In the dead of night, a violent rumbling and seismic activity awoke the happy group, who woke and sat up from their beds in time to see dust, pieces, and small rocks falling near them.

"What is happening?" Twilight asks in alarm as she doesn't waste time getting out of bed and uses her magic to cover herself with a robe while passing multiple ones to her friends.

"Seismic activity, one of the primary reasons why Subquestria tries their hardest to keep the surface above and deserted as possible, if there is major movement on the surface, we feel it here" Mark replies standing up and grabbing a robe before looking and putting for some pants before looking at the ceiling.

"But the frequency and intensity are not uniform, almost like, oh no! Raiders!" Mark yells before dashing out of the door leaving the mares confused by his outburst before trying to dress up as fast as they could and then chase after the mayor.

To their luck the hallway was long and once outside Twilight could take a glimpse at Mark about to turn the corner to the right so she managed to teleport everyone next to him. The mayor didn't seem to be startled by her suddenly winking in existence or even slowing down as he kept running. The mares follow close by.
"What is happening Mark? Are we under attack or something?"

"You can call it that yeah. You see, there is a reason why it is so complicated to get inside and why there were guards at the entrance. For the most part, Subquestria has tried to remain under the radar of everyone and is content to just collect information, but there are various enemies of them, ah...us, that not only know of our existence, but they also hunt us relentlessly for one reason or another, usually to take us as slaves, and one of them is... "

To make an example of his point, a hole burst in front of the group stopping their advances, as a small pack of enemies burst forth from the hole carrying chains, cages, and iron collars.

"Diamond Dogs" Mark mentions with venom in his voice as his arm involuntary comes to life with his runes and raises his guard, ready to fight.

"What? Ponies? What are ponies doing here?" A diamond dog, a male with bulky features and a tone of voice asks looking at his companions.

"Doesn't matter, we can sell them too, get them!" Another one, a smaller male diamond dog with blond fur replies before pointing at the group, the other two Diamond dogs nod raise their collars and chains, and charge at Mark and his group.

"Just you try you dirty mutt!" Mark yells in fury and rushes at the Diamond Dogs, grabbing the paws of the biggest one in a strength contest until the second one pulls out what seems to be a small metal box with a red button on it. The second he pressed the bottom the box started to shake and sound a pitch and metallic sound that froze Mark in place and zapped away his force allowing the Diamond Dog to put him in a lock and laugh.

"Weak monkey, also weak to sound too? Whatever you are, you are us now"

"Mark!" Twilight yells and uses her to levitate the diamond dogs. One throws a smoke screen at the mares blinding them as they cough. Rarity noticed the strange box and shot a concentrated beam at it. Landing and forcing the dog to drop said box, as it lost between the mist, while it stopped emitting the sound.

"No fair, stupid pony is cheating" The dog complains as he kneels and starts looking for the said box, everyone is unable to see a thing from the fog.
The bigger Diamond tries to drag Mark away as, the mayor tries to recover his forces, shaking his head and then biting hard on the Dog's arm. Said Dog yells from the pain and let go of Mark who was still too weak as he fell to the ground.

"He bit me! That monkey bit me I...I don't feel so good" The diamond complained before collapsing on the ground. Their companions saw that and retreated into the hole as the fog cleared, leaving Mark and the convulsion Dog in front of Twilight and her friends. Said Dog, losing control of his bowel movements and then going stiff as he foams from his mouth and his eyes roll back.

"Mark! Mark answer me!" Twilight and Fluttershy go to his aid and Rarity picks up the strange box.

"The box it...sounds" Mark slowly recovers his forces and looks at Twilight grabbing her hand "Twily, I know it's sudden but...a sound canceling spell. Can you...please try to cast one? The biggest one you can do. Lamias...our weakness is sound frequency"

"Of course! It is like snakes, that is how they detect the ground around them without ears" Fluttershy understood before looking at the box "That thing must target your sensorial system, hearing it must feel like being placed on a centrifuge"

Screams are heard and Twilight soon realizes why Mark asks her that strange request, once she peeks out of the window. More and more diamond dogs were appearing from other caves and holes they emerged and used the same tool to immobilize as many lamias as they could, before dragging them back to the tunnels.

Thinking fast Twilight closes her eyes and flares up her magic to cast the biggest sound-canceling spell she can produce, evolving the castle and its surroundings in absolute silence.
The diamond dogs were caught off guard and then put at the mercy of their victims as many were captured while others shared the same fate as the Diamond Dog Mark had bitten before, some even with worse fates as their bodies seemed to be melting.

After a while, the panic dies down a little and Mark's sisters manage to rush to their aid, in time for Twilight to cancel the spell and need the help of the mayor to stay up as she holds her head.

"What happened what did you do?" Orus demands approaching the group until Cobraline and Fang restrain her a bit.

"We were ambushed by a scout of Diamond Dogs, they almost got me if it wasn't for Twilight here" Mark replied getting the attention of everyone.

"You did?" Ringler asks with intrigue as Twilight nods.

"That enchanted bell that they were using, it messes up with your balance and sense of direction, doesn't it? I simply cast a silence spell to help out"

"And when he recovers some of his senses, Mark bites that one, and well..." Fluttershy is unable to finish and could only point behind her where the corpse of the diamond dog remained.

"It ok Fluttershy we get the idea" Fang consoles the distressed pegasus.

"For now the important thing is that everyone is fine. "Mom is waiting for all of you in the throne room. We need to make sure, Mom is ok" Casket mentioned with dread in her voice as everyone got alert and nodded before following the princesses.

Rushing toward the throne room Mark and his friends were greeted by a nasty surprise when they saw the condition the place was in. Part of the ceiling had collapsed, guards were working diligently on helping some lamias that got injured, and worse of all, the queen herself was been attended by a group of nurses who were bandaging her right arm and forehead, both seemed bloody as she struggled to remain conscious while issuing orders.

"Mom!" Mark didn't waste time and just like his sisters who were already around the queen trying to help in any way they could, he too joined the group and tried to reach the queen in search of answers and make sure she was ok.

"Are you ok?" Mark ask

"I'm ok dear, still shaken up and with some minor scratches but I will live" The queen replies with a kind smile as a nurse finishes bandaging her arm. "One of those infuriating dogs got a lucky bite out of me. But I assure you, I returned the favor"

The queen mentions before feeling something in his mouth and after digging slightly with her tongue, she spits the head of a diamond dog, making the mares go pale as Mark and the rest remain calm.

"This is the third assault, this month, those infernal dogs are finding us quicker and quicker, and this last attack was well planned and with weapons we were not prepare for, if not for Twilight I dread to imagine what may had happen. Let face facts here, they are learning" Orus exclaims in frustration "We just finished adjusting to our new location, and everyone is more than tired to make a fourth movement. We do it now and we would barely have any energy left to defend ourselves"

"Movement?" Twilight repeats perplexed.

"Over time Subquestria has developed a displacement system where we can crawl around the ground of the entire kingdom like a snake. That is how we have managed to avoid being discovered for centuries. Yet the process is titanic and tiring, guaranteeing safety against invaders like the ones you saw. Only royalty can perform it and it can leave everyone dizzy for a while once it is done, and you are too injured and tired to do it right now Mom" Ringler responds before scolding the queen.

"I'm more than fine to do just that, young lady, it will take more than a couple of mutts to keep me down" The queen replied in anger as she stood up only to get vertigo and have to sit down once more.

"I'm with Ringler here" Orus spoke up "Even if you manage to move us away, you are too weak as it is, and the diamond dogs have become more and more frequent and dangerous, one wrong move and you would be more than vulnerable for another attack. Please let me do it instead mom, I'm ready and of age"

"Out of the question, none of you are mature enough to use the crawl" The queen rebutted with finality as Twilight started to think of something. "I am more than capable of moving our home and, I will not risk the lives of my nest to do so"

"And we can't allow you to keep risking your life like that Mom" Mark joins in "Orus and Ringler are right, you need medical attention and rest and that is not for discussion"

"What if there is a way for both options?" Twilight suddenly mentions out of the blue capturing everyone's attention, as the alicorn steps forward.

"Twily what are you saying?" Mark asked in some worry, yet Twilight was already thinking of the proper argument for her idea.

"Queen Vipral of Subquestria, I know this may seem sudden and rushed but after witnessing the gravity of your situation and the circumstances on how we are or will soon become neighbors, I would like to extend a potential solution to your predicament guarantee not only the safety of your lands but also it secrecy and even open a door of possibilities"
Twilight explains.

"And why should we listen to anything you have to say?" Orus asks Twilight with a small glare.

"Because, she's our brother mate because she just saved our lives, and because our situation is dire enough that we should consider different alternatives" Fangs replied with a glare toward her sister

"Plus the basis of my ruling compels me to help those in need because I wish to give the same kindness and courtesy your family and kingdom gave me...and as a way to protect a family that I may join, and leave a legacy" Twilight smile and bring the palm of her hand to her stomach, alerting Mark greatly as the sister gasp and the queen has her entire attention on Twilight speaking up before Orus or anyone else had the chance to say anything else.

"And what solution are you proposing, queen of Harmonious?" Vipral asks intrigued by her words

"Move your kingdom bellow mine" The comment of Twilight took everyone by surprise as she extended her palm and showed an astral image of her kingdom with a long layer of ground underneath where she then formed a crude image of Subquestria.

"Implementing a low casting gravity spell on the ground/ceiling between us we can erase the issue of seismic movement for you, and the threat of Diamond Dogs raiders attack is a risk prevalent for our land as well your highness, to combat it and with the aid my vast network of contacts I have imported a rare and useful type of tree and it seeds that blossom type flowers whose pollen emit an odorless scent, that irritate the snouts of Diamond Dogs acting as a natural repellent" Twilight explain as she change the image to that of a tree and a flower next to it, repelling crude images of Diamond Dogs.

"I had an idea of planting the trees on the outskirts of the city behind concrete walls so our enemies would be unable to get near our citizens, by placing your home underneath ours, you can make use of such a tactic"

"That is a nice gesture and all but A, we will not risk an entire city crashing on top of that, and B even if that plant can do what you are claiming what good would that do here where those Diamond pest can burrow their way into our homes?"

"The roots" Twilight replied without skipping a beat and returning to the image of both kingdoms adding a new network of tree roots expanding down until it surrounds Subquestria as well.

"By trimming and nurturing the trees as we please we dictate how their roots can spread, and lucky for you, this plant in particular is known to spread wide and fast. An even stronger odorless scent can be found in their roots so they can be of use to you, leaving space to move again should the need arrive" Twilight end her presentation as she approach the queen.

"But that is only the benefit of security, Queen Vipral if you open a way for communication, we can provide you with ways to connect to the surface and gather more information, allowing us to guard your secrets too. Let us help each other in bringing a better tomorrow for our citizens. What do you say, queen? Would you accept what am I proposing?"

For her part, the queen remains quiet and starts to think carefully about her next words.

"What you are asking requires a substantial amount of trust, Princess Twilight. What guarantees the safety of my people should we agree to what you are proposing?"

"I have already shown my goodwill in presenting myself to you without guards, no arms, and no defense other than my horn, I have been at your complete mercy as I extend my trust to you. I only ask if I can for the same courtesy. Your people need you to take a quick drastic actions against an invader that grows smarter and has found ways to get closer and closer to you. Isn't it time to try another tactic if the present one is not working as well as before?" Twilight replied making the Queen pause for a moment before looking at
Mark.

"I see now why you choose her as a mate son, she has a way with words"

"What?! Mom, you can't be serious, we are just gonna trust her words blindly?" Orus complain.

"A decision most be made in face of extenuate circumstance, there is more to win from this. That be said I will not just fall blindly into this decision. An ensure would be needed as well, therefore I will require a selected group to accompany the princess to the surface and act as our eyes and ears, ensuring that her words speak true as we try this option"

Ringler and Cobraline's eyes wide into attention "We volunteer mother! We can disguise ourselves as ponies and keep a close eye on the princess as we do"

"I appreciate you volunteering my children, take a small squat and your sweaters when you go to the surface. Fangs I put the safety of your sisters in your hands" Vipral replied calmly.

"You can count on me Mom I will keep these two from any trouble"

"Hey!" The sisters complain as they look at the smirking Fang

"You can't be serious" Orus complained with a huff.

"Thanks, Mom, you are the best" Mark nods in satisfaction.

"Orus I had a mission for you as well, I require that you accompany your brother back to Canterlot, and introduce the rest of his herd to our culture"

"What was that?" Mark asks in shock at the out-of-the-blue order as Orus turns around to see her mother intrigued.

"Ever since your arrival I been pondering what type of mares caught your attention, and if they are right for you, my son. At this moment Twilight has shown me how trust must be a two-way street and pure determination to protect and know her future family better. Acts like those warm my heart and make me believe that maybe soon would be time for our race to show their faces to the world"

The comment fills Twilight with pride and excitement as well as Ringler and Cobraline "The time for us to reveal to the surface is nearing?" Cobraline asks in excitement

"We will see girls, it all depends on how well this experiment of yours goes princess" Vipral warns Twilight but then smiles "But so far I see it as a strong possibility, you all have earned my seal of approval, should offspring are on the horizon" She ends with a smirk making the mares blush and look away.

"Mom!" Marks tried to complain yet the queen was not yet done.

"That being said, you informed me that there are other mares in your herd isn't it not?" The queen mentions "Twilight, Fluttershy, and Rarity already earned my seal of approval, but
I have yet to see the same from the remaining mares. So I entrust Orus with their judgment to see if they are worthy of carrying your eggs"

"Eggs?" Twilight repeated in surprise before looking at her abdomen "The transformation was so extent that I would lay an egg if I get pregnant?"

"It's just an expression" Mark clarify "Right Mom?"

The queen on her part just remains quiet.

"Right?" Mark repeats.

"To be honest we are not completely sure either, it can go either way, to be honest," Ringler informed "Only time and mating would give us a definite answer"

"And that is beside the point, back to the subject. I want to ensure my baby is safe and happy in this Canterlot. So I want you to be there and confirm that that is the case Orus"

Understanding the situation Orus smiled and nodded. "I understand now Mom, and I agree 100%" Orus nods before hugging Mark with one arm "Plus it will give us that bonding time you've been neglecting brother, don't worry I know exactly how to blend in during my visit"

Her words only served to worry Mark as he gulped.

"So it decided then, first thing in the morning Subquestria would venture into a new alliance with New Harmonious, to ensure the safety of all. I will inform the council of my decision and the reasoning behind such a drastic measure, so to bed my children tomorrow, all of us will have a big day ahead."

You can say that again Mom. God, how am I gonna explain all of this to Celly and Lulu? Mark thinks in his head in slight worry as Twilight approaches him and grabs his hand, as she was thinking the same.

Author's Note

Happy New Year, everyone is good to be back