After Sol’s run in with Queen Novo and Sage, he had a lot to think about. Mainly how he was going to try and convince the other leaders he wasn’t a threat. The other was to avoid getting engaged to any pony else. He’d get to that step later, but he didn’t want to be engaged to any of his political peers.

“Godsdamn them all with this. I need to get this mission together ASAP” Sol mumbled. He was on his way to have a meeting with Celestia. He needed details about what she knew about the incident. Sol couldn’t prepare well without information, now more than ever. He had no clue when he would get his head straight to use magic. Getting to the meeting room Sol knocked on the door. He waited for a response and when none came he went to knock again.

“Dear just come in, I know it is you” Celestia called. Sol rolled his eyes and entered the room, closing the door behind him.

“You know, you coulda just said something. Way easier” said Sol sarcastically. Celestia, who was sitting down with a cup of tea, didn’t respond. She calmly sipped her tea and used her magic to pull a chair out for him. Sol wasted no time in getting into the chair.

“I will tell you what you need to know-”Celestia began.

“Thank you so much, Celestia because I wanna fi-” Sol blurted out. Celestia held up a hoof to stop him from thanking her.

“On one condition” Celestia said. Her voice was serious and it made Sol’s coat stand on end.

“Uh-huh and that is” Sol asked. He gulped audibly in anticipation of what Celestia had to ask of him.

“You come back, Alive. I cannot have my sister and Cadence hurt” Celestia glared at him. Sol breathed a sigh of relief.

“Coming back alive is in my best interest too so don’t worry” Sol said. This satisfied Celestia and she used her magic to open an envelope.

“The Crystal empire, a place that was here when your grandfather was around. It was sealed due to a tyrant named King Sombra. In an attempt to spite us he took the empire with him when we sealed him.” Celestia said. Sol nodded, soaking up the information she was telling him. Sombra…that was a name he’d read in his Opa’s diary.

“I’ve heard the name before, please continue” Sol persisted.
“Luna and I have checked his seal. It is intact still but…”Celestia paused grimacing.

“But…what?” Sol asked. If Sombra was still sealed away but the Crystal Empire was back, how did that work?

“It seems, a remnant of his magic has persisted. All of his malice, hatred, and anger. It is weak enough to allow the empire out of isolation, but strong enough to keep the ponies enslaved” Celestia continued.

“So basically, this dude's emotions are kidnapping ponies for?” Sol asked. If it was strong to keep ponies enslaved, why would it need more?

“That is a good question.” Celestia said. “To be frank with you, we think it is for their magic, to sustain itself.” she finished.

“So we don’t know why it happened basically but that it did” Sol said. Celestia nodded in agreement to his statement.

“In essence…yes. What I gave you is a more detailed report but I figured a brief history of why would be helpful” said Celestia sipping her tea. Sol leaned on the table and thought about what Celestia had just told him.

“Ok that works” Sol said, snapping from his thoughts, “Heard anything from Twi yet?” he asked. Celestia smiled at the mention of her student.

“Yes I have, she was all too eager to come and help” Celestia said giggling.

“Is the spike coming too? I haven’t seen him in a while” Sol asked. Celestia shrugged and set her tea cup down.

“Wherever my student goes, the little dragon is sure to follow” Celestia mused. Sol smiled at this and got up from his seat.

“Ok I have a lot to prepare for, Between Sage and Novo staying here and the others coming…Ugh” Sol said.

He wanted to just plan to get the citizens back. The nations he thought he was on good terms with couldn’t have picked a worse time. Then again this was probably an excuse to try and catch him when he wasn’t at his best.

“Oh and one other thing my future brother in law,” Celestia tittered. Sol knew that tone of voice anywhere and he wasn’t in the mood to be teased.

“Yes, dearest matriarch?” Sol asked through gritted teeth.

“Rude!” Celestia snapped before composing herself again, “You will do fine, you know how much Canterlot trusts you.” Celestia finished smiling warmly at him. Sol smiled at her warmly and opened the door to leave.

“And I am lucky that you guys do,” Sol said. He left and closed the door behind him. He frowned as he walked back to his office. He felt so guilty for what he was going to do, he didn’t want to betray their trust. However sometimes one must take risks alone for the greater good. Getting to his office he exhaled loudly. Closing the door behind him he went and sat at his desk.

“One step at a time, Foreign nations off my back first, rescue plan later” He mumbled. He spent the rest of that day writing up what he wanted to say. Hopefully it was enough to buy time for him to take action.

Sol was as prepared as he could be for what could only be described as a trial. If found “innocent” he would retain his relative freedom. If “guilty” well, he would be a pawn to others because he was an Alicorn. Not a fan of the latter, he composed himself and entered the meeting hall. There was a long oval shaped table with all the attendants sitting already. Celestia at its head with Cadence and Luna at either side. Next to Luna was Queen Novo and her daughters Sage, and Sky Star. Continuing down from there was Argus and the Dragon Lord Torch. The final guests were among Sol’s least favorite, the griffons. King Gold Feather and his son Prince Crown Claw.

“Aight I’m here let's get the shit show started” Sol announced loudly. Argus choked on his drink in an attempt to not laugh as Torch glared at him. Sol took the open seat between Cadence and Crown Claw. The tan and brown Griffon slightly moved his seat away from Sol, making him roll his eyes.

“Shouldn't you be more respectful when you speak colt?” Torch growled at him. Sol shrugged him off, while ignoring Argus wide eyed stare.

“Now, Now Torch. We came for positive relations, the colt has done enough to deserve our basic etiquette.” Queen Novo said. She looked at Sol and frowned when she saw he was looking at Luna and not her.

“All of you cease this. My son and I did not come to partake in petty disagreements” Golden Feather said dryly. Sol nodded in agreement to his statement. He may not have liked dealing with the griffons for a number of reasons. However he needed to play his cards right to deal with the complaints.

“He is right ya know, now I believe there were some grievances about…another Alicorn disturbing the balance or whatever?” Sol said. His statement was meant to come across half-assed to throw everyone off. Torch was already giving into the provocations; Sol could tell because he could see a couple veins popping up in his eyes.

“Yes, you withheld information about your talents Sol. How can we trust this was done in good faith?” The King Griffon asked. The other 2 leaders nodded.

“Good faith? He has returned life to an otherwise bland night sky! What else could thou want?” Luna blurted out.

“And with all that power he what? Bed you? And seized power for himself within the kingdom?” Torch sneered. Luna’s cheeks turned red, partly from embarrassment and the rest from rage.

“We shall have thee know nothing of the sort has happened!” Luna declared. The Dragon Lord just huffed in disapproval.

“Like King Golden Feather has said, The insults and snide remarks get us nowhere. We are here to discuss balance” Celestia said calmly. Those were the words Sol was waiting to hear.

“Ya heard em’ Twi come on in” Sol said. Using his magic he opened the door and Twilight came in. The Elements of Harmony in toe behind her.

“Ah, Yes we, The current holders of the Elements of Harmony are here!” Twilight said. Here and the other 5 mares followed into the room.

“What is the meaning of this? This is a political discussion, not some daycare” The Griffon King protested. Torch, and Queen Novo nodded in agreement.

“I do have to agree, Celestia, what is the meaning of this?” Novo asked. She turned to Celestia who’s expression had not changed in the slightest. Sol was impressed, then he remembered she was thousands of years old.

“I mean I could explain this to you Queen Novo, but do you remember my warning last we met?” Sol asked. Novo looked confused for a moment and then her eyes widened. She realized that Sol’s last words to her were not empty.

“If anypony could prove I have the best interest of Equestria and beyond in mind. Who else but the Elements?” Sol asked. The grin on his face was enough to make anypony think he was a villain.

“So what are they going to do?” Cadence asked. Sol got up from his seat and turned to the 6 mares that walked in.

“Excellent question my dear Candy, brownie points for you” Sol quipped. She blushed, and upon hearing the pet name Sage pouted.

“I plan to get hit by said Elements of Harmony. And show you something I think might help change your mind.” Sol said.

“You want us to do what?!” Twilight exclaimed. Everyone looked at him like he had lost his mind. Twilight was in shock, she had only been told Sol needed help. She figured bringing her friends was more than enough to back him.

“Darling, I know you want us to help but this is too much,” Rarity said. Everyone besides Celestia nodded in agreement.

“How else do we plan to prove his words? None of you plan to wait to see if he does good or evil. You seek to leash him before he can prove himself” Celestia stated.

Golden Feather, Novo, and Torch all went to speak but couldn’t. They knew what Celestia had said was true, Sol seeing this smiled. If things carried on this way Sol might not have to follow through.

“Then what do you propose we do? We very well cannot let him do as he pleases?” The dragon Lord said after a long silence.

“As I Please you say?” Sol interjected. “ As I pleased would have been abusing the stars' magic. As I pleased, I would have seen our political bridges burned. As I pleased dare I say I would have your head” Sol growled at him. The room went deathly quiet at his statement towards the Dragon Lord.

“Come again Colt?” Torch said getting up from his seat. Sol walked over and stood in front of him. If Argus had hair he would have been pulling it out. The look he gave Sol as he confronted the Dragon lord was one of pure horror.

“I’m being quite generous, sharing my Opa’s magic, and building relations with every pony. Yet you seek to bind me so you do not feel insignificant” Sol spat.

Torch exhaled and flames came from his nostrils as they flared and his wings spread their full length. As both of them tensed, a moment passed and then another. The Dragon Lord took a seat and huffed in irritation.

“Alright, I apologize. Carry on Colt.” he said. The Dragon Lord crossed his arms and the room seemed to cool off.

“Now to you King Golden Feather, my statement to the Dragon Lord stands to you as well. Thoughts?” Sol asked. Golden Feather gave a devilish grin and leaned on the table.

“My, we came to talk reassurance for peace. So my proposal to you, marry my son here or we withdraw our search parties gathering information for your lost citizens” Golden Feather said coyly. The prince sitting next to his father looked at him, his green eyes wide in shock.

“Father forgive me but, WHAT? You would marry me off to some pony because he’s changed? He’s not even attractive!” Crown Claw whined.

Sol’s eye twitched hearing the outburst but he held it in. Crown Claw was the main reason Sol disliked visiting Griffonia. He was rude, condescending, and outright obstinate when it came to trade adjustments but he was reasonable, sometimes.

“I would, for the sake of balance and reassurance, that you would do whatever it takes to protect your ponies” The King mocked. Sol continued to hold in his anger, if he couldn’t do this much he was no better than the Dragon Lord.

“You would threaten withdrawal of help, and you think your son is a good fit for me. I'm hurt really. I’ll pass on marrying into such an unstable country” Sol said coldly. Golden Feathers' facial expression was unimpressed and irritated by Sol’s statement.

“You have a point, So here I am proposing an idea that will bring stability and understanding. Besides it seems the “Starbringer” is a separate entity from the others. You could use a leash.” The King said, sneering at Sol.

Sol ignited his horn and The Griffon King smirked. If using his magic against him, a King where to get out he would have no choice but to bow to him. To his disappointment however Sol merely summoned an open book.

“A book? It’s missing a page and I fail to see how this helps your ca-” The King said before being interrupted.

“I’m working on it, you overgrown Chicken. Jesus.” Sol angrily said. The king Balked at him and snorts of amusement came from across the room. Channeling his magic again into the books pages the page lit up like it did months ago.

“What is that?” The Dragon Lord asked. Sol slid the book over to him and used his magic to highlight a specific section of the page. The Dragon Lord read the highlighted section aloud.

The Starbringer is an artist that will likely be revered but misunderstood, the purpose of the stars is to guide and illuminate, the one who bears the title must be no different. Lead by example, comfort those who need it, offer your wisdom and time and above all else stay true to the beliefs you hold dear. . If the inheritor follows these guidelines the magic will not falter. This magic has been passed on for millennia, silently keeping balance between the entities whether they know or not. Inheriting this magic is the highest privilege and responsibility given to non-royalty. When he was finished reading Sol cleared his throat to get everyone's attention.

“This is the “Leash” you speak of. I deny all positions of royal authority in favor of teaching the masses. Leadership and accountability are my two faults. I fail to recognize when I should step up and when I shouldn't ” Sol admitted.

“This is Lies! Give me that book now!” Golden Feather shouted.

“That book is of Star Swirl's creation. You would call his work lies?” Celestia asked, raising an Eyebrow at him.

“I don’t trust that colt! He Insults me, and belittles my country! I need to see this for myself!” The griffon demanded yelling now.

“As you wish, but you don’t get to read it. Your son does” Sol said as he slid the book to Crown Claw. The griffon Prince read the page and gulped audibly.

“Father as much as I hate to say it. The rude pony is right… The writing matches what we have seen from Star Swirl” Crown Claw said. His face was turned away from Sol as he spoke. The King scowled and got up from his seat.

“Fine!” he yelled. “Do not expect any more aid until we get an apology for your Insolent remarks.” Golden Feather finished dramatically. Leaving and slamming the door behind him as he left.

“Thank gods, If what you said was not true he would have pressed the marriage proposal” The Prince said shivering. Sol nodded in agreement at the griffons remarks.

“Yeah, no kidding, you are not cute enough for me to want to fix a country” Sol quipped. The prince glared daggers at him but said nothing. Queen Novo cleared her throat, getting Sol’s attention.

“I am still here, and I have yet to be convinced otherwise as to why I should let you go?” The queen mused.

“Politically, we are fine. I see no reason other than personal interest for you being here.” Sol said. Novo hummed in agreement to his statement.

“And what makes you say that? Might I ask?” The queen inquired. Sol sighed before returning to his seat next to Cadence.

“1 You brought Sage, somepony I have never worked with, 2 you showed a week early. Dead giveaway. And 3 you told me” Sol said smiling. The queen gave a small laugh and nodded.

“Well you got me, but I am a mother first so you’ll have to forgive me for being firm on this” Novo said.

“I won’t so don’t worry, Twilight hit me” Sol said. Twilight flinched hearing the command.

“Sol… I don’t think this is a good Idea” Twilight said. Her friends murmured in agreement at the refusal.

“Twilight, this won’t end until I prove I am no threat. Hit. ME. NOW.” Sol insisted louder. Twilight looked to Celestia for help but the Princess only smiled and nodded at her.

“A-alright t-then” stammered Twilight. Looking to her friends they all got into a formation and began channeling magic.

“You might wanna move, from what I’ve heard this is not friendly for the surroundings” Sol cheekily remarked. Celestia cast barrier magic around the room to keep everyone safe. Except for Sol, the intended target.

“Are you really sure about not getting hurt?” Twilight asked one more time. Sol shrugged and laughed.

“Not at all, no. This is extremely reckless” Sol laughed. Twilight gawked at him, and her right eye twitched.

“FINE see if I care” The purple unicorn said. The room was filled with a bright white light blinding everyone in the room.

“WHAT THE BUCK WERE YOU THINKING?!” Cadence yelled.

Sol was on his back in front of Twilight. He was laughing so hysterically that even the pink earth pony in the room who was always smiling; was a little unsettled. When Sol calmed down he rolled over and shakily got up and returned to his seat.

“Ah sorry Candy. WOW, that was a rush!” Sol exclaimed. There were a plethora of unimpressed looks on most of the faces in the room. Save for Celestia and Queen Novo.

“You are just as strange as I have heard. Color me convinced you are not a threat” The queen said, sighing.

“But Mother what does this mean for m-” Sage began.

“You will have to take that up with the stallion in front of you. There is only so much I can push for, especially with Star Swirls grand foal” The queen said. Her tone of voice was still calm but Sol sensed she was slightly irritated.

“Sage, the answer is still a no. I’m not interested and I have no plans of leading you on.” Sol said plainly. The female hippogriff looked at him, tears welling in her eyes. She said nothing and ran out of the room.

“You could have had some tact to it Mr. Hamel.” Sky Star said to him.

“You know her better than I do. If I sugar coated it she might have gotten her hopes up. Again…” Sol said trailing off. Sky Star ran after her sister and the Queen made her way to the door.

“Until we meet again, pray you do not need a favor from us soon.” Novo remarked coldly leaving the room.

“Colt, I may not agree with how you did things. But should you need help you will have us.” The Dragon Lord said.

“I'm surprised really, but thank you” Sol said genuinely. Torch looked to Argus and back to Sol.

“You have done good by Argus my envoy, and the little dragon, what was his name…Spike yes. You have done right by our kind, so we shall return the favor” Torch said getting up. He bowed to Celestia, and left the room.

“I will inform father of whatever it was you just did. Should you need aid in your endeavor, address your letters to me. I will help with what I can” The griffon prince said. Sol looked at him confused at what he’d just heard.

“I’m sorry, could you repeat that. I didn’t quite catch that” Sol inquired. Crown Claw’s cheeks turned red and he rushed from his seat.

“Nevermind, Don’t ask for help see if I care” He said, scrambling out of the room. Sol just stood there looking at the door.

“What a strange dude, one second he hates my guts the next he’s a decent being” Sol said still dazed.

“You calling him strange? You are one to talk my friend” Argus said sarcastically.

“I’m surprised I can talk, what about you?” Sol said. This was met with more disapproving stares. Sol sheepishly smiled and then looked straight down at the floor.

“That was probably the dumbest thing I have ever seen anypony do, ever.” Twilight said, her voice cracking.

“But that was actually kind of awesome! You just got up like nothing happened” the Blue Pegasus with a rainbow mane said.

“Right.. I don’t believe I've met a couple of you?” Sol inquired facing Twilight and her friends. He knew Rarity, AJ, Twi, and Fluttershy but the other 2 were new to him.

“Oh I’m Rainbow Dash. Scoots was telling me about you. You gave them a magic box?” Rainbow dash said, unsure of how else to describe it.

“AND I'M PINKIE PIE! I didn’t get to throw you a party when you came to Ponyville so let's throw one NOW!” The Pink earth pony said bouncing up and down.

“Sure but before any of that-” Sol said using his magic. He summoned 2 bottles of wine and 11 glasses for everyone there. Pouring each pony a glass Sol levitated them to all in attendance.

“What is this for, and my it smells so sweet!” Luna asked, smelling the drink.

“Call it a toast to getting focused on getting our citizens back” Sol said, raising his class in his magic. Everyone grabbed a glass and raised them together.

“To friendship, trust, and teamwork,” Twilight said happily. They all nodded in approval, got close and clinked glasses. Sol lifted his glass to drink and paused watching everyone else drink.

“This is amazing…woah and strong,” Cadence said. Then she yawned followed by everyone else.

“What is this called Sol? I do not believe we had this in the royal winery.” Celestia asked as she yawned as well.

“Typical pomegranate, and grape wine. Might have used magic on it though” Sol admitted. Luna looked at him wide eyed as he said this.

“Why would thou do that? And why would we drink this then?” The Lunar princess asked worriedly.

“Oh, So you can’t follow me. Now that this is over, I’m heading out. I’m not going to have you guys get hurt trying to fix my mistake” Sol said, setting his glass down. He walked to the door and looked back at the group struggling to stay awake.

“But, why have us come here then-” Twilight asked. The hurt in her eyes made Sol feel bad but he wasn’t going to stop now.

“Twi It had to be believable. That I wanted help, anyway I’ll see you guys around. Or maybe I won’t” Sol finished saying . He left the room and summoned his travel pack as he walked to the front gate of the Castle. He wouldn’t have long before Celestia or Luna dispelled the magic on the wine. He picked up the pace and left the castle towards the train station. He flew up above the train and landed on top of it as it departed.

“Please trust me, just one last time” Sol muttered to himself. He could have asked for help like he intended to. However he felt compelled to do this alone, why else would he have been given all of this magic if not to protect.

Author's Note

And so our Sol sets off, he could have at least paid for a train ticket. Hope our boys magic is enough!