RE: Eyes to the Heart - Book One Return of Magic

"Any ideas as to how to dissuade them?" Inquired Sunny as the guards formed a circle on their path towards the throne room. They seemed to be flocking toward the strangers. Some seemed to be trying to sneak photographs with portable devices.

The secrecy won't last, good. First, start things out with a few rumors. They have social media, so filters, editing, and other details ought to be common knowledge among these guys. The next stage would be a public appearance. If that pampered princess is as much a clickbait/attention seeker as she seemed to be on that video, she will take any chance she gets to become the center of attention. So, that should be covered. All I need now is to build an argument. Let's try to deduce things here.

What do we know of the Queen? For one, she is loved by her subjects and she has their loyalty. What about her daughters?
One is a carefree speedster. That indicates someone that either is rebellious about their current or their prolonged situation of the pegasus, or she was never the main focus of her mother. Zipp was ready to help but didn't sound like she resented her mother when using her title. So, it must be about the situation of the pegasus. As for the other, she has abandonment issues or she is constantly seeking approval from those around her. So, the mother might be the strict kind but also cares. Maybe, could it be that the long-term situation of the pegasus put her in a routine that made her distant?

"Arden?!" Whispered angrily Sunny as Izzy poked him with her elbow.

"Improvising it right now," Arden replied while keeping his focus on each step he took forward. "But I think I figured out a few things about the queen. It's just conjecture right now. But I think I can handle her."

"Oh, are you going to honey-her up too?" Asked Izzy with a frown as Sunny seemed to turn red and pout.

"No. I'm going to prove we are trustworthy," Countered Arden as he felt a sudden jolt of energy. His body seemed to turn lighter as they approached a huge set of doors that opened as they approached it. A procession of guards was already in place. Trumpets echoed across the room before the guard escorting them took a sudden stop. Arden didn't hesitate and got on his knees.

"U-um, bow before our Queen, Queen Haven?" Said a guard with golden armor as she seemed to be shocked by Arden's actions.

Suddenly, a strange sound, almost like a background song started playing as the sound of wings flapping descended from above. It was strange, almost as if there was something extra occurring with the area. Something, magical?

"Hi, new friend!" Arden heard from behind them before raising his head.

The third variable stood before them, she seemed concerned about her phone as she continued to tap away.

"Guards, state your business, and please make it quick. We're on a very tight schedule today. Before the celebration, Cloudpuff needs his pedicure, Pipp needs to rehearse, and I need to practice my laugh. HA-ha! Hmmm. Still not right," She asked before turning to the group. As soon as she laid eyes on Arden and the rest of the group the Queen let out a loud gasp. "An Earth pony... and a unicorn... in Zephyr Heights?!"

"Yes! Mother!" Intervened Zipp as she pulled out a piece of paper. "While I do think your acting is top-notch. You're scaring our soldiers. Please, we talked about this," She added while presenting the folded piece of paper to the Queen.

The queen seemed to read the contents for a second before trading glances with Zipp. A few seconds of silence after, the Queen began once more with her forced laugh before removing her shades.

"Ah, yes, yes. Do pardon my acting," The Queen said as her eyes glanced towards Pipp. Her eyes went wide while Arden tried to suppress his smile. Pipp had her phone up and seemed to be speaking to it while pointing it towards Arden. "Pipp! Please, stop whispering to your fans. Let them know these are guests. They stand as part of an entourage aiming to bring about a peace meeting. So, please, put them at ease," Said the Queen in a tone that sounded harshly warm.

"Very well, Mother!" Said Pipp with a worried smile. "There you go, Pipsqueaks! Peace envoys! That my sister and my mother were aware of! This is amazing! And not a filter!" She Squealed as Arden heard several fingers tapping around him as the guards seemed to be trying to hide their phones behind their backs.

"I do believe one of you is the leader of this party? Is it the Unicorn in the back?" Haven asked while pointing at Izzy.

"My apologies," Arden intervened as he got up. "As the negotiator appointed by the party, please allow me to introduce us. My name is Arden Sila. I'm an escort for the ambassadors and a neutral party in the negotiations. As for my companions, we have Sunny Starscout, the head researcher of Pony Unity in Maritime Bay, an appointed representative of the Earth Ponies. My other companion is Izzy Moonbow, she is the representative of Briddle Wood and the head artisan of the forest," Arden stated while pointing to each of his friends in order.

"An earth pony researcher?" Inquired Haven as she raised an eyebrow.

"Do believe me. Earth pony ingenuity, engineering, and capacity as builders are behind none of us. They are highly capable and have excellent scholars. I saw Sunny's research. It is sizable and impressive in its contents," Arden countered.

"Then, why is she not speaking for herself?" Inquired Haven as she smiled with confidence.

"I was advised to contain myself. My research on all cultures hit a wall due to the lack of evidence and information from Pegasus and unicorns. So, my excitement could prove to be hazardous to our goal. And I value our goal to unify all species far more than my research. So, I took his advice," Replied Sunny as she got up and offered a half-bow.

SCORE! Nice one, Sunny. Arden cheered while smiling at his friend.

"My apologies," Said Haven with a frown.

"Well, I do understand that some tales might have become part of the culture. But I do believe we can start anew. If we all cooperate. So, would you be willing to have a hearing with us? Perhaps somewhere more adequate?" Arden proposed with a bow.

"How many have gathered under the Unity banner?" Inquired Haven with a quiet tone.

"For now, we have the Sheriff of Maritime Bay working to try and soften the population to our arrival. Sunny agreed to meet us at her home. Outside the main residential area of town. The Sheriff is a stallion earth pony and should be a few days' journeys behind us," Arden replied with concern. "And Bridlewood was the one to give me the sword representing my status and position in this situation. So, it is an initiative from them."

"Mother, I think we should listen to what they have to say. It is but a meeting. And peace could help all of our citizens. To see more beyond Zephyr Heights." Zipp intervened while stepping in front of her mother.

"Why are you so adamant about this?" Inquired Haven as Pipp seemed to drop her phone. "You're not interested in politics and the business of the crown never interested you. So, why now?"

"How did you find them anyway?" Pipp inquired while holding her phone's camera at Zipp.

"I-I," Stuttered as her eyes darted towards Arden and then back at the camera.

"She was already conversing with the envoys when we found her, Your Highness. Particularly, with the negotiator." Intervened the competent soldier. That piece of information made the three mares stare at Arden who felt as if there were thousands of daggers pointed at him.

Not good. Arden mused as he began to run back through all the information he had. Surely, something he had heard or read up to that point could be of use. There had to be some piece of information that could shift the conversation around.

"Are you into that stallion?" Pipp said bluntly while pointing the camera at Zipp but keeping her gaze on Arden.

Seize it! Use it! Counter and dismantle the conversation! Arden yelled internally as he cleared his throat.

"Not to put words into the Princess's mouth. But I do believe I, a mere peasant, couldn't be further from her standards. And that is but one of the motives such a reason couldn't be behind her convictions. Before today, I had never seen or heard about any members of the royal pegasus family, for obvious reasons. And if the guard that decided to speak so boldly recalls, I wasn't aware of her status as royalty until we meet these very soldiers that escorted us here," Arden said while turning to face the competent soldier, who seemed to flinch at the comment.

Under the Queen's gaze, the soldier faltered before lowering her gaze and letting out a sigh before speaking. "It is true. He exclaimed to be surprised at the idea of a royal appearing before them to receive their group," She explained in defeat.

Attention diverted. Mission successful. Arden celebrated with a mental fist pump.

"Love at first sight, then?" Pipp proposed as Arden felt his heart skip a beat and cold sweat seemed to run down his back.

"It doesn't matter!" Zipp intervened stomping away and standing between the group and the rest of the royal family with her arms open. "These ponies are trying to bring about peace. PEACE! Do you remember what that is? That thing where you don't have to be afraid of someone that looks different? That thing that allowed us to explore beyond these plates we hide on? Back when we were free? I found ruins that support the idea we were once together. They depicted all kinds of pegasus flying. Unicorns casting spells to light our way in the forests. Earth ponies creating objects of wonder for everyone! MAGIC PROSPERED! I knew which path they would take because there was a map indicating the only path to our town from the ground! And I've been doing my best down there to figure out how to make everyone capable of flight once more! That's why I'm so invested! I want everyone to experience this freedom WE the ROYALS have! Not because I may or may not feel something towards this weirdo who had to be carried up here after a health issue!" Zipp ranted while keeping her back turned to Arden and his group.

"Pipp, stop recording," Haven said while pushing Pipp's phone down. Her gaze seemed to be distributed between several targets, not just Zipp. "Guards. Escort these guests to an assigned room. One for each. I must request that you remain in them while we prepare for the party tonight. After such an event, we can begin these so-called peace talks," Added Haven as the guards seemed to immediately begin to take them away. "Hold it!" Ordered Haven as one of the Guards held Arden's arm. "He comes with us."

GOD FUCKING DAMN IT! THE SISTER IS OUT FOR BLOOD! Arden cursed while gesturing to the guard to lead the way.

(Izzy's POV)

"Sunny?" Izzy asked while holding her head against the wall leading to the next room. The guards had followed the Queen's orders down to the letter. However, they didn't seem to think about the location of the rooms. Sunny's room was put right beside Izzy's room. "Sunny! Can you hear me?"

"Yes!" Sunny replied from the other side of the wall. "Are you ok?"

"Yes," Izzy said with a sigh as a moment of silence stalled the conversation. "So, um, are we going to talk about that little talk at the end there?" Izzy inquired while sliding down the wall until she had her flank against the floor. "I think we were both red. At least I was. My eyes get all watery when I'm flustered."

"Um, I, I don't know. I mean, it was inappropriate to begin questioning Zipp's personal life like that. To a live audience," Said Sunny as Izzy contemplated the glamorous room she had been gifted with. A jail cell gilded in gold. "But, why do you ask Izzy?"

"We had agreed to see who would get closer to him first. But now, there might be the third mare in play. Zipp wouldn't look back or refute the claims from Pipp. And there is the fact the Queen just took Arden away when she saw the three of us," Izzy said while looking at the friendship bracelet around her wrist. "Something might happen to him because of us now."

"True," Sunny answered from across the wall. "This thing is insane. No magic anywhere, only the royals can fly. And then there was that thing with Arden last night. You saw that too, right?" She added as the sound of a thud happened in the other room.

"You know, Arden's Luminescence matches his eyes' color," Izzy commented while hugging her knees. "I read it that once upon a time unicorn's horns would shine in the same color as their eyes. And, if it is true that only Royals can use magic. Then, when his eyes started glowing last night, he might have used," Izzy stumbled while looking at the floor.

"You think Arden has Royal Blood?" Sunny asked in a louder tone.

There was no response. The sound of the curtains moving on the wind was all they could hear in the room. Eventually, a bird or two would fly by the windows with their chirps echoing across the room. Sometimes the sound of steps could be heard in the corridor.

"Izzy," Sunny said with a strange tone. There was a brief pause as Izzy continued to stare at the large-sized bed before her. "What do you know about Arden? I mean, he did something to us. I don't think it was something bad. It felt like he heard us thoroughly. And tried to console us. But they weren't just words. They felt heavier. It was as if something was connecting us at the time. I think I can still feel something," Sunny explained while Izzy clenched her fist over her chest.

"I met him near my house," Izzy said while closing her eyes. "He was just standing there. His eyes were rolled back until he got conscious and started talking to me. I had never seen eyes like that before. I had never seen him before. His Luminescence appeared after he woke up. And from the moment we met, he kept trying to be kind to me. I knew everyone said I shone too much in the forest. But, Arden, he felt different. It's like he kept a constant glow around him. And sometimes it just infects those around him. I thought I could, I wanted, I wanted to make others shine like that. I can make someone smile for a bit. But it isn't enough. When we left, Alphabittle looked reluctant about what to do. He always acts smug as if his way was the best. But, Arden made him doubt it. Almost as if there was a bit of hope in him that things could be different."

"Izzy, that sounds like something out of a Fairy Tale," Sunny commented from the other side of the wall. "But, you're right about Arden doing something to those around him. Hitch never considered my ideas before. But, Arden changed him around after one meeting. Do you think, no, do you believe that Arden has some magic to him? And maybe, that magic is what is changing things?"

"I don't think so," Izzy said while pressing her forehead against her knees. "Arden's words most of the time don't feel like how he talked to us yesterday. I don't think it's magic. It feels like he is just trying to help. And through effort and passion alone, they move others. I think that's just who he is. He is just Arden. The weirdo that I met in the woods. The first pony to ever wear one of my bracelets," Izzy added as her eyes began to water up.

"Should we try to break out? We could try and rescue him and make a break for it," Sunny proposed from the other side.

"No," Izzy said as she raised her head and opened her eyes.

"Why? Arden could be in danger. He might need our help," Sunny said as she hit the wall a couple of times softly.

"Because I believe he will come back safely," Izzy said with a smile as she looked at the friendship bracelet once more.

(Arden's POV)

"You have not one, but three enamored mares with you. One royal, and two peasants," Haven said while walking back and forth behind a menacingly vast table. "You dissuade those around you with words and I wouldn't be surprised if your tongue was lined in silver. You got my daughter to spit out a secret of the pegasus ponies having met her but for mere moments. So, from what lineage are you from? What house did you come from?" Haven said while slapping a hand fan on the table.

"Lineage? With all due respect, I have no clue what you're talking about," Arden retorted while keeping his eyes locked with the fan to seek any signs if the object was a weapon. "I've never been related to!?" Arden's speech was interrupted by another slam of the table with the fan.

"Do not test me! generations ago, we had royals that could fly. Our magic dwindled. The best we can afford now is to glide down. But you, you entranced and manipulated several ponies with mere words. WHAT HOUSE DID YOU COME FROM!?" Inquired Haven as she pointed at Arden as if she had a weapon in hand.

"I swear on my life, I have no clue as to what you're talking about. Izzy and Sunny aren't very open with me at the moment. Because of these "entrancing", you accuse me of doing! All I did was act rationally and propose resolutions to all of these stupid problems everyone seems to be creating on their own! THINK ABOUT IT!" Arden countered while slapping the fan out of his face before slamming his hands on the table. "I'm done with this bullshit! You crafted a perfect bubble world that is as strong as a piece of wet paper! The moment someone from the outside steps in, EVERYTHING is on the verge of collapsing. Have you ever considered the long-term effects of a LIE of this magnitude!?"

"Your subjects would rebel. Their sole solace would crumble and their port in the storm of chaos would sink like a pebble thrown in a lake. You and YOUR daughters would be the first target without the shadow of a doubt! THINK, DAMN IT! Better yet, think about the fucking ruins your daughter found! The land and magic prosper so long as the ponies were united. Magic dies when they are apart. Why do you think it happened?!" Arden argued while clenching his fist and gritting his teeth.

"Because of weakening bloodlines, of course," Haven replied with confidence and a malicious smile. Arden felt a shiver running down his spine. "Once upon a time, the grand Princess was lost. After that, the disciples she left behind failed to deliver her message. It became clear to all that no matter what we did, ponies of different species would never see eye to eye. Friendship and Unity were but childish dreams of a deluded princess. Those closest to the Princess had the strongest bloodlines. Those who didn't, they lost their magic as the generations came to pass. So, Magic became a part of the nobility. And a peace treaty was formed. This treaty was formed around exchanges between the Royals. All to ensure those of magical blood could continue the lineage," Haven explained while fanning herself.

"Let me guess, royals started inbreeding to get the strongest lineage. Pureblood supremacy or some other bullshit like that. Then, oh no! They betrayed us! No, you did! No, you did! Everyone starts pointing fingers. And then someone blinks, oops! Magic is nearly done! Oh no!" Arden mocked while being overdramatic with his gestures. Haven seemed ready to retort but Arden didn't give her room to continue it. "I'm not done! I read enough and have seen enough stories to know that whenever magic is involved, magic is not a NORMAL force. It is never lifeless. It almost always has sapience of some kind. So, do tell me, your highness, has it ever occurred to you that, just maybe, the Magic got as fed up as I am from your and these ponies' bullshit? The three races worked together, magic rules the land. They fall apart, it starts dying but fights it off because there is peace. Therefore, there is hope!"

"But lookie-here! The ponies are now pulling each others' carpets. Everyone hates each other. There is no sign of unity or peace! Ponies are making terrible decisions left and right. Do you know what? Maybe I'll just throw the towel! There is no hope for such ponies in this state! Good luck with what you have left!" Arden sneered before slamming his fist on the table. This time, however, the attack caused it to crack under the blow. "The reason no one has magic is that everyone turned their backs on each other! You forgot what it meant to trust someone different! To appreciate what made each species unique! God fucking damn it. Right now, nothing is differentiating any of us! We are all horses with a few extra appendages! So, cut the crap with whatever bullshit carved history your parents and grandparents told you. You're just a sad excuse of a ruler with a desperate need to win back the love and trust of your subjects. And based on your conversation thus far, you were willing to sell out your daughter to make a magical child!" Arden finished while turning his back to Haven.

"You are quite the fast learner. Making connections like that," Said haven as she looked at the cracks on the table. "And just so you know, this table was created during those times of peace. It was made of a stone that could resist weak magical power. Supposedly, this was once a defense mechanism for a civilization of the past. But, we never discovered how to bring out its full potential. You just cracked it. There is no doubt in my mind you have magic in your blood. So, Mr. Sila, I have a proposal. Abandon this foolish crusade of unity. Marry my daughter and bring about an heir that can perform magic. Agree to this, and your friends will be released once you admit to having given up on this idea in front of a live audience tonight. At my youngest's performance, you will turn your back on both of them. Otherwise, they'll be sent to the dungeons to rot. And we will take the necessary steps to ensure this lineage, whether you like it or not. What do you say?" Haven proposed while offering her hand.

Shit. Think. I need to counter that. Izzy and Sunny are trapped now. Zipp won't be able to come close to me or them without Haven knowing. If we deny it, Haven can claim us to be traitors in front of the public while faking evidence to back up her story. In short, we have everything to lose while she loses nothing in either scenario. She is cocky. She thinks she is in control. But, if what Zipp told us is true. And if my assumptions are correct about magic. We might be able to bring some of it to the world. The pegasus can still glide. Could it be that their peace, albeit fake, held some semblance of magic to them? It could explain the colorful crystals in the forest. As well as the strange machinery among the Earth ponies. I can't bet their lives on this. Not without consulting with them. This needs to be a group decision. Arden concluded while constantly scratching the palm of his hand with his middle finger.

"If nothing else. I want to speak to my friends one last time. I want them to know what is happening. I will dissuade them from speaking against it. And no one in here will ever see them walk away," Arden said while crossing his arms. "I want a private moment. It can be in a room or a garden. You can have guards watching us from afar. But I will not concede in these conditions. Without them, you'll have quite the scene in your hands. And I promise everyone will be having second thoughts about your rule," Arden threatened while keeping his eyes locked with Queen Haven's eyes.

Silence. Queen Haven didn't respond, she simply waved him away. "One hour," She said as Arden headed to the door.

Got it. Arden celebrated internally as he met with a group of guards at the exit of the room. Ok, girls. We need to throw a wrench in that Queen's beliefs. Otherwise, we are toast.

"The fuck did you just do?!" Arden whispered/scolded as he watched Zipp hide a bunch of guards into a closet with ease. "I barely got any time to talk to the others. Your mother is trying to use you and me as a breeding machine to make a magic baby! I had to cripple your mother's belief! But you just made it impossible! She will think I betrayed her before the time is right!"

"W-what?" Zipp inquired as she finished closing the door and locking it with a handprint scanner. "My mom wants to use us to do what?"

"She wants me to put a baby in you because she thinks magic is something that comes from bloodlines! She thinks I have enough magic in my blood to create a child that could fly!" Arden explained while grabbing Zipp's shoulders and shaking her. "Do you have any idea how messed up that is?!"

"P-plenty," Replied Zipp as she pushed Arden's hands off her shoulders. "I, I wanted to show you those ruins I found. I thought they could help," She added while pointing down the path.

"Cool! Amazing! But, what about everyone reporting that I am missing to your mother?" Arden said while throwing his arms in the air. "Everyone has a camera in their hands around here. They will spot us." Arden added with a sigh.

"They won't. Trust me on this. I assure you, everyone will be more open to the details by the time we hit the party tonight," Zipp said with a bit more confidence.

"Fine! I got nothing to lose at this point, save for my two friends, who are locked away in a room by the way!" Arden grumbled as he walked down the path Zipp had pointed out.

Heading out to the edge of the castle's plate, Zipp led Arden down a set of stairs hidden by the mountainside that led to a small opening on the mountain's side. The tunnels felt like a maintenance route or an escape route of sorts out of a larger facility. Zipp then slid down a slope, Arden followed behind and they were soon inside of a large area. Frames for zeppelins, blimp baskets, posters of different locations, and enormous fans were scattered all around the place. An old ticket booth was covered in rust and decay.

Arden's head began to ache as he saw the images of ponies running across that place. Fillies, colts, stallions, mares, and even other non-pony creatures were walking about inside that area. None of them seemed concerned about anything but their destinations. Smiles were plastered on the faces of everyone in there. Arden couldn't help but smile a bit himself while watching the faces of wonder in the children as the blimps flew away to their destinations.

"Arden!" Izzy shouted as the ghosts faded back into nothing. Arden barely had any time to brace for the impact. "You're ok! I knew you would make it," Added Izzy as she lifted Arden off the ground and spun him around while giggling.

"Thanks for the vote of confidence," Arden said with a smile of relief as Izzy had returned to her usual bubbly self. "But we need to talk, all of us," Arden added as Izzy placed him back on the ground. Sunny was the next to take part in a hug. Hers, however, didn't lift Arden from the ground. It was a simple moment of silence shared between them. "Ok," Arden whispered patting Sunny's back. "We are going to make it out."

"Listen. My mother wants to force Arden to stay with me," Intervened Zipp as Arden and Sunny broke from the hug. "I don't want anything to do with a relationship like that. So, what's the plan?"

"If we run, the ponies turn their backs on the idea of Unity. And if my assumptions are correct, if that ideal dies, the magic dies," Arden said as he walked towards a massive stained-glass window depicting the three species worshiping a crystal with a transparent center, a type of cyan green crystal around it, and the upper part of the window had been damaged. However, the main attraction from that window was the familiar star depicted on it. "Sunny, ain't that the symbol on your father's journal?"

"It is!" Sunny celebrated while holding the journal up. "My father was right! He was right!" She cheered before squeezing the journal against her chest.

As Sunny continued with her little celebration, Arden felt his hoof bump into something as he moved towards the window. looking down, Arden saw a piece of the window shaped like a type of diamond. That piece seemed to fit together with the other three.

"Pony unity. Represented by a crystal from each race," Arden mumbled while holding the final piece over the projection on the floor. "Wait. The green one, it looks like, like the Pegasus crown!" Arden exclaimed. "And this one. I think it's in Alpha's shop!"

"These crystals are near the star symbol. Maybe, could it be that if they are brought together, like in that window, we could bring magic back?" Sunny proposed while sketching something in the journal.

"I don't think it's that easy," Arden said while gently placing down the glass shard. "Think about it. If it was that simple, anyone would have tried it before. No, I think that we need to bring back all the pony species as one group. I think that if we do that, magic will come back. And the crystals will probably be the final step. If the three tribes are willing to offer their crystals for the better of all pony-kind, then the magic comes back. As if we are restoring the bonds that united everyone as a nation once again," He explained while holding his chin. "The main issue would be the Earth crystal. I didn't see much from your town, Sunny. Did you ever see anything round like that? It would probably fit inside the Pegasus crown. Like, Heart, Wings, and Horns."

"That sounds like a lot to accomplish," Sunny said while closing the journal. "And I have never seen anything like that before. At least, not that I remember."

"Um, guys, I know that this discovery is big. But what about the issue at hand?" Zipp intervened while pacing around the place.

"Right. Long story short, Queen Haven wants me to give up on Unity and marry Zipp. She thinks that I have magic in my blood because she taunted me into damaging a table made of some special low-magic-resistant stone. So, tonight at the Royal Celebration, she wants me to betray both of you," Arden said while pointing to Sunny and Izzy. "So, I need to break the Queen's belief about the bloodline magic. I have one bet. I have the idea that if we combine our efforts as a group, we might be able to conjure up a bit of this decaying magic. If that happens, we might be able to crush the idea of bloodline magic talent. And it will open up the way for us to try and get the rest of Zephyr Heights to our side," Arden explained as he walked to a nearby pile of old wood and sat on top of it.

"Arden," Said Izzy with her hand raised. Confused, Arden gestured Izzy to speak. "I think you have magic in you too." Arden simply blinked several times in response. "Your eyes. They kinda went crazy last night. And, the way you spoke to us. It felt like we were connected from that moment on. Not in a figurative way!" Izzy explained as Sunny continuously nodded. "So, I think you have magic. And, maybe, because you're working so hard to bring everyone together, you can use some magic? Maybe?"

"Um, that," Arden stuttered while scratching the back of his neck. "You saw it," Arden mumbled before slapping himself. "FOCUS. Ok. I'm sorry. I was worried about you two. So, I may have used a talent of mine to try and cheer you up. Sorry."

"Don't be. It worked," Sunny said reassuringly.

"Ok. But I won't be using it again like that," Arden said as he got up. "Alright! I have one plan! But first, Sunny, Izzy, did you hear any kind of music or sound after the trumpets went quiet at the Royal Family's entrance?" Arden inquired as he started tapping his hoof against the floor rapidly. Sunny and Izzy shook their heads. "Ok. If my theory is right. Cooperation between ponies allows magic to come forth. If Izzy is correct about me, then, I might be able to sense some level of magic. Because I heard as if there was some kind of music playing during your entrance Zipp. It sounded like some kind of pop music. This was probably because that's how everyone in the room pictured the entrance to be. So, a collective effort created the sound. I think, maybe, if we can connect one more time, we can pull something as big. I have a story of sorts memorized. I heard it several times at a friend's house. It is a sung tale of something that happened way back in the past. So, it might have been altered to make things sound grander than they were. But it should work. Are you guys in it?"

"Let's do it!" Izzy cheered while hopping in place.

"Let's go for it!" Sunny agreed while crossing her arms.

"I'll give it my best. Even if I don't think it will help much," Zipp said hesitantly while holding her arm.

"Ok! Izzy, Sunny, and Zipp. We need to get you three in dresses. Sunny, you'll something dawn-themed. Izzy, you'll wear something Dusk-themed. Zipp, I'll have you dressed up in armor if possible. I'll put on a suit, a cloak, and maybe a mask. Then, we are going to need to get the stage for ourselves tonight after your sister's presentation," Arden said while pointing at Zipp. "Once the stage is ours, I need you to escort Sunny and Izzy to it while I make some theatrics to launch the challenge at Queen Haven. When she takes the bait, I'll use my eyes again to synch up with the rest of you. And if we indeed connect, then I should be able to share the story with all of you. And when the presentation is over, we will have shattered Queen Haven's beliefs and the pegasus of Zephyr Heights might receive us with open arms."

"Arden, you passed out last time you used your eyes. And you used them for only a couple of seconds," Sunny commented while stepping forth.

"I know. But, if I don't try we lose everything we worked for up to this point, All of it," Arden replied with a somber tone. "I rather go down trying, than allowing that idea to persist among the ponies. So, let's do this" Arden added before stomping his hoof over the old wood. The planks gave out and Arden fell into a hole hidden underneath them.

"ARDEN!" Arden heard as he fell into the dark.