Twilight was quietly reading in her chambers dressed in a pink dress.
The door to her chambers opened, catching Twilight's attention.
"Your majesty, it's time," a brown earth pony with a blue and white striped mane said to her dressed in a suit without the tie.
Twilight nodded and smiled warmly, "Thank you, Ink Blossom," Twilight closed her book, "Let's get this over with."
Twilight got up from her seat with her regalia, and dress perfect for the meeting. A Unicorn with a white coat and red mane dressed in a suit and tie lifted his hoof and spoke into his sleeve.
"Regal on the move,"
Twilight walked by as two more guard ponies dressed in similar attire in the hallway moved into a wedge formation around her, the two in front armed with an H&S (Hoof and Steel) MK2 Submachine gun.
"Thank you as always, Captain Kylo," Twilight smiled as she trots alongside her security.
Kylo smiled and nodded, "anything for you, your majesty."
Twilight would have responded, but Ink Blossom slipped her small frame between the guards to Twilight's side.
Ink Blossom hoofed over some papers which Twilight grabbed with her magic, "Here is your script, your majesty. Your talking points are in order as asked."
Twilight smiled thankfully, she had such competent staff. "Thank you, Ink Blossom. You are dismissed for the night if you want to go home."
Ink Blossom smiled and bowed, "Thank you, I will take my leave, your highness."
Two Equestrian Soldiers in full combat gear stood at the entrance to the throne room, each armed with M-2 standard infantry rifles. As they opened the door, they rendered a salute.
A horn sounded announcing Twilight's entrance.
Meanwhile, in Silver Shoals.
"Atten-shun!"
A formation of Royal Guards in uniform snapped to attention on TV in the throne room of Canterlot Castle.
Celestia and Luna watched from their retirement home in Silver Shoals; they were still in awe of the impressive magic that could do this.
The crowd and Parliament bowed to Twilight as she and her guard detail crossed the room to the throne pedestal.
Luna was slowly slipping into a sleep-induced coma, which prompted a chuckle from the former solar monarch.
Twilight moved up to the throne and took her place, the place she had now sat for close to 200 years. Celestia was so proud of her, how she ran Equestria was different, but it was a system that worked.
Twilight began her speech as the crowd continued to stomp their hooves, "Thank you, everypony."
Twilight waited for the crowd to cease applause before she continued.
"Members of Parliament, nobles, and esteemed guests welcome to the annual Equestrian Summit." Twilight continued.
Twilight began looking around the room. "First, I would like to take a moment of silence for our departed."
Celestia watched as the crowd lowered their heads in silence until everypony raised them back up.
"Every year we face new challenges," Twilight continued to look around the room, meeting the gazes of everyone in the room, "this year like any other is no different. Equestria has faced challenges before, and she will do so again and again." The room nodded and gave short applause in approval
Twilight took on an amused look. "I should know I've lived for a few hundred years." The crowd quietly chuckled at the joke.
"Jokes aside, this year is of great importance to the development of Equestria as a whole." Twilight continued her speech, returning her gaze to her paper.
Celestia had gotten up as Twilight continued to speak, Luna was now passed out on the sofa, eliciting a chuckle from the solar deity.
As the speech continued Celestia took her teacup to get a refill and a snack. Upon her return, she pulled the seams of a chip bag gently opening it. And yes it took a lot of practice and a few chip bags scattering all over the floor to master the art as it were.
Celestia sat back down taking a chip from the bag and savoring the salty treat in her mouth before swallowing.
"As always, we will support our allies in the north with whatever they need." Twilight was still speaking.
"It is the right for every Equestrian to be safe, Trottingham has been under threat specifically of ever-expansive Griffons, and I have said this before, I will never bow down to imperialist demands," Twilight said with defiance, "Trottingham? I promise you, that we will not abandon you." The crowd gave another strong applause of approval.
Suddenly there was a flash of light off-camera, and Twilight looked at it in confusion.
"What in Celestia's name is that?" Twilight asked.
Celestia looked at the screen in confusion as a commotion stirred up the guard around her, one of them ran towards her.
A brief expression of terror overtook her as the screen went blue, indicating a loss of signal.
Celestia picked up the remote and changed the channel, and the other programs were coming in fine.
Celestia looked over to her passed out sister, "Sister? Wake up." Luna stirred and rolled over, looking at the blue screen. "Is Twilights summit over?" Luna asked wiping sleep from her eyes.
Celestia shook her head, putting her tea down.
"No it was-" Celestia was cut off as shouting came from outside the room they were in.
Suddenly the door burst open, and heavily armed guard ponies swarmed in.
Luna and Celestia sat up in shock.
"Secure the residence scan the room for spell charge up!" One of the guards barked at the others.
A guard came in with a device and looked at it. "Its clean Sergeant." He said other guards began sweeping surrounding rooms and scanning surfaces with devices.
"What is the meaning of this?!" Luna shouted still confused as to what was going on. More guards entered the room and, swarmed around them.
The Guard Sergeant finally approached them.
"Miss Celestia, Miss Luna, we have lost all contact with Canterlot, the castle stopped responding after the loss of signal." The guard informed them.
Suddenly the TV signal returned with the news anchor, everyone turned and looked at the TV. She was distressed about whatever was going.
"We apologize for the interruption, but we are getting reports of a powerful explosion from Canterlot Castle." The news screen went to an image of smoke rising from the castle as the area where the throne room would be was up in flames.
Everyone stood shocked at the image until the Guard Sergeant spoke up.
"We need to move now. Miss Celestia and Miss Luna. I need you to come with us immediately." Luna stood up worriedly but Celestia remained fixed on the TV screen.
Celestia suddenly stood up in concern.
"Twilight..." Celestia kept her eyes firmly planted on the screen
"Miss Celestia!" One of the guards snapped her out of her trance.
"Be advised, we are moving to charlie extract with Daybreak and Nightmare." The sergeant spoke into his sleeve
Luna looked back to Celestia in concern. "You going to be okay sister of mine?"
The guards began to usher them out, and they walked forward out of the room leaving the room a disaster.
Celestia looked at her sister. " I don't know Luna."
With that, she turned back to the sergeant.
"Sergeant, what is happening. Where are we going?"
The Guard Sergeant turned his head.
The Guard Sergeant turned back forward and spoke "We are currently taking you to extraction. Pegasi transport will be there to pick you up."
"My sister asked tho where we are going, that doesn't say anything," Luna retorted.
The Guard Sergeant shook his head.
"I must maintain secrecy ma'am, the house could be bugged. I can't chance you being threatened."
Celestia raised an eyebrow, "Us? Why would we be under threat?"
The Guard Sergeant continued their walk as they descended the main staircase to the front door where their maid opened the door for them. "You two are still symbols of hope for Equestria, every member of the Equestrian government was present at that meeting, including Princess Cadence and Princess Luster Dawn."
As they passed the maid she nodded a look of horror written on her face.
"Good luck your majesties," she blessed as they walked outside.
The house was swarmed by black SUVs and a few Army trucks with MK-14 Machine guns mounted.
The Guard Sergeant was quick to bark orders, "Get them in separate vehicles, we're rolling out!"
Luna was herded to the third vehicle while Celestia was herded to the lead vehicle. Both huffed at the fact they were being Stallion handled by their guards.
The Guard Sergeant got into the passenger seat of the lead vehicle and the purple and white flashing lights lit up the courtyard to the residence as the convoy had a gun truck pull out in front of them, and a gun truck to the rear.
The roads of silver shoals were dark with minimal street lighting.
"Sergeant Dust, come in over."
The sergeant pickup the walkie on the dash and spoke into it.
"Send it Spitfire One." He replied.
"Be advised, enact Alicorn Contingency, I repeat, enact Alicorn Contingency. Regal is confirmed KIA and Crystal, and Sunrise are still missing." The radio sounded. The mood quickly went sour in the SUV, Celestia was the only one thoroughly confused.
Celestia found herself wondering what Alicorn Contingency was, "What does that mean?" Celestia asked.
Dust turned back to her. "Alicorn Contingency is when the former Alicorn rulers, AKA, you, and your sister are to enact continuity of government."
Celestia seemed to understand what he was saying but didn't like it one bit.
"Please don't tell me-" Celestia began but was stopped by Dust. "Yes, your majesty, Princess Sparkle, is confirmed dead, your majesty." Dust turned back to look out the windshield
Celestia shrunk back at this news. Looking closely you could see a single teardrop escape her eye. She turned away to hide it.
Dust turned around as Celestia wiped the tear away, "your majesty, you and your sister are the only ones who can control the sun and the moon now, you are now the Monarchs of Equestria." The rest of the ride was quiet and somber, Celestia didn't ask any more questions. She had all the information she needed.
[To be continued...]
24 hours prior to the attack...
Princess Mi Amora Cadenza was rushing as a crystal pony in a black suit waited for her by the entrance to the room.
Cadence frantically squeezed into her dress "Shining!? Are you almost ready?!"
A shuffle came from the bathroom, a white unicorn that unmistakenly Shining Armor strolled out in his old military uniform.
Cadence smiled. "Looking good for a 327-year-old stallion." Cadence teased.
Shining Armor retaliated, "There has to be an old stallion to show the new ones how to be one." He quipped
Cadence looked back at the mirror as she began to brush her mane. "I'm forever grateful that we did manage to find a way to make you immortal too."
Shining Armor walked to his wife and planted a kiss on her cheek.
"Well, I couldn't just leave you and Flurry Heart with nothing to do now could I?"
Speaking of the devil herself Flurry Heart barged into the room "Mom? Dad?"
She walked past the guard by the door wearing her regalia.
Cadence smiled at her daughter, "You know it's rude to barge into other ponies rooms right?"
Flurry Heart rolled her eyes at the teasing.
"Do you know what you're doing sweetie?" Cadence turned to her as Shining Armor began to walk over to them.
Flurry Heart smiled and sat down on their bed. "Of course, the Empire will be just the way you left it when you return."
Shining Armor walked up to her and gave a playful grin.
"Remember, no summoning of evil tyrants," he teased.
Flurry Heart gasped and punched her dad playfully. "It was the one-time dad!" Shining hugged her and laughed heartily. "I'm a dad, it's my job to worry." Shining Armor said.
Cadence jumped between them pulling them together in a hug. "Oh leave her alone Shining, come pay more attention to me."
Flurry Heart made a face of disgust
"Gross! I'm out of here!" Flurry Heart dashed out of the room eliciting a chuckle from the guard.
"Nature will catch up eventually dear!" Cadence called.
The two shared a brief laugh after successfully flustering their daughter.
"Your majesties, are you ready?" The guard asked.
Shining Armor looked back at Cadence offering his hoof, "Ready?"
Cadence fixed her dress. "As I'll ever be." The two began to walk to the door as Cadence took his hoof.
The Guard lifted his hoof to his ear.
"Crystal and Crystal 6 are moving to the front."
Cadence and Shining Armor walked hoof in hoof out into the hall where more crystal guards awaited them and they formed a loose diamond around the couple as they walked to the front entrance.
Shining Armor opened the floor "It has been a while since I've seen Twily, we might have to stay a few days after the formalities."
Cadence smiled.
"That would give Flurry Heart plenty of practice running the Empire! Don't you think!?" Cadence beamed.
Well, we raised her so I know she can do it." Shining Armor replied with a peck on the cheek
Cadence looked back ahead, she was indeed proud of Flurry Heart. This would make a good test for her indeed.
Speaking of, they arrived at the staircase where she was waiting to wish them farewell.
A horn announced their presence and guards in formal uniforms stood at attention, all had rifles shouldered and the two at the end were holding the flag of the empire, and on the opposite side was the banner of the Royal Family. They walked downstairs and met at the bottom, as they met one of the royal advisors trot up to Flurry Heart in a sense of urgency.
Cadence knew that look well, it wasn't good.
She whispered something in her ear, her ears flattened to her head. Now Cadence had her interest peaked.
"Is something wrong?" Cadence inquired.
Flurry Heart and the advisor looked over and Flurry Heart smiled.
Flurry Heart smiled reassuringly "Oh, it's nothing. Just a small thing that happened in one of the Crystal foundries, nothing I can't handle." Cadence raised an eyebrow.
"Okay..." Cadence paused, "I trust you can put a lid on it then?"
Flurry Heart nodded with a gulp, "Yup," her nervousness showed.
Cadence smiled reassuringly, she let go of Shinings hoof and walked over to her. "Remember what I taught you and you'll do fine. What exactly is it?"
"Well it's..." Flurry Heart stopped biting her tongue. "I have it handled," The younger Alicorn said raising Cadences suspicions and she was about to press further when the guard spoke up.
"Your majesty, we're running behind schedule." The guard rudely interrupted.
Cadence turned her head like she wanted the wring his neck for a brief second to realize they were on a time crunch she looked back to Flurry Heart and smiled reassuringly.
"Well, alright then, but I expect a full report on this when I return." Cadence gave Flurry Heart homework.
Flurry Heart rolled her eyes annoyed that she was given an assignment. "Yes, mother."
Cadence smiled and brought Flurry into a hug. "I love you, sweetie,"
Flurry Heart hugged her back, "Love you too mom."
Cadence smiled went back to her husband and retook his hoof. Shining Armor seemed intrigued by the little talk that just happened, "What was that all about?" Cadence just smiled and took a relaxing breath. "I'm not too sure, but I'm sure Flurry has it handled."
Shining Armor looked a bit nervous "That's..." He paused choosing his words carefully, "Not very comforting." Cadence rested her other hoof on his to calm him down.
"Relax. This trip's for us lets just let the stress of the kingdom go away, and it will still be here when we return." Cadence reassured, it seemed to curb his worries for now.
The two exited the palace while a nervous Flurry Heart smiled like an idiot while dreading the inevitable.
With a sigh, she turned to the advisor. "How many went missing?"
"Eight units your majesty." The advisor replied. Flurry Hearts metaphorical jaw hit the floor
"E-Eight units?!" Flurry Heart stammered
The advisor stepped back with a nervous smile. "I just lied to my parents and told them it was not serious! How are eight units of Magical Fuel Cells not serious?!"
The advisor decided to tread lightly with this "I-" She started but was cut off. "Do you know what a single unit is? A single unit is roughly twelve pounds."
Flurry Heart stopped and recollected herself to conduct herself in a better manner, with a deep breath she spoke, "Get me everything you got on this right now."
"Right away, your majesty." The advisor took off to complete the task.
A brown maid pony with a green glow to her eyes darted down a hallway out of sight.
A line of 5 SUV's went down the street with flashing blue lights.
Police cars blocked streets with Crystal Police Officers stopping traffic to the train station.
In the third SUV Princess Cadence, and Shining Armor sat unknowing of the situation transpiring at the palace.
They sat holding hooves.
Cadence sat back in the seat letting the stress roll off of her
The ride wasn't long, they pulled into the train station to a gated off area where members of the press were waiting to take pictures and hoping for interviews.
Crystal Police Officers stood as a barrier to the press.
"Dismounting," the guard spoke.
The guard in the front seat disembarked and scanned the crowd for threats. Finding none he went back to the door and opened the door allowing Cadence and Shining Armor to exit.
The press immediately began to bark over each other, a few camera clicks and news cameras stayed on them as they moved into the train station. No interviews today.
The station was empty other than the Crystal soldiers patrolling the Royal train.
They were across the platform and onto the blacked-out train car that would be their quarters.
The brown mare from earlier descended the stairs into the basement of the palace.
She looked around nervously before rounding a corner to a boiler room.
The air was thick, the moment the mare entered the room she closed the door.
A flash of green revealed a Changeling.
The Changeling looked around the room "Where are you? I have urgent news."
"What kind of news?" A deep and somber voice deadpanned from the darkness.
"They found out about the missing units," the Changeling sounded panicked, "They may be onto us."
The darkness was silent for but a moment before it spoke again.
"Relax, by the time they realize where it went it will be too late." The Changeling just scoffed at this statement. "And if they find out?"
The being in question stepped from the darkness, a hooded figure with red glowing eyes stared the Changeling down making her shrink under it's scrutinizing gaze. "They won't if you know what is good for you."
With that the being disappeared into a shadow.
The Changeling stopped shaking as she heard the door click and quickly, she reverted back to her disguise.
A guard used a lighting spell and illuminated her.
"Hey. What are you doing down here?" The guard interrogated.
The mare grabbed a broom that was standing up against the door frame. "I was looking for a broom, figured somepony may have put one down here."
The Guard wasn't immediately convinced, "I heard some talking down here. Who else is with you?" The guard walked by her to check the room.
"Uh, nopony, I just talk to myself sometimes." The mare smiled delightfully.
The guard as you could have guessed found nothing. So the guard sighed and looked her in the eye. "Go back upstairs. Maids are not allowed down here." The guard commanded in a threatening tone.
The Changeling shrunk back with a nervous smile. "Yes, sir. Right away sir."
With that, she trots away and the guard fixed the sling for his rifle and shook his head. "The royal family really needs to stop hiring these looneys."
A few hours passed and the warehouses searched for the cells for hours on end. Flurry Heart and the advisor helping her could feel the lack of sleep catching up with them.
Flurry Heart looked disheartened that they haven't been found yet.
"Your majesty?" The advisor asked groggily.
Flurry Heart sighed with a yawn, she was exhausted. "Have the Royal Crystal Police open an investigation in the morning if we have any evidence, cooperate fully with them."
The Advisor smiled and exhaled in relief, "Right away your majesty."
Flurry Heart got up and stretched her limbs with yet another yawn. "You are dismissed Gemstone. Have a good night."
Gemstone, as she was known, yawned and smacked her lips.
"I do hope I can drive home okay." She said as she sleepily walked out of the room.
Flurry Heart exited the room heading towards her quarters as a couple of guards followed her there.
The office door was left open a crack and a mares shadow dashed to the door and into the room.
Train rides always left Cadence aching, probably the bumps in the aging rails.
The SUV rolled down the crowded streets of Canterlot. The city was a mess of traffic in the new era. Cadence and Shining Armor almost didn't recognize it anymore.
The lights remained off to blend in with the other traffic, being the only vehicle had its disadvantages.
The approach to Canterlot castle was blocked by a mix of Royal Guard trucks, and Canterlot Sheriff cars.
The SUV activated it's lighting and went to a Royal Guard Checkpoint and stopped when a Royal Guard came over to the window.
With his rifle slung he looked inside, The pony driving held a badge up to the window and the guard nodded. The vehicle pressed on as the guard rendered a salute.
The only traffic up here would be government traffic only. At least for tonight.
The drive to the castle gates was pretty uneventful.
The SUV then peeled off into an area that went underneath the castle.
A guard noticed them approaching. from his post at the entrance to the castle.
The Guard looked through his binoculars to read the license plate and compared it to what he had on file. "Crystal is here, open the gate!" The other guards opened the gate for them allowing access.
They then pulled into a parking area that was designated for them.
Upon parking, the passenger got out, performing his safety scan.
"Clear."
With that Cadence opened her door and Shining Armor and her exited from their respective sides.
The Royal Guard at the security checkpoint checked them off a list, then picked up the phone. "All Royals inside the building."
Everything seemed to relax as another pink Alicorn began her approach.
"Princess Cadence!"
Cadence beamed at the sight of Luster Dawn and her own guard detail, and galloped off towards her. The two met in a hug.
"It's been so long. How have you been?" Cadence asked with the same beaming smile never faltering.
Luster Dawn giggled and pulled away.
"I've been good, being the princess of friendship isn't that exciting though," Luster Dawn complained
Cadence giggled in turn. "That's what makes it easy, gives you more time for things. I'd give my hind leg for that position."
Luster Dawn smiled wider pulling her back into a hug, "It has been too long Cadence."
Shining Armor came up and smiled ruining the moment. "Okay ladies, come on, we have a meeting to get too."
Cadence just dismissed him with a wave of the hoof. "Screw the meeting, let's just spend all night with Dawny." Shining Armor quickly put a hoof to his chest and inhaled dramatically. Then he pointed his hoof at her with a playful smile. "Better not let Twily hear you say that." The group laughed for a few seconds before breaking it up.
One of Luster Dawns Guards looked at her watch, "Your majesties. The meeting is set to start in thirty minutes."
Cadence looked almost shocked, "We cut it really close it seems."
Luster Dawn, Cadence, and Shining Armor all began to walk together to the throne room their personal guards mixing in together.
"Crystal and Sunrise coming into the throne room as we speak,"
At the radio call, the Royal Guards created a path for the three to walk.
The throne room was decorated with plenty of seating for members of Parliament, and the Royalty had reserved seats at the front. They got to their seats and sat down. Cadence and Luster Dawn sat talking to each other and members of the nobility and parliament.
Shining Armor sat listening in on the conversation but his thoughts were elsewhere. He just couldn't shake the feeling of something suspicious.
The only thing Cadence remembered was seeing the blue flash, upon laying eyes on it, it was obvious what it was. The next thing that happened was Shining Armor yelling to get down.
Cadence hit the floor as Shining jumped over the top of her. The blast was deafening, there were screams for but a second before they were snuffed out cold and darkness filled her vision.
Cadence opened her eyes and groaned, eliciting a cough, dust came out of her mouth and she spat out a few stones.
Moving was near impossible with the weight resting on top of her.
Wait, wasn't it was Shining Armor on top of her? She looked up to see Shining Armor covered in concrete dust with eyes wide open. "Shining?"
She brought her hoof up and nudged him, his hoof fell limp as the life that was in his eyes was gone. Cadence suddenly felt tears well in her eyes.
"Shiny?!" She cried out his name in a weak emotional agony, she couldn't tell what were tears and what was blood anymore as she lay there with her dead lover staring at her. Those eyes she once loved now haunted her as they billowed into her soul.
"Shiny, please..." It didn't take long for her to break. She allowed her head to rest on the dusty and scratched floor. The tears began to flow freely. 'Why am I still alive? Why didn't it take me too?' Cadence thought as tears trickled from her snout.
She noticed a column on top of Shining Armor that was going over his back. She attempted to charge up her horn but her injuries proved too draining even attempt magic.
A slight movement caused a jolt of pain in her flank, she could feel the bone prod at her muscle in her leg.
She couldn't do anything, she was helpless.
"Help..." Cadence called but very weak.
"Somepony help!" She cried, her voice echoed through the carnage this time.
However, no response came.
She was alone, with nothing but the eyes of her dead husband staring at her. Cadence could tell she was under a pile of what used to be walls and ceiling. Maybe Faust herself would cut off the oxygen flow in here and just allow her to die.
She lay there letting the tears fall to the porcelain floor, haunted by her dead husband's eyes staring at her
Fire Engines, police cars, and even some Royal Guard MP vehicles. Purple lights were flashing all around.
As fire ponies pulled their hoses and shouted commands to one another, a black SUV pulled up to the command tent. Out of the passenger seat, a unicorn stepped from one of the vehicles his hooves made a heavy clop on the pavement. He had a black coat, with a black and white mane, and he wore a vest that had the agency he worked for on it. S.M.I.L.E.
He trots past police officers, fire chiefs, and everypony else on his way into the command post.
Upon arriving a few Royal Guards glanced up at him but quickly went back to their tasks.
A bloodied and bandaged and very angry looking Royal Guard Captain was barking orders when he noticed the stallion approaching.
"Agent Black, you made it." Kylo extended a hoof
The stallion known as Agent Black walked up with a shake of a hoof.
"Captain Kylo." Black replyed.
Kylo nodded and made a motion with his hoof to follow him.
"Situation still isn't looking very good sir, got multiple casualties, that is including-" Kylo cut himself short on the sentence.
They exited the tent to the outside getting a good look at the castle as a burning spire collapsed into the valley below it.
"Please don't finish that sentence with what I think you are gonna say," Black said with a horrified expression.
Kylo closed his eyes and motioned to the white sheet to his right by the medical tents.
A Guard combat medic removed the sheet to reveal Twilight Sparkle herself. Or what was left of her, you could still see her face and tell it was her but her body was covered in burns and her eyes were partly squinted indicating she passed very recently.
"We did what we could but in the end, there wasn't anything we could do." Kylo lowered his head.
Black closed his eyes, he was hoping this was some horrible dream Luna would wake him up from soon.
"What of the other princesses?" Black asked almost regretting the answer.
Kylo looked up, "Still unaccounted for, but chances are they didn't make it either."
Black breathed a sigh of relief, there was still a chance.
Kylo began to walk towards the wreckage being followed by Agent Black, "We initiated Alicorn Contingency thirty minutes ago. I just hope we're not too late."
Black took a deep breath. "And this is where I come in. What do we know so far?"
Kylo and Black began to walk back into the tent.
Kylo walked keeping pace with Black, "so far, we know the device was teleported in via magical spell, most likely a unicorn, or a changeling."
The gears began to turn in Blacks' head.
"That's not to say anypony couldn't force somepony to do the spell." Black pointed out getting an agreeing nod from Kylo. Black thought a bit more though.
"Send word to every town and city with a library, I want the names of anypony who drew out a book containing teleportation magic." Black walked to the table in the center with a communications pony at a radio.
"That's a very large pool of ponies. If it is a pony." Kylo pointed out.
"Maybe so, but it's a start." Black began and continued his rant, "However teleportation magic is very difficult, it requires years of practice to get it right. You have to know exactly where you want to go or whatever object you're moving is going, which means our culprit has been in the castle before. I also want the entry log for anypony who has had access to the castle in the past five years."
Kylo gave him a look, "Again, that's a huge list."
Black held his hoof up with a smug look. "And then we narrow it down when and if any of the names we get from the library search matches our entry roster." Black raised his hoof to his chin in thought again, "Include a list of castle staff as well."
Kylo rolled his eyes with a smug look of his own, "Anything else?"
Black shook his head. "We can't do much else until we can get in the castle and search the rubble."
The two walked looked out the entrance to the tent at the burning castle crumbling in on itself. "I don't care what you have to do as long as you get the bucker that did this." Kylo stared at the burning castle fire of its own burning in his heart.
Black nodded and looked back at the castle, "All of Equestria will be seething with rage by morning. I hope Princess Celestia enjoyed her retirement, cause shits about to get messy."
The helicopter ride was bumpy, but Celestia informed Luna of what was happening in flight.
Luna seethed in rage, as her hooves dug into the floor of the helicopter.
Ponyville was in view now, and smoke could still be seen from here. A spire fell off the mountain into the valley below.
Sweet Apple Acres looked the same, the trees rustled in the wind as the helicopter flew over, and so did most of the town, besides the addition of paved roads, and some new buildings here and there.
"Your Majesties?!"
Celestia turned her attention to the helicopter crewpony, that called out to them
"We are touch down in three minutes! Mayor Cinnamon Mare is awaiting your arrival!" The crewpony shouted over the engine.
Celestia nodded in understanding. "Thank you!"
"Friendship tower this is Spitfire 01 landing at the emergency platform, we have VIPs on board."
"Lima Charlie Spitfire 01 pad is clear and entourage is standing by."
The helicopter came in for a landing on the tree castles addition.
Celestia and Luna were jolted by the helicopter landing on the pad.
The crewpony opened the sliding door allowing Celestia and Luna to exit onto the platform.
A Royal Guard detail in full combat gear was quick to get to them and form a diamond formation around them and quickly began ushering them inside.
Looking around Celestia could see snipers on the platform, as well as on various balconies of the castle itself.
The general approached them with the mayor flanked by two mares each with a pillow, each also had a crown on it, one that looked similar to Celestia's old crown, and one that looked similar to Luna's old crown.
Celestia could see what was happening, Luna could as well and they were dreading it.
"Your majesties, we really must hurry this along before Equestria descends into further chaos."
Celestia began to read the situation in the hallway. Ponies were scrambling all around, the castle was repurposed in a matter of the last hour as military, and government staff alike moved equipment, computers, and set up emergency centers as Canterlot was out of commission.
"I couldn't agree more," Celestia replied mustering her strength for a long night.
Luna craned up to Celestia and whispered in her ear, "Is this really happening?"
Celestia whispered into her ear respectively.
"I really hope you aren't giving me nightmares," Celestia deadpanned.
Luna and Celestia looked at each other for a moment reading confusion on both of them.
"Well then without further ado we must make this a hasty coronation." Mayor ushered to her advisor.
"Here you go, madam mayor." The mare responded fumbling over the book which the young earth pony mare flipped open to the needed page. It took a while to find the page she needed until she ushered the mares forward with the crowns.
Cinnamon cleared her throat before reading.
"By the power vested in me under royal degree 1784.6 (b), I hereby enact Alicorn Contingency, transferring control of the Equestrian government to Celestia, and Luna, as the Monarchs of Equestria."
Celestia and Luna took deep breaths, lowering their heads to the presenters.
The two mares still looked shell shocked from the face they were making while levitating the crowns onto the heads of the two sisters.
Magic surged through them both signaling control over the sun and the moon to each of them.
Celestia and Luna could feel the weight of old regalia around their necks.
When it was all over they were restored to their old appearance.
Celestia and luna raised their heads.
"Escort the Mayor and her staff off-premises."
"Yes, sir!"
The guard signaled for the mayor and her staff to start moving which they did. With extreme haste.
"Your majesty, we need to get you to the map room. We set up a temporary command center there."
Celestia nodded and flared her wings. It was time to go to work.
Luna took to the air, "Very well then. Sister, I will go to Canterlot and do what I can there."
"Be careful Luna," Celestia spoke in concern.
Luna turned to go and was flanked by a group of what seemed like bat ponies in full black combat gear.
Zapper began to sputter as Celestia moved to calm him.
"General, my sister will handle the hooves on portion in Canterlot. I will stay here and handle the political nightmare as we have always done." Celestia reassured the stallion.
"Very well, your highness. If you trust her to be safe then I trust your judgment." General Zapper replied.
Celestia walked around him with her wings still flared.
The General turned to follow, he was gonna lead the way but he was feeling way more confident in this now.
The castles' throne room was buzzing with activity. Military and civilian staff were arguing about what to do when Celestia opened the door. All activity stopped, Celestia flared her wings, it seems these old tactics didn't fail her.
Celestia looked to the General who took his place at the table.
Celestia had a seat as the staff slowly went back to work.
Celestia searched her brain for the words to say, centuries of rule having been long forgotten.
The staff still argued at the table.
"Everypony please," Celestia spoke but was ignored so she chose a louder option.
"Silence!" Celestia called in the Royal Canterlot Voice.
The room fell silent as a few ponies were now uncovering their ears. They all turned to her with their full attention.
'That's more like it,' Celestia thought and she stood from her seat flaring her wings, and they all looked at her with awe.
"Give me an update, whatever is most pressing at the moment," Celestia spoke with her chin high, and gaze moving to each pony.
A pony with a light grey coat, and black mane in what Celestia recognized as a Wonderbolt uniform.
"Your majesty I have a list of current enemies of ours that may have perpetrated this attack," Celestia nodded as a red pony in a suit stood up making eye contact.
"Your majesty, I am Red Garnet, Royal Defense Director, I'm in charge of all defense-oriented subjects," The pony Celestia could now tell was a Pegasus.
"I thought that job went to the General of my Royal Guard," Celestia raised an eyebrow.
Ponies in the room all looked at each other and back to Celestia.
"Your majesty? We may need to catch you up on current events, with all due respect."
"I beg your pardon?" Celestia looked to General Zapper.
"Times have changed quite a lot since you ruled, your highness." General Zapper stood up.
Celestia nodded in understanding as she sat down again.
"Be that as it may, it may have been a long time since I ruled however before that I served as monarch for well over a thousand years." Celestia looked around the room as she spoke. "This era may be different but eras change a lot over one thousand years. I'll do this as I did it during my time."
General Zapper looked her in the eye as she spoke her next words.
"General, Defense Secretary. I give you the discretion to investigate these findings in any way you see fit, anything major goes through me." Celestia finished.
The staff looked at each other before the defense secretary spoke first.
"Your highness, I request permission to close off the border as well," Defense Secretary Red Garnet asked as another pony in a grey suit stood up.
"We can't do that" She argued.
"I agree! If we close the border much-needed trade won't be able to cross!"
"Trade will be the least of our concerns if the enemy continues to flood in!"
Celestia stood up flaring her wings.
Everyone silenced themselves.
"Bickering won't solve anything dear ponies," Celestia said.
Celestia could tell this was going to be a long night.
While Celestia was dealing with the ministry staff, Luna was flying herself with a squad of Shadowbolts at her rear.
All of them had bat wings and wore an all-black uniform with all-black combat gear, including a mask to hide their identities.
On the approach to Canterlot, a Shadowbolt lifted his hoof to his helmet.
"Your majesty, stop!" He warned.
Luna stopped and looked back at the pony in all black.
"What is it, Sergeant?" Luna scowled at being held up once again.
"Communicating with the ground your majesty, they have weapons pointed at us as we speak," The pony informed as he lifted his hoof to his helmet.
"Ground control hold your fire, Shadow 3-1 actual, escorting Nightmare to ground zero, over."
The pony was silent for a moment as the group flapped their wings in place.
The pony looked up and to Luna.
"We're clear, your majesty," the pony replied.
Luna smiled, "Let us make haste then my knights in shadowy armor!" The Shadow bolts all let out a "Soldiers of the night!" in unison following her closely.
Luna flew to the gateway to the castle where a military police checkpoint was established.
A Royal Guard in a black MP vest stood guard with a gun truck to protect him.
Luna trots forward and they stepped aside, rendering a proper salute as the Shadowbolts formed a tight perimeter around her.
Firefighters, even healers stopped what they were doing seeing one of the princesses themselves here.
A police pony by his car stepped aside allowing them to pass into the command center.
Luna pushed the tent open with her magic and walked in.
Most activities stopped slowly as workers noticed her walking in.
"Make finding survivors the highest priority, specifically Princess Dawn, and Cadence." Kylo gave out more marching orders.
A Rescue Pony nodded, "Yes, sir." The pony said leaving Kylo to continue to nurse his wounds.
Luna startled the old stallion as she approached. "I hope you were planning on greeting me, Captain."
Kylo startled and turned, and a smile lit his face for the first time since the incident.
"I would have if I'd known you were coming, your majesty." Kylo bowed down in respect until Luna coaxed him to rise.
"It has been a long time Captain," Luna remarked.
"That it has been, although I wish it was under better circumstances," Kylo replied.
Luna nodded with a frown, "I wish it were too."
Luna paused looking at the chalkboard they had set up with pictures of those in attendance.
She locked in specifically on the three pictures at the top of the board, the first being a picture of Shining Armor, then Cadence, then Luster Dawn, there was another picture with a red X over the picture it was that of Twilight Sparkle. Luna rested her hoof over the picture.
Luna looked at Twilight smiling back at her with an image of her throne behind her as Kylo got closer.
"Would you like to see her ma'am?" Kylo said.
Luna looked at him, peeling her eyes away from Twilight Sparkle. Kylos expression wasn't any better than hers.
Luna nodded signing for him to lead the way. They went outside and over to the medical area where the sheet she lay under was.
Luna steeled herself for the inevitable. When the medic flipped that sheet Luna fought not to let a teardrop fall.
The medic covered Twilight back up and Kylo turned towards her.
"I really hope I'm wrong when I say this but there's reason to believe the others are also dead." Kylo met Lunas' gaze. Luna shook her head steeling her thoughts, there was gonna be no crying here today.
Luna thought silently for a moment. "Let us get this taken care of."
Luna turned and began to walk towards the castle.
The Shadowbolts looked at each other, "Your majesty?" Luna responded by turning back.
"What are we waiting for? It's all hooves on deck." Luna said.
Kylo immediately smiled.
"Come forth my knights in shadowy armor," Luna looked around seeing a police cruiser sitting on the walkway into the castle.
She walked towards the car and opened the door grabbing the megaphone speaker in her magical field.
"Attention! Everypony! May I have your attention!?" Luna announced into the megaphone.
Fire Ponies, Rescue Ponies, and other responders that were fighting the fires and sifting through rubble looked up to see the Lunar Princess flew up and landed onto the roof of the police car.
"Everypony listen." Luna took a breath and looked over the carnage.
"I know the night has been rough on us all, whether you knew somepony in attendance, or having already lost them."
The responders began to gather around her and the police pony who owned the car returned cringing at the hoof marks she was leaving in the roof.
"Having served the night since the founding of Equestria, I know what nightmares it can hold. The evil that hides in its darkness. I've seen and experienced all of it. I stood tall against it for a thousand years."
The ponies all looked on, the fire ponies had stopped flowing water on the small blazes that cooked in small areas, the Police Ponies looked onto her, as did Royal Guards around them.
"But make no mistake my little ponies, we've stood tall against threats of all magnitudes," Luna spoke as she realized she had news cameras on her as well.
"It would seem I speak to all of Equestria when I say this, we will not run, we will not cower in the face of this threat. Twilight Sparkle founded the ideas of friendship in our hearts, two hundred years ago she defeated the villains of old through the power of combined friendship, we will persevere as we always have."
The ponies looked left and right to each other with smiles spreading to each of them.
"With Friendship in our hearts and determination in our bones, we will remain one under a single banner!" Luna proclaimed thrusting a glowing sword she conjured into the air.
The crews chattered in agreement before Luna got back to the microphone.
"Now let us go see if we can send our beloved ponies home."
The crews got back to work, they seemed to do so with renewed spirits. Luna stepped from the roof of the car meeting the police pony at the door.
"Thank you officer," Luna handed him the microphone.
"That was a beautiful speech, your highness," the officer took the mouthpiece.
Luna left the officer with the mic in his hoof.
The officer then leaned onto the car, "I hope they put you in a museum after all that." The officer spoke to the car, of course, it didn't reply.
Luna and the Shadowbolts spent the next hours helping the rescue crews lift rubble and sift through looking for survivors.
It was hours of tedious work. Work Luna hadn't done in a long time.
They collectively decided to take a break and went back to the command tent.
Luna was now covered in dust and debris so were the Shadowbolts. When they returned they were met by fire ponies and Ponymedics.
"Water, your majesty?" One of the firefighters offered Luna a bottle of water.
Luna smiled and took it gratefully. "Thank you." Luna cracked the seal and took a swig of the bottle.
"Hey! We got a survivor over here!" A Rescue Pony called out to the crowd.
Luna, and the Shadowbolts all shared looks with each other before jumping up and running towards the castle.
Firefighters, and a Search and Rescue pony all pushed the piece of concrete over revealing a brown Earth Pony with a blue and white striped mane. The suit she had been wearing earlier had been torn to shreds, and the dress was torn completely off.
"I need a medic!" One of the firefighters called out.
Luna and the Shadowbolts arrived on-site as a few unicorns pushed their way to the patient.
The first one, an EMS Chief denoted by the white shirt, a mare with a dark blue and light blue mane, and a grey coat.
She reached down and used a spell in her horn to check her life force.
"She's alive but she needs medical attention stat!"
Another Unicorn stallion wearing a black shirt, his black and white coat matched his mane and took a medical collar and fixed it around the ponies neck.
"Everypony move back, we need space!" The Chief pony called.
Kylo was running up as she said this and immediately realized who it was. "It's Chief Advisor Ink Blossom."
The chief nodded flipping open a notepad writing her name down in the pad.
"She's ready to move chief." The ponymedic strapped her into the stokes basket.
The chief nodded and directed them to take her to Canterlot Royal Medical Center.
Luna looked to the sky noticing the time on the clock tower as it struck 6 am.
She looked to her Shadowbolt guards they all looked drained and taxed.
"Sergeant?"
The squad looked to her snapping to attention.
"Who has a camera?" Luna asked.
The sergeant pulled out his phone and looked at her.
"It's six o'clock. Take a photo for me?" Luna was fighting the fatigue herself now.
The squad leader nodded and smiled through his fatigue.
"Let's go lower the moon." Luna turned and walked away towards the throne room
"Yes, ma'am." The Shadowbolt followed her closely.
The area where the throne room used to be was reduced to nothing but rubble and ash.
Luna walked over the concrete and marble of the castle until she reached the throne pedestal which was still intact despite the rest of the castle. being obliterated with the exception of the administration wing of the castle, and the residence of course.
Luna looked back at the Shadowbolts that gathered around as the Squad leader aimed his camera at Luna as she climbed the pedestal.
This was Luna's cue to lower the moon.
She charged magic to her horn and recited the Lunar incantation that Luna memorized oh so long ago.
The Squad Leader watched as the moon went down, and he snapped the picture, a few pictures actually.
A crowd began to gather as the moon lowered over the horizon signifying the end to a dreadful night.
