Conspiracy of the Heavens

Chapters

Beginnings Have To Start Somewhere
Discovery
Escape
You Got Mail
Sneakin' Around the Castle
Where To Go Next

Beginnings Have To Start Somewhere

Waking up at four in the morning is not something many ponies do. Twilight Sparkle however, isn't like other ponies. Not only was she awake but she had showered, brushed her teeth and combed her mane and tail. All that was left of her blueberry muffen breakfast was crumbs, now residing in the waste bucket.

"Ok...breakfast eaten...check, next is meeting with Top Notch in his office" Twilight said out loud while going over her list of things to do. Twilight looked up at the clock in her room. 'I better leave now.' she thought to herself. Placing her list down on the desk Twilight levitated her saddlebag off the floor where it lay and placed it snuggly on her back. Once she made sure it was frimly on she levitated a leather necklace with her I.D. badge off the desk and placed it around her neck. Twilight did a once-over of her room to make sure she hadn't forgotten anything.

Her room was much bigger then the other dorm rooms. It even had a washroom atttached to it. The other dorm rooms only contained four beds and a small collapsible table with little to no space for anything else. The color of her room was like any other rooms in the compound...gray and dull. She didn't mind it though, all rooms served a practical purpose. There was no need to beautify them.

Satisfied, she left her room and embraced the world outside. Twilight troted happily out of the dorm building heading toward her destination; Solaris Magnum the central building of the compound by the same name. The compound was located in a huge clearing within the Greenveil Forest north of Canterlot. Besides Solaris Magnum seveal other buildings resided on the landscape. There was two dorm buildings. One for soilders and the other for civilian engineers like Twilight. There was the mess hall and a military building that Twilight wasn't allowed into. All of the buildings were grey and white. Solaris Magnum was however, a bit different the the other buildings. It had eight floors and was shaped like a donut. In the middle stood a golden cylinder with a dome top. Even in the moonlight it glistened with unmatched beauty.

As Twilight got closer to Solaris Magnum she found herself walking pass several armed ponies. They ignored her as much as she ignored them. The soilders were on the site to provide protection to the civilian workers. Twilight also knew that they were here to carry out another duty related to the engine of Solaris Magnum but she didn't have the clearance to know. She shook her head dropping that line of thought. She felt it wouldn't contribute anything helpful to her now.

Two soilders sat besides the four tinted glass doors that was the entrance of Solaris Magnum. The two nodded at Twilight as she neared the door. Before her nerves could get the better of her she raised a hoof to the handle and pulled it open.

"On time like usual Miss Sparkle, you Continue to impress me." Twilight jumped in the awe, surprised at who had spoken. In front of her was old creamy brown stallion. His mane grey from age. His yellow eyes however, seemed just as bright and sharp as they had been during his youth.

"Mr. Notch...I...I thought we agreed that I would meet you in your office" Twilight said in a less then calm voice.Twilight thought she saw him smile but she blinked and it was gone.

Top Notch was amused by the bewildered Twilight. She was smart and reliable, which she had to be if she was taking over for him. He respected her skills but for some odd reason he found it funny how she would get bent out of shape if something happens that effect her time schedule. Luckly she usually got over it quickly...most of the time. "Yes I did say that but considering how we both want to get this over with so I can retire and you can work without me breathing down her neck, I though I would meet you here."

Twilight didn't realize how tense she was until she let out a sigh of relief. "Oh...um...yea this works out as well." A faint smile graced her lips. The old stallion nodded before turning around to walk deeper into the building. Twilight followed him without a word.

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For the next hour Twilight went around the building to make sure everyting was ready for 'sunrise'. Twilight doubled checked and even tripled check the mechanisms that were a part of the procedure to rise the sun. She even found the time to stop other workers to go over safety protocols, to their annoyance.

Top Notch simple watched, today he was just observing Twilight for the last time. He was passsing the gauntlet to her and he wanted the transaction to go smoothly.

For Twilight It was the happiest day of her life. She wore the mask of seriousness but she was jumping gleefully within the secrecy of her own mind. Long gone were the sorrow filled thoughts of having to give up joining the Magistium.

"Looks like everything checks out...next stop is the Sanctuary." Twilight said more to herself then to Top Notch.

The Sanctuary as it was called was the control room where one could say 'where the magic happens'. Though it is located on the fourth floor very few where given acess to such an important room. Being in a circular building it had two entryways both guarded by unicorn soilders. Upon troting up to one of the doors the soilders recognized Twilight and Top Notch. The two guards simultaneously rose a hoof to their head in salute. Both Twilight and Top Notch gave a slight nod in responce before opening the door.

The back part of the room was risen a few feet above the rest of the room. It was where the control hub was located. The other half was filled with machines humming away controling the electrical systems at the commands of the engineers in charge of them. There was a third door but unlike the other two this one lead to a chamber that connected to the engine room. Such a room was off limiits to non-military personal.

The greeting Twilight expected upon entering the room never came. The reason so happen to be that the two on duty engineers were having an in-depth conversation.

"yea, but that's what I don't get." A red mane unicorn said. "What do you mean?" his sliver maned companion asked tilting head to one side. "This facility supposedly has the hightest form of technology then anywhere else...well besides Lunar Magnum...yet we all have been told that the engine is way to advance for us to handle it properly and only the military can. Oh and while I am on the subject, why are we here if the military are the only ones allowed to take care of the engine, why not control the whole thing. Why have civilian engineers here at all." The red mane pony let out an aggravated sigh. His compainion gave him a wary smile before answering.

"It's because they need ponies who are smart enough to work here and not everypony with the needed qualities are in the military...I guess you can say that they are willing to let civillan ponies work here to keep everything-"

"Top Notch"

"Well I was going to for tip-to-"

"No, former Chief Top Notch." The red mane pony pointed a hoof over the right shoulder of his companion. In a flash the pony turned around to find himself face to face with Top Notch, The sliver maned pony opend his mouth to speak but nothing came out besides "ahhh." Both of the engineers shifted their heads to watch a purple mare trot up besides their former chief.

"While you are correct that the military needs qualified ponies to work here and is willing to hire civillans to take the job. It is also because they want the public to be given the feeling that they are, in a way involved with the celestial orbs, not just the military" Twilight reported in a dutiful manner. The red mane engineer exhaled loudly; making known his agitation toward the the ones who had butted into the private conversation.Twilight and Top Notch ignored it however. His friend however, smiled happily at Twilight.

"of course chief engineer Sparkle would know on the account that her brother is captain of-"

"Hush up, it is time we raise the sun...we need to be right on schedule and not a second late." The red mane engineer snorted in surpressed anger but joined the others in preparation.

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Throughout the compound gongs were heard signaling the begining of the sun rising procedure. There was however more ears listening to the gongs then the poines thought.

A black griffin with red eyes watched the poines scurry around quitely from the treeline. sensing his second in command behind him he spoke.

"In two minutes we attack and obtain the sun for king Sirius and our kingdom." he said smiling maliciously.

Discovery

"All systems green...energy sponges are at max intake levels...Let's rise us a sun!" The sliver mane engineer said with unbarred excitement.

"OK, commence rising of the sun." Twilight ordered. Her subordinates didn't need to be told twice. They immediately began inputting the command into the computer. Neither the two engineers nor Top Notch noticed Twilight's only expression of excitement; a small smile.

Though there was a room in-between them the whining of the engine could be heard from where the four ponies stood. Out of the whole process, this was the most unnerving part. It was not because this was the most intricate part of the process. Oh no, it was the whining of the engines. They all have heard it before but it got to them every time. The whining sounded like a pony screaming in agony. None of them could stop themselves from cringing as the volume of the engine increased. The whining however, was their only indication that the sun was rising see how there were no windows in the room.

For all it's preparation rising the sun didn't take long. Setting the sun was the same and the sun moved on it's own across the sky. The only thing they really had to do was monitor the pressure systems that kept the excess magical energy from the engine contained. Too little pressure and the energy would escape through the sponges that were designed to suck it up. Too much pressure would cause the energy to become volatile resulting in disaster.

As the whining of the engine stopped a new sound reached the ears of the engineers; a alarm

"Wha....we're under attack!" The sliver mane engineer stated with fear lacing his voice.

"It appears so Captain Obvious." his friend retorted. None of them had even been in an attack before. Even Top Notch who had been at Solaris Magnum for more then forty years. The ears of all four of them drooped. Twilight quivered a bit at the thought of Solaris magnum being attacked. She however, shook off the thought like one would shake water off their body after a shower.

"No...the soldiers here are well trained. They can handle whatever is out there." She would stand by her conviction but couldn't help feeling a ping of fear.

"That's it I'm getting out of here." The red mane engineer took off toward the door opposite of the one Twilight had entered. Twilight was about to speak but Top Notch beat her to it.

"Come back here you idiot, we are safer here then out there." Top Notched yelled as he chased after him. Having already reached the door the red mane engineer turned to face Top Notch. 'I think I rather take my chances then wait in a death trap." With that said he opened the door and turned his head toward the opened portal.

Sharp talons met his face, cutting though his flesh like a knife through butter. He fell to the floor a second later. Instead of running away Top Notch galloped to the Griffin. He was most likely going to try to beat back the Griffin and close the door.

As Twilight and the silver mane engineer watched Top Notch lose they barely registered the sound of the other door. Two Griffins rushed in, one with a spear...a pony spear. The spear carrying griffin notice the two turn to look at him. He took arm and threw it at them.

Since the appearance of the first griffin all twilight could do was watch in shock as the room was invaded. 'How...how is this happening.' She thought to herself.

Twilight recovered from the shock just enough to witness a spear flying right at her. 'NOOOOOO" A flash of sliver appeared in front of her. The engineer had jumped in front of her. He took the spear in the chest. Twilight instinctively rose her forelegs to catch the stallion as the force of the blow sent him crashing into her. It was at this moment that Twilight regain control of her body and mind. it was however, too late to stop the stallion's body from causing her to become unbalanced. She fell onto her back with the stallion on top of her.

'I'm going to die, I'm going to die' Twilight repeated to herself over and over. Too sacred to move Twilight stayed underneath the body. Twilight shut her eyes and clenched her teeth as the sound of talons against polyester reached her ears. She waited for the end to come, for the Griffins to find and kill her. That end never came and instead of the footsteps getting louder they became fainter.

Suddenly there was the sound of a metal door opening followed by yelling and sounds of battle. Twilights eyes shot open in confusion and surprise. Why hadn't they finished her. Surely the were trained soldiers for getting this far. They would be able to tell she was still alive just by looking at her. Two possibilities popped into Twilights mind. Either they believed the spear had pierced and killed her too thus thought it was unneeded to check her or they knew she was alive but were going to deal with her later.

Returning her focus on the sounds of battle she realized that while the sounds continued they had gotten quieter. Quickly but quietly Twilight pushed the body off of her and rose slowly to her hooves in a crouching position. Twilight slowly lifted her head to peek over the control hub that was blocking her view of the action. Immediately she had to ducked back down as a magic blast flew through the space were her head had been seconds ago. Twilight recovered from the fact that she nearly had her head blown of by hyperventilating.

A gasp then a thud of a body dropping to the floor caused Twilight to hold her breath. Somepony or someone had just won the little battle. She peered over the hub forgoing all safety. There in the chamber room stood a Griffin. It was male and had his back toward Twilight. The Griffin was looking down at the body of his foe.

Twilight briefly looked over the chamber from her location. It looked like a small hallway with just enough room to fit two ponies side by side. On the floor of the chamber were three other bodies, two Griffins and one pony.

A sudden movement caused Twilight to duck her head down but she raised it again immediately. The movement she had seen had been the Griffin reaching for his victim. said Griffin was now shuffling through the guard's armor. Twilight's ears perked up as the Griffin produced a key from the body. With his prize in talon the Griffin headed to the door leading to the engine room.

'What is he going to do? destroy it, take it...no I have never seen it but I doubt the engine is small enough to move.' Click Twilight was brought out of her trance by the key unlocking the door. It was at this moment Twilight realized what she should be doing. She should be defending the engine not letting the griffin do who knows what to it. She was the Chief engineer. It was her duty to protect and maintain Solaris Magnum. She was given this duty by direct order of the Equestrian Empire. To fail her duty meant she failed the Empire she swore to follow. She must stop this intruder or die trying.

Calling upon her magic Twilight teleported a few feet behind the Griffin. The Griffin had just opened the door wide enough to peek in. Twilight charged her horn with magic. 'Hey beak face." The Griffin spun around in surprise. Before he could react farther Twilight unleashed her magic bolt right at his face. The Griffin tumbled backwards knocking his head against the door. The force of the impact cased the door to slowly swing back stopped just short of touching the door frame. The Griffin collapsed on the floor.

Twilight looked up and down the Griffin's body. He didn't wear any armor but that wasn't what Twilight was focusing on. Instead she was looking at his talons. Normally Griffin talons were sharp enough to cause damage in a fight but not to the point of being lethal enough to kill on one strike; unless it was well placed. This Griffin's Talons however were sharpened to a point beyond what any normal griffin would want. They made an excellent weapon, razor sharp and deadly.

Twilight already saw the drawback however. The talons had no sheath making them deadly to their owners as well. Such Griffins had to be careful not to hurt themselves or their allies,

The blast had knocked had only knocked the griffin out leaving him very much alive. This however could be changed. Using her magic Twilight lifted one of the talons into the air. She manipulated the limb so the sharp talons were pointing down at his chest. Now all she had to do was force it down.

Hesitating. She was hesitating. She could do it easily but would she go through with it. Somewhere deep down in the core of her being something was telling her to not do it. She grinded her teeth scrunch up her nose and turned her ears back. No matter what she did physical or mentally she could not get rid of the feeling. Defeated she placed the talon back down besides the Griffin. He wouldn't be a problem for at least a few hours. What was the problem was the door, It needed to be closed and the key hidden. Since the door was right up against the frame a simple push would close it. Twilight put a hoof on the door and was just about to close the do when an unexpected noise reached her ears. A voice from behind the door.

"He. . .hello. . . is somepony there. . . please. . . please help me." The voice sounded feminine but broken up as if the speaker was exhausted or in pain. 'Who could this be' Twilight thought to herself. It could be a solider but it's female. There aren't many females in the military. Even if it was why would she sound exhausted when the Griffins hadn't even breached the engine room.

To find her answer meant going through the door. Doing so would be breaking the law which in this case could be punishable by death. She had never broken a law or rule before why should she start now. Like with the Griffin something swelled up within her, something she couldn't suppress. This time however she could name it, it was curiosity. She had not been filled with such curiosity since she was a little filly before she was told what job she would eventually take.

Twilight didn't know what the deciding factor was. It could have been that no one else was there. It could be that she felt that she could defend the engine by waiting inside. Maybe it was the fact that either way she may die be it by Griffin or public execution. Whatever the reason was she grabbed the latch and opened it.

There was no super advance engine that had the unearthly power to control the sun. Instead there was a large white pony laying in the middle of the cyclical room. The pony's mane and tail was divided into four colors; powder blue, light green, violet and pink. She had a horn longer then Twilight had ever seen before. There also oddly shaped bulges on the pony's sides.. The base of the pony's horn had some sort of brace. Even at the distance she was at Twilight could see what looked like glowing words on it. The brace wasn't the pony's only restraints. Four cuffs attached to chains were clasped around the legs. Again Twilight spotted the glowing words.

"Runes, old magic. . .that keeps me. . .from escaping or using magic." Twilight jumped at the sound of the voice only to realize it was coming from the mystery pony. The two stared straight at each other form a moment letting Twilight take note of the pony's Magenta eyes. Quietly Twilight trotted up to the pony. The white pony watched even picking her head off the floor where it had been just a moment ago.

Twilights' eyes widen as she got closer. The strange bulges weren't bugles at all but wings. Upon farther investigation she identified the pony's cutie mark, it was an image of the sun. A. . . Alicorn is this even possible. The only Alicorn that was suppose to exist was the queen. yet in front of her was another one.

"I. . . can tell by the inquisitive look you have that you...aren't a solider. . . I thought something was up when the door opened but nopony came in."

"Your the one who actually rises the sun!" Twilight blurted out. The white pony stared at Twilight in surprise, then without warring she giggled. It was a soft and light giggle. The type of giggle that could relieve all tension.

"out of all the things. . . I expected a pony would say I wasn't expecting that." The pony giggled again. "Yes I am the one who rises the sun-" the pony's face darkened "-even though this isn't the conditions I want to do it in." The pony said woefully.

A this point however, Twilight was only half listening. Before was a Alicorn that shouldn't exist. A Alicorn where a machine was suppose to be. The Equestrian empire had outlawed all types of slavery in the first years of it's establishment. Clearly chaining a pony up and making them preform some type of labor was just that. While it could be possible that the pony was a criminal but it just didn't feel right for Twilight to think that. Twilight knew that the empire had secrets but this was just unbelievable.

"are you ok" A concerned voice asked breaking Twilight away from her thoughts. 'Huh. . . what?" Twilight stammered involuntary. "You weren't responding to anything I said." The Alicorn looked at Twilight with worried eyes.

"Oh I'm fine."

"Then can you tell me what's going on?" The Alicorn asked politely. Twilight glanced at the door to see if anypony was coming; no pony was.

"the facility is being attacked."

"What happened to the guards."

"They. . . died." the Alicorn's ears drooped as a look of pure sadness appeared on her regal face. "oh. . .poor dears."
Twilight was confused. The Alicorn had been trapped here for who knows how long and yet she felt sadden by the fate of her captors. No pony in their right mind would do that. Before she vocalized that question she stopped. They had wasted enough time already.

If it had been just a machine she would have probably shut and locked the door guarding the engine with her life. Even if she died she would have been satisfied to serve the empire. It was different now that she knew the truth. She felt angry and confused. The empire she looked up to and severed dutifully was doing things she wouldn't stand for.

"You're leaving aren't you." The Alicorn said in calming voice. Twilight gave a slight nod. "Let me get out of those chains. . . I don't why I'm doing this." Twilight sighed trotting closer to the Alicorn. Lowering her head Twilight began to examine the runes on the cuffs. The Alicorn in turn gave her a funny look.

"With a precision magic beam you could cu-" "No that will take to long" Twilight interrupted earning an 'Excuse Me'
look from the Alicorn. Without saying a word Twilight lowered her head till her horn touched the cuff on one of the Alicorn's forehooves. After several seconds the cuff made a click sound and unlocked. "See" she said raising her head. Twilight's eyes closed as she smirked, very pleased with herself. "While there aren't many books on runes I so happen to have read them. This type of rune just required a pony to know the correct unlocking spell within an acceptable frequency. The only ponies who can are those who's talent is related to locks or unicorns who have a talent with magic which I so happened to be."

"Um. . . there's more" The Alicorn replied blankly holding up her other for hoof jingling the chain.

"Oh. . . right."

Three cuffs and a horn brace later the Alicorn was free and staggering to her hooves. Her legs were wobbly but she was able to support herself. Giving a nod to Twilight they left the room. Once they had reach the connecting chamber Twilight closed the door as the Alicorn went ahead. Once the deed was done Twilight turned around to find that the Alicorn was just standing at the opposite door way. "Hey we need to get a move on if we are lucky the empire is still fighting the Griffins off so we mi-" Twilight stopped talking as her eyes fell upon the same thing the Alicorn was looked at. Twilight's eyes widen in shock at the sight before her.

At the control hub was a certain sliver mane engineer working away at the controls. His body was facing sideways to avoid hitting the control hub with the spear still sticking out of his body. His eyes made this sight even more inconceivable. They were glazed over and sightless, the perfect indication that he was suppose to be dead and unmoving. The corpse seem to be paying to much attention to the controls to notice the two. Twilight took one step into the room. The sound of the hoof against the floor caused the corpse to stop moving. The head jolted up, eyes shifting back and forth between the two ponies in front of it. Without warning the corpse shot a magic bolt at the hub. The action made the two ponies jump. The corpse smiled at this before falling to the floor.

Recovering from the scare first Twilight teleported to the hub franticly searching for any indication of what the thing did. "What-what was it doing?" the Alicorn asked; worry creeping into her voice. Twilight shot her a glace full of fear and anger. "well it's hard to tell with a hole in the computer but I guess from what I can see it probably rose the pressure to dangerous levels."

"What will that do."

"Oh just blow up the entire compound." Twilight said in a matter-of-fact tone.

Escape

Running! Running is good especially when you have just under ten minutes to escape a doomed compound. A new alarm could be heard across the entire compound. The alarm had gone off just moments after Twilight discovered what the corpse had done. The one good thing that came from the blaring alarm was that all the fighting had stop since both sides were now running for their lives.

Twilight galloped past dead bodies of both Griffin an pony. Every now and then she looked back at to she if the Alicorn was behind her. The Alicorn was always present thought the distance between them was increasing slightly every time she looked. It didn't take long to reach the lobby. The doors were closed but instead of slowing down to open it Twilight fired a strong magic bolt. The magic bolt made contact with the door and the door exploded in reply. Through the smoke and debris Twilight ran. Her ears sprayed back to listen for any sign of the Alicorn. After a few seconds she heard another set of hooves conforming that she was still being followed.

She never had to run so much before in her life and it was taking it's toll on her body. Twilight did not pay any attention to the world around her. She, instead focused her sight on the tree line. With muscles burning, adrenaline coursing and heart pumping she soon reached the her goal. It was at this moment she turned her head back to find that the Alicorn was not behind her. Thankfully the clearing allowed Twilight to spot her easily. The Alicorn had fallen to the ground a few yards away and was not getting up. An aggravated sigh left Twilights lips as she ran back to the Alicorn.

"What are you doing we have to go NOW" Twilight yelled at the downed pony. The Alicorn opened her once closed eyes to look at the incoming mare. Breathing heavily she spoke." I...I can't, I...haven't had enough time to recover...go...go my little pony escape from this place...I am graceful that you freed me but I can not go any farther...and I don't want to be the cause of your death...so please go..."

"Oh shut up if you have the strength to talk then you have the strength to get up. Yes I did free you and I'm not about to let my efforts go to waste. I absolutely hate it when my efforts go to waste...NOW GET UP." Twilight started to nudge the Alicorn to get up. Twilight went from left to right and from front to back pushing the Alicorn to get up. Her efforts were rewarded as the Alicorn slowly rose to her hooves for a second time.

Twilight placed a hoof on the Alicorn's front right leg. her horn lit up and then the duo was instantly teleported to the tree line. Twilight let out a small laugh "Stupid. I should have done that from the start. Without wasting another second The two of them began walking farther into the forest.

Suddenly the ground began to rumble and trees started to shake. Twilight turned her head back to look at the compound while the Alicorn turned her head slightly to look at Twilight.

"Damn we aren't far enough away." Twilight head jerked to the Alicorn's direction "Get down on the ground, get as flat as you can." Twilight ordered. The Alicorn followed the instruction without comment or complaint for it was much easier to lay down then to get up. Twilight laid down beside her and cast a shield spell. This shield spell however was not like a normal one. instead of a regular wall the magical shield curved over the unicorn and the Alicorn yet it did not incase their bodies. Just as the spell was complete a shockwave fell upon the duo. Twilight clinched her teeth and closed her eyes. The Alicorn copied the latter.

The shockwave lifted rocks, dirt and shrubbery into the air. The following explosion sent them hurdling in every direction The full force of the explosion hammered at Twilight's shield. Pain shot from her horn to the rest of her body as she struggled to keep the shield up. No longer able to hold it in Twilight screamed. The pain was so much she couldn't tell if her shield was still up or if it had broken. The pain continued on for what felt like hours an then there was nothing. The last thing Twilight heard before she blacking out was somepony saying a name. "Nexus."

A slight headache told Twilight that she was still alive. Her senses slowly returned along with awareness of her surroundings. Her eyes were still closed but she could feel the ground pressing against her back. Somehow she had been tossed on to her back from her original position. A cool breezed passed over her body making her shiver a little. Unable to prolong the enviable Twilight opened her eyes. Her vision was blurry at first preventing her from making out details of what she was looking at besides the fact that it was big and white. After blinking a few times her eyes adjusted and focused. Twilight's eyes shrink as she relied what the big white thing was. It was the Alicorn staring down at her. A expression similar to that of a worried mother was plastered on her face.

"Are you ok my little pony?" The Alicorn asked softly. Twilight's first response was a groan as she lifted herself off of the ground.

"I...I'm fine just a headache from magic overuse. . . and don't call me your little pony." Twilight waited for a response but was surprised by the one she got.

"What is the last thing you remember?"

Mentally agreeing that it was a good idea Twilight search her mind for whatever memories she could find. "There was an attack. I found you...then the corpse of one of my subordinates overloaded the pressure systems. we ran and then I placed a shield up to protect us." Once she was done Twilight looked around to see the aftermath.

The ground underneath her an in the immediate area was untouched due to her shield. The land around the duo wasn't so lucky. The ground was barren, the grass torn away it's roots. Trees littered he ground laying in each and every direction. The trees that hadn't been torn from their location were now bent and broken. There was no signs of any buildings having ever been built. In the distance Twilight could see where the explosion's imprint on the land lessened till all signs of what happened disappeared into the still bountiful part of the forest.

"How long have I been out?" Twilight asked rubbing her forehead. "Three hours since the sun rose." the Alicorn replied. Sure enough the Alicorn was right. Twilight made sure by checking the location of the sun. A skill that she had to learn to become chief engineer. Though the land was destroyed Twilight felt a sense of calmness wash over her. For the first time that day she was able to relax...and realized the gravity of her situation.

"Great just great." The Alicorn shot Twilight a concerned gaze at her sudden outburst. Twilight ignored the Alicorn and continued on. "First day, My first day working a job of a lifetime and guess what happens...Griffins attack, not only that but I found a Alicorn who just so happens to be the actual one who rises the sun..." Twilight stopped her rant and stared into the Alicorn's eyes. "Your still going to raise and lower the sun, right?" The Alicorn nodded. "Oh...ok...that's good then, we won't be in eternal darkness. Of course that also mean that they will know that you are still alive which means they will find out who helped you which will cause them to come after me and kill me to keep this all a secret...MY LIFE IS RUINED." With that Twilight dove her head into her hooves sobbing hysterically.

The concerned expression of the Alicorn morphed into one of pity and sorrow. She lifted a hoof to place on the crying mare shoulder. Things did not play out that way however. The instant the white hoof touched Twilight she shot up. A angry glare was present on her face. "You...it's your fault that this happened...if you hadn't needed to be free then none of this would have had happened." Twilight said pointing a hoof at the pony before her.

Not wanting this to go any farther The Alicorn spoke. "It's nopony's fault this happened...Tell me m- young one, what would have happened if events hadn't played out the way they did?"

Somehow the soothing voice of the Alicorn was able to calm Twilight down. "Most likely the Griffins would have entered the room again and I would have been killed. I...I don't know what they would do to you...maybe capture you or kill you...though I don't know what would happen with the corpse. Griffins don't use magic and even if they did it's against their beliefs to use any form of necromancy.

The Alicorn nodded, satisfied with Twilight's answer. "See, through your actions you have just saved two lives where they may have been lost if another path had been chosen. Now I think it's way past due for introductions...may I ask for your name.

Twilight nodded "I'm Twilight Sparkle, and you are?"

"I am Pr-... call me Celestia"

Author's Note

I guess it's a good thing the explosion destroyed all the couches along with everything else. It appears I channeled a bit of Rarity into Twilight in the end.

You Got Mail

Two mares silently trotted through the desolate landscape. The torn up ground felt hard and dry against their hooves. It had only been a few minutes since they had introduced themselves. Having nothing else to do, the two of them started their journey south toward pony society. Normally Twilight didn't mind silence in fact she relished in it. This time however it bugged her to no end. Her mind swirled with thoughts, many of them questions she wished to ask the Alicorn Celestia. Instead of voicing her questions Twilight would give Celestia a weary glance every once and awhile. Celestia was not blind to this.

"Is there something wrong Twilight?" she asked pleasantly.

"Well...just how did you end up the way you did." Twilight voiced her question no longer caring to hold back. Celestia frowned at this. It was not because of the question itself but of the memories it brought up. She notice Twilight staring at her queerly, waiting for her to answer. Taking a deep breath Celestia begun her story.

"It has been around a thousand years since the Equestia was founded correct?"

Twilight nodded slowly "Not exactly a thousand but yes, it's been about that long."

"As I'm sure you know the time before the establishment of Equestia was very tough for ponies. A year long winter caused by the windigos did nothing to help the situation. It was both my sister and my duty to watch over the three tribes. Unfortunately neither of us were able to focus on helping them for a gather threat was present. A threat that had appeared just before the Windigos...Discord."

"Discord? The draconequus? History books said a group of ponies from all three tribes came together and defeated him." Twilight interrupted.

Celestia shook her head. "That never happen...though the three tribes united around the same time Discord was defeated buutttt I'm getting ahead of myself here. Since I was to busy with discord I ask an acquaintance of mine by the name of Starswirl as well-"

" YOU KNEW STARSWIRL THE BERADED? Twilight cut in with great enthusiasm.

"uh...yes"

"Oh my gosh, oh my gosh I've read every book that he wrote, well all the ones they released to the public, but still...you actually knew him. tell me what is he like." Twilight requested jumping up and down like a foal who just got their cutie mark.

"Uh...well he was smart, respectful and very curious about the world around him...though he never really had any friends." Celestia said sadly. "Now please Twilight, let me finish. "Twilight responded with an apologetic look.. "Now where was I...oh right. Along with Starswirl I asked some unicorns I had taught how to use the Sun Rising and the Sun Setting spell too. Unfortunately Starswirl disappeared leaving his apprentice behind, the other unicorns ended up caught in the politics of the unicorn tribe. I thought all was for naught till my sister and I found the means of sealing Discord away in stone. Through one way or another our efforts were made known and the ponies asked for us to help them build a better future. We agreed. Within ten years construction on Canterlot castle was nearing it's final stages. I along with my sister had helped in it's construction while also tutoring unicorns in magic...It was right after the castle was complete when...when we were betrayed. A banquet was held to celebrate the completion of the castle. After eating I felt strangely wary so I excused myself from the party and headed off to my room. I do not remember if I made it to my room or not but when I woke up I was in the dungeon with a restraints attached to my hooves and wings as well as a magic dampener on my horn. For many years I was held there, the raising of the sun was left to my students and their own apprentices. I assume that without my presence they eventual stopped rising the sun for some time after solders came for me, drugged me again and took me to a remote underground location. It was there they started forcing me to control the sun, but with more force then was needed...after about three hundred years later I was again moved to the room you found me in. The only reprieve they gave me was removing the bindings on my wings after the last move...well that is my story...Twilight?"

Celestia finally noticed that Twilight was not trotting beside her. In her worried state she jerked her head around trying find her missing companion. Only when Celestia turned completely around did she find Twilight standing a few feet behind her looking at the torn-up ground.

"Twilight?" Celestia spoke quietly approaching the violet pony on soft hooves. Instead of looking at her Twilight continued to watch the unmoving ground. Her mouth opened and closed several times but no sound came out. She wanted to say something but couldn't. It was not because of emotional attachment to whatever she was deciding to say or not, rather it was similar to when doctor isn't sure if it is a good idea to tell a patient the bad news.

Twilight sat down on her haunches not minding the broken ground against her rump. She looking up at Celestia as if doing so will help her decide. Celestia's expression remand neutral throughout the ordeal. The only action she took was copying Twilight's sitting position. Finally Twilight spoke "The insane magi incident." Celestia rose a brow but stayed quiet. "hundreds of years ago two groups of unicorns were said to be the wielders of the sun a moon. History states that when word of a mechanic device that could magical control the sun and moon was being built the two groups became outraged to the point of insanity. It was believed that they didn't want to share their power thus they tried to kill the king and queen...they however lost and all were sentenced to death."

"My...my students...killed." Celestia's eyes began to water. Her left hoof lift off the ground, ready to stop any tears that might try and escape. "They would never do such a thing like that...yes the did get caught up in polices that one time but I made sure to teach them to...to be kind to all ponies and not to be persuaded by the selfish ones. No, I do not believe that they would try to anything like that just because their ability to control the sun was threaten.

Twilight, who had spoken in a monotone tone as well as kept a straight face while she had recited historical event frowned a bit at the grieving pony before her. "Listen I'm just telling you what I read in history books who knows wha-"

Twilight stopped abruptly for her horn had suddenly pierced an object. While a unicorns horn is the need component to cast magic it is also an extension of their bodies; similar to a limb. Whatever her horn had come in contact with it was soft, spongy and had some weight to it. Celestia's still watery eyes looked upon her in confusion.

Taking both her forelegs Twilight reached up and slowly lifted the object off her horn. The confusion was doubled as she lowered the object into view. It was muffin.

"Opps, sorry that's mine" came a feminine yet low voice from above. In unison the two mares on the ground looked up. There they spotted the owner of the voice. A grey Pegasus with a blonde mane and tail. The Pegasus was looking down at them...well at least it look like she was for her eyes were not aligned with each other. She wore a dark blue vest and a blue cap. A big satchel hang from the side of her body close to her flank.

The Pegasus flew down and landed next to Twilight. "hehe sorry My boss keeps telling me to not eat while flying but it's kind of hard to resist on long flights." The Pegasus smiled apologetically. Not a moment later the Pegasus reach up and plucked the muffin from Twilight's hooves and began eating it.

While Twilight was not amused by the Pegasus's antics Celestia watched the flight capable pony with interest. Upon eating the last of the muffin with a smile the Pegasus wiped her muzzle with a hoof. "...oh do either one of you know were I can find a place called Solaris Magnum?" The Pegasus asked tilting her head.

Twilight and Celestia shot each other a look but immediately turned their attention back to the Pegasus mare who was had started talking again.

"-but nothing is here beside a crater. maybe it's farther north?"

Finally Twilight interrupted "uh why do you need to reach Solaris Magnum?"

The Pegasus looked at Twilight like she still had a muffin on her horn. "I'm a express mailmare silly I need to deliver a letter to somepony who works there." The Pegasus grabbed the strap of the satchel with a grey hoof and pulled it closer to the front of her body. opening it she shuffled through the satchel for a good minute before pulling out a envelope. "Ah Mr. Soggybottom at.......opps wrong one." The grey mare returned the letter to the satchel and begun looking around for the correct letter. taking a bit longer then first time she eventually pulled out another envelope. "yes this is it, To Ms. Twilight Sparkle at-"

"That's me" Twilight called out.

The mailmare rose a brow. 'Um I was supposed to take this to the mailroom...but I guess I could give it to you if your are really Twilight Sparkle. Can you show me some type of ID since there's no house address to conform."

"Of course here...it...is?" Twilight had lifted a forehoof to grab her employee ID. It grabbed nothing but air. She looked down to see what her sense of touch had already told her. There was nothing around her neck. Twilight let out a silent cruse, somehow her ID badge had been ripped of her body at some point during the events of the early morning.

She retuned her sight to the awaiting mare. "I lost my ID but I swear that I am Twilight Sparkle." Twilight plead with the Pegasus.

The Pegasus gave her a long hard stare or at least the best she could manage. "Ok, I believe you." The mailmare said coming to a decision. The grey Pegasus hoofed the letter to Twilight. "By the way do you know what happen here.?" The mare asked waving a hoof at the surrounding land.

Celestia was the one to answer "There was...an attack by Griffins...uh the whole place blew up."

"oh...that sounds really bad... I hope more ponies survive. well at least you two are alive. Oh I better get going I need to report this, bye." The Pegasus opened her wings and took off into the air. Celestia watch in confusion as she left. "I wonder why she didn't say anything about me. I would think a being like myself would raise questions from modern ponies."

"Mmmhmm" Twilight replied not really listening. "A letter from my parents? They sent me one last week, they should need to send me one till next month." Twilight mumbled as she tore the envelope open with her magic. Twilight quickly unfolded the letter that was inside and began to read. Celestia remained quite giving twilight privacy.

"..."

".....!"

"WHAT! My brother is being charge with treason!!!" Without another word Twilight dropped the letter and took of galloping toward the forest. Celestia's initial shock at Twilight's outburst faded away only to be replaced by a look of determination. Her wings shot out full length letting her take to the sky as she flew after Twilight.

The first thing Shining Armor become aware of was his body being thrown onto a cold stone floor. Second thing he notice was the pain he felt from his cuts a bruises. Lastly he heard the sound of a metal door closing and locking. "And to think I looked up to you." came a voice before the sound of hoofsteps fading into the distance was heard.

The white Unicorn with blue mane and tail knew where he was. It was a prison cell in the castle dungeon. Shining wanted nothing more then to lay on the cold floor. the cool temperature of the floor helped numb his wounds.

The fates, however had a different plan. "Vhat is this? pony guard most not like you much to place you vith me." The voice was deep and hardy. Shining's ears perked up a bit in response to the voice but otherwise id didn't move. "Floor is no place for pony. Come lets get you to bench."

Shining blocked out his cellmate's voice and movement until he felt a limb reach around his shoulders. The limb ended
with talons not hooves. The talons gently tucked underneath his body right behind his forlegs. He felt his body being lifted up. Letting his curiosity get the better of him he opened his eyes to see his cellmate's face. It was indeed a Griffin.

The Griffin's avian half looked more like a falcon the a hawk especially with the dark blue color of his feathers. The color of his lion half was the same if not a tone lighter. He had deep ember eyes that seem full of life even though he was in the dungeon.

The Griffin could feel Shining tense up in his hold. "Have no fear pony, if I vanted to hurt you I vould have done so." Having no other choice Shining allowed the Griffin to lead him to a bench that was bolted to one of the walls. Just as he sat down did the pain of his wounds come back with vengeance. He stifled a grunt not wanting to so weakness to the his cellmate. Had his magic not been sealed by a dampener he could have used a spell to ease some of the pain.

After a few minutes of sitting in the dark quietly Shining's eyes began to wonder around the cell. There wasn't much to it as one would expect. There was a pile of dirty hay near a wall which served as a bed. A small basin was next to it though it was empty. Finally not to far from the bench was a hole that served as the toilet.

"-for." Shining barely manage to keep himself from jumping as the voice of the Griffin yanked him from his thoughts. "What...what did you say?" he asked the Griffin.

The Griffin gazed at him for a moment before repeating what he had said. "I vas vondering vhat pony did to be thrown in here for." Shining didn't answer, instead he just tuned his head away from the Griffin redirecting his sight on the floor.

The Griffin let an annoyed sigh escape his beak. "Fine if pony doesn't vant to talk then ve will sit in boring silence." Shining turned his ears to face the Griffin to indicate he was listening but otherwise did not look at him. His sights drifted back to the empty basin for no real reason. The Griffin noticed this and spoke up. "If I knew I was getting cellmate I vould not have eaten or drink everything, apologize. But hey there is next time. yes?"

Shining let out a small pathetic laugh "I appreciate the though but they will probably will kill me by tomorrow evening."

"Oh why is that?"

"Treason is punishable by death and I have the committed what would be considered one of the worst forms of it." Shining paused for a moment deciding that it didn't matter to try and keep it a secret. "I was caught making out with Queen Mi Amore Cadenza." Shining focused his sight on the Griffin expecting his jaw to drop. What Shining got instead was an amused expression.

"Vas it vorth it?"

Shining smiled slightly "Yea...it was." he tilted his head upward to stare at the ceiling hoping she was alright. As he had said to the Griffin he was making-out with the Queen or as he called her Cadence. They were discovered by none other then the King himself, King Blueblade. Guards were called and Shining when quietly. After that he was question while being constantly beaten. Most of interrogation was really focused on trying to get him to admit he had gone farther the just kissing. Of course they hadn't and Shining kept telling them that never giving in to them. At some point he must have lost consciousness and now here he was with an unusual Griffin.

Shining felt a talon tap on his shoulder. Once again Shining attention was held by the Griffin. "I know pony say that death may come soon but I vould like to know name. Mine his Vlad."

"Shining Armor" Shining replied solemnly.

"If memory is correct that is name of pony in charge of royal guard." Vlad said scratching the lower part of his beak.

"Ex-captain of the Royal Guard at your service." Shining gave Vlad a salute.

Vlad smiled back in return. "Vell Shining pony vhy not pass the time by telling old Vlad about what makes Queen pony special to you." This type it was Shining's turn to smile.

"Where to start..."

Sneakin' Around the Castle

Canterlot, Equestria's capital and home to the most powerful ponies alive. Having been built on the side of a large mountain gives the city an exotic feel. The high altitude along with a twenty foot wall surrounding the city provided to be an excellent defensive measurement against enemies of the great nation. Unfortunately such a formidable defense have made it nearly impossible for two ponies in particular from entering the city undetected.

"I see that they increased security at the gates." Twilight lowered the binoculars that she had summoned with magic not to long ago. "Looks like we aren't getting through the front" Twilight let out a sigh before casting a spell sending the binoculars back from whence it came. Sliding down the dome shaped boulder that she and Celestia were hiding behind, she refocused her attention on the Alicorn. Said Alicorn, while having her ears facing the direction Twilight was coming from the rest of her focus was being applied to observing a strange metal and wooding structure that laid on the ground and extended into the distance in two directions.

Upon arriving at Canterlot the duo made their way to their current location after Twilight suggested coming here to avoid pedestrians on the hoofpath. Twilight tried her best to hold back her amusement of watching a thousand plus year old pony gawk at train tracks so intently. Twilight opened her mouth about to educate Celestia in the finer points of technological advancements revolting around transportation. She however stopped before a single syllable came out. She shook her head violently. ' No, what am I doing, this isn't the time for lollygagging. We need to get find a way into the castle and find out what happened. There's no way my BBBFF would do anything to against Equestria...he loves Equestria, He became a royal guard so he could protect it.'

"Twilight"

Twilight jolted upright at the sound of her name being yelled into her ear. "Are you alright, you were zoning off." Celestia inquired with concern and curiosity written all over her face. Twilight simple nodded not completely back to earth.

"You were saying something about not being able to get into Canterlot because of the guards right? If it's because of my appearance then there is no need to worry." Celestia smiled as her horn light up with a golden aura.

Before Twilight could responded a flash of light surrounded the Alicorn making her raise a hoof in front of her face. The light disappeared as soon as it arrived. After lowering her hoof and blinking a few times to recover Twilight's eyes widen at what she saw. Before her stood a alabaster Unicorn with a pink mane/tail. The Unicorn's cutie mark was a cluster of stars. The unicorn was also about Twilight's size. "Say hello to Starry Night."

Twilight took a moment to blink away her surprise. "You...there....an illusion spell?"

"Not quite, it's an age spell with a little illusion mixed in to hide my wings and make my cutie mark look different. I believe this will be satisfactory." 'Starry Night trotted passed Twilight making her way toward the city gate.

"Wait, hold up, it still won't work...in fact it will make things worse." Twilight said reaching out to the Alicorn now unicorn. Starry Night tilted her head to the side and frowned. "We need Id's to get in. I lost mine and you never had one and the process of get a one for either of us will take to long. Your disguise won't work either, there is an invisible barrier around the city. If somepony cats a spell on themselves and tries to pass through it the area around the pony will turn bright red alerting the guard."

"So there is no easy way in." Starry night asked.

By ourselves no...If we wait for a large caravan that has a wagon large enough to fit both of us under then I can use that to our advantage. They come to Canterlot all the time so we should have to wait too long."

Starry Night placed a hoof under her chin and began rubbing it, all the while thinking of an alternative. Her eyes suddenly brighten earning a raised brow from Twilight. "I know it's been a millennia but if we're lucky then I just might know a way not only into the city but into the castle as well."

"..."

"AND YOU DIDN"T THINK TO MENTIONING THIS BEFORE BECASUE..." Twilight scolded. Her face turned red with anger.

"While I have a good memory it's not like I can remember everything. Plus, do not forget it's been a thousand years. I can't have the knowledge of a secret passage on the top of my head for that long." Starry Night said matter-of-factly.

Twilight responded by going through several expressions. First her jaw dropped levering her gaping. Once again anger flashed in her eyes as she closed her mouth cringing her teeth. Finally she turned around and let out an "Aghuuu" unable to find a hole in Starry Night's logic.

Watching Twilight start scraping the ground with a hoof Starry Night got the impression that Twilight was waiting impatiently for her to start the search. Starry Night took one last look at the offensive wall. Such a high wall had not been part of the original design. The walls that had been part of the original concept were suppose to be no higher then ten feet tall. They're were meant for protection not isolation. "These walls need to be torn down."

"...Did you say something?" Twilight asked turning her head so Starry Night was in her view.

"huh, no I didn't say anything... now let's us find that passageway shall we.

One hour later the duo had yet to find the passageway. They had search every nook and cranny but yielded no results. It was even getting to the point where Twilight was starting to believe there was no secret passageway. Starry Night was a yard away from her investigating a large tree that was right next to the mountainside. Twilight was getting tired of looking. She had to confront the Alicorn turned unicorn about the existence of the hidden entryway. Making her way closer to the mare Twilight looked toward the rock face which was covered with moss, thinking of how she would say. Right before she was able to speak her thoughts on how this was a waste of time something caught her eye.

A small part of the moss was dry which just happened to be at chest level. Twilight wasn't a Phytologist but she know that moss was normally moist Upon farther inspection, the dry part of the moss was in the shape of a square. Lifting up a hoof she place it against the suspicious clump of moss. She applied pressure to the clump. At first it don't budge but when Twilight put her full strength into pushing it jerked inward. A small rumbling could be heard by both ponies. Twilight turned to face Starry Night who was looking back at her with mild surprise until she disappeared.

Ears went limp, eyes shanked, and a gasp escaped Twilight's mouth. Then, out of nowhere "OW"

Twilight blinked...twice. "Twi....Twilight are you there?" the voice of Starry night called out. Cautiously, Twilight trotted up to the tree that the other mare disappeared under. Getting closer to the tree she notices that there is a square hole between the visible parts of the roots.

Finally reaching the hole she saw stairs leading down. She also Saw Starry Night on the stairs trying to stand on her hooves. "Are you ok?" Twilight asked taking her first step onto the stairs.

"Just-eh-just dandy" Starry Night replied, finally getting onto her hooves albeit a little shaky. "Just didn't think that the trigger would separate from the entryway."

Twilight trotted down to Starry Night. "Well I guess we continue on." Starry Night nodded. A short descent later they reached the bottom of the stairs and the beginning of the dark tunnel. Both Unicorns lit there horns and after giving each other an encouraging glace they trotted forward.The entryway quietly closed behind them.

Over the passage of time dirt gave way to stone and crystals. The crystal's natural reflective surfaces allowed the light from the duo's horns to shine throughout the caverns. Thanks to the extra light, traversing through the underground maze was made easier. Neither of them had spoken for quite some time. Twilight was once again think of her brother and the likelihood she would be able to reach him before anything happened.

"What's wrong." Starry Night called out, her head still facing forward but any eye laid upon Twilight.

'Oh...it's my brother...I'm worried." A moment of silence passed. " Why are you helping me. You could have left by now."

Starry Night released a grin from her face. "Does one need an excuse to help somepony? Besides I know how you feel."

Twilight looked confused for a second before remembering Starry Night mentioning something about a sister that morning. Instead of trying to pry more information about said sister, Twilight asked the mare something else.

"Why Starry Night shouldn't be something sun related?" Her brow raised in an inquisitive manner. The pony beside her stopped short and stared at her. Twilight stopped as well completely confused by the disguised Alicorn's actions. Her eyes darted from side to side like they were part of a game of pong. Before she could say anything Starry Night busted out laughing.

"Oh my...hehehe....your asking that, now...hahahaha" Twilight started to blush as Starry Night continue to laugh. Wiping away a tear that threated to fall down her face, Starry Night spoke again. "Well I don't see the harm of telling you. When your incognito isn't it better to stay away from references that are similar to your real identity both in name and cutie mark." Twilight's blush grow to include her whole face. She felt foolish for not realizing it before it had been explained. "But you know-" Starry Night continued but with sadness in her voice. "-I wouldn't have minded being in control of the moon and stars then the sun." Starry Night gave Twilight a small smirk before once again trotting off.

"Why do you think that? You control the sun, the ball of light the brightens the day. Most Ponies need the sun to work in safely. Fauna and plant life depend on it too. Twilight said coming up next to Starry Night only to move away to avoid trotting into a stalagmite.

Starry Night looked at Twilight sheepishly. "All that may be true but can you say the sun looks beautiful or that it is aspiring or influential." Twilight was dumbstruck by what she was hearing to interrupt. "Don't get me wrong I love the sun and I love raising the sun to help this world's residents. To see them play work and grow but that's just what the sun is...a big ball of light. With the moon and stars it's different. You don't hurt your eyes when you look at the moon nor the stars. The sun brings light so much so that the only darkness one sees is the shadows of other objects. To my eyes the night has equals amounts of light and dark. lastly the constellations...oh how wonderful the look in the sky...like white dots painted on a large black canvas...and all of this is my sisters doing." Twilight just walked quietly besides the other mare. She lowered her head watching the ground pass by underneath her, unable to come up with anything to say. Out of the corner of her eye the purple unicorn saw Starry Night stop. She instantly raised her head. Before her was stairs leading up to large oak door. "we're here." Starry Night said.

Storeroom #3 of the great Canterlot Castle contained the many spices used by the kitchen staff to feed royalty, nobles and knights alike. It also happened to be the room that the secret passage was connected too. All of a sudden a part of the wall opposite of the door sunk inward and slid behind the right side of the wall. Once it was done moving two Unicorn walked into the room.

The room was dark, having no natural light or active candles to illuminate the room. Starry night dropped her spell resulting in Twilight being the only one with a glowing horn.

"If nothing's change then we should be in one of the storerooms in the basement levels." Starry Night whispered. Twilight nodded in understanding before the both of them tiptoed to the door. Twilight put a hoof on the door to open it but was stopped by a hoof on her shoulder. She found Starry Night giving her a weary look. The hoof on the shoulder was removed only to be appear in front of Twilight, pointing to her horn.

Twilight gasped quietly and shot Starry Night a apologetic smile before letting her light spell go. Quietly and slowly the mares opened the door. Poking her head out Twilight searched the hallway for any signs of life. Luckily there was none to be seen in the dimly lit hallway. Both mares made it out into the hallway with less caution but still on alert.

"We have to head up to the first floor before we can continue on to the dungeon." Starry Night explain using her knowledge of the castle hopping it was accurate.

Being of minor nobility Twilight and her family had visited the castle on more then one occasion, even getting a tour the first time. Thanks to inquisitive nature she had during the time and a nice tour guide she had been told were the door to the dungeon was. She was even shown it.

Without saying a word to each other they trotted down the hallway and to the stairs leading up.

upon reaching the first floor the duo began a game of run & hide with the patrolling guards. What would have been a five minute walk down the hall ended up being ten minutes long. They would run into rooms or in niches. Several times they thought they might be caught but luckily the guards passed by them without a clue. The most dangerous part was when they had to cross the Main Hall that extended from the front door to the Grand Staircase. Finally then made it to the end of the hall which lead into a T shaped intersection.

Twilight tapped Starry's shoulder and pointed down the left side to the door at the end. The disguised Alicorn nodded. Making one more check to see if nopony was in sight they crossed into the corridor.

Halfway there a voice the sounded like a child spoke from behind them. "Whacha doin?" The two mares froze feeling their bodies to=urn cold. Yet they were sweating at the same time. Slowly they turned their heads to see who was behind them.

Before them stood a purple and green dragon, no taller then the length of their legs. A moment of silence descended on the three of them. Then on unison Twilight and the dragon spoke.

"Spike?" "Twilight?"

The dragon stared at Twilight like he had seen a ghost or a zombie. Spike slowly walked up to Twilight and placed a claw on her cheek. When his claw met resistance his serpentine eyes began to water. "You're alive" He cried. Lowering his claw to her neck then drawing himself closer to hug said body part. "When we got word that so-so...that sun magnum place had blown up and that most ponies that work there were either dead or still missing...I...I feared for the worst." Spike wept burrowing his face into Twilight's chest.

Twilight rose a hoof to carass Spike on the back. "It's ok I'm here, I'm alive." She said smiling sweetly. Starry Night watch the scene unfold with amusement and mild surprise.

"Who's your friend Twilight?" Startled, the pony and dragon spilt a part from each other at amazing speed. The dragon quickly rubbed his tears away and puffed out his chest. Starry Night laughed at his attempt at trying to play down his previous mushy feelings.

"Twi? who's this pony?" Spike asked his friend.

"Um this is C-Starry Night." Spike raised a brow. "I...I meet her at Solaris Magnum...I'll explain later, right now I need to free my brother."

Satisfied with her answer Spike nodded. "Let me go with you, I was asked to go there myself." This time it was Twilight and Starry Night's turn to raise an eyebrow. Spike let out a sigh "Queen Cadence ask me to assess the situation involving Shinning's imprisonment."

"Uuhhh...Queen Cadence? Why would she be interested in Shinning Armor?"

"UM....let's save that for later, a guard could be appear at anytime." Spike said trying to push Twilight toward the dungeon. Twilight shot Spike a questioning glace but complied. Starry Night followed right behind them amused by interaction between the two.

It did not take long for the trio to reach the dungeon guard post after descending down the stairs. Said guard post consisted of one wooden table, A hook with a key hanging from it, two guards and a deck of cards. The guards, who happened to be unicorns were too focused on their card game to noticed the newcomers standing just of range of the candlelight.

Spike, who was the head of the group turned to face the mares. With a his claw in motion them to lower their heads to his level. "both of the guards should follow me to the cell Shining is in-" "And since they don't need the key we'll grab it while you have them distracted." Starry Night cut in. 'Aww, I wanted to explain the plan." Spike mopped. Twilight just deadpanned at the two.

Without delaying farther Spike stepped into the light and jogged to the guards. the guards still hadn't noticed him even as he reached the table. "Ah excuse me." No response from the guards who continued to play their game. A flash of annoyance crossed spike's face. He then coughed into his clenched fist and opened his mouth wide. "EXCUSE ME."
The two guards jerked their heads into the direction of the noise. There was Spike doing his best puppy-dog impression. "What do you want shorty?" One of the guards asked.

"Oh I was asked to report the condition of the former captain." he stated.

The two guards glanced at each other then back at the dragon. "Oh and why do you need to do that?"

"Oh...um...oh right, it's because since he's going o be hung soon they want to know if he's in a good enough condition to walk himself or if he has to be dragged." The guards continued to look at him not completely buying it. "Also it's gong to be a public ex-ah hanging and they don't want to him to look to beat up...you know for the king's repatriation and stuff, don't want to scare the nobles hehe." Spike said nervously.

the guards sighted "Alright let's make this quick." one said as he and his partner trotted away from the table. Spike followed behind them doing his best to surpass his joy.

From the there hiding place the toy ponies watch the three leave. "Interesting." Starry Night said

"Indeed, I didn't think dragons could sweat." Twilight replied.

'What? That not...never mind." Starry Night shook her head before the two trotted to the post to grab the key.

~~~

Spike and the guards pasted a number of cells. Some were occupied while others were not. The guards stopped short almost causing Spike to walk right into one of them. One of the guards nodded his head toward the cell on his left. The cell was mostly hidden in darkness with only a little section illumined by the candle hanging on the wall behind them. "Ok we're here, do what you need to do and do it quickly." One of the guards said. Spike walked around them eyeing them with caution.

Placing his claws on the cell bars Spike called out into the dark room. "Shining, Shining Armor...It's me Spike."

At first Spike only heard the sound of hooves landing on the floor. Shortly after however, a pony called out as he walked into the candlelight "Spike? Spike! What are you doing here?" Shining sounded excited and worried at the same time.

"Oh I got orders to check up on you." Spike smiled softly.

"Are you done yet." A guard growled before Shining could even open his mouth to reply.

"Uhhh" Spike stammered realizing that he hadn't planned on what he would do next. Luckily he didn't have too.

THUNK, THUNK The two guards fell to the ground unconscious. Behind them was Twilight levitating a non-stick pan in front of her. Starry Night watching from behind not sure how she should react. Coming to terms with what she did Twilight dropped the pan. "Oh no oh no oh no I just hit two guards."

"Yep and with a frying pan for some reason." Spike added.

'What, non-stick frying pans can be surprisingly good weapons, you'll be astonished how many books mention them being used as such."

"I guessing they're from the fantasy section." Spike retorted.

"Sh-Shut up"

Twilight Glared at Spike while her cheeks became a rosy color. A moment latter she noticed a white figure pressing up against the cell bars staring at her in awe. "Twi-Twilight is...is that really you? what are you doing here?"

"SHINNY." Twilight ran to hug her brother only to be stopped by the bars. "Ok Shinny we'll get you out in a second. I won't let you hang for a crime you didn't commit. Starry, key please."

"Actually Twi....technically I did commit treason." Shinning Armor rubbed the side of his neck and shifting his eyesight away from Twilight.

"wha...what do you mean you did commit treason? what did you do?" Twilight asked, ears flatting.

"I was caught making out with the queen." Shinning spoke softly, unsure how his sister would react. After seeing Twilight giving him a questioning look as well as titling a ear forward he repeated himself. "I was caught making out with Queen Cadence."

"..."

"W-" A pair of claws and a pair of hooves quickly covered the mouth of Twilight Sparkle. Though unable to speak Twilight continued to blow hot air and incoherent words into the limbs of the creatures trying to quiet her. Several moments passed before Twilight became calm enough for the dragon and fake unicorn to remove their appendages.

"Why, just why would you go and do something like that....I know the Queen is a very nice pony but you forgot she has the title of Queen for a reason." Twilight fumed at her brother who was slightly cringing at her demeanor.

Memories of the times he spent with Cadence flashed through his mind. He needed to take a stand and not be afraid of admitting his feelings. "Twilight, I love Cadence and she loves me. King Blueblade, he...he just wants her as a trophy wife. Trust me, I've been a captain long enough to hear the things he says about her being a wonderful prize...Cadence told me that he practically blackmailed her parents into having her marry him. She's been miserable since she got here. I honestly don't know what she would have down if I hadn't stepped up and became the pony she could release all her fears, worries, her hopes and her dreams. "

Shinning let out a heated breath open finishing his rant. Both Twilight and himself looked away from each other, not able to meet each other's glaze.

"Hey, I...I just found out a huge and illegal secret that our Government has been hiding so I-I believe you." Twilight finally said no longer looking away from her brother.

Shining opened his mouth but the words that were spoken did not come from his mouth. "I vish not to interrupt family reunion but can ve make vith the escaping dungeon now and the chatting latter."

Twilight, Starry Night and Spike shifted their sights past Shining to see a Griffin appear from the shadows. "GRIFFIN!!!" Twilight yelled.

"Twi, it's ok, Vald is cool we talked a bit and he's a pretty nice guy."

"But but Griffins are the ones who attacked Solaris Magnum."

"Wut" Shinning replied, astonished at what he just heard.

Before either pony spoke up again Vald cut in. "So this is vhat fake king met vhen he said he vould persuade ponies to raise sun higher north." The Griffin's tone was heavy and filled with bile.

All other conscious being in the room looked at him with confused expressions. "I explain later now time to go."

It only took seconds to release the two prisoners. Twilight continued to eye Vald warily, while she trusted Shining it didn't mean she would trust the Griffin. The Griffin either was oblivious or ignored her stare. Once out of the cell Shining finally acknowledge the other mare. "Oh sorry, I don't believe we met. I apologize for not acknowledging you sooner."

Starry Night smiled. "It's okay. Under such circumstances I understand that my presence isn't the first thing that needs to be examined and explained. My name is Celestia it is a pleasure to met you Shinning Armor." Twilight removed her stare on Vlad to look at Celestia in surprise that she revealed her name. Celestia just smiled back at her. Spike was completely confused but held his tongue. They had wasted enough time and Spike knew it.

"So whats next." Spike said, breaking the unusual silence that had befallen the group. He then add "I'm good with what you guys decide but I don't want to be he when those two wake up.' Spike pointed at the guards who were still knocked out cold on the stone floor.

"I want to see Queen Cadence. Then we leave." The members of the newly from party expressed their feeling on Shining Armor's proposal. Celestia perked up in interest especially when she remembered Twilight mentioning she was an Alicorn. Vald nodded with a smile on his face. Spike repeated Vald's actions. Twilight just stood dumbfounded that her brother wanted to brave the castle to find the pony who he clamed he loved.

"Shining tha-"

"Okay, but let us not forget to be careful."

"I vell help vith the reaching of the Queen pony."

"You already have my vote."

A purple hoof met a purple face of the purple pony. The other four watched as Twilight rubbed her head. "Fine but let's make this quick." she sighed heavily. Her breath, however was suddenly lost upon Shining Armor hugging her intensely.

A short time later the key to Shinning's repressor was found on one of the guards. Spike voiced his curiosity as to why the guards kept the repressor key on them and the cell key on the hook. Nopony or Griffin could give him an answer.

The door that marked the entrance and exit to the dungeon open slightly as five heads appear from it in a comical ladder like manner. Spike at the bottom followed by Twilight who was under Celestia/Starry Night's head. Shining took up the second highest spot with Vald's head peeking out above them all.

"SO vhere vould Queen pony be?" Vlad whispered quietly.

'It depends on what time it is. Does anypony know what time it is." Shining Armor spoke in a strained whisper making sure everyone heard him with out alerting any possible guards.

After several seconds of concentration Celestia replied. "It is around three in the afternoon."

"Then she should be in the gardens on the side of the castle." Shining separated from the rest to begin making his way to said gardens. The others followed suit not wanting to be spilt up.

'Luckily my brother was a guard otherwise I would find it creepy that he knows exactly where the Queen is.' Twilight thought to herself following behind the rest. A stay thought came to her as the closed in on the intersection. "Hey isn't the entrance to the gardens near the Grand Stairwcase." She voice her thought a bit louder then a whisper. Shining's head turned to the side so he could see his younger sister. Still trotting forward he nodded once. Twilight frowned at this worried that they wouldn't be so lucky getting by the guards like she was able to do before.

It was at that moment the band stopped dead in their tracks. The had reach the edge if the corridor just before the intersection. It wasn't the intersection that stopped them. It was the appearance of three guards that had just trotted around the corner ending right in front of the group. The two parties stared at each other in surprise unable to say anything.

Shining and Vlad were the first to act. Shinning leaped at the guard in front of him. Thanks to the force behind his attack he was able to unbalance the guard and pin him on his back. At the same time Vald punched his target in the throat. It wasn't hard enough to do serous damage but it made the guard choke, lowering his head has he tried to reach his throat with a hoof. The guard's reaction allowed Vald to follow up with a downwards strike to helmet protected head. The guard's head slammed against the floor knocking him out. Watching his comrades become subdued the third guard turned away to alert others. Seeing this Shining aimed his horn and fired a mild strength magic bolt. The bolt it the guard in the side of the face. The third guard dropped to the floor unconscious. The guard under Shining just recovered enough from having the wind knock out of him to see Shining lower his horn toward his face and cast a sleep spell before darkness consumed him.

Out of the corner of his eye Shining armor saw Vlad smirking. "Shining pony has good fighting skills."

"Thanks, you're not to bad yourself." Shining armored chuckled lightly.

"Ha, I vouldn't be good mercenary if I couldn't handle a fight." Vald retorted as he waved his hand in the air madly. His hand throbbed in pain as Vald silently regretted using a bare hand against a armored head.

While the two males complimented on each others skill Twilight and Spike watched in awe. They knew Shining Armor had been well trained in hoof to hoof combat. Nevertheless it was still surprising to see him in action. Celestia's face on the other hoof held another expression. Appraisal, She view them in a appraising manner. She had seen many battles before her imprisonment. Even after the many years that have past what she had just witness was nothing new. Instead she had focused more on the level of skill the to carried out with their attack. She didn't like fighting but it would be foolish not to assess the abilities of others.

Collecting themselves and giving each other a short nod to confirm they were ready, the group continued on. No patrols were in sight when the group looked around the corner. This however, would not last long. Forgoing stealth for speed the ponies, dragon and Griffin cantered toward the Main Hall.

Nearing the Main Hall Shining stopped and rose his forehooves out to the sides. All those who were following stopped as well and waited fro Shining's next move. "There will be guards patrolling the hall regularly. There is no means of hiding and I don't know any invisibility spells, Twi, Celestia, do you?" The ponies in question shook their heads. "Then we need some sort of distraction...any ideas?"

While three of his four allies took on 'deep thought' expressions Vlad was rubbing a talon against the bottom of his beak. "Shining pony I noticed that castle has banners and tapestries placed throughout."

"Yea..." Shining said clearly obfuscated at what Vlad was getting at.

"And ve have dragon who can breath fire, right?" Vlad turned to Spike who nodded. It was at that moment the rest of the group understood what Vlad was applying.

Shining turned to his sister and the other two wishing that they would suggest something else. To his disappointment they remained silent. They were looking back at him waiting for him to say something. While it wasn't a bad idea and one he would have thought of it still displeased him that he would be damaging the castle even if it was just the flammable stuff. There were no other ideas sprung forth so Shining could only go with the choice that laid before him. "Alright Vlad, what do you have in mind."

The guards stationed to patrol the Main Hall stood in silence. Their job required hundred percent concentration, no lollygagging or lazing about. They had bee train to handle almost any situation. So when they heard somepony scream "AAHHHHHHH, FIRE." and seeing a unusual light from one of the a jointed corridors they acted accordingly. they left their posts and headed off into the direction of the voice and light. What they saw horrified them. A tapestry sporting the bust of their king was ablaze along with the banners of the kingdom's icon, the sun incased by the moon.

Without missing the beat the head of the patrol yelled out orders to his stallions. None of them notice a flash of light coming from the opposite corridor. Halfway down the Main Hall five beings appeared from a sudden flash of light. Without hesitating the ran down the hall.

"Looks like it worked." Spike said now on top of Twilight's back to avoid falling behind.

"Not for long, they will send somepony or ponies back to their posts in a moment while the others handle the fire. Hurry, I don't think I can risk doing another teleportation spell." Shining spoke sternly.

The Grand Staircase was used for many occasions. The King and his brother Prince Blueblood would make big announcements to the nobles of Canterlot. It was used as the backdrop for paintings including the one that was currently still on fire. During the Gala the King and Queen would greet their subjects on the staircase. The group's interest however, wasn't the Grand Staircase itself but the corridor to the right.

Hesitating only long enough to make sure the area was clear of guards, the group continue to follow Shining Armor as he made the turn to the right corridor. The corridor was short and held four panel windows on both sides. The one and only door at the end lead to the outside.

Using his magic Shining Armor opened the door and rushed out outside. Once the others joined him out side Vlad took a deep breath in. "Good to have fresh air in lungs again." He sighed.

After so many years since her last time here Celestia made sure to observe her surroundings. To her left was a open field with a large white Gazebo 50 yards away. Oddly enough there was an arrow sticking out of it. The right had nothing but freshly cut grass and the stone wall of the castle. In the front of her about six yards away was a long stretch of tall bushes that seemed to have been placed there to section of the area on the other side. There was a gap between the brushes thought it was farther to the right. A hoof on her shoulder brought her out of her reverie. It was Twilight who gave her a quick curious glance before motioning with her head to follow her brother who had given up running for a quiet trot.

Celestia nodded and trotted forward. Twilight came up beside her. "Pissst, hey Starry Night or Celestia....what ever you name is." Celestia turned her head slightly to find Spike trying to get her attention. At the same time she saw Twilight shift her eyes to the corner of her eyeball while raising a brow.

Seeing that he had grab her attention, Spike continued to speak 'Hey are you alright? You kind of zone out for a moment."

Celestia gave him a sad smile. 'I'm okay Spike...I just haven't been here in a long long time. I just needed a moment to take it all in." Spike raised an eyebrow but did not comment farther.

In front of the them both Shining and Vlad stopped. If either of them took another step forward they would be right in front of the gab and visible to anypony on the other side.

"There is a tree a few yards away from the entrance. If everything is alright Cadence should be underneath it." Shining said to no one in particular. Shining to a deep breath and stepped forward.

Where To Go Next

To her credit, Twilight Sparkle was not overcome by nervousness upon seeing royalty like she had several times before with both the former and current rulers. Though Queen Cadence's kind and loving nature did help ease any nervousness Twilight would have had. Now Twilight just stood yards away from the beautiful Queen. Queen Cadence was were Shining had said she'll be, sitting under a large tree. Standing not to far way from the queen was a single guard. A guard who had just noticed them. Instead of raising alarm he just tensed up. Noticing the change in the guard the queen turned her head to the newcomers.

Queen Cadence's eyes widen and lit up like fireworks. While Twilight couldn't see her brother's face from where she was she knew he was smiling. Not a second later the two forbidden lovers bolted toward each other at breakneck speeds. As the distance closed the queen leaped into the air only to come down tackling Twilight's brother in a loving embrace. At the same moment the guard retuned to ease. As the two continued to hug Twilight began to scowl more and more at the site of her brother's show of affection to a married mare. She may not understand love but that didn't mean that she ignorant to it's existence. She would let the two have their moment together no matter how scandalous it was.

The hug lasted for what seemed like a minute before the two separated. "I asked Spike to check on you and see if there was a way to get you out, but I didn't expect you to be able to escape right way!" Cadence spoke joyfully as tears of happiness fell down her face.

" I had help." Shining smirked. He turned his head to face the others. The Queens's gaze followed suit. Twilight's scowl quickly disappeared as the eyes of her queen fell upon her.

"Twi-Twilight Sparkle? You're alive!" Queen Cadence stared at her with awe. "They said that you mostly likely died in the attack if not the explosion...it's a relief that you're alive. It took me an hour stop Spike from crying."

"Hey, I didn't cry... for that long"

The queen gave a very unladylike giggle at Spike's attempt to be tough. Twilight on the other hoof was confused as to why the queen was concerned to her wellbeing. "I don't mean to ungraceful your highness, but uh...why are you so concerned about me?"

The queen stopped giggling but continued to smile at the young mare before her. "I care for all my subjects, but if there was a particular reason I would say...that you were my favorite filly to play with."

"WUT" replied a shocked and increasingly confused unicorn.

This time not only did the queen laugh but her bother as well. "Twilly you may not remember since you were so young but Cadence used to play with you when she and her parents visited the noble families." Shining explained.

" And Spike talked about you often after I took him into my care upon you having to start you training for Solaris Magnum." the Queen added in.

Twilight didn't reply. After a few moments of continued silence from Twilight. Spike stood up on her back and extended his body so he could at Twilight's face. She was stare of blankly off into the distance. Spike waved a hand in front of her eyes. "Um I think you broke her."

Cadence and Shining looked at each other with amused disbelief. Before she could indulge farther into the silliness of it all Cadence notice the other two guests waiting patently but with smirks at scene that had played out before them.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, I don't mean to neglect the two of you." the queen bowed slightly.

"It's no problem, in fact it's a nice change from our earlier adventures." Celestia said with Vlad nodding his head in agreement. Introductions were shared between the three. During the pleasant exchange the guard who happened to be a Pegasus trotted up besides Shining and whispered something into his ear. Shining shook his head and spoke some reply to the guard. Vlad caught this just before the queen grabbed his attention.

"You said you were a mercenary?" The queen asked, eyebrows rising in interest.

Vlad stood at attention. "yes, but I vas not on mission vhen I cross Equestia border." Queen Cadences' extended her head forward. A tall tale sign she wanted to hear more. Vlad inhaled and exhaled heavy before continuing on. "My family has alvays served the king. Even I a mercenary have pledged to serve the king if need be, but things in Avialae have not been good in long time. Long almost non-ending vinters have taken toll on griffin race. They vant to live in better land. Some vant Equestrian soil but most just vant homeland to be varmer. True king and his ancestors have tried to keep neutral relations with ponies even with country in turmoil. We are proud race but we are not varmongers or conquerors. That change six months ago. King died from illness, Prince lost at sea vhen returning from trip to Saddle Arabia. Now former duke has been crowned king."

"What does that have to do with you crossing our border?" Everybody jumped at the sound of Twilight's voice. All were surprised to see the mare fully operational again. Never-the-less the surprise was short lived and answer to Twilight's question became more important.

"Does it have to do with your family's position with the royal family?" Celestia popped in.

Vlad nodded slowly. "Family is close to royal family even with king dead ve vill carry out his vishes. Even before fake king took the throne he has made moves contradicting the king's. Fake king knows family vould be against him. He has branded family as traitors to be killed on site. I vas able escape because I vas told by friend vhen returning home from mission."

"That sounds horrible, I hope your family is ok." Queen Cadence said empathically.

"So do I. Especially my-"

Before Vlad could finish a loud siren pierced the air.

"escape prisoner alert." Both Shining Armor and the Queen's guard said at the same time. "the dungeon guards must have finally woken up." Shining added with a dejected tone.

"Great, just great now there is defiantly no way back the way we came. While it's sad that you have bad things happen to you recently your background tale may have just cost us our getaway. Twilight spoke with indignation at Vlad.

"Twilight!" Celestia yelled in a tone a mother would use to scowled her foal for doing something wrong. "ah guys." "That was rude and unnecessary. Did your parents every teach you to respect others?"

Twilight jerked her head to face Celestia. Shock and confusion dominated her face. Twilight opened and close her mouth several times but didn't say anything. "Twilight, Celestia" Under Celestia's hard gaze Twilight's scowl softened. Finally the scowl completely disappeared changing into one of pain upon her ear being pulled.

"OW! SPIKE!!" Twilight cried out. Instantly she rose a hoof to rub the sore ear.

"Sorry but I wasn't getting your attention by calling your name. Anyway we have a way out. If you were listening instead of arguing you would've heard Queen Cadence say she can teleport us outside the castle walls. The two mares turned to see the rest of the group staring at them. Needless to say the two of them blushed in embarrassment.

"Really? all of us?" Twilight asked through her redden face.

"Yes, I have been to the other side and the spells and wards that keep other ponies from teleporting into or out of the castle grounds do not apply to the royal family. Now, group together the less space between you the less energy I need to use. Twilight and Vlad hustled a non specific spot not to far form the queen. Shining Armor gave Cadence a quick kiss on the lips before joining his sister.

Celestia trotted up to the queen right as Shining left. "It was nice meeting another Alicorn, I wish we had more time to talk."

Queen Cadence blinked in confusion "Another Alicorn?" Celestia however had already moved away joining the group.

Spiked jumped down from Twilight's back. A look of sadness spread across his face. "I guess this is goodbye then Twilight." Before Twilight could reply the queen spoke.

"Actually Spike I want you to stay with them. "You will be more help to them the to me right now."

"Really!"

"Yes, besides I don't like having to spilt you up from Twilight a second time after such a long time apart." The queen smiled.

"Thank you, thank you thank you." the baby dragon cried out with glee.

The queen held her smile for a second longer before taking on a more serious expression. "Spike once you are all outside take them to see Fancy Pants. He will help you out of the city."

The little dragon saluted. "Yes your Highness." The queen nodded and begun channeling magic through her horn . Her wings spread out as if to gather additional power.

"Griffin." the guard called out. Vlad looked at the Pegasus in reply. "Shining Armor told me to trust you. I ask that you hold true to that trust he has put in you." The griffin nodded back.

"Flash Sentry. Take care of Cadence, keep her safe." Shining called out.

"Will do, sir." the orange furred guard replied just as Cadence's horn let out a flash of blue light. A moment later the group disappeared from the garden.

It is not easy for group of three ponies, one griffin and one baby dragon to sneak across the capital without being seen. The group remained mostly silent throughout their trek to the house of Fancy Pants. They only made noise when quickly communicating on how to proceed around an obstacle. Spike, for his part was do a fine job. His short stature and speed allowed him to stay out of sight while proving assistance to those following him. It did leave Twilight wondering how he became this sneaky.

Eventually they arrived at white mansion surround by an acre of land. rows of small evergreen trees lined the pathway to the mansion itself. After making sure the coast was clear the group quickly but quietly made their way to the front door. Spike turned around to his followers. "Let me handle this, I've been here before few times already with the Queen so everypony here knows me. While the siblings and griffin gave each other unsure looks Celestia nodded at the dragon as if to encourage him. Taking a deep breath Spike knocked on the door. It took only a moment before the door was opened by a tan unicorn.

"Hey there Jeeves It's me spike, remember me." The unicorn stallion stood there quietly looking down at Spike who was smiling nervously back. "Oh the Queen asked me to bring these guys here saying Mr. Fancy Pants can help us." The stallion looked up at the ponies and Griffin behind the baby dragon.

Without batting an eye the unicorn spoke. "You have brought some interesting characters here young Mr. Spike, one of them a griffin no less."

Shining instantly reached a hoof around the griffin's neck and pulled him close. Vlad was surprised but did nothing to counter what Shining was doing. "He's good, I can vouch for him. Shining said giving the unicorn a big smile.

"And you are?"

"Shining Armor."

Upon hearing the name Jeeves eyes lit up. "I see. You are earlier the expected. Please come in." The unicorn stepped a side ushering the group in. Once everyone was in the unicorn looked outside briefly to see if anypony was watching before he closed the door.

The group was now in a large hallway that extended the length of the building. Along with doors leading into various rooms two staircases on either side of the hallway led up to the second floor. "Please wait here until I retrieve Mr. Fancy Pants" Jeeves said. before trotting to the stairs.

"Early? Expected?" Twilight tilted her head in confusion. Her brother answered the best way he could, He shrugged. The two siblings then turn their sights on the baby dragon looking around the room.

Feeling the two pairs of eyes staring at him Spike looked back at their owners. "Wut?" The two unicorns shook their heads. Spike wouldn't have been told anything, even if he was reliable it would be dangerous to his being if he had knowledge of plans that would go against the will of the King.

A talon on his shoulder made Shining turn his head to the griffin beside him. "It seems that queen pony does not just vait around and do nothing vhen life of lover on line." Shining gave a small smile. Even if his sister hadn't come Cadence had already planed for his escape.

At the same time that Vlad had drawn Shining's attention Celestia had done the same by coming up beside Twilight asking to speak with her before trotting a distance away from the others. Curiously, Twilight followed. Once Celestia had determined that they were at a good enough spot she stop and faced Twilight. "I need to talk to you about how you acted back at the garden." she huffed. Twilight's head dropped in disbelief. She didn't know why Celestia needed to bring that up again. It was in the past and she was stating the facts. Vlad's history did cost them valuable time. Celestia spoke again stopping Twilight from voicing her thoughts. "I understand you were just pointing out the cause of our lost precious time but the manner of which you did it in was wrong. Vlad may have seemed unfazed when telling his tale but that is mostly due to what ever training he got back in his homeland. Deep down Vlad is worried about his family. Tell me Twilight how would you feel if your family was in danger and while telling ponies who could help one of them just calls out and tells you that your just wasting you time by even trying to find help?"

Twilight lower her head in defeat. Celestia was right no matter how much she hated to admit it. Celestia was not done yet. "What you need to do Twilight is look past the facts and try to grasp what the pony or griffin in this manner are feeling. It will help you understand how others think and how you should act given the situation."

Twilight nodded solemnly. Believing that she had lectured Twilight enough she gave the mare a curt nodded and began trotting back to the others. She stopped short at Twilight's head. Lowering her head till her muzzle was near the purple mare's ear. "Besides I would think it is better to be friends with a Griffin then I have one hate you for past discretions." Celestia canter back to the group leaving Twilight to her thoughts.

Shining Armor notice that his sister hadn't rejoin their little group as Celestia did. Before he could call her a new voice drew his attention to the stairs. "Ah Shining Armor and guests. I am deeply sorry for making you wait." The owner of the voice was a white unicorn male with a blue mane and tail. He wore a black blazer and a monocle on his right eye. He also had a mustache which wasn't very common in ponies.

"Mr. Fancy Pants I presume?" Shining asked.

The stallion nodded before trotting down the stairs. "You are earlier then plan. I can only assume with the number of soldiers about that something happened.

"Yeaaaa, My sister and her friends came and freed me earlier then what I assumed was planed."

Fancy Pant's ears perked up at the mention of Shining's sister. "Twilight Sparkle? but how?"

"By traveling through a secret passage way that is supposedly known only be the royal family." Twilight called out trotting toward them. "How do you know me? I don't think we have ever met."

Fancy Pants took a moment just to stare at the mare blankly. "Yea, how do you know Twilight? I don't think I or the Queen mentioned her much." Spike piped up.

Drawing himself out of his stupor Fancy Pant finally answered. "Well spike first it's the Queen or I not I or the Queen. Second, Twilight's name has surface in a few conversations but I don't believe there is a need to go into that right now. I am however, curious as to how you Twilight Sparkle survived the Griffin attack on Solaris Magnum."

Twilight let out a small sigh just before beginning recounting the events that transpired that very morning.

~~~~~~~

By the end of Twilight's story they had all moved to the dinning room. The two stallion, griffin and dragon looked the pair of mares in verging degrees of interest. Shining and Fancy seem the most surprised by the events that had transpired that very day. Spike was just satisfied to learn the truth behind the mystery mare and her association to Twilight. He turned his attention to a pile of jems that he had been served to him not to long after that had taken seats at the dinning table. Vlad was worlds away in his own thoughts analyzing the information that had just been given to him.

It was Fancy Pants who broke the silence that had befallen them. "Is it true? You are an Alicorn and one who controls the sun.?" He asked taking the monocle in his hoof and cleaning it with a cloth that came from his blazer never taking eyes off of Celestia.

"Yes...I think it's safe to drop the spell." Celestia nodded sternly. "That will give you proof that I am who I say I am....That's what you want isn't."

Fancy's Eyes widened in surprise. 'W..well...I...I didn't want to impose but if you are willing I would like to see what you truly look like."

Celestia gave a slight smile to the group before closing her eyes. A yellowish golden aura surround her horn and then "STOP." Spike yelled at the top of his lungs. Needless to say Celestia stopped and all heads turned to the little dragon.

"SPIKE! What the hay! You know-"

"Sorry Twilight." Spike interrupted. "But she shouldn't do high level spells...and well ah...age and illusion spells are high level right?" The four ponies in the room nodded.

"Spike, what do you mean Celestia can't use those spells." Shining asked.

"It's because that before I headed to the dungeon the guards grabbed me and had me send letters all over Equestia, and I so happened to take a peek at one. It was orders to have unicorns with sensing spell to seek out high magical energy with a particular aura signature. Then there were a something about a sample already being sent."

"So that means I can't case a number of my spells." Celestia commented.

"Fancy shifted in his seat. "That is definitely a problem." he glanced at Celestia who gave him a sad apologetic look." Yes well, I'll give you the benefit of a doubt for now Celestia." This resulted in Celestia given him her thanks by bowing. As Celestia rose to her former posture Jeeves opened the door and trotted to Fancy Pants.

After a moment of the two whispering to each other Jeeves left. The rooms other occupants leaned inward waiting patently to hear Fancy Pants speak. "Originally the plan was to get Shining Armor on one of the sky ships sailing for Fiilydelphia. That is now impossible for the time being." Fancy frown. Fancy wish things could be easier for them. When the Queen had asked for his help to save Shining Armor he had accepted full-heartedly. Not only was he a friend to Queen's parents but if it wasn't for the Queen's help the love of his life Fleur would have been deported back to her homeland. He wasn't, however about to give up. Clearing his throat to gather the attention of his disheartened guests, he spoke once more.

"Fortunately there is a backup route. If everything goes well you should all arrive at Ponyville."

"Ponyville?" Shining spoke up quizzically. "Isn't that the clo-" "Rarity...I can see Rarity again." Spike cut in to Shining's chagrin.

At the name of somepony who clearly was female escape the mouth of the young dragon Twilight raised an brow. "Rarity? who's Rarity?" Twilight asked narrowing her eyes.

"Oh Just his latest crush." Shining smirking causing Celestia and Vlad to laugh a little and spike to pout.

"What's wrong with that? Rarity is the most beautiful pony I ever saw. No other pony could hold a candle to her." Spike continued to pout at the three laughing creatures.

"Oh, and what about Moondancer? You were trying to win her heart when I left saying she was the pony you were destined to be with, Casanova." Twilight deadpanned. Spike was not able say anymore then "umm." Before Shining, Celestia and Vlad busted out laughing. Shining even fell onto the floor but continued laughing as he picked himself up and returned to his seat. Even Fancy Pants couldn't help but smirk a little.

After the room calmed down and Spike started to grumbling quietly to himself Fancy once again addressed his guests. "Actually I was going to suggest that you meet with Rarity. While she isn't as you would say, part of our inner circle she is a reliable acquaintance of mine."

Spike's grumbling stopped at was replace by a toothily smile that would be creepy if it wasn't coming from the young dragon. The others were more or less neutral on the subject; trusting the word of their host. See that everything that needed to be said had been spoken. Fancy Pants removed himself from his seat and headed to the door. Preparations for the getaway still needed to be completed and a other problem he didn't mention needed to be solved. "Wait!" the voice of a mare called out. Fancy paused and turned his head to the mare who had spoken.

"Yes Ms. Sparkle?" Fancy inquired.

Twilight made a grumbling noise in her throat. Now ready to speak Twilight looked sternly into Fancy's eyes. "There is a problem that we almost overlooked that could spell doom for us if we don't think of a way pass it." Fancy raised a brow but did not speak. Instead he waited for Twilight to continue. Twilight lifted a hoof an pointed at Celestia who sat on the opposite of the table. "The barrier spell covering the city will detect her if she tries to leave and since they have ponies looking for her via magical aura there is no way for her to leave in her true form either."

At this Fancy stroked his mustache with a hoof. "Hmm...I was trying to find an answer to that myself. Nothing as of yet however." Suddenly Fancy jumped slightly as he had an epiphany. "I think I have an answer to that. I'll give it to you by the time everything is ready to go." With that said Fancy left the room leaving the others to wait for their next move.