valley." Luna explains as Blueberry's face brightening with keeping her mother safe.

"Mama? Will you do what Auntie asks take the noble title of Marquise of Dream Valley. You will be protected under Great Grandmother's banner of Dream Valley." Blueberry asks as Celestia was unsure of her decision.

"Somnus? What do you think of having your mother take the title of Marquise of Dream Valley?" Celestia inquiry as Somnus through for a little while before answering his mother.

"If that only way to keep you safe, mother I am all for it. That means we lost are Royal title and claim to the sun throne but your safety is what important mother." Somnus comment as Celestia's pulled Somnus toward her and hug him with his younger sister.

"If that what, my babies, want me to do. I'll do it, it going to be very painful to relinquish, my old title. I've had it for a thousand years. But that old title means nothing compared to the title, I have now 'Mother.' " Celestia said as she once again hugs her foals. Before turning her attention toward her sister who has a smile on her snout.

"What the next steps in this plan, sister?" Celestia asked.

"The next step is to obtain a sponsor from the Principality of Dream Valley, which is not your spouse in my case. I was, sponsored by Duchess Shimmering Diamond Silverlight. The title I now hold is Baroness of Dream Valley. But in your case sister, it must be a higher rank than the Duchess of Dream Valley." Luna explains as the breath catches in Celestia's throat went her sister told her she needs a high ranking sponsor.

"Who?" Celestia asked as her heart drops. Suddenly a huge smile form on Blueberry snout, knowing a high ranked sponsor.

"What about Great Grandmother her ranked is Imperial Princess of Dream Valley," Blueberry suggested as Somnus and Luna looked at each other.

"If your Great Grandmother does sponsor your mother, No other steps would be needed. She can gain the rank of Marquise of Dream Valley." Luna comments as she gestured Somnus to call his Great Grandmother.

An hour later Imperial Princess Ophelia Silverlight arrives at Old Grand Royal Palace attired in Emerald green slightly below the knee length dress with gray strap sandals on her morning blue bare feet. To round out her outfit she wore her imperial Princess Regalia.

"Welcome your imperial highness," Celestia said politely.

"Thank you, your imperial majesty, I was told by Somnus you what me to sponsor you, so you can take the title of Marquise of Dream Valley, along with my grandson Marquis Justice Silverlight is that correct, Celestia?" Ophelia comments as she studies Celestia closely as she waits for any answer.

"That is correct your imperial highness. I wish to be noble in Dream Valley." Celestia said humbly.

"I see, before I say I will sponsor you. You must give-up something to me, Celestia." Ophelia said as Celestia shook her head.

"That is?" Celestia asked.

"You must give up all rights to your precious foals to me (tears begin run down her cheeks). You can't have any contacts with them ever again (more teardrops run down her cheek) Live apart from them for your long life. For my sponsorship, Celestia." Ophelia said as Celestia's face glazed with shock.

"NO! I will never agree to those terms those foals are my precious treasures and the only reason I am doing this I care for nothing else. But the happiness of my family. If your sponsorship means give-up what I love the most. Then let them kill me." Celestia said fiercely as Ophelia clapped her hands together.

"What I hope to hear from the mate of my grandson," Ophelia said pleased as she placed her hand on Celestia's shoulder.

"Welcome to Dream Valley, Marquise of Dream Valley Celestia Silverlight." Ophelia welcoming as Celestia was shocked.

"What?" Celestia exclaimed.

"Why did you ask me to give-up my foals to you, Ophelia?" Celestia ask.

"I want to see if it was your heart asking for sponsorship. It was test for you, Celestia I am not simply going to hand a noble title over to just anyone. Even if you are my grandson own wife." Ophelia explains as she continues talking to Celestia about what she expects from her as noble of Dream valley.

chapter 17

February 5, 2026, 1630 hrs Equestria standard time, main workroom Carousel Boutique, Carousel Boutique, Capital City of Ponyville, Friendship Kingdom

Moving about in the main workroom of the Carousel Boutique straightening out several misplaced objects with her telekinesis ability was the most beautiful 5ft 7in light gray unicorn mare anthro with moderate indigo blue mane and tail. Her slender and elegant equine figure was encased in a rose-colored skirt suit.

Why on her light gray bare feet were white strap sandals. This unicorn mare was Miss Rarity Radiance the proprietress of the Carousel Boutique in Ponyville. For four days straight she was on the holo-phone with an Equestria news network producer trying to set-up an interview for herself after getting winded of camera crew coming to Ponyville.

At first, the Equestria news network producer has no idea what Miss Radiance was talking about from her records there was no camera crew assigned to cover Ponyville at any time she mentioned.

Till her head producer gave her a last-minute assignment card stating that a new camera crew was being sent to cover Ponyville and the reporter requested to set-up an interview with other members of the Friendship Assembly for impact story. Upon getting the interview for herself, she closed the Carousel Boutique for an hour and head today spa for a beauty treatment so she can look good on the broadcast.

"This will never do, the lighting in this room is atrocious. I must change the light setting to something more, dramatic! Don’t want to look like I just got up." Rarity comments to herself as she walks toward the wall next to the door and begins to play with the light setting in the main workroom.

(Ding the tiny bell above the door rings)

"Welcome! Welcome to Carousel Boutique, where every dress is unique and designed for individuality. I am proprietress Rarity Radiance your humble designer and sale pony." Rarity said friendly as her face pales upon seeing the face of a long-dead friend walk into her boutique.

"G-G-g-g-gghost!" Rarity screams diving behind the counter with her cash register in the main workroom.

"Aurora!" Justice calls as his daughter walk in behind him into the boutique carrying a microphone in her hand.

"Yes, father," Aurora said as Justice set the portable holo-camera on the floor beside his feet.

"Behind the counter, see what you can do to get Rarity to come out," Justice explains as he leans against a wall in the room.

Aurora walks behind the counter attired in olive white stripe camp shirt, relaxed-fit jeans and slip-on flats. For the next few minutes, Justice waited patiently for his daughter to convince Rarity to come out of hiding. So they can talk to her about the attack on the Crystal Empire.

An hour later Aurora walks out from behind the counter with scared to death Rarity Radiance. Rarity stays close to Aurora as her heart pounds in her chest, the closer and closer she gets to Justice. She reaches out and touches him with her hand, went she feels muscle tears come to her eyes. After a cry of happiness, Rarity invites Justice and Aurora to join her in the small sitting area of the boutique to talk.

"So why did you come to see me, your imperial majesty and highness?" Rarity asks as she reaches down and unbuckling her sandals, remove them from her feet and set them down beside the chair she was sitting on.

"First off Rarity I and Aurora are undercover as father and daughter camera crew, so no need to call us your imperial majesty and highness. I am cameraman Ash Whitelighter and this my daughter Reporter Dawn Whitelighter." Justice explains as Rarity chuckled under her breath.

"Please forgive me but it been some time since I was able to address you like this. Beside why you are in my home, I am going to call you Justice and Aurora." Rarity said pouring herself a cup of tea, before serving the tea to Justice and Aurora.

"It ok with me father, Rarity could be a very valuable contact for us in ponyville if something goes wrong with this undercover mission. She has known our family for a long time." Aurora's comment as Justice Sign softly knowing his daughter is right and Rarity would be a very valuable contact to have.

"Miss Rarity Radiance would you assist us in this undercover mission?" Justice inquiries.

"Of course I will Justice, your family has help me many times and it’s time for this mare to repay the favors." Rarity answers as she took a sip of tea from her cup.

"Now what is the real reason you come to see me?" Rarity asked taking another sip of tea from her cup.

"The attack of the Crystal Empire," Justice said as Rarity face glazes with shock before she spits out the tea in her mouth.

"I see you already spoke to Twilight about it." Rarity comment drying her mouth with the napkin she had with her on her lap.

"Father tells me you have memories of being aboard the dreadnought at the moment that the shell was fired at the crystal city, is this true Rarity?" Aurora asks as Rarity shook her head a few times.

"Very much so, Aurora. I can see myself at the broadcast center on the bridge of 'FKS Harmony'. Getting everything ready for Twilight's message broadcast. Before she pressed the launch button and I can hear the sonic boom as shell fly through the air toward the Crystal city. Much like Twilight, I am unable to sleep everytime I try to sleep the memory of the sonic boom wakes me up (Tears begin running down Rarity's cheeks) Justice? I must know how many were killed went the shell impacted?" Rarity asked her eyes are bloodshot from crying. Justice refuses to answer Rarity's question and gets up to leave.

"Does it really matter, Rarity for you to know how many were killed? Theirs no way to bring them back. As your friend I can't allow you to suffer any longer then you are doing. So I can't tell you." Justice comments as he's pick-up the portable holo-camera from off the ground and walks out of the Carousel Boutique, follow closely by Aurora.

"Father? How many were killed?" Aurora asked walking beside her father on their way back to the borrowed hover news van.

"230 Crystal Ponies most were fillies and colts. It was free day from school for them went the shell impacted. Your little sister Blueberry was heartbroken went she was told that most of the crystal ponies were fillies and colts. Some of those fillies and colts were from a school she visited a day earlier, she ate lunch with all them as part of her visits to the school." Justice explains sadden as Aurora's beautiful features fell.

"That just horrible so many innocent lives taken. We three very much enjoy visiting schools and talking to all the young ponies there. It shows them we are ponies like them." Aurora explains as she climbs into the passenger seat of the news van.

February 9, 2026, 1630 hrs Equestria Standard Time, Sweet Apple Acres, East Apple orchard, Friendship Kingdom territory, Friendship Kingdom.

Sitting under an Apple tree in the eastern apple orchard with a cowboy hat over her eyes resting was 5ft 10in lovely looking brilliant yellow-orange earth pony mare with pale, light golden blond mane and tail tied in a ponytail. Her physically fit figure was encased in a navy pink plaid long-sleeve button-front shirt and black bootcut jeans. Her yellow-orange bare feet were painted with red nail polish.

Sitting next to the tree was pair of dark brown cowboy boots and stick out of them was socks. This earth pony mare is Miss Applejack Apple one of the owners of the Sweet Apple Acres. Walking down the path toward her was Aurora and Justice; she slowly lifted the brim of her hat up with her finger and slowly gets to her feet.

"Yawl looks good for a dead pony, Mr. Justice." Applejack comment in a southern accent as she walks over to Justice, Aurora jaw drops upon Applejack hugging her father in a friendly manner.

"Father!? How many of the friendship assembly members do you know?" Aurora exclaims shocked as Applejack blink with surprise.

"Wait an apple-picking' minute! This mare with you Mr. Justice is your daughter?" Applejack asked as she looks over Aurora a few times.

"Oh that right, I completely forgot, you don't keep up with what is going on around here. Like Rarity does. Yes, she is my oldest Aurora." Justice explains as Applejack continues looking over Aurora.

"How many foals do you have Mr. Justice. If this is your oldest?" Applejack inquiry trying to figure out why she looks so familiar.

"I have one son and another younger daughter." Justice answers as a look of recognition appears on Applejacks face.

"Do think me impolite Mr. Justice, who is her mother? I kin recognize a familiar pony in her?" Applejack with a puzzled look on her face.

"The mother of my foals is Celestia," Justice explains as Applejack jaw drops to the ground.

"The ex-Princess of the Sun is their mother. No wonder they look so familiar to me. They gain that Alicorn princess look. But still she a unicorn. Has her mother not changed her into an Alicorn Just like she did with Twilight?" Applejack inquiry as Justice shook his head. Slowly Aurora charged up her magic in her horn and released it soon after, breaking the spell revealing the wings on her back.

"Tarnation, she is Alicorn. What about you’re other foals, Mr. Justice?" Applejack asks studying Aurora over a few more times.

"My son and my other daughter are incredible powerful unicorns from their mother's power. I and Celestia have decided to allow them to decide if they want to be Alicorn. So far they like being a plain unicorn." Justice explains as Applejack begins to chew on her lip, knowing the real reason for the visited with her.

"Y'all please follow me. Their couple hay bale over yonder to sit on. I know why you have come, Mr. Justice." Applejack comments knowing as she turns on her bare heels and walks down the path. She only pauses to pick-up her removed boots from the ground and weaves her way down the path leaving her footprints in the soft soil of the orchard.

In a small clearing, some way down the path sits three large hay bales, once in the clearing Applejack toss her boots onto the third hay bales and sits down on top the bale. She is soon joined by Aurora and Justice who each sit on the other two bales. Applejack's eyes widening innocently as she awaits Justice to start questioning her.

"You say you know why we came, Miss Applejack. Is that right." Justice comment as Applejack shook her head.

"You came to talk to me about the attack on the Crystal Empire and my role in it. I knows you are a very honest pony, Mr. Justice, that why I am willing tail what I know to yawl." Applejack said as her ears begin to droop on top of her head.

"Very well Applejack, let hear it." Justice said sympathetically as Applejack took a deep breath before she begins.

"Like the rest of my friends I too can't sleep after a hard day of work. I lay my head down on my pillow and try to close my eyes. But my sleep is soon interrupted by that dream I kin see myself loading the shell with the help of other earth ponies into the gauss cannon and quickly retreating into the reinforced bunker on the deck of the dreadnought. In the cramped bunker, we watch the messages broadcast from Twilight. Follow by the shockwave unleashed from the gauss cannon went it is fired." Applejack explains as Justice whispers something into his daughter's ear at which time she's head back to the news van to see if they got the interview with the next member of the Friendship Assembly.

"You have not told your family what you did Miss Applejack, have you?" Justice said walking up to Applejack and standing in front of her.

"Huh, so you figure it out, Mr. Justice. Why I ask you to see me here in the orchard and not at the main house of Sweet Apple Acres." Applejack said relieved nervously laughing under her breath.

"May I ask why?" Justice inquiry.

"How I kin I tell my family what I did. It will stain the Apple family reputation as honest folks. I can't do that to my family, Mr. Justice." Applejack said a bit worried as Justice Sigh.

"It's better for an honest mare like yourself Miss Applejack. To tell your family the truth. Better to hear from you then from gossip." Justice said as Applejack's ears pep up on top of her head.

"Yee-haw, yawl right Mr. Justice. It better for me to tell them what I did. A family reputation kin always can be fixed. But lies can't ,Thank you, Mr. Justice." Applejack exclaims as she kisses him on his cheek. She leaps to her feet to head back to the main house to talk to her family.

February 9, 2026, 0000 hrs Equestria standard time, Rented Ponyville Cottage, Capital City of Ponyville, Friendship Kingdom.

In the front room of the rented Ponyville cottage sitting at a table was Emperor Justice Silverlight in front of him sat a Holographic satellite communicator array. This holographic satellite communicator array has a direct connection to Old Grand Royal Palace in the Solar Empire vie undetectable comm link.

After array warms up the holographic head of Empress Celestia Silverlight springs to life in front of Justice. This evening she is without her imperial regalia.

"Good evening my beloved, it nice to hear from you." Celestia said as a single tear ran down her snout.

"Good evening my love. Did I wake you up?" Justice asked caring as Celestia shook her head.

"No, not at all, I have been waiting for the communications from you after I finish my duties of being Empress of the Solar Empire, I sorta figured you would use the same protocol to communicate with me went you were in the field as Royal army soldier commander and at the time my boyfriend." Celestia explains as she adjusts her position in her chair.

"But anyway what of your investigation, Justice?" Celestia inquiry.

"It not going well, Celestia. We have spoken to Rarity and Applejack. As Twilight had told me they too have been seeing themselves doing something on the Dreadnought prior to the shell being launched Rarity has seen herself setting up the broadcast and Applejack has seen herself loading the shell into the gauss cannon." Justice explains as Celestia's eyes widen with alarm.

"That is dire news, my love. But please continues your investigation. I have taken precaution if worst comes to worst the precaution I have taking will ensure my safety." Celestia explains as Justice Gawk in disbelief.

"Like what?" Justice inquiry wondering.

"I wanted to save it until you returned. But to put your mind at ease, I'll tell you now. I am now a citizen of the Principality of Dream Valley. I hold the rank of Marquise of Dream Valley. I am willing to relinquish my royal titles for our family, my love." Celestia explains as the blood drains from Justice's face upon hearing his wife words.

chapter 18

February 9, 2026, 0000 hrs Equestria standard time, Master command center sub-basement level, Old Grand Royal Palace, Capital City of Canterlot, Solar Empire.

"Be very honest with me, my love Celestia is that what you wanted?" Justice inquired as Celestia blink with surprise.

"It not the ideal situation for an immortal alicorn like me. But in this life, I have found something worth protecting, in bygone ages I protected my ponies and my sister as well as my lands it was my duty as a Princess of Equestria to do those things. But time is changing I need to find something else to protect what I want to protect is our family line. If that means becoming a noble mare in Dream Valley, so be it." Celestia said determined as Justice Chuckles under his breath.

"It has been too long since I have seen you this fired up, Celestia. If that what you want to do then I will be right at your side, my beloved." Justice said affectionately as he wished he could touch the soft lips of his beloved Celestia with his.

"I can tell by the look on your face, my beloved you wish to kiss me, but alas this just a hologram of your beloved Celestia. I feel the same my beloved Justice, I to want to kiss you as well." Celestia said longing as her heart dropped.

"But now, I must end this communiqué with you before my heart breaks anymore. Please hurry back my beloved Justice. Your beloved Celestia will be waiting for thee." Celestia said dishearten as she slowly flips off the holographic satellite communications lines to her husband in Ponyville.

Up in the main area of the Old Grand Royal Palace the normally confident soft pap pops of cushy large white bare feet of Celestia over the marble tiled floor; has been replaced with a listless trudge as she made her way to the second floor of palace where the private living area is located.

No mortal pony could really understand the wants of immortal alicorn mare like Celestia. Throughout her one thousand years of life, all she knew was the pain of loss. Now that trend might finally be broken by immortal Imperator Alicorn stallion her beloved husband Justice Silverlight. Despite him not being a Terran Alicorn like her, but Celestial Alicorn. It doesn't matter her heart tell her true love is true love no matter the species.

February 10, 2026, 16:30 hrs Equestria standard time, Office of President Luna Silverlight, Presidential Palace, Capital City of Mare Serenitatis, New Lunar Republic.

Sitting at her desk wearing a black pantsuit was President Luna Silverlight; she just finishes up a long conference call with Imperial Princess Ophelia Silverlight and Pharaoh Jamila Nebula over mutual aid treaty and trade treaty with her New Lunar Republic. Slowly the double doors into her office open and enter Solar Prince Somnus Silverlight. Earlier Luna sent a message to Somnus to come to see her in her office went he had some time.

"Ah? Welcome nephew please, Come in and talk." Luna said friendly with her breath quickening.

"Greetings Auntie. You sent for me." Somnus said politely as he sat down in front of Luna's desk.

"Is something wrong, Auntie?" Somnus asked perplexed.

"Huh? What makes you think something is wrong, nephew?" Luna said her voice constricted as she cracks her knuckles.

"There nothing wrong, nephew nothing at all," Luna said pretending to be calm and unfazed.

"Stop pretending Auntie, I already told you I will not abandon you or run and hid in Dream Valley. No matter how bad it gets my place is at your side as your Moon Knight." Somnus said bluntly as tears come to Luna's moderate cyan eyes.

"Somnus please be reasonable I don't want you to get killed. Those anti-royalty radicals will target you because you are the Solar Prince of the Solar Empire and there nothing I can do to protect you, I am the President of New Lunar Republic. If a thing goes as I have foreseen those radicals will demand the head of all royalty, you're included. I can let that happen." Luna said her voice quavering as tears continue to run down her snout.

"An Alicorn once told me, to be associated with the moon and the night means you accept what happens to be it good or be it bad there no middle ground only what you perceive," Somnus said knowing standing up and walking to the office door.

"Somnus!! Don't say that I-I-I was so wrong." Luna said in a misgiving tone of voice as she slams her fist on her desk, knowing it was her that instilled loyalty in him toward her and the moon as well as the night.

Tears continue streaming down her cheeks as she's sentenced her beloved nephew to a death sentence if the charges against Princess Twilight Sparkle are proven true. Her people will call for the head of all royalty and her as the President of the New Lunar Republic will have to obey their demand, even though it her own blood.

February 10, 2026, 16:30 hrs Equestria standard time, outskirts of Ponyville, Capital city of Ponyville, Friendship Kingdom territory, Friendship Kingdom.

After spending all morning trying in vain to talk with Miss Fluttershy about the attack on the Crystal Empire and her role in it. Aurora and Justice threw in the towel, but not before calling Miss Rarity. They told her went she's got some time if she doesn't mine could she talk with Miss Fluttershy and ask her if she would speak to them. Rarity agreed to ask Fluttershy to speak to them, but it will be some time till she talks to Fluttershy as she currently tie-up on a dress design for a picky customer.

A few minutes later Aurora and Justice arrive at the ponyville clock tower trying to find Miss Rainbow Dash to talk with her about the attack on the Crystal Empire and her role in it.

Lounging on a cloud toward the top of the clock was 5ft 3in light blue pegasi mare with rainbow mane and tail. She was attired in a zephyr pink snowdrift varsity T-shirt, black straight-legged jeans with white navy sneakers. A pair of sunglass was on her snout.

"Miss Rainbow Dash!" Justice calls as Rainbow Dash look toward the bottom of the clock tower and noticed the two unicorns standing at the base of the tower, one held a holo-camera in his hand.

"No comment!" Rainbow Dash exclaims as she spread her wings and is off like a shot in the opposite direction of the clock tower.

"Aurora," Justice said as Aurora once again breaks her spells revealing her wings on her back.

"Yes, father," Aurora said as she spread her wings and head in pursuit of Rainbow Dash. For the next few hours, Aurora chases the fleeing Rainbow Dash in the sky over ponyville, till Rainbow Dash uses up all her stamina. She returns the exhausted Rainbow Dash to Clock tower where her father has been waiting for them to return.

"Welcome back Miss Rainbow Dash. How long has it been?" Justice comments as very annoyed Rainbow Dash refuses to reply to the Greeting.

"If it makes you feel any better, Miss Rainbow Dash. My daughter is one that chased you down. She is Alicorn like her mother." Justice said as Rainbow Dash lifts her head and looks at Aurora who had her wings folded on her back.

"So that why she out flew me, this mare is the Princess's daughter. No one can out fly an Alicorn. Not even a pegasi with my speed. It had been while Mr. Justice. Last I heard you were dead. But I did catch the press conference you faked your death to be transformed into Alicorn yourself." Rainbow Dash explains as she flies back up to get her cloud she was lounging on and they begin to talk.

Star date 21026, unknown time, Infinity Star Sector deep space, Infinity Palace, Command pod, Central Communications block, Citadel class large space station.

Sitting in her command pod overlooking Central Communications block was stunning looking brown bodied Celestial Alicorn mare with a light blue mane and tail. Her 6ft 4in physically fit equine figure was encased in a Green spacesuit with blue trim. On her bare feet were knee-high boots, resting again her back were her silver bio-mechanical feathered bird wings. This Celestial Alicorn mare was Galactic Technician Officer Hesperia Helioshere. An Imperator Alicorn communications engineer and the commanding officer of Infinity palace swing shift at central communications block.

"Huh?" Hesperia exclaims as several transmission logs begin to print-out from numerous surveillance border posts spread across the Star Sectors to keep Infinity Star Sector up to date with the movement of the other Star Sectors.

"Say what?" Hesperia said shocked as she reads the logs reporting five Star Sectors are quickly mustering their rapid deployment battle fleets in preparation for a massive Worm Hole Jump to the unowned Milky Way Galaxy Star Sector.

To claim it for themselves and execute the renegade Imperator Alicorn Daimyo Harmonia Strife for her crimes against Infinity Star Sector and the Celestial Alicorn race. Unknown to them that the Milky Way Galaxy Star Sector is inhabited Star Sector on the Planet of Sol. Hesperia tears the print-out off the printer and flies down the connecting corridor heading toward the Command Center/ Throne Room of the palace.

She arrives a few minutes later and comes onto an unusual sight haphazardly tossed on the ground were pair of knee-high boots part of the standard spacesuit worn by Imperator Alicorns. What really got her attention was Empress Galaxy Cosmos in her light blue bare feet trying to paint her toenails. Hesperia figures this was the first time her Empress' has ever tried to paint her toenails, as the job looks like the work of a five-hundred-year-old Imperator Alicorn colt or filly.

"Hesperia, how do you paint your nails so neatly? I have been at this for a few hours now. It looks like I hired a colt or filly to paint them for me." Galaxy said sourly as she notices the print-out in Hesperia's hand.

"Never mind that, Hesperia! What is that print-out you have?" Galaxy asked as her cushy light blue bare feet softly pitter-patter over the solid metal floor toward Hesperia.

"Oh, the print-out, your Imperial Majesty. It seems that five-star sectors are quickly mustering their rapid deployment battle fleets in preparation for a massive Worm Hole Jump to the Milky Way Galaxy Star Sector to claim it and execute the renegade Imperator Alicorn Daimyo Harmonia Strife." Hesperia explains as Galaxy recoil in horror.

With no other words, Galaxy flies down the connecting corridor as fast as she could heading to the docking collar were her great-grandson Super Carrier Class Warship 'IAS Stellar Eclipse' is docked.

Standing in the boarding tube in front of a small panel running routine maintenance on the vessel was Galactic Knight Clio Quasar; this mare is Justice's first officer aboard the ship. Clio blinks with surprise as Empress Galaxy Cosmos arrives and runs up to her out of breath.

"Your Imperial Majesty, what is up?" Clio inquiry as Galaxy regains her breath.

"Lady Quasar! Begin preparations for immediate deployment my family on the Planet of Sol are in danger. Five other star sectors are mustering their rapid deployment battle fleets to head to the Milky Way Galaxy Star Sector to claim it and kill Harmonia. The standard tactic for the uninhabited planet is full-scale planetary bombardment 100% devastation. But the planet is not uninhabited it going to be 100% fatality. If rapid deployment royal battle fleet doesn't stop it!" Galaxy voice grows maniacal as Clio slams her fist on a large button setting off all the alarm in the docking collar.

In less than an hour 'IAS Stellar Eclipse,' a super carrier-class warship is fully prepared. It followed by 'IAS Solar Nebula' a frigate class warship and finally 'IAS Spectrum' a destroyer class warship.

Quickly the rapid deployment royal battle fleet opens a wormhole to the Milky Way Galaxy Star Sector. As the royal battle fleet exit, the wormhole they gape in stunned silence the full-scale planetary bombardment has started executed by the rapid deployment fleet from The Horsehead Nebula Star Sector who arrived first to Milky Way Galaxy Star Sector.

Before a second full-scale planetary bombardment could start a wormhole opens from the portal exits 'The IAS Limitless' Royal Battle fleet command class warship under command of Empress Galaxy Cosmos.

On the bridge of 'The IAS Limitless' Galaxy raises her hand and order the gunner to fire a warning shot over the bow of 'The IAS Cepheus' command class warship of The Horsehead Nebula Star Sector battle fleet.

Moments later on the bridge a holographic head of medium blue Celestial Alicorn stallion with black mane appears. It followed by the holographic head of pale pink Celestial Alicorn mare with an old gold-colored mane.

"Your Imperial Majesty! Why did you fire on me?" King Somnus Borealis said sharply.

"King Somnus Borealis and Queen Aurora Borealis you are in violation of the Imperator Alicorn prime directive. That why I fired on you." Galaxy said gruffly as Somnus and Aurora look dumbfounded.

"How are we in violation of the prime directive? Your Imperial Majesty?" Somnus asks hotly snorting at the Empress.

"You fired on an inhabited planet that is clear violation of the Imperator Alicorn prime directive to not take the life of sentient races. Did you scan all transmission frequencies for a message from the race on the planet? Your Majesty?" Galaxy said forcefully as King Somnus signed comm Tech to begin to scan all frequencies went suddenly a familiar voice can be heard.

"Imperator Alicorn battle fleet in orbit over the planet this world is inhabited please return to a safe distance or violate the Imperator Alicorn prime directive this Imperial Princess Ophelia Silverlight daughter of Empress Galaxy Cosmos and Avatar of the All-Mother." Ophelia said as the message begins to repeat; a chill runs up Somnus and Aurora spine upon hearing Imperial Princess voice on the transmission.

"We didn't know. You're Imperial Majesty, please forgive us!" King Somnus and Queen Aurora said together begging for forgiveness as they stare at the bare feet of their Empress pacing back and forth in front of them.

"As punishment for violation of the Imperator Alicorn prime directive. You must scrap 'The Cassiopeia' Super Carrier Class Warship you have in your battle fleet. For one space cycle (a year) you may not replace the vessel. After the one space cycles, you may replace the vessel but you may only choose from the Light Carrier Class Warship or Standard Carrier Class Warship, you are forbidden from choosing a Super Carrier Class Warship. If your violation this Royal Command. Your lineage comes to an end." Galaxy explains commanding as the two Alicorns leave the bridge of her command class warship.

Chapter 19

February 14, 2026, 1000 hrs Equestria Standard Time, in High Orbit over the North Pole of the Planet of Sol, Infinity Star Sector Imperator Alicorn 1st Royal Battle Fleet Sector protection Force, Imperator Alicorn Command Class Warship, IAS Limitless (flagship), Observation Deck.

Empress Galaxy Cosmos pitter-patter in her light blue bare feet over the deck plates of the observation deck aboard her flagship the 'IAS Limitless' the main command and support vessel for the 1st Royal Battle Fleet. She is personally overseeing the rescue efforts on the Planet of Sol. For a self-imposed punishment, Galaxy has elected to endure the bone-jarring impacts of her soft bare feet on the hard steel deck plates of her ship for not arriving in time to stop the full-scale planetary bombardment.

"Mother! Please, you have punished yourself long enough it not your fault. You can only endure so much before making yourself incapacitated." A concerned and compassionate mare voice said as Galaxy walk toward the conference table.

Sitting in front of one of the holographic computer console chairs at the conference table directing several planetary bounded search and rescue shuttles from various Star Sectors from Imperator Alicorn space was Imperial Princess Ophelia Silverlight wearing a mineral green space suit with light gray trim and knee-high boots on her bare feet. Her gold bio-mechanical feather bird wings rest against her back.

"Ow! (Wince) the pain I feel on soles of my feet is nothing compared to the pain inflicted on the planet below by the planetary bombardment done by one of my children. A mother must take responsibility for the actions of her children. That the way of the first star my dear and beloved daughter." Galaxy said her voice explodes out of her in agony as dull, empty ache gnaws at Ophelia's soul seeing her mother punishing herself over the actions of one.

A moment later their soft ping from the back of the room as the elevator doors opens onto the observation deck from the car steps Royal Shogun Justice Silverlight wearing a navy blue space suit with silver trim and knee-high boots on his bare feet. His gold bio-mechanical feather bird wings rest against his back.

From his vantage point to the rear of the room his Great Grandmother's feet at badly bruised and raw from walking barefooted over steel deck plates for some time. Before speaking he looks toward his Grandmother Ophelia who already notices him as she was looking toward the elevator from her position at the conference table.

She shakes her head back and forth telling him not to say anything about the injuries on the bottom of his great grandmother's feet. He nods his head as a feeling of cold fist closes over his heart. Soon a memory that he wanted to forget resurfaces, that memory was back in the garden of the Eternal Palace with a small knife in his hand ready to kill himself.

After learning that an evil group captured his wife and tortured her trying to break her strong will. His gloved hand reaches into his spacesuit to retrieve round gold locket, he flicks it opens to reveal a small 3D holographic image of his wife wearing one her well-made dresses with her imperial regalia. Tears begin running down his cheek for some time as he closes the locket making the image disappear.

"I am so sorry, my dear Celestia I was not there, went they hurt you I couldn't protect you," Justice said his voice cold as death; he quickly composes himself as he must make his report to his Great grandmother and Grandmother of the search and rescue operations on the planet.

Meanwhile in the devastated Capital City of Canterlot in the heavily damaged Solar Empire with 97% fatalities Solar Empire troops with the help of Celestial Alicorns troops continue their search and rescue operations in the area. Overseen the whole operation in her Solar Empire was Empress Celestia Silverlight wearing a navy blue nano-suit with silver trim and knee-high boots on her white bare feet.

Her naturally pure white feathered bird wings were covered with grime from assisting with the search and rescue operations. Affixed on her head was a headset she was getting constant updates as each rescue team finishes a ward of the city, she would then order them to move on to the next ward.

As the chatter begins to die down on the radio an exhausted Celestia finds a quiet place away from the main operation in a bombed-out home in the city to catch her breath and rest for a little while. She reaches up and removes the headset from her head, before resting it on her neck and turning the volume down.

Earlier Celestia's heart filled with pain and sadness being bounded to Justice like she is, she knew the feelings came from him. Slowly she brings her gloved hands to her snout the moment she touches her snout she begins weeping.

Not since Eternal Palace garden has Celestia told her husband everything the group did to her to break her strong will as a way to help her heal the deep scars with her husband's love for her, the sudden sadness and pain from her husband brought it all back.

"Justice! Please know I, will never blame you, for what the Impervious Legion and their crazed leader Captain Nigel Obscura did to me. Never feel, that you failed to protect me. In your absence, our beloved foal's step-up to fill the void you left went you died. Be proud of the fact that our foal took on the roles of my Guardians. Till we could reunite in this future." Celestia said guilt-free as a Solar Empire Staff Sergeant come around the corner searching for her.

"Your Imperial Majesty! Please do not disappear like that again! Its my duty to protect you!" The Solar Empire Staff Sergeant said boldly as Celestia chuckled into the back of her hand.

"A little bit nervous about my husband, Staff Sergeant if something should happen to me," Celestia said teasing as the Staff Sergeant's facial muscles twitch nervously as a knowing smile form on her snout.

"Of course not, Your Imperial Majesty! It was the assignment I was given!" The Solar Empire Staff Sergeant said very boldly as he assumes a posture of superiority.

Soon Celestia's snout quirks in annoyance with the Staff Sergeant. She's never one to make a snap judgment upon any pony but the sudden arrogance displayed by the Staff Sergeant has rubbed her the wrong way. In the loudest Canterlot voice, Celestia lay down the law upon the arrogant Staff Sergeant for all to hear.

Within the Royal army, every soldier knew that the Staff Sergeant had arrogance streak and they knew he would rub the pony the wrong way someday. But they never thought that pony he was going to rub the wrong way would have been the Empress of the Solar Empire Celestia Silverlight. Once she was done, she drags the Staff Sergeant by his collar back to the camp and handed him over to a Master Drill Sergeant ordering him to retrain this Private and to make sure to break his arrogant this time. The Master Drill Sergeant salutes the Empress and takes new private back to basic training.

Sometime later riding the elevator down to the short-range shuttlecraft docking bay aboard the 'IAS Limitless' the main command and support vessel was Royal Shogun Justice Silverlight he finish his detailed report.

To his Great Grandmother and Grandmother of the ongoing search and Rescue mission on Sol. A moment later the holo phone on his MCV rings, he answers it. Soon the holographic head of his beautiful wife Celestia spring to life in front of him her beautiful smile lift his spirits.

"Hello hon, how are you doing? Something wrong?" Justice said loving as Celestia's sigh deeply.

"No Justice, I am just wondering went you are going to return to the planet? I kind of need your help down here. We almost finish sweeping the main wards in Canterlot. But there still few more left to go." Celestia explains pretending nothing is troubling her.

"You know our bond together works both ways, Celestia. I can sense the trouble in your heart. You want someone to like you an immortal to talk to about your real feeling." Justice said knowing as Celestia slowly nods her head up and down.

"Well, hon. I just arrived at the shuttle docking bay. I'll take the first shuttle back to the planet. I should arrive by early evening. So why not meet at our command tent at the Break of Dawn Camp. We will zip-up the tent flap and you can talk about whatever you want to me. After that, we can have dinner brought to the tent for us and eat. For the rest of the evening, we can spend it together. Unless you have other plans, hon?" Justice suggested a noticeable change in his wife's heart from trouble to affection happen.

"That sounds like, a perfect evening. My beloved, so be quick about it and come home, you don't want your Sun Princess to waiting for too long she gets bored, quickly." Celestia said very playful as she blow a kiss to her husband. Before switching her holo phone off.

Later that same evening on a huge plateau overlooking the ruins of the Capital City of Canterlot in the huge Break of Dawn camp the main coordination and processing base for all the search and rescue operations conducted in the Solar Empire.

In the base erected on a small flat top hill with a commanding view of the surrounding area protected by sandbags, barricades stood the huge canvas command tent for the camp. This stricture is used by the Empress and Emperor of the Solar Empire to direct their remaining Solar Empire Troops to hot spots in the Empire to protect the search and rescue teams.

In a cordon off area within the command tent toward the rear of the structure used as the main residences for an imperial couple away from the main command area. Emperor Justice Silverlight is stretched out on the fairly soft sofa with his boots removed he sighs contently even amiss the devastation of the Solar Empire, he remains optimistic about the future for the Empire.

Rubbing her snout against his chest lovingly was his wife Empress Celestia Silverlight, like him she stretched out on the same sofa with her boots removed. She too remains optimistic about the future for the Empire. But currently, she enjoying the quiet moments with her husband that could change at any time amiss the devastation of the Solar Empire. It these quiet moments between these two long-living Alicorns that they both relish and want to remember for their long life together.

February 15, 2026, 1600 hrs Equestria Standard Time, Devastated Capital City of Mare Serenitatis, New Lunar Republic, destroyed Manufacturing ward of Mare Serenitatis.

Its late afternoon in the New Lunar Republic as a night camouflaged land rover from Orb of the night post drives through the devastating manufacturing wards on a useless inspection tour of the ward driving the vehicle was Moon Knight Somnus Silverlight wearing a light gray nano-suit with white trim and knee-high boots on his bare feet. His naturally light blue feathered bird wings were covered with grime from helping with the Search and Recovery Operations in the Republic.

Sitting in the passenger seat was the stalwart President of the New Lunar Republic Luna Silverlight wearing a light gray nano-suit with white trim and knee-high boots on her large plush and smooth feet. Her naturally dark blue feathered bird wings were covered with grime from helping with the Search and Recovery Operations in the Republic.

She insisted on this inspection tour of the city even knowing it was 99% fatalities throughout the city and outlying area of the Republic. Somnus pulls the vehicle to a stop beside a damaged building and turns it off.

"Auntie! Stop pretending you are so strong! I have been around you for too long not to know you are hurting! Please, you are not alone anymore! It makes me feel like you don't care about me! Auntie!" Somnus said his voice cracking as stalwartness started to break on Luna's face as tears begin to fall.

"Somnus never think your Auntie doesn't care about you because she does. I have been alone for so long it hard to read other pony's feelings. You have stayed loyal to me even those it would have been easier just to leave me." Luna said truthfully as she reaches over to hug her nephew.

With that, the two Alicorns climb out of night camouflaged land rover and walk around the ruins of the manufacturing plant searching for anything they can salvage or repurpose for a new use. As Luna walks out of the side door of the plant she steps on something on the ground in front of her. She lifts her foot up and discovers a filly's or colt's charred plush toy, it so badly burned she can't identify who it was supposed to be. She picks it up and begins tearing up once again; she is soon joined by Somnus.

"What is wrong Auntie?" Somnus asked concerned as he noticed the charred plush toy, Luna was holding in her hand soak with her tears.

"Went, I took my oath as a Princess of Equestria, Somnus. I promise I would protect all my children of the night from a thing like this. But this charred plush toy has shown me that I failed my oath." Luna said her voice a lifeless monotone as her knees gave out from under her and she sunk to the ground emotionally spent. Soon Somnus gave his aunt a keep-your-mouth-shut look like the veins in his neck standing out in livid ridges.

"Why!!! Do you shoulder all the blame, Auntie?" Somnus speak with bitter resentment as it caught Luna's attention.

She slowly rose to her feet dropping the plush toy on the ground and inch her way toward Somnus and reach her hand out and rested it on his shoulder. As she turns him around his face was scarlet and swollen from crying.

"My dear little Somnus, why do you weep?" Luna said in a very soothing voice as she wiped the tears away from Somnus's cheeks with her fingers.

"Do you think you are the only one that spoke that oath, Auntie to be Royalty of Equestria? I spoke those same words went I became a Prince of Equestria. So this my failure as well stops shouldering the blame by yourself. Let me shoulder some of the blame with you." Somnus said with a hitch in his voice as Luna's gasp.

"This Aunt of yours, is sorry, Somnus. You have been at my side for so long that I forgot you wear the same crown as me and suffer the same pain I do. So I will allow you to shoulder some of the blame with me." Luna said apologetically as she kissed him on his horn and forehead loving.

"So Somnus lets head back to the Orb of the night post, your wife should have dinner going for us and your foals in the command center. Who knew that a sea pony siren mare was such a wonderful cook she better than any of the Royal chefs at the palace in Canterlot." Luna said as a blatant compliment toward Somnus' wife.

"Oh, stop it, Auntie the only reasons you are compliment my wife Wave Runner because you want me to ask her to make an apple pie just for you. Because you didn't get a piece of it went she baked the last one." Somnus comments as Luna snorted angerly at him.

"If two little piggy’s ponies left me a piece. I wouldn't be complaining about it. But they didn't, Besides, I am your senior Princess you should do what I say, Solar Prince Somnus Silverlight. I was ruling longer than you Somnus, but not as long as your mother." Luna said sourly as she crosses her arms in front of her and sticks her tongue out at Somnus.

"Oh, is that how it going to be, your Highness pulling rank on me. Just like that." Somnus said brazenly as Luna couldn't hold a straight face and started to laugh, she was soon joined by Somnus who begin to laugh along with her.

"Oh, Somnus it has been a long time since you last show me that beautiful smile of yours. The last time you show me that smile was your mother's sent you to live with me in the New Lunar Republic and I appointed you my designated Moon Knight," Luna said cheerful as Somnus turn the vehicle toward the Orb of the night post.

Later that same day on a stretch of flat grasslands on the outskirts of the ruins of the Capital City of Mare Serenitatis surrounded by a reinforced concrete wall sat the Orb of the night base the main coordination and processing base for all the search and recovery operations conducted in the New Lunar Republic.

In the center of the base surrounded by a chain-link fence sat the prefabricated main command center of the post with a commanding view of the surrounding base facilities. This stricture is used by the president and her appointed Moon Knight the governing body of the New Lunar Republic to direct her remaining New Lunar Republic forces to hot spots in the area to protect the search and recovery teams.

In a smaller prefabricated structure within this compound used as the main residences for the President and her Moon Knight's family an enchanting light pink bodied unicorn/siren mare with a light purple mane and tail walks out of the small kitchen to pick up the last dirty dishes from the table to wash them. Her slender 5ft 12in equine figure was encased in light gray nano-suit with white trim. A pair of knee-high boots were on her light pink narrow and beautiful bare feet. This unicorn / siren mare was Major Wave Runner Silverlight, one of the best communications engineer in the entire New Lunar Republic and Moon Knight Somnus Silverlight own wife.

As dinner came to an end President Luna Silverlight was called back to the main command center to handle a small crisis in one of the unsearched ward in the city. A few moments later Somnus' and Wave Runner's foals had to return to their duty stations leaving their parents alone in the housing structure. In the living room of the housing structure sitting on a chair with his bare feet resting on a footrest read the base paper was Somnus. The moment Wave Runner step out of the kitchen after putting away the dishes Somnus gestured her to join him in the living room and she happily accepted the offer.

Wave Runner slowly walks over to the chair next to her husband and sat down next to him. She then proceeds to slides her hands down her legs to remove her boots from her narrow and beautiful feet with the boots removes she rest her light pink bare feet on her own footrest and let out a long contented sigh. Soon Somnus turn his head and kissed his wife on her lips. Before long the Alicorn stallion and Siren mare begin a long conversation as he holds his wife's hand in his. Like Somnus' own parents these two ponies relish the quiet moments between them and want to remember them together forever.

Chapter 20

February 16, 2026, 1300 hrs Equestria Standard time, gliding over the laid to waste Capital City of Ponyville, Friendship Kingdom, Isle of Unity.

Gliding over the laid to waste Capital City of Ponyville in the Friendship Kingdom was a gorgeous light blue bodied Alicorn/unicorn mare with crimson red mane and tail. Her shapely 6ft 6in equine figure was encased in navy blue nano-suit with silver trim and knee-high boots on her light blue bare feet. Her naturally light blue feathered bird wings were covered with grime from assisting with the search and rescue operations. Affixed on her head was a headset she was getting constant updates from the Alliance camp in the Crystal Empire about the slowly increasing death toll for both kingdoms on the Isle of Unity. This Alicorn/unicorn mare was Grand Solar Princess Aurora Sol Silverlight.

She was sent by her mother Empress Celestia Silverlight to assist on the Isle of Unity. But the moment she arrived on the Isle she was appointed overseer for all the operations on the island because of her Senior Princess Status and her extensive ruling experience. Slowly Aurora begins to decrease her altitude and come in for a landing on the rubble choked streets of Ponyville, once safe on the ground she folds her wings onto her back.

She carefully inches her way through the rubble-strewn street of this residential area of Ponyville. Along this stretch of road on either side were burnt-out skeletons of timber-framed homes with thatched roofs. The little bit of the overhang from the upper floor lies charred on the street in front of the structures. As she comes around a bend in the road standing in front of the partially collapsed home was a drop-dead gorgeous light blue bodied Alicorn/unicorn mare with crimson red mane and tail. Her athletic 5ft 8in equine figure was encased in ice blue nano-suit with gold trim and knee-high boots on her light blue bare feet.

Affixed on her head was a headset she was getting new location updates from the Alliance camp in the Crystal Empire about possible survivors in need of rescue. This Alicorn/unicorn mare was Grand Princess Blueberry Swirl Silverlight and Aurora's younger sister. Like her older sister, she was sent by Princess Cadence Sparkle her cousin and ruler of the Crystal Empire to assist in the Ponyville rescue operations as she extensively trained as Solar Guard Medic pony.

As she approaches she reaches up and removes the headset from her head, before resting it on her neck and turning the volume down as to not get feedback from her own sister's headset. Upon seeing her older sister come into view she reaches up and removes her headset from her head, before resting it on her neck and turning the volume down as not to get feedback.

"How does the rescuing go?" Aurora inquiry as Blueberry gestured to a soldier to call her went the search team exits the home.

"We were able to stabilize the structure, so a small team of royal guards could enter the residence and search for the possible survivor, Your Grand Highness," Blueberry said as the title sort of annoyed her older sister.

"Now, I see why mother, call you a horrible little pony," Aurora said sourly as she knows it was all in fun and nothing else as the only way to cope with this level of devastation unheard of in Equestria.

"Mother doesn't call me a horrible little pony you are lying Aurora," Blueberry said refute her older sister earlier claim.

"Oh, she doesn't, Blueberry. Want to make a bet?" Aurora said with alligator smile as Blueberry eyes narrowed with suspicion toward her older sister.

"What kind of bet, big sister? Last time I bet with you I would have been out 50 bits and I know you cheated on the bet." Blueberry said forcefully as she does a slow, appraising glance of her sister.

"Now Blueberry, I would never cheat on a bet with you." Aurora said innocently with a crafty smile.

"Horse feather, If I didn't tell mother what you did. She wouldn't have made you pay me 100 bits for cheating, she look over the bet and discover you stack the bet in your favor. That was not fair, Big sister." Blueberry replies a bit annoyed with her big sister.

Before the conversation could begin an anew one of the Friendship kingdom Royal guards calls that the search team is emerging from the structure. Quickly Aurora and Blueberry run back to the location, they arrive just as the last Royal Guard exit the structure. The faces of the search team members were etched with sorrow.

Without saying a word the lead royal guard raises his hands and display two fingers. Aurora's stomach contracted to a tight ball she quickly composes herself as everyone was looking to her for leadership. She sucks up the bleak feeling filling her heart and with a clear royal voice.

"Search team mark the number of victims and type in the structure on the outside wall, so the recovering team knows how many bodies to pick up and transport to the morgue. Then move on to the next location there no more to be done here!" Aurora said in a calm and incisive voice as the search team spray-painted (two and U) on the outside wall.

"Please know my little sister; this does hurt. But our ponies need us to be the Princesses' we were trained to be. There will be time to mourn later. Right now we must lead just like mother and father do." Aurora said reassuringly as Blueberry climb into the camouflaged land rover.

"Yes, I know big sister. We are the daughters of Sun Princess Celestia Silverlight and Prince Justice Silverlight trained from birth to be royalty and have leadership. Like you I must take on that mantle it my duty as a protector of Harmony mourning will come later right now our ponies need us to lead them. I don't take that duty lightly." Blueberry said proud and decisive as she gestures the search team to move out to the next location.

It a few hours later as Aurora completes her rounds in the Capital City of Ponyville in the Friendship Kingdom in the distance in the shadow of the devastated Castle of Friendship and School of Friendship.

Laid stretched out in front of her was Camp Icebox it was surrounded by barbed-wire fencing inside the compound were numerous prefab refrigerated units sent by the New Lunar Republic at the request of Grand Solar Princess Aurora Sol Silverlight to her Aunt President Luna Silverlight. These prefab refrigerated units are used to store the bodies of the dead till their next of kin can be identified and notified. Each two-story unit is marked with a single letter and number to identify the content. (Like U1: unicorn 1, P1: Pegasi 1, E1: Earth pony 1, C1: Crystal Pony 1.). This camp is under the command of Grand Princess Blueberry Swirl Silverlight.

As Aurora walks down the dirt road heading toward the processing bunker the only four stories prefab structure in the compound she passes numerous medical personnel pushing stretchers with the dead on it to their refrigerated units.

Once she reaches the bunker she enters and quickly turns to her right along the right side of the bunker shielded by a huge dividing wall was the survivor processing area, this survivor was being processed to be sent to housing camp in the Crystal Empire. In this area, Grand Solar Princess Aurora Sol Silverlight would talk and reassure the survivor that she doing everything she can do to help them.

In the transport hub for the processing bunker, Aurora comes upon a small family of earth ponies the parents, older filly and fairly younger filly. The fairly younger filly was downcast because her favorite dolly was broken. Aurora kneels down in front of the younger filly and asks her if she may see her dolly.

The younger filly hands the dolly to the princess and suddenly a strange new level of magic fills Aurora's thoughts. The dolly loses its substance and becomes a series of points and lines that form into the object. She sees that several points and lines are severed using her fingers she begins to reconnect the broken points and lines.

As she finishes she comes out of the strange vision and lifts her hand up to her surprise the broken dolly is fully repaired. Even more strangely the dolly looks like it was never broken in the first place. The younger filly is overjoyed that her favorite dolly is fixed; she hugs and kisses the Princess. Aurora gracefully excuses herself and walks to a quiet area of the bunker to try and make sense of what just happen.

"What was that strange power I used to fix that filly's dolly? It was like I could see the toy as blueprint each point and line that I connect to open up another set of blueprints till all the blueprints formed into one whole plan that I completed." Aurora said very confused with what just happened.

"You have awakened, my dear foal. Now you can see the world beyond the world of possibilities my world the world of the Imperator Alicorn. Once you were able to master your mother's Goddess level magic you began to tap into the Imperator Alicorn Eternal Magic my magic." A familiar and loving voice spoke in her head behind her; slowly Aurora turns around with a startled gasp.

As Aurora is enveloped in a strange otherworldly magic aura that seems to come from the very end of time. She is soon surrounded by a totally black veil of nothingness. Soon pinpoints of stars begin to appear across the black veil surround her, enveloping her. Soon many planets of various sizes form in front of her. Throughout the black veil, wondrous seas of stars and galaxies travel across the nothingness at incredible speed before disappearing into the distance. She watches as various colors of comets speed by her on its eternal path. Aurora's breathe catches in her throat as a living constellation of a four-legged Alicorn stallion stand before her, speaking in her own father voice.

"F-f-f-ff Father." Aurora's voice breaks as the stars at the top behind to glow; soon her body is awash with loving light.

Her fear subsides and she approaches the living constellation. She is surprised that this creature is a solid being. All the white stars across his body are patterns upon his solid black pelt. This creature stands about the same height as her mother in her four-legged pony form. The creature begins to rub its snout on her back lovingly. Before Aurora could ask the creature a question she feels a sharp pain on her bust like a hard pinch.

"Ouch!"Aurora cries out a single tear runs down her cheek. She finds herself lying on the ground in the transport hub for the processing bunker. She is surrounded by several pony nurses and Blueberry, who she figured pinch her bust hard to bring her to.

"How long have I been out, Blueberry?" Aurora inquiry zipping up her nano-suit as the sight of perfectly shaped breasts seems to get the many new younger stallions in the area excited.

"You have been out for about an hour or two," Blueberry explains as the mares stood up together and walk toward Blueberry's office in the processing bunker to talk.

"I think the three of us must return to the Solar Empire right away. Father mentioned Imperator Alicorn Eternal Magic his magic. In what I feel is a vision of our future, Blueberry." Aurora comments as Blueberry gives a startled gasp.

"Our future?" Blueberry confused as Aurora shook her head slowly.

"Yes, our future, I never told you this Blueberry but since I was small filly I been fascinated about what is out there beyond our sky. At first, I thought it was because of our Aunt Princess Luna being the Princess of the night and dreams but maybe it was calling. The calling of our Celestial Alicorn heritage." Aurora said as a look of fascination appeared on the faces of Blueberry and Somnus who was on the holo line.

"If that true Aurora that means there something beyond our mother's and Aunt's Goddess level of magic. But it begs the question can we all ascend to that level or are you the only one, Aurora?" Somnus said posing the question to Aurora.

"If I am, absolutely truthful, brother. Our father is the only one that can answer that question for you." Aurora's answer as the three siblings continue their discussion about the subject, in the end, the three siblings decided to travel back home to talk to their parents.

Chapter 21 (the End)

February 17, 2026, 1300 hrs Equestria Standard Time, Heavily damaged Capital City of Canterlot, Solar Empire, partially rebuild Old Grand Royal Palace, Royal ward.

The sounds of clicking heels echoes loudly in the tiled laid corridors of the partially rebuild Old Grand Royal Palace in Canterlot . Walking down the corridors wearing their standard military uniform were the Royal foals. Earlier today the three siblings met at the Canterlot International Airport as agreed upon.

As they were leaving the airport they came upon a displaced and dishearten group of Solar Empire citizens. Upon seeing the Royal foals approaching the group these downcast Solar Empire Citizens quickly perked up and regained their hope for a better future.

As their parents are the heart and soul of the Solar Empire, their foals are the hope, the confidence and the compassion that every Solar Empire’s Citizens need to continue to endure this trial. With that, the Royal Foals remained with the group for some time talking and reassure them that the Solar Empire will rise once again from the ashes. Somnus face glazes with shock upon realizing what time it was, he quickly reminds his older sister that their mother is waiting at the palace for them.

As the siblings emerge from tiled laid corridors, they arrive in a large room with a vaulted ceiling standing toward the center of the room was their mother, Empress Celestia Silverlight. She was wearing her navy blue military skirt uniform with black pumps on her large white plushy bare feet.

On her head behind her horn was a black beret with a gold sun symbol in the center. Her large white-feathered bird wings were folded on her back. A loving smile form on her snout as her foals enters the room. She walks up to them and hugs them in turn.

"Mother." The royal foals said in unison as they do a quick bow to her. Not since the emergency transmission after planetary bombardment upon the planet has she seen her foals together in the flesh.

"Welcome home my beloved foals," Celestia said calmly as she wiped away a tear from her cheek with the back of her hand.

"Thank you, mother." The royal foals said once again in unison as they follow their mother to the partially repaired palace garden to a large gazebo with a round table and five chairs. She served them some apple cider before allowing them to ask any questions they wish to ask her.

"Mother, this not your normal clothing , why?" Blueberry inquiry doing a slow, appraising glance of her mother from horn to foot.

"You are right, Blueberry, this not my normal clothing. I and your father thought it would be better for me to wear my military uniform went not helping with the rescue operations as a way to show our ponies that the Solar Empire will rise again." Celestia explains as she removed one of her pumps from her long and wide foot and set it on the ground. Before beginning to rub her sore foot with her hand, because it's been some time since she last wore her pumps.

"Talking about Father? Where is he, mother?" Aurora inquiry as she chuckled under her breath watching her mother rubbing her thick and plush foot to soothe the soreness out of it.

"Your father said he would be joining us in a little while. After he finishes speaking to Empress Cosmos about something." Celestia explains as she continues her efforts to soothe the soreness out of her feet. Her foals reel with astonishment with the information that their father is speaking with the leader of the space fleet in orbit over the planet.

"What? Father is speaking to Empress Cosmos the Supreme Ruler of Imperator Alicorns!" Blueberry exclaimed shocked as the siblings' jaws drop.

"Apparently, your father is the Great Grandson of Empress Galaxy Cosmos. Something I didn't even know considering went we started to date in secret, we agreed not to talk about our past their some things I was not proud of." Celestia said a bit ashamed as she spotted a transparent figure walking toward the gazebo. The figure puts one finger to his lips tells Celestia not to say anything to their foals as Celestia reply with a wink.

The figure walks up behind his youngest daughter and begins to play with her mane as her mother remains straight-faced. Soon Blueberry becomes annoyed with someone playing with her styled mane.

"Somnus! Stop playing with my mane. Do you know how long it takes for me to style my mane!?" Blueberry said in a huff as the figure stop playing with her mane.

"Huh? Blueberry, I have not touched your mane." Somnus said sourly as he snorted angerly at her. Before he can say another word he felt a tap on his shoulder a few times.

"What do you want Aurora? I am kind of busy with our little sister she accusing me of touching her mane went I didn't." Somnus said hotly as Blueberry return his stare.

"Huh? How did I get into this?" Aurora said confused as they heard two ponies chuckling coming from their mother's position and they look toward her.

A moment later their father appeared out of nowhere standing behind their mother, she bends her head back and he kisses her. Before he comes around and sits down on the chair next to her. A moment later he notices that Celestia's plushy feet are bare as she has removed her shoes and set them on the ground next to her.

"My love, you deserve a reward for wearing those heels. Went we get back to the base, you get your feet massage." Justice said knowing as Celestia kiss him on his cheek.

"That sounds wonderful, my love, but before that, our foals have a lot of questions for you about Imperator Alicorns and Eternal Magic," Celestia said as the siblings were flabbergasted with their mother's comment.

"Mother, how did you know?" Aurora asked wondering.

"I always knew, Aurora," Celestia said with a little bit of pride as a look of delight cross her face.

"But to answer your question Aurora. How I knew, I always sense that you could rise to a higher level of magic beyond Equestria Magic. But I could never figure out how. Until your father return to me. We spoke till early morning hours about that very subject we continued discussing the subject went I finish my normal Royal Duties. With no definitive answer your father told me to wait and see, I had a feeling he was stonewalling me about you and my other foals." Celestia said a little bit annoyed as she snorted at Justice and he chuckled into the back of his hand.

"So father what the answer?" Blueberry inquiries.

"Wait and see Blueberry, My great grandmother will be arriving soon," Justice said as they all gave a startled gasp suddenly the time around them seem to freeze as massive magic surge exploded behind them.

Behind them formed a massive exit portal of wormhole tube from that exit portal steps a very captivating light blue bodied Imperator Alicorn mare with imperial red mane and tail. Her 6ft 12in athletic equine figure was encased in an orange-yellow spacesuit. Why on her bare feet were knee-high boots. Folded on her back were her dazzling jeweled biomechanical feathered bird wings. This Imperator Alicorn mare was Empress Galaxy Cosmos all mother of Imperator Alicorns.

As she exited the wormhole tube the Royal Foals fight against the mystic pressure coming off this Imperator Alicorn as if they are caught in the squall of a powerful storm. Slowly the squall subsides leaving the Royal Foals with nauseating spurts of adrenaline coursing through their veins.

Their mother's face becomes a mask of terror she felt her own husband Eternal Magic ability and was not frightened of it. But this mare is on a whole another level than her own husband; she can easily manipulate the forces of Eternal magic, just as easily as she can breathe. As the wormhole exit portal collapses Justice stands up and walks over to the mare, he kneel and bows his head.

"Welcome to Canterlot, Your Imperial Majesty," Justice said formally as Galaxy was about to snort her displeasure at him using her formal title. But she thinks better of it and let it go.

"Raise Royal Shogun Justice Silverlight and give your great grandmother a hug." Galaxy said suggesting friendly as Justice stood up and walked over to his great grandmother.

As Empress Galaxy Cosmos unfurl her dazzling jeweled biomechanical feathered bird wings to hug her great-grandson the sun shines through the embedded gems casting the area in brilliant rainbow hue. The display from the supreme ruler of his father's people reminds Somnus of the beautiful stars that decorate his Auntie Luna night sky, slowly he becomes mesmerized by it.

"Somnus!" A familiar stallion voice calls snap him out of the enchantment the Empress' wings cause him. He is staring at the faces of Empress Galaxy and his father.

"Is this your foal the one who associated with the night, great-grandson?" Galaxy inquiry as she looks him over.

"Yes, Great grandmother, his name is Somnus. Mine and Celestia only son." Justice explains as she rubs her chin with her gloved hand.

"I must apologize; young Somnus normally my wing displays has no effect on my Imperator, its symbol of my imperial rank. But it seems that those associated with the night became a fascination with the display. It might be because the first stars' mystical power is stronger at night." Galaxy explains as Somnus shook his head a few times.

"Your Imperial Majesty, what is the first star may I ask?" Somnus inquiry as Galaxy lifts her hand up with her palm up. Suddenly a hologram of a five-pointed star appear above Galaxy's hand and begins to spin.

"In the mythos of our species the Imperator Alicorns, the first star gave us life and knowledge. I became the vessel for the first star as it was dying. The knowledge I was giving was eternal and creation. I was to protect these two ultimate powers that the first star gave me. I could have chosen to be the ultimate destroyer or ultimate protector, I chose to be both." Galaxy explains as the hologram above her hand transforms into Somnus's Great Grandmother Imperial Princess Ophelia Silverlight.

"To help me with this task I used the power of creation that First Star gave me to create my only daughter. Imperial Princess Ophelia Silverlight (the hologram transforms once more into Somnus's Grandmother Duchess Shimmering Diamond Silverlight and his other aunt Pharaoh Jamila Nebula) She, in turn, created her own two daughters Duchess Shimmering Diamond Silverlight and Duchess Jamila Nebula (The hologram once again transform into his father Emperor Justice Silverlight and his two sisters Chief of Police Serena Silverlight, Assistant Chief Seer Silverlight) with these five Imperator Alicorns at my side. I split the first Star's Power between myself and my daughter. In turn, she split the power among these five ponies that we call the Royal Family. With the First Star power now split among the Royal Family, we started to rule Imperator Alicorns species. That young Somnus is the mythos of the First Star." Galaxy explains as the hologram disappears sparking a discussion about the mythos between the three siblings.

February 19, 2026, 10:00 hrs Equestria Standard Time, in High Orbit over the North Pole of the Planet of Sol, Infinity Star Sector Imperator Alicorn 1st Royal Battle Fleet Sector protection Force, Imperator Alicorn Command Class Warship, IAS Limitless (flagship), Arbitrator Tribunal courtroom, Deck four of the flagship.

With every courthouse in every land laid to waste on the Planet of Sol, the High Treason trial of Ex-Princess of Friendship Twilight Sparkle is being heard aboard IAS Limitless the flagship for 1st Infinity Star Sector Royal Battle fleet. Under Imperator Alicorn law there is no death penalty sentence for High Treason, instead the guilty is placed in suspended animation for a set amount of time for their sentence.

As no trained Celestial Alicorn arbiter could hear this case because they are unfamiliar with the Terran pony species. The Arbiter duties fell to Emperor Justice Silverlight. Several months earlier before the trial even started he got a crash course in Imperator Alicorn law through his older sister Lady Serena Silverlight as she is trained Celestial Alicorn lawyer from infinity star sector.

From the crash course, he learned that he could appoint an assistant arbiter to help him decide the sentence for Princess Twilight Sparkle. He chose his wife, Empress Celestia Silverlight, as a way to ensure that Princess Twilight Sparkle gets a fair sentence.

Because Twilight Sparkle is his wife's ex-faithful student. After four hours of testimony from various witnesses including other members of Friendship assembly and closing arguments.

Ex-Princess of friendship Twilight Sparkle pleaded guilty to all charges against her, shocking her ex-mentor Princess Celestia and everyone in the courtroom at the time. With the guilty plea, Justice closed the court trial for Princess Twilight Sparkle and handed her over to the medical section. As they must perform a full medical evaluation (nude) on her to assess the minimum and maximum time her body can remain in suspended animation and her overall health needs.

"Because Twilight is in such good health. The med team assesses she can tolerate a minimum of 10 years in suspended animation without ill effects and a maximum of 40 years. That gives us sufficient wiggle room for her final sentence, Celestia." Justice explains as Celestia has a stony expression on her snout upset with her husband to pick her to pass a sentence on her ex-faithful student Twilight Sparkle.

"Justice! I demand you go out there and tell everyone that you framed Princess Twilight Sparkle with paid fake witnesses! If you don't you are forbidden from sleeping in my bed with me for as long as Twilight is in suspended animation." Celestia said demanding and threatening as Justice sat back in his chair and let out a long sigh.

"Who are you really going to hurt with that threat, Celestia?" Justice asked as Celestia's eyes brim over with tears.

"Me!" Celestia's voice cracking as she knew if she forbade him from sleeping with her the comfort she desperately needs to overcome this would be gone and she would never recover from it.

With that Justice stands up before he knew what happen his crying wife wraps her arms and wings around him seeking that comfort and reassurance that only her husband love can give to her. Slowly Justice begins to caress his wife's golden blond mane with his hand and whispers into her ear that this not the final chapter for Princess Twilight Sparkle.

This is only a pause in this chapter of her overall life with those comforting words from her husband. Celestia dries her tears with the back of her hand and decides the sentence for her Ex-faithful student Princess Twilight Sparkle it will be ten years in suspended animation for her crime of high treason against Equestria.

As they make their way back to the courtroom to render their verdict upon Twilight. Justice informs Celestia that he already decided that her sentence would be ten years in suspended animation for her crime of high treason against Equestria. The only reason he opted for deliberation was that he didn't want his beloved wife to feel like she betrayed her ex-faithful student and render the verdict too quickly. Celestia regard with an open fondness her husband as he took into account her own feeling about her ex-faithful student and allowed her to take the first step toward overcoming it.

"Mr. Silverlight?" Celestia said softly as they stop in connecting corridors for a little bit to talk.

"Yes, Mrs. Silverlight?" Justice asks as Celestia smile suggestively toward him.

"Went we were living in Ponyville prior to returning to Canterlot, so I could give birth to our foals and designate them Equestrian royalty as that was the Capital City of Equestria," Celestia explains as she kisses her husband lovingly on his cheek.

"I say one day I would allow you to find all my ticklish spots on my perfect nude body. Because you took my feelings into a account allow me to feel that I make a fair decision. I decided to reward you; you may explore my perfect Alicorn figure with any tickling implement. All I asked is if it gets too much for me, you will allow me to let it out." Celestia explains as Justice agrees to his wife's request.

It a few hours later in one of the officer quarters in the officer's wing of IAS Limitless (the flagship) a formal Solar Empire navy blue women's dress skirt uniform hangs on the wall of a private bathroom. Standing in front of a long bathroom mirror was Empress Celestia Silverlight she was clean the make-up off her face, even without make-up she still a gorgeous Alicorn mare. She tosses the make-up cleaning cloth into the bathroom's recycler receptacle.

Before carefully rolling up her sheer stockings and stuff those into the toes of women's size seventeen black high heel pumps sitting on the counter with a navy blue peaked cap with a gold sun symbol on it. After one last check Celestia leaves the private bathroom attired in a heather gray spa robe and black satin ballerina slipper on her fairly large white bare feet. She makes her way to the bedroom after double-checking to make sure the quarter's door is locked.

"My, you look very comfortable hon," Celestia comments as Justice sits on the edge of the bed wearing a T-shirt and sweatpants with his feet bare.

"You are tall girl, hon. if I am going to find all those ticklish spots on your perfect Alicorn figure. I must be able to be flexible. My full dress uniform doesn't allow that." Justice retorts as it caused Celestia to chuckle.

"All right, hon as you said I am a tall girl. So let get started." Celestia comments back as she started to remove her satin ballerina slippers, first allowing Justice to see her perfect plushy white feet with shapely toes as a preview of what is come next.

A moment later she unties the belt on her robe and let it drop to the ground. If Justice was not used to seeing his Alicorn wife's perfect and flawless shaped figure he would have certainly died from gazing on such beauty. Slowly Celestia climbs onto the bed and gets comfortable by lying down on it. After plucking one of his wife's wing feathers from her he plants a passionate kiss on her lips. Before the room is filled with a hysterical laughter as he uses his own wife feather to find all those ticklish spots on her nude body.

February 26, 2026, 2100 hrs Equestria Standard Time, in High Orbit over the North Pole of the Planet of Sol, Infinity Star Sector Imperator Alicorn 1st Royal Battle Fleet Sector protection Force, Imperator Alicorn prison/transport ship, IAS Bastille, deck seven, stasis chamber sentence room.

The stasis chamber sentence room is a large gray steel box with an observation room high above the main chamber in the center of the chamber was 6ft tall glass capsules with numerous monitoring instruments about the capsules. Fine-tuning the monitoring instruments was a female Imperator Alicorn Galactic Technician. Up in the observation room were Emperor Justice Silverlight, Empress Celestia Silverlight, and their Royal foals and remaining members of Princess Twilight Sparkle Friendship Assembly and President Luna Silverlight.

Notably absent from the observation room was Prince Shining Armor Sparkle, Twilight older brother, and Princess Cadence Sparkle, Twilight sister-in-law. Both the Crystal Empire monarchs head back to the Planet of Sol moment after the verdict was read in court.

Slowly a second door whoosh up in the chamber and in walks a beautiful purple colored alicorn mare with dark sapphire blue with moderate purple and brilliant rose streak mane and tail. Her 5ft 5in athletic equine figure was encased in gray-colored skin-tight life support suit with various connections about the suit to maintain essential body functions why she in suspended animation. A pair of plain-looking booties covered her small purple plush and smooth feet. This Alicorn mare was ex-princess of Friendship Twilight Sparkle.

It five hours earlier the last request of Princess Twilight Sparkle before being frozen she asked for a private visit with Emperor Justice Silverlight in a private interview room. The last request was granted to her. A few moments later Emperor Justice Silverlight arrived at the private interview room. Sitting behind the table in a room wearing the gray-colored skin-tight life support suit was Twilight.

"You request a private meeting with me Twilight," Justice said taking a seat on the opposite side of the table in front of Twilight.

"I did Justice, as I always say I trust you. So I hope you will fulfill my last request." Twilight said dishearten as tears come to her eyes.

"I'll try if I can, Twilight." Justice comment.

"Thank you, Justice. My request is that you take over the rule of my Friendship Kingdom and be the head of my Friendship Assembly. It will be much easier to transition if the pony that takes over personally knows each member of my Assembly." Twilight explains as Justice gasps.

"I am sorry Twilight, but I can't fulfill that request. But I do know who Princess Cadence is going to appoint to rule your Friendship Kingdom and be the head of your Friendship Assembly." Justice explains as Twilight dries her tears.

"Who?" Twilight asked.

"My younger daughter Solar Princess Blueberry Swirl Silverlight. She will be the new Princess of Friendship and ruler of the Friendship Kingdom. As well as the head of the Friendship Assembly. Like me, she personally knows all the members of the friendship Assembly." Justice explains as Twilight form a beatific smile on her snout with the news that Solar Princess Blueberry Swirl Silverlight will be running the Friendship Kingdom.

"Now I can sleep for ten years, in dreamless sleep." Twilight said relieved.

Back in the stasis chamber sentence rooms, the Female Galactic technician has finish hooking up all the wires and tubes to Twilight's skin-tight life support suit, she kneels down and pulls the booties off of twilight's small purple plush and smooth feet as she must be frozen barefooted.

With her feet bare a chill runs up Twilight's back each time the warm balls of her feet make contact with freezing metal staircase leading up to the capsules. After helping Twilight into a comfortable position in the capsules, the Galactic Technician affixed a large oxygen mask to Twilight’s head and snout once in place.

She closes and seals the capsule glass door on the front. The moment she presses the button on the capsule it instantly frosts over. She watches all the monitoring instruments on the capsule begin to stabilize and turn her attention toward the instrument that is monitoring Twilight's brain waves. Once her brain waves stabilize, she knows that Twilight is now in dreamless sleep.

"May, the first star forgive you for your crime, Princess Twilight Sparkle. Went the first star forgives you, you will be once again welcome back from your dreamless sleep. Rest now in the cosmic embrace of the mother constellation. May she protect you from being harm as you seek forgiveness from the first star." The Galactic Technician recited as she draws a four-pointed star on the frosted glass of capsules over Twilight's heart.

THE END