Silence echoed in the hallway, as everyone processed what they had just witnessed in the room Moonflower was in. The Wonderbolts huddled together, exchanging looks laden with confusion, immersed in a feeling of deja vu that hung in the air. Off to the side, Princess Celestia stood with unwavering serenity, though a flicker of unease flickered in her eyes, Aster, meanwhile, seemed lost in his own thoughts, his gaze fixed on the closed door.

Fleetfoot was the first to speak, her voice barely a whisper. - "That was... familiarly unusual, don't you think?" - she said, breaking the silence that had settled between them.

Spitfire nodded, her frown denoting concentration. - "Yes, a little" - she replied in a firm but sedate tone.

The group linked with meaning-laden glances as they tried to digest recent events. First, the ambush at Canterlot, the mysterious assault that, upon analyzing the behavior of the royal siblings and Princess Celestia, was not as unexpected as it seemed. Second, Moonflower's health, her surprising prowess in combat and defense no doubt perplexed them; where had that mare come from? And now, this slight but strange altercation with Shining Marigold and her sudden change of attitude. It all seemed to be part of a jigsaw puzzle with the pieces scattered on a bottomless floor.

Soarin interrupted the silence with a throat clearing, drawing the stares of his companions. - "I don't know about you, but there's something about all this that doesn't quite add up" - he expressed, his voice echoing with uncertainty.

Blooming could feel the doubt of the ponies around her, so, even with the skin of the prismatic pegasus, she dared to declare - "I don't understand what you mean, it's Equestria, situations like this are not so unusual" - Her comment caused the incredulous raising of the eyebrows of more than one.

• "I highly doubt that a surprise attack on Canterlot by a group of hooded unicorns for no apparent reason is an everyday occurrence" - Thunderlane pointed out, contradicting Dash's words.

• "And it's also not usual to find a single mare surviving three enemies in such a naturally brave way, at least, not that specific mare" - Surprise included, making them all rewind to the moment when they could glimpse Moonflower fighting with determination, but with little chance of coming out on her own.

• "That refined mare definitely knows how to hide her skills, who would have guessed she could do something like that?" - Misty Fly mentioned, her words echoing down the hallway - "if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I never would have believed it."

At this analysis, Spitfire frowned slightly as she pondered the comments and the facts. - "Her movements, her strategy, her agility... they're so..." - Before she finished her sentence, her gaze suddenly settled on the multicolored mare in front of her, Rainbow Dash.

• "...familiar" - Fleetfoot concluded, continuing Spitfire's incomplete sentence and following her gaze. The cyan pegasus visibly tensed, her wings flapping nervously, however, she did not mention a word for her own sake. Silence fell over the group again

Aster, sensing the growing tension, interjected. - "Listen, I know there are many unanswered questions" - he said, his voice calm but firm, choosing his words carefully. - "But I think the most important thing right now is to calm down and prepare for anything. This attack on Canterlot was no coincidence."

He had barely finished speaking when Spitfire, the captain of the Wonderbolts, stepped forward. Her mane, the colors of fire, seemed to almost sizzle with her indignation. Her golden eyes glittered with a mixture of confusion and anger.

• "Wasn't that a coincidence?" - she blurted out, her voice laden with accusation. - "You mean you knew this could happen and nothing was done to prevent it?"

Aster recoiled slightly, taken aback by Spitfire's vehemence. - "No, of course that's not what I meant" - he hastened to clarify, raising his hooves in a conciliatory gesture. - "I was just saying that..."

Before he could finish, a gentle but authoritative movement from Princess Celestia interrupted him. The alicorn, majestic in stature and with her ethereal mane billowing softly, addressed the group. Her voice, melodious and serene, filled the hallway.

-"My dear Wonderbolts" - she began, her gaze sweeping over each of those present - "the necessary explanations will be revealed to you shortly. Today's events have revealed that there is more at stake than we initially believed, and it is my duty to acknowledge that you deserve answers now that you are involved."

The princess cast a reassuring glance toward Aster, who nodded gratefully.

At that precise instant, the creak of the door opening drew everyone's attention. Shining Marigold emerged from the room, her face a mask of seriousness. She closed the door behind her, silence once again starring the stage, all eyes turned to her expectantly.

• "How is Moonflower?" - Aster asked without thinking, his voice full of genuine concern.

Shining paused, sighing, before answering. - "The doctor said her injuries aren't serious, but she'll need time to recover" - she explained, her voice soft but clear. - "The burns on her side and chest are the most worrisome, but with proper treatment, she should be fine."

A chorus of relieved sighs echoed down the hallway, the tension visibly easing in the shoulders of those present.

• "That's a real relief" - Aster mused, his eyes shining with restrained excitement. With purposeful steps, he strode towards the door that guarded Moonflower's peace, eager to see her

Shining Marigold stood erect in front of the carved oak door, her stance firm, almost defensive, as she watched her brother Aster approach with determined steps. - " She needs rest for now Aster" - she said gently, but without giving room for argument. - "Besides I think there are several matters we need to clear up here."

Her words seemed to awaken the group from their trance. With a graceful gesture of her horn, Shining Marigold gestured down the hall, the Wonderbolts nodded in agreement, their expressions a mixture of determination and curiosity.

• "A curse? Is that why you're here?" - Spitfire asked, trying to reaffirm in her mind what was related by the two royal siblings, her golden eyes glowing with a mixture of surprise and uncertainty as she tried to process the newly revealed information.

After walking down the corridors to one of the castle's spacious rooms, The Wonderbolts found themselves in a meeting room at the end of the hallway, its walls lined with dark wood and a large oval table in the center, which, had become the scene of a shocking revelation. The silence that followed the revelation was almost tangible.

-"The tour... it wasn't just for entertainment, was it?" - Fleetfoot intuited with narrowed eyes, connecting the large number of dots formed in such a short time.

Princess Shinning Marigold nodded gravely. - "That's right, we needed a way to alert the other kingdoms without causing panic and bring in as much help before we lost everything."

Misty Fly, who had remained silent until now, leaned forward. - "What can we do? We're not unicorns, we don't have magic..."

• "But you have influence and have shown good bonding work as a team from what little we've been able to see" - Aster interrupted, his voice steady despite the concern in his eyes. - "And now more than ever, we need unity. The curse speaks of An act of selfless surrender."

Surprise, she let out a nervous laugh, her curly blonde mane barely moving. - "An act of selfless surrender? That doesn't tell us much-how can we use our social influence to that end?"

High Winds, who had been quietly observing, stepped forward. - "And how can we be sure this isn't some kind of . elaborate fake?"

The tension in the room rose noticeably at this question, Shinning was the one who broke it - "I understand your doubts" - she began, her voice serene but charged with authority. - "But I assure you that the threat is real. We have kept this a secret to avoid panic, but with the threats received this afternoon you can be even more certain that it is not some farce" - she ran her gaze over each of the Bolts, who were watching her and listening attentively.

She continued - "Besides, you don't have to worry about solving the riddle of the curse, that's what Moonflower is for, she is aware of all this and she is the key piece to break the spell together with my brother."

Spitfire's eyes widened at this latest revelation. She exchanged quick glances with Fleetfoot and Soarin before speaking.
- "Is that why they were attacking her like that?"

• "What do you mean?" - Shining asked, her voice tinged with anguish and her facial muscles tense.

Spitfire began to relate, her tone becoming more serious. - "Most of the attackers were just wreaking havoc around the central square and scaring the ponies. But with her the case seemed to be otherwise. She was cornered and attacked by three of these at the same time, seemingly more powerful than the others, as if it was something more specific against her."

Nodding in agreement, Soarin added - "I concur. If we hadn't arrived, this probably would have ended differently."

Horror flashed across Shining and Aster's faces as they heard these words - "But that doesn't make any sense. There's no way they could possibly know that Moonflower is the one who will deliver the spell thanks to the union with Aster. Only we know that." - Expressed Shining, with a trembling voice showing her bewilderment.

Spitfire, adopting a more analytical stance, continued - "If I may say, the closeness you showed at the gala could not have gone unnoticed. There were many guests, so it's possible that the attackers in your realm got wind of it for that reason."

• "So, are you insinuating that the raiders might have a spy or informant among our ranks?" - Aster asked, revealing his concern in every word.

Soarin, with a serious expression added - "Or there is even the possibility that the attackers themselves were present at the event."

The tension in the room was palpable, every word and gesture loaded with meaning as everyone processed the implications of these revelations. Shining Marigold, visibly disturbed, brought a helmet to her forehead, her eyes closed in concentration.

• "If what they are suggesting is true..." - she whispered, her gaze riveted to the ground, her words barely a low whisper that echoed with an eerie solemnity. - "then the situation is even more serious than we thought." - Suddenly, she looked up, her eyes meeting Dash's, not only the figure present, but the essence behind the form, her sister, with whom she shared a connection laden with meaning and concern that transcended the obvious, whom she knew better than the mare to whom that body belonged. Blooming held her gaze with equal intensity and unease.

Celestia took a deep breath, breaking the tense silence and claiming the attention of everyone in the room. - "It is clear that we must intensify our vigilance and work together to expose any hidden threats that might be among all of us" - she proclaimed authoritatively, her voice ringing with a determination that infused the room with encouragement and earnestness.

The members of the Wonderbolts exchanged glances charged with complicity and mutual understanding. Despite the doubts clouding their thoughts, they were all aware of the urgency of the situation and the need to unite in a collective effort.

• "We need your support and backing, Wonderbolts, not only for your combat prowess as an aerial defense squadron, but also for your ability to inspire and unite" - Celestia stressed, emphasizing the importance of their collaboration.

Spitfire rose from her chair with her characteristic bearing - "You can count on us, Your Highness. The Wonderbolts are at your disposal." - she mentioned, her gaze full of resolve and commitment.

Between sighs of relief and gestures of thanks, Aster and Shining Marigold exchanged a look laden with meaning. - "We feel sincerely grateful," - Aster expressed gratefully. - "Your endorsement represents a valuable strength for us and our kingdom."

• "What is our next step? We need a concrete plan." - Fleetfoot asked, moving slightly forward.

Aster took the floor, his brow furrowing slightly. - "The first thing is to ensure Moonflower's safety. If our enemies have identified her as a key player, it's likely they'll try to attack her again."

Spitfire straightened up - "Then so be it. We will protect Moonflower and continue with the tour, hoping that you can break the curse as soon as possible."

Celestia, with a thoughtful gesture, suggested - "Under the circumstances, I think it would be prudent to move up the tour start date."

Shining Marigold nodded in agreement. - "Makes sense. The sooner we start, the sooner we can seek help and solutions. Besides, a sudden change in plans might disconcert our enemies."

• "I agree" - Aster expressed himself firmly - " We could present it publicly as a response to the recent attack, thus justifying the modification."

Spitfire, after noting the team's positive reaction, nodded. - " We will be ready to leave whenever necessary, Your Highnesses."

• "Thank you for your understanding and support," - Aster said, his voice ringing with gratitude. - "Please, I urge you to take a moment to rest and regain your strength. It's time for lunch."

The Wonderbolts nodded in thanks before retiring. Celestia took her leave with a nod, mentioning that she had urgent business to attend to. her commanding presence gradually fading from the room.

Aster and Shining Marigold stood up with renewed determination, purpose shining in their eyes as they walked out of the conference room in the direction of the castle dining room, behind the team of pegasus. They arrived at the brightly lit dining room, where the sun's rays danced on the elegantly arranged tables, creating a cozy, peaceful atmosphere that contrasted with the tense atmosphere they had left behind.

Aster turned to his sister, before they fully entered, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I think it would be appropriate to bring Moonflower lunch." - Aster suggested gently, conveying a sense of care and concern in his voice.

Shining Marigold nodded, understanding the importance of that gesture in both practical and emotional terms. With a serene smile, she headed toward the kitchen to pick up the lunch prepared for Moonflower. The dining room was bustling with the sound of utensils and the murmur of conversation, but the two siblings barely paused to greet the servants and pick up a tray with a hot meal.

The walk through the halls was marked by reverent silence, each step echoing with the seriousness of the moment in the direction of the room where Moonflower rested. Passing through the windows, Aster and Shining barely noticed the beauty of the gardens outside, their minds occupied with recent events and Moonflower's well-being.

Entering the room, Aster and Shining Marigold found Moonflower, resting under a blanket up to her neck on her back, just as Shining remembers leaving her, immersed in peaceful repose. The tranquility of her sleeping countenance brought a gleam of relief to Shining Marigold's eyes as she rested peacefully.

Inwardly, Shinning was grateful that the doctor was gone. When she left the room she had momentarily forgotten him and hadn't realized it until now that they entered.

Concern flashed in Aster's eyes as he advanced with careful steps, showing a mixture of anguish and affection for the brave wounded pegasus. He deposited the tray gently on the small table next to the bed, the light sound of silverware causing Moonflower to stir slightly.

The slow blinks of the cyan mare's eyes opened cautiously, adjusting to the light flooding the room.

• "Hey" - Aster whispered tenderly, a warm smile lighting up his face. - "How are you feeling?"

Moonflower tried to sit up with effort, letting out a grunt of pain - "I feel like a buffalo stampede ran over me" - she replied with a slight grimace of pain, her characteristic sarcasm intact despite the circumstances. Shinning brought a hoof to her forehead at the remark, but preferred to leave the mare in peace.

Aster rushed to assist her, placing a hoof gently on her back to help her upright. - "Be careful, don't strain yourself. The doctor recommended rest," - he warned gently.

• "Bah, I've been in worse situations" - Moonflower said proudly, though she didn't refuse the help.

However, a hint of intrigue peeked in Aster's expression. - "Really?" - he questioned in surprise - "How is that?" - He asked cocking his head to one side, doubtful.

Shinning throat cleared - "I don't think she wants to talk about it Aster" - with that, she took the tray between her hooves and placed the tablet with the lunch in front of Moonflower. - "We brought you lunch" - she informed, taking care to make sure she was fed properly.

Moonflower watched her and smiled, running her gaze over both unicorns - "Thank you both."

Aster smiled, relieved to see Moonflower conscious and speaking with her characteristic wit. - "You must eat to regain your strength" - Aster urged, settling in beside her with the firm intention of looking after her.

• "Exactly Aster" - mentioned Shinning approaching his brother - "And so do we" - Aster knew what his sister was referring to, but he simply didn't want to separate from Moonflower now that he could be with her after what happened.

• "You go Shinnning, I'll stay with her" - Aster said, soft-spoken but determined to give Moonflower support at that crucial moment.

She wasn't going to accept that answer, but somehow she understood her brother's subtle need to stay by Moonflower's side, even though she was afraid to trust Dash seeing the state she's in. - "All right, Aster. But I won't let you skip your lunch by staying here. I'll send the guards to bring you food" - Aster smiled complacently.

-"Thank you, Shining," Aster replied, his gaze returning to Moonflower. Shining made his way towards the exit, but not before directing a glance at Dash, seeking to convey in them the message of urgency and warning that his current state implied, he didn't want to alter her brother's memory. Without further ado she withdrew, closing the door behind her.

Moonflower attempted to adjust her position, manifesting a slight wince in the process. Immediately, Aster leaned forward with determination to assist her. - "Let me help you" - he expressed gently, wrapping his hooves around her to provide support and support. For a moment, their gazes met, and they both fell silent.

Moonflower's reaction interrupted the moment, her nervous laughter breaking the stillness. - "I'll wait until they bring your lunch to start" - she commented, looking for a funny way out of the situation, awkward at least for her perspective.

• "Oh no, that's not necessary" - Aster quickly rejected the idea - "You need it more than I do" - he replied kindly, insisting that Moonflower start her meal.

• "Okay, thank you" - she said and without waiting too long she lifted the tray to start eating. The truth had mentioned that 1. because she felt trapped and uncomfortable with Aster's closeness, again. And 2. out of politeness, since she was starving.

Aster, seeking to connect beyond the obvious, initiated a conversation to lighten the atmosphere. - "You are extraordinarily brave, Moonflower. I have no words to thank you for what you have done" - he expressed with admiration in his voice, wanting to convey his respect and appreciation for the mare's act of defending them.

A faint smile graced Moonflower's lips in response. - "I just acted like any pegasus would do in my place" - she commented between mouthfuls of food, acknowledging the compliment.

• "You know you're not just any pegasus to me" - Aster stated sincerely, bringing his hoof closer to take hers in a gesture of closeness.

A shiver ran through Moonflower at the contact, becoming momentarily speechless at Aster's gesture, her emotions fluttering within her as she assimilated how to reciprocate. After a moment of tense silence, she finally managed to articulate her thoughts. She felt a tingling in her stomach that had nothing to do with hunger. She swallowed the morsel in her mouth, searching for the right words.

• "I... thank you, Aster" - she finally said, her voice soft and slow. - "I simply did what I felt was right."

Aster shook his head, maintaining the intensity of his gaze. - "You did more than that, you stood up to them without thinking, defending your own with great courage. I didn't know you were capable of something like that."

Unable to help but feel uncomfortable at the praise, Moonflower averted her gaze to her tray of food. - "Well I just... I couldn't stand to do nothing" - she mumbled, taking another bite of food.

-"I'm definitely convinced that you're the right pony," Aster affirmed, with palpable conviction in his eyes.

Without expecting it, she choked on the food she was digesting. In the middle of the conversation, a knock at the door interrupted the intimate moment, a guard announced himself and entered, bringing Aster's lunch. He rose to receive it and then returned to his place beside Moonflower, placing the tray beside the bed as she recovered from the choking.

• "Indicated?" - She said suddenly, unsure, her mind speaking aloud.

Aster smiled, seemingly oblivious to Moonflower's discomfort. - "Yeah, you know, to break the curse" - he said with a serene tone as he began to eat.

• "Oh" - was the only thing that came out of her, what other answer could she expect after all, she already knew that information. She took a sip of water and continued eating.

• "The curse speaks of an act of selfless giving and loyal bonding," - Aster explained. - "Your bravery, your loyalty...these are exactly the qualities we need."

Moonflower sat up a little straighter, momentarily forgetting the pain - "But how can you be so sure? I mean, you hardly know me?" - she questioned with genuine curiosity, she wanted to know Aster's point of view to this whole mess.

Aster looked at her with piercing intensity - "But we have enough time for me to get to know you perfectly. Our connection from the beginning, the way you fit perfectly into all of this..." - He instinctively took the hoof again from the mare who continued to stare at him

• "don't you believe in destiny?" - he mentioned, pressing her hoof lightly. It was clear he was waiting for an answer

Moonflower frowned, visibly uncomfortable with the direction the conversation was taking. - "You mean we should get married or something?" - She replied with another question, trying to deflect the topic.

Aster blushed slightly before nodding slowly, though his tone denoted some hesitation. - "Well, traditionally, yes, I think that's the idea I think everyone's come up with, but I don't want you to feel pressured. It's just..."

• "The idea that I think everyone has come up with?" - Moonflower interrupted with a tone of suspicion and indignation. - "Everyone who? I thought this was a secret between your sisters, you and me" - Aster could sense a brief tinge of indignation in her tone. He worried that she was upset at his lack of consideration in not telling her that the Wonderbolts were aware of the situation, even though it was actually Celestia who got them involved.

He swallowed thickly - "Well, the Wonderbolts are now aware of the situation. We needed their help to..."

• "The Wonderbolts?" - Moonflower exclaimed, sitting up abruptly and wincing in the process - "Did they tell you about the curse? About me?"

Aster found himself rather surprised by her reaction - "hey relax, I thought you trusted them?"

Moonflower closed her eyes, breathing deeply with a shortage of patience. - "But what was the need to tell them about how I fit into all this?" - Moonflower mentioned in a complaining tone, demonstrating her disagreement, Her voice projected in a high pitch Aster was unfamiliar with and admittedly pained.

• "Moonflower, calm down please, listen," - Aster said, his voice firm but conciliatory. - "The Wonderbolts are our closest allies. We knew we could trust them to keep this a secret and to protect you, especially you after the attack." - At the hard look Moonflower was giving him, he preferred to avert his gaze and continue - "I didn't think it would bother you so much."

• "And it didn't occur to you or your sister that I might want to have a say in this? Why, coincidentally when I wasn't present, would you happen to tell the Wonderbolts?" - her eyes flashing with a mixture of fury - "They've barely known them a few days and expect the subject to be kept discreet" - her eyes rolling as her hooves crossed with disagreement.

The silence that followed was heavy. Aster could feel the tension in the air, the pain and frustration emanating from Moonflower in almost tangible waves.
- "Moonflower..." - he began softly - "you're right, I should have consulted you first. I didn't consider how this might affect you." - she said slowly, aware that every word might worsen the mare's unfamiliar strong temper.

There was a moment of silence as Moonflower processed her words. She wasn't going to lie, she didn't even try to disguise her annoyance, and yes, she knew that Aster most likely hadn't even realized what this implied, but Shinning and Blooming did. Her gaze relaxed and softened noticeably at this analysis.

Finally she spoke - "Sorry for putting myself out there like that, but I need you to understand something if you want this to work" - she said drawing Aster's full attention - "if I'm going to be a part of this, I need to be an active participant, not a modifiable piece on the board of you and your sisters." - Aster could sense a tone of resentment in her, he needed to fix it, he hated seeing her like this.

Aster nodded vigorously. - "Of course. I promise you that, from now on, every decision will be made together" - He dared to move a little closer, extending his helmet towards her in a gesture of peace.

Moonflower seemed to relax a little at these words. She looked at Aster's outstretched hoof for a moment, before meeting his gaze - "Thank you" - she finally said, taking his hoof, an action that cheered the steed visibly.

• "Moonflower, I want you to know that, regardless of the curse or any prophecy..." - he paused momentarily to select the best words, the bedded mare merely watching him curiously - "I respect you for who you are. Your bravery, your loyalty, your determination... those are qualities that define you, and most of all" - he pulled the mare's hoof closer to his chest. - "That I love about you."

Moonflower was silent for a few moments as the natural blush painted her cheeks, her gaze alternating between Aster's eyes and her hoof pressed against the stallion's chest. Her expression, initially filled with distrust, gradually softened and a small smile peeked over her lips- "I appreciate your words, Aster" - she said in a more relaxed facet - "sorry about a few minutes ago" - her gaze straying for a moment before meeting his again.

Aster nodded understandingly, his hoof gently caressing Moonflower's.

The sun was slowly creeping toward the horizon, tinting the sky with shades of gold and pink that heralded the slow flight of dusk as the doors to the room swung wide open. Shining Marigold and, to Dash's surprise, Blooming Rose in her own body, burst purposefully into the room, their faces marked by an unsettling mix of concern and seriousness. Moonflower twitched imperceptibly on the bed, her gaze suspicious but not surprised at the sudden entrance of the royal sisters.

Cautious but determined, she awaited the words that would come from the lips of Shinning and Blooming, the tension in her chest intensifying, a sense of unease and anticipation hugging her wounds with a heavily invisible cloak.

Author's Note

Hello everyone please forgive me for not having updated soon the truth is that I was a little busy with work and study however I plan to upload chapter 16 along with chapter 17 at the same time right now I am working on chapter 17 so I really hope you have a lot of patience I thank you very much for all the attention and love you have given to this story I hope to continue giving you that you deserve in all your time to read it so see you soon.