Canterlot, Capital City of Equestria
Royal Palace, Office of Princess Celestia

8:30 AM

As Princess Celestia exited her office, and glanced out a nearby window at the morning sun, she felt a sense of relief wash over her. It was a little-known fact that each morning when the Solar Princess raised the sun, it also had the secondary effect of healing any sickness or injuries she may have previously sustained.

Right now, the Solar Princess was quite thankful for it. After getting a thorough rest, she had returned to her daily duties that she had put off, in order to visit Azure Eyes at the hospital. Thankfully, Doctor Glade had reported that Azure Eyes pulled through the night, and was ready to give his testimony of what happened whenever the Princess was ready to hear it.

Taking up a slow stride, she walked through the familiar path of hallways that led to the main gates of the Palace, a smile resting on her face.

"Princess Celestia?"

As she turned to face the speaker, she saw it was a Lunar Guard, holding a packet of papers in his right hoof.

"Princess Luna wanted me to inform you that her meeting in the Crystal Empire went smoothly. She is on her way back as we speak, but due to a series of repairs on the train tracks, she may be a bit delayed. Other than that, there's nothing to report."

"Good." Princess Celestia smiled. "When she returns, do give her the reports of the attack on Azure Eyes. She needs to be brought up to speed as soon as possible."

"Of course, Princess." the Lunar Guard said, before raising a salute and quickly departing. Celestia was about to resume walking, when a thought came across her mind. A thought that quickly made her roll her eyes in self-embarrassment.

"I could've just teleported straight to the hospital!" she murmured, giving a quiet laugh. "Why did I not realize that before now? Maybe I just needed the exercise?"

She laughed quietly before vanishing in a flash of golden light, and reappearing promptly inside Doctor Glade's office. Unfortunately, the sudden appearance of the Solar Princess made Doctor Glade trip over his own chair, and fall to the floor.

"Oh, my apologies, doctor!" Celestia reached out a hoof to help the doctor up. "I didn't mean to startle you."

"Oh, it's fine." Doctor Glade nodded. "I've certainly had worse surprises in my line of work."

"Such as?" Celestia asked. Doctor Glade looked in both directions before whispering into the Princess's ear. When he finished, her face went white like a crisp bedsheet.

"That actually happened?" she asked, quite mortified at the thought of what Doctor Glade had told her.

"Yes. I was the only one to emerge out of the operating room with their scrubs not being one hundred percent covered in bodily fluids." Doctor Glade shuddered. "It still haunts my dreams. Anyway, Azure Eyes is expecting you."

"Then let us proceed."

====

Azure Eyes did his best to salute when the Solar Alicorn entered, only for the Princess to wave him off and sit down next to him. Doctor Glade stood nearby with a notepad and pen, ready to scribe their conversation.

"What happened that night? Remember, every detail helps." she asked, and Azure Eyes cleared his throat before speaking.

"It seemed like a typical night patrol. I was in Fairway Plaza, near the tavern, when I heard a series of rattling noises. Quick and sharp, almost like a martial artist cracking a wooden board, only quieter. I ventured closer, and I heard two voices."

"The first was a noble pony, a stallion. He sounded…posh, uptight. Then, he spoke about the performance of some kind of weapon or weapons."

"Weapons?" Princess Celestia asked. "Any idea what these two planned to use them for?"

"No, the first one only said their performance exceeded his expectations." Azure Eyes replied. "The second suspect, also a male, had a rougher, more defined voice. It reminded me of my Drill Instructor back at the Academy. He said that and I quote, "This is all you get for now", and that the first suspect "Needed to prove his worth, and after that, he'd be supplied with whatever he needed, exactly when he needed it."

Princess Celestia's brow furrowed, and she motioned for the Guardspony to continue.

"The first one said something, but was interrupted. I think it was "Panth-". Then, the second one said that all the first needed to do was follow orders, and he wouldn't have to worry about anything." Azure Eyes said. "They discussed if they had been followed, then the first suspect mentioned a new age in Equestria, of strength, resilience, and absolute authority."

"A bold aspiration." Celestia murmured. "What next?"

"That's when I think they heard me, and the first suspect came outside. He was wearing a long cloak, but I got a good look at his Cutie Mark. It was a Sun surrounded by flame. There's only one pony I know of with that Mark, Princess. It was your nephew, Prince Blueblood."

"Are you certain?" Celestia asked in a quiet voice.

"Yes." Azure Eyes nodded. "I'm dead sure it was him. The second suspect..was different, though."

"How so?"

"He, at least I assume it was a he, was tall, almost like a Minotaur, and had the stature of a primate standing on its back legs, and honestly, it was nowhere near as hairy as a gorilla or monkey, if you understand my meaning. It wore green and black clothing, with a vest covered in strange objects. I tried to sneak away, but the next thing I know, I felt two impacts on the back of my helmet, and I blacked out."

Celestia raised her eyebrows for a brief moment, before she turned away, placing a hoof on her chin.

"That's…that's impossible. They can't have made it here." Celestia mused, thinking hard. "Humans are a myth, a fairytale, a story made up in folktales and caricatured by horror writers. However, the last time I met a human, it didn't go well at all. That's not to mention that they don't utilize magic in any way...so how could they have bridged the Gap between Worlds?"

"Princess?" Doctor Glade's voice snapped her back to reality. "Is everything okay?

The Solar Alicorn turned to the doctor, and sighed deeply.

"No. I need to consult some of my records in the Canterlot Archives. I may have an idea as to what kind of being or creature injured you." she said, knowing that while it wasn't the full truth, it would be enough for now. "Also, if my nephew is involved, I will need to question him as soon as possible. Get better soon, Azure Eyes. I will return as soon as I am able."

Before either Doctor Glade or Azure Eyes could speak, the Princess had teleported away in a flash of light.

Author's Note

So, it seems the Solar Princess has secrets to keep...and she knows about humanity. A cool twist, am I right?

Next time - the Black Ops team storms a Pantheon facility outside Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and begin their journey to Equestria...