To be Awakened

Chapter 3: In Pleasant Company

38971139 is abruptly awakened by blaring red alarms. Feeling disoriented and bewildered, she promptly sits up, attempting to evaluate the situation.

As she looks around the room, she sees her sister burst in, her face filled with worry and urgency. "We have to leave, Chrysalis! Now!" she declares, her voice quavering with apprehension.

Chrysalis is clearly taken aback as she gazes at her sister. "2773829, what happened? How did you escape? Where's Father?" Her voice trembles with a mix of concern and urgency.

"That's not my name," Red corrects herself, a surge of worry coursing through her. She realizes the gravity of the situation unfolding before them. "I'm sorry, but we need to leave."

Chrysalis continues to stare at her sister, a flicker of recognition and determination in her eyes. "Red..."

Knock, knock, knock, knock!

The sound jolts Daring Do out of her slumber. She rubs her bleary eyes, trying to orient herself until she realizes that she’s sleeping on top of Dr. Caballeron. Quickly, she scrambles off of him, waking him up in the process.

He glares at her with annoyance, and she turns away, trying to hide her blushing cheeks. "What the hell? Why did you wake me up like that?" he grumbles.

As he mutters under his breath, there’s another knock on the door. "Who's at the door this early?" he groans, his eyes darting towards the window where the sun had barely started to rise.

Daring takes a deep breath and composes herself before making her way towards the door. She opens it to find a royal guard standing there, adorned in his gleaming golden armor. He speaks in a formal tone. "You have been requested to join the princesses for breakfast," he announces, his gaze fixed on her.

Daring turns towards the open window, squinting in the early morning light. "You're joking, right?" she mutters under her breath.

The stoic stallion remains unmoved, his expression unchanging. "Due to Luna and Celestia's sleep schedule, this is the time when Celestia has her breakfast and Luna has her dinner," he explains, his tone serious.

Daring pauses for a moment, considering the invitation. Could she manage to behave properly at this early hour? She glances back at Caballeron, who had already retreated back under the covers. With a small smile, she turns back to the royal guard. "I'll be right there," she replies, nodding her assent.

Just as Daring is about to close the door, the royal guard speaks up again. "Before you come to breakfast, you might want to take a shower; you smell of booze," he warns.

Daring bristles at the comment, but before she can respond, the stallion turns and leaves to announce the arrival of two archaeologists who would also be joining them for breakfast.

Daring grumbles to herself as she closes the door. Walking back to the bed, she sees that Caballeron had rolled over and gone back to sleep. She smiles mischievously and flies out the window, grabbing a cloud and bringing it back into the room. With a quick stomp, she causes a small shower of water to fall on the unsuspecting stallion.

Caballeron jumps out of bed and assumes a combative stance. "Fuck!" he exclaims, looking around for the source of the disturbance. He spots Daring, who is now lying on top of a rain cloud and grinning from ear to ear. "What was that for, you horse?" he demands, his irritation evident.

Daring merely smiles and places a hoof over her mouth. "Oh my, what would the princesses think if they knew you used that kind of language in the presence of a lady like me?" she teases.

"Haha, very funny," Caballeron sneers, holding the forgotten bottle of Applejack's hard cider in his hooves. He turns back to Daring with an evil smile on his face. "I hope that prank was worth it," he taunts as he takes the last swigs of the drink. Daring looks outraged and is about to strike him, but before she can, Caballeron lets out a burp and a satisfied sigh. "Ah, that burned just right," he smirks, giving her the same smug smile that she had given him earlier. "Not so funny now, is it?"

Daring grumbles, quickly forfeiting the petty revenge game. "We don't have time for this. We have to meet the princesses for breakfast," she reminds him.

Caballeron looks outside the window and sees that the sun is barely peeking over the horizon. "You're kidding, right? Who eats breakfast at this time of day?" he grumbles.

"The princesses do. I was told this is their normal time because of Luna's sleep schedule," Daring explains.

Caballeron grumbles for a few more seconds before giving in. "Okay, but I'm going to need coffee. Let's hurry up. You've already brought a cloud in here, so we might as well use it," he sighs, heading towards the tub. He grabs a few toiletries and a bar of soap, while Daring does the same.

Caballeron looks at Daring as she grabs only a bar of soap. "Where is everything else?” he questions. “No conditioner, no shampoo, no moisturizer? No wonder you always look like you just flew through a lightning storm."

Daring rolls her eyes. "Don’t act like you’re such a prince. You know we’re going to be in a concrete jungle filled with sand for months, if not years, right? There's not going to be too many places where you can go pretty yourself up for the gala."

Caballeron blows a raspberry. "Not that you’d know, but looking good is a twenty-four-hour job. You never know who you could meet and impress. This is one of the reasons you were a virgin all the way up to our senior year. Without me helping you out with your fashion, you’d have been hopeless."

Daring jabs her elbow into his ribs. "It's not my fault that I couldn’t catch a break in college. We mares outnumber you stallions ten to one. And you’re one to talk, shaking your flank for that professor just so she’d give you the credits you needed to pass."

Caballeron chuckled. "You weren't complaining when I was sharing the answers to her test with you."

Daring finishes drying off and dressing herself before waiting impatiently by the door for Caballeron to finish. He takes slightly longer to do up his hair, causing her to urge him to hurry up. "Come on, we don't have all day!"

"Stop crying, I'm almost finished," he retorts as he puts the final touches on his slicked-back mane. "Canterlot wasn't built in a day."

As they step outside, they’re greeted by the sight of a beautiful palace, with intricate architecture and mirrors adorning the walls. The royal guard is waiting for them on the other side of the door. "Are you ready to leave?" he asks, to which both Daring and Caballeron nod. With a nod, the guard turns and leads them down the hall.

As Daring and Caballeron walk down the halls of Canterlot Castle towards the dining room, they pass by numerous mirrors that adorn the walls. Each one reflects the grandeur of the palace, with intricate designs and decorations adorning the ceilings and walls. The floors are made of marble, polished to a shine that reflects the light of the chandeliers hanging above.

The walls are adorned with tapestries, depicting various scenes of ancient battles and mythical creatures. They’re lined with golden thread, adding to the opulence of the palace. The ceilings are high, supported by marble columns with intricate carvings of mythical creatures and other designs.

As they pass by the windows, they can see the sprawling gardens of the palace, filled with colorful flowers and exotic plants. In the distance, they can see the city of Canterlot, with its many buildings and bustling streets. The palace is truly a sight to behold, a testament to the power and wealth of the ponies who ruled the land.

"I can grow used to a view like this," Caballeron smiles as he looks over the view.

Daring shook her head. "It's a nice view, but I’ve seen better, and you have too."

Caballeron chuckles and continues ahead. As the Royal guard stops around the corner, Daring quickly speeds up, catching up with the guard and Caballeron. As they walk up to the dining room, the royal guard opens the door.

The two enter the dining hall to find that the princesses are already at the table. Luna and Cadance are already eating, while Celestia is sitting in front of a clean, untouched plate. At the other end of the admittedly short table, a few empty place settings are waiting for them, with name cards and cutlery already there.

“Good morning, crew!” smiles Celestia. “Did you sleep well?”

“Just great,” smiles Daring.

“It was better than I was expecting, yeah,” agrees Caballeron.

Luna takes a deep breath and looks up from her spiced carrot waffle. “Lies are unbecoming, even if your intent was not to make my sister worry. It is a kind thing you did, and she may appreciate it, but know that I can see into your dreams. I’m disappointed.”

Daring and Caballeron glance at each other, and then to Luna. In truth, Daring had encountered a fair bit of difficulty falling asleep, and hadn’t rested well as a result, and Caballeron had experienced a nightmare that was admittedly unrelated to the task they had been assigned.

“Oh, let them be, Luna,” scoffs Celestia. “They probably just don’t want to make it seem like they’re nervous. They need to put on a brave face today. Let them try to believe that they slept well, at least.”

Luna smirks and slices open her fried eggs, letting the yolk drip down onto her hash brown potatoes. After taking a bite, she reaches for the pepper and sprinkles it over the top.

“You know, I have a sure-fire method of making sure your dreams are pleasant,” smiles Cadance, nudging Shining Armor with her shoulder.

“You go to bed happy,” grunts Luna. “There’s a lot of steps that can help with that.”

Cadance smiles and picks up a peach, bringing the crease up to her lips and taking a big whiff. “Oh, that smells divine.”

“It’d better,” adds Celestia. “We have to ship those in from down south because they’re not in season here.”

After running her tongue along the crease, Cadance bites into it, its juice dribbling down her chin.

Shining, who had been sitting off to the side, partially hidden by a high-backed chair, reaches forward and dabs at her mouth with a napkin. “I swear, you and your peaches,” he chuckles. “Can you eat a bit cleaner, please?”

“Oh, fine,” grumbles Cadance, grabbing the napkin from his horn.

Shining smiles and grabs a banana from the bowl of fruit in front of them, and after peeling it, Daring could swear that he swallowed the whole thing in a single gulp, not even taking the time to chew or bite. Caballeron doesn’t notice it disappearing, but he does note that, at the exact same moment, one of the guards that had been looking in Shining’s direction suddenly feels the need to blush at the display, as if he were in on some sort of joke he wasn’t allowed to tell.

Twilight rushes in with Spike. “I’m so sorry!” she gasps. “Have you all been waiting long?”

Celestia holds up her hoof. “Calm down, Twilight. We’ve only just begun. The chef should be back any minute, so do think about what you want.”

“Oh, was that him coming up the other side of the hall with the cart?”

As if on cue, the chef walks in with his mobile cooktop, his cast-iron skillet and griddle already heated and ingredients prepped and ready. He wheels it right up next to Celestia and, with a flick of his wrist, begins to cook some crepes right in front of her.

Spike climbs up next to Twilight and sits down. “Those do look pretty tasty,” he comments.

Luna grunts and swallows her mouthful of potato. “Personally, I prefer my crepes to be Normande, rather than Suzette. Better taste.”

“I like mine with fresh strawberries and kiwifruit,” interjects Cadance. “Much healthier.”

“You’re missing the point,” argues Celestia. “It’s all about presentation.”

In the next moment, the chef pours in the orange liqueur, and the skillet erupts in orange flames. As soon as they die down, the chef plates the crepes and pours the syrup over the top, finalizing the garnish with a spritz of whipped cream before placing the plate in front of her and pushing the cart away.

“Eh, I see flames erupting in front of me every day,” shrugs Spike.

Daring and Caballeron don’t know what to make of this. While Daring had been invited to dine with Celestia before, that had been an event, in which everypony had been given the same meal. This wasn’t a restaurant where she could just flag down a waiter, nor had there been a menu placed in front of them. They would just have to wait and see how Twilight went about selecting what she would have.

It isn’t long before the chef returns, first taking a moment to listen to Twilight and Spike. “Just our regular standing order is fine,” smiles Twilight. “We’re not looking to take up any extra time, today.”

“Extra rubies?” interjects Spike. It’s a simple enough addition.

“And for you two?” asks the chef, turning to Daring and Caballeron.

Daring raises her hoof. “What would you recommend?”

The chef smiles. “I have for you a lovely spinach and clover omelet with white cheeses, served with grilled parsnips.”

“Sounds lovely,” smiles Daring.

“Biscuits and gravy,” nods Caballeron without waiting for the chef to turn to him. “Extra gravy.”

“Right away, sir.”

“Now that’s we’re all here,” says Luna, scooping the last bit of potato into her mouth, mopping up the egg yolk with a bit of toast, “we should go over the final details. Clerical work, and such.”

Celestia dabs at her muzzle with a napkin. “First and foremost, there’s going to be a princess on site at all times. Twilight, Cadance, Luna and I will rotate between working on the site and keeping Equestria running.”

The other princesses give each other knowing looks.

"There will also be leaders from various countries taking inspections of the camp and any items we are able to recover," Celestia continues.

Daring raises an eyebrow. "We’ve barely discovered anything, and we're already going to have tourists," she barks.

Caballeron smirks. "It looks like they're making the smart move by keeping an eye on their investment. They would be foolish not to do at least this much."

Twilight and Celestia seem to let out a breath, while Daring just rolls her eyes.

Luna gives the stallion a slight smirk. "You seem to have a very opportunist mindset."

Caballeron shrugs. "It's not opportunistic; it's common sense. They're investing in the success of the venture by giving us resources, and from the amount of money I saw on that paper, they’re probably expecting a very good payoff."

The room falls quiet as the chef returns with a cart. Twilight is served first, a short stack of pancakes with some dandelion jelly. Very simple, very plain, just the way Twilight likes it. Spike is next, also having pancakes, but rather than the classic ones, his are blueberry and ruby. As soon as the chef places the remaining two plates in front of Caballeron and Daring, he bows and leaves the room, letting them continue.

"Anyway," announces Shining, "the best of the royal guards and the night guards will be responsible for security, including dealing with the personal security of the princesses. We will also be protecting the scientists, and even Daring Do will have guards."

Daring looks as if she’s about to speak up, but she decides to hold her tongue, giving the stallion a dirty look. Celestia notices her reaction, but chooses not to escalate the situation.

"We will also have ponies from the magic colleges setting up a barrier around the city. There have been reported sightings of creatures moving around the city, and we have also received strange reports from the diamond dogs. However, coordinating with them is difficult due to their lack of organization." Shining sighs, before realizing that he’s still in front of the princesses. "Oh, and we will also be coordinating with the security of the delegates. Other than that, I have nothing else to report."

Twilight continues to enjoy her food as the report comes to a conclusion. "Everything sounds good to me. Does anyone have any questions or concerns?" She looks around, and everyone appears to be confident about their respective roles. “Okay, then. This meeting is adjourned.” Twilight looks over to Daring and Caballeron. “You two don’t have to leave right away, at least not before you eat your meal..."

Daring Do and Dr. Caballeron walk towards Canterlot Station, followed by the same guard who had been manning their door the previous night.

"I guess he's one of our guards,” sighs Daring. “He could at least walk in front of us or beside us."

Caballeron rolls his eyes. "Are you still mad about the royal guards? One stallion dumped you for the job, and you've held a grudge almost forever."

"That's not the reason I dislike the royal guards,” she growls. “They're not effective. When was the last time they stopped a disaster? They're good for everyday issues, sure, but as soon as something big goes down, they're as useful as wet toilet paper."

Caballeron looks to his side and sees that the guard is still following them. "Trust me, they have their uses."

Daring jumps into the air, slowly flapping her wings, and quickly turns to see Cadance. "Where’d you come from?" she gasps, having not seen her there a moment ago.

Cadance lets out a small giggle before Daring realizes that Shining is there too. "There are plenty of things that happen that the public doesn't know about that the royal guard has dealt with," she says. "I'm sure there are even cases where someone may have taken something as small as a candy bar."

Shining frowns, but wisely says nothing, causing Daring to let out the tiniest snort of laughter.

"Don't mind my colleague,” sighs Caballeron. “She's just upset that she didn't have a chance to finish her bottle of cider last night."

Cadance lets out a small knowing giggle. "Ah, so you did open it. It's a rare vintage. Sweet Apple Acres hasn't made a bottle of that stuff in years now, but I was able to grab a couple before they were discontinued."

Daring gives Cadance a grateful smile. Even she can't keep the smile off her face. "Thank you, Princess, for the generous gift."

Caballeron turns to the princess. "Yes, thank you for the bottle. We haven't had that vintage since we were in college."

“Like I said, it was no problem." Cadance can't help but smile as she observes the growing fondness between Daring and Caballeron. Even if she can't make their romantic love blossom, she knows she can help forge a stronger friendship between them. "Now I see why Twilight enjoys these connections so much," she remarks. "I would love to hear what made you two such good friends back in the day."

Caballeron is the first to respond. "We were never friends. Every time we worked together, it was either because of circumstance or our professor's influence. I hate to admit it, but Daring was the only pony who could keep up with me during our college years."

Daring pauses for a second, pleasantly surprised to hear the compliments. "Yes, that’s actually true. Caballeron might be a rival, but he was actually quite good in school. He was the only pony who could challenge me. That's why the professor took us under her wing."

As the four ponies and their guards walk down the streets of Canterlot towards the train station, they pass by a row of elegant shops, their windows adorned with colorful displays of fashion and accessories. The sound of hooves echoes against the cobblestone streets, accompanied by snippets of conversations from passing ponies.

Amidst the chatter, Shining turns towards the two archaeologists. "You two keep on talking about this teacher, but I've never heard of her," he remarks. “Was she a good teacher?”

Both Daring and Caballeron's faces grow somber. "Yes, she was a wonderful mentor,” replies Daring. “She taught us so much. However, towards the end of our tenured years with her, she mysteriously vanished. After two years of being declared missing, she was eventually declared dead. Now, she has a beautiful memorial in the Canterlot graveyard." Her voice is tinged with sadness.

Caballeron looks visibly saddened upon hearing the news, still unaware of the true fate of his old professor. Shining, on the other hoof, dons a look of surprise. He knew that only ponies who had performed great deeds were buried there, among the heroes. Even if their bodies were not interred in one of the cataloged graves, they were permanently immortalized in that hallowed ground. It was considered one of the greatest honors to be selected for burial there.

He gathers himself and offers his condolences. "I am sorry for your loss. She must have been an incredible mare," he says sincerely.

Daring glances at Caballeron, her gaze filled with a mixture of longing and resentment. Caballeron returns her stare with a hint of hostility. Rumors and speculations about what truly happened to their professor swirled, but the truth had remained elusive. One thing was certain, though; Caballeron had not attended the funeral, adding an air of mystery to the situation.

Both Cadance and Shining observe the exchange, their expressions reflecting confusion. Sensing that this is a sensitive topic, Cadance decides to shift the conversation. "Oh look, it seems we’ve arrived at the train station," she interjects, diverting their attention.

The two ponies find themselves back in the present, setting aside their old grudge for now as the train appears in front of them. Daring steps onto the train, confidently striding into one of its cars, with Caballeron following closely behind. As they approach their designated compartment, they notice the guard that had awoken them, holding the door open for them silently.

Cadance and Shining enter a different room on the same carriage, likely attending to royal matters that require privacy. "Don't worry about us,” smiles Cadance. “We'll be in a separate compartment. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to knock on our door." The two step into their room and slide the door closed, locking it behind them

Daring and Caballeron enter their own compartment, their eyes widening at the sight of its decadent furnishings, stocked with various liquors and fancy desserts. Furthermore, the space seems larger than expected, capable of accommodating at least ten more ponies. They both assume that some kind of magic is at play here.

Daring takes a seat while Caballeron wastes no time, immediately reaching for a glass and a bottle of liquor before settling into a seat close to Daring.

The train thunders down the tracks with a surprisingly soothing and steady rhythm. It had been so long since Daring had ridden in a proper passenger car that she had forgotten what it was like to be comforted. Her eyes fix onto the passing terrain outside as Caballeron peruses the niceties of the packet, finding himself quite pleased with the amenities.

“I certainly wish we could travel with a royal entourage more often. The vintage of these drinks is phenomenal.” He speaks with a cocky sort of victory as he pours a pair of drinks for himself and his compatriot, who does not return the sentiment with the same energy.

“You’ve barely gone three hours without a drink and you’re already making another. Do you ever stop?” She sighs, throwing her scolding glance to the learned stallion holding a squat, ice-laden glass for her. Despite her tone and the heavy feeling in her pounding head, Daring takes the drink and subtly sniffs the fine liquor within.

“If I did, I might never start again. You know how it is.” He brings forth his own share and holds it up for a toast, offering some comradery for the trials ahead. “It’s the reason we come together, you and I. Same reason we don’t come together. We just can’t stop when we see something we want.”

Darling flicks her tail as she reclines against the fine cushion of the train, rocking slightly and sipping the powerful brew. It’s certainly a far cry from the coffee she and the good doctor had downed before climbing aboard, the royal breakfast brew mixing in interesting ways with the fine and dark liquor. Caballeron climbs onto the same seat as the pegasus, filling her with a sudden warmth and need.

“You read that in a book somewhere?” she snickers as the cool fire burns in her stomach, the keen grin of her companion striking certain nerves in the mare. Despite his attitude and propensity for landing her in bad ways, he was undeniably a handsome creature. Chiseled, strong and knowledgeable, willing to do what it took to find the truth buried so deep in the past. He knew how to use his looks, charming the abundant mares in his life one after the other to have his way. “Seems a little too elegant for a stallion like you.”

“A long time ago, so I might’ve confused it somewhat. But it’s served me well. Certainly in university.”

Daring rolls her eyes at the memories of their younger days, though she often focused those recollections to his tight flank and broad chest. A charmer always had his cards on the table, leading her to stare at his assets for many years before this.

Perhaps aware of this admiration (Or lust, depending on how one wanted to describe it) Caballeron scoots that little bit closer to Daring, filling up her field of view with his impressive and well-formed shape. “You take everything so seriously, Daring. When will it ever occur to you that life is not a race, but a game? Come, relax and play it with me,” he says with a foul and shifty smirk, one that makes Daring clench in alarm for a moment before she mindfully relaxes.

“With you? Relax? You’d steal the clothes off my back!”

“Oh, but they’d have to be worth something for me to do that,” he snickers.

In response, she butts her rear hoof against him, making him double over and topple onto her reclined figure. Immediately, she’s inundated with the familiar warmth of a heavy and sleepy stallion, a sensation that makes her fit and agile body relax. He might’ve been a dastardly schemer and a kleptomaniac, but he’s still a stallion. Still a handsome and familiar stallion of similar passion.

“Admit it… you can’t keep away from me,” he grunts with a contemptible arrogance in his voice; an arrogance that had lingered far longer than it was welcomed.

“I can’t keep you away,” she retorts as a strange and indescribable sensation comes over her. Rather than finding disgust in the face of a stallion that had thwarted her efforts, sold off irreplaceable pieces of history and attempted to kill her, she had found an allure. A bugging and buzzing allure that made her want to be closer to him, to look into his eyes and see what nonsense was going on in his head. A fog falls over them as the same aggravating feelings overtake the normally mouthy and boisterous stallion straddling her body, his contempt and disrespect dissipating like meaningless dust in the wind. “Something just… keeps bringing you back. Like a bad itch.”

“Or jungle rot,” he answers knowingly, for they ultimately had the same net experience. Anticipation for glory, for discovery and for danger. Somewhere behind these scoundrel eyes there was a good archeologist. There was a knowledgeable and capable stallion she once respected as an equal. He was still there, but hidden away at that moment. Something about the moment just brought him that little bit closer so she could stomach his proximity without the aid of alcohol.

“Or malaria…” She mumbles her words as their muzzles seem to gravitate closer and closer, drawing them in until a static shock pops between their snouts and disrupts their tempo. Both pull back with wide eyes at the realization of what they were just about to do, for neither had been thinking very clearly when the idea struck them.

Daring suddenly feels very vulnerable under a stallion who was known to abuse such a position, though he too seems as lost and confused as she.

“You know… this is going to be our most dangerous job,” he adds with a sideways glance to avoid staring into her prying, pinkish eyes. Daring swallows the lump in her throat and adjusts herself beneath him until his weight spreads comfortably over her figure. “There’s a good chance we might not come back.”

“A good chance you might come back in cuffs, if you don’t control yourself,” she adds out of habit more than intention, bringing a genuine grin to the stallion’s face.

“You know what I mean. It could very well be that we don’t have another chance to talk like this; reconcile our differences.”

Daring rolls her eyes and thanks goodness that her fur covered the blush erupting across her cheeks. “You’ve had your chance to do that. You’re afraid now?”

He doesn’t answer immediately and loses a good portion of his smile’s strength, perhaps answering without having to speak. Daring immediately regrets being hostile in the moment, for this wasn’t the approach of a suave and deceitful stallion. Were he speaking truthfully (and that possibility did seem very slight to Daring) Cabarellon might have touched on something quite important.

“Just like you… so focused on the goal you can’t see the track. I always admired your drive, Daring,” he says with a hushed voice and a softened expression, one tenderized by the gravity of their task.

In truth, Daring could agree with his sentiment. This was by far her most dangerous adventure. Temples and ruins were one thing, but a lost civilization that held sway over the world without the aid of magic? That was simply beyond her expertise. It would be learning her entire trade over again; one small mistake could mean death. So why not live a little before that? It couldn’t hurt. And Cabarellon was quite handsome in the right light.

Her heart flutters and gives up its resistance as they shift about and tangle with one another, their newly acquired tolerance for one another manifesting as Daring pushing him away and taunting him with the view of her reclined and relaxed form; something so close yet far away he would need to struggle and fight to obtain. She became the artifact, the object of obsession worth risking life and limb for.

“Are you going soft on me? Pfft… we’re surely gonna die then.”

The Doctor recovers his drive and his stance as she talks down to him in such a manner, bringing a wry and sharp grin to his face. He had always taken rejection as an invitation to simply try again. Today would be no different. “Defeatism doesn’t suit you, Daring. If you want to live up to that name, you need to loosen up,” Cabballeron snickers. He fights to his hooves before retaking his position by her side, their eyes shining a hushed and warm energy between them in their spark of connection.

“Mh… something’s given way,” Cadance hums to herself in the adjacent car as it rides along the smooth ribbon of steel.

“What’s that, dear?” Shining answers from his writing desk, the maps of their journey and the estimated charts of their destination laid out for him to speculate on. Whilst his mind is attempting to focus on channeling his troops into their proper posts and planning the safest possible route through unknown and incredibly dangerous territory, his wife is plying her trade and not letting other concerns disrupt her.

The courtesy is not reciprocated, as she often spoke out loud to keep Shining unfocused and tempted to join her. “My little project’s finally made some progress. I think we might have a wonderful show soon.”

Rolling his brilliant azure eyes, Shining sets his quill down in submission. It was best not to force his work, lest it suffer because of his negligence. Cadance beckons, and thus, he is obligated to see to her needs as a good husband. If she had been looking out a window or through a peephole into the other room, then he could better participate in this game she loved to play with her unsuspecting subjects. But given that she was staring at the wall, hoofing about a thermos filled with soothing and expensive tea, there was little he could do.

“Hm… still playing with ponies’ emotions, huh?” he asks with exasperation in his voice.

“You always say it in such a sour way, honey!” giggles his wife as she pats the seat next to her with not-so-subtle invitation. “You think the Princess of Love would ever put fake passion into her work?”

Her look of mock offense and pouting lips brings a smile to his own as Shining sits beside her, the sensation of relief radiating off his wife with beautiful strength. It was just like Cadance to remind him why they were married in the first place. How could any soldier deny such a calming and inviting presence?

Immediately, he’s sucked into her gravity, her head resting against his shoulder and her wing wrapping about his frame with a possessive and tight squeeze. “Well, no. I just didn’t see an ounce of love between those two,” he shrugs. “In my unprofessional opinion? I thought they hated each other.”

The pink princess of amour scoffs and rolls her eyes at her husband, the magic concentrated on tracking her subjects’ emotions keeping her in a rather loose and soft state. “”Unprofessional” is exactly the word, dear. I know a thing or two about bickering couples who are meant to be. In fact, I find it all the more endearing when they finally do give up their game and give in to their emotions.”

She speaks eloquently as ever when she speaks of her passion, the very dedication to sincere affection and commitment that had made her a divine being in the first place. That passion manifests in many ways, of course, and Cadance’s reputation as the princess of true, life-long love did not preclude her from those other forms of love so often expressed in Equestria.

As such, Shining can see where she’s heading. She might not necessarily want to be indulged in her more lewd pursuits at this time, but it’s always quite entertaining to suddenly “amuse” her whilst she’s working. “Well, then… I’d like to see what your expertise can do.”

He suddenly hops down from their shared perch, instead lining himself up with her head-on and halting any further affection.

Cadance’s wings flutter and grip for something broad and alabaster to latch onto, instead finding nothing but the rapidly warming air surrounding the two. Her brilliant azure eyes shoot down to meet him, her legs spread by his own bluish magic.

“W-wait, wait! I was going to– MMMPH~!”

Her hooves are forced to clamp over her mouth to preserve the moment going on in the other train car; one so close to the ultimate goal that she dared not inject her own feminine moan.

Shining had done just as he trained his soldiers to do, daringly pressing forward when his adversary was most vulnerable and striking with precision. Cadance could so easily lose herself in her work that she would expose herself without realizing, just as her spread thighs of such soft fur and wide build did at this time. Shining could easily press the width of his broad snout into her groin and kiss his wife’s gorgeous flower without restriction, even when she snapped her legs about his skull and cut off every last particle of oxygen he had.

“Sh-Shining! I’m trying to focus– Nnm~!”

Suddenly, the naughty princess is caught between two scenes of passion, though one’s now far more impactful and impossible to ignore. Cadance hushes herself however much she can, clamping her hooves over her mouth whilst her naughty husband’s tongue plunges into and laps at her delicate lips. Immediately, he receives his desired reaction: a sudden tension in every muscle of her body and a flood of stifled motion in her limbs.

Cadance’s mind, torn between two areas, is made to dance back and forth between them in a jittery and unprofessional manner. One moment, she might be able to slip back to Daring and Cabbelleron to cultivate their feelings, to feed the slight love blossoming between them so it might have the strength to grow. But in the very next instance, she’s ripped away and back to her own body as it rushes and trembles with the energy fed into her by her ravenous husband.

Shining licks gently and slowly at first, dragging the width of his tongue from bottom to top in the most concentrated devastation he can bring. However many soldiers insisted that all mares love a good, deep and rough loving, Shining knew better from his experience. A mare is most pleased by a mixture of the subtle and the brash, especially when she’s being toyed with as his wife is now.

She wiggles and tries to force him out with her legs, something even alicorn strength could never hope to accomplish. Instead, his powerful, military-trained body holds its ground and sucks down breaths whenever he can.

Spreading her lips, pressing at her sweet opening and savoring her delicious, lemony flavor is more than enough to totally deconstruct any ability she has to focus. A petty revenge for the many times he had been focusing on a speech or royal documents and she put her mouth to work against him.

“What’s the matter, darling?” he gasps between deep licks, his own jaw struggling to move when squeezed on either side by her flanks.

Cadance quickly pops out of her influencing magic for a moment to cast a rapid spell on their train car, one to seal in her noises and help vent some of her frustration. “Naaugh~! You devious little dog!” she barks with a wet and lurid moan tinging her voice, the magic soon resuming so she could feebly attempt to guide her subjects. By this point, it was thinning substantially, allowing Daring and Cabballeron to think more and more clearly and take their eyes off one another.

Shining stares into his wife’s panicking and simpering eyes as he devours her, tilting his head and pressing all the harder to feel her silky soft insides.

“Y-you did that on purpose! Ah~! Now my moment’s totally ruined!” she belts with a mixture of genuine frustration and sexual pressure building in her heart, the combination working together to flood her form with heated anticipation. She squirms under his work, kicking and wrapping her legs about his head as her husband’s experienced tongue does its work. Cadance melts helplessly for him, slinking down the seat until she’s a panting and deeply pleased pile of fur and feathers with a relentless stallion savoring her backside.

Shining pulls away before the stars in his vision overtake his entire field of view. Delicious and addictive as his wife could be, his need for air still outpaced his willingness to be smothered by her. “Can’t multitask, dear? Am I doing that good of a job?”

Cadance huffs and giggles as her husband clamors up onto the seat with her, bearing down on her feminine and submissive form with a turgid length that presses against her flanks suggestively. “You know just what you’re doing~! You can’t let a mare have fun, can you?”

She accepts the kiss he delivers, driving out any notion that this was out of malice. When dedicated to one another in true love, as Cadance so dearly wished the lovers-to-be in the other compartment might one day become, nothing was a hostile incursion. Shining was only toying with her, playing into her game and indulging in his own natural needs. If he was called to witness his wife’s work, he might as well enjoy some of it before they arrived in this new and utterly hostile world, where such luxuries might not come so often.

“Here we are, on a luxury train together. No Flurry, no paperwork, no guards… and you say I’m not letting you have fun?” He snickers and kisses her neck with the most adoring peck, one that sets Cadance’s soul aflame with the pure affection behind it.

“Is it so wrong that I just want to spread love? Shining, you know I just can’t help but to- OOH~!”

The pink princess is made to suck in air and squirm in shock as her stallion’s turgid and thick length presses to her opening, spreading her muscular depths just that much so her entire mind can only focus on that pressure.

“Haaahn~... j-just go quick, okay?” the princess whines in submission, subtly pressing her hips back against the heat of a ready and willing male knocking at her door.

Shining holds his smile as the needy divinity devolves back into a mare; a female with needs and desires that he was duty-bound to satisfy. “Is that what you tell every stallion you court? You won’t even let your own husband thoroughly enjoy his wife?”

The baritone of his voice hitches for but a moment as he is clamped in her sky-blue magic, a guiding pull sinking him into her hot and satin depths. She’s such a gripper, a tight but skillful canal naturally attuned to a stallion’s rhythm.

“When she’s so busy– ah~! she needs time to focus, darling~! NNF! So just stick it in, please! I can’t wait another second!” She forces him inside of her, a suction of powerful, wet flesh guiding his fertile and powerful girth inside the crushing, warm canal of his beloved mare.

Shining huffs and eagerly follows the motion, sinking right up to his medial ring in a smooth push of forward motion that fires great bolts of lightning up his spine. “Rrrgh~! Rrrmph! I can certainly– haah~! do that!”

With the barrier surrounding them, secluding their noisy intercourse from the world, he feels no need to halt his tongue or restrain his pleasure. Just as they had done in the old days; their honeymoon days of unrelenting pleasure and exploration of one another, Shining would let his voice be guided in both volume and intensity by the motion of her body. He would let Cadance know just how grand the pleasure was, how she made him feel with her love, her wet and dripping sex.

The tremendous heat of her love, the wrapping warmth of a mare so mature and experienced always struck him as the most lovely part of Cadance’s sex. The squish, the slide of her canal opening about him and suckling him inside was simply the carnal and intense portion of their intercourse, as if the body heat she pumped into his being was fuel for the raging fire in his belly.

Shining huffs and exercises his powerful, trained muscles on her divine body, plowing in smooth and practiced motions aimed and directed expertly at her most delicate parts. His wife mewls and moans for him, consumed by her own dirty thoughts long before this rush of penetration.

“Haahn~! Shining, baby, you feel so good~! I missed this so much!” she hums. She feels her legs quiver under the might of her handsome and sexy soldier. Despite being a powerful princess, one with great knowledge of the arcane and the heart alike, she’s still a mare of flesh and blood. A mare that loves a good dicking, no matter the time, the place or the occasion.

Cadance rolls her neck and gyrates her wide flank from side to side for her stallion, loving how his angled cock would slither against one wall and then the next in a repeated dance of affection and wet noises. Her spread lips make a sensual “O” about his cock, following his girth as it pistons in and out of her sopping wet and steaming canal.

“Cadance~ Mmph, you’re such a gorgeous wife~. I’m so lucky to have you for my own~,” he hisses into her ear as he gives a particularly deep thrust into her pink, bubble-gum snatch. Her body quivers and nearly gives out when his wide and masculine head flares inside her belly, knocking at her cervix with a familiar and maddening plea to be allowed inside.

“The troops are so in love with this rump of yours~. I swear you could keep an entire army of soldiers in the fight with this tight pussy~!” Her stalwart and disciplined husband’s voice loses some of its tenor and consistency, clearly falling behind in his ability to think rationally when buried so deep inside a deliciously wet and warm cunt. He adored sliding in and out of her, talking dirty to her and claiming his beloved Cadance time and time again. Nothing was more fulfilling than to watch her back tense, the muscles pulled taut by his words sinking into her mind and forcing yet more filthy, lurid thoughts free.

“They WISH they could have this flank to themselves! You know how jealous they can be of their Captain~.” She smiles wide and lets her eyes roll about in her skull. However much she loved to tempt the guards, to bed a needy stallion and clear his mind of any distractions for the rest of the day with naught but an hour of her time, she loved to be a wife even more. To be exclusive yet free, adored by so many and lusted after night and day made her feel not only beautiful, but simply divine. Her goddess blood was made all the hotter, all the stronger when her husband and all his cohorts had equal opportunity to feel love for her, even if it was perhaps the most perverted and animalistic love a stallion could feel.

“Oh yes~! Shiny, take me! Rut me! Rut this flank! Make me scream~!!!” she calls out with something already quite close to a scream. His medial ring pops back and forth out of her tight tunnel with a filthy, slurping noise on each jerk. She’s rapidly falling over her peak, squirting and oozing and messing the floor with her sugary and highly-prized fluids.

Some scholars speculated that her orgasm was perhaps the strongest love potion possible in all alchemy, but the devious princess would never confirm such a theory. Instead, she was more than happy to invite loyal stallions of the guard to sample it themselves and see how deeply in love they might become with her taste of monkfruit and lime.

Driven to his edge by the silky-soft grip of his wife’s greedy snatch and already heaving with anticipation of a mighty orgasm, Shining jerks his hips back and forth with powerful and stiff plunges into her lips. His dark-colored cock reaches deep inside her, bopping her cervix with aggressive jabs again and again as her insides warp and wrap tightly about his sensitive shaft. The soldier snaps his eyes shut and grits his teeth, every muscle in his athletic and broad body quivering as he pushes into her, sinking to his root and letting his seed sow her fertile garden once again. “Unngh~! RRRRPH!!!” he snorts in stallion dominance to show his masculinity; his alpha-status among the absent herd gathered around.

Cadance was so deeply in love with that rush of hot breath from his nostrils, how it beat down on the back of her neck and ears like a tidal wave of domination. Just another reminder of his affection, his love for her and how devoted he was to her mind and soul. Healthy and girthy testes unload pump after pump of surging alabaster inside her body, flooding it with a weighty warmth that nearly shatters her joints and sends her falling to the floor. She had never been good with creampies; always so enraptured by their heat and their feeling that her mind often left the room and went soaring into the heavens instead.

Distracted as she is, the skilled alicorn lets her guard down just enough for her suppression field to fall. She slips and suddenly the noise of their coitus bursts from the room, breaking through the rattle of the wheels and the roar of the wind against the windows.

“Ooooh gods~! Cum inside me, Shining~! Fill me up! Fill my pussy up, you handsome stud!” she demands with a quivering and breathy call that frightens Daring into a stiff and sudden posture. She jerks up from her sleepy state and falls onto the floor in a wiggle of motion, simultaneously spurring Cabbaleron into motion so that he spills his drink.

“Gah! You clumsy goof!” he barks as the icy liquid splashes on his shirt, staining the light khaki with a dark brown. “That glass cost more than my ticket to Canterlot!”

His pegasus cohort rises back to her hooves and shakes off the influence of Cadance’s little love game. Her feelings do not wither away entirely, but suddenly she recalls all the reasons this stallion drives her to the brink of insanity. “Wahn, wahn, wahn! Like a good explorer needs perfectly clean clothes,” she shoots back.

Her ears perk to the next car over as the sudden noise of lovemaking fills her ears. Both the explorers stare at the closed door in utter confusion before the sound disappears again. Perhaps Cadance’s mind had come back when Shining pulled his softening member from her cunt and his gobs of white had hit the floor.

As Daring and Caballeron step off the train, they exchange a glance filled with a mix of anticipation and nerves. Moments later, Cadance emerges, wearing a warm smile, followed by Shining, whose beaming face is impossible to miss.

Cadance addresses them, trying to suppress a giggle. "How was the train ride for both of you?” she asks. “We apologize for not being able to catch up earlier, but royal matters kept us occupied." Her eyes twinkle with a hint of mischief.

Daring carefully observes their impeccable appearance, but a subtle scent lingers in the air, catching her attention. With a playful tone, she remarks, "Ah, it seems like you both had quite a productive time during our journey."

While Cadance maintains her diplomatic composure, a faint blush colors Shining's face, and he clears his throat. "Yes, we were deeply engrossed in important matters."

Even though Cadance loved to see her husband squirm, especially after he had distracted her from her duties, she decides to show mercy and intervene in this playful teasing. "Ah, yes, royal business can be tough. But I couldn't help but notice the strong cologne lingering on you," Cadance remarks with a knowing smile at Daring.

Daring's eyes widen as the realization washes over her. She quickly sniffs herself, realizing that Caballeron's cologne had transferred onto her during their intimate moments together. Her cheeks flush, turning a bright shade of red.

Caballeron can't help but release a small chuckle at Daring's embarrassment. "Oh yes, Ms. Do wanted to try my cologne after years of claiming how fantastic it smelled," he chimes in, offering a lazy excuse to cover for her.

Before anything else can be said, a guard comes running towards the quartet, his face laden with urgency. "Princess Cadance, Prince Armor, we have an emergency!" he exclaims with concern.

The atmosphere immediately grows tense, and all eyes turn toward the guard. Caballeron's eyes gleam with excitement, sensing the unfolding drama, while Daring appears slightly confused, but ever-vigilant. The unexpected arrival of the guard, accompanied by a group of five pegasi and two unicorns, had created an air of anticipation.

Reacting swiftly, Daring instinctively assumes a combat stance, ready to defend herself and her companions from any potential threat. The guard who had woken them up this morning materialized from seemingly nowhere, positioning himself as a protective barrier between the two archaeologists.

Shining recognizes the need to take control and assert his authority, and steps forward. With a commanding tone, he demands, "Report. What's going on?"

The pegasi guard wasted no time in delivering the information. "Yes, sir. Scribe Quick Strike, scout, and we have a building situation. There appears to be a group of unknown diamond dogs approaching our camp," he explains, his voice steady despite the urgency of the situation. "When asked about their purpose, they simply said they are protesting and want to speak to our leaders."

Cadance and Shining exchange puzzled glances, trying to make sense of the unexpected development. Then, suddenly, Cadance's eyes widen as a realization dawns upon her. "It must be the diamond dogs the reports were talking about," she concludes, connecting the dots with a mix of concern and curiosity.

After hearing his wife mention the information they had received on the outcast diamond dogs, Shining decides not to leave anything to chance. "I want the camp on high alert, and I want the platoon to escort us to the diamond dogs," he commands.

"Dear, I don't think we should come out with the Iron Hoof,” Cadance interjects. “This is a mission of peace, and we don't want to give the diamond dogs the wrong impression. A small escort should be enough."

Shining looks at his wife for a moment, contemplating her words, before exhaling. "You are correct, honey, but I still want the camp on high alert. I just don't want to be surprised." Turning his attention to Quick Strike, he issues his orders. "I want a small escort: two unicorns, two pegasi, and one earth pony. Alert the first lieutenant that I want the camp on lockdown until we come back. If the dragons are here, have them fly around the area to intimidate anyone who would be stupid enough to attack the camp. Alert the rest of the military assets as well. We paid for those mercenaries; now it's time for them to earn those bits."

Taking another breath, Shining looks towards the direction of the diamond dog encampment. "Cadance, are you ready to go?"

Cadance responds with a confident smile. "Of course. Don't look so nervous. You're a prince, now," she reassures him, followed by a small giggle.

"You say that, but I’ve been a prince for years now. I don't think I'm ever going to grow accustomed to it."

As Shining, Cadance, Daring, Caballeron and their small escort venture further into the badlands, they notice the diamond dogs' encampment coming into view. The diamond dogs had taken precautions and were seemingly in perfect camouflage for the desert environment. Their fur blends seamlessly with the sandy terrain, making them difficult to spot at first glance.

Only one diamond dog has his hood down, revealing himself as the leader. He stands tall with a device around his neck, silver in color, with a mysterious red light glowing in the center. He possesses an air of coldness and calculation, his eyes piercing and unyielding. It’s clear that he holds the authority over his pack, and his presence demands attention.

As the group approaches, the diamond dogs form a defensive perimeter, maintaining a wary distance but allowing the visitors to approach their leader.

Shining and Cadance exchange curious glances, their instincts on high alert. They can sense the tension in the air, aware that this encounter could hold significant consequences. Daring and Caballeron observe the leader with intrigue, captivated by the enigma surrounding his demeanor and the mysterious device he wore.

With a nod of acknowledgment, the diamond dog leader motions for the group to approach. They close the remaining distance cautiously, mindful of the potential risks. The leader's eyes remain fixed on them, his expression unreadable. Shining takes the lead, his authoritative presence radiating confidence as he prepares to engage in conversation.

Shining and Cadance approach the diamond dog, leaving their small escorts as the diamond dog does the same, meeting them in the middle of the two groups. Shining eyes up the diamond dog and sees how odd he really is. Not only does it look like he's wearing a strange sand-colored uniform that matches the surroundings, but he’s also fitted with two black sticks with small metal prongs at the end, one hanging from either side of his waist. .

Usually, diamond dogs fought with either spears or their claws. They were also known to use shields, clubs and other blunt weapons, something he’d learned from his experience dealing with a diamond dog party that had tried to kidnap several crystal ponies on multiple occasions. It was odd to see one with such small weapons, especially one who seemed to be leading the others.

But the oddest thing about him is his longer face with narrow eyes and sharp teeth. It reminds Shining more of a wolf than a diamond dog, but he can see that his posture is very straight, making him seem much larger, even though this diamond dog seems to be slightly slimmer and evened out.

Cadance is able to make her own observations about the diamond dog leader. First of all is the smell. Not to be rude to the diamond dog diplomats, but they always have the smell of wet dog on them. This one has no scent from what she can tell, and he seems to be more clean. His eyes seem to be sharper, surprising both of them.

The diamond dog leader is the first to speak. "Hello, princess and consort."

The royals are both surprised. After hearing the voice, they can’t describe what it sounds like, but their best guess would be like a golem, but also similar to a pony who talked with no tone or motion. This oddity makes them pause long enough for an awkward silence to start.

Both of them, realizing their mistake, quickly reorganize themselves to respond. "Oh, yes, hello!" Shining replies.

A few seconds later, Cadance finds her voice. "Hello, it’s nice to meet you."

The words hang in the air.

The diamond dog stares at them until the red light on his collar turns green, and then they hear that voice again. "You may call me Alpha, for now."

"Alpha," both ponies acknowledge, realizing that it’s likely not his real name, but choosing to set aside their suspicions for the moment in order to gather more information.

Cadance speaks up, her voice tinged with curiosity. "How can we help you, Alpha?"

The response comes, devoid of emotion. "You can leave." The coldness with which Alpha speaks sends a shiver down Cadance's spine.

Shining, feeling a surge of annoyance and anger at the diamond dog's directness, can't hold back his reaction. "Watch your tongue!"

Alpha's icy gaze shifts from Cadance to Shining, the air thickening with tension as the two lock eyes. Each of them stares at the other defiantly, neither willing to back down.

Just as the confrontation seems on the brink of escalating, Cadance intervenes, placing a calming wing on her husband's back. Shining tears his gaze away from Alpha, turning to face Cadance. The calm and regal expression on her face signals to him that he needs to regain composure.

"Prince," Cadance addresses him, using the title that signals a reminder of his royal duties or when he makes a misstep.

Shining understands the message; he had indeed erred in his approach. He holds Cadance's gaze for a few more moments, then adopts the diplomatic mask he had been taught.

Cadance looks at him for a moment longer before turning her attention back to Alpha. "Yes, while we may not possess the same authority in the badlands as we do in Equestria, this is about respect, not authority."

A slight grin tugs at Alpha's lips before he responds, his tone still carrying a touch of arrogance. "You are correct. Although you may not be my Master, I can still show you respect. However, we must still ask you to leave."

Cadance, perplexed by Alpha's mention of a master, seeks clarification. "We have permission from the Diamond Dog King to be here. In fact, we have obtained permission from multiple kingdoms."

Alpha scoffs in irritation. "None of those kingdoms have a legitimate claim over this land. It amuses me that they have given you permission. The closest entity with a rightful claim hasn't been seen for years now."

A sinking feeling settles in Cadance's gut. "Then who holds the claim that allows us to be in this land?" she inquires.

Alpha raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "The first is the Master, and the second is someone we believe you used to be quite familiar with. I believe she goes by Queen Chrysalis now."

The revelation strikes the group, leaving them stunned. The shock is evident on the faces of everypony present. Some of the guards tense, gripping their weapons tighter with magical energy, poised to attack at a moment's notice.

Alpha detects the change in the atmosphere, prompting Cadance, still wearing her diplomatic façade, to maintain control of the situation.

"Queen Chrysalis is currently indisposed," Cadance states, her voice steady.

Alpha's eyes narrow in response. "You mean she is a statue in your gardens."

"Yes, she committed heinous crimes against our country, and she was imprisoned as a result. The new king, Thorax, has also granted us permission," Shining replies, his expression unmoving.

Alpha almost laughs at this revelation. "Him, a king? He has even less claim than you do! You should pray that the Creator's chosen one, Red, does not return soon. Besides, they don't even reside in the Badlands anymore. They now dwell on the outskirts of the Everfree Forest. I'm not sure if they're brave or simply foolish. Even we, the Diamond Wolves, do not venture into that territory, unless..." Alpha catches himself before saying too much. "Apologies for my rambling, but my main point remains: We would like you to leave."

Cadance is left reeling from the influx of new information. The sudden revelations about the existence of Diamond Wolves, as well as the shifting power dynamics in the Badlands, overwhelm her. "I'm sorry, but what exactly are Diamond Wolves?" she inquires, her curiosity driving her to pry.

Alpha's cold, calculating gaze fixes upon them both as he provides an answer. "We are a different breed of Diamond Dogs. You could say we are cousins." Alpha pulls out a silver device from his arm before putting it back.

Cadance notices it as she observes him. "Alpha, it will be night soon," she says, pointing to the setting sun.

"I know," Alpha replies coldly. "We gave you a warning. Do not blame us for what may happen."

Shining, growing increasingly frustrated by Alpha's demeanor, readies himself to cast a spell, but Cadance manages to compose herself and take charge. "Can we speak to your master?" she asks calmly.

Alpha chuckles in response. "Of course not. If he wishes to see what children like you are up to, he'll come out himself. Playing with things you don't understand is a good way to end up dead."

As Alpha gazes toward the north, where a faint city could be seen, Cadance realizes what he’s looking at. "Then can you return?” she asks. “We have questions that need answers, and we could use your help. We also don't want to disturb the local ecosystem." She attempts to employ her diplomatic skills and love magic to sway the enigmatic figure, but to her surprise, none of her charm spells seem to have any effect. Alpha remains unchanged.

"If Master allows it, he will send a representative. But I advise against trying to charm them, at least not with magic. It won't work."

Cadance is taken aback. Not only does he resist her charms, but he can also sense her attempts.

"We appreciate the warning” she concedes. “We may not be fully prepared for what lies ahead, but we hope to navigate it successfully."

Alpha lets out a howl and swiftly disappears into the ground, leaving the royals and archaeologists with numerous unanswered questions as they make their way back to camp. As they approach, however, they hear commotion and the clashing of metal, indicating a battle had broken out. Cadance, looking in that direction, whispers a single word.

"Buck…"