The Platinum Conspiracy

“This is your last chance, punk. Come out or else I’ll drag you out. Piece by piece.”

My Faithful Student.

I call upon you and your friends to Canterlot to discuss matters of dire urgency and discretion. Make haste to the castle as soon as physically possible. Whereupon I will disclose more in person in the Throne Room. Tell nopony else of this meeting for the matter is too delicate and I must keep this as discrete as possible.

Your mentor, Princess Celestia

Twilight had read through the note a number of times, especially after she and her friends had gotten on the train to her home town. Awash with paranoia thinking of any and all reasons as to why the princess had to be so secretive, Twilight eventually came to realize that worrying about the letter did nothing for her. Setting the letter down at her lap, Twilight let out a defeated sigh before turning to the car to see her friends.

Catching Twilight’s attention immediately was the ever energetic Pinkie Pie, a pink on pink earth pony with the frizziest mane and tail Twilight had ever seen a pony sport. Her attire was a yellow t-shirt and overalls stained with flour, cake-batter and frosting; giving her the air of a party where-ever she went. “What do you think the princess called us for? Party? No wait… A surprise party!?” She lets out a gasp. “Do you think it’s a surprise party for Luna to welcome her back to Equestria after a thousand years of banishment? Cause I think that would warrant some super sneaky party planning for a party that big.”

“Whatever the reason, could ya calm down a tik.” Sitting next to Pinkie was another earth pony, this one with an earthy orange coat and golden hair done up in a tail, hidden behind a stetson. Sitting up, Applejack lets out a long yawn as she stretches her arms out, having been awoken by Pinkie’s non-stop bouncing. “Is it too much t’ask fur a little shut-eye?”

“Sorry Applejack, I’m just so excited and I just can’t hide it.”

“Ah reckon yur’ about to lose control there.”

“And I think I like i~i~i~i~t.” Pinkie’s sing-song voice only emphasized just how eager she was to get to Canterlot, contrasted to Applejack’s more reserved approach to the trip. With nothing but countryside and open grass fields for as far as the eyes can see, there wasn’t much in terms of sight-seeing. Standing up from her seat, Applejack takes the opportunity to find herself a new seat so she can nap without being disturbed.

Twilight sees Applejack moving to take the seats behind her, wanting a bit of piece before meeting with the princess. “Hey, Twi.”

“Yes?”

“Could ya be a pal an’ close yur blinds. Sun’s peakin’ through and its right in mah eyes.” Twilight was happy to oblige, lowering the shades for her window. Closing her eyes, Applejack lays back to try and get some sleep. “Thank you kindly, Twilight.” Settling into her nap, Twilight was soon met with Pinkie Pie taking the seat beside her.

“So, I was thinking, when we get to Canterlot, we got check out ALL the cool places you and Spike used to go to when you lived there and you can show us around. Ooh, do you know of any places we can get any sweet treats? I’m getting a little hungry and this train only has mini-snacks that are way too expensive and nowhere near filling.”

“I’m sure when the princess is done explainin’… whatever it is that she needs to explain, we can grab a quick bite t’eat.” Applejack said softly.

“Actually, I mostly spent my time in my study and had food brought to me by Celestia’s personal staff. Now, if anypony knows Canterlot, then Spike is the dragon to ask.” Twilight paused for a moment. “Speaking of, where is he?”

“He’s been helping Rarity in the next car over. She’s been stuck in the bathroom the whole train ride.” Pinkie recalled. “Sometimes he comes running down the lane to dig through Rarity’s bags then back to her.” The moment she finished explaining, the door opened to reveal a slender reptile come running down the lane. Spike was a young drake, barely reaching five feet tall. Despite not being a pony, he tended to dress like one, sporting deep V-neck shirts to show off his scales and custom made pants that did not tear easily due to his sharper features.

After some digging, Spike had plundered Rarity’s carry-on for gems, spool, and spare fabric; running back with the materials in hand to the mare he so desperately loved. All the while, the three mares couldn’t help but snicker at how easily Spike was at Rarity’s beck and call. “So, how long ya think that’ll last.” Applejack asked.

“Hopefully not long. Spike is only Fourteen years old; he has to know that Rarity is too old for him. Plus, he’s a bit of a sensitive guy, so the longer this goes on, the harder it’ll be when it comes time to tell him.” Twilight sounded a bit worried for her assistant, knowing that this was merely puppy love, but it was bound to end badly one way or another.

“Yeah, and I don’t think this is one of those sort of fics.” Pinkie added. As the three talked among themselves, the door to the car opened up once more. Half expecting to see Spike walking through, instead walked a set of pegasi carrying a small bounty of snacks.

“Hey guys. Snack pack comin’ through.” Moving on down the lane with a confident swagger about her was Rainbow Dash. Her multi-colored mane and tail kept in a swept state due to her constant need for speed, only emphasized by her choice in attire; a dark green set of running shorts and a tank-top. Simple, but aerodynamic. “Pinkie, some Cheezi-Doodles for you.” Passing her friend a bag of chips, she made her way down the line. “And some Dried banana chips for Twilight.

“Thank you, Dash.”

“And last but certainly not least, a jumbo pack of Sizzlin’ Snake-hide hay-jerky. Extra spice, just how ya like it, Aj.” Hearing what Rainbow had gotten her, the farm pony sat up and gladly took her snacks and immediately started digging in.

“Mmph, whoo… got a good zing to ‘em too. Thank ya kindly, Dash.”

“Honestly, you should be thanking Fluttershy. She thought everypony could use a bit of something to eat what with the long-ass trip. Plus, I got a good bonus from the weather team recently, so I figured what the hell.” Taking her seat opposite her friends was the shy, butter yellow pegasus of the group. Hiding behind her soft, pink hair, she’d open up a pre-made salad that was honestly nothing more than just lettuce, berries, and dressing. Careful not to spill anything on her favorite pink sweater, she’d quietly dig into her food and listen in on her friends. But when she heard her name, she turned to them with a soft fluster.

“I-It was nothing. I-I was gonna get something but then I didn’t want anypony else to get jealous. But then dash said she’d hoof the bill.”

“That’s mighty thoughtful of both o’ ya’ll. Hopefully ya got something for Rarity and Spike. Celestia only knows when those two will be done with… whatever it is they’re doin’.”

“You think the little guy finally nutted up and asked Rarity to do the dirty?” Rainbow quipped.

“First off, gross.” Twilight said flatly. “Second, still fourteen. And third, he’s kinda like a brother to me so can we avoid any talk of family doing… that.”

“Ah agree with Twilight on this.” Applejack says as she cleans her fingers free of any red flavor dust. “Granny got a little sloshed on the hard cider one night an me n’ Mac barely avoided hearin’ about the time she took our gran’ pappy out dancin’ behind the barn if’n ya catch mah meanin.’”

“Wait, are we not supposed to do that?” Pinkie gasped. “Oh no, have I been doing it wrong this whole time? AM I GOING TO JAIL?!”

“Relax Pinkie, nopony’s goin’ to the dungeon. Ah just mean that… ya know, they were uh… getting’ intimiate.”

“Ooh? Like hugging?” Everypony started to copy a flustered look Fluttershy had as they all didn’t really want to get into… that is except for Rainbow.

“It’s a special kind of hug, that is for sure.” Rainbow snickered.

“Um… Pinkie.” Fluttershy spoke up. “I-I think what Applejack means is that… she’s talking about sex.”

“Oh. Oh! OHHHH!~” Pinkie froze realizing what everypony was talking about. “Yeah, I gotta agree with Twilight on this one. Spike is a little too young for that kind of hugging. Though, if he doesn’t got a marefriend, I wouldn’t mind a little dating. Spike is a really cool dude. Though, the age difference will be kinda weird.”

“Can we please change the subject!” Twilight roared, not wanting to think of Spike and his personal relationships or anything related to that. Thankfully, as if Celestia had heard her prayers, the door opened wide revealing the dragon himself.

“Presenting, her radiance, Miss Rarity.” Stepping aside from the door, Spike gave way to the mare of his dreams. Stepping out to greet her friends, the alabaster unicorn stepped into the train car with such grace and elegance, it almost seemed like she had walked right out of a fairy-tale. And if not for her beauty, then the new outfit she had made for herself sure did. Made of a dark blue fabric that seemed to glow in the sunlight, emphasized only by the gold trimming that outlined her gorgeous creation. Showing off her work to her friends, gaining awes and praise with every motion she took.

“Well? What do you think girls? Too much? Too little?”

“Wow. Just… wow!” Twilight said, absent words. “Did you… make that?”

“Don’t be surprised, Darling. I make all my clothes.”

“Ah think she means if ya made that perdy dress in the bathroom.”

“Oh, well also yes. Its not my best work but considering I did so with time to spare, I think it came out rather nice don’t you think?” Rarity was beaming with pride with every step, only to find a seat next to Fluttershy and Spike finding a seat close to Twilight but where he can still be in view of Rarity.

“I don’t get it. Why go through all that trouble just to make another dress.” Rainbow asked, trying to understand Rarity’s reasoning.

“Its simple, really. This is to be my first trip to Canterlot and I wanted it to be a good first impression upon the ponies, as well as the princess herself when we meet her at the castle. I would have taken one of my more masterful works but alas, we were in such a rush I grabbed what items I could into a bag and used whatever I had packed in my frenzy.”

“I think you came out stunningly.” Spike swooned with a goofy grin. “Uh, I mean… the dress. The dress came out stunningly. That’s… what I meant.”

“Ah, thank you Spike. I can always count on you to be the wind under my wings.” Rarity smiled as she got comfy, only to recall something. Using her telekinesis, Rarity brought her bag down to sift through her things personally, bringing out a handful of gemstones she had packed just in case. While her dress had a sapphire pendant as the main focus on her attire, she levitated the left-over gems to Spike. “Here you are, Spike. A generous reward for my generous helper.”

Holding out his hands for the gleaming rocks, the purple dragon took them with glee. “Thank you. But I would have done it for free.”

“Nonsense. You have been running back and forth on this train to help me make my debut in Canterlot something worth remembering, and it shant go unrewarded.” Not one to argue with the logic, Spike smiled happily in his seat, ready to munch on each and every gem like a succulent piece of candy.

“So, what do you all think the princess wants with us?” Rainbow came to say, looking at her friends’ varying reactions.

“Whatever it is, I-I just hope its not scary.” Fluttershy shuddered.

“Could be another big nasty.” Pinkie said with a ready look to start boxing. “I bet he’s a big ol’ meanie that needs a good Pinkie Pie throw-down.”

“Hm, never figured you for the violent type, Pinkie.” Rarity says a little taken aback by Pinkie’s want for conflict. “Could be something else. Perhaps she requires our aid on some political matter. A diplomatic mission?”

“I doubt that.” Twilight shot down. “We only returned princess Luna to her former self less than a month ago. Plus, we don’t have much experience in political matters or function.”

“Well whatever it is, ah know we can handle it.” Applejack says casually.

“Hell yeah. Cause we’re awesome. If the princess didn’t think we couldn’t handle it, then she wouldn’t have sent the note to begin with.” Listening to Dash’s words, Twilight started to feel whatever anxiety and paranoia she had on the trip begin to lift off her shoulders. Because she was right; if the princess didn’t think they weren’t ready, then she’d never have mailed her in the first place.

“We will be arriving in Canterlot in 30 minutes.”

Hearing the voice on the intercom, the six friends readied themselves for whatever may come. Twiilight knew that whatever may come, she wasn’t to face this danger alone. Because she had six of the most amazing friends any pony could ever ask for.

Pulling into the station, Twilight and her friends step off onto the platform with what little they had taken with them. Almost immediately, the ponies were left in a state of awe at the glorious capital of Equestria itself. While Twilight had grown up in this very city, being away from it had revitalized a sense of wonder in her as she now saw it from a whole new angle.

“Holy-moly, this place is he-uge.” Pinkie was the one to vocalize their thoughts, if not simplified.

“The sparkle, the glimmer; I could not imagine a more fabulous city in all my wildest fantasies.” While Rarity took in the refinement and glamor of the city, her friends followed close behind her as the well-dressed mare absorbed the sights at her hooves.

“Ain’t been five minutes and we already lost Rarity.” Applejack says.

“Don’t worry. She’ll come out of it when we get to the castle,” Twilight responds. “Or she could get worse. We’ll see.”

“It was bound to happen. Best we get it out of her system now before the Gala in a few months.” Rainbow came close to Twilight, looking around the area, not exactly as enthralled with the place as the white unicorn. “But this place doesn’t exactly hold a candle to Cloudsdale. Just sayin’.”

“Do ah hear a bit o’ bias?” Applejack teases.

“Probably. Canterlot is pretty cool but I’m a pegasus and while I do like how high up the place is, Cloudsdale is more my kind of city. A lot more open space to fly around.”

“BLASPHEMY!!!” Rarity cried out, scaring not only her friends but also the ponies close by. “I shan’t hear another word, Rainbow Dash. We are standing at the very peak of Pony culture and civilization. To say that any other place is better is just… just…” Rarity trailed off, trying to find the words to express how offended she was.

“Um… sorry, I guess. This place isn’t really my speed. No pun intended.” Rainbow explained, somewhat calming down recalling who Rainbow was.

“Hm, perhaps an overreaction. I sometimes forget that not everypony sees the world as I do. But surely Twilight can understand. She was born and raised here after all.” All eyes were brought to their friend, who started to smile nervously.

“Well… I didn’t really go out into the city that much. I mostly confined myself to the castle, specifically my old Study.” Rarity started to look a bit saddened at her friend’s response. “But I will admit, being away from Canterlot for a while has restored some of its whimsy for me. If only a little.”

“I suppose that will do for me. Right, I have had my fill; now I must see the palace. Ooh, my dear sister is going to be absolutely jealous when she hears that I was invited into the royal castle.” Rarity squeed softly as she took lead of the pack. Yet as they started to head towards the castle looming overhead, Fluttershy starts to take notice of her friend’s less than enthusiastic expression.

“U-Um… Twilight?” Fluttershy asks in her usual soft tone of voice. “Are you… alright?”

“Just my nerves getting the better of me. Don’t worry, I’ll calm down once we meet with the Princess.” Twilight responds with a half-hearted smile.

“O-Oh… I understand that.” There was a moment before she continued. “M-Maybe i-if you want, after we visit the Princess… perhaps we can head out to lunch together? You could… show us around your old home.”

“I’d love that actually, but most of what I know is limited to historical knowledge. If there was anypony here who could show us around, it’d be Spike.”

“In that case, I’m sure he knows where we’d all love to go.” As they all continued to chat among themselves, the trek to the castle grew shorter and shorter. The castle seemed all the more imposing in its majesty as the seven make their way to the gilded gates the surrounded the grounds. Seeing the entrance, Twilight stepped forward showing them the letter and the princess’s seal. The white coated mare in golden armor took hold of the envelop, looking at it skeptically.

“The princess is expecting us. I’m Twilight Sparkle and these are my friends.” Twilight confirmed. Without saying a word, the guard hands the note back to her.

“The princess is in the throne room. Go right on ahead.” The guard says in a stern voice.

“Thank you kindly, ma’am.” As Twilight bows in thanks, the gates to the castle open up to them, letting the mares onto the grounds. Stepping onto the finely crafted stone path, the band of mares could not believe they were actually about to step into the domain of the princess herself. “Come on girls, the princess is waiting for us.” Moving at a brisk pace, Twilight’s nervous nature gives her a boost of speed, causing the others to trot along after her.

The moment the last of them enter onto the grounds, the gates close behind the seven and the front doorway opens up. If the city of Canterlot was beautiful to look at, then the inner Castle was absolutely gorgeous in its craftsmanship. White on gold with hints of violet decorated the main entrance hall; displaying works of art, suits of ancient armor, and things that looked so delicate that Pinkie had to restrain herself from touching lest she broke something.

“Landsakes, maybe ah shoulda brought out mah Sunday best after all.” Applejack says with a hint of worry, all the while Rarity couldn’t help but feel her time spent in a cramped bathroom was all the more worth it.

“Don’t worry, Applejack. Despite what ponies may say, the princess is less interested in what ponies wears when meeting her rather instead focusing on their actions. She’ll like you, trust me.” Twilight’s words seem to ease whatever worries Applejack started to have, giving her friend some needed comfort after she did the same for her back on the train. Having been through the castle a number of times, Twilight knew the labyrinthian palace like the back of her hand. So much in fact, Twilight started to give a little tour of the place.

Yet as they all moved through the seemingly endless maze of hallways, Spike started to take note of something he felt was odd. Something bothered him as he too lived in the castle with Twilight and could recognize when something didn’t quite fit. Maybe not right away, but he did feel did not quite feel right. “Huh?”

“Something wrong, Spike?” Pinkie asked, not quite paying attention to Twilight’s tour lesson.

“The castle feels… empty.” Spike says, looking around. “There are usually a lot more staff members out at this hour.”

“Really? Maybe Celestia gave them the day off because she doesn’t want any snoopers getting in on this super-secret business stuff.”

“Then where are the guards?” Spike responded, showing that the hallway was unoccupied say for their own presence. “If something was going on, this place should be crawling with guards. Come to think of it, that mare in the front didn’t even bother asking for identification. She just… took Twilight’s word of who she said she was and barely acknowledged anypony else.”

“Weeeeell… maybe it’s because everypony knows who we are?” A quick turn down another hall and Twilight came to a full stop.

“We’re here.” Twilight stated. Looming overhead were a set of golden doors standing at what felt like a hundred feet tall, the six ponies and one dragon stared at the entrance leading to the very seat of power to the entire nation. Two guards stood as still as statues at either end, only breaking the façade by tapping their spears on the ground; triggering whatever mechanism allowed for such doors to be opened in the first place.

Slowly the doors opened, creaking and groaning as the mechanism struggled to move the very thing they were built to support. The moment they were able to squeeze on through, the mares slowly step inside the throne room. And just like when they entered through the gate, the doors closed behind them with a loud, rumbling crash. Twilight didn’t even notice as she moved to greet her mentor with a smile.

“Princess, we’re here!” The towering alicorn, ruler of the entire pony nation was hunched over with her back turned to her guests, but hearing Twilight’s voice announce herself she shot up and looked back. While the princess was always adorned in a brilliant purple dress with gold regalia to signify her status as ruler, the white alicorn was not as prepared for guests as they had expected. The six mares saw the princess’s cheeks puffed out with crumbs and pink frosting smeared across her face and gown, a surprised expression clear as day.

“Twah wighe?” Celestia says with a mouth full of cake. Holding up a finger to give her a moment to swallow, Celestia wiped her muzzle free of any debris from her private snacking. “W-What are you doing here? I wasn’t aware you were coming to visit.” Twilight and her friends looked to one another confused at the Princess’s statement. While Twilight handed over the letter to her mentor, Pinkie had gone up to see that absolute carnage the Princess had wrought upon a triple layer tower cake. Or at the least, what was left of it. Taking a sample for herself, the party pony smiled before taking a handful for herself.

“I received your letter this morning. It sounded urgent so we got on the first train to Canterlot.” Looking the letter over, Celestia raised a brow as she looked it over the letter, squinting her eyes to look at it as closely as physically possible. The moment the letter was read through, she turned to her student and said something Twilight wasn’t prepared to hear.

“Twilight, I didn’t write this.”

“W-What?” Twilight had more questions than ever now as she looked at the letter then to her mentor. “B-But I-“

“I think I’d recall sending a letter like this. If I had, I wouldn’t have let you see me savaging my gift from the Griffon embassy. And maybe save some to share with all of you.” Celestia says a bit embarrassed.

“Ish okay. Ah’m good.” Pinkie says taking a massive bite out of the clump of cake she had acquired.

“But… if you didn’t write the letter, who did?”

“I haven’t the faintest idea. The hand writing is practically identical to my own. Whoever sent this letter to you has a lot to answer for… or perhaps I can hire them to take some of the paperwork off my hands.” Celestia sounded a little put off that somepony was able to mimic her handwriting as she’s had more than a millennium to develop her own quirks when it came to her penmanship.

While the others were left to theorized and questioned about the letter, the doors to the throne room opened once again. Spike, having been the only one to hear it, turned around to see a lone guard standing in the wake of the massive doors. She stood still; bow drawn with a neutral expression from what Spike could see. The dragon watched as she slowly drew out a single arrow, an odd-looking thing that was not slender or straight like a common steel tip but with a large, black bulb sitting square at the end. “Girls… Girs!” Spike shouted, moving to grab onto Rainbow to shake her attention away from the rest Princess’s words.

“Spike, what are you”- She froze mid-sentence, seeing the guard taking aim. Drawing the bow back until it could not be pulled any further back. “EVERYPONY, look out!” Rainbow shouted to the others, getting all of their attention, just in time to see the arrow sailing towards them. In a flash of speed, it was not Rainbow Dash that acted first, but Celestia. Conjuring a wall of magic energies, Celestia created a barrier to keep the arrow from hitting her, her student, or her friends. As predicted, the arrow came to a stop when it hit the barrier, but also seemed to freeze mid-air in the place it had been stopped.

Suddenly the bulb on the shaft started to not just glow, but actively sap away the energies in the field, sucking it away and towards the device. It slowly starts to hum, growing brighter and brighter sucking away at Celestia’s magic. When Celestia cut her magic off, she felt drained and a little light headed; seeing that the arrow had become a miniature sun in her throne room, Celestia looked on in terror as the humming had grown into an ear-piercing screech. Twilight was about to use her own barrier but her line of vision was cut off when her mentor came around, wings stretched out with barely a second to spare, covering her student and her friends. Because the moment her wings were wrapped around them, the arrow detonated.

The explosion was heard all over Canterlot, maybe even further beyond. The windows were shattered, the decorative banners were burned, and the walls and floors were scorched with heavy burn marks. Twilight’s ears were ringing, like her skull had been rocked down to her brain-stem. Her vision slowly started to refocus whereupon she saw her mentor standing tall over her. “P-Princess? What happened?” Twilight asked but there was no response. “… Princess?”

Princess Celestia stood tall with her mouth agape, her breathing heavy and haggard. She stood still with only minor twitching from her burnt wings. The ponies she had protected were stunned after she had taken the brunt of the explosion. “Princess, are you… all…” Twilight’s words drifted away the moment she spotting something that seemed to drain Twilight of her color.

Blood.

The princess was bleeding and after the smoke had died down, Celestia finally collapsed and Twilight practically screamed in horror seeing the back of her mentor bloody, burnt, and with half of her wings having been fried. “CELESTIA!!!” Twilight shrieked, falling to her knees to catch her mentor. Twilight started to break down, her sobs seemingly echoing out into the courtyard outside while her friends stood in shock, seeing their beloved ruler in clear pain and hanging on for dear life.

“The elements have slain the princess!” The others turned to the doorway, seeing the same guard calling out. “The Elements have turned on us! Call the guards!” Rainbow Dash saw this mare running off just as the doors start to close again.

“Oh no you don’t!” Unfurling her wings, Rainbow sped off at blinding speeds. Her target had a head start but she knew it wasn’t nearly enough to escape her. Just as the doors were nearly shut tight, Rainbow had managed to slip on by after folding her wings and slipping through the narrowest of openings. Looking back, she saw that the two guards that had let them in were gone, but the one she was after was only down the hall.

Fueled by anger, Rainbow Dash continued to fly down the wide hallways, her many years of training as a flier coming in handy as closing the distance was easy. But the guard’s only means of evading her were the many, many turns and twists the castle had, causing Rainbow to slow down to restart all over again lest she run head first into a stone wall or something priceless.

Turning the corner, she saw the mare in gold armor but also a battalion of guards brandishing spears and bows. She’d slip on through the other guards, thinking that they’d slow Rainbow down long enough to let her escape. Ignoring the grounded guards, Rainbow Dash starts flying towards the pegasi that controlled the air. They had crossed their weapons to form a wall, blocking any means of getting through but Rainbow Dash was not to be stopped so easily.

With her eyes still on the running guard, Rainbow flapped her wings with as much force as she could muster, flying faster and faster with every motion of her powerful appendages. Charging the pegasi guards, she brings her arms up to her face and braces for impact. She felt the locked weapons try to stop her, she felt the steel poles make contact with her fore-arms and maybe break a bone or two, but she also felt the weaponry shatter into pieces as she barreled through them with a roar of anger. Her vision turns red, closing in on her target and then violently tackles her to the ground. “I’ll make you pay you pay for what you did the princess.” Rainbow growled, baring her teeth as she tried to hold the guard down.

“G-GET OFF ME!!!” The guard tried to throw Rainbow off but could barely move. It all seemed like Rainbow had single-handedly saved the day, but things weren’t that easy. For stepping out of a corridor was the other Princess of Equestria. Stepping out not in her regalia or a blue dress, but rather a loose-fitting T-shirt and sweat pants. Princess Luna had come from her daily slumber after something shook the castle and found one of Equestria’s heroes wrestling a guard. Conjuring up her magic, a deep blue aura engulfs Rainbow, pulling her off of the would-be assassin.

“What is the meaning of this?!” Princess Luna demanded, levitating Rainbow off the ground. “I have been roused from my slumber by an ear rupturing noise, the castle shaking; and what do I find when I leave my room? The Element of Loyalty attacking one of my sister’s guards. Explain yourselves.”

“Princess!” Rainbow tried to break free. “This punk tried to kill us and your sister.” For a moment, Luna had thought she had misheard or had momentarily gone insane. Because it sounded like she just said…

“Don’t listen to her, your majesty!” The guard slowly got up, cradling her wounded arm. “The elements… the elements have turned against us.” She hobbles closer to the Princess, getting behind her, which only made Rainbow struggle and thrash even more in Luna’s telekinetic grip.

“GET AWAY FROM HER YOU BITCH!!!” Rainbow snarled, seeing the killer trembling behind Luna. “I swear if you touch one hair on her-“

“She’s crazy. It’s no wonder she and her friends killed your sister.” Luna felt her left eye twitch, processing everything she was hearing. While Luna was left stunned, Rainbow’s gaze never left the attempted murderer, the assassin sounded distraught but the blue pegasus could see the absolute look of jubilation on her face, especially when she drew out a knife.

“… You say that she and her friends killed her?” Luna finally responds.

“I saw everything, your highness. The purple unicorn tried to kill her sister by blowing her to pieces when her back was turned.” The assassin lied.

“Really now.” Luna’s sounded absolutely distraught with the information she had received. Yet while she was left vulnerable, the assassin held her knife firm, the guard drew it back. Rainbow cried out and warned Luna but before the blade even came into contact with her, a blue aura similar to the one restraining Rainbow manifested around the assassin’s wrist. “You must think I am touched in the head to believe that six young mares and a adolescent dragon can slay my sister.”

“W-What?” The assassin gasped, struggling to pull herself free.

“Do you think me a foal that was birthed the day before today, whelp?” Freeing Rainbow from her grip, Luna turned her attention to restraining the guard, keeping her limbs stretched out so she couldn’t pull anything out of her sleeve, be it metaphorical or literal. “Now, take me to thine sister, Loyalty. I must confirm this with mine own eyes.” Rainbow knew she wasn’t going to like what she saw, but if there was anypony that could help her, Luna would be at the top of that list.

Taking Luna back to the throne room, Rainbow and the princess arrived just in time to see the beginnings of her friends’ arrest. Though they fought and protested, getting the most resistance from the sobbing Twilight who refused to leave Celestia’s side. Luna bore witness to the scene of what was once her sister’s throne room now completely torched and ruined. But hearing the fighting of the Elements of Harmony was what caused her to speak. “CEASE THIS AT ONCE!!!” Luna’s Royal Canterlot Voice boomed forth, scaring the other guards.

She moved closer with the restrained assassin floating behind her and slowly moved to find her sister struggling to hold on for dear life. “Y-Your majesty!” One guard came forward to speak, taking a protective stance. “Please, step back! These mares have-“

“Be Silent, cur! Before I see you, all of you thrown into the dungeons.” Luna snarled, causing the guard to step back and away from the lunar princess. With her attention back on her wounded sibling, Luna came closer and lowered herself down to see her sister fully. She was missing a large chunk of her flesh, exposing bone. The blast had cauterized her wounds to stop copious bleeding. It was an absolute miracle that she was still alive at all.

“H-Hey Lulu.” Luna gulped, hearing her nickname coming from her sister, seeing her back badly burned and her wings nearly seared down to the bone caused Luna to develop a lump in her throat. She felt her fist trembling at the sight, her rage boiling over and wishing nothing more than to seek vengeance on those who had carried this out.

“Who did this to you, sister?” She did not respond verbally, but managed to slowly move her arm to point at the floating, restrained guard. Luna slowly followed her finger to her captive, her eyes trying to burn the terrified guard alive with her mere gaze alone. Standing back up, ready to explode in fury, Luna merely took a deep breath and spoke in the calmest voice she was able to muster. “All guards are to report to their barracks and remain there until further notice.”

The guards looked shocked to hear the lunar princess’s demand. “B-But your majesty. They tried to kill the princess.” Luna merely responded by pointing to the weeping Twilight.

“Does that appear to be the behavior of a remorseless assassin?” Luna said in a cold tone. The guards did not speak after that, merely residing to take their orders. “Anypony, and I do mean, anypony found outside their barracks until notified will be severely punished and tried as a conspirator to this foul deed. Unless you have been told to leave by myself and nopony else, I will see you dishonorably discharged of your station if you take so much as a hoof-step out of your barracks.” The restrained guard was pulled closer, keeping her away from the other guards so that they can leave without trying to take the assassin with them. “Now begone or suffer thine wrath.”

Not wanting to contest the princess, the guards do as she says, leaving the throne room and heading to their barracks. But as they leave, Luna’s mask of strength breaks and worry was clearly seen in her eyes. “Loyalty.” Luna turns to Rainbow, her voice starting to tremble.

“y-Yes?” Rainbow responded nervously.

“Please… go into town, find a doctor and bring them hear as fast as you can. Bring the entire hospital staff if you must. Just get my sister medical attention with haste.” Luna tried to sound calm and in control, but everypony in that room could hear her voice shake.

“Right away.” Unfurling her wings, Rainbow takes off and flies out of the window to find a doctor. All the while, Luna’s ire was directed to her single captive.

“You…” The assassin tensed up. “There is no name for the nightmare I have planned for you… but I assure you that you shall be screaming in it.” Everypony felt a chill run up their spine as Luna those words. “But… I am a merciful princess and I shall… lessen your punishment, if you tell us why you tried to kill my sister and blame it on the Elements.”

“What, can’t a mare kill royalty just cause she feels like it?” The assassin nervously chuckled, only to feel her restraints tighten, causing her to scream in pain.

“DO NOT TEST ME, WELP!!!” Clenching her fist, Luna’s magic starts to flare up as the armor around the guard starts to glow hot, causing the assassin to scream in agony as her armor started to melt and fuse together, becoming a momentary prison “You are either going to tell me what I want to know or I swear to every star in the sky, that I shall see you at my hooves begging for a swift death.”

“Princess.” Luna’s attention was drawn away from her target, seeing a scared pack of mares watching with bated breath. Applejack had moved closer to the princess, a terrified look about her after getting a second hand feel for the Lunar diarch’s wrath. “Yur startin’ to scare everypony.” Luna was about to say something, something to emphasize how she felt but the terrible looks she was getting from the elements started to remind her of something crucial. Something she swore never to be again, something she hated more than the mare that almost killed her sister.

Instead of exacting her vengeance upon the would-be killer, Luna instead lets her rage simmer down and move to stay with her sister, whom felt her approach and smiled up at her. “H-Hey Lulu.”

“Save your strength sister. Help is on the way.”

“Oh… thank goodness. I’d kill a princess for some pain-killers right about now.” Luna cringed at her sister’s poor attempt at humor.

“Must you? Even now?” Her sister deadpanned.

“Heh… i-if I’m going to die… I at least wanna do it with a smile. That way… nnngh… i-it would ruin… whatever my killer hoped to get out of my demise.” Celestia mused.

“Do not say such things. There will be much, much more terrible jokes to come.” Celestia couldn’t help but smile, turning her attention to her student.

“T-Twilight. Are you okay?” She nodded in response, barely able to speak. “I am… glad. It warms my heart to know you a-and your friends are unharmed.” She lets out a sigh of content, laying with the two ponies closest to her. In that moment, Luna turns to the unicorn with a determined look.

“You are the Element of Magic, yes?”

“I-I am.” Twilight said weakly.

“Then I will need your aid. My sister’s joke about nullifying pain has given me an idea.”

“I wasn’t joking about that part,” Celestia groaned. “I’d down an entire bottle like candy if anypony has any.”.”

“Still,” Luna continued. “I know a spell that could stabilize Celestia and I could use your aid for it. My mind is… troubled. But I know that if we work together, we may yet ease my sister’s agony. If only a little bit.” Twilight wasn’t exactly any better, but if she had somepony to help her with it, then she’d certainly try whatever Luna had in mind. “Now, do as I do. Think thoughts of calming water, the softest of clouds, and the smoothest of fabrics.” While Luna taught Twilight a new spell, the others kept their distance, letting Twilight perform her magics.

“I can’t believe that happened.” Rarity says, feeling her hands start to tremble “I-… We almost died back there.”

“Its alright, Rare.” Applejack says in a soothing voice, but was otherwise just as scared as the rest of her friends. Needing an outlet for her building frustrations, her gaze eventually settled on the assassin down on her knees. Her brow furrowed before approaching with her arms crossed. “Yur gonna tell us why ya wanted us dead back there.”

“Please, you aren’t nearly as terrifying as the princess.” The assassin said, much less terrified of the earth pony than the alicorn. Instead, she merely smirked up, trying to break free from her armor. “Don’t you got a farm you could be plowing… or a brother, you inbred country bumpkin.” Everypony around could hear Applejack cracking her knuckles.

“Why you no-good little-“

“Applejack, wait.” Coming up to her potential murderer, Rarity looked down at the assassin. Something had caught her eye watching the mare wriggle around in her restraints. “What do we have here?” Kneeling down, Rarity found a little something that her critical eye had picked up. “Now, I don’t know much about the royal guard, except that their armor is absolutely dashing.” Rarity starts to lean in, getting up close to the assassin’s hand. “But Rainbow Dash has had a fleeting interest, and its amazing what little things you learn when you have friends with different interests. Such as the jewelry policy when it comes to active-duty members.” Rarity’s focus was less on the prisoner and more so the ring on her left middle finger.

Taking the glinting ring from the earth pony, Rarity brought it closer to her eye for an up close inspection. Though it was merely a singular golden band, the gemstone imbedded into it caught her eye. “W-Wait, give that back! Th-That’s a family heirloom.” The guard pleaded.

“I know a thing or two about jewelry, darling. This ring is far too modern to be an heirloom.” Rarity says with a raised brow. “But this gem is something fascinating to say the least. Its so smooth yet glistens like polished amethyst. Yet at the same the color is off, the finish is too dull.” She turns her attention to Spike, who was sitting by a wall curled up and clearly frightened. “Spike, darling. I am in need of your assistance once again.” The well-dressed mare stands before Spike, bringing him out of his terrified funk. “Could you give this a taste dear. Do not eat it, merely taste it for me.”

“Hm? O-oh, sure Rarity.” The dragon takes the ring, giving it a little sniff. After looking it over, he plops the clue into his mouth like a piece of candy, only to then go wide eyed and spit it right back out. “EW! Ew ew ew, that is so gross!” Rarity had seen Spike eat a multitude of gems before but he had never had that sort of reaction to any gem she fed him.

“Got anything fur us, partner?” Applejack asks.

“That isn’t a gem, at least none that I’ve ever tasted.” Spike says to Applejack, looking a little green than purple after the taste test. “Ugh, and I really hope I never do after that.”

“This is getting all kinds of weird. Even more me.” Pinkie says, moving to fetch the saliva covered ring. “Maybe Twilight can tell us something about it? She’s a smart cookie.” Turning to their friend, focusing on a complex looking spell, the group approach her as both she and Luna are finishing what looked to be a magical bubble glittering with energies of blue and violet stars. Slowly the two lowered this bubble of magic onto Celestia’s back, causing her to let out a long coo of delight.

“Ohhhhh, yeah… that’s the stuff.” Celestia says, closing her eyes to revel in the effects of the pain numbing bubble.

“There, that will keep the pain down and lower risk of infection. All we can do is wait until Loyalty returns with the doctor.”

“Beg yur parden, gals.” Applejack catches their attention.

“Ah, Honesty I presume?”

“Its Applejack, ma’am.” She corrected. “Twilight, Rarity here found somethin’ on that guard. Maybe it could be important.” Hearing that of a potential clue, Twilight turns to the ring and starts to observe it, ignoring the saliva that was hanging on it.

“Hm, I’ve never seen this type of ring before.” Twilight says.

“Would you say it’s a family heirloom?” Rarity asked out of curiosity.

“Not likely. Too many modern crafting techniques; maybe one or two generations old at the very best. The Gemstone in the center seems to be synthetic by the looks of it. Not to mention the purity of the gold looks a bit off.”

“I saw that too actually.” Rarity added. “I’d say perhaps a impurity to save on costs?”

“That is likely.” Twilight confirmed. “But the symbol…” Looking into the gemstone, Twilight saw what appeared to be a crown of silver surrounded by a singular ring inside.

“What about it?” Applejack asked.

“I’ve never seen anything like it before. I’ve gone over a multitude of history books depicting heraldry, family coat of arms, and miscellaneous logos. Yet I’ve never seen anything even close to this.” Turning to the ring, Luna moves closer to look into the purple gem and her eyes go wide.

“… I’ve seen that mark once before.” All eyes turn to Luna. “T’was in a nightmare of a pony back when I was getting back into my duties as warden of dreams. I had no idea what it meant at the time, but if this assassin is connected…” Luna trailed off, pondering the meaning of this.

“Well, if’n it was in somepony’s dreams, then maybe they know something they can tell us.”

“If it were only possible, I’d ring out every single bit of information they possess. But alas, they are impossible to reach.”

“Why is that?” Twilight asks.

“Because I am quite positive that the pony is dead.”

The Manehattan Museum of Unnatural History was a niche location to visit but by far one of the more entertaining places to visit in the big city. Standing among the crowd of ponies was a young earth pony stallion. He stood tall with a soft smile adorning his scream colored coat, looking through all the bizarre discoveries that had been placed on display for all to see. In his hands, he held on firm to an advanced shutter camera that looked about the size of a first. Taking a few pictures, parting his shaggy black mane from his gentle blue eyes, the earth pony takes several photos of whatever he can in hopes of getting a decent pay check.

“Demo Reel!” A voice was heard, calling his name. Approaching the tall earth pony was a mare in a well-kept grey business suit. The green unicorn approached with a dull expression, signifying she was bored out of her mind. “I got all the goods on the latest exhibit for my fluff piece. You get any good pictures?”

“Sure did.” The stallion reaches into his favorite coat, bringing out a reel of film he pulled out of his camera. “Here ya go Lime-Wire. Ready for the Red-Room.”

“Fantastic. I need to get out of here before this old crap starts giving me wrinkles.” Demo chuckled at that.

“Oh come on, you’re not nearly old enough for that yet.” Demo says with a smirk.

“Psh, you’d be surprised. I’m already twenty-two and I feel like I’m nearing forty with all the busy work the boss is handing to me.”

“Oof, think you should ask for a day off?”

“Not unless I wanna eat and pay rent at the same time.” Lime says with a roll of her eyes. “Come on, lets head back to the office and get these processed. I’m sure you’ll want your peanuts you call a paycheck.”

“You go on ahead.” Demo says, surprising the green unicorn. “I think I’m gonna stick around a bit, take a few more photos for the personal gallery.”

“Really? You actually like this crap?”

“Hey, if it wasn’t interesting, nopony would have put it up in the first place.” Lime didn’t contest the stallion’s reasoning, too focused on her own work to badger Demo Reel on how he spent his personal time.

“Alright, whatever. Don’t go unleashing any evil curses.”

“If I do, I’ll make sure to share it with you.”

“Ha ha, so funny.” Lime-wire moves to the exit, wanting to head back to work while Demo was looking around the area, his smile fading to form a look of determination. Wandering the front of the museum for a moment, observing the exhibits he eventually grows a tad bored, moving to a bench to get off his hooves. He lets out a sigh and looks over a skeleton of a quadrupedal equine creature remade into that of a jungle exhibit.

“Hm… four legged ponies; where do these guys find this crap?” He muttered to himself. Leaning back, he sees a newspaper resting on the arm of the bench. Seeing it was one of the publishers he freelanced for, he moves in and grabs it to look inside. Though as he opens up, he feels a shudder move through his spine as he sees the front page.

‘Assassination Attempt at the Royal Palace! Princess Left in Critical Condition!’

Demo couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Closing his eyes and rubbing them a bit, he looks back down at the title and sees what the paper actually said.

‘Crime Spree Growing by the Day! Police Overworked and Understaffed.’

Demo knew what this means and what had happened. He knew he didn’t hallucinate what he saw and something had happened. Or was about to happen. “What the hell is going on out there?” The stallion whispered. Before he could question what he had seen, Demo Reel felt that same tingling sensation come over him once more.

Demo Reel sees flashes and visions of screaming ponies as the world drains of color. He sees images of two griffons looting the place and eventually that of a towering earth pony mare driving a sword down into his chest that rocks the stallion to his core.

Demo Reel feels his chest grow tight, feeling the phantom pains of what he saw playing out before his eyes. His breathing a bit ragged, he eventually steady’s himself before anypony notices him. Shaking it off, he sits up and looks out to the front of the museum where a band of familiar looking masked ponies were making their way to the museum entrance. Having been anticipating these frightful figures, he started to move away to get ready. “Been waiting all day for these guys.”