Grand Larceny

Chapters

Chapter I - Glorious Purpose
Chapter II - Burdened
Chapter III - Knowledge is Power
Chapter IV - Mission Start
Chapter V - Finishing Touches
Chapter VI - The Gala
Chapter VII - Grand Larceny
Chapter VIII - The Runaways
Chapter XI - Mach Five
Chapter X - Irrationality

Chapter I - Glorious Purpose

Author's Note

My whole life I’ve been up and down with this fandom. It always comes around every once in a while to pull me back into the nightmare. Last time, I went crazy and made a bad story with nearly two hundred thousand words.

But now that I've (apparently) returned, I'm going to do better. Try smaller. And hopefully not lose my will to write.

Also, I practically don’t remember anything from the lore or story of this show. In fact, I’ve never watched the show seriously. To me, it always felt weird and boring. It is a children’s show after all. So if I screw up anywhere, feel free to let me know.

Yes, I know it’s technically a tiara. I’ll come back to this.

Please leave a comment. All your thoughts and criticisms are important and valid to me

Chapter I - Glorious Purpose

P A R T - O N E

The tiny bit made the sound of an annoying ping as it hit the wooden floor. An annoying ping that instantly got Century's attention. Frustrating him more than he already was with all these papers on his desk.

"Oh, for the love of... What's happening today?"

Dropping the document from his mouth, Century dropped to the ground and scoured the floor for a bit. He'd need it for Octavia's show tonight and was running a little low after the Mayor's birthday last weekend. He'd gone all out for his boss. Not something many ponies can say they'd ever do.

He cursed as he continued to search under the forest of documents that littered his floor. "How is it gone? T-This is impossible. It didn't just disappear into nothingness! For Celestia's sake, I'm supposed to be signing important crap right now!"

"Important crap?"

"Ah!"

Century slipped and hit the ground with a slight thud. Sending several papers flying not-so across the room and causing him to groan in both pain and irritation shortly after. But this feeling was cut short as he stood up from the slight mess to address the voice at the door. Instantly distressed at the sight of the speaker.

"Ah, Madam Mare, you shouldn't be up right now! You know what the doctor said, so why are you out of bed?"

Mayor Mare replied in a hoarse, strained voice. A tad bit upset at Century's tone. "You sounded stressed, so I came to check on you. I-I didn't anticipate you'd have so many papers to do, nor did I expect you to have such difficulty."

Century sighed, coming around the desk and stepping about the littered papers to speak face to face. "Madam, that's very kind, but it is my job. I've been here for virtually a year. I ought to learn to deal with the full experience of your job already. Besides, you could've just called me instead of getting up."

Mayor Mare frowned, "I know. I just couldn't help it; I-I'm sorry. After my last advisor got all worked up and left, the last thing I want is a repeat."

"Well, I can assure you, I'm more of a stallion than whoever that last advisor of yours was."

"It was a mare."

"Potato, patato. Look, Madam, you shouldn't be up right now. Please, go lay back down while I finish up. I've got this. Would you like something to eat or drink? I can whip something up or head out real quick if you want."

Mayor Mare smiled, "No, that's quite alright Century. I'll just go lay down. You keep up the good work."

"You sure? All you had to eat this morning was that muffin and orange juice. And I'm pretty sure I ordered two. That mare with the weird eyes likely ate it, the glutton."

"Century, I assure you-"

Mayor Mare was cut off by the sound of her stomach rumbling. Century raised a brow, and Mayor Mare blushed out of embarrassment. Century smiled, "What would ya like, Madam?"

Mayor Mare replied, "Apple juice and pancakes, please. Four pancakes. With the-"

"Syrup on the side, I know, I know."

Century ushered Mayor Mare out the office door and to her bed in the room adjacent. She laid down, and Century tucked her in tight. "You took your pills this morning, right?"

Mayor Mare replied, "Of course. I'd always remember something as important as that."

"Good," Century approached the door frame. He sighed, "Okay, I'll be back in hopefully twenty minutes. As I said, don't get up. And if you find yourself in danger... Uh... Pray I hear you."

Mayor Mare waved him goodbye, "I will. Goodbye!"

With that, Century stepped out of the room and closed the door behind him. He thought for a moment. A couple of months ago, Mayor Mare would be bringing him breakfast. Or they'd go out together.

He could tell her condition was worsening. When he left the office yesterday, she was having a coughing fit. And this morning, he could've sworn he saw remnants of blood in the bathroom sink. He couldn't stand thinking about her state and felt uncomfortable when he'd see her act so unwell. Made him anxious.

But today was going to be a good day, he remembered. He stepped into the nearby bathroom and gave his face a quick wash. Couldn't have anypony seeing him the way he was now. Sweat and frustration covered his face like a wet towel.

Century wore a dark brown coat with brown eyes and a jet-black mane. Said hair was short, and each strand was tightly coiled. He'd tried since he was younger to push some towards the front to look like the other stallions with their silky hair, thinking it'd make more mares like him. And while it didn't, he'd grown to like the style.

On his flank, his cutie mark. A red and blue ballot box with the words "vote" written on the front in bold. He'd gotten it back in school when he won a school election. Winning every other election after. Since then, he's dedicated his life to politics. Which led him to working side-by-side with the Mayor of Ponyville.

"Alright," Century sighed, drying his face. "Let's go get these pancakes."

It was an average day in Ponyville. The sun shone brightly as always. The sky devoid of any clouds. The smell of love, hope, and dreams in the air. Everypony was out doing their thing. Living life to the fullest.

Century hummed a tune as he trotted down Ponyville. He picked it up from a marching band part of a parade that came through Ponyville not long ago. "Bayou Breakdown," it was called. So vibrant and grand. He'd thought he was only into slow classical music for the longest time.

He'd moved to Ponyville a decade ago. His parents dragged him to the village after getting awfully annoyed at living in Manehattan. He couldn't argue. Never liked the place.

But Ponyville? It was quite a change of pace. Less noise and ponies who were far more pleasant and agreeable. The atmosphere was always happy here. Never too much of anything, really.

Though if there was anything he didn't like about the village, it was that massive crystal castle on the outskirts that belonged to the new Princess of Friendship, Twilight Sparkle, and her best friends, the Elements of Harmony.

When the unicorn initially showed up, Century paid her little mind. Another one of Celestia's students? Sure, why not. The last one went real well. And the one before her. And the one before him.

Then she got her little friend group and became the Elements. Then there was stupid fight after stupid fight. Several of which he could've sworn her highness, Princess Celestia, could've handled. But no, Twilight had to learn how to become a great princess and protector. Of course, at the expense of his pet dog, McFly.

He never got over that.

And finally, she got her little castle and also became an alicorn, somehow. Frankly, Century didn't care for the details. It's not that he disliked any of the Elements; Fluttershy's a doll. But he found their constant presence and actions irksome. Even if some things were out of their control. But the castle, he felt, was unnecessary. The other villagers loved it, but him? He, on the other hand, just found it...

Menacing.

He never imagined Princess Twilight could ever be an evil leader like King Sombra. He just didn't like the sight. It just screamed intimidating authority. And he didn't like being told what to do.

Of course, Mayor Mare was an exception.

He lost his train of thought when he saw a certain gray pegasus with a blond mane head into the same store he was heading. Sugarcube Corner. He huffed, unhappy with her actions this morning. However, now he'd get a chance to confront her about it.

Not long after the mare, Century entered the store. He immediately knew something was off when the local clown, Pinkie Pie, didn't jump in his face screaming about toy makers and crystal balls. He shrugged it off for now and approached the pegasus.

"Oi, dipstick," Century spoke commandingly, instantly getting the attention of the one and only Derpy Hooves. She'd grown accustomed to the nickname used by the earth pony. Though she never understood the word. Let alone that it was an insult.

She turned around and smiled, "Oh! Heya Mr. Century! What's-"

He stepped forward, "This morning, I ordered two muffins. When you showed up, there was only one in the box. Care to explain that, Hooves?

Derpy shied away, "Uh... I... Was... Atta-"

"Hungry. You were hungry."

"...Yeah..."

"Don't make excuses. What did you have for breakfast?"

Derpy put a hoof to her chin. "Uh... A muffin, and... Another muffin."

"And lemme guess: You're here to buy more muffins?"

"W-Well, I only had two muffins this morning. I usually have three."

Century rolled his eyes, "I'm assuming the second muffin you ate was mine?"

"...Yeah... But, I-I can pay you back, though! I just got my paycheck!"

Century shook his head, "I don't want your bits, dipstick. Just don't eat my stuff. You wouldn't like it if I ate one of your muffins, right?"

Derpy agreed, drooping her head, "No..."

"Fantastic. Don't eat mine, yeah?"

"Okay... Sorry, Mr. Century."

Century shrugged as he approached the counter. "Apology accepted. You want something on me?"

Derpy perked up, "Really?"

"Yeah, I'm not a jerk... Mostly."

Mr. Cake, the old, lanky Earth pony that co-owned the store, stepped out from the kitchen. "I'm sorry, nothing is going on out here, right?"

Century sighed, "Yes sir, Mr. Cake. I'd like to order the Mayor Mare Special and three muffins."

Mr. Cake grinned, "Well, anything for the Mayor's advisor. Mayor Mare Special and three muffins, coming right up."

Mr. Cake stepped back into the kitchen, and Derpy asked, "Hey, Mr. Century, do you have a ticket for this year's Grand Galloping Gala?"

Century shook his head, "No, Derpy, I don't. I'm not really into that type of thing. Got nothing against the spiffy and rich ponies or whatever. Besides, with Mayor Mare sick, I've got a ton of work to do." He raised a brow, "Why? You wanna go?"

Derpy nodded, "Yeah! I woke up this morning and found three golden tickets in my mailbox!"

Century raised a brow, "Aren't you the mailmare?"

"I am! Which is also why it's so surprising! Somebody must've personally put it in! I've never been to the Gala before. Is it fun?"

Century shrugged, "I don't know. But I think I remember the Mane Six not enjoying it too much. And if they didn't enjoy it, I doubt you will."

Derpy drooped yet again, "Oh... Well, should I sell them? H-How much are they worth?"

"I-I don't know, a hundred bits? Thousand bits? You're asking the wrong stallion, Hooves."

Mr. Cake came back from the kitchen. He extended a metal tray holding the special surrounded by three muffins."Here you are, Century, sir. Three muffins and a Mayor Mare Special."

Century smiled, signaling Derpy to take the muffins, who grinned an adorable grin and graciously accepted the treats. "Thank you kindly, Mr. Cake. Hey, uh, that was a little quick, wasn't it? Definitely quicker than on Wednesday."

Mr. Cake shrugged, "Well, I thought it wouldn't hurt to start preparing one every other morning since, well, you take one every other morning."

"Oh, well, thank you." Century reached into his satchel and placed several bits on the table, paying for the meal. Century put the special box in his satchel, and Derpy took one muffin to eat while putting the other two in her satchel.

The two walked out of the store. Derpy, with a muffin in her mouth, asked, "Mr. Century, earlier, you said Mayor Mare was sick. What type of sickness? What happened?"

Century sighed, "She's just getting old, Hooves. She's not immortal like an alicorn. Honestly, I'm surprised she hasn't retired yet. She's been mayor since I got here."

"Maybe... Maybe s-she-"

"Chew and swallow, dipstick."

Derpy giggled and did as told. She swallowed, cleared her throat, and began again, "Maybe she just hasn't found someone to replace her. She's really good at her job. She could be scared that Ponyville may fall into the wrong hands."

Century scoffed, "Writing's on the wall, man. I could definitely replace her; she knows that. I've been her advisor longer than anyone else. I like the lady, but all she's doing is stalling and making her health worse."

Derpy extended her wings, "Well, whatever it is, I know you'll figure it out, Mr. Century. I have to go now. My break is almost over. Goodbye!"

As Derpy began to fly away, Century called out, "Don't eat anyone else's muffins, Hooves!"

"I won't! Promise!"

And with that, she was gone. Century scoffed, amused. "I give her a week."

"Here you are, Madam," Century stated as he placed the tray of pancakes before Mayor Mare. "Syrup on the side. Just the way you like it. For some reason..."

Mayor Mare giggled, "Everyone has preferences, Century. You should know that."

"I know that; it's just weird. I'm judging you."

Mayor Mare rolled her eyes. "So," she began, "What've you done so far?"

Century yawned, "Well, Cheerilee asked for assistance after the playground was destroyed from the Mane Six's last fight with that bugbear. So I arranged an allocation for that. Granny Smith wants an extension for her farm, so I said screw it and gave her that too. Pretty sure I did something else for her, but I'm not great with numbers."

"Seems you've been busy."

Century chuckled, "Yeah, it turns out most of those papers all belong to one problem or another. They're not all individual, so you were going real easy on me, and I'm dumber than I thought, huh?"

"But you got the job done, right? That's all that matters." Mayor Mare sighed, "Such a shame those kids lost their playground. I heard the Cutie Mark Crusaders even lost their treehouse! But, things happen when you're the Elements of Harmony, huh?"

Century looked off in the distance, upset. He replied, "Yeah... things happen..."

For a while now, Century had been contemplating something. He'd noticed the amount of destruction that the Elements would inadvertently cause was becoming a slight problem. Sure, they're heroes. And like Mayor Mare said, things happen. But in his mind, they didn't need to.

He saw it as the Elements being reckless. Undoubtedly not all of them; Fluttershy was too soft, and they definitely weren't doing their job willy-nilly, but these things cost money. And none of it was coming out of their pockets.

Rainbow Dash would put on a show, or Applejack would give out some free cider, and everything was a-okay with the citizens of Ponyville. But to Century, it wasn't even slightly enough.

Especially after McFly.

"You're thinking about it again, aren't you?" Asked Mayor Mare. She could tell just from the look in his eyes.
Century sighed, "...How many bits have we gone through because of them? It must be hundreds of thousands, maybe millions by now. How is that okay? I don't understand-"

"You're dismissed, Century."

Century's eyes widened, "...What?"

"You can go home. I can tell you've been stressed since this morning. The papers, the breakfast, and now."

"But I'm not-"

"Century, we both know I'm not lying, I can tell. I've been doing this longer than you've been alive."

Century stepped back, "But... What about you?"

"I'll just head home if you'd kindly help me. This is a bad day for both of us. Let's not pretend otherwise."

Century sighed. There was no point in arguing. Mayor Mare's word was final, and she knew what she was doing. Perhaps she was right. Perhaps he had been stressed out today. He could've sworn he almost popped a blood vessel in his eye just from getting ready this morning.

"Well," Century began, "Guess we're heading home, huh?"

"I guess so."

Century placed the cup of water at Mayor Mare's bedside. They'd come to her cottage after leaving the office, and Century was making sure she had all she needed before he left. He took her glasses off her face and rested them on her desk.

Tucked in tight in yet another bed, Mayor Mare spoke. "Thank you yet again, Century. Sometimes I wonder what I'd do without you. These old bones aren't what they used to be."

"Yeah," Century replied, sitting at her bedside, "I actually wanted to speak about that."

Mayor Mare perked up, "Oh?"

"Madam Mare," Century began," Don't you think... Don't you think it's time to throw in the towel?"

Mayor Mare frowned, "Do you mean to retire?"

"Yes, Madam. I have to be honest and say that... That... Madam Mare, you're running out of time. Things will only get worse from here; we both know that. I really, really don't mean to sound like a jerk, but Ponyville is going to be in trouble if we don't have a leader when you're gone."

Mayor Mare stared for a while. Believing she knew where this was heading. "So," she began, "Would you like to take my spot?"

"I-I don't mean it like I'm greedy and think you should just let go already, but... I-I don't want to see you sick anymore. No more coughing up blood in the sink or forgetting where things are. It would be best if you were somewhere you could be helped twenty-four/seven, like a retirement home."

Mayor Mare looked deeply into Century's eyes. She didn't need to confirm it, but she couldn't help it either. From what she could see, there was no malice in his eyes. No secret agenda, just a stallion determined to do a good job.

She knew Century wasn't a bad guy. Just wanted the power to make a change. But she was still so afraid. Afraid that she'd be wrong like last time. Afraid she'd end up putting Ponyville through the wringer and get setback after setback.

Century could also read her face and tell this was a fear that wouldn't be going away anytime soon. He just hoped it'd go away while she still had time left.

He sighed, "Look, Madam Mare, just think about it. And I mean, really think about it. I don't know what's happened to make you feel so afraid of this change. But I hope you can get over it. And soon."

He stood up and approached the door frame. Mayor Mare spoke, "I'm sure you'd make for a fantastic mayor. There's so much you wanna do. Just... Just give me a little more time. I promise."

Century smiled, "Of course. Good night, Madam Mare. Sweet dreams.

Mayor Mare replied, "And a good night to you too, Century. I'm sure tomorrow will fare better than today."

With that, Century stepped out of the room and closed the door. He walked to the exit of the cottage and decided to head to his own home to prepare for tonight. Octavia would be performing again, and he was in need of some peaceful cello to destress him. Surely things couldn't get any worse.

Even if this was the last time he'd see her.

"Well, that didn't help at all."

Princess Luna had lifted the moon, as it was now night in Ponyville. Century was heading home from Octavia's performance. Beautiful and exquisite, just like always, but he was still stressed and upset. Despite what he told himself at the office, today was not his day.

It had to be due to Mayor Mare's current state. It was like a tumor in his head, giving him a constant migraine. Reminding him of a future he couldn't prevent. How unfair, he thought. But it was beyond anypony's power.

There was no point in overthinking it. Letting it ruin his day. The last thing Mayor Mare wanted of Century was to waste his precious time worrying about something he couldn't fix. It would be for the best to maybe prepare for what comes next. A funeral.

Century pushed open the door to his cottage and threw his satchel on the table. Trotting straight to his room. Sleep would help get all the stress out. Temporarily, at least. But that was enough for him.

Century opened the door to his room and headed straight to bed. Getting as comfy as can be underneath his covers and sheets. One of his most remarkable skills was falling to sleep almost instantly. Did that make sense as a skill? No, but who cares.

He yawned, "Tomorrow was another day. Tomorrow Is always another day..."

"For now."

Century jerked up like a light switch and surveyed his room. He'd heard a voice, without a doubt. He was not crazy.

He shouted, "Who's there?! Hello?!"

His room began to shake like an awful earthquake. Items on his desk and bookshelf began falling, littering the ground with all of Century's valuables. The light from the moon shining in through his window faded away. And with that, his floor began to bend like rubber.

Emerging from his floor, phasing through it like a video game, was half of what he assumed to be a massive skeleton of a creature he'd never seen before. It loomed over Century with a gigantic, imposing shadow. And a brilliant purple light shone from what he believed to be its eye sockets.

Century gaped, petrified. His blood ran colder than cold. His heart racing.The being stared back. Peering into Century's soul. With a deep, monstrous voice, the being spoke. Several hundred other voices silently acting as his echo.

"Here he lies. Century. Earth pony. Villager of Ponyville."

Century stuttered, "Y-You know me?! W-What the heck are you?!"

The being chuckled, "My title is beyond your understanding, mortal."

"I... Mortal? You some kinda God? You can't be, Princess Celestia-"

"Is a danger to your world."

Century cleared his throat and tried to calm down. Whatever this thing was, it didn't seem to be in a hurry to kill him. Surprisingly, it seemed that it wanted to talk.

Century gulped, "What do you mean a danger? Slow down, I don't even know what you are."

The being chuckled again, "You may call me one of your simpler words. Warner. I've come from a faraway place. The farthest reaches of the universe seeking... Entertainment."

"...What? Warner? Like, you warn people? And what do you mean entertainment?"

"Your world is in danger. A monster comparable to a force of nature is coming to lay waste in a fortnight. It will leave nothing behind. All will burn. And you can do nothing but sit and watch everything die... Unless..."

Century perked up, "Unless? Unless what? Spit it out, you freak!"

"Princess Celestia has something of great value. Something this being wishes to destroy. It will take the entire world to accomplish its mission. It cares little for the deaths of the innocent. The ornamental headdress worn by your beloved Princess."

"The... Crown? You mean her crown?"

"Yes. The Princess' crown. In order for your planet to avoid annihilation, it must be destroyed. Reduced to ashes."

Century stared, baffled. "...That's... That's stupid; t-that doesn't make any sense. Why does this monster want to destroy her crown so much? Did she do something? Does the crown not belong to her? Does it have some sort of grudge against crowns? A-And what monster? N-Nothing you're saying makes any sense!"

“Silence!”

Warner roared, shaking the room like a rock in a can. Century covered his head with his hooves. Worried the room might collapse from the pressure. What is this thing's problem?

Warner continued, "Why would I go this far for a petty lie? I've given you a fair warning."

"B-But, even if this is true, why are you telling me? Shouldn't you tell somepony like Celestia herself? I-I'm just some Earth pony!"

Warner laughed, "That's the best part. I wish to see if such a weak, fragile creature can go the distance for its species."

Century growled, "You jerk, are you serious?! W-What if I just tell somepony important about the issue?!"

Warner floated close to Century's face, "Then I will reduce you to dust. And your world will be eradicated without a second thought. This is meant to be fun. If Princess Celestia is alerted, it'll be too easy. I don't like easy. Besides, it’s like you said. You're just some random Earth pony. Who'll believe you?"

Century frowned, "So... What do I do?"

"You must steal Princess Celestia's crown and destroy it. It matters not how. Surprise me. I cannot wait to see how you plan to accomplish such a feat."

"Can I... Can I at least get some help? This sounds impossible alone..."

Warner huffed, "You may gather allies. But gather too many, and I will reduce all of you to dust."

Century sighed in whatever relief he could. At least if he had to do this insane mission, he wouldn't have to do it alone. Maybe Spirit Candy would help. She was a pretty capable unicorn. And he always went to her for help concerning magic.

Warner rose back to his original position. Towering over Century, "I have done my part. Your mission has been given. Complete it, and two weeks from now, Equestria may live to see another day."

The ground began to bend once more. "Remember. I wish to be entertained. Give me a spectacle."

And with that, Warner retreated into the ground, phasing through. The shaking stopped, and natural light filled the room once more. Century could feel his racing heart begin to slow down.

What just happened? In a rather quick conversation, some god awful cosmic being had selected him to steal one of the most valuable items in all of Equestria off Princess Celestia's head. And then, somehow, destroy it?! With what? How?! He knew it was tough, seeing as she's worn it for thousands of years, but was it seriously that hard to break? Only one thought was on Century's mind now. He opened his mouth to whisper in horror.

"...We're all gonna die..."

Chapter II - Burdened

P A R T - O N E

13 DAYS TO MIDNIGHT

"...What?"

"I know, it sounds crazy, but you have to believe me."

"Believe you?! Are you serious?"

"...Yes."

Over sixteen hours ago, Mayor Mare's trusted advisor, Century, had been informed by an unknown cosmic creature that annihilation from a mysterious monster was imminent, and it'd be taking the entire planet.

He'd traveled to Canterlot to head to the house of a good friend of his for help. The unicorn Spirit Candy. Being two years older, he made friends with Spirit back when he was a filly. They'd bonded over their desire to do good by other ponies. Spirit taught him the importance of trust back then. And Century taught her fairness. They weren't teachers, obviously. But fillies will do what fillies do.

Like him, she wore a dark brown coat and jet-black hair. It was tightly coiled, but unlike him, it was far longer, and she had braided it. Dropping almost too close to the ground.

Her cutie mark was an orange, four-pointed star surrounded by white rings. He couldn't remember where or how she earned it, but he did know it had something to do with magic. When she was younger, she enrolled at Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. But dropped out due to failing.

Using her magic, she continued to wash her dishes. She spoke up, "Whatever you're talking about is insane. There's no way you honestly think I'd be stupid enough to believe that. Cosmic skeletons? Really?"

"But I-"

"Shove it. If you want to be useful, you can help me with these dishes. Then we can go out and get something to eat or whatever. I'm off work today, as you can tell, and I'd like to spend it doing something fun, not… Discussing whatever the heck you’re going on about.”

Century sighed, "Spirit, just think. Why in the world would I lie? W-What do I get out of that?! Why would I travel this far just to lie?"

"My birthday's coming up. Maybe this is your idea of a surprise."

Century groaned, "That’s utterly ridiculous.”

"Maybe you've decided to go all out this year, I don't know! It would be a lovely change of pace. Remember that carrot cake you got me last year? Still can't believe you honestly thought I'd like that."

"Oh, shut up!"

Spirit smiled, "All in all, I'm glad you've visited me. It's been a minute, hasn't it? But whatever you're talking about, birthday party or not, I need some sort of evidence before I jump in to steal the Princess' literal crown."

Century rested his head against his hoof on the table. He had to find some way to convince her, but how? If the roles were reversed, why would he ever believe her? How would she convince him?

Century thought that Warner thing was such a jerk. Finding all of this entertaining. How could this be entertaining? Trying to get his stubborn friend to believe something he could hardly believe himself. No way he found watching this enjoyable. And that's when it hit him.

Century stood up and spoke towards the floor. "Hey, Warner! There's no way you find this stupid conversation enjoyable. Why don't you just help me out so we can get to the more important stuff?!"

Spirit spoke, bewildered, "Uh… Who are you talking to, ya schitzo? Is this skeleton thingy living in my floor? I take back the birthday thing; you've gone completely mental."

Century grew frustrated, "Come on, man! Don't be like this. You're making me look stupid!"

"He's right, strange, giant, cosmic skeleton. He looks extraordinarily dumb.”

"Allow me."

That same deep, gravely, echoing voice from yesterday spoke once more in reply. With that, a giant, skeleton hand that definitely belonged to Warner phased through the floor. Spirit switched up her attitude immediately as annoyance and amusement turned to pure terror.

With its thumb and index finger, the hand gripped both sides of Spirit's head. It then began to glow a menacing, purple glow. Century assumed it was filling Spirit's head with the same knowledge he held as her eyes were reduced to a bright, purple pool. She even began to foam at the mouth.

Century stepped back, startled. He was hoping for help, but this was unsettling. This strange being was doing things not even Princess Celestia could. At least, he didn't know if she could.

The hand let go of Spirit, and she fell over, hyperventilating. Her heart was racing as if she just ran a marathon. Century stepped over to her and helped her to her hooves. He looked at the hand, "So... Does she understand now?"

Warner chuckled, "Of course. She knows everything now. I even went the distance and filled her head with visions of the future. She'll undoubtedly help you now. Unless the poor unicorn goes mad."

Century sighed, "Fantastic. Makes my job a thousand times easier... You're still a jerk, though."

"Do not bite the hand that feeds."

"Yeah, yeah, I got it."

Century put a hoof on Spirit's shoulder. "So... Still think I'm throwing you a crazy birthday party? Besides, if you lived in Ponyville, the pink one could always have that easily arranged."

Spirit was too busy catching her breath to reply. Her pupils were pulsing, and her head was shaking. Whatever she'd seen must've been awful. Century was glad he didn't have to see such images when Warner approached him. He might not have gotten out of bed.

The skeleton hand retreated into the ground. Phasing through yet again. Century gave Spirit a little rub. "Oi? Spirit? You haven't actually gone insane or something... Right?"

"...W-We're all gonna die," Spirit spoke, trembling.

"Yeah yeah, I said that too, initially. But we've been informed. Meaning, despite how crazy it might be, we have a chance to change the future. We need to act now while we still have time. You with me?"

Spirit replied, her voice still trembling, "W-We... W-We need more than us. W-We need h-help from s-somepony. L-Like Twilight. S-She can help. C... C-Can't she?"

Century shook his head, "Warner said we couldn't tell anypony important, like a Princess, or else he'd kill us. The sick freak wants entertainment, so we can't take any shortcuts. I'm sure we could get more help, though."

"...S-Starlight Glimmer. S-She's powerful, right? D-Didn't she g-give Twilight a r-run for her money?"

Century shrugged, "I guess. But isn't she working at that weird school thing? Could we steal her away from that?"

Spirit yelled, "She has to help! We'll j-just have that skeleton t-tell her too! She wouldn't s-seriously decline!"

"Spirit! Relax! Seriously, now. I know the information you've just received is terrifying. And I can't imagine what you saw. But I need you to get your crap together. Enough with the stuttering; I need a good partner right now."

Spirit, while upset with Century's words, knew he was right. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Breathing in and out for a couple seconds. She spoke, "...Starlight can help us. T-There's no way she wouldn't."

Century lifted his hoof off her back. "Okay... We'll go back to Ponyville and inform her. And if that doesn't work, we'll find somepony else. I promise." Spirit took one last deep breath before replying, "...What a terrible start to my day..."

"Technically, we're halfway through, so-"

"If you finish that sentence, I'll give you testicular torsion."

Spirit and Century entered the School of Friendship an hour or two later. School was almost over, so they'd have to be quick. Lest they be trampled by a bunch of ponies eager to go home. They knew Starlight was the school counselor, so that made their job easier than just going room to room.

The School of Friendship used to also be on Century's crap list. The paperwork that had to be done for the building initially was incredibly annoying. He also thought it a massive eyesore, like Twilight's castle.

But Mayor Mare explained the importance of friendship and how important it is for the young to learn it. And while that got it off his list, he still didn't like it. He was never taught friendship. And yet, Spirit was the closest pony he'd ever had.

But this wasn't important right now. Besides, he might now have liked the building, but he didn't want it destroyed, or its occupants killed two weeks from now. They had to find Starlight and then come up with a plan.

"So... Any idea where this mare’s office is?" Spirit asked.

Century pointed to a map near the entrance, "Over here. The map says it should be down this hallway and then to the left."

The two began walking, and Spirit asked again, "So... Do you think there'll be a line? She'll be too busy or something?"

"She better not be. Not in the mood to wait. Besides, schoolday's almost over. The kids are probably standing at their classroom doors, waiting for the bell to ring. So let's hurry. I don't feel like getting run over."

The two ponies trotted down the hall, hoping to reach Starlight's office before the bell rang. The door was closed with the blinds down when it came into view. Whoever she was talking to, if she was, must be shy. Or the problem's extra stupid.

Century knocked, "Hello? Starlight Glimmer? You in there? My friend and I need to chat. Preferably before the school bell rings?"

Behind the door was the sound of a pony standing up from their chair. So, good news, she was actually here, and they didn't need to go on some stupid wild goose chase. The door opened, but standing before the two wasn't Starlight.

It was Trixie.

"Sorry, no Starlight. However, you've someone great and powerful right here." Trixie answered, proud as always.

Century raised a brow, "Trixie? W-What are you doing here? Where's Starlight Glimmer?"

Trixie brushed her hair to the side, "Starlight's returned to her village for a visit. She hasn't been here all day. Why? What does Mayor Mare's loyal dog want with Starlight?"

Century replied, anger in his voice, "Excuse me?"

Trixie laughed, "Kidding! Trixie is merely kidding. You must learn to take a joke once in a while."

Spirit stepped forward, "If Starlight's not here, then why are you? You're not on the student council. Are you even a staff member?"

"Trixie was asked by her best friend Starlight to take over while she was gone. It matters not if Trixie’s not on the staff. Twilight doesn't object to it."

Century scoffed, "Twilight doesn't even know you're here, does she?"

"Well... It's not like Trixie's done a bad job, now is it?"

"Sure."

Trixie sighed and opened the door for them. "Well, Trixie's bored. You may enter. Trixie is in need of entertainment and is willing to hear you out."

"This is beyond entertainment. The world is at stake."

Trixie perked up, "Well, now Trixie's definitely willing to hear you out. Come in! Before Trixie changes her mind."

Century glanced at Spirit, who glanced back at him. If Starlight wasn't here, that would throw a wrench in their plans. They needed a powerful unicorn to help. But instead, they'd have to settle with Ms. "great and powerful."

The two entered the room and took seats before Starlight's desk. Trixie, like the pompous, domineering unicorn she was, sat in Starlight's chair before them with all the sass in the world.

Century always disliked Trixie. Her condescending nature. Her obsession with being better than everypony. And especially how she always talked about herself in the third person. That drove him mad.

He wasn't in town for the incident with the Alicorn Amulet, but he'd heard about it and wasn't surprised. Trixie was so petty and selfish. Who'd go so far just to prove something to themselves?

She'd changed from then, or so he'd been told, but he never warmed up to her. Nor did he try. He'd hope Trixie would just go off and do her own thing. Performing her stupid magic shows, leaving him alone. Not that she'd ever specifically bothered him. Outside of knowing his job and insulting him for it. Even if it was a "joke," he didn't have the patience.

"Now," Trixie began, "How can the Great and Powerful Trixie help you on this fine afternoon?"

Spirit began, "The world is in danger. We've recently received critical information-"

"We don't have all day, " Century cut off. "Warner, do your thing so we don't end up looking like lunatics."

Trixie shook her head, confused. "Uh, excuse Trixie? What are you talking-"

Similarly to when it happened to Spirit, a massive skeletal hand phased through the ceiling. Trixie, upon seeing the hand, began to freak out. Screaming bloody murder. She fell out of her chair and scampered away. Unfortunately, it was for naught.

The hand pinched Trixie's head with its thumb and index finger. Her eyes filled with a luminous purple, and foam began to spew from her mouth. Spirit cringed, unsettled by the sight before her.

In time, Warner let go of poor Trixie's head. The light in her eyes faded, and she collapsed to the floor. Warner's hand retreated from the room, phasing through the ceiling. And all was normal again. As if nothing had happened.

Spirit walked over to Trixie and helped her to her feet. Trixie, trembling and panting, attempted to calm herself down. Wiping the foam from her mouth. Spirit spoke, "Yeah, I know, Trixie. The same thing happened to me. Incredibly unpleasant, isn't it?"

Trixie stuttered, "W-What... W-What do we-"

"Listen bum. I'll explain the situation in a more coherent, less frightening method." Century interrupted her, "We've got a heck of a problem on our hands."

He stepped forward, slightly towering over her. "We're all in imminent danger. Less than two weeks from now, some powerful galactic monster will eradicate all life in Equestria. All life on the planet. For some stupid reason, the only way to stop this monster is to steal Princess Celestia's crown and find a way to destroy it."

He put a hoof on her shoulder, "I don't like you, Trixie. I think you're petty, selfish, and annoying. But right now, you may be the most capable unicorn we have. I know it all sounds crazy and sudden, but we need you to pull this off. So please, will you help us?"

Despite trying hard to regain her composure, Trixie continued to tremble and stutter her words. She growled, "D-Did you have to be s-so aggressive about it? I-I don't come into y-your office and c-call some c-creepy skeleton to fill y-your head with cursed knowledge..."

Spirit smiled, "So you'll help us?"

"...I will. I will do all that I can." Trixie frowned, "But I'm already on thin ice. If we're really s-stealing the crown, I-I don't know what'll happen to me if we fail and get c-caught. They might imprison me forever."

Century rolled his eyes, "Does it matter? If we fail, we're all dead otherwise."

"O-Oh... Y-Yeah... So then. D-Do you and Spirit have a plan?"

Spirit shrugged, "Yeah, we haven't really come up with a plan yet. We just needed to get a team together first. Now that we're all here, I suggest we find out how to destroy the crown. Any ideas, Trixie?"

Trixie shrugged, "I-I don't know... Princess Celestia's been wearing that for who knows how long. It definitely isn't easy to break. Twilight and her friends have traveled all across Equestria; maybe they know of something that strong."

"Destroying the crown is the easy part," Century stated. "Taking the thing should be our first priority."

"True," Trixie agreed," But Trixie says we should gather as much information as we can. As soon as we get the crown, we'll have to destroy it as quickly as possible. Holding it will be like holding a flaming potato."

Century tilted his head, "It's hot?"

"No, Trixie means we cannot be caught with it, you fool."

"Ah... duh."

"So," Spirit chimed in, "To Twilight's castle?"

"Indeed," Trixie replied. "The Princess will undoubtedly allow Trixie entrance. As for you, Trixie shall vouch. We're the best of friends now, after all. Friendship truly is magical, isn't it?"

Century sighed, "...You’re going to annoy me the entire time we're doing this, aren't you?"

Trixie giggled,” Trixie knows not what you speak of.”

"Hello? Twilight? The Great and Powerful Trixie would like to enter."

"Do you have to do that thing with your voice every time?"

"Yes, Century. Trixie does."

The trio stood at the steps of the Castle of Friendship. Hoping to gain entrance so that they may use Twilight's library or talk to the Princess herself. If anyone had any knowledge about an all-powerful weapon, it'd be an all-powerful alicorn. Or at least her all-powerful library.

They continued to wait for someone on the inside to answer the door. However, seconds turned to minutes. Spirit sighed, "Maybe nobody's home. We'll have to check back later-”

"Sorry!"

Right on time, the door swung open to reveal her highness, Princess Twilight Sparkle. With an embarrassed smile on her face, she spoke. "My apologies. I'd just gotten out of the shower. When I heard you calling, I rushed to dry myself off. Then I realized I could just use a spell to get dry...”

Century scoffed, "Uh huh."

"So Trixie," Twilight began, "What brings you to my home? And who are these ponies you've brought? I recognize one, but not the other."

Trixie cleared her throat, "Trixie and her new business employees-"

"Don't."

"Eh, Trixie and her new best friends have come this fine afternoon to go through your library. We seek great knowledge."

Twilight smiled, "Oh? That's wonderful! Great knowledge for what?"

"An all-powerful wea-"

"Teleporter!" Spirit interrupted, covering Trixie's mouth with her hoof. "We seek knowledge for an all-powerful teleporter. You see, your highness, we wish to travel the world. And we're looking for a faster method than just a boat. Right Century?"

Century nodded, silently amused. "Yep. I get seasick very easily."

Twilight stared in disbelief. She may sometimes be a bit of a numbskull, but she wasn't stupid. She knew they weren't actually looking for a teleporter based on how Spirit desperately interrupted Trixie. Though she didn't want to make any wrongful assumptions.

Trixie was a better pony now, and Century was Mayor Mare's advisor. It was unlikely they were after knowledge for malicious reasons. She didn't know about the unicorn, however. But she seemed kind enough. But, of course, looks can be deceiving.

Twilight shrugged before urging them in. "Uh... Sure. It's on the second floor. And while I don't need to say this, keep everything tidy and return every book you take back where they belong."

Spirit nodded, "Of course! We'd never make a mess of your library, Princess."

"Great to hear!"

The three of them entered the palace and trotted towards the nearest steps. Gaining access to the castle, let alone the library, had gone smoother than Century anticipated. But he wasn't complaining.

He had assembled his team. His best friend, somepony he always knew would help him, and, unfortunately, The self-proclaimed Great and Powerful Trixie. She was undoubtedly good at magic, but she wasn't particularly remarkable. But oh well, he thought. That's the way it is. In Equestria's finest moments, beggars couldn't be choosers.

Now they had to find something that could successfully destroy the Sun Princess’ seemingly invulnerable crown. Such a weapon had to exist. If not in Equestria, then somewhere on the planet. And if not, then they’d just have to go the distance and make one.

…Probably…

Chapter III - Knowledge is Power

13 DAYS TO MIDNIGHT

"Huh... I thought it'd be bigger."

"Well, Trixie is glad it's smaller. Makes it easier for us."

"But there's less knowledge."

"Trixie likes a challenge."

"Trixie should go jump off a cliff."

The self-proclaimed Great and Powerful Trixie conversed with Century as the trio reached the castle's library. Spirit, however, chose to be quiet. The magician and the politician made an amusing pair, and she'd hate to ruin it.

Spirit stepped forward to take the sight in. She was no stranger to libraries, which usually weren't all that big, but this was a tad bit disappointing. As Century said, it was less knowledge. Meaning the chances of finding something substantial were lower. But Trixie did add it'd be easier, and she'd hate to spend so much of what little time they have searching for a weapon they weren't even sure they could get their hands on.

"Okay," Spirit began, "Trixie, you'll search the books on the left. Century, the right, and I'll search the middle." She turned around to face them. "Understand that what we're looking for doesn't need to be an all-powerful weapon. Just something that can obliterate Celestia's crown."

"Yes, yes," Trixie replied, "Trixie is no fool. Might not be able to say the same for this stallion over here, though."

"This stallion's going to break your spine," Century retorted.

Trixie giggled, "Trixie would like to see him try."

"Enough," Spirit chimed in. "Let's just get to work. We don't need you two going back and forth right now. You can do that later."

"She's right," Trixie began, "Now is not the time for squabbling. As an expert in friendship, Trixie shall end this conversation and dutifully get to work. Equestria isn't going to save itself."

With that, Trixie approached her side of the library and immediately began with the books on the top shelf. Century rolled his eyes and approached his side of the library. Already telling that this was going to be a hassle. And Trixie would be a massive splinter in his side. Smiling, Spirit approached the middle of the library. Ready to get started.

Century picked the first book he saw off the shelf and read the title. It was white, and in big, bold orange letters, its title read Hippology: The Study of Horses. Out of curiosity, he flipped through the book and landed on a page close to the middle.

It read, "Hundreds of years ago, a discovery was made by one of the earliest, most famous hippologists in history. The stallion's name, Gustav Raushine, a citizen of Baltimare, through a rigorous microscopic experiment, discovered that each and every pony's hoof contained millions of microscopic hairs."

"Compared to other species with movable limbs such as fingers, which allow them to grip things, ponies have these tiny hairs that allow them to pick things up in the same way. Despite their hooves appearing to be soft stumps incapable of gripping anything."

Century dropped the book in disbelief and bafflement, trying to process what he had just read. Little hairs on the bottom of his hooves? What in the world was this book talking about? Why wasn't he taught this when he was younger?

"Uh, Century?" Spirit asked, confused, "Why'd you drop that book? Everything okay over there?"

Century sighed, "Yeah, just... That book did not have what we're looking for. I was going through it and was just... Stunned. Weirded out."

"Trixie agrees," She chimed in. "Trixie just found a book detailing an experiment about taming timber wolves. Such a strange book. Not surprised it's in the Princess of Friendship's library."

"Well, that's great and all," Spirit responded, "But remember what we're looking for. Don't get distracted looking at something entirely different."

"Of course," Trixie replied, "Trixie shall continue her search." Spirit looked over to Century. "Yeah," he added, "I know, I'm not stupid."

Spirit smiled, "Just making sure."

"Hey, Century."

"What, Trixie?"

"Did you know the best way to overload a unicorn or an alicorn's magic ability is bad dad jokes?"

"No Trixie, I did not."

"...Hey, Century."

"...What Trixie?"

"Wanna hear a bad dad joke-"

"No!"

Century shouted, "You've been telling me useless facts from that stupid book for like forty minutes! And what was with that last one, I’m not a unicorn!”

Century and Trixie laid next to each other, staring up at the ceiling. Century with his hooves on his chest and Trixie holding a book. Using her hooves instead of her magic.

Two hours had passed since they arrived at the library, and they'd found nothing capable of destroying Celestia's crown. Sure, they came across ancient artifacts containing immense power, but either they weren't strong enough, or they didn't exist anymore.

While Trixie and Century had pretty much given up, Spirit continued to search. Refusing to throw in the towel just yet. She had never been a quitter. And she wouldn't become one now, especially with what's at stake.

Century called out to the unicorn, standing on a ladder and going through multiple books at once using her magic. "Spirit, this is pointless. We'd have to go to the Canterlot library to find something powerful enough. Heck, maybe even the Royal Castle's library, and I'm pretty sure none of us have access to that."

Spirit scoffed, "So what, we just give up? Let the world be destroyed before we even get started? This is just one library. And if we can't find anything here, we could just sneak into the Royal Castle's library. We can't give up now."

"Well," Trixie sat up, yawning. "You two may continue arguing and searching endlessly for lost knowledge. Trixie is going to get a drink. Hopefully, Twilight has some cider."

Trixie began trotting to the library's exit to head downstairs. "Hey, wait up. I'm thirsty too!" Century cried from behind, standing up and hurriedly following after her.

"Then hurry, or else Trixie will drink all the cider before you." Trixie replied, maliciously cackling afterward.

Spirit sighed as the two left her sight before returning to the bookshelf. She looked at one of the books in her magic grasp. How to Succeed! She then frowned when she read the smaller words below the title. And Knowing When to Give Up.

Trixie sighed, "It is with great sorrow, Century, that Trixie must inform you of this news."

"Don't tell me."

"Yes, Twilight has no cider in this fridge."

"Oh, for Celestia's sake..."

Trixie rummaged through the fridge like she owned it. "However," she started, "The Princess does have some orange juice."

Century sighed, resting his hoof on the table behind the unicorn. "Who the heck drinks orange juice this late at night? That's sick; just hand me some seltzer or something. This day has been utter crap."

Using her magic, Trixie grabbed what she assumed to be seltzer and poured Century a drink. She thought for a moment before shrugging and pouring herself a cup of the seltzer.

She sat next to Century and took a long sip of her drink. She then set it back on the table, somewhat disappointed after tasting it. Century chuckled, "That's not seltzer, is it?"

"Either it isn't," Trixie replied, "Or it used to be. This is merely water. Foul, boring water."

Century took a swig of his drink, "Eh, I can do foul and boring right now."

The two stared at the wall before them. Thinking in deep thought. Their adventure had barely even begun, yet they felt they were already at their lowest. In a world full of all types of magical objects and places, they couldn't find anything capable of destroying Celestia's virtually invulnerable crown.

Perhaps they would just have to sit and wait for the inevitable annihilation of their home. It wasn't like there was anything else they could do. Well, they could go through their bucket list.

"Hey," Trixie started, "Have you ever gone skiing before?"

Century huffed, "No. Why? Thinking of going through your bucket list?"

"You have any better ideas?"

"...I... I don't know. I just wish this wasn't so hard. I feel awful. I wish we could just go find some giant, powerful laser somewhere. It'd be so easy, then..."
"Powerful lasers, you say?"
"AH!"

Trixie and Century turned to the kitchen entrance, where they'd heard a voice call out to them.

Trixie raised a brow, "Uh... Who's the talking cat?"

Standing at the doorway was a tall, bipedal cat with greenish-bluish eyes and peanut-colored fur. The cat wore a crimson trench coat. And despite it appearing to be old, faded, and missing fabric, the cat wore it with pride and style akin to a young prince.

"This talking cat's name is Capper," he replied. "And I do apologize, but I heard some interesting talk about powerful lasers, and I couldn't help but be intrigued."

Trixie glanced at Century. Century glanced at Trixie. "Uh," Century began, "Why are you in Princess Twilight's castle? W-Where did you even come from?"

"He's with me," another voice added from behind the cat. Said cat stepped back to reveal Twilight's closest friend, Spike the dragon. He stepped forward, a smile on his face.

"Hey Trixie," he spoke, and Trixie genuinely waved. He looked to Century, "And you must be Mayor Mare's advisor, right?"

Century nodded, "The one and only Century."

"What're you guys doing here?"

Trixie sighed, "Twilight allowed us to use her library in search of certain knowledge. We've been searching for hours and haven't gotten anything, so we kinda gave up."

"Oh, that's awful. Sorry guys." Spike cocked his head, "Wait, what were you searching for-"

"Hold up Spike," Trixie hopped down from her chair. "Trixie just remembered she was told by Twilight to inform her when you arrived. We'll talk later, but you should go find the Princess."

"Oh! Thanks for letting me know, Trixie. I'll be right back." Spike, as naive as ever, took Trixie's word to heart and hurried off. Leaving the two ponies and the cat alone. Century hopped off his seat and approached Capper suspiciously.

"So..." He started, "How much did you hear?"

Capper grinned, "All I know is that you need some powerful laser, right?"

"...Yeah?"

Capper straightened his jacket, "Well, you're in luck. Because I just so happen to know of a certain powerful laser."

"You do?!" Trixie and Century questioned simultaneously. Capper chuckled, "Yes, my little ponies, I do."

"Wher-... Wait a minute, you want something, don't you?" Century asked, wary.

Capper shrugged, "Relax, it won't cost much. Just a couple of bits, eh?"

Trixie looked at Century, who raised a brow. "What?"

"You're the government official; give him some money," Trixie replied.

"Why me? You're not broke, are you?"

"Trixie lives in a wagon."

"...How much, cat?"

Capper smiled, "Two hundred bits ain't much, is it?"

Century groaned, "Seriously? What a pain... Fine, I'll have it for you at the office tomorrow morning. I promise."

Casper tilted his head, "A politician making promises?"

"Hey, we are not that kind of nation, whiskers! Don't doubt my word!"

Casper giggled, "Fine, fine."

"Besides," Century continued, "How do we know you're not lying?"

"Now, I don't think Princess Twilight would be too happy about me scamming her subjects. So, I won't be trying something like that."

Trixie stepped forward, "Alright, Capper, you've got your payment. Spill it out already." Capper chuckled, "Of course, pleasure doing business with you."

He cleared his throat, "Now, there's a nation very far away from Equestria. My people's native land, to be exact. The nation of Meridio."

Century raised a brow, "Meridio? I've never heard of that place. Where is it?"

"Hold your horses, horse. I'm getting to that."

Century rolled his eyes, and Capper continued. "Now then, Meridio is quite developed compared to you. But it wasn't always like that. Long, long ago, Meridio was a nation in tatters. They had just lost a long, brutal war with the nation of Abyssinia. Their current president, Rorsch Windivear, had become incredibly unpopular as he caused the war with Abyssinia. Invading them for natural resources."

Capper continued, "One day, his constituents had finally had it and forcefully removed him from office. Exiling him into the nearby forest. Windivear wandered the forest for days. Attempting but failing to survive in the wild. Strange for a cat, I know. But just as he seemed to be living his last day, he came upon something magical."

"Surrounded by rocks, Windivear found a small, glowing jewel. He examined it and quickly found out it contained powerful magic inside. Magic that could be controlled. By gripping tightly, a powerful laser emerged from its tip and could cut through anything. Windivear used it to acquire meat and start a fire. He could even use it to boil water. But in his head, the greatest thing of all, was that it could cut straight through rock. Any rock. It was the greatest mining tool of all time. And Meridio needed mining."

"Despite what he was told, he returned to the people and showed them the incredible gem. The people were astonished. Captivated like a wolf in a meat locker. The gem was immediately put to use, and the magic inside it pushed Meridio technologically past all other nations on the planet. Making it the most developed of them all."

"While all this new technology was fantastic, the greatest aspect of the gem, its concentrated beam, was the real prize to the federal Meridio government. It was decided that they would create a massive, and I mean massive, focused energy drill to mine for resources. It was created in the same forest, the very same spot Windivear found the gemstone. Normally, a megastructure of its size would take centuries, Century. But with their technology, it only took a couple of years. Eight, to be exact.”

"The drill would be dubbed the Rorsch-MkII. Dedicated to the cat that found the legendary magic. And the forest he was initially exiled to? It would go on to be known as the Rorsch Woodlands. That drill has been mining resources and powering technology for the Meridians' for centuries, Century. It is quite a powerful laser."

Century glared, "How powerful? Because we've been looking for powerful things all day, and it's all come up short."

"It's said that if the drill was ever turned to full power, the magic of the laser, along with the modifications from the drill itself, would be strong enough to dig a hole straight through the planet! Or, y'know, at least to the core."

Century gawked, changing his attitude almost instantly. "Holy crap! Okay, Trixie, I think we've found our weapon!"

Trixie smiled, "Yes, Century, this laser is incredible and all, but Trixie has two questions. One: You mean to tell us that this Windivear just stumbled upon this rock in a random forest and became a legend? Doesn't that sound just a bit too good to be true?"

Capper shrugged, "Well yeah, everyone thinks that back at Meridio. It's a common conspiracy that something else likely happened in those woods, seeing as only Windivear was there. But everyone's gotten over finding the truth. He died centuries ago."

Trixie nodded, "Okay, question two: why have we never heard of this place? It sounds extravagant."

"Well, after the lost war with Abyssinia, Meridio became a pariah state, and Meridians didn't want much to do with the world afterward anyway. So when they came upon the jewel and constructed all their technology, they used it to isolate themselves from the rest of the world. After the defeat of Storm King's empire, they opened their borders to visitors but still haven't established any real connection or foreign policy with any other nations. Especially Abyssinia."

Century smiled, "Well, this sounds absolutely magnificent. Thank you, Capper, seriously."

Capper beamed with pride, "Thank me? Oh no, thank you for the bits. I was merely doing my job."

"Well, you still have my thanks." Century turned to face Trixie, "Let's go back to Spirit. We may be able to pull this off after all."

"That reminds me," Capper began, "What exactly are you hoping to do with this information? I doubt it's anything malicious, you're merely ponies, but I'm still confused. Even slightly concerned."

Trixie waved him off, "That wasn't part of the deal, whiskers. This is your job, is it not?"

"Oh fine. I just hope I don't end up getting in trouble. Seriously, you did not hear that story from me."

Century grinned, "What story?"

"Oh wait!" Trixie chimed in, "Trixie forgot to ask another thing. You said Meridio was very far away. How far, exactly?"

"Oh," Capper replied, "Of course. Duh. It's on the other side of the world."

"...What?"

"Meridio is on the exact opposite side of the world. If I were to guess how long the trip would be, I'd say at least...Three, no, four months."

Century eyes burst from their sockets, "Four months?! Are you insane?!"

"...No? Why? You in a hurry?"

Trixie replied, screeching, "We need to be there in thirteen days!"

Capper chortled hysterically. Nearly falling on the floor from what he heard. Tears burst from his eyes like a fire hose. Never in his life had he ever heard something so unbelievably ludicrous.

"Thirteen days!?" He replied, barely containing his laughter, "That's the dumbest crap I've ever heard! You've got a higher chance of swimming to the bottom of the sea with no oxygen than reaching Meridio in less than two weeks!"

Century frowned, "Oh, come on Capper, there has to be a way! You just told us about an ultra-powerful laser capable of cutting through the planet. There seriously isn't a way to reach it in time?"

Capper continued to laugh deliriously for a while more before getting control of his voice back. "Okay... Okay... Woo! You guys are a riot. Should start a little comedy duo thingy."

"Capper!"

"Right, right. There is a way, but it's awfully troublesome. You could get us all in serious trouble. Also, it'll cost you fifty bits."

Century groaned, "Dude!?"

"From the unicorn."

Trixie scowled, and Capper merely shrugged, "Business is business."

Century rolled his eyes, "I'll make sure she's got the bits tomorrow morning, I promise. Now please, tell us how we can reach there in time."

Capper sat down on one of the chairs. "Okay, listen. After the Storm King was defeated, Merirdio secretly gifted Equestria four of its advanced cargo ships. Centurion-class hypercarriers, they call them. Granted, they're older models. Meridio is stingy about their tech. But it's lightyears ahead of what you have now."

"There's one in the north, south, west, and of course, the east. Specifically at the port of Manehattan. If you were to commandeer one of them, you could probably reach Meridio in... five days."

Trixie's eyes sparkled, "That's excellent! We'd still have three days left!"

Century frowned, "But if they've been a secret all this time, they won't just let a couple of random ponies use it. Which means-"

"We might have to steal it?"

"Yes, and not only that, but Equestria would likely inform Meridio that one of their ships was stolen. You think when we show up, they won't just arrest us until Celestia comes?"

"Century, this is our best shot! Nopony said it'd be easy! Besides, after stealing two highly valuable things, approaching and getting into the nation will be the easy part."

Capper raised a brow, "Stealing two highly valuable things? So not only are you going to steal a highly advanced, highly valuable hypercarrier, but you're stealing something else before? Is this some sort of heist? Because if so, I've made a terrible mistake."

Century stepped forward, "Capper, I promise you. You've done a great thing. I can't tell you why, but in two weeks' time, I will... Hopefully."

Capper sighed, "That doesn't convince me, but there's nothing I can do now, is there? Well... I'll have to increase that fifty bits to another two hundred now."

Trixie shouted, "For the love of Celestia, why are you so greedy!?"

Capper chuckled, "Greedy? Don't you remember, unicorn? This is my job."

"...Century, you've gotta be kidding me."

"Why would I lie, Spirit? W-Why would he lie? We both gave him a total of four hundred bits!"

"..."

"Okay, not the best thing I could've said, but it's worth a shot!"

Century and Trixie returned to Spirit in the library. Eager to share with her the fantastic news they'd acquired. Unfortunately, and understandably, Spirit wasn't all that convinced.

She sighed, "I just don't see how it could all be true."

Trixie stepped forward, "Spirit, he's not only a friend of Spike and the Elements, but he helped push back Storm King and his forces during the Siege of Canterlot! Ponies as special as those don't make friends with secret con artist cats. And his explanations were so detailed! You think he pulled all of that out of his hind?"

Century agreed, "Yeah, what she said!"

Spirit looked between the two before closing her eyes. Imagining what could happen if Capper seriously lied. She groaned, "Fine, we'll do it." She stated, to the relief of Century and Trixie.

"But," she continued, "If he's wrong, and we end up getting caught in Manehattan, someway, somehow, I'm going to gut the both of you alive."

"Fantastic," Century replied. He breathed deeply and exhaled, "Okay guys, here's what I wanna do. We do need confirmation that the boat is actually there. So Spirit, I want you to head to Manehattan to find it. Scout out the place. So that we'll know what to do when we get there."

He turned to Trixie, "While you're doing that, Trixie and I will get those Grand Galloping Gala tickets from Derpy. We'll use them to get into the Gala and steal Celestia's crown. When we've all done these things, we'll regroup at Spirit's place and plan out the heist. We'll only have three days until the Gala, so we'll need to really put our brains to the test."

The three nodded before setting out of the library and, ultimately, Twilight's Castle. This was it. They didn't have their grand plan just yet, but they knew there was a way. A way to beat the odds. A way to save Equestria. A way to save the world. They just needed those Gala tickets and a survey of the secret ship. It wasn't gonna be easy.

But Warner didn't like easy.

Chapter IV - Mission Start

12 DAYS TO MIDNIGHT

"Hey, Century."

"Yes, Trixie?"

"How'd Derpy get a hold of three Grand Galloping Gala tickets anyway?

"I don't know. She said she found them in her mailbox."

"But she's the mailmare."

"Exactly."

Up bright and early, Century and Trixie approached the cottage of Derpy Hooves. They'd come to get the three tickets to the Gala the pegasus had mysteriously received in her mailbox. Century hoped they'd arrived in time as he remembered she considered selling them.

Though if the tickets had already been sold, they could always just find the buyer and buy it from them. Or, if the buyer wasn't willing, and since the situation requires it, they could just steal it. Funny, Century thought. Less than a week ago, he couldn't imagine stealing a piece of candy. Let alone tickets to the most prominent event of the year.

Trixie knocked three times on the door, and the two waited for an answer. Not long behind the door, they could hear the clumsy antics of the pegasus as she approached it.

Trixie raised a brow, "Trixie knew Derpy was always a bit special, but what could she be doing in there to cause all that racket?"

Century chuckled, "Heck if I know. Must be something adorably stupid."

"Hello!" The door opened, and out popped the one and only Derpy Hooves, energetic as always. On her head was a mop head, and she seemed to have another hoof in the bucket it belonged to. For some reason, her foot protruded the bottom of the bucket.

Century smiled, "Hello again, Hooves. I see you're looking fabulous as always."

She giggled, "I was trying to clean a spill of milk I... Spilled. But when I was getting the water for the bucket, everything just fell apart. There's water and soap everywhere, my mop is broken, and I lost my bucket! I just don't know what went wrong!"

Trixie tilted her head, "You mean the bucket on your back left hoof?"

Derpy raised her back left hoof before placing it down again. Processing the information. "Oh... You found it, Trixie! Thank you!"

Trixie smiled, "Trixie aims to please."

"Can we come in?" Century asked, and without replying, Derpy opened the door for them to enter. The unicorn and Earth pony thank her before entering. Century could hear the sound of running water in the nearby bathroom, and Trixie spotted dozens of muffins on the kitchen counter.

"So, Mr. Century," Derpy began, trying and failing to remove the bucket from her hoof. "What brings you here? Come for muffins and milk?"

"No," Century replied, "It's about the tickets to the Gala. I hate to barge in like this, but Trixie and I need them desperately. Do you still have them, or did you sell them like you said?"

"Yeah, I sold them. Sorry. These ponies from the Crystal Empire bought them off me for six hundred bits! I was able to buy so many muffins, I couldn't count them all!"

Trixie sighed, "That complicates things, but Crystal Empire ponies? Trixie was expecting a buyer, but not from so far away. Did they come to you, or did you come to them?"

Derpy took a seat at the kitchen table, "Well, every once in a while, I have to deliver a package somewhere outside of Ponyville. When I got off break on Saturday, I had to deliver a package to the Crystal Empire. I thought, Well, those guys are kinda rich, right? So I brought the tickets with me. After I delivered the package, I checked to see if they'd wanna buy them from me. And to my luck, they did!"

"Do you remember their names?"

"Uh, I only remember one of their names. I delivered the package to her. A unicorn mare named Strawberry Jewel. She was white with really long, cherry-red hair, and her cutie mark was a lollipop."

Century put a hoof to his chin, "Do you remember the address? Or at least what part of the empire you delivered it to?"

"Um... I don't remember the address, but I know she lived west of the main castle. Wait, are you guys gonna buy back the tickets?"

"That's exactly what we're going to do. If you're wondering if I have the money, remember I'm an advisor to Mayor Mare. And it'd be a worthwhile purchase, so the citizens of Ponyville shouldn't be upset about it."

"What makes it worthwhile?"

"Uh... I'll tell you two weeks from now."

Trixie sighed, "So we're going to the Crystal Empire? Great. What a fantastic way to spend our time."

Century shrugged, "Then I guess we better get moving, huh?"

"Trixie guesses so. She just hopes Spirit's mission is going better than ours."

"Now then. If I was a multi-trillion bit gift from a technologically advanced, far-away nation, where would I hide?"

Spirit stood atop the roof of a building in Manehattan, looking down below at the Red Hoof Cargo Terminal. She arrived at the city an hour ago and was surveying the terminal below for the hypercarrier. Unfortunately, the port was only full of basic ships.

Frigates, brigs, schooners, galleons, barques, some man o' wars, and even a ship of the line. What the heck did Equestria need that for? Spirit thought to herself. The last time Equestria fought a naval war was thousands of years ago. Sure, there was the Storm King. But he had airships. Then again, there was that massive whole fleet of ships he had.

"The ship obviously wouldn't be out in the open, so then where could they've possibly hidden it?" Spirit scratched the top of her head. Did Capper seriously lie? No way, he wouldn't! ...Would he? Probably.

It had to be here. Spirit didn't come all this way for nothing. Spirit had to have faith in Capper and at least try. This was the best opportunity they had. Giving up right now was not an option.

Lo and behold, Spirit spotted a large port warehouse on the far side of the terminal. And by far, it was on the complete other side of the dockyard. Said dockyard was at least three miles long. And the warehouse was more than a mile inward.

Spirit sighed, "Oh, great. More walking."

...

"Ah! Hello there, miss! What brings ya to the port today? Not to be rude, but ya don't quite look like you belong here."

Spirit looked up at the pegasus working the toll. He looked like he was on the verge of becoming an elderly stallion. Spirit shrugged. "Oh, I was just taking a look. I heard about a rumor and got curious."

He smiled and spoke in his tired, gruff voice. "A rumor, huh? What kinda rumor ya talkin' 'bout?"

"Some say there's a secret advanced ship at this port as a gift from a far-away nation. Specifically in that big building way over there. What do you say?"

"Hah! I say baloney!"

Spirit cringed, "Baloney?"

"Of course! Why would such a thing even exist? And how advanced? It's got double the sails or somethin'? Magical cargo bay? The steerin' wheel moves on its own?"

Spirit shrugged, "Well, it's said that it's just really fast. Like, hypersonic fast."

The pegasus chortled, "A large, underwater, high-hypersonic cargo ship that also turns into a submarine? Seriously?"

"...It turns into a submarine?"

"…W-What!? No! I-I...Listen little marey, there's no secret hypersonic cargo ship back here. Stop listenin' to silly rumors. Go get a latte or somethin'!" The pegasus waved Spirit off, irritated.

Spirit turned and trotted away, "Okay, okay, I'm going. Guess it really was a rumor." However, as she got further and further away from the toll, Spirit approached a small hole in the nearby fence and smiled.

"What a terrible liar."

"Century, Trixie wonders if you've ever been to the Crystal Empire."

"Just once. It was a sort of diplomatic thing."

"And what, pray tell, transpired?"

"...Diplomatic things."

Century and the Great and Powerful Trixie sat side by side on a train. Their mission to get ahold of the Grand Galloping Gala tickets had them on a train to the Crystal Empire. The Friendship Express, to be specific.

The Friendship Express was another thing Century disliked. He understood Equestria was a happy, cheerful place, but the train was seriously pushing it. The bright pink, the hearts all over the locomotive, it was like it was pulled straight out of a little girl's television show.

Not only that, but it was rather small. Subway trains in Manehattan and Fillydelphia were longer than the Friendship Express. But Century assumed it wasn't really a problem since ponies rarely use it. Which was rather strange to him. Perhaps ponies just don't travel that much.

"What are you thinking about?"

Century perked up, "Me? Oh, uh, I was just... Nothing, uh... What about you? Have you ever been to the Crystal Empire?"

"Trixie has, but her trips haven't been very eventful. Trixie's performed there twice, and while Trixie's first performance was great, Trixie's second performance... not so great."

"Right..."

Century looked out the window ahead of them before looking down at Trixie. She looked back, then raised an eyebrow, "What?"

"Nothing, just... This awkward silence is killing me. I don't know what to talk about."

"Trixie suggests we talk about the Gala and how we'll go about things."

Century crossed his hoofs, "No, we need Spirit to do that."

"Yes, Trixie understands. What a boring trip this will be."

...

Trixie and Century stepped off the Friendship Express and gazed at the Crystal Empire's castle. Century huffed, "Hm, it seems bigger than I remember. Shinier too. Like it's made of pure glass or something."

Trixie sighed, "Well, that's splendid and all, but we've got a job to do. Come Century, let's not waste time."

"Let's."

The two approached a sign displaying a map of the empire. All the streets and stores and cafés and whatnot. Luckily, it seemed the train had dropped them on the east side of the empire. Meaning they only had to walk straight ahead.

Century came up beside Trixie as they trotted forward. "Now Trixie, let's not get distracted. It's a straight shot to the west wing, and then some."

Trixie scoffed, "Did you forget who you're talking to? The Great and Powerful Trixie doesn't get distracted."

Trixie's stomach rumbled, and Century furrowed his brow. "H-However," Trixie giggled, nervous, "The Great and Powerful Trixie does get hungry. A-And it's not like you can fault her for that. She didn't eat this morning."

Century huffed, "Okay, why didn't you eat this morning?"

"T-Trixie forgot to do her weekly grocery shopping! She also isn't exactly rich, so bits are just an eensy, weensy bit hard to come by."

Century glared at Trixie, while Trixie stared back, putting on an innocent, this is definitely not my fault, and you're rude for thinking so face. Of course, this didn't faze the bureaucrat.

He rolled his eyes, "Whatever fatty, we'll get some food at this IHoof over here."

Trixie's eyes glowed before that glow quickly died. "That does sound divine, but Trixie can't afford-"

"Then let me pay for it. I have the bits." Century straightened his back, "From this moment on, I'm your sugar daddy. If you annoy me any further, I'll take that wagon and break it down for parts. Are we clear?"

Trixie smiled, "Crystal... Hah! Crystal! In the Crystal Empire! Trixie is quite the clever bumpkin, isn't she?"

"I will end you."

Using a mock invisibility spell akin to camouflage, Spirit eagerly and stealthily approached the large warehouse. This several-hour scouting trip was either about to pay off immensely, or Spirit was going to return home frustrated and depressingly hopeless.

She trotted up the stairs to the main entrance. "These doors look awfully heavy, and don't even have handles." She whispered. She looked for a way in, and noticed next to the main door was a key card entry system and a keypad access system.

"Well, if they're using something this rare and expensive, they're definitely hiding something in here, so that's good news. But both of these things? This is gonna be annoying to crack... Unless..."

Spirit wondered for a moment before looking up. The warehouse must've had an opening on the roof. She decided to use a weak levitation spell similar to Starlight's, but Spirit couldn't do the spell while camouflaged. She'd have to be quick and time it right.

She stepped over to the side of the warehouse and scoured ahead to see if anypony could see her. There was a watchtower in the distance, but it'd be much harder to time her movements as it was daytime, and the tower wasn't using a searchlight.

Spirit thought for a moment before deciding on something. If she was caught, all she needed to do was quickly confirm the ship was here, and then make a break for it. Using the camouflage spell to escape. However, there could be a failsafe or something in place that'd activate as soon as she was caught. Or she could end up missing out on vital information. Imagine actually taking the crown, reaching Manehattan, and the boat doesn't even sail. Let alone them being able to access the deck.

"But how tight could security be," she whispered. Most of the dockyard's workers probably didn't even know the ship was there. It's very secretive, after all. Then again, it could all be some secret cult or conspiracy every worker at the terminal knew about. Then it hit her.

"A distraction!" She quickly exclaimed. A quick bolt of magic in the sky or water was sure to get ponies' attention. At least for a second. But it had to be big. Pointing her horn towards the ocean, Spirit charged a bolt of magic for a minute or two. Once it was ready, she fired. Small enough that it couldn't be seen, but the power within was enough to cause a massive wave. Luckily, it wasn't towards the shore. Most of it, at least.

Just as she predicted, every pony on site, and even some off-site, gaped at the enormous random wave in awe. Spirit ended her camouflage spell and utilized the levitation spell. Seeing as she wasn't as good as Starlight, the levitation was slow, but the distraction did its job very well.

She reached the roof and almost immediately enabled her camouflage again. The roof was made of remarkably durable steel and was as thick as the castle doors in Canterlot. Spirit sighed, "Really making me want it, aren't ya?"

She took a deep breath. If she knew she was going to have to pry a roof this dense and heavy, she never would've fired that bolt into the sea. Not to mention she couldn't risk disabling the camouflage spell. She dug her hooves into the roof and conjured as much magic as she could in her horn.

She tried and failed instantly. As soon as her magic got a grip on the steel and tried to pull, she immediately collapsed, exhausted. That thing was heavier than an entire island. How did anypony install this in the first place?! She wondered, rightfully baffled.

She sat, stumped. It was just one thing after another today, wasn't it? Spirit scratched her head and tried to think up another idea. She couldn't give up now. Not when she'd gotten far. She thought about Trixie and Century.

Imagining they all regroup, and while Century and Trixie are ecstatic they've gotten the tickets, Spirit comes back with nothing to show for it. The wave of depression that would hit them could make a squirrel suicidal. Phasing straight through to-

"That's it!" She quietly exclaimed. A phasing spell had come to mind. With it, she could pass right through the steel roof without having to move or break it. It was a foolproof plan.

However, it was an extremely difficult spell to pull off. She wasn't even sure if Starlight or Twilight could do it. She'd have to use all the magic she had, and then some. Without it, she won't get through, or worse, she'll get stuck.

Because it'd use all her magic, she couldn't utilize the camouflage spell at the same time. And there was always the risk that ponies were inside, guarding the ship. If she were to successfully phase through, she'd be paralyzed for at least half an hour just because of the sheer energy and skill it takes to pull off such a spell. And getting caught was the last thing she needed.

But Spirit saw no other option than this. It was a risk worth taking, after all. She glanced behind to see if anyone could see her, and hoped she was in the clear. She then disabled the camouflage spell and closed her eyes before whispering.

"Please don't screw this up. Please... Please..."

"Hello? Anypony home? The Great and Powerful Trixie would appreciate somepony answering this door."

"Maybe if you didn't knock and talk like a weirdo, they'd be less hesitant."

Century and the proclaimed Great and Powerful Trixie stood before the door of who they hoped to be Strawberry Jewel. They'd already been to all the doors of the west wing. An awfully dull and disappointing experience. Trixie brushed her mane before responding to the advisor.

"Trixie did not ask for your opinion."

"Trixie can suck my-"

"Hello?"

The door opened to reveal a rather scrawny pegasus colt with a white coat and a purple mane. He lacked his cutie mark and wore a face that was just in between bored and sad. Century assumed the colt to be Jewel's son.

Trixie smiled before replying, "Hello, young filly, The Great and Powerful-"

"Shut up," Century shoved his hoof in Trixie's mouth before addressing the colt. "Hey kid, do you know a mare named Strawberry Jewel? My doofus of a friend and I are looking for her. Can I get your name?"

"Violet Grape, but call me Cairo. My mom named me Violet, and I’ve never liked it. And to answer you’re question, Strawberry Jewel's my mom. She's inside right now wrapping gifts with dad. But, who are you?"

"Sorry Cairo, but we'd just prefer to talk to your mom."

Cairo raised an eyebrow, slightly worried, "What do you want?"

Century chuckled, "Relax kid, we're not gonna do anything violent or stupid. We just wanna talk. Listen, my name's Century, and this is Trixie. We're ponies from Ponyville. We mean no harm."

Violet scanned Century and Trixie, still concerned as to why they'd come. Reluctantly, he held open the door. "Mom's in the dining room. I'm... Not sure if she'll want to hear what you have to say."

Century waved him off and entered the house, "I'm an important person, kid. She'll listen to me. Besides, I've got money."

Trixie rolled her eyes and followed, "Don't mind him, sweetie. He's got a massive ego."

"I know you're not talking, Trixie."

Century and Trixie went where Violet directed, entering the dining room. Just as Violet stated, Strawberry Jewel was inside wrapping several presents. There was a stallion with her, also wrapping presents. Century and Trixie assumed this to be the dad.

Strawberry Jewel jerked her head around when she heard the two ponies enter and groaned. "Violet, I specifically remember telling you not to let anyone in, your father and I are busy."

Century cleared his throat, "Good afternoon, Mrs. Jewel. I know you don't want to talk, but this is rather urgent. My name is Century, and my friend here is-"

"The Great and Powerful Trixie, glad to make your acquaintance!" The mare exclaimed, cutting Century off, and annoying Strawberry.

Century, "Yes, the endlessly dense Trixie. We've come from Ponyville to acquire something of yours. Those Grand Galloping Gala tickets?"

Strawberry ceased her wrapping almost immediately and turned her full body around. The stallion further down the table noticed this and raised a brow, though she signaled to him to not worry. He nodded before returning to wrapping the gifts. This perplexed Century and Trixie. It was as if the stallion didn't hear what Century had said at all.

They were able to get a better look at him when she moved. The stallion was a pegasus. He wore a white coat and a cobalt-blue mane, in a style similar to a soldier. On his rear, a cutie mark that appeared to be a blue and black paintbrush.

Strawberry Jewel sighed, "What about the tickets?"

"Well," Century began, "I understand you purchased the tickets for a hefty sum, and my friend I need them. So I am willing to buy them off you for double the amount of bits that you gave the mail mare. That sound good?"

"No, it doesn't. I was madly desperate to get these tickets. You see Mr. Century, my husband and I own an art business. Charlie Hoof Design. This gala is a grand opportunity to promote said business, along with meeting all four Princesses at once. Something my son Violet has been genuinely excited about. And believe me, it's not easy getting him excited about anything!"

"Ma'am please, my friend and I are very desperate to get ahold of those tickets. I can't explain everything, but the stakes are stupidly high. I can not only pay you back, but I can get you tickets for next year!"

"Why don't you have tickets this year? And why should I believe you can acquire these so easily for next year?"

"I didn't wanna go this year, but now my friend and I have to. And another pony back at Ponyville, it's this whole thing. As for acquiring them, I'm the political advisor to Mayor Mare back at Ponyville. Normally, she doesn't want to go, but next year, we’d definitely get them if we asked."

Jewel stared, frustrated. "I-I'm supposed to believe the words of a politician?"

Trixie sighed, "Yes, surprisingly. Century here is annoying, but he does come through with such promises. If you ask Trixie, he's made of money."

Century scoffed, "I'm not made of money, don't give them the wrong idea. Princess Celestia respects our town and its governor. She'd be more than willing if I asked."

Trixie stepped forward, "If it really bothers you, we could always promote Charlie Hoof ourselves. Give the Princesses the image that you're a very busy mare and stallion and couldn't come yourself because of all that rich, plentiful business you're getting."

Jewel grew nervous, "But Violet really wants to see the Princesses!"

"Sure," Century began, "I can get him a ticket to the very next meeting that they're all together. Or at least the Sun and Moon Princesses. You can count on that."

"Er... But what about-"

But Jewel was cut off by her husband, who put a hoof on her shoulder and gave her a smile. She seemed to know instantly what he was inferring, and she sighed.

She turned to face him, and using her magic, she created a sentence before her. It asked, "Are you sure? Didn't you really want this?"

In response, the stallion made several motions and symbols using his wings. With that, Century and Trixie finally understood why he was being so quiet. Making them feel awful on the inside.

Jewel sighed before leaving the room. A while later, she returned with the two tickets. She spoke, "How much are you willing to pay us?"

Century cleared his throat, "Twelve hundred bits. I promise you'll get it less than two weeks from now. There's just much my friend and I have to do in that time. I hope you'll understand. And if you like, our offer to promote your business still stands-"

"No! I... No thank you. We will do that ourselves. Next time."

Jewel transferred the tickets from her magic to Trixie's. She placed them in Century's satchel, and the two turned to the exit. Walking past a saddened Cairo. Or Violet. Whatever the heck that situation was.

As Century reached for the nob, Jewel exclaimed, "W-Wait..." She sighed, "There is one thing I need you to do."

Century tilted his head and Jewel continued, trotting up to them. "The presents. Help us wrap them and you bring them to Celestia on the day of the Gala. You can at least do that for me, can't you?"

Century looked at Trixie. Trixie looked back. They both internally groaned, and Century replied, "Of course. It's only fair."

"Ow... My head, ugh..."

Spirit struggled to raise her head off the cold, cement floor. An hour had passed since she phased through the roof, and not only did it work, but it seemed she hadn't been caught. Although, she smelled something.

Blood.

While she survived using the spell, it seemed the immense strain on her head and body had knocked her out, and the drop to the floor was the cherry on top. Thankfully, she wasn't terribly hurt. That's pony durability for you. However, the drop must've been awful if it managed to get her to bleed.

Spirit, weak and hesitant, wiped some off the side of her head and stared at it. Everypony agreed that blood was an abominable sight. And that fear was exacerbated when that blood was your own.

Wanting to get the sight out of her head, Spirit wiped the blood on the floor and surveyed the warehouse. It seemed smaller on the inside. Besides the lack of outside light, it looked like every other warehouse at the port. However, she noticed something that very quickly ticked her off.

There was no boat.

She trotted to the edge of the cement deck and examined the water. Maybe what that old stallion said about the ship being submersible had some merit. But she couldn't see anything in the water.

"Uh... W-What? N-No, you... You can't be serious..."

She turned to a rectangular tower overlooking the water. Likely where the controls were. Or at least she could find some important information up there. Growing desperate, she galloped towards it.

Approaching the base Spirit began trotting up the heavy, steel stairs. Almost slipping at one point. She reached the top and opened the main entrance to the tower. She then switched on the lights.

The room before her had two floors. There were posters and analytical drawings on the wall and on a table in the middle of the room. In front of a window overlooking the water outside was a lengthy control panel full of all sorts of buttons, lights, and switches. With a retro touchscreen in the middle.

Spirit approached the board and sighed, "This whole thing looks like it was worth a fortune. Hm? What's this here..."

Spirit spotted a logo on the bottom right corner of the panel. It looked like a soaring eagle with the words, "Hermes Shipping Co.’' beneath it in bold. She assumed it to be the manufacturing company that created the control system, and maybe the hypercarrier as well.

She poked the screen, and her eyes widened as it lit up. But that was nothing compared to what the screen displayed. "'Hoof print required?!' What?!" Spirit shouted, bewildered and blown away at the technology before her. This thing must cost billions of bits!

Below the prompt was a name. Starboard Sail. Spirit suspected that name belonged to the captain of the ship. Not far from the control board was a mini trash can. Spirit, curious, stepped on the pedal to open it. Sitting amongst a bunch of basic trash was a torn piece of paper with words written on it. She smiled, "Finally, some intel."

Spirit grabbed the note from the trash with her magic and read it aloud. "'Captain Starboard, I've changed the name of the passcode to the warehouse yet again since you've forgotten it for the fifth time. The code is five, seven, eight, four, two. Keep this note with you at all times. Just like the keycard. Seriously, don't screw it up this time...' Well, sweet. Got the keycode awfully easy... Too easy..."

Nodding it off, Spirit shoved the note into her satchel before a diagram of the ship caught her eye. A rather large poster. Spirit stepped forward in awe and scrutinized every detail.

The ship was similar to a frigate, but it's armor was incredibly reinforced. Its sails were far bigger than average and more numerous, the cannons were structured in a way Spirit had never seen before, and it seemed to fire something far sharper and deadlier than cannonballs. And to top it all off, several boosters were sticking out of its stern. "Must be connected to that hyperdrive or whatever," Spirit assumed.

Beneath that poster was another detailing and displaying the ship in its submarine mode. Confirming what that old coot at the toll said. She was a little confused as to why the pony running the toll booth would have that information, but she definitely wasn't complaining. She chuckled, "That guy is so losing his job."

Something Spirit noticed on both posters was this strange electric device in the center. It seemed to be about the size of a port-a-potty. There was text in bold next to it that read: 'Hyperdriver activation requires a combination of the magic of two above-average unicorns.' Looks like she'd need Trixie to get the driver started. But Ms. Great and Powerful didn't appear to be all that talented in magic.

She looked back out the window and sighed. She imagined that the ship was always in submerged mode while at the port, or it just so happened to be submerged today. Or somepony was using it. If so, all Spirit could do is hope they'd be back before Saturday.

She stepped back and wore an accomplished grin on her face. It seemed she'd successfully done her part. But just to be sure, she decided to check upstairs. Didn't want to risk missing anything.

She approached said stairs and quietly climbed them. The stairs were wooden and creaky, which slightly worried her. The last thing she wanted was to find out somepony was up there, and that she'd end up getting caught. All she had was that phasing spell, and she likely couldn't do that again for a month.

Spirit approached the door and silently pushed it open. She poked her head through to scan the room for anypony, but sighed in relief as nopony was inside.

She stepped fully through the door and discovered it to be some sort of quarters. There were three beds, each with items and objects lying around. She stepped toward the closest bed and noticed the captain’s hat hanging from the headboard.

"Must be Starboard's," She whispered, before noticing an open envelope on his bed. Curious, Spirit opened it, and her eyes practically exploded out of their sockets. She slowly grew and wore the largest smile she'd ever had as her mind filled with joy and relief.

"...This heist just got stupid-easy..."

"Trixie."

"..."

"You can't seriously be still thinking about that filly at the IHoof."

"She ate all the strawberry syrup! Trixie's never had strawberry syrup before- Trixie never even knew strawberry syrup existed! And the kid just stole it from her!"

"He was six years old."

"And?!"

"There was also cranberry syrup-"
"That's revolting!"

Trixie and Century, as always, shot the ship back and forth after returning from the Crystal Empire. Now that they'd finished their mission with the Gala tickets, they were just waiting on Spirit to return from Manehattan.

Century groaned and muttered to himself, "Spirit, I'm losing my mind. Where are you?"

The door busted open, and the two ponies whipped their heads around. Century beamed, "Speak of the Devil!"

Spirit trotted into the dining room, wearing a grand smile. Trixie smiled in return, "Trixie assumes your mission was a success as well?"

"Yep!" She replied, and dropped her satchel on the circular table. Almost hitting one of the presents from Jewel. Using her magic, she pulled out two diagrams of the hypercruiser, a torn piece of paper, and the last one surprised them both.

Spirit sat down in between the both of them, upsetting Trixie a bit, and began spreading everything out. She cleared her throat, "Okay, first things first, the hypercarrier is real. And it's even got the ability to go underwater, like a submarine mode."

She continued, "However, to access the ship, we apparently need a hoof print from the captain. Starboard Sail. Not to mention, the warehouse it's located in is heavily secured. I had to use a phase spell just to get in, and that knocked me out for an hour. To access the warehouse normally, we need a keycard and a keycode."

"Thankfully, I've already got the keycode. They left it in the trash, the bums. But the keycard is always with Captain Starboard. And I originally thought that would be difficult, but check this out."

Spirit pulled forward the note she found on the second floor of the tower. She smiled, "Yep, Starboard was invited to the Grand Galloping Gala. Which means just about everything we need will be at the Gala. We'll have to split up, obviously."

Trixie frowned, "So, how are we going to get a hoof print of this captain?"

"Easy. While at the warehouse, I also found out that Starboard surprisingly is into fashion. Pretty dresses and crap, he's like a connoisseur. Thankfully, we know somepony who's always working on fashion."

Trixie smiled, "Well, we've got the tickets, and we know the ship is real. Now we just need a full plan.”

Century stared intensely at the diagram. He then stood up, "Okay, here's what I'm thinking, guys. To get the main prize, the crown, we're gonna need a distraction. A window that'll allow us to grab the crown and get out fast."

Trixie beamed, "Trixie could put on a show! It would be a fantastic display. But then something could, unfortunately, go wrong, allowing a window for the crown to be taken!"

Spirit shook her head, "But Pinkie Pie's already putting on a show. Don't know what it's gonna be, but knowing her, I can only imagine what she's got cooking."

"Pinkie would not protest sharing the stage. She's an awfully reasonable pony. Trixie's sure she and Pinkie could come to a compromise of some sort."

Century nodded, "Alright, now what about Starboard?"

Spirit replied, "I'll go to Rarity's and get a dress. One that's special and touchy. Like, feathers from some cool bird, or whatever. I'm sure with the right amount of bits, she'd be willing. Then, on the day of the Gala, I'll get Starboard to touch it somewhere. We'll use that as the print."

Century smiled, "Alright, now there's just me. I'll have to somehow get close to Celestia. Maybe use my immaculate charm."

Trixie and Spirit's faces' flattened, and Century smirked, "What? If you're thinking I'm lying, I just simply haven't picked either of you."

Spirit sighed, "Whatever. But at least we all know what we're doing tomorrow." Trixie beamed, and Century agreed.

The second phase of the heist had been completed. Now, all that was left were the finishing touches. The fate of Equestria, and ultimately the world was depending on it. And Century wasn't a failure.

Not anymore.

Chapter V - Finishing Touches

11 DAYS TO MIDNIGHT

"Man... This castle is massive for no reason. How many rooms ya think the Princesses' got, Trix?"

"Century, I, er, Trixie does not know, uh... Sixty?"

"No way, it's gotta be at least a hundred."

"What would two alicorns need with a hundred rooms?"

"I'm no conspiracy theorist, but-"

"Shut up."

Century and The Great and Powerful Trixie approached The Canterlot Castle. Earlier today, Trixie and Century had gone to Sugarcube Corner to talk with Pinkie Pie about her performance at the Gala. However, Applejack had told them that Pinkie Pie was back at her family’s rock farm due to some incident. Something about chaotic emeralds, or whatever.

Therefore, Trixie decided to head to Canterlot to take the now-empty performance slot for herself. Century had tagged along as he didn't have much to do. He decided that by going with Trixie, they could scheme and confer on what Trixie's performance could be right before they tell Celestia and Luna. Maybe take a tiny peek around the castle for anything important.

"...Huh, strange. Usually, you're the annoying one, Trix."

"Trixie says there's a first time for everything... Also shut up."

"Halt!" One of two guards standing at the massive doorway shouted at the pair. Raising his left hoof. Trixie and Century came to a stop. "What is your business at coming here today?” The colt continued.

Trixie proudly stepped forward, placing a hoof on her chest. "The Great and Power-"

"Shut up," Century cut off, stepping on her hoof.

"Ow! Stop doing that!"

"Stop presenting yourself like some pompous monarch; you live in a wagon!"

"Shaming me for my lack of wealth?! How dare-"

"Silence!" The guard bellowed. "How dare you bicker like children before your Highnesses' castle?!"

Century sighed, "Of course, our mistake. We apologize, don't we magic mare?"

Trixie grumbled and muttered in response. The guard continued, "I will not ask again. What is your business today?"

Trixie replied, "We have come to speak to the Princesses regarding the Grand Galloping Gala. A slot for a performance at the Gala has become open, and I, Trixie Lulamoon, would like to occupy said slot."

"And what of him? The Earth pony?"

"He's a friend. An escort. Accompanies Trixie from time to time."

Century groaned, "I am Mayor Mare of Ponyville's trusted advisor. Practically the Deputy Mayor, since we don't really have one."

The other guard tilted her head, "And what in the world is Mayor Mare's advisor doing out here?"

"I... Uh..."

"As Trixie said, he's my escort," the unicorn reaffirmed. "Does that make much sense? To us, yes. You?"

"No."

"...Hm..."

The mare guard rolled her eyes and both of the guards stepped aside. "Whatever. There's a squad of guards inside that'll escort you to the throne room. Don't do anything stupid, or we will personally make you re-"

"Trixie understands. We'll be going now, thanks." The doors opened, and the unicorn and Earth pony trotted through. The Great and Powerful cutting off the mare guard made her understandably irritated. Just Trixie being Trixie, Century thought.

...

"There it is, Trix. The grand prize."

Century whispered to the Great and Powerful mare as the squad of guards escorted them to the throne room. At the far end, sitting on her million-bit throne was her highness, Princess Celestia. Seemingly discussing something with some Manehatten male aristocrat.

And upon the Alicorn's head was the pièce de résistance. Her illustrious crown. Century's eyes were glued to it as they approached the Alicorn. Inspecting every jewel. A beautiful shade of yellow, similar to butter or lemon. And its intricate engravements.

"Trixie sees it, of course," she replied, whispering. "Keep your cool, Mr. Advisor. We haven't come this far just to fail."

"I know you're not talking."

"Unfortunately for you, Trixie is."

Getting closer, the two were able to understand what the Aristocrat was going on about. And it was the opposite of good. At least for them, of course.

"Princess Celestia, I cannot ingeminate this any more than I already have; the warehouse, containing extremely advanced technology light years ahead of ours, was breached! We're just lucky the ship was submerged at the time. What if they stole it?!"

"And I must reiterate that your proof of this is extremely limited and tenuous," the Princess replied. Her voice, elegant, imposing, and regal, all at the same time. "A paper or two out of place is nothing special. Especially since Starboard Sail is getting quite old. There's no way he would've remembered the placement of papers so meticulously."

"And what about the patch of blood, your highness?"

"That likely could've always been there, and you just now noticed it. Storing heavy cargo is a difficult and potentially dangerous job."

"Well, what about a missing diagram poster? Do you mean to tell me that it simply disappeared? That it was never there in the first place; and that we're delusional?"

Celestia paused, a bit perturbed. "I... A diagram poster is missing?"

"Indeed. One that just so happens to detail the anatomy of the entire ship! Whoever took it now knows everything about it! This is a grotesque breach of Manehatten security! Of Equestrian security! It is imperative that we respond vigorously and vehemently! Which is why I'm here requesting supplemental security! Investigators as well! Manehatten's finest detectives are already on the case, but we could certainly use the extra hooves! L-Luna's guards too!"

"Perhaps he's right, your highness," A voice from the right of Celestia spoke up. One of her personal guards. "If the centurion has been compromised, and word gets out, it could worsen relations with Meridio.
We're already on thin ice.”

"Pardon? What are we talking about?" Century interrupted.

Princess Celestia, the guard, and the aristocrat turned their attention to the approaching Century and Trixie. Concerned about how much the two ponies heard, and how they didn't notice them sooner.

Princess Celestia stepped down from her throne. "We'll discuss this later," Celestia told the aristocrat. Said aristocrat sighed before nodding and being escorted out of the throne room.

Celestia approached Century and Trixie, "Greetings, my little ponies. What business do you have with your princess?

Trixie cleared her throat, "Greetings, Princess Celestia. The Great and Powerful Trixie would like to discuss the vacant performance slot for the Grand Galloping Gala."

"Ah, yes. Pinkie Pie was meant to perform, that's right. I didn't think you'd be going. Would you like to take her spot and perform something of your own?"

Trixie beamed, "Trixie would. She's been working on this outstanding trick mocking the..."

Your princess.

Trixie's words were drowned out as the Princess’ words rang back and forth in Century's head. Irritating him just a bit. Anypony else would tell him he was being ridiculous. That his aversion to the Princess was misplaced. Unfair. And for the most part, they were right.

Princess Celestia was an exceptional leader. Sure, there are times when she could've done more; could've done better, but that was usually swept under the rug. Somepony else could and would do it for her. Sometimes, he thought the Elements of Harmony were Celestia's maids. Cleaning up her mess; dealing with things she didn't want to.

Sure, he wasn't on top of it. Admittedly, he didn't want to be. But Nightmare Moon? Chrysalis? Discord? Tyrek? Whatever the heck that portal invasion was? The list goes on and on.

He refuses to believe that she was powerless to do anything, or that she didn't, or couldn't, foresee such attacks. Especially the Storm King’s invasion. She's been leading Equestria for literally thousands of years. Everything that's happened in the past few years was barely even a drop in the bucket. She should've figured out a way to prevent such attacks millennia ago. A way to counter them.

But no. Instead, the Elements of Harmony, her dogs, go the distance to solve such problems themselves. Sometimes, inadvertently causing more problems in the process. But the argument every time was Twilight Sparkle needing to learn the values of friendship. A lesson that had been undoubtedly taught and learned before. A lesson that was awfully expensive.

A lesson that had caused more than enough terror.

"Mr. Century?"

"Hm?"

Century was snapped back to reality as he heard Princess Celestia call his name. His internal rant cut short.

"I was asking why you've come along with Lulamoon today," Celestia repeated.

Trixie chuckled, "Oh, Princess, he's merely my chauffeur. My personal guard and helper, isn't that right, Century?"

Century stared into nothingness, "...Yeah."

Celestia tilted her head, "I don't think so. I believe I'm speaking to the political advisor of Mayor Mare, aren't I?"

Century's eyes widened slightly, "You knew that?"

"Of course! I keep track of all of Equestria's politicians. Have you and Mayor Mare decided to come to the Gala this year? Oh, wouldn't that be a nice change!"

"Uh, no. Just me. Mayor Mare's not well. Just getting... Old."

"Ah, I see. How unfortunate. Well, your presence will be more than enough. I always enjoy seeing new faces at the Gala. If I may, why did you decide to come to this year's Gala? Any particular reason?" Century eyed Celestia's crown with almost malicious intent.

"...Bored."

"Ah. Well, I hope you enjoy it. Since Mayor Mare isn't coming, I'd like to discuss with you the current condition of Ponyville."

Century perked up, "Really?"

"Of course! That isn't necessarily Twilight's job, so I don't get information from her. You wouldn't be opposed to this, would you?"

"No no, sounds great. It's just, what about all those other higher-up ponies?"

"What about them? I've talked to just about all of them several times. I doubt they've anything truly substantial to say."

Century thought for a moment. This would make the heist far easier as he could get up close to the target without it being suspicious or awkward. The last thing he wanted was to embarrass himself at one of the most important events of the year.

He shrugged, "Hm. Okay, I can do that."

"Marvelous!" Celestia replied. "As for you, Lulamoon, your performance sounds like a true spectacle. I'll be sure to let my planners know of your presentation. Everypony loves magic, after all."

Trixie smirked, "Indeed they do."

Princess Celestia returned to her throne, "Well, well, my little ponies. I believe we are done here. It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance today, and I look ever more forward to the Gala."

...

"Well, Trixie thinks that went better than expected. She will perform a spectacle at the Gala for all of Equestria's finest." Trixie delighted at the fact as she and Century exited the castle and made their way back to Spirit's house.

Century rolled his eyes, "You do know the whole point is to act as a distraction, right?"

"Of course, but this is still the opportunity of a lifetime! And Trixie got the part so easily! Truly, Trixie is a master of persuasion. Not even an alicorn can stand up to her righteous charm."

"Yeah, uh huh, so, what exactly is your trick? I spaced out when you were going over it."

"Wha- How?"

"Just repeat it."

"Hmph, well, Trixie was thinking of using her magic to create the illusion that not only could Trixie also control the sun and moon, but that she could create a sun out of thin air!"

"So, a blinding light?" Century scratched his chin, "Yeah, and while Celestia and everypony else are blinded, I could snatch the crown and escape without anypony seeing. That's a great idea, Trix."

Trixie beamed with a genuine smile, "Heh, well, Trixie is pretty great, huh?"

Century's face got serious, "By the way, you heard what that aristocrat pony was talking about, right?"

Trixie's face did the same. "Trixie did. This means all of Manehatten's higher-ups, and maybe all of Equestria's higher-ups know somepony is after that ship. This could complicate things."

"Complicate is an understatement. That guard mentioned how Equestria's relationship with Meridio wasn't doing well. If this is the case, I imagine word getting out about Spirit's infiltration would seriously worsen relations. Equestria's going to do just about everything in its power to protect that ship."

Trixie replied. Smug, "Well, it won't be enough to stop us, will it?"

Century smirked, "Without a doubt. We'll discuss it with Spirit when she gets back. But anyways, now that we've done our part, what do you wanna do?"

Trixie put her hoof to her chin, thinking. Surely, Spirit wouldn't take that long. She just had to buy a dress with some pretty feathers or something. Trixie, in the corner of her eye, then spotted a store. And her mouth began watering like a fountain.

Century raised a brow, "What? What are you looking at?" Trying to find what had her watering, Century scoured the sight before him until spotting what had gotten the unicorn's attention.

He groaned, "They have an IHoof here? Seriously?"

Trixie got in his face, "This is great! Trixie doesn't know how this got past her, but she's not complaining!"

"Past you? You don't live in Canterlot, you-"

"Live in a wagon outside of Ponyville, Trixie knows. You don't need to shove it in her face!"

"Whatever, but didn't you have breakfast today at least?"

"Trixie only had oatmeal."

"...And?"

"Trixie does not like oatmeal."

"Oh, for the love of-"

"So can we go?"

"Yes! We can go! Just... Just shut up."

"...Trixie thinks you need to chill the hoof out."

"...Uh-huh..."

The two began towards the IHoof store. Trixie trotting and grinning in anticipation while Century practically dragged his hooves forward. He hoped things were going well with Spirit. Because this baby blue unicorn was going to be the death of him.

Although to be fair, he thought, maybe he was being unfair and grumpy. Besides, it's not like eating there was a bad or weird idea; it was still morning. And everypony deserves a good breakfast. Thinking some more, it couldn't hurt to provide Trixie with a delicious morning meal from time to time. He guessed that was the politician inside of him talking.

Or maybe it was his heart.

"Coming!"

Rarity's iconic voice was shouted from inside the boutique. Spirit, standing outside her door, had rung the bell; and was waiting diligently for the fashionista to open said door.

Today was going to be simple, Spirit thought. Today, she wasn't sneaking into any port warehouses containing advanced, stupid-expensive cargo ships. No. Today, Spirit was going shopping. Nothing more, nothing less.

The door opened, and before the doorframe stood Rarity Belle. Donning her designer glasses. She smiled, "Good morning, miss! My name is Rarity, though I'm sure you know that, and welcome to my magnificent Carousel Boutique! How can I assist you on such a gorgeous day?"

Spirit cleared her throat, "Hello, Ms. Belle. My name is Spirit Candy. Uh, I was wondering if you had any dresses in stock that look... Uh... Touchy? Does that make sense? That makes sense. Right?"

Rarity giggled, "Of course, darling. Right this way."

Motioning her inside, Spirit stepped into the boutique and got herself an eyeful. Strangely enough, Spirit was underwhelmed. I thought it'd be bigger, she thought. So much had been said in Canterlot about Ponyville's sedulous and scrupulous fashion designer, that Spirit was expecting the boutique to be full of customers and for dresses to be hanging from every corner and wall.

What Spirit didn't know, the brown dipstick, was that Rarity was just that. A fashion designer. She merely designed the dresses; she wasn't a clothing salesmare. At least, not entirely. This would explain why she found more mannequins, mirrors, and cloth than actual marketable clothing.

This is why you never make assumptions, kids.

"Now darling, why don't you take a seat right here," Rarity urged. "I'll go take a look at my wardrobe for something fabulous."

Following Rarity's orders, Spirit took a seat at a nearby window while Rarity trotted behind some curtains. She rested her head in her hoof and against the window sill. She looked out the window in wonder.

She could see the adventurous and daring Element of Loyalty screwing with the clouds. The way Rainbow Dash soared effortlessly through the sky always seemed so majestic to her. That pegasus was as free as the wind; nothing holding her down. Sometimes, Spirit envied that.

Spirit had always wanted to fly. To glide through that dark blue as if she owned it. Where nopony could stop her. And the only thing she felt was the breeze across her face and the wind in her hair.

Sure, magic was great and all. And she could even use it to fly faster than most pegasi. But it would never be the same as having two beautiful wings attached to her sides. It was a shame, really. Spirit, ever since she was a filly, wished she could've been born a pegasus.

Life would be so much simpler that way.

"Mrs. Candy?"

Spirit was knocked out of her trance when Rarity trotted out behind the curtains, holding not a dress, but a fabric in her magic grasp. Spirit tilted her head, "Yes, I'm still here. Uh, what is that?"

Rarity sighed, "My apologies darling, but I couldn't find any dress that would fit your needs. However, I do have this exquisite fabric. Do you know what vicuna is, Mrs. Candy?"

"Vicuna? Isn't that, like, an absurdly rare fabric?"

Rarity giggled, "Used to be, at least for me. But I spent a month on a mountain in Griffonstone collecting it. Now, I have enough material to last me decades! Sales have been astounding this year, darling."

"Decades?"

"Quite so, darling, decades."

"...How?"

"I could never reveal my ways..."

"..."

"...So?"

"So, I can use this material to make a gorgeous dress for you, but it'll cost you quite a bit."

Spirit stood up, "I'm positive I can pay it. My question is when would it be ready? I need it before the Gala. You can do that, right?"

Rarity laughed, "Oh please, I've had much worse deadlines than that. I'll have the dress done the day before. Now, may we discuss payment?"

"Of course; how much?"

"How does a thousand bits sound?"

Spirit's eyes widened like saucers at the price. She took a peek inside her satchel and groaned. She had enough, obviously, but that was almost every bit Century had given her, and she didn't even want to spend half. After this purchase, she'd only have two hundred bits left. The residents of Ponyville are gonna flip when they see the next allotment report. Sure, it was justified, but that didn't help her from feeling bad.

Spirit sighed as she laid her satchel on the nearby table. "Sounds like a deal, Mrs. Belle."

Rarity grinned, "Magnifique."

"Alright ladies, this is it," Century claimed.

Spirit, Century, and Trixie all sat at the round table. That of which had been covered in photos of ponies, pins of all colors, notepads with writing, and red string connecting everything together. Like a conspiracy board, only it was for the heist of the century.

Century placed his hooves on both sides of the table. "We've got virtually everything we need for Friday. So let's go over it all from the top."

He picked up a nearby fork and pointed, "At six o'clock, the doors to the Gala will open, and everypony will be allowed inside. Before we enter, we'll survey the crowd for Starboard to make sure he's here. Once spotted, Spirit will trail behind him to wherever he goes. Once he gets settled, Spirit will approach him and talk him up. You're young and cute, Spirit, so you should get his undivided attention quickly."

Century continued, looking at Spirit. "You will get his hoofprint on your dress. Preferably twice, just in case. Then, you will get the keycard from his pocket. Once all that's done, don't stick around. Return here, and wait on Trixie and I to return. If we're not back within two hours... Dump the keycard off the waterfall."

Spirit chuckled, "Worried you two might screw up?"

"Always important to be prepared, ya bum."

Century turned to Trixie, "Speaking of which, once Spirit locates Starboard , Trixie and I will enter the Gala and split up. Trixie, you'll go wherever you need to prepare for your performance. The distraction, I should say. While you're doing that, I'll catch up with Princess Celestia. Stay near her while we wait on you."

Century continued, "Once you're ready, and everypony comes out to the plaza, the real mission will begin. Trixie will do her last trick and blind everyone in the audience, including Celestia. I imagine she'd bend her head downward and shield her eyes. The perfect height for me to carefully lift the crown off her head and into my satchel. Once I've got it secured, I'll scurry the heck out of there."

"Then Trixie will finish her performance and scurry out of there too. I'll meet her at the exit of the Gala. Finally, we'll return to Spirit's place, gather our essentials, and immediately board the Friendship Express to Manehatten. Heist completed, ladies."

Trixie sighed, "Trixie is so anxious. There's no way this will all go according to plan."

Spirit nodded, "Trixie's right. Something's bound to go wrong."

Century groaned, "Oh, will you two shut up? Have some confidence. If something goes wrong, then we'll improvise. We have to, after all. We can't give up after everything we've already done."

"Yeah, yeah, I know. It's just... Hard to believe it all. But, besides that, what do we do in the meantime."

Century sat down, "In the meantime, Trixie will practice her performance. We've got two and a half days until the Gala begins, and it needs to be flawless, Trix. Spirit, you and I will pack what we need, and... I don't know. It's the calm before the storm, ladies."

Trixie stared at the board. This was it. Outside of practice, there was nothing more to do. Nothing to research. Nowhere to go. As Century said, in two and a half days, Century, Spirit, and Trixie would head to the Grand Galloping Gala and commit what may be the greatest heist of all time.

A glorious act of grand larceny.

Chapter VI - The Gala

P A R T - T W O

9 DAYS TO MIDNIGHT

"Century, how can you not tie a bowtie?"

"Trixie, I'm a bureaucrat; I only ever wear ties!"

"Excuses, excuses."

In Spirit Candy's Canterlot apartment, Century and Trixie Lulamoon stood before the bathroom mirror. Century—as surprising as it may seem—was having difficulty tying the bowtie for his tuxedo. Trixie, having much experience in tying bowties, was assisting him. And teasing the stallion, of course.

Today was the day. In less than an hour, the Grand Galloping Gala would begin, and our trio would begin the heist of the millennium. So far, there hadn't been any concerning changes, but the main event was yet to begin. And schemes rarely ever go according to plan.

Trixie adorned a gorgeous, elegant magician's outfit. A porcelain-white tuxedo with a frost-white vest. Along with a crimson bowtie, a porcelain-white cape with a blood-red lining, and a dove-white top hat. Century, a merlot-red tuxedo with a black vest and a black bowtie. The two had never dressed so fashionably and sophisticated. Tonight was important for more than just the heist.

Elegant and precise, Trixie finished tying Century's bow. "There. The Great and Powerful Trixie has finished your bow. Marvelous work, wouldn't you agree?"

Century rolled his eyes, "Superb, Trix."

"Ya know, Trixie doesn't often say this to other ponies, but you look seriously dapper."

Century shrugged, "Yeah, thanks. And I guess you pulled off that magician's outfit... beautifully. Not bad, magic mare."

Trixie smiled, "Trixie appreciates it."

Century smiled back, "Hm."

"Hm."

"..."

"Well," Century spoke up, ending the sudden silence, "Better get down to Spirit. She said she bought some cider and wanted to make a toast."

"Ah," Trixie replied, jovial, "Trixie loves cider," Before following Century out of the bathroom and towards the dining room. Where Spirit had placed a bottle of cider. One neither of the two had seen before.

As they neared the round table, Spirit entered the duo's view, holding three flute wine glasses in her magic grasp. Century raised a brow when he saw the glass. Noting cider wasn't typically drunk using such glasses. In fact, it wasn't typically drunk using glasses at all.

Trixie and Century sat down. Century spoke up as Spirit gently placed two glasses before the unicorn and Earth pony. Setting the last one near an empty chair reserved for her.

"Uh, Spirit? I've never seen this type of apple cider before."

Spirit replied as she sat down, "That's because it's not your average cider."

Trixie rested her head on her hoof, "Is this some special concoction given to you by the Apple family?"

"This cider isn't from the Apple family. It's not even from Equestria. This is Meridian cider."

Trixie's eyes bulged, and Century replied, "Meridian cider? W-What? How?"

Spirit waved the flute glass before her back and forth, "When I was preparing to leave that warehouse back in Manehatten, I came across an opened crate. Inside were six bottles. Each contained special, sparkling cider from the finest winery in all of Meridio. A family-owned business called Dawson Vineyard & Winery. I decided to take one. Putting the bottle in my satchel for tonight."

Trixie folded her hooves, "What's so special about it? And how come we're just now finding out about this bottle?"

"First of all, I wanted it to be a surprise. Duh. Second of all, this cider isn't like the Apples' cider. This is hard cider."

Century leaned back, "Hard cider? …Should we really drink this before the most important moment of our lives?"

Trixie snickered, "Aw, is the bureaucrat a lightweight?"

"Are you!?"

"Pah! The Great and Powerful Trixie doesn't know the meaning of the word!"

Spirit grabbed the bottle, "Would you two shut up? You guys are such dopes."

The unicorn began unwrapping the golden foil covering the cork. The sound of the tears resonated in her ears. Once removed, Spirit lined up the cider bottle's cork to the edge of the table; since she lacked a proper bottle opener.

Trixie reeled her head back, "That's not going to explode, right?"

Century chuckled, mollifying Trixie, "No, Trix. You're gonna be fine."

The bottle's cork popped off, and just as Century stated, the cider didn't blast out. Spirit sighed, "Little anti-climatic and underwhelming, but at least we don't have to worry about any stains or whatever."

Using her magic, Spirit raised all three glasses toward her and poured the sparkling cider into each. Trixie's eyes widened slightly at the sound of the liquid bubbling and fizzing. Remarking how similar to soda it seemed.

Century noticed this in her eyes, "You've never seen sparkling cider?"

Trixie shrugged, "Trixie doesn't think so. Isn't sparkling cider, like, a rich pony thingy?"

"Eh... Kinda I guess."

Finished, Spirit handed one glass to Trixie, transferring it into Trixie's magic grasp, and handed the other to Century; Before setting the cider bottle gently on the table with a quiet but discernible thud.

Trixie, inquisitive, brought the glass to her nose and got a whiff of the cider. She reeled in revulsion when its vigorous stench reached her nostrils. Century chuckled, "Trixie, stop being such a bum."

"You shut your mouth!" Trixie replied, flustered.

Spirit snickered, "Alright you guys, let's wrap this up already. Century, you're the speech maker." She waved her glass back and forth like some taste tester. "Give us a toast for tonight."

Century traced the rim of his glass with his nose like a bored filly. A delicate, high-pitched hum emitted from it. "I mean... I guess. Not a bad idea. It's just been a while since I last made a toast. Hopefully, I don't screw it up." He stopped tracing the rim and stared intently at it. The drone of the glass dissipated.

"...We, uh... Shoot, u-um... We have... A little over five days, I received knowledge from an otherwordly being telling of a harrowing future becoming of Equestria. Hours later, I informed my oldest friend, Spirit Candy, and Starlight Glimmer's newest friend, Trixie Lulamoon.

Century continued, "Together, over the past week, we traversed Equestria. Searching for a way to prevent, for the lack of better words, the apocalypse. Gaining knowledge of magic and power beyond our wildest dreams. And our journey has yet to truly begin."

"Now, we have approached what might be our finest hours. As we attempt to not only steal what may be the most important crown in the world—a heinous act of grand larceny—but escape Equestria as the most wanted in all the land. To board a futuristic, highly-advanced ship on a voyage to the other side of the world to destroy said crown."

Century raised his glass into the air. Spirit and Trixie followed swiftly.

"...We ask that whatever forces may be in our vast universe to have mercy on us. To bless us on this treacherous odyssey. We raise a glass to Equestria. A glass to these next nine days we shall embark on. A glass to our souls and our hearts. To our reason and to our resolve. To our loved ones, and the great unknown. May we come out of this in one piece."

The trio clinked their glasses to one another's and sipped their drinks down gracefully. Resisting the stinging and the bittering burn of the hard cider. Century, though normally unbecoming of him—chugged the cider down in mere gulps. The texture grinding his tongue and throat like the coarsest sandpaper. The aroma filling his nostrils like a vicious, toxic gas.

Trixie and Spirit stared in awe. Especially Lulamoon. She attempted to follow in Century's footsteps but failed miserably. Instantly wondering why she even bothered when she began a coughing fit. Spirit chuckled before continuing to sip from her glass.

Century set his glass down with a gentle thump. Thinking in his head for a moment before standing up and wiping the cider from his lips. He gave both mares an intense look. Ignited determination in his eyes.

"Okay... Let's do this."

"Can't believe I had to buy a carriage for all these presents."

"Trixie remarks Strawberry Jewel really wanted to go to the Gala."

"Century remarks she didn't need ninety pounds worth of gifts."

The trio's carriage approached the doorway to the Grand Galloping Gala. The Royal Castle was adorned with Gala decorations and lights, and the central passageway was already filled with ponies. Dozens of other carriages were lined up outside as well.

Century squinted at the entrance through the window and humphed. Normally, Princess Celestia would stand there and greet everypony that entered. Unfortunately, it seemed she wasn't doing that this year. He hoped this didn't mean she wouldn't be attending the Gala. That would really throw a wrench in their plans.

Century spoke up just before their carriage came to a stop. "Okay, time to split up. Spirit, you'll locate Starboard and trail him insi-"

"Wait a minute," Trixie cut off. "Do we... Do we even know what Starboard looks like?"

"Of course we..." Spirit's pupils shrunk into tiny dots as the realization hit her. "...H-Holy crap."

Century smacked his face and silently shouted. "For the love of Celestia, how do we not know what he looks like!? Spirit, you didn't grab any photos while you were at the dock?!"

"I-I didn't see any! Besides, I-It's a ship captain! M-Maybe, I mean, i-it can't be that hard to find him!"

"You think we're living in some fantasy world?! Think Starboard's gonna be sitting at a table, throwing back cider, cackling loudly, with a pegleg to top it off?"

Trixie growled, "Trixie knew something was bound to go wrong; she just knew it!"

"Okay, ladies? Relax. We... W-We can still pull this off?"

Trixie and Spirit stared at Century. Then stared at each other. Trixie sighed, "Perhaps it's worth a shot. We can't give up now." She poked Spirit's chest, "Don't screw this up, braids."

Spirit smiled weakly, "Will do..."

...

The trio marveled at the castle's decorated interior. A beautiful, exceptionally complex chandelier hung from the roof of the room. Every pillar was decorated with bells and streamers. At the far left of the room was a massive buffet table with all sorts of mouth-watering delectables. And at the far right was an orchestra performing delightful, slow pieces.

"Excuse me, Miss Lulamoon?" A voice called from the right. The trio looked over and spotted a pink pegasus trotting over. She donned circular glasses and a light green dress shirt. She must've been Trixie's stage assistant.

Trixie smirked and stepped forward. "Ah, Good evening Chestnut Cake. Trixie assumes her stage is set?"

Chestnut raised her clipboard using her wings. "Well, mostly. There are just a few itty bitty problems."

"And those would be?"

"Er... Daisy Dove may have forgotten to do some maintenance on the stage's lighting. And..."

"And?"

"Well... The... Light's... Aren't… Working..."

Trixie fumed, "What?! What do you mean they're not working?!"

Chestnut stepped back and stumbled a bit. "I-I don't know! It's just, T-The spotlights won't shine! W-"

Trixie rushed forward and grabbed Chestnut with her hooves. Comedically rocking her back and forth like some cartoon. "Chestnut!" She shouted.

"Y-Yes?!"

"D'you know how important tonight is?! How could you let this happen?! Why is Trixie just now hearing about this?!"

"I-I just now found out!"

Trixie let go of Chestnut, "Take Trixie to Daisy Dove! Trixie'll teach Daisy what happens to ponies who sabotage Trixie!"

"I-I don't believe it was sabo-"

"Take Trixie now!"

Chestnut, frightened at Trixie's almost savage-like anger, galloped to the outdoor stage. Trixie practically right on top of her. Spirit nudged Century, "So, think she'll be fine?"

Century stifled a chuckle, "She'll be fine; it's just lighting. We need to do our parts now. You start looking for Starboard, and I'll go find Princess Celestia. This night is not gonna be a crap show."

Spirit nodded and bumped hooves with Century. With that, Century stepped out onto the patio in search of her royal highness while Spirit stepped forward towards the ballroom before her.

The plan was finally in motion.

"Excuse me?"

"Yes, li'l' mare?"

"I heard that you're the famous captain of the hour?"

"Hah! Inde'd I am!"

Spirit—after observing the ballroom and talking up random ponies—quickly took a seat at a table with several others. Including a certain captain. The ponies that took up the table were exactly what one would expect hoity-toity ponies from Canterlot to look like. Colorful, expensive, and a persistent countenance of superiority. Spirit—despite being from Canterlot and wearing an absolutely gorgeous dress—didn't fit at this table all that well.

One of the ponies, a mare from the Crystal Empire at that, spoke up. "And just who in the world are you, young missy? Interrupting our conversation with such crass; how dare you!?"

"I agree!" Exclaimed another pony, some higher-up at Phillydelphia. A monocle, a black top hat, a freshly trimmed goatee, he was the whole package. "Never in my life have I had to bear witness to such an unsophisticated mare! Explain yourself immediately!"

As Spirit sunk into her seat, and the other ponies of the table began berating her, Starboard chuckled. "All o' yous relax! There’s enough o' this Capta'n for e'rypony 'ere!" A thick, almost unrecognizable, manehattan accent in his voice. With a little bit of something else. Southern, like AppleJack. And strange combination.

He turned to face Spirit and raised a brow. "What brings you 'ere li'l mare?"

As Starboard faced her, Spirit was able to get a better look at the captain. He was a large, burly Earth pony. His coat was a beautiful ginger, and his mane was a marvelous cyan. Almost as blue as the sky. While she couldn't see his head due to the hat he was wearing, she could see that his facial hair consisted of an almost adorable musketeer mustache with fabulous twirls at each end. Along with a skinny goatee hanging from his chin.

He donned a gorgeous, brand-new, all-white suit with several medals along his left breast. His suit featured silver epaulets on his shoulders, each string holding a small jewel at its end. As well as four silver aiguillettes hanging from his left shoulder. And to top it all off, a black and platinum peaked cap with a special insignia on its front. As Spirit continuously scrutinized Starboard, this captain looked less like a captain—and more like some general. Perhaps Starboard was an admiral in the Royal Navy. Minus the pegleg, of course.

Spirit shrugged, coming back to reality. "Oh, y'know, the same reason all these ponies are here! I'd love to hear the stories of such an incredible pony."

Starboard cackled like a mad Santa Claus, "O' course you are! It's so obvious! Can't believe I'd ev'n ask a question as dumb as that!" Starboard lifted a nearby mug full of the Apple family's esteemed apple cider and chugged it down like a mad mare. Wowing everypony at the table.

He set it down, almost breaking the cup in his hoof, and bellowed a great burp. "Yous wan' a story? I'll give ya one! 'ere's one o' my fav'rites!" Starboard took off his cap and set it on the table. Revealing a bald head.

He cleared his throat, "There I was, on the high seas. Just outsi'e Manehatt'n. My beaut'ful hometown. I was commandin' my prized possession. The head of Equestria's Roy'l Navy, a beaut'ful, first-rate, three-decked ship o' the line. The HHS Queen Galaxia."

Spirit quickly remembered her visit to the Manehatten port. That massive ship at the far end of the dockyard must've been this, "Queen Galaxia," Starboard was talking about. She was a little upset she didn't know about this earlier. But something was off.

Starboard not only commandeered the largest, most powerful ship in Equestria's navy, but also this super advanced hypercarrier? A cargo ship, at that? He also didn't seem as old and forgetful as she anticipated. He was stronger, and much louder too.

"A real beau'y," Starboard continued. "We was on patrol after The Roy'l Castle received reports from Griffonstone of big ol' blimps approachin' Equestria. Along with sever'l suppos’d battleships directly approachin' Manehatt'n. My fleet and I were on watch. Had to keep a lookout for any potential danger." Spirit's eyes widened and drifted slowly as she processed Starboard's words.

He continued, "I was starin' off the bow o' the ship. As valiant and fierce as ever. The sun hung direc'ly above us. Her warmth was as lovin' as ever. And the water that surround'd us was a beaut'ful and pur'fyin' blue. Like the coat o' that Rainbow Dash."

"But then, the myst'fyin' peace was disturbed as the sound o' fir'd cannons cracked and filled the air. I looked to my left tow'rds the exit o' the port to see several hardened ships. The'r hulls were heav'ly armored, and the'r sails a dark gray. Donnin' the dark cyan symbol of the Storm King."

Spirit yawned and rested her hoof on the table. She began to drift off from Starboard's story as she'd heard it before. The tale of how seventeen ships held off Storm King's massive, battle-hardened, wrathful fleet. The Tsunami's Roar. A little bland, but they sure didn't care.

It was a battle that lasted several hours. The Queen Galaxia, three man o' wars, four frigates, seven brigs, and two schooners. All against a whopping forty warships. With not one, not two, but four ship of the lines commanding the armada. And every ship armed to the teeth.

It was straight out of some blockbuster movie. Gunpowder, some used disturbingly recently—and some not used in centuries—violently filled the air. A gigantic cloud of smoke swiftly took over the sky, and the city wouldn't see the sun for weeks.

Every sailor reported a lack of hearing when the dust settled. One unfortunate pony even went deaf. At such a young age as well. Equestria's fleet suffered heavy damage, but only one of its ships fell. A brig that got too close to a man 'o war. There was virtually nothing left of the vessel.

It's said Starboard had shown off strategic skills not seen in millennia. He was a prodigy decades ago, and at this battle, he was far more than just a force to be reckoned with. Saying so would be insulting. Through his leadership and coordination, The Tsunami's Roar was nigh-vanquished. All their gunboats, schooners, brigs, and frigates had been sunk. With only one ship of the line, and two man o' wars surviving. Sailing off into the distance with no clear direction as the Storm King was defeated by Twilight Sparkle and Tempest Shadow.

Now that Spirit had some time to really think about it, she was positive the truth had never been spoken. No captain could ever be that good. Not to mention she couldn't imagine Equestria's sailors being at all flawless. None of them had ever seen genuine combat. Not even Starboard. So how in the world did they beat a fleet that only knows conquering?

Perhaps it had to do with that hypercarrier, she thought. Surely—something that large and advanced would have weaponry to defend itself. But what could it have been? Or maybe The Tsunami's Fleet was sabotaged in it’s entirety. There were reports of their own gunpowder exploding.

She also knew there was a rewards ceremony at Canterlot. She didn't go herself, though. Too expensive. Which was somewhat understandable since Equestria's economy had been hit awfully hard. However, she remembered reading the names in the paper.

One Earth pony, a stallion named Surefire Tree, was rewarded for loading three hundred cannon balls, on the dot. The most ever fired in Equestrian history by a single pony. Another pony, a pegasus mare named Popcorn Swirl, was rewarded for single-handedly sinking one of Storm King's ship of the lines. An incredible act of espionage and sabotage. And, of course, who could forget living legend Admiral Douglas MacHoof for leading the charge and defending Manehattan. Spirit would be a fool to forget his name. Heck, she was sitting at his table!

...

Wait.

"Are you Captain Starboard!?" Spirit blurted out, interrupting "Starboard" as he spoke of the sinking of the first ship. He scoffed, annoyed at her interrupting, and responded. "Cap'in Starboard? Like, Starboard Sail? That ol' coot, o' course not! I'm Adm'ral Douglas M'cHoof! W-Wha, y-you thought I was him this whole time?!"

Spirit facepalmed. That pony by the cider bowl must've told her wrong. Heard captain, saw Douglas at this table, and put two and two together. Guessing instead of just saying no like a normal pony. But she couldn't entirely blame them.

Spirit had never actually seen Douglas. She'd heard of him, sure, but the paper she received didn't have a photo. Production errors after a literal military invasion are surprisingly very prevalent. Perhaps that other pony had the same issue.

Now that she thought of it, it made more sense. Trixie and Century reported hearing Princess Celestia call Starboard old and forgetful. Instead of looking for some old stallion, she just tried her luck with some random mare and a pony that looked like they led a ship.

Douglas rolled his eyes, "If you're lookin' for that walkin' pil' of ashes, he's prob'ly outside smellin' the flow'rs. Some weird ol' man stuff like that." Douglas scoffed, "That Rar'ty would be raisin' and lowerin' the sun befo'e Starboard took my place."

Spirit ignored the Admiral's insults, stood up from the table, and began trotting towards the pavilion doors. She internally slapped herself for wasting so much time and being so lazy. Especially on such a high-stakes night like this.

Luckily for her, locating Starboard wasn't all that difficult after what she'd learned. Sure enough, some old pony was sniffing some dandelions at the far right of the pavilion. As Spirit got closer, she was able to make out some details.

Unlike Douglas, Starboard wore a simple dress shirt with a cute blue tie. He adorned no medals or epaulets. No rank insignia or a aiguillettes. Were it not for her prior knowledge, she would've believed Starboard was just some old stallion visiting. Unaware of what tonight was.

She approached him, "Hello?"

"I like that word," Starboard croaked. Breathing in the smell of the dandelions once more. "I'd say it's my favorite word; The interactions that unfold, the relationships that begin. Such a simple, undervalued word. Yet full of such meaning. Such change."

Spirit rolled her eyes. Not in a rude way, mostly, but in a tired way. She could almost instantly tell what type of pony Starboard was, and she was already a little worn out from the last personality that drove her up a wall. But hopefully, it wasn't as annoying as Douglas.

She replied, "Um... So are you Starboard Sail?"

Century gazed off into the distance. The night sky was so enchanting to him. Despite what most ponies say, the night sky is rarely, if ever, pitch black. Rather, it's a dark, dark denim blue canvas painted by the universe's stars, galaxies, superclusters, and Princess Luna's shimmering moon.

He wondered about that somewhat. Princess Luna's moon. In the same way, people would say Princess Celestia's sun. As if the two had created them. Or that they belonged to them. Granted, this isn't the official way to refer to the celestial beings, but they were the most common.

That bothered him.

Yet again, Century had found a reason to criticize the Royal Princesses. Their power, while spectacular, has also given them a god-like status among ponies. Practically revered as such. Nopony would ever say so, but he wasn't stupid. The ponies weren't stupid. Celestia wasn't stupid.

Along with their form. Even Twilight, despite also being an alicorn, does not share their features. Same with Princess Cadence. Celestia and Luna were tall. Century Came up to the base of Luna's neck. And up to Celestia? The base of her chest. And their figure was to die for. So regal, so angelic. Rarity would do just about anything to look as drop-dead gorgeous as them. Any pony would. Even some stallions. This only built up his case. Or at least, he felt it did.

Century, while he'd never admit it, couldn't stand being shorter than them. Being less attractive than them. Being weaker and less known than them. It wasn't rational, of course. He, more than anypony, was well aware of this. But he couldn't help it.

But above all the looks, the height, the popularity, the power, it was the combination of these, and what they've led to, that particularly irks him. And that is the Princesses being given control.

He knew they weren't shadowy monsters tearing Equestria apart from the inside out for their own amusement and benefit. But he just wished they did a better job. But more than that, he wished someone else could take their job. Or at least bring about the same amount of change will not being all-powerful royalty. That way, maybe there'd be fewer playgrounds to replace. Less money to spend. More-

"Hello!? Are you seriously ignoring me right now, dude!?"

Snapping back to reality, and out of his questionable thoughts, Century turned to the voice that called him out. It was Rainbow Dash, with her only fashion being a red, poorly tied bowtie.

"I was list- Yeah, yeah, Wonderbolt crap- so by the way, have you seen Twilight by the way?"

Rainbow Dash furrowed her brows, "You said 'by the way' twice. And you asked me that already."

"...So have you?"

"She's with Princess Luna greeting the guests! Gah, I said this! Why did you just tune me out?! Aren't you a politician or something?!"

Century raised a hoof, "You're right, I'm being silly. I apologize. But, why isn't Celestia greeting the guests? That's normally her thing, is it not?"

Rainbow Dash shrugged, "Yeah, it is. I don't know why she wasn't greeting the guests. I'd guess Twilight and Luna know, but they won't be done for a long while."

"Great," Century groaned. "I could be here for hours. All those stuck-up, pompous, hoity-toity ponies will take forever. It'll be dawn before she opens her presents. Let alone come to Trixie's performance."

"What's the big deal?" Rainbow Dash asked, raising a brow. "What do have to say to her that's so important?"

"Uh... Political stuff. Y'know who I am, after all."

"I do?"

"Don't you?"

"...No."

"I'm Mayor Mare's political advisor. I've been in Ponyville for like a year, how'd you miss me?"

"Uh, I live in Cloudsdale, not Ponyville."

"You're an Element of Harmony! And you're always sitting in that cloud hovering over Ponyville too!"

Rainbow Dash raised a hoof, "Chill dude, It's just a simple mistake. What are you so pressed about?"

"I am not!- ...Wait... W-Why am I so pressed?" Century averted Rainbow Dash's gaze and stepped back. "W-Where did all this... I-Incontinent acrimony come from?"

"Never heard those words before."

"Unsurprisingly."

"Unsur- W-What's that supposed to mean? And how do I know you weren’t just looking at a dictionary before you got here?”

Century looked at Rainbow Dash. He noticed a slight tinge in her feathers. As if they were getting ready to flap and fly away. Perhaps she felt threatened in a way. Or she just didn't like him. Understandably so.

Rainbow Dash looked at Century. There was a minor twitch in his eyes, and sweat beads slowly sliming down his forehead. Like the yolk of an egg thrown against a window. A sign of his growing disquietude.

Rainbow Dash stared intently. "What exactly is this 'political stuff' you plan to ask?"

Century instantly caught on to what she was inferring. He internally slapped himself for letting Rainbow Dash get suspicious of him. A pathetic sign of his sloppiness. He had to be careful with whatever he did next, or risk worsening the situation. He needed to play his cards right.

"...I need a drink."

He threw them out the window.

Century trotted to the nearby drink stand, and Rainbow Dash watched like a hawk acquiring its target. If she wasn't suspicious before, she definitely was now. Successfully failing at his task.

She's fast, but she can't be all that strong, right? Century thought as he poured a cup of cider. His hooves shook and spilled some of it. And as he tried to drink from it, he dropped the cup. Angering him further.

What's going on?! He thought, frustrated. This anxiety that filled his mind and body was inane and came seemingly out of nowhere. Apparently, the idea of stealing the most powerful monarch's crown on one of the most important days of the year, surrounded by dozens of guards, was sorta stressful.

If he was shaking up before Princess Celestia even came, while talking to Rainbow Dash, of all ponies, how could he possibly go with the plan? What if Trixie does her trick, but he freezes up? And the opportunity is lost to them?

What's Plan B? Sneak into the most defended, important building in the nation, sneak past hundreds of guards, and steal it while she's asleep in her own bed? That would be insanity! Maybe if he had some changling to infiltrate it for him, but who'd be stupid enough to do such a thing? Definitely not me, he thought.

"Uh, are you alright?"

Century looked up from staring at the spilled cup like some psychopath. The barista, some young green mare, had spoken to him. Century darted back at the cup. Then back at the mare. Way to make yourself look sane, you dipstick.

"Uh, yeah! I-I'm good, just... A teeny tiny bit stressed. No big deal."

"Really?" The mare asked, cocking her head. "Because you looked like you just had some traumatic flashback. Surely something's on your mind."

"Oh, it's just... Gala. Never been here. N-Never really, uh… U-Uh, seen the Princesses up close. Now I'm just waiting for them to show up already."

The mare giggled, "Show up? But they're right behind you."

Never in his life had Century so furiously and swiftly whirled his head. And just as the mare had said, there they stood. The Princesses of Equestria. Well, two of them, to be exact. Twilight Sparkle and Luna.

Century trotted towards them as naturally as he could, due to his legs going absolutely nuts. They were, expectedly, surrounded by a crowd of ponies who eventually bowed as they neared. He was less willing to do the same.

He planned on just walking right up to Twilight, but he doubted Luna would let that slide. She was old-fashioned. Then again, granted, what he had in mind was still informal, and just plain rude. Mayor Mare had explicitly told him to be a good example of Ponyville.

Slowing his hooves—and watching as the crowd around the two dissipated—he approached Twilight from her left. Intent on getting to the bottom of his target's whereabouts.

"Excuse me, Princess Twilight?"

Said Princess turned to his voice and smiled. "Oh! Hello Century! What do you need? Enjoying the Gala so far?"

"Uh, yeah, I, uh, I've just been..." Century shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly. "Y'know... Just hanging around."

"Just hanging around, huh?"

"Just hanging around," he replied. Twilight giggled, "Alright but, seriously, what do you need?"

“So, I see Luna. I, uh, I see you, but... Where's Princess Celestia? Not to like, downplay you guys, but, I feel like she'd be the mare of the hour right now with all the other ponies hounding her highness. What's the deal?"

Twilight's face lowered, "Oh, you didn't hear, Century? Really? Honestly, I thought you'd know already. Not exactly sure why I thought so; you just give me that sort of impression.

Century cocked his head to the side. "...Knew what?"

"Princess Celestia isn't attending this year's Gala."

"...What."

Chapter VII - Grand Larceny

9 DAYS TO MIDNIGHT

"A cold?! Are you serious right now, Century!? Trixie put on that astonishing display of magic, only for Sun Butt to come down with a cold?!"

"...Yeah... I'm serious..."

"...Y-You... Y-You seriously expect me to believe there wasn't s-some kind of, uh, uh, m-magical spell to get her from under the weather?"

"...I'd imagine the Princess is using such as an excuse to not come. She's gone to virtually every other Gala in the past."

"Wonderful."

Trixie, Century, and Spirit all rested and gathered their thoughts outside the Royal Castle. Overlooking the first falling of the waterfall outside the castle. Using it to omit their voices to any third parties that may be listening in.

Spirit was repeatedly knocking her head into the nearby wall. Not enough to seriously hurt her, but the pain was unmistakable. The keycard she swiped off Starboard had fallen out of her pocket, and was now a bit chipped. Usable; but chipped nonetheless. Trixie rested on her side. Tears ran down her cheeks. Ruining her mascara. And Century sat at the very edge of the platform. The waterfall to his right.

The trio was devastated.

Their greatest—and possibly, only—opportunity to steal the crown had been taken from them. After all that planning and preparation. The trips across the kingdom, the thousands of bits spent. All for nothing. All for Princess Celestia to get a 'cold'.

"B-But still, how?" Spirit inquired. "How did she get a cold? D-Did she just, I-I, w-wha- She just bathed in cold water?! Stood outside in the rain too long- Alicorns get colds?! Seriously?! Aren't they immortal or something?!"

"Trixie doesn't think that's how that works..." Said the magician. Fidgeting with pebbles next to her.

"T-Than how does it- H-How does it work?! I-I, what is the... I don't-"

"We don't know everything Spirit," Trixie replied, sniffling. "Maybe... Maybe, we... Aren't their bodies just like ours? A-Alicorns are immortals, yeah, but their skin's still soft a-and, and, and, and, uh... Uh, f-fleshy inside. So like, their cells and nostrils and blah blah, wouldn't it just be like ours-"

"Sounds like a load of crap," Spirit snapped. "Wouldn't like... Wouldn't there be some potion? O-Or, or, or, a spell?! 'Cold-be-gone?' I just... How could this happen?!" Spirit turned around, revealing her own tears.

She continued, "W-What do we do now!? Our only, only opportunity was just robbed from us! B-By nature! Or worse, by her just being tired or some dumb crap! I... What do we-"

"Trixie doesn't know; perhaps this is just the way it is!"

"Really?! That's coming out of your mouth?!"

"W-What's that supposed to mean?!"

"I don't know, you tell me! What's it mean, Trickshow?!"

"How dare you! Taking out your pathetic anger on Trixie!"

"Doesn't matter now! The world's gonna end in nine days; What's the issue with taking out my anger on the wannabe magician?!"

"Wannabe!?"

"Enough!"

Century shouted at the top of his lungs. His voice echoed into the night. Trixie and Spirit flinched at the sound and snapped out of their argument. Trixie took a step back and wiped her tears. Spirit doing the same, only in a frustrated manner.

Century had stood up from the edge and was facing the both of them. Although, his face was attracted to the ground. He stared at it. His eyes shot back and forth between the pattern and the pebbles. Thinking of what to say.

"...We're not giving up."

"Oh for Celestia's sake, are you kidding me?!" Spirit replied. Her anger returned in full. "Don't you see, Century? It's over! Celestia wasn't there. She's at the top floor of this flippin' two hundred foot castle catching a crap-ton of zs' from a ‘cold’! W-What are we supposed to do now?!"

Trixie sniffled and spoke through her tears, "Trixie hates to admit it, but Spirit is right. Our whole plan has been torn to shreds. There's nothing we can do now. Like, literally Century. There's no other option. We spent all our time preparing for this."

Century raised his head, "I know, but there's still a Plan B."

Spirit scoffed and wiped her tears, "W-What, Century, I-I-I, w-what, you, w-what Plan B?! We, uh, we infiltrate the, t-the, the most secure building in the kingdom, protected by guards a-at every corner, enter the room of possibly t-the, uh, t-the most powerful being on the planet, steal her crown, a-and then, s-somehow escape?!"

"..."

"...You're insane."

"What choice do we have?"

Trixie shot up, "Century, you can't be serious! The chances of us making it out of that are below abysmal at best! Think about what's at stake!"

"You think about what's at stake!" Century shouted, pointing at her. "If we don't do this—i-if we don't at least try— it's all over for the planet. Even if we fail and get imprisoned, the apocalypse is still coming! But if we... I-If we succeed. If we get the crown, it's not over. Then we just have to follow the original plan and get to the hypercarrier. We can't give up now.”

Spirit shook her head, "B-But, we-"

"There is no but, Spirit! Trixie! This is it! These are the cards we've been dealt! We can't just mope and sob and sigh, standing and laying around. We need to act, and we need to act now! ...And if that's not enough... I'll do it myself!"

Spirit and Trixie winced at those last words. Century was daring to infiltrate the Royal Castle and steal Princess Celestia's crown all by himself. The notion was rather insulting to them, yes. But more than that, it brought about a pang of guilt within them. That they would abandon their partner, their friend, in such a desperate hour of need.

Century stepped closer to the two and glared at them. Scorn and resolution in his eyes. "Are you with me, or not?"

Spirit peaked at the night sky. She realized this might be the last time she ever sees it. The moon. The stars. The beautiful, gorgeous dark blue. Then again, if she refused to act at all, she'd only get to see them a little while longer. Stuck between a rock and a hard place. But one of them would have to give.

As she picked up the keycard, Spirit looked to Trixie, who had stood up. Although, her head hung low with both fear and guilt. The magician's mind was racing faster than any Wonderbolt could ever dream of matching. She thought of how little she had. She thought of her best friend Starlight, and how she'd react. She thought of her career as a magician. As barren as it might be, she cared for every step she took. And now, more than ever, it was all on the line. She took a deep breath and exhaled.

"...What do you have in mind?"

"This is as high as we're gonna get, you guys!"

"Don't shout so loud, Spirit! Somepony will hear us!"

"Trixie, you're doing the same thing!"

"Both of you, shut up!"

Spirit—using the same levitation spell from the warehouse, assisted by Trixie—landed on the second highest tower of the castle. As Century stabilized his footing, he approached the edge of the roof and looked over the tallest tower.

He sighed, "For the love of, the Princesses' tower is almost a quarter-mile away! We seriously can't get any closer?"

Spirit shook her head and approached him, "That spell is hard enough to do. Even with two unicorns working in conjunction, this is the highest and closest we're gonna get."

"Couldn't Starlight do it?"

"Do either of us look like Starlight?”

Trixie trotted over, "So what now, then?"

Century examined the sight below the edge. Below them was a catwalk that led to the taller tower. Said catwalk was at least two stories down, and patrolled by two guards walking back and forth. Along with two guards standing at each entrance.

He bit his lip, "Well... We're gonna have to head down to the level of this catwalk and somehow get across. There are six guards on it, so I don't know how we're gonna get past them. Any ideas, mares?"

Spirit rubbed her chin for a moment, "... I've got an idea, but it might cost whatever's left of Trixie and I's magic for the night."

"Hit me."

"We can use an invisibility spell. With Trixie's help, we'll make ourselves transparent. Then, we can just walk across the catwalk while avoiding the guards as best we can. What do you think?"

Century shrugged, "Sounds good to me. Trix?"

Trixie tilted her head, "So if this zaps the rest of our magic, how are we escaping?"

Spirit put a hoof to her chin, "I think I've got an idea, but we'll cross that bridge when we get there."

"Trixie doesn't like the sound of that."

Century nudged her, "Well, Trixie needs to put on her big mare pants and get it together. So Spirit, how y'all doing this?"

Spirit waved to Trixie to come near her. Igniting her magic from within her horn. Trixie raised a brow before reluctantly approaching her. She tilted her head, "So... what are we doing?"

Spirit smiled, "You look so confused, never done this before?"

"Done what?"

"We're going to combine our magical powers to increase the strength of the invisibility spell. It'd be impossible for me to make all three of us invisible. But if we combine our magic, we can do it easily… Wait... You do know how to do this, spell... right?"

"...Trixie will follow your lead. She's a good follower. Er, student. Whichever works in this context."

Century sighed, "Spirit, are you sure this will work?"

Spirit rolled her eyes, "Hey, Starlight Glimmer isn't the only unicorn well adept with her magic, okay? I-I may not be on her level, y'know, duh, but... Just, shut up and trust me, okay? You convinced us to come up here in the first place, and we all put our faith in you."

"Alright, alright, jeez," Century replied. Raising a hoof to calm her down. "I trust you, Spirit. Now let's do this. Trixie?"

The Great and Powerful nodded, "Let's do this Spirit. The Great and Powerful shall lend you her aid."

Spirit smiled weakly, "Spectacular."

She stepped closer to Trixie and held her head somewhat low. Trixie did the same, recognizing the movement. She chuckled, "Oh! That's what we're doing! Why didn't you just say so?!"

"Trixie shut up!" Century whisper shouted, and Spirit giggled. After quietly apologizing, Trixie rested her horn on Spirit's and ignited her magic. Spirit spoke, "Okay, Trixie, since you don't know the spell, that's gonna make this a little harder. So what you're gonna do is transfer most of your magic to me. You're gonna feel a lil' woozy and weak, but you'll be fine in like two minutes... Maybe."

"Trixie is starting to feel hesitant."

"Trixie will live."

Spirit then closed her eyes, and Century watched as her horn glowed twice as bright. He got a little worried at just how bright, in fact. The guards below on the catwalk might see them if they weren't careful. He expressed this to Spirit.

"Hey, Spirit, maybe hurry this up? Y'know, in case the guards below see us standing up here-"

"Done."

Spirit lifted her head in triumph as a massive portion of Trixie's magic found a new home within her horn. Trixie, on the other hand, fell to her hooves. Spirit was right. She felt like she'd just stayed up for a week straight.

"Ah jeez," Century remarked as he helped the mare stand up straight. Annoyed, but far more concerned for her. "Spirit, she's gonna be okay, right?"

"Of course," the unicorn replied. "That's what I said. Now c'mon. We're gonna head downstairs and activate this spell. Time's wasting. We can't miss that train to Manehattan."

"Alright, we'll be down shortly. You head on without us."

"Gotcha," Spirit replied before entering a door leading to a spiral stairway that reached the same level as the catwalk. Century nudged Trixie's cheek while holding her up. "Hey, you're gonna be alright, right?"

Trixie shook her head like she was trying to stay awake. "Of course. Trixie knows how important this mission is. Just give her a few seconds."

"You sure?"

"Positive."

"...Need me to walk you down?"

"...It'd be greatly appreciated."

"Lovely," Century responded before the two of them began for the stairwell. Century couldn't exactly hold onto her, but he had her up against the wall as he walked beside her. He noted how low her eyelids were. Like she was gonna fall into hibernation any second. He couldn't help but feel that there might've been another way to go about all this. But he nodded the thought off. It was too late, now.

They reached the bottom of the stairwell, and almost instantly, they were made invisible. Taking Century aback, and waking Trixie up a bit.

Century's eyes bulged as he looked down to see nothing of his former body. "I, uh, didn't think we'd be getting right into it, Spirit."

Spirit giggled, "Like I said, no time to waste. By the way, we can't see each other while like this, so let's be careful not to screw up. I'll go first down the catwalk. Then Trixie, then Century."

Trixie raised an invisible hoof like a filly, "When does it wear off?"

"When I decide to drop it. That, or, I can't hold it up for long, and it drops unexpectedly. But I've got plenty of magic, so we'll be fine. Now then, we have a catwalk to walk."

"That was corny," Trixie and Century replied, simultaneously.

"Yeah, well, shut up," Spirit replied. "I'll be going now. Wait ten seconds Trixie, and then you can begin walking down the catwalk too. Frankly, I'd prefer it if you, y'know, trotted. Before you ask, no, they can't hear our footsteps. But they can feel them, so... Don't stomp or whatever... I'll be going now."

And with that, Spirit's invisible body began trotting down the catwalk. Jovially passing every guard in her way. It would seem the magic from Trixie empowered more than just her own magical prowess.

After ten seconds, Trixie did the same. Than Century. They were lucky that most of the guards weren't patrolling the catwalk at the time. And that those who remained weren't exactly on top of their game. They'd rather be down at the Gala, sipping Cider and the like. Hanging out with the legend himself, Admiral Douglas McHoof.

After passing the last guard, Century arrived at the tower. He whispered for the other ponies, but he heard nothing. Confused, he surveyed his surroundings and observed two gorgeous and expensive stairwells.

One stairwell, sitting on the far right, was covered in dark and luminous gems and paint. A beautiful sign hanging above the stairwell showed a moon. Meaning that stairwell led to Princess Luna's room. The stairwell on the far left was the exact opposite. Bright, yellow, and a sign holding a sun. Princess Celestia's room.

He called out to them again, and this time, he got a response from Trixie. "Up here," She whispered. Coming from the top of the far left stairwell. Century nodded, not realizing she couldn't see him, and began up the left stairwell. Lucky for her, she heard his hoof steps.

As the two reached the top, the spell of invisibility fell, and they could see Spirit standing at the doors leading to Celestia's room. Trixie shook her head, "Trixie is never doing that again. She feels like hibernating for the winter."

"Well," Spirit began, "Luckily for Trixie, I've figured out our escape plan. And I've got just enough magic left to execute it. But first, we steal the crown. Century, if you'd be so kind?"

Century squinted his eyes, "I-I'm sorry, what? What do you mean?"

"Exactly what I said. Trixie's too tired to do anything, so she's gonna sit here and rest while I keep a lookout for any guards. And you are gonna infiltrate her highness' room for the crown."

"W-What, but I'm not a super sneaky thief!?" Century whisper shouted. "That's not something I can pull off! Why can't you do it?!"

"Century, you used to sneak and steal candies and whatnot from your parents' room all the time when we were younger. Same for my parents’ room. I think you know exactly what to do here. Just dust off that part of your brain, you'll be fine!"

"Can't you use some super secret stealth spell?"

"I used most of my magic making the three of us invisible. And our escape plan is gonna need everything I have left. So unless you've got any brighter ideas..."

Century didn't want to give in so easily, but her reminding him of his foal hood days of thievery, he also remembered how bad she was at it. If she screwed up just once, she'd alert the whole castle. And so he agreed, reluctantly.

He looked at the doors and sighed. "I'll... Uh, I'm gonna regret this so bad, I'll be back." And with that, quieter than a mouse, Century crept open the door by centimeters at a second. Meticulously inserting his back left hoof through the door.

After a minute, he was able to slink half his body through the cracked door. Where he beheld Celestia's room. It wasn't as grandiose as he anticipated. Small, even. Straight ahead past a large pillow was a fireplace. He could smell the burning wood as soon as he laid eyes on it. It was encased in a strange purple shrine. Its color was a shade of purple. Similar to Twilight's, only darker. With a pattern of loops and scribbles inscribed all over. In fact, that same pattern matched the carpet he stepped on.

But before the fireplace was something strange and unknown to him. It was a large yellow pillow with accents as brown as the stem of a banana. It surrounded half of what looked like a mattress on the floor shaped like an incredibly fat L. Like, so fat you wouldn't know it was even supposed to be an L. And the mattress was encircled by a fluffy magenta outline in the shape of several Os overlapping each other all around the mattress. It reminded him of feathers, but far softer. Outside of the balcony and the dark blue walls, everything else in the room however became a blur as he spotted her highness.

Princess Celestia rested on the weird mattress, futon thingy like a foal. As he ever so slowly rounded the mattress, he could see her stomach rise and fall. He was almost jealous of how peaceful she was. Knowing that he wouldn't be able to feel that peace for a long while. If he ever does, that is. He was also surprised to see her mane still flowing. Must've been on autopilot twenty-four-seven.

This was unbelievably risky. Incomprehensibly risky. Here he was, a simple Earth pony politician, sneaking into the bedroom of the highest leader in all of Equestria. His commander in chief. The unrivaled ruler for tens of thousands of years. Intruding into her most sacred area. Now that he thought of it, one wrong move, and he may find himself somewhere worse than just some Equestrian prison.

But then he spotted it. His target of the night. Celestia's crown sat just inches away from her face. Some of her hair lay next to it. Looking around, troubled out more than he's ever been, Century took a deep breath. His goal was simple. Kneel down, grab the crown with his teeth, secure it in his satchel, and then sneak away. It would take just a minute. One minute of the most stressful, profound, and treacherous act he's ever committed in his life. He swallowed, and took a deep breath. The deepest breath he ever took in his life.

With the utmost cautiousness, Century began to bend down to Celestia's level. Baring his teeth, and holding his breath. He got closer. And closer. And closer. His air, surprisingly, was still in high reserves. While the heat of the fireplace burned against the side of his face, and the wind from the balcony began to blow into the front of his face.

He opened his teeth gradually and positioned his mouth directly over the top, sharp arch. More like a flat spike, in his eyes. With less force than a parasprite, he delicately bit down on the crown enough to get a grip. The metal was much harder than he anticipated; Hurting his teeth immediately.

He waited a moment and looked at Celestia. She slept just as soundly as before. Half of him had no doubt that she was on her millionth sheep and counting. While the other half believed she was actually staring him down from a corner, and this alicorn on the bed was merely a decoy.

Erasing the thoughts, Century began to lift the crown up from the mattress, along with standing up. Even slower than he did bending down. The heat and the wind only began to push and beat against him harder. Like they had some grudge against him.

And with a final steady movement, Century stood up from the Ground and inched his face over to his satchel. Which waited open like the face of a monster. Eager to devour the most ludicrous, yet delectable meal of its life. He lowered his head and placed the crown safely within his satchel. Letting go with his teeth once it was firmly set down. He then lifted the latch and locked the satchel down, still slow as a snail, which began to hurt his neck, in fact. But at last, the crown was safe and secure.

With that, Century began to move to the exit faster than he did entering. His front still facing the Princess as he rounded the mattress and approached the door. But just before he was about to turn about, he spotted something. It laid on a dresser just next to the doorway. It was a book.

Century cursed himself a hundred times over internally as he stared at it.

What are you doing, Century?

You have the crown, Century.

You need to leave, Century.

Stop wasting time, Century.

What if a guard is coming, Century?

What will you do then, Century?

But against his better judgment, Century approached the book. Taking his chances and tip-toeing just a tad bit faster. As he got a better look, he was able to analyze the cover. He was befuddled at it. It must've been ancient because he couldn't read the title, the author's name, if that's even what the subtitle was, and it was covered in strange permanent dust. It didn't make sense to him either. He thought for a moment, looking back at the alicorn.

Celestia will come after him.

She won't just send the Elements of Harmony after him. This wasn't the kind of situation where their involvement was needed. Then again, the extra help wouldn't hurt. She might even bring Starlight along too. And of course, she'll send guards. Seeing as there are other hypercarriers across Equestria she might use one or three to transport an entire legion of troops. Nah, he thought. Definitely not that much. It's not like the crown is magical. But she'd still send more than the trio could handle. Not to mention her connection to Meridio. They'll engage in a nationwide search for the trio. And who knows what kind of technology a highly advanced nation like that has at its disposal. Especially when it wants to capture somepony.

In other words, all the trio had was their wit and their will. They were outgunned, outnumbered, and probably even outplanned. Celestia had a massive advantage, and it wasn't even her home field. So maybe, the trio would need all the help they could get.

He tried to read the cover again. If Celestia has this ancient book so close to her, it's bound to have some magical spells or something inside. But he was confused as to why it was just laying there. Perhaps she was going through it. For old memories' sake, or something. Maybe it was more important than he realized. But he quickly made up his mind.

Opening his mouth again, Century swiped the book up from the dresser and tip-toed to the door again. With how well his infiltration had been going, he was getting rather full of himself. Perhaps cake butt here was an especially heavy sleeper.

Taking one last look back at the resting Princess, Century sighed."Forgive me," he whispered, before inching the door open yet again, and slinking his way out. Carefully closing it once he was completely out the door frame.

He looked to his left and spotted Trixie napping. Placing the book down, he shook her. "Hey, Trixie, wake up. We gotta move, I got the crown."

Trixie mumbled to herself before one of her eyes flickered open. She turned to Century before standing up. "We... We're done here? We can... We can finally go home?"

"For like, five seconds. But then we gotta leave for the train. Where's-"

"You got it?" Whispered the unicorn in question. Spirit snuck back up the stairs she was watching from and approached the two. Century turned his side to face them and unlocked his satchel. The two unicorns stared in awe. Their mouths agape, with no sound escaping.

Century chuckled, "So, what do ya think?"

"...Trixie thinks we're dead ponies walking."

Spirit nudged her, "Nuh uh, Miss Great and Powerful, we're saved!" She silently shouted. "Lock it back up, Century. I know how we're getting out of here."

Century locked up the satchel, "And how's that? It's not as crazy as the last one, right?"

"Don't worry. I'm gonna use the magic I have left to levitate us down to the ground through that window at the end of the hall. Then, we're gonna book it to our carriage and get home. Sound good?"

"Sounds fantastic. By the way, you should take this," Century stated, pointing at the ancient book he had set down. "I took it from Celestia's room. With what we've got coming ahead, I figured it couldn't be all that bad to have something to help us."

Trixie lifted the book with some of her returned magic and levitated it over to the two unicorns to read. Spirit shook her head, "Uh... What is this? I feel like I've seen it before, but... I don't know. Trixie?"

Trixie shook her head as well, "Trixie has no idea. But, it's not a great idea to just put it back now. Trixie agrees with Century in taking it. Spirit?"

The unicorn shrugged, "Alright, fine, I'll take it. But I'm blaming you, Century, if I get caught with it."

Century waved her off, "Yuh-huh, look, I've done the most dangerous thing in my entire life today, get us out of here already."

"Trixie wonders about something, Spirit. How come we didn't enter the castle from that window?"

"...Because the window was locked from the inside?"

"Ah."

The trio sneaked onto the path leaving the Gala. The gathering had concluded, and everypony was on their way home as the castle closed its doors. Century spotted a number of ponies he'd seen before. Most of them being from Canterlot. Except, of course, for three other ponies. He cursed himself when he saw the alicorn spot the three of them.

"Century?" Twilight called out, the two ponies next to her also looking in the trio's direction. Rainbow Dash and Rarity. The pegasus raised a brow while Rarity trotted over to Spirit, delight and wonderment in her eyes.

"Oh Spirit!" Rarity began, stopping in front of the unicorn. "I know I've already seen you in this outfit, but I can't help it! You look absolutely enchanting, darling! Did it suit your needs for tonight? Everything going according to plan and whatnot?"

Spirit's eyes peaked at Century and Trixie. Who's eyes stared back. Spirit nodded, "Yeah, sure."

"Century," Twilight began, "I wanted to ask why you ran away after I told you about Celestia. You seemed really distressed about it. Everything okay?"

Century put on a lazy grin, "Yeah, yeah, we're all good. It's just... Uh, had something I wanted to talk to her about. Politician talk and whatnot. Nothing major."

"Are you sure? That reaction told a different story."

"And why do you look so disheveled?" Rarity added.

"And why are you sweating so much?" Rainbow Dash also added.

Trixie stepped in front of Century, "You three are asking way too many questions. What we did today was stressful, and also a little fun, but none of your business. Perhaps we will tell you some other day."

"Well now you just sound suspicious," Rainbow Dash replied.

Spirit cleared her throat, "Wow! Would ya look at the time!" She responded as she glanced at her nonexistent watch. "Trixie's performance took a lot out of her in case you couldn't tell by her droopy face. So, we're gonna head home now. It was a fantastic Gala! We have to do this again next year!" With that, the trio began to exit the conversation. Putting on weak smiles all the while.

"...What's in the satchel?"

Rainbow Dash's words echoed in Century's ears as if he was on the edge of a canyon. He stopped in his tracks, and so did the unicorns. Equally petrified. He turned around, "The satchel?"

"Yeah, what's in it? I was wondering why you brought it in the first place, actually, back at the plaza."

"Uh... Y'know, just some...Boxed biscuits? I liked them a lot."

Rarity's eyes shined, "Oo! I loved those biscuits as well." She neared the satchel, "Can I have-"

"NO!"

Rarity jumped back at Century's yell like a scared filly. All of them did. Flinching at Century's surprising bellow. In fact, all of the ponies leaving the Gala stopped and turned to him. It was rare, extremely rare to hear a pony yell like that. It was as if Century had spoken his last word before something truly vile or painful.

Century's eyes darted left and right at all the ponies staring at him. He'd gone and lost his cool at one of the worst possible times. He glanced at Rarity, and it looked like she'd seen a ghost. Same with Twilight. And if Rainbow Dash wasn't suspicious before, she was positive Century had done something wrong.

He stammered, "I, uh... Sorry Rarity... I just... Um, I-I-I, these... I was saving these biscuits for, uh, Mayor Mare, yes! She... She, uh, she couldn't come tonight, so, uh, um, I was gonna bring some back for her! Biscuits are her favorite snack! And I... I, uh, forgive me, I've only got four inside. So... yeah. Sorry for freaking out at you like that."

Sweat beamed down his forehead as he looked toward the crowd of stopped ponies. "Uh, nothing to see here, everypony! You can all head home now! I apologize for my outburst!"

Some stood around for a little while longer, but eventually, everypony moved along. Century looked back at Twilight and her friends. "So... If you'll excuse me, I... I have to get going. I'll, uh... We'll see you around. Have a lovely night, you three."

With that, Century turned right around and began trotting away. Spirit and Trixie hesitated for a moment before following him. Leaving Twilight and her friends in stunned silence. They all glanced at one another, unsure what to say next.

Twilight cleared her throat, "I'm... I'm sure it's nothing crazy, you guys. Can't imagine anypony doing something nefarious or whatever."

She looked to Rainbow Dash, "...Right?"

...

Century helped Trixie into the carriage from outside while Spirit helped her in from the inside. Once she was in, she plopped down on the seat opposite to Spirit. Century hopped inside and sat next to the tired unicorn. Knocking on the carriage window, signaling they were ready to go.

"Hey," Spirit piped, "...Let me hold it. Please?"

Century thought for a moment. They were all secure in the carriage, and the driver was focused on the road. Against his better judgment, he moved over to Spirit's side of the carriage and opened the satchel.

In pure, unbridled astonishment, Spirit carefully lifted the crown out of Century's satchel and just stared out it. Century chuckled and leaned back against the seating. "Crazy, right? Just downright insane."

Spirit wore a rather maniacal smile, "I... I-I can't believe I'm holding this right now. This is madness. Princess Celestia's crown, in my magical grasp. How is this even real? Am I dreaming?"

"It's real, bum."

"So, now all we have to do is get back to my house, grab our stuff, and hop on the train to Manehattan, right?"

"Provided nothing goes wrong, yes."

"...Okay, let's get it over with. Because I'm losing my mind."

Little did Spirit know that the past hours were merely the easy part of their grand journey. In a maddening act of theft and intrusion, the trio had successfully infiltrated the most important building in all of Equestria and stole a crown belonging to the highest authority, her Highness Princess Celestia, and escaped in one piece.

That was not a feat anypony could just brag about. But now, they needed to escape Equestria. Board an advanced ship and sail thousands of miles away to a distant land. And now that the crown was no longer in its rightful place, it wouldn't be long until the alarms went off all across the kingdom. Making escaping hundreds of times harder.

But the hardest was still yet to come.

Chapter VIII - The Runaways

9 DAYS TO MIDNIGHT

"Trixie? Hello? Magic mare? Lulamoon? Ms. Great and Powerful? Dude, we’re here; can you wake up already?"

"Century, give it up. She's out cold. Let the poor mare rest."

"Well, she can't go to the train with that outfit on, ya dip. Am I supposed to undress her?"

"I'll undress her. You head inside and move our stuff into the carriage. The last train leaves at midnight. We can't afford to miss it."

"Alright, I'm on it."

Carefully setting down his satchel in the carriage, Century stepped down from said carriage and opened the door to Spirit's house. They'd returned from the Gala, the infiltration of the Royal Castle, and Princess Celestia's room. Now they were onto phase three of their impeccable planning timeline that absolutely wasn't just made up in Century's head five seconds ago. All they had to do now was escape the kingdom. And hope and pray Princess Celestia didn't show up out of nowhere, ready to banish them to Venus or something.

"Hey!" The driver called. Getting Century to turn around. "How much longer am I driving you three? It's gonna be midnight soon!"

Century rolled his eyes, "Dude, you're getting paid; relax. We just need ten more minutes of your time."

"And how much of that will be driving?"

"...Fifteen more minutes of your time."

The driver groaned, and Century entered the house. The cider glasses from the evening rested in the same spots on the dining room table. Century smiled, but it didn't last long as he remembered his current situation. Instead, he trotted to the living room. Where the trio's packed bags sat. They weren't all that big. Larger than the satchels—yes—but they only carried the trio's essentials.

Leaving his bag for last, he grabbed Trixie and Spirit's bags with his teeth and dragged them toward the door. He could tell from one of the bag's weight, Trixie's, that Miss Great and Powerful had packed some things that definitely weren't essentials. Go figure, Century thought.

He reached the carriage outside, but just as he let go of Trixie's bag, Spirit's magic took it and her own bag in her grasp and placed it in the package compartment in the back of the carriage. Century turned around, and his muzzle was smushed by Trixie's clothing.

"Here," Spirit spoke, inviting Century to take the clothes with his teeth. "Take Trixie's clothes inside and place them somewhere hidden as fast as you can. Then change out of your suit and bring back those hoodies on the couch for us to wear."

Century nodded, but before he bit down on Trixie's clothes, he asked, "What about your dress?"

"I'll fold it neatly and delicately into my bag."

"Won't that make using it on the hypercarrier's tower panel harder or something?"

"Century please, it’s fine. Not like I packed much anyway."

"Well, if the whole plan crumbles because you couldn't be bothered-"

"Hey!" The driver shouted, "What are you two talking about back there?"

"Dude, we said we'll be ready soon! Would you complaining; you're gonna be paid!"

The driver groaned louder than last time, and Century took Trixie's suit in his mouth. With that, he trotted back into the house. He decided to hide the outfit underneath the carpet, underneath the couch. A hole was made there some time ago. Apparently, you shouldn't bring a bison indoors. The dress wouldn't be impossible to find, assuming the Royal Guards would turn the house upside down for a possible lead. But by the time they'd found the suit, the trio would already be in Meridio.

He then began to button down his suit and tear off his bowtie. As the fabric tore with his force and speed, he cursed himself internally. He could've found a use for that suit again. It was absolutely gorgeous. The black bowtie, the black vest, and the merlot-red tuxedo to top it all off were exquisite. His handsome face and that killer suit were a match made in heaven. He could sense some mares at the Gala giving him certain looks. No way Rainbow Dash was only staring at him because of how ridiculously suspicious he seemed. Oh no, he thought. She liked what she saw.

...Or maybe I'm just that lonely.

Shaking his head, Century then locked onto the hoodies. They were pitch black and doubled as trench coats with their length. Thanks to the night sky surrounding Luna's moon, it would make them almost undetectable to the naked eye. Century approached them and put one of them on. And then his bookbag. He grabbed it with his teeth, heaving it into the air to quickly grab it and strap it to his back. Finally, the Earth pony was ready to hit it.

Then it hit him. Mayor Mare.

Being the incredibly tactful and considerate pony he was, he had forgotten that he'd essentially be leaving Mayor Mare all alone for days on end. But worse than that, he worried if she'd even still be bound to this world when he came back. To leave without saying goodbye or even acknowledging his disappearance would be awful. He had to do something.

As soon as the thought crossed his mind, Century galloped upstairs to Spirit's room and searched her closet. Finding a bin labeled "stationary." He cursed himself yet again for doing this at such a desperate moment, but he couldn't help himself. He had to do something.

So he did the best thing he could.

...

"What took you so long? The train leaves in five minutes!" Spirit shouted as Century burst through her door frame.

The first thing he did was rush down the steps and shove an envelope into Spirit's mailbox before lifting its flag. He then threw the other two hoodies at Spirit, who promptly caught them, galloped into the carriage, shaking it all about with the force of his movements, and replied, "Then we should start moving! Hop in!"

"What'd you put in my mailbox?"

"I'll tell you later; now park it!"

Without a second thought, Spirit jumped into the carriage, closed the door behind her, and quickly donned the hoodie. Then helped a sleeping Trixie into her own hoodie. Century reacquired his satchel, then knocked on the front carriage window. Exclaiming, "Canterlot Train Station, gun it!"

"Finally!" the carriage driver groaned before immediately hitting the road. The speed causing the carriage to bump excessively. The ground was practically being assaulted by the carriage. It'll live, Century thought.

Spirit nudged the stallion, who almost didn't feel it due to the vibration of the carriage. He spoke, "What?"

"Do you think we'll make it?"

"Yes, we will make it. Relax, like Trixie... Actually, Trixie WAKE UP!"

"Ah! What? What?!" Shouted the mare as she rose from her hibernation. "W-What's going on? Are we heading back t-to Spirit's? W-Why did you scream into Trixie's ears?!"

"I had to wake you up, silly goose! And no, we're not heading to Spirit's. Because we just left it."

"We did?"

"Uh, yeah."

"That's why your suit and tophat have been replaced with a long black hoodie," Spirit added.

"I told the driver to throw it into maximum overdrive to reach the station because we've got... four?"

"Three."

"Three minutes until the train leaves the station; And no other trains arrive in Canterlot for the night." Trixie blinked before peering over at Spirit.

"...Why’s he talking like that?"

"Just go with it; I don't know."

...

"Last call for the train to Manehatten! I repeat, last call for the train to Manehatten! Last train of the night, ladies and gentleco- holy crap!"

To say the carriage arrived in a bombastic display would be an understatement to the driver that night. And to the innocent ponies he nearly crushed with his immaculate drifting skills... Somehow. The pegasus ticket master at the front desk had jumped back, with his wings unfurled on high alert.

Century and Spirit, carrying Trixie, burst out the right door of the carriage and sprinted to the front desk. Almost crashing into it. Century spoke up in his most charming, diplomatic manner yet, "Good evening, my friend. My girls and I-"

"Shut it."

"My friends and I are looking to purchase three tickets to Manehatten. Would you be so kind, as a fellow gentlecolt, to hand over some for a couple o' good ol' bits?"

The ticket master gaped, still petrified.

"...Please?"

"Hey!" The carriage driver shouted, "What about my payment!?"

Century nudged Spirit, "My friend, pay the stallion! He's done his part outstandingly."

Agreeing without speaking, Spirit used her magic to retrieve the trio's bags from the carriage. She then opened Century's bag, grabbed an immense pouch of bits, took a hundred out of said pouch, and dropped them into the carriage driver's magical grasp.

He smiled, "Pleasure doing business with ya," before settling back into his carriage and leaving the station.

Spirit then levitated the massive bag of bits over to the front desk. Century smiled at the ticket master, "Listen, we'd love to stay and chat, but we need to be somewhere very important, so if you close your jaw and do business with us, that'd be great."

The ticket master stared for a little while longer. Analyzing his last few customers. A strange group, without a doubt, but business was business. Or, more specifically, he'd be fired if he didn't take the bits.

He gulped, "Uh... O-Of course." He exchanged three tickets from within his desk for thirty bits. Spirit holding all three of said tickets. He then hit a button on his desk that unlocked the doors to the train station platform. "I, uh... Have a nice trip, you... Three. And have a nice night."

Century grinned, "All the same to you, my friend! All the same to you." After Spirit shoved the bits back into Century's bag and zipped it up, the trio stepped through the doors and approached the trains. Spirit, holding onto the trio's bags. The train's doors sat open, waiting for the group to seat themselves.

They all decided to sit next to each other in the far back of the train. No particular reason why; they just followed Trixie. It wasn't long until the train blew its horn and began down the tracks. Its first movement on the tracks being excruciatingly slow. Making Century internally scream.

But he calmed down after the station left his peripheral view of the window. Trixie laid back down on the seat, and Spirit spoke up, "Back to sleep, Trixie?"

"Of course, why not? Especially after that... Display you two put on. Trixie is still baffled by whatever that was. You'll have to explain that all to her sometime later."

"Right. We'll do just that."

And with that, Trixie swiftly fell back into her deep slumber. Leaving Century and Spirit alone, yet again. For a couple of seconds, at least.

"I think I'm gonna hit it too, Century."

Century groaned, "Seriously? You're gonna leave me all alone?"

"You can stay on watch. It'll be fine. Wake me once we reach the city. I know how to get to the carrier."

"Uh, yeah. You better."

"Shut up."

Spirit then closed her eyes and drifted off. Leaving Century all alone on the train. Giving him ample time to think. About the Gala, about Celestia, about Meridio, about the crown, about the drill, the whole bit.

But that wouldn't do this time. He didn't feel like thinking. He wanted to talk to someone. He did in the carriage ride to and fro the Gala. But it looked like he'd be alone for this train ride. It was unfortunate, really.

"...I hate trains..."

Century didn't know how to describe the feelings and sentiment he got when the train passed Ponyville. He could see what little lights remained on. Street lights, and whatnot. He could see Rarity's boutique. Sugarcube Corner, and Twilight's massive castle. In the far-off distance, he could see Sweet Apple Acres. Fluttershy's house, although, was nowhere to be seen. Same for whatever cloud Rainbow Dash decided to rest on tonight.

But what hit him more than anything was the town hall building. He couldn't shake this awful feeling inside of him that it'd be the last time he'd ever see it. No, he thought. That wasn't it. It was the mare who rested inside. That's who he feared he'd never see again. Mayor Mare was bedridden the last time he saw her. It seemed like every day since Warner, that darn cosmic skeleton thing, she'd been getting worse. More sleeping, less walking; he even caught her coughing up blood the evening he returned from Twilight's castle.

All the signs were pointing to a conclusion Century refused to accept. But deep down inside, he knew fighting it was pointless. The inevitable was just that—inevitable. He couldn't stand it. This feeling inside his gut pulled and beat down on him. He couldn't help but feel like there was so much more to be learned from her. So much more to do.

And what would he even do when she's gone? By the time she passes away, the next election wouldn't come for another three years. Meaning he'd have to take up the position of Ponyville Mayor for himself. The problem wasn't that he was afraid of being Mayor, of course. He just felt like it was cheap. He'd always wanted to win an election before receiving any kind of power. Especially in the same village as the Elements.

Not to mention how the residents of Ponyville would feel. Mayor Mare was greatly known throughout the village, as opposed to him. And her policies and decision-making were unrivaled. She'd won election four times in a row, after all. Granted, the last Mayor was a real tool. He came in with all this talk of improving Ponyville to the standards of Canterlot.
Or even greater. And surprisingly, many ponies didn't oppose the idea. Except for the Apple Family, of course. But in the end, that Mayor only ended up making the town far worse. Apparently, paving every street with gold was both hideously expensive and dangerous.

If the last time Ponyville got a new Mayor ended in such a fashion, he worried that the citizens would be highly wary of a replacement. More than anything, he wanted to be appreciated by his people. In the same regard as Mayor Mare. If not higher.

He sighed and traced the window on the opposite side of the train with his eyes for the fifth time. First, clockwise, then anti-clockwise, clockwise, clockwise again, then anti-clockwise. Its square shape and glass pane framing his reflection in front of him. Perfectly capturing his figure.

His eyes had begun to droop, with bags becoming awfully noticeable. Casting a shadow just above his cheeks. His hair had once again gone against his foolish wishes and shot up to the sky. His coils were more locked in place than ever. Almost an hour after the trio left Canterlot, his forehead still remained sweaty. It wasn't much, of course, but it gave off an awful stench that only he could smell. He desperately needed to wash off. But there was a little problem along the way.

Lulamoon, the Great and Powerful.

While Spirit rested on the right side of the seat, a foot away from him, Trixie rested right next to him on his left. She'd even gotten so comfortable as to lay her head on his left hind leg. A terrible pillow, Century thought, but she'd likely had worse. That's another thing that bothered him. Surfacing to the top of his brain amidst his previous thoughts.

Who even was Trixie?

Not to say, of course, that Century was well accustomed to many of Ponyville's residents, and they certainly weren't with him, but she drew far more attention than the average citizen.

From what he knew, one day, a couple years ago, some unicorn strolled into town with a wagon and just put on a completely random show. Century remembered it vividly. In fact, he was in the crowd that surrounded her show. He remembered Trixie as being incredibly boastful, as the Elements first sentiment towards her. But she was indeed more talented than the average unicorn. She had all kinds of tricks and goofs up her sleeve. And she always succeeded in making the crowd laugh. Which is why as he looks back, perhaps the Elements were being too harsh on her. Then again, she made some incredibly bogus claims when she first arrived.

The unicorn was practically married to special effects. Fireworks, sparklers, and more always surrounded her on stage. And she'd never miss an opportunity to stand triumphantly next to them.

He chuckled as he remembered an argument between her and Twilight Sparkle. Trixie would not come down from her mountain of pride for even a moment to consider she was wrong for messing with other ponies as her main tricks. They had a dialogue Century still remembers to this day.

Twilight sighed, "Trixie, why can't you just apologize to Applejack for tying her up?"

Trixie scoffed, "Apologize for what? Being great and powerful? Perhaps Appletrash should try and be more like Trixie next time. Not a loser."

"I-I, do you really believe your own hype that much?"

"Trixie is the hype!"

Century swore she stole that from somewhere.

But besides that day, everything else was a blur. He recalled when Trixie got a hold of that Alicorn Amulet and forced Twilight out of the village, but he was out representing Mayor Mare in Fillydelphia. So he missed out on that little charade. Apparently, the magic mare returned to challenge Twilight to a rematch after their last duel with the Ursa Minor.

Trixie won the first duel, but she lost the next. Being fooled by Twilight to give up the amulet. Then, there was a grand show put on by the two of them. As Trixie begged for forgiveness. But the road to redemption and atonement was a long one. A road Trixie wouldn't finish until she assisted in stopping Chrysalis' plan to take over Ponyville.

But even then, Trixie's boastful nature would stay. Of course, she boasted in a joking manner rather than in a serious manner. She knew that humility would ultimately lead her to becoming the incredibly powerful unicorn, and the spectacular magician she always wanted to be. But even then, Century was left with a number of questions. Such as-

"What's with the staring?"

"Ah! Trixie?! Y-You're awake?"

"Just woke up now."

Century was pondering so intensely that he didn't even notice the magic mare awake and turn her head to face him. Her eyelids were still weak. Century protested, "Uh, well if you're awake, do ya mind moving? Like, dude?"

Trixie meagerly shrugged, "Why? You could've moved Trixie while she was asleep, but you didn't."

"I didn't wanna disturb you!"

"Surely by now, you've picked up that Trixie is a heavy sleeper. Besides, Trixie's too comfortable to move any more than she already has. Furthermore, she's interested in what's caused you to give such a stare at that window. Did it insult your parents?"

"No, I just..."

"...Just what?

"...Why don't you tell me about yourself, Trixie?"

The Great and Powerful was immediately perplexed by this question. Sitting upright and rubbing her eyes. "Uh, repeat that?"

Century shrugged, staring back at the window. "It's just... I-I don't know, we've never, like... Really talked, y'know? Like, yeah, we've talked; that's how we learned of the hypercarrier and whatnot, but... I just don't know you. Like, outside of what everypony in Ponyville already knows. So... Why don't you fill in some blanks? Y'know, if you're okay with that."

Trixie sat speechless at Century's inquiry. She fiddled with her hair, wrapping it around her left hoof. She turned to Century, who turned to her. She wanted to say something—anything—but her brain couldn't muster the words. Century stared into her eyes for a while. Intrigue and slight elation were on display, which gave him hope. But that hope died as he spotted insecurity.

Fear.

Trixie tore her eyes away from the stallion, "I, uh... I-I, T-Trixie... Trixie doesn't feel like... Like sharing that kind of stuff. I'm- She's sorry. It's just-"

"No, no, it's fine," Century replied, raising his hoofs in a surrendering manner. "I get it. Right now, we're just partners working on a mission. Nothing else to it, really... But... We're still, like, uh... Ac-"

"Acquaintances?"

"Acquaintances, yes, exactly... Aren't we?"

"...Yes, we are. It'd be a little absurd to say otherwise."

Trixie looked awkwardly to the left, and Century did the same to the right. The bureaucrat lightly tapped his hooves against each other while Trixie analyzed the ceiling of the train. Tracing the patterns of squares that decorated it with her eyes.

She sighed, "...Trixie will be heading back to sleep now."

"Uh, yeah, gotcha. We should be there in an hour. I'll wake you up."

Trixie nodded before lying back down. Away from Century, this time. The stallion would think about the two's interaction for the rest of the train ride. He hoped he wasn't being weird or anything. He just wanted to get to know the mare a little more. Perhaps her past was worse than he though. Or perhaps it just simply wasn't his business. After all, when he and Spirit originally went to the School of Friendship, they were looking for Starlight Glimmer. Not Trixie. Maybe that fact meant more to Lulamoon than he thought. But that didn't matter right anymoreHopefully, he'd have the chance to find out in the future.

Hopefully.

"Wow. They really did buff up the security around here."

"Buff? Spirit, this place has more guards than the Royal Castle!"

"Trixie would be surprised if they didn't."

The trio stood in front of the fence hole Spirit used to infiltrate the harbor. They arrived in Manehatten almost thirty minutes ago, strapping their bags to their backs and donning their hoodies. The dockyard was absolutely packed full of guards. Searchlights on every tower, searching every direction. Pegasi flew back and forth, surveying the ground while unicorns used their horns to light up the dark. Patrolling every inch alongside Earth ponies. The dockyard wasn't just on high alert.

It was on lockdown.

Century turned to Spirit, "Okay, I don't think our hoodies are gonna do it here. And I bet you're still drained from all that magic used at the Royal Castle. Aren't you?"

Spirit groaned, "I've only got enough magic to turn myself invisible for a minute at best. The warehouse is too far away to be reached in a minute. And I'm betting you're still more drained than me, right Trixie?"

"Indeed. It seems we may need to resort to... extreme measures."

Spirit and Century stared at the magic mare before staring at each other, and then back at Trixie. Century raised a brow, "...Being?"

"It's simple!" Trixie proclaimed. "There are guards everywhere, right?"

"Yeah?"

"And they all blend into one another, right?"

"Oh!" Spirit piped up, "We just need to steal some armor and get to the warehouse. But where are we gonna find three perfect sets of armor? Why would they just be lying around?"

"That isn't how Trixie intends to get ahold of them."

Century and Spirit's eyes bulged. Century stared at the ground before him for a moment. "...Oh..."

Trixie nudged the both of them, "Relax, nopony's gonna die or anything! We'll just give them a lil' knock on the noggin!"

"...And risk extensive brain damage?"

"Hey, you got any better ideas? Trixie's more than willing to listen."

"...No..."

Spirit piped up, "But we still have to find three guards in all armor. Two of them being unicorn armor. We can't do that in one place, can we?"

Trixie eyed the building just left of the hole in the fence. Putting a hoof to her chin. "Then we'll just have to take our chances..."

...

*BANG BANG*

"...Huh?"

*BANG BANG*

"Hey, who's knocking out there? We're on our break! Doors aren't even locked!"

*BANG BANG*

"Oh, for Celestia's sake, if I open this door, and it's something stupid, I'm gonna stick my hoof so far up your-"

*POW*

The metal doors to the building shot open at such speed and force it hit the guard pony straight in the face. Knocking him unconscious almost instantly. Behind it was Century, with his hooves pointing towards the door.

Trixie and Spirit rushed in with bricks in their magical grasp. Ready to fling them at the nearest guard's head. But there were no other guards in sight. The coast was clear. Allowing the two unicorns to drop their bricks and sigh in relief. Century stepped in and surveyed the area. He smirked in triumph.

"Jackpot."

Spirit wiped her forehead of sweat, "Man, that was insanely close. I genuinely can't believe that worked. Thought we were done for."

Trixie giggled, "Afraid, Spirit? C'mon, give a mare some credit. Trixie knew we were destined to succeed the second she laid eyes on this building. Along with the steam coming out the chimney, of course."

Century chuckled, "Weren't you the one who chickened out last second? You were all like, 'Guys, maybe we shouldn't do this,'?" Century mocked, and Trixie scoffed.

"Trixie has no idea what you're talking about. But it matters not because she was right!"

As she finished her sentence, Trixie cackled and trotted over to the unconscious guard. A unicorn mare. Perfect, she thought. "This building is for the showers! While the guards are getting clean, they take off their armor and leave them in these oversized lockers! And while they're gone, we have a plethora of armor to choose from! Spectacular!" Trixie exclaimed as she shot her hooves into the sky. The same way she would when performing.

Trixie turned about and bowed, "The Great and Powerful Trixie will take her applause now."

Century rolled his eyes, "Well done, Trix. Now shut up and suit up," He ordered as he walked past her and approached one of the lockers. Trixie huffed before methodically taking off the unconscious guard's armor. Spirit chuckled before approaching another of the lockers.

...

"Century, stop lagging behind! We have to move as one!"

"I'm sorry, it's just that this armor's really tight in the-"

"Halt! Who goes there?"

The trio, after walking for ten minutes, approached the warehouse docking the hypercarrier. Donning the royal armor stolen from the showers. Spirit used what little of her magic she had to make the trio's bags invisible. Making simple objects, as opposed to ponies, disappear was quite easy.

Unfortunately for them, the doors were now being guarded. Two bat-pony royal guards dressed in dark purple armor. Princess Luna's personal guards. Likely meant to guard the warehouse all throughout the night.

Spirit groaned, "Great, we're doing this, okay, hello! We're here to drop off some contraband. Orders specifically from the captain!"

The guard on the left stepped forward, "State your rank! Who's our captain!”

"Corporal! And our captain is Shining Armor- crap."

Spirit internally slapped herself with the wrong answer, making Century and Trixie tense up behind her. The guard on the right stepped forward, and both guards narrowed their eyes. "Shining Armor stepped down from the position of captain two years ago."

Trixie whispered, "Uh, Spirit? Century? What's plan B here?"

The left guard entered a battle stance, "Who are you! You're not royal knights-"

Cutting him off, Spirit used her magic to grab the two guards' heads and throw them against each other. Creating a deafening clash of their armor. Which resonated throughout the surrounding area. Trixie and Century stepped backward, taken aback.

Spirit whirled her head to the two of them, "Century, go on the lookout for any guards who might've heard the crash! Trixie, dump the guards' bodies in the container on the right side of the warehouse. It should be empty! I'll get this door open!"

Stuttering for a second, the two did exactly as Spirit ordered them. Century trotting back the way they came and observing the area. Trixie, though hesitant, picked up the bodies of the guards and rounded the right side of the warehouse. Spotting the empty container, she trotted over and placed them inside. Closing it, but not locking it, just to be safe.

Spirit opened her bag and retrieved the keycard. Along with the torn paper she stole from her first visit. She swiped the keycard in the slot, successfully passing that sequence of security. She then typed in the code from the paper into the keypad. "Okay... 57842," Spirit mumbled.

ACCESS DENIED

"I... What?" Spirit stared at the interface of the keypad, perplexed. She looked back at the paper before typing the code in again. Perhaps she messed up and typed something different. "...5, 7, 8, 4, 2..."

ACCESS DENIED

"You've gotta be kidding me right now."

Trixie returned from the container, and Century returned from scouting out the area. They both approached Spirit, Century questioning her. "Why isn't it open yet? What's wrong?"

Spirit stammered, "I-I, I don't know what's wrong. It's saying denied for some stupid reason."

Trixie stomped her left hoof, "Dang it! They must've changed the password from your first infiltration."

"Or maybe," Century began, "That code you picked up was never right. I hate to say this at literally the worst time, but you did take it out of the trash, after all."

Spirit turned, her eyebrows furrowed, "So what, we're just screwed then? What do we do?"

"I-I don't know, you talked to Starboard, didn't you?"

"Yeah, but he was just super old! He didn't say anything all that impor-" Spirit cut herself off as a thought entered her head. She stood in silence for a while as her mind raced.

Century and Trixie peaked at one another before looking back at Spirit. Trixie raised a brow, "...Important? Why'd you stop? ...Spirit?"

Spirit whirled her head around, fiddling with her hair, before typing again into the keypad. Dropping the paper in her grasp down on the floor nonchalantly. She mumbled, yet again.

"...0, 1, 1, 3, 4..."

ACCESS GRANTED

"Gotcha!"

Century's eyes popped as the warehouse doors gradually opened. "W-What?! How!? What'd you type?!"

Spirit smirked, "Back at the Gala, that old coot said 'hello' was his favorite word. Went on and on about how introductions lead to lifelong relationships and friendships and blah, blah, blah. So I thought, 'Hey, 01134 is hello upside down!' And voilà, doors open."

Trixie stammered, "Uh, wha- Y-You really think he'd be that stupid?"

Century nudged the magic mare, "Who cares? We're in, let's move!"

With that, the trio trotted inside the warehouse, and the doors closed behind them automatically. Spirit scanned the room and sighed in relief. "Well, looks like we're all alone in here. Hopefully, it's the same for the tower."

Trixie and Century gaped at the sheer size of the water where the hypercarrier would normally sit. Whatever this ship looked like, the word massive was an understatement. Heck, just saying it was an understatement was an understatement in and of itself.

Trixie piped up, "Uh... Spirit, you sure we weren't supposed to steal a smaller boat?"

Spirit shrugged, "Hey, you guys were the ones who talked to Capper, I just looked. Now come on, we need to get to the tower so we can board the darn thing." With that, the three of them approached the tower. Century standing rather hesitant at first.

...

ACCESS GRANTED

Spirit smirked as she dropped her dress from the touchscreen. "Like a charm."

The trio had reached the control panel, and thanks to Spirit's dress still having Starboard's hoofprint imprinted, they were able to successfully unlock said panel. Century gaped yet again at the amount of buttons and switches all over the console. Not to mention its touchscreen. This thing really was lightyears ahead of Equestrian tech.

Century raised his hoof to his chin, "Uh, Spirit? Are you sure you know how to get this thing going?"

"No."

"So, then how are we doing this?"

"We'll just wing it. It'll be fine, bum. How hard could it be?"

Trixie stepped down from the room upstairs. A scowl sat on her face. "If Trixie has to move guard ponies' unconscious bodies in the middle of the night for a third time, someone's getting a hoof to the face!"

Turns out, the warehouse wasn't completely void of guards. Two sat in the surveillance room just below the control room. Luckily, they had fallen asleep. Turns out even bat ponies get tired and fall asleep when they're doing virtually nothing.

Century chuckled, "Oh, relax, you're fine, Trixie. Now, could ya help us get to this ship?" He asked, and Trixie huffed before approaching the two of them at the console.

She yawned, "So, what are we doing here?"

Spirit swiped through multiple pages of files and prompts before spotting one called: 'ignition.' She tapped it, and read the instructions internally. As did Century, who's eyes traveled faster than Spirit's.

The stallion sighed, "Looks like all this tower does is open the warehouse doors ahead. But we can't do that now. It'd make way too much noise."

Spirit nodded, "Right, let's just board the ship for now. We'll be back in the morning."

"Wait," Trixie began, "What about the guards we knocked unconscious? What if they wake up before us? Not to mention the armor we stole."

"How about this: One of us will remain on watch—here in the control tower—while the other two head down to the ship. As soon as we're all up, whoever's in the tower will open the warehouse, and then head down to the ship. While the other two start up the ship and exit the warehouse."

"Well, if that's the plan, Century will have to stay up here then. Since only Trixie and you can start up the ship anyway."

Century nodded, "She's right, Spirit. You should leave the dress with me in case the panel shuts off again. But we'll need a signal of some sort."

"I got it," Spirit replied, "I'll just pull the ship's horn or something. We're underwater, so while it'll be loud, it won't be too loud. Just enough to get your attention."

"Willing to bet on that?"

"No, but do you have any better ideas?"

"...Guess not."

Trixie smiled, "Alright, then it looks like we've got a plan! Spirit, where's the elevator down?"

Spirit pointed behind Trixie, "According to that diagram, just down that hallway, I'm assuming. Though, it's probably much larger than a normal elevator."

"Great, then let's move," Trixie declared as she grabbed her bag and Century's before trotting down the hall toward the elevator. Spirit turned to Century and raised a brow. "You sure you won't fall asleep?"

Century rolled his eyes, "Me falling asleep? What about you? Besides, you said the horn would be loud enough, and I haven't gotten sleep in almost twenty hours, so give me a break. And how 'bout you just don't screw up down there?"

Spirit giggled as she picked up her own bag, "Right, I'll be sure to pull extra hard. Good luck, Century."

Spirit began trotting down the hall, and Century called out, "Please, I don't need luck! Good luck to you guys, though!"

Soon, Century could no longer see the unicorns. And a while after, he heard the loud hum of an industrial elevator moving downward. Leaving him all by himself above ground.

Century spotted one of the chairs nearby and decided to sit in it. Leaning back against the cushion as best as a pony could. He stared at the panel from afar and chuckled to himself.

In mere hours from now, Spirit Candy, Trixie Lulamoon, and Century himself would be setting sail in a giant, astonishingly advanced cargo ship. A centurion-class hypercarrier, to be exact. Of course, that would also mean hundreds upon hundreds of guards across the whole city would be targeting them with extreme prejudice.

Including one Princess Celestia.

Chapter XI - Mach Five

8 DAYS TO MIDNIGHT

"Ah, Luna! Good morning dear sister."

"Good morning, Celestia. Did you sleep well?"

"I did indeed."

Inside the Royal Castle, as the sun was raised for the morn, the two royal sisters—Princess Celestia and Princess Luna—greeted one another. Another lovely day had begun in the kingdom of Equestria, and the two alicorns—well, one of them, for the most part—were ready to start the day and serve their ponies.

Luna tilted her head, "You're up earlier than expected."

"Definitely," Celestia replied. "I had this awful nightmare last night."

"The one where she takes form? That of your very flesh and blood?"

Celestia sighed, "Yes, Luna. Her."

Luna walked towards her sister, "I apologize for not being able to be there for you, sister. I was so unbelievably tired from last night. And yet, when I finally got in bed, I couldn't sleep! Truly a travesty."

Celestia smiled, "Worry not, sister. It was merely a nightmare, after all. Terribly unpleasant, without a doubt, but ultimately unreal." The Sun Princess put a hoof to her chin, "Say, speaking of the unreal, you're not wearing your crown! I must say, sister, that's awfully uncharacteristic of you."

Luna sighed, "Indeed, sister. After turning my crown in to the royal polisher after the Gala, I was too tired to go back and get it. Right now, it's likely in the same container as it always is. Waiting for its owner to return, the poor thing."

Luna smirked, "Besides, sister, it's not like you have any room to talk; You're missing your crown, too."

Celestia rolled her eyes jokingly. "Only because you took it to the royal polisher as well. I woke up this morning to see it gone. Sent a devious shock through my brain at first, I tell you."

"Me? I thought you took it?"

"...What?"

"Your crown, I thought you took it to the royal polisher. You know, before you went to bed... Did you not?"

Celestia squinted her eyes, perplexed. "...No, no, I thought you did that."

"I did not. As I said, sister, once the Gala ended, I practically hovered straight to bed. It was a miracle I made it to the polisher in the first place, really."

"So... Where's my crown?"

The two princesses stared at one another as though it were a contest. Luna piped up, "You… Do you mean to say your crown… is missing? You don't have it?"

"No, sister, I do not."

The air surrounding the two slowly filled with a dark musk like the ether of the dark blue above. Princess Celestia's eyes began to lose focus as she attempted to remember the events of last night. Perhaps she had forgotten something and had a mere hole in her memory.

Luna took a breath. "Er… Perhaps the polisher went ahead and took your crown instead? To be polished, of course."

"No," Celestia replied. Her voice deeper than before. "Nopony is allowed to enter our royal chambers when we're asleep. Especially when we're asleep... Captain Flash Sentry and his guards patrolled our quarters, did they not?"

"I would assume so, sister. However, due to over half the guard operating amidst the Gala, some places would've been freed up from any patrolling. At least until the Gala ended. Why do you ask?"

Celestia peered down towards the ground, "I... I have this strange, shaky feeling sister. I can't describe it, but... It feels as though something treacherous happened last night."

Luna approached her sister and put a hoof on her shoulder. "Nonsense, 'Tia. Whatever happened last night, I'm sure was an honest mistake. Here, why don't we visit your room? We shall, um, what do the ponies say... Double check! We shall double-check for any treachery. Not to say I'm in disbelief of your intuition, dear sister. At least, not totally, of course."

Celestia sighed and smiled, "Of course. Perhaps I'm just weary. There's very likely a short and simple explanation for last night."

Luna smiled, and the two sisters teleported to the hallway outside Celestia's room. Luna, immediately after taking a step forward, noticed something just left of Celestia's door frame. It was faint. Virtually inconceivable to the average pony. But not to an alicorn with immense power and sight.

Luna approached what had grabbed her attention and ignited her horn. A dark blue hue outlined her eyes. She utilized a spell that allowed her to see the remnants of objects and entities long, long gone. And what she spotted was bewildering.

Celestia tilted her head and approached her sister. "What is it you've spotted, Luna?"

Luna waved to her sister to come closer. "Use the spell of past-time and come look at this." Instantly, Celestia did as she was told and ignited her own horn. A dark orange hue outlining her eyes. As she closed in on her sister and what she had spotted, Celestia's eyes narrowed.

"Saliva," the Moon Princess proclaimed. "Approximately eight hours ago, a pool of saliva was made here. And small strands of arctic blue fur. Why do you imagine this could be, sister?"

"I... I don't know, Luna. Could it have been a guard?"

Luna whirled her head around at breakneck speed. "A sleeping guard? Outside her Highness' chambers?"

"Of course. No honorable guard would ever dream of failing their duty in such a horrendous manner. But then what could... Oh... Oh no..."

"Sister? What is it?"

"Luna... Look around us. All over the floor."

The Moon Monarch stood up from the ground and used her decelerated vision to scan the floor. She raised a brow, "Sister, I do not understand. What of them?"

"Hoofprints, Luna. Don't you see?"

"The patterns are indeed weird, but I see nothing out of the ordinary."

"Look here!" Celestia exclaimed, and she pointed to the inside of her room. Luna peered in and felt her eyes bulge. Hoofprints trailed inside and around Celestia's room. Also eight hours ago.

The two stepped into the room and followed the hoofprints. Said hoofprints entered from the door and approached Celestia's side of her bed. Stopping just before her head. It then trailed back towards the door before heading over to Celestia's dresser, and then finally exiting the room.

They took a step out and scrutinized the hoofprints further. They determined that there were two, no three, other sets of hoofprints. One set merely inches away from the puddle of saliva. And another trailing from up the steps. The three sets of hooves then collided before approaching the window at the end of the hall.

A window that now sat unlocked.

Luna gaped and turned to her sister in surprise, "What... W-What has happened here, dear sister?" Celestia's pupils shrunk as she stared at the spot where she left her crown last night. Her jaw hung open in shock.

The dark musk that once filled the air before the sisters teleported had returned and engulfed the hallway as if it had never left; Its poison, that of revolting, detestable thievery, oozed out of every microscopic hole in the walls. Entering each and every one of Celestia's pores like vile, wretched snakes. Concentrating on her heart. Squeezing it all around like it was some mere toy. Like shewas some mere toy.

Luna could've sworn that if she increased the intensity of the spell she used by a hundred-fold, she'd be able to witness her sister's gorgeous flowing mane gradually putrefy into something darker than Nightmare Moon's. With a soft voice, though full of a sentiment she'd rather not admit, Celestia spoke.

"...They've stolen my crown..."

"And so it begins."

Century sat bored in the same chair as last night. Remaining in the warehouse tower overlooking the body of water that housed the hypercarrier. Hours after the events of last night, he'd awoken from a slumber. He slept less than he'd liked, but it was enough to get him through the events of today.

Last night, after a long fit of boredom, Century had learned how to open the windows surrounding the warehouse after fiddling with the console. And with them now open, he could see the sun's mighty light shining through as the morning began. Which meant she was up. And for an alicorn as old as her—as perceptible and as knowledgeable as her—it was only a matter of time until all of Equestria was on high alert.

As for him, he was running out of time. The mares down in the hypercarrier should've alerted him almost half an hour ago. But he had faith they were fine. Despite the delay, Spirit and Trixie would power up the hypercarrier, pull the horn, and he'd open the warehouse's main door. Then use the elevator, get set up on the hypercarrier, blah, blah, blah, badda bing, badda boom, mission accomplished. Well, half of it, at least.

The thing is, he contemplated just how smoothly this would go. A number of things could go wrong. Like, the hypercarrier needing some special keys in order to activate its hyperdrive. Or they'd realize that they left something important behind. Or Celestia teleporting to their exact position as soon as the ship engages its hyperdrive and forcefully throws the entire ship onto the Manehatten Bay.

Eh, what are the chances of that happening, Century thought. It's not like the ship's being tracked, or something...

...

"...The ship’s being trac-"

Century's realization was interrupted by the single loudest hornhe'd ever heard in hisentire life.So loud he fell out of his seat and almost instantly lost his train of thought."Finally!" He shouted. His previous thoughts would have to wait for later. They'll cross that bridge when they get to it... Which, you know, would literally be the worst possible time.

Stumbling at first, Century rushed towards the console. Navigating its interface for a couple of seconds before spotting the command to open the warehouse doors. With tremendous force, Century slammed his right hoof down on the prompt before looking up towards the door.

The steel panels that made up the entrance's door screeched and cried like a foal in agony as it sluggishly rose. There was no doubt in Century's mind that the guards outside heard the thing. How couldn't they?

The stallion took a deep breath before exhaling. "Okay… Goodbye Equestria. You’ve… been good to me. Time to return the favor," he whispered, before turning about, grabbing his bag with his teeth, and galloping down the dark hallway to the elevator. Sweat not taking long to greet his forehead after a couple of seconds. He wasn't exactly fit, after all. But that didn't matter now.

It was time to finally leave Equestria.

*CRASH*

"Ah! Spike!?

"Twilight! You have to come outside!"

"W-Why?! What's going on!"

"Royal guards! They're all over Ponyville!"

"W-What?!"

"Come! See for yourself!"

Mere minutes after Twilight had woken up for the day, Spike had smashed through her kitchen door. His eyes were almost bloodshot. With sweat beads rolling down his forehead like she just got out of the shower. Twilight was appalled.

"W-Wait, Spike, slow it down! I-, Y-You look like you just saw a ghost! What are you even talking about?!"

Spike took a deep breath, "You don't understand, they're turning the whole town upside down! Twi, please! Get out here! You have to see this!"

"Okay, okay!" Twilight exclaimed. Her wings shot upward as if they were offended or annoyed. And with that, Twilight hopped out of her chair and trotted out of the kitchen. "This better be bad, Spike..."

"Would I lie to you?!"

"Maybe."

"Shut up!"

...

Princess Twilight and Spike stepped out of the Friendship Castle to find the entire village of Ponyville swamped with royal guards. There had to have been a dozen at each building in sight. The sky above was chock-full of pegasi royal guards as well. Their shadows flashing over the princess every few seconds.

The citizens of Ponyville had congested the walkways near Twilight's castle so rapidly, that it looked like Manehatten’s Time Square. Everypony was being interrogated randomly. The princess' eyes shot back and forth between ponies she'd recognized, and ponies she'd just seen around town.

Applejack, Mrs. and Mr. Cake, Vinyl Scratch, Octavia, Lyra, Bon Bon, Fluttershy, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Rarity, the list went on and on. Virtually everypony in Ponyville was being approached and interrogated by several royal guards. For a second, she thought somepony had tried to hurt the princesses. But she shook that thought out of her head not a moment later. Not a chance, she thought. Not a chance.

Bewildered, she stepped down the steps, Spike right behind her, and approached the nearest guards who were interrogating Starlight Glimmer. The bags on her back signifying she'd just returned from her visit to her old village. Twilight listened in as she got nearer.

"Listen, you guys," Starlight began, "I just got off the train from Our Town twenty minutes ago! How could I have-"

"Where's your ticket?" One guard interrupted. "If you were riding the Friendship Express, surely you'd have brought a ticket with you, right?"

Starlight rolled her eyes before using her magic to pull out her train ticket from her bag. Whipping it out with sass, she nearly shoved it in the guard's face. "You mean this ticket?"

The other guard scoffed, "How do we know this isn't a fake? Surely a unicorn of your caliber could pull off a spell like so!"

"A fake?!"

"Woah!" Twilight interjected. Entering the conversation before it escalated too far. She stepped between the two guards and Starlight before asking, "Excuse me, what is the meaning of this? What are you accusing my friend of?"

The two guards' eyes locked onto Twilight immediately. But just as they were about to greet the Princess of Friendship, something caught their eyes behind her. Not a moment later, the two stepped back and fiercely stood at attention. Twilight waited with bated breath for an explanation from the two of them, but they stood silent. She raised a hoof, "Uh... Hello?"

"It is I, Twilight Sparkle."

Twilight, Spike, and Starlight whirled around to find the blinding shadow of the night, Princess Luna, standing before them. Starlight and Spike lowered their heads out of respect for royalty, while Twilight took a step forward.

"Princess Luna?" She began, inquiring. "What's the meaning of all this? I've never seen so many guards in Ponyville before."

"I shall be blunt, Sparkle. Spike. Glimmer. My sister's crown has been stolen."

"What?!" Starlight inappropriately shouted. She stammered in the realization of her actions, "I- uh, I apologize, Princess. Forgive me, a-and continue, of course."

Luna resumed, paying no mind to Starlight's outburst. "In elaboration, last night, highly likely during the Grand Galloping Gala, the Royal Castle was breached. Interlopers, three ponies, intruded Princess Celestia's chambers and stole her crown."

Twilight's mind flashed to three ponies she'd met last night as soon as Luna described the number of intruders. Her eyes narrowed as she put two and two together, but she found herself unable to commit to the correlation.

She raised a hoof to her chin, "...Uh... I... W-Well... D-Do we know if they took anything else, I guess?"

"Of course," Luna responded. "Upon further assessment and inspection, we've found that the same book used to turn you and Cadence into an alicorn was also stolen."

"That?" Starlight began. "Why? The amount of magical prowess and energy needed to turn anypony into an alicorn is astronomical. Do we know anything about these intruders? Are they like, super powerful unicorns or something?"

"As of right now, we know nothing. However, we can only assume at least one of them is a unicorn. A powerful unicorn at that. Or, two pegasi. Or maybe they were all pegasi. But that's why we're here anyway."

Spike tilted his head, "You think the intruders would be here?"

"We're not entirely sure. It was just the closest town to Canterlot. After we're done here, the guard will split up. Some to Dodge City, some to Baltimare, some to Cloudsdale, and so on. We've also contacted Princess Cadence, and her guards are already sweeping the Crystal Empire."

"Hey, Princess!" A voice from above shouted down. The three ponies looked up to find a certain aqua-colored pegasus approaching them from the sky. Recognizing her immediately as Rainbow Dash.

The pegasus landed a couple of steps away before trotting over to them. She sighed, "Not to be rude at all, and I truly, truly mean at all, but maybe you could give everypony a quick warning that hundreds of guards are gonna be flooding the city within minutes, next time? Pretty please?"

Luna toyed with the idea of a smile, but it didn't get far. "I apologize, Rainbow Dash," she replied. "But you could say my sister felt the situation was… vital."

Starlight turned to Rainbow Dash, "You know what's going on here?"

The pegasus nodded, "Yeah, learned about it from Spike. Honestly, I thought it was way worse." Rainbow Dash chuckled before noticing Princess Luna's incredibly unamused face. Her chuckles didn't last long afterward.

Twilight stared at the ground below. Her mind racing at a thousand miles a second. Luna noticed instantly. "Twilight," the Moon Princess began. Her voice threateningly serious. "If you know anything, you know you have to tell me."

Starlight raised a brow, "You were at the Gala, right Twilight? Surely you must've seen something. And what about you Rainbow Dash?"

Rainbow Dash shrugged as she tiredly attempted to jog her memory. Twilight raised her head from the ground, but her eyes remained glued to the grass. "I... I really wanna be wrong, but... Last night, at the Gala, there were three ponies that caught my eye."

"Yeah, those three!" Rainbow Dash interjected. "I remember now! Those two unicorns, Spirit and Trixie; And that Earth pony, Century."

Starlight raised a brow and took a step forward, "Trixie Lulamoon? You don't mean her, do you?"

"Yes," Twilight answered, "She means her. All three of them left the Gala as a trio last night. And they were very strange when leaving, as well. Like they were hiding something."

"But, a-are you implying Trixie was potentially part of this?"

Luna sighed, "Indeed, Glimmer. It might just be that your friend Trixie has returned to a life of minor depravity." Starlight turned away from the group and let her mind run wild. Luna continued, "Sparkle, you said they were acting strangely last night; As if they were hiding something. Can you elaborate?"

"Of course," Twilight replied. "When Rainbow Dash, Rarity and I first spotted them, they were stepping onto the path exiting the Gala from the grass field to the right. They also seemed tired, and a little sweaty. The unicorns were especially exhausted. It was so weird at the time."

Rainbow stepped forward, "Weird, is an understatement! Century was so off. And when we asked him about his satchel, he said it was boxed biscuits. But when Rarity asked and approached him about having one, he freaked out! Shouting stupid-loud! Everypony could hear him yell, "No!" at the top of his lungs. Then the three of them just stammered and scampered away like a bunch of weirdos."

Luna raised a brow, "So, what you're saying is, our culprits could possibly be those three. And you're absolutely sure of this?"

Twilight thought for a moment. Staring down the grass yet again. "...I can't think of anypony else who could be a suspect."

"So... An Earth pony named Century, and two unicorns named Spirit and Trixie. I should inform Celestia."

"W-Wait, maybe we should take some more time to analyze this! We don't want to end up pouncing on the wrong ponies!"

"Nonsense, Sparkle. You're Elements of Harmony! Your word is more than enough for my sister and I."

"Well, thank you, but why would they-"

"Onyx! Sapphire!"

The seven of them, including the guards whose names had been called, turned to a loud voice behind them. A pony stood in the distance, a couple of yards away, waving at them. A stallion, from the looks of it. "Get over here! I require assistance!" He called out again. An incredibly deep voice reminiscent of King Sombra, with a twinge of Zekora.

The two guards ran over to the stallion, leaving the others behind. The five of them exchanged glances before rushing over. Intrigued at the sudden order. And while it could've been minor, that quickly became the opposite case as Princess Celestia was spotted. Surrounded by a festering crowd of Ponyville citizens and royal guards.

Luna led the other three into the jagged circle to find her sister and several other guards standing near a locked wagon. As Celestia spotted her sister and the two Elements, her ears perked up.

She trotted towards them, "Twilight! Rainbow Dash! It's lovely to see you all! You as well Starlight, of course. And how could I ever forget Spike."

"Sister," Luna began, "What's going on here? What is special about this wagon?"

"There's a certain someone inside; And they don't seem very willing to cooperate."

Spike raised a brow, "Someone? What do you mean someone Princess?"

"I mean that our friend in here isn't a pony."

"Oh yeah? How do you know?" Replied a voice from inside.

One of the guard ponies responded. Larger than the rest, and the booming voice from before. "Lies. This picture out here with your face on it definitely isn't doing you any favors, cat." He pointed at a photograph on the wagon's front door.

Hearing this, Rainbow Dash neared the wagon and swiftly analyzed the photo before shouting, "Capper! Is that you?! What are you doing in there?"

Celestia nodded, remembering the name from before. "Capper, hm?"

"No!" Capper shouted from inside, "I- uh, no! Um... I'm not Capper, I'm just... Uh... Dapper! Yeah! Dapper... S... Swivelfoot! I'm a... white Earth pony with a... Uh... Uh- a-a a swivel chair cutie mark! My mane is lavender, and I'm a mighty stallion! So... uh... go away? ...Please?"

"Dapper Swivelfoot, hm?"

"Y-Yes!"

"Well, Dapper, as your princess, I'm sure you'd be more than willing to cooperate with me, yes?"

"Uh-"

"Lovely," replied Celestia as she used her magic to force open the wagon door and pull Capper out. She held him up in the air before speaking, "Well... You don't look like an Earth pony to me."

"I, well-"

"Capper," Spike interrupted, "What's going on here? Why are you hiding in your wagon?"

Capper sighed, the jig was clearly up. "Look, if you saw hundreds of royal guards rush into the village from all sides, above and below, you'd probably wanna hide as quick as possible, wouldn't you?"

"Uh, no?"

"Oh, you lying-"

"Enough games, feline!" Luna shouted. "There's no good reason for your first response to an immense amount of authorities entering Ponyville being to hide. Unless you didn't want to be found."

Twilight stepped forward, "You think he knows something?"

Capper waved his paws cautiously, "Come on, cut a cat some slack! Look, I come from a rough part of the world! It's different out there! At this point, hiding from the fuzz is just instinctual for me."

"The what?"

"Nothing, look, I've nothing to hide! I just came to visit Spike and the rest of my friends, that's all! Why would I ever steal something from Equestria!"

Celestia's horn turned a bright shade of blue, "If you've nothing to hide, then surely you won't mind if I purveyed your mind."

This statement shocked the surrounding crowd, including the Elements. Capper responded, freaking out slightly, "Wait! Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait! N-No! C'mon! I-I'll tell you whatever you want! I swear, I've done no wrong!"

Luna noticed the irritation in Celestia's eyes and voice. Worried, she approached and nudged her sister, "Celestia, perhaps Capper here could truly be innocent. But if he isn't we shouldn't use such magic with so little to go on. Especially while surrounded by our subjects. We should just ask him some questions."

Without looking away from Capper, Celestia silently agreed and placed the cat back on his feet. She then ordered him to tell her, "Where have you been since you started your visit to Equestria."

Capper smiled and stood on his feet, "Well, Princess, I'm glad you've decided on such a reasonable course of action! I applaud-"

"Talk."

"I-I, uh, yes, of course," Capper replied before clearing his throat. "Well, since I've been here, I've visited Manehatten, Dodge City, and Ponyville. I wanted to check out Saddle Arabia on Monday, but-"

"What ponies have you spoken to?"

"Gee, uh... Crap, um... I... I-I've spoken to a whole lotta ponies, Princess. I probably can't name them all."

"Try."

"...Uh... Big Mac, Autumn Gem, Derpy Hooves, Crystal Beau, Twilight and Spike, Rainbow Dash, Apple Flora, Amethyst Marebury, Mr. Waddle, Electric Sky, Trixie Lulamoon, Century, Dark Moon, Cirtus Blush-"

"Stop!" Twilight shouted, "What were those last two names you said?"

"Dark Moon and Citrus Blush?"

"No, the ones before!"

"Mr. Waddle and Electric Sky?"

"No, after those two!"

"...Trixie Lulamoon and Century?"

"Those two... You spoke to them? Where? When?"

Capper groaned, he hated snitching, at least when it didn't benefit him, but he explained. "...At your castle, princess. I believe it was a Sunday. Maybe?"

"And what did you talk about?"

"Ah jeez, they asked me about a grand source of incredibly destructive power. So, for the price of a couple bits, I told them about the Rorsch Drill of Meridio."

Luna stomped forward, "You did what?!"

The crowd surrounding began murmuring and gossiping amongst themselves in confusion. This was the first time the nation Meridio had ever been mentioned to the public of Equestria. Even catching all of the Elements off guard. Celestia cursed herself internally, just more fuel to this fire, she thought. Handling this news regarding the public would be an annoyance for quite some time.

Capper awkwardly shrugged, "I don't know, I figured they just wanted to see it or something! Why, did they do something?!"

Luna huffed, "As of this moment, it's believed that those two, and another unicorn named Spirit Candy, have stolen Princess Celestia's crown, and the book that transformed Princess Twilight into an alicorn. So to answer your question, yes! They did do something."

"But that can't be everything," Celestia exclaimed. "Meridio is on the entire other side of the world. It would take months to reach that nation."

Capper stammered, "Y-Yeah, you're right. That would take months. So you could probably catch them pretty easily."

Celestia levitated Capper again and glared straight into his eyes, "But they already knew how long it'd take because you told them. And because of that, they would've tried to find the fastest possible way over there. So tell us, how do they plan to get there?"

Capper shrugged, "Uh... I don't know, but they definitely didn't take that one ship stationed at Manehatten Bay."

"What are you eluding to? What ship stationed at Manehatten-"

...

"Son of a-

"Hey! Trixie, Spirit! Let me in! Why is this locked!? Open up! Open up! Open up, open up, open up, open up, open up, open up, open up, open up, open up, open up, open up, open up, open up, open up, open up, open up, open up, open up-"

"Shut up!" The door swung open, and an incredibly irritated Trixie stood before him. "Trixie heard you the first time, for Celestia's sake! Are you like this with Mayor Mare?!"

"Only when I'm freaking out about Princess Sunbutt rapidly approaching a super-submarine that we occupy, now let's get out of here!" Century charged past Trixie, making sure not to bump into her, "Where's Spirit!?"

"She's at the core, waiting on Trixie," the magic mare replied, running up beside him. "Look, we thought we left the door unlocked, but clearly, we were wrong. I have to get to her as soon as possible... W-Wait, I just realized, what do you mean Celestia's rapidly approaching us?!"

"I-I don't know for sure, but the sun was up later than usual, so she must know something's up! For all we know, the Royal Guard could be searching across half the nation by now! And I'm not really fond of waiting to find out!"

Trixie bemoaned like a bratty filly, "Look, all Trixie and Spirit need to do is get the hyperdrive up and running. You, on the other hand, need to reach the top of the ship! It's navigational systems! Only you can get us on track to Meridio, so there's no time to waste!"

Trixie, now ahead of Century, stopped at a small industrial elevator. As Century stopped behind her, she pointed to a panel interface to the side of the elevator. "Step inside this lift and select the 'helm.' It'll get you to the steering wheel and whatnot. As soon as you're up there, set a course for Meridio at the console where the wheel sits."

"What about you and Spirit?"

"We're already at the hyperdrive's floor, so Trixie just needs to gun it, and hopefully not pass out before she gets there. Now get in the lift already!"

"Alright, alright," Century replied as Trixie pushed him inward with her hooves as if he were a large box of bricks. She pressed the button that would bring Century to the helm before stepping out.

"Alright, alright, "she mocked. "As if you weren't just screaming at Trixie to open the door."

"Oh, shut up! Next time, don't lock it!"

"Blah blah, get a move on!"

With an eye-roll from Century, the two parted ways as the elevator began to rise, and the magic mare galloped away to meet up with Spirit. Century lifted his head and stared at the ceiling.

Navigation. Setting a course for Meridio. Easy, Century thought. With the small problem of locating exactly where Meridio was. Then again, it was just on the other side of the planet. Couldn't be that hard to find. Just look for the island with the astronomically large laser sticking out from it. Simple.

He wondered how Trixie and Spirit were gonna power this ship in the first place. Was it gonna zap them of everything they had again? And he'd just be alone on the ship? Maybe, and that would suck an awful lot. But at least he'd have time to really relax and think. But he had other questions.

How did the Meridians power this thing without the use of unicorns? Was this thing specifically constructed for equine use? How long does this secret relationship between Equestria and Meridio go? And why aren’t the nations on good terms?

But those thoughts and potential answers would have to wait as the elevator dinged. He'd reached the helm, and it was time to get to work. With no delay, Century trotted over to the console next to the wheel. It was remarkably similar to the tower, with the only difference being the interface and color scheme.

Setting down his sachel on the far right of the console, Century began searching the menus until he spotted the navigation tab and tapped it. Surprising him, a massive white hologram shot up from the console and displayed the entire globe. Indicating the ship's location as a blue arrow at Manehatten Bay.

The Ponyville official was, as expected, astounded and at a loss for words. There was no magic at work here. Only an extraordinary feat of science and technology... That thought felt odd as it pinged his head. Shaking out of his sudden silence, Century noticed a prompt below the arrow.

Would you like to enable D.H.A.I.A.?

"Uh... Yes?" Century spoke, curious and confused. He tapped the 'yes' prompt below and waited with bated breath for something, anything to happen. Staring at the prompt as it loaded his selection. And it continued loading. And loading. And more loading. And some more loading. And loading some more.

"...Okay, this is a waste of time-"

"Hello!"

"Ah! What the heck!?"

Spontaneously appearing from the right of the globe hologram was another hologram. A small, cyan emoticon with odd fluffy cat ears upon its head. It continued, "Welcome aboard the FRMS Ancylus Adhara! I am this ship's D.H.A.I.A.! At your service! How can I help you today? Are you my new captain?"

"W-What?!" Century replied. Stammering and baffled. "W-What are you?! What's a D.H... W-What?!"

"Designated Hypercarrier Artifical Intelligence Assistant! Or DHAIA, for short! I must advise you, the last 'a' in my name is silent!"

"...Dhaia? Like... 'Die' Dhaia?"

"Correct! You're a fast learner! What is your name? Are you a canine or a feline? Are you even from Meridio?”

“I-I, canine? Feline? W-Wha-“

“My apologies, too many questions, I see. My program did not recognize you at first, seeing as your entry onto my ship lacked a thorough facial scan, along with my ship currently being outside of internationally recognized Meridian waters. And so, in compliance with the FRM DOT MARAD legal policy and terms of service, a total factory reset had been enabled in order to protect classified intelligence belonging to both the Federal Republic of Meridio and the Hermes Shipping Company. Along with all previous data records belonging to the extensive use of this hypercarrier over the last nine years of service. Have I made a mistake?"

Century shook his head, temporarily mentally blocking the insanity of the technology before him. "Look, I don't have time for any of this! Set a course for the closest port at Meridio! And do it now! Like, yesterday, now!"

"My apologies, but I do not remember meeting yesterday-"

"Oh, shut up, you know what I mean!"

Not replying, Dhaia began calculating a route just as Century had ordered. Landing on the closest port of Meridio. Dan Forlexiyan Bay, the hologram displayed. The Ponyville official smiled, "Oh wow, we'll be there in four days! Guess Capper really came through for us. Now I just need Spirit and Trixie to activate the-"

*CRACK*

Out of nowhere, a sharp crack and shockwave broke the air from seemingly outside the ship. It was as if someone had fired some highly advanced railgun into the sky above Manehatten. The sound beat at Century's eardrums for a split second, and he staggered at the sound. He chuckled, "Well... Uh, I guess that's the hyperdrive...? This is going way smoother than I anticipated..."

"No it wasn't," Dhaia replied, visible confusion on its face.

"Uh... W-What do you mean? Doesn't the hyperdrive make like a... Uh, a loud noise when it starts up or something?"

"The hyperdrive was activated two minutes ago."

"...What? Then what was that noise?"

"I'm sorry, but I haven't the fondest clue... Maybe it has something to do with the steering wheel glowing yellow?"

"...The what?"

Century jerked his head, and just as Dhaia had stated, it was indeed glowing yellow. The magical essence was gradually enveloping the wheel. Century whirled his head around to find several other objects and components of the ship shrouded in this yellow glow. The console, the floor, the roof, the elevator he used to get here, every support beam, heck, the entirety of the helm was glowing yellow in a matter of seconds.

To add to the unknown, the ship had stopped moving what little amount it did. And Century shifted forward roughly, along with the hologram spazzing out for a moment, and his sachel tumbling to the floor; The crown falling out of it. Realization began to fill Century's mind, and terror began to shake him from his very core.

He couldn't believe he had underestimated her.

"O-Oh wow! This is so... New! And exciting! It seems everything in here is now glowing yellow! I have never witnessed a phenomenon such as this! Is this an Equestrian custom?"

"...Yeah."

"What's it called?"

"'We're screwed.'"

No more than an Astro-second later, Century felt his entire body get flown to the back of the ship! Hitting it with a vicious crash! Following him were several other bits and objects on the deck. Buckets, mops, loose components, now-broken glass, several tools, and the crown all splashed against the wall Century now found himself stuck on. A mallet almost smashing straight into his face. It would appear the ship had tilted, and was being pulled out of the water!

"Alert!" Dhaia began, "Unidentified collision of gravitational forces detected! Emergency disengaging of submersible mode has been activated!"

Century, despite the insanity occurring all around him, spotted the ship transform from a submarine to a standard ship. The roof above him hastily ripped apart in two separate directions and withdrew into the sides of the ship. Its metal creaked and cried at the sudden change in form, and the opening began to flood the vessel at the lower half of the deck.

As the roof pulled apart, the sun shined brilliantly and straight at his face. The hot glare and rays beat down on his eyes and forced them shut. And he'd keep them closed as water from the sea flooded the ship from all sides, drenching the Earth pony. And for a split second, he could've sworn he was drowning.

Eventually, Century would emerge from the water as it splashed down to the lower end of the ship. The cries of the disturbed ocean being defiled filled his left ear, while the roars of the infuriated exterior of the ship being brutally yanked out of the water like a fish, filled his right.

As the ship balanced out, Century, and the several objects attached to the wall, fell to the ground thunderously. Cautious, soaked, and almost petrified, Century rose to his hooves and shook about his body to quickly dry himself off. As he wiped his face, he noticed the deck had been flooded with almost a foot of water. He also noticed the crown float past him and hit the console. (Thank Celestia that thing was waterproof).

"Who... is that?" Dhaia asked, bewildered at the last few seconds of madness, and spotting a figure in the sky. Century coughed and rubbed his eyes. His fear being replaced, just a tad bit, with that familiar feeling of annoyance. "...A massive problem."

Lo and behold, hovering above the deck of the ship and glaring down at Century was none other than the mare of the hour. Her Highness Princess Celestia. Her mane was as luscious and flowing as ever, but she herself was... Off. The Princess featured a river of sweat running down her face, and she wore a furrow. An absolutely livid furrow, to be specific. And he could feel the heat from that furrow intensify as soon as she spotted her crown sitting in the water near his hooves.

However, she wasn't alone. Next to her was a pegasus royal guard in armor that was far heavier and flashier than his fellow soldiers. It was a dazzling radiant white all over, featuring a much heavier helmet that hugged the stallion's face. Century remembered him from the Royal Castle's chamber. He hovered close to Celestia's right. Perhaps the Princess' personal guard? How did he not know of this pony's existence? He shrugged it off internally. He'd deal with that later if he had to.

"Century of Ponyville! What is the meaning of this larceny?!"

Century stumbled back as Celestia used her Canterlot voice. It must've been centuries since she'd done that, he thought. He was prepared for the Sun Princess to be upset about the thievery of her crown, but this was far beyond what he predicted. Might've screwed myself here, the Earth pony thought.

"Never, in the tens of thousands of years I have perambulated this planet, have I ever encountered a being foolish enough to pilfer personally from me!"

Perambulated?

"To commit such a frivolous, such an asinine act, is simply beyond reason! And then to attempt to steal one of Equestria's most invaluable ships! Have you gone mad, little pony!?"

Century stared down the Princess as he contemplated his reply. His mind running a thousand miles a second. Okay, Century. Super enraged demigoddess just traveled a maddening distance in a matter of milliseconds and is currently controlling a ship that weighs almost forty-three thousand tons. Gotta play this smart...

...

"Your mother!"

"I-I, w-what?!"

The pegasus flared his wings, "You dare insult the Princess of Equestria?! After all the crimes you've committed in the last week?!"

"...Yes."

"Such repugnant behavior! Princess, allow me to apprehend this wretched malefactor!" The pegasus turned to Celestia, who silently nodded. However, Century noticed that she was seemingly struggling to keep restraining the ship. But he needed to worry about this pega-

"Century! It's Spirit, can you hear me?!"

The Earth pony whirled around, "Dhaia? W-Was that you?"

"It was not," Dhaia replied. "Someone has patched in through emergency communications. I believe they are trying to reach you... as you are Century?"

The pegasus reached the deck and tilted his head, "Who in the world are you talking to?! Don't go crazy on us now, hand yourself over to me so we can end this charade!"

"Listen," Spirit continued, "Century, the hyperdrive is already activated, but it hasn't necessarily engaged, I guess. But once it does, the outcome isn't gonna be pretty if we're still stuck in Celestia's grasp! You need to get her to stop, now!"

Century scoffed, "Yeah, because telling the alicorn to screw off is so easy, Spirit! H-How are you even speaking to me right now?!"

"Just do it!"

The pegasus shouted, "Fine! We'll just do this the hard way then!"

Century turned around, "The what-"

The pegasus pounced on Century! His tackle unknowingly threw the two across the console, and they hit the deck below hard! Century attempted to rise to his hooves, but the pegasus shoved his muzzle into the ground!

"It didn't have to end like this, brownie."

"Brownie!?"

"Indeed! You look like one! Now enough talk! This joke is over..." The pegasus replied as he pulled Century up to his hooves and dragged him back up the steps. His wings gripped Century by his throat and left front hoof. It wasn't until now that Century realized just how large this pegasus' wings were. He was baffled, they had to have been twice the size of a normal pegasus', and they were far stronger. Struggling was futile.

As they reached the deck, Century's mind began running at the speed of light. He needed to get Celestia to let go of the ship already, or this plan was over. Not to mention what might happen to the bay.

Century thought to himself, ...The Princess is struggling badly. She's sweating even more than she was before, which means she's vulnerable. I just need to get her to let go of the ship already, but how?! Not to mention this giant loser holding me back... Man, this dude called me a brownie, what a jerk! Was that his idea of a good joke?! Man, I hated that! Just because I'm brown?! So cheap! I-I'm not a brownie! Man, that crap reminded me of those stupid dad jokes Trixie found!

...

Oh.

"Hey, Princess!" Century shouted, and Celestia glared down at him. The ship was still being pulled back towards the bay, and her eyes were slowly turning bloodshot. She did not need to hear his voice right now.

The pegasus arresting him raised a brow, "Don't you dare speak to her, you criminal scum! Keep your mouth shut-"

"Have you heard the joke about the butter? I better not tell you, it might spread!"

"W-Wha... W-What?!"

The ship's deck began to jerk violently as Celestia's magic began to falter! The Princess' immediate irritation at such a joke clashed with her capacity to utilize her magic!

Century had remembered back at Twilight's library what Trixie had discovered in that one stupid book. Certain alicorns and unicorns' magic is weak to bad dad jokes. It was his only option, a very stupid one at that, and while Celestia was an incomprehensibly powerful alicorn, her already struggling to hold tight to the ship meant the jokes might actually be able to get through. And it would seem he was right.

The pegasus growled as he attempted to keep his balance. His vexation for this annoying nuisance of an Earth pony growing by the second. "W-What are you doing now?! Enough of-"

"I went to a seafood disco last week! Pulled a mussel!"

Century and the pegasus fell to the floor as the ship vibrated as if a hurricane was running over it! The crown washing over to Century. Celestia's wings grew tired, and she found herself struggling to keep her head up as Century's unbearably stupid jokes drove the Princess insane.

"Alert!" Dhaia began, "Hyperdrive engagement imminent at ninety percent!" Minorly inconvenient news to the Earth pony's ears. He seriously needed to wrap this up. With all the might he could conjure, Century rose to his hooves one last time and took a deep breath.

"...What do you call a fly without wings?"

Celestia pleaded as the magic on the ship began to lose its yellow glow, and the hyperdrive gradually started to roar. "S-Stop! Century... D-Don't you-"

"A walk."

In one split second, the hypercarrier rested in Celestia's grasp. And in the next, it was gone! Like Spirit's spell that she cast as a distraction when she first entered the hypercarrier's warehouse, the ship left an indescribably colossal splash in its wake. Towering higher than the tallest skyscraper in the city, and then stretching into the clouds! The trail it left behind was so vast, that the waves shooting from the sides of the ship could be seen from orbit! Almost totally parting the entire ocean!

Century and the pegasus, along with every conceivable item on the deck, were practically one with the back wall of the ship, as the speed of the vessel had garnered enough force to throw them into it! Knocking the pegasus unconscious, and making Century look like a cartoon. His eyelids were practically tearing themselves away from his eyes. His mouth blew in the wind, his muzzle shoved upward, and his hair was as flat as paper against the wall.

"HO—L—Y CRA———P," Century screeched. Barely able to get the words out, or even hear himself. The ship shook, not as if it were experiencing an earthquake, but as if the ship actively causing it. Brutally and violently assaulting the Earth's ocean below. It was a miracle Century hadn't blacked out yet.

The Earth pony felt his body begin to literally sink into the back wall of the ship. Denting it as he the hypercarrier swallowed him whole. Same for the pegasus, and the abundance of other objects against the wall. Including the Sun Princess' crown.

"DHAIA! DO SOMETHING! PLE——ASE!! I-I need! I-I... ugh..."

"Ah!"

"Eek! Shut up!"

"I-I... W-Wha- Trixie?"

"…Yes... The great and powerful."

Century opened his eyes to the sight of Lulamoon poking his face. He tried to move but realized he was still stuck to the wall. Only now, he was legitimately stuck within it. A dent so deep, he couldn't even move his head. He looked left and right, trying to find Spirit, and reintroduce himself with his surroundings.

One of the first things he spotted was the new glass dome that now surrounded the transformed ship. He quickly figured it was how the hypercarrier protected its interior while still giving its passengers a view of the outside. Just, without the hyperspeed blowing their faces off.

He coughed, "W-Where's-"

"Spirit?" Trixie replied, "She's just getting rid of the water that's flooded. She should be back anytime now-"

"Is he okay?" Spirit asked, trotting up the steps.

"What do you know," Trixie whispered before turning to the unicorn. "The Earth pony is fine, just a tiny bit stuck. No biggie."

Century scoffed, "I can't move my head, what do you mean no biggie?! Get me out of here, you bum!"

While chuckling, Trixie used her magic to gently pull Century out of the wall. "Ow!" He shrieked, "Splinters! Be careful!"

"How is Trixie supposed to be careful?"

"I don't know, you're the magician! Figure it out!"

"Okay, Trixie says suck it up!"

"You are a terrible magician!"

Trixie, as delicately as she could, gradually tugged Century out of the wall. Leaving him with many splinters and bruises that he'd spend hours dealing with. Shouting at Trixie that she'll be helping him later.

"Ow." Century groaned as Trixie dropped him on the deck. He stood up, struggling; but soon enough, he regained his strength.

He stared at Trixie, she stared back. He stared at Spirit, she stared back. Spirit stared at Trixie, and Trixie stared back. The three of them traded stares as the realization of their situation slowly filled the air.

"Holy crap," Spirit spoke up. "We did it. We actually did it."

"We did?" Trixie asked, and Century responded, "Well, we're on the hypercruiser, sailing away from Equestria to Meridio..." He trailed off as he analyzed the deck for the crown. And lo and behold, it sat near the top of the left steps. "...And we have the crown. So yeah, I'd say we did it."

The trio continued standing in place. They had all imagined that they'd be celebrating and jumping for joy at the fact. Relieved and ecstatic that the first two phases of this wickedly insane plot had been completed.

But instead of elation, they felt distress. Fear. If all of Equestria wasn't after the trio beforehand, they undoubtedly were now. Princess Celestia herself had burned the image of Century's face in her mind, and it wasn't going away for a long time. If ever.

Trixie stammered, "...H-How did Celestia know? How'd she know we'd take the hypercarrier? How'd she know we had the crown?”

"Capper," Spirit replied, almost emotionless. "The Royal Guard must've entered Ponyville, and he spilled the beans. This means the hope of us getting away without having to worry about being pursued is certainly dashed now. Not that the hope was all that strong in the first place."

"And," Spirit began to add, "If Equestria knows our plot and plan, then they're bound to tell Meridio. Which means we'll be walking into hostile territory in the most advanced country in the world." She looked over her shoulder at the unconscious pegasus guard. "And then there's this guy..."

"Unbelievable," Trixie began, "We have Celestia's closest guard as our stowaway. I don't even know if we'll be able to contain him."

"We'll just have to try," Century responded. He stared at the floor below him. "We... We need to get it together, guys." He raised his head, "We were incredibly doubtful about finding something to destroy Celestia's crown. We were incredibly doubtful about stealing Celestia's crown. And we were incredibly doubtful about escaping with Celestia's crown... But we've done all of it.

"We can do this!" Century exclaimed, stomping his left hoof. "I-I don't mean to shout, but we've shown ourselves more than capable numerous times! It's time we stop doubting ourselves, and start believing. A-And I know that sounds really corny, but if it works for the Elements, then it can work for us. We've come too far to fail now. Y'all with me?!"

Trixie glanced at Spirit, and Spirit glanced at Trixie. Silently debating with one another and determining the other's thoughts through vicious silence. After a short moment, the two mares nodded. Spirit sighed, "We're probably hundreds of miles away by now. No point in turning back."

Trixie scoffed, "As if doing such was ever an option! The Great and Powerful Trixie will see this dastardly plot to the very end! Mark her words!"

Century smiled and nodded at his allies. "Good, we need each other for this." After a moment, he approached the ship's navigational systems. Dhaia noticed his approach and reappeared. "Is everything alright now," the AI asked, and Century nodded. "Well, as you can see, we're all not dead and the ship's still intact. So, yeah, I'd say everything's alright. We still on our way to Meridio?"

Dhaia displayed the global map again and highlighted the ship's position. "Due to the... explosive launch we received, we should be arriving at Meridio eleven hours earlier than normal."

"So we'll be there by Tuesday instead, huh? Works for us."

Spirit stepped beside Century, gaping at Dhaia's form. "So... are you gonna tell us about whatever this... thing is?" Century didn't reply, but instead trotted over to the crown. He picked it up, brought it to the console, and set it down. Gleefully staring at it.

"As soon as I get done marveling at this thing."

Chapter X - Irrationality

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