Chapter 43 - Discussion

Mount Aris, The next day

Princess Cadance rolled erratically underneath the covers, as a tight grimace crossed her face. Amore and Shining Armor began to rouse from their own slumber as they heard their loved one’s distress, and they blinked open their eyes to see what was going on.

The Princess of Love was panting heavily as if she had been running. She also seemed to be locked in a death battle with her covers, and fear was evident on her features.

Amore slipped out of her own bed and swiftly moved to her daughter’s side, while the prince sat up to gently place his hoof on his wife's shoulder and softly shaking her awake.

"Cady?" Shining quietly cooed. "It is just a nightmare, you can wake up now."

"He's right, it is just a nightmare, Cadenza. You don't have to experience it." Amore added.

Cadance slowly came to a halt as her eyelids fluttered open. The morning sun’s rays nearly blinded her as they made contact with her eyes, causing her to blink rapidly as she wiped away the sleep with the back of her hoof. She then sat up in the bed and looked around in confusion, her sleep addled mind figuring out where and when she was. Eventually her gaze rested on her husband and her mother, who were providing the Princess of Love with comforting smiles.

"Mom? Shiny? Is it morning already?" The Princess of Love sleepily asked.

"Yes." Amore replied. "Though it seemed like the morning couldn’t come quickly enough for you, Cadenza."

Cadance nodded his head. "Y-yes. You could say that…"

"Another nightmare?" The prince asked in concern.

Almost like she was a foal again, the Princess of Love simply gave a sheepish nod in confirmation.

Shining sighed. "Was it about… King Sombra again? Like the one Princess Luna halted before?"

Amore looked at the prince in shock before looking back at her daughter.

The room fell silent for a moment, save for the gentle rustle of the curtains in the morning breeze. Cadance’s lips trembled slightly as she glanced away.

"Yes." The Princess of Love admitted. "Except this time it took place here, in Mount Aris. Things started out as normal, we were getting ready for the summit when I took a wrong turn and got lost. After that, Sombra showed up, and then things pretty much went the same as last time."

"What happened the last time?" Amore asked.

Cadance winced, but slowly relaid the events in her last nightmare back at the Crystal Empire yesterday. When she ended her story, a grim faced Amore nodded her head.

"I see." Amore said after a moment, placing a gentle hoof on her daughter’s. "Thank you for sharing that with me, Cadenza. I know it’s not easy to relive these moments, but you don’t have to carry this burden alone. Next time, come to me. I’m here for you."

The Princess of Love met her mother’s gaze, her lip quivering slightly before she nodded. "I will, Mom. Thank you… both of you."

Both Amore and the prince smiled back before Amore asked again. "Whereabouts in the sequence did I interrupt the dream?"

"Around where Auntie Lulu did." Cadance replied, though her face took on an extremely disturbed expression.

Both Amore and Shining gently brought the Princess of Love into an embrace, nuzzling her gently to allay her fears.

"Why is this happening now?" Cadance shakily asked.

"Why what?" Amore asked in return, still holding into her daughter.

"These dreams are only now beginning. As if they are trying to warn me something." The Princess of Love responded.

"How so?" Amore asked with an arched eyebrow.

Cadance hesitated, her gaze distant as though searching for an answer she couldn’t yet find.

The Princess of Love's eyes scrunched her muzzle as she thought back on the last two dreams. The emptiness of the empire and the shadowy form of King Sombra with his eyes piercing deep into her eyes all terrified her beyond belief. What confused her was why was she having nightmares about the umbrum pony's return.

"I'm... I'm not sure, I think this is something else." The Princess of Love responded.

"Oh?" The prince said. "Care to share?"

"Not right now. Later, but after the summit." Cadance responded.

Amore frowned. "Are you sure? We are here to talk whenever you need us, you know that right?"

"Of course I do!" The Princess of Love gave her mother and her husband a reassuring smile. “I just need to sort some things on my own. I promise I will tell you two when I am ready."

"Well, alright. Just go steady OK?" Amore reluctantly said to her daughter with profound motherly concern radiating off of her.

"Don't worry I will, but haven’t we got a summit meeting to get ready for?" Cadance asked.

The three looked over to a clock on the desk, which read that it was eight forty-five.

"Well, we only have fifteen more minutes to rest, and the summit starts at ten fifteen. We might as well get up and ready now." Shining stated.

Amore moved away from the Princess of Love's bed. Amore, with a flick of her horn, took hold of her own bed’s sheets and straightened them out neatly. The Princess of Love and the prince quickly vacated their own bed and did the same.

Cadance moved over to the desk and brought up a small mirror in her magic as she began to sort out her bed-head with Amore waiting behind her while Shining took his armor and put them on him and adjusting them.

As the Princess of Love finished brushing her mane, she glanced at her reflection in the mirror. Though she looked presentable, the faint shadows under her eyes betrayed her restless night. With a quiet sigh, she turned to face her husband and her mother.

"Do you think it’s strange?" Cadance asked suddenly, breaking the silence.

Shining paused mid-adjustment of his armor. "Strange? What do you mean?"

"These nightmares." Cadance clarified. "It’s like they’ve come out of nowhere. First, the Crystal Empire, and now Mount Aris. They’re so vivid… so real. It’s not like the usual dreams I’ve had before."

Amore stepped closer, her expression thoughtful. "Dreams often carry messages, especially for ponies as closely connected to magic as we are. It’s possible they’re trying to tell you something, even if it isn’t clear yet."

The prince furrowed his brow. "But why now? Sombra was defeated years ago. If he’s really gone, what could these dreams mean?"

"That’s what’s bothering me." The Princess of Love admitted, pacing the room. "I feel like there’s a piece of the puzzle I’m missing. Something... hidden in plain sight."

Amore’s gaze softened. "Perhaps Luna could help. Dreamwalking is her domain, after all. She might be able to interpret the meaning behind these visions."

Cadance hesitated, her wings twitching slightly. "I… I could ask her. But part of me wonders if I need to figure this out on my own first. What if it’s something only I can understand?"

Shining walked over to his wife, placing a reassuring hoof on her shoulder. "You don’t have to carry this alone, Cady. We’re here for you, no matter what. After this meeting, we will try to make of these dreams out."

The Princess of Love smiled at her husband and her mother.

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Amore, Cadance and Shining were admitted entrance to the meeting chamber by the two hippogriff guards guarding the one and only doorway leading inside. Hurricane was talking to the Crystal Imperial guard nearby going over a few final security checks as the long awaited summit meeting was about to begin.

Princess Skystar and several nobles were already sat in their respective seats. Queen Novo and King Crestwing, being the event’s organisers, sat in the seats at the ‘head’ of them all, examining all new arrivals.

Both the queen and the king of the hippogriffs glanced at the three ponies with smiles.

"Lots of nobles here today." The prince pointed out at the amount of hippogriff nobles seated in their seats, some of them looking at the papers while others were discussing with each other.

Amore looked over to where Shining was gesturing to. "Well, the finalisation for the alliance between Equestria & Crystal Empire and Mount Aris & Seaquestria are important to them, so I think it was naturally important for them to be here.

The Princess of Love exchanged polite greetings to the nobles who walked pass her. Though the weight of her dreams lingered, she pushed it aside for now.

"You highnesses." A voice called to their right.

The three ponies turned to see a crystal hippogriff guard approaching them.

"Yes, what can I do for you?" Cadance asked.

The crystal hippogriff levitated a list. "Your seats."

"Ah, I see." Amore said. “Where are we located?”

"Four seats to Queen Novo's and King Crestwing's right." The crystal hippogriff responded.

"Thank you." The Princess of Love said with a smile.

The crystal hippogriff gave a respectful salute before moving off.

"Come now, Cadenza and Shining. We best take our seats." Amore gestured her family.

Nodding, Cadance and the prince followed. On reaching their assigned spots, they sat down in the chairs. The royal couple saw most of the nobles setting down their paperwork before straightening themselves up with other still discussing with each other. Meanwhile the guards including Hurricane within the meeting chamber all took their positions around the table, straightening themselves up and ready themselves for any threats that comes to the royals.

All conversations and actions suddenly died as a cough from King Crestwing caught the attention of all those present. When he was satisfied that he and his wife had all of their attention, he smiled.

"If all are present, my husband and I are pleased to announce this summit meeting is now in session. Before we start, we have three royals to welcome. Princesses Amore and Mi Amore Cadenza and Prince Shining Armor are from the Crystal Empire and are here for the finalisation of the alliance between Equestria & Crystal Empire and Mount Aris & Seaquestria." Queen Novo gestured her talon to the three ponies to introduce them.

All eyes turned to examine the three ponies and introduced themselves to them.

As the introductions concluded, the queen of the hippogriffs stood, her presence commanding yet warm. She raised a talon, gesturing for quiet as the chamber grew completely still.

"We gather here today to solidify an alliance that promises prosperity and protection for all our nations." Novo began, her voice regal and confident. "Mount Aris and Seaquestria have long valued peace and friendship, and with Equestria and the Crystal Empire standing beside us, we are forging a bond unbreakable by time or trials."

A murmur of agreement rippled through the chamber before falling silent again. The king of the hippogriffs nodded to his wife before addressing the attendees.

"To ensure this alliance is more than words, we must discuss the practicalities—mutual aid, trade agreements, and joint defense strategies." Crestwing said. "Before we dive into the details, however, let us hear from our esteemed guests from the Crystal Empire. Princess Amore, Princess Cadenza, Prince Shining Armor—the floor is yours."

All eyes turned toward the three ponies and Amore stood first.

"Thank you, Crestwing." Amore began with a respectful bow. "The Crystal Empire is honored to be part of this historic moment. As a nation rebuilt on the foundation of love and unity, we are committed to ensuring this alliance is fruitful for all parties involved. And I believe that together, we can address threats more effectively, share resources, and create opportunities that benefit every creature under our care."

Amore paused, letting her words settle before sitting back down nodding at her daughter, prompting Cadance to stood up.

"Your Majesties and esteemed delegates The Princess of Love began. "As Princess of the Crystal Empire and a representative of Equestria, I believe this alliance symbolizes more than just mutual benefit. It’s a declaration—a stand against the forces that would divide us. Not to mention, some creatures and ponies from across Equis that had helped the Crystal Imperial guards to rebuild my mom's body and bring her back to life are now living in the Crystal Empire and the outpost cities as citizens or guards while others returned back to their homelands."

A stronger wave of approval followed Cadance's words while the king of the hippogriffs and his wife smiled before she sat back down and nodded at her husband, prompting the prince to stood up.

"Your Majesties and esteemed delegates." Shining began. "I speak as a soldier and protector. This alliance is not just an agreement—it’s a promise. A promise that if one of us faces danger, the others will stand ready and help."

The prince scanned the room, meeting the gazes of the delegates. "This summit is the first step, but it’s the actions we take after today that will define our legacy. Let us ensure that legacy is one of unity and strength."

The chamber filled with approving murmurs and nods. Both the queen and the king of the hippogriffs exchanged satisfied glances before the queen gestured for the discussions to continue.

"Thank you, Princesses and Prince." Novo said warmly. "Your words reflect the spirit of this alliance. Let us now address the key topics of our treaty. First on the agenda: shared defense initiatives."

A hippogriff delegate, adorned in a sash denoting their role as Minister of Defense, stood and unfurled a scroll. "With our nations’ proximity to uncharted waters and regions still recovering from the Storm King’s reign, it is imperative we establish a unified response protocol. Mount Aris provides naval dominance over the eastern seas while Seaquestria provides submarine defense and aquatic reconnaissance."

The Minister turned to Shining . “Prince Shining Armor, as the Crystal Empire’s Captain of the Guard, we welcome your insight. How do you propose coordinating our forces for maximum effectiveness?”

The prince nodded his head, his tactical mind already analyzing the question.

"Thank you, Minister." Shining began. "To coordinate our forces effectively, we must first establish a unified chain of command during joint operations. While each nation retains its autonomy over its military, there should be designated leaders from each force who report directly to an allied council."

The prince paused, looking around the room to gauge the reactions of the delegates before continuing. "This council could consist of representatives from Mount Aris, Seaquestria, Equestria, and the Crystal Empire. It would oversee joint training exercises, manage intelligence sharing, and facilitate rapid communication in the event of a threat. Additionally, a shared code of conduct for combined operations would ensure seamless cooperation between our forces."

The Minister of Defense nodded thoughtfully, but one of the hippogriff nobles, an older delegate with sharp eyes and a silver crest, raised a talon. "And what of logistics, Prince Armor? Combining forces is an admirable goal, but it requires considerable resources. How do you propose we allocate them without straining any single nation?"

Shining gave a small, confident smile. "Excellent question. Logistics are indeed the backbone of any military effort. My proposal is to establish centralized supply depots strategically positioned near key regions. Each nation could contribute proportionally based on its capabilities—Mount Aris and Seaquestria, for example, could focus on naval supplies and marine provisions, while the Crystal Empire and Equestria could provide land-based support, such as rations and medical supplies."

A murmur of approval rippled through the chamber as the prince's words resonated with practicality.

"Furthermore..." Shining added. "Regular drills involving all our forces would allow us to identify and address logistical challenges before they become critical during an actual crisis."

The Minister of Defense and other delegates nodded, clearly impressed by the prince's well-thought-out plan.

As the prince resumed his seat, the Minister stood again. "Your Highnesses, delegates, it is clear that the Crystal Empire brings invaluable expertise to this alliance. Prince Armor’s suggestions provide a strong foundation for our shared defense initiatives. I recommend we further explore these proposals during specialized sessions after the summit."

The chamber erupted in nods and approving murmurs. Both Novo and Crestwing raised their talons once more, signalling for order.

"Thank you, Prince Shining Armor, for your insight. With that, let us move to the next topic on finalisation of the alliances between Equestria and Crystal Empire and our nation." The king of the hippogriffs stated.

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Crystal Empire

As the sun slowly moved across the sky, Strawberry Dusk blinky opened her eyes and stretched her forelegs before going slump onto her bed.

"Another day, another day to get ready for guarding." The unicorn guard muttered to herself, before reluctantly getting off her bed and head to the bathroom to clean herself up to get ready for guarding the Crystal Heart.

Unbeknownst to Strawberry as she made her way toward the bathroom, the storage chest near the closet had the lid opened slightly as Radiant Hope peaked through the slit, watching the unicorn guard making her way to the bathroom.

The crystal unicorn was trembling. If she somehow botched this up, she would be taken into dungeon, failing to curing her best friend from the darkness with the Crystal Heart.

Shaking her head, Hope put on her determined face and silently opened the storage chest's lid before stealthy got out. She then silently made her way to the bathroom

Author's Note

Oh no.