Heart Of Equestria

Chapter 4: Sowing The Seeds

The mood in Ponyville was decidedly bitter even as Celestia’s sun rose over the horizon though it only seemed to emphasise the remnants of a battle that ultimately felt lost, smashed carts and bloodstains littered the scene of the battle.

Sora looked around as Ponies began emerging from their homes and trying to go back to their jobs or make their way to town hall if they were needed for the meeting that morning. All night he had stayed awake, patrolling the backstreets and the darkened outskirts of Ponyville, just in case of any straggling Heartless or any other threats that could come their way, he had hoped even for a possible clue to where this Lyle might have taken the children but so far he had no such luck.

As he wandered back towards the inn that had offered them rooms for their stay, he could see Riku returning from his own patrol of the edge of the Everfree Forest; a single look told Sora that he had found nothing more than Sora himself had.

“Riku. Quiet at the forest then?”

Riku nodded solemnly.

“No sign of anyone, no creatures, no escaping kids and sadly no guys in black hoods to beat for info.” Riku gave an irritated scowl as he finished, memories of Organisation XIII no doubt surfacing.

“Hey don’t worry Riku, we’ll get them, we beat the Organisation and Ansem right?”

“You mean not-Ansem?” Riku asked.

“Whatever, he was evil and we killed him, that’s the important thing.” Sora responded, clapping a hand on Riku’s shoulder as they re-entered the Inn, greeted by Big Macintosh and Rainbow Dash sitting at a table with a very nervous looking Kairi. This caught Sora’s attention.

“What’s wrong? Please tell me nothing else happened?”

Kairi nodded to a letter on the table but before he could read it Riku had already snatched it from the table and read it.

“Says here that Princess Luna is coming down to help us look into what went on with the rest of Rainbow’s friends, Shining Armour is going to stay in Equestria as, wait, as a regent?”

“Huh?” Responded two humans and two ponies all looking equally confused.

“Says it right here, Celestia won’t be able to rule Canterlot while she performs some kind of diplomatic duty and so she’s leaving Shining Armour in charge of Equestria.” Riku snapped the scroll shut again. “Honestly can’t say I envy the guy.”

“Wait a minute,” Rainbow Dash spoke for the first time, “why can’t Princess Luna rule in her absence, she’s her sister for the hay’s sake!”

Riku re-scanned the letter.

“Doesn’t say.”

“Ah reckon that the Princess’ll tell us herself when she gets here.” Big Macintosh spoke in his monotone voice that gave away no emotion.

Sora clapped his hands together.

“Right then, we’ll have someone who can teach us about this world better so we can help out more and get the kids back!” Sora’s enthusiasm returning as (he hoped) their situation finally improved.

“Ah reckon y’all have done quite enough helpin’.”

The three keyblade wielders looked to Big Mac, shocked at his words.

“What do you mean big guy, these three can totally help, you saw them last night!” Rainbow answered, indignant for her newest friends.

Big Mac glowered at her.

“What ah saw was a no good sidewinder steal the towns foals right from under our muzzles, while these three saved us from something that only happened to begin with because the first of these varmints let Tartarus loose on us.” His voice was level but the hate was clear in his expression. Before the others could answer, Big Mac shoved himself out of his seat and stomped out of the Inn, accidentally leaving a large hoof imprint in front of the doors.

The four looked after the angered stallion, shocked at his outburst. But even as the other ponies around them returned to their own activities, Sora could notice some odd looks directed at the three humans, whether from fear or anger he couldn’t tell.

“Well,” Kairi muttered, “let’s hope when we find the person behind this he knows who to aim that temper at.”

“It’s not like him,” Rainbow whispered, “he might not seem it from what you’ve all seen but he’s one of the gentlest, nicest stallions I’ve ever known. Just don’t tell him I ever said that okay, I think Cherilee might get defensive.”

In spite of their situation it felt good to the group to have a smile at Rainbow’s joke.

It would only be a short while before Princess Luna arrived to help them with whatever those things that had attacked Ponyville were; once they found out whoever Lyle was and what he wanted, they would make sure that he never hurt a child again.

****

Princess Celestia was for the first time in living memory showing signs of stress and exhaustion to an outsider; what made her even more surprised was how little she cared, as Mickey also seemed sleep deprived from worry.

“Gosh Princess, are you sure it’s wise for you to leave?”

“As opposed to you leaving your own castle on a routine basis?” Celestia replied with a raised eyebrow.

Mickey blushed.

“Your friends do love to share stories Mickey.” She chuckled.

Mickey gave a chuckle himself, wondering what other “stories” the three keyblade wielders had told to their new friends.

“But to answer our question my friend, I’m afraid this is quite necessary; if my sister and I are correct in our theory, we cannot handle this threat alone. And if what you have told me is true, I fear things may only become worse.”

Celestia looked out onto the horizon, Ponyville just visible beyond the mountains that hid Canterlot.

“Do you plan on telling the others about your own leaving Mickey?”

Mickey glanced at the ground guiltily.

“They’re more important here; this is something I need to do on my own, and well, they wouldn’t have any of that if I told them up front.” Mickey smiled sadly, quietly admiring his friends’ loyalty.

Celestia nodded.

“Very well. Shall we depart?”

Mickey nodded and followed the Sun Princess to the Gummi Ship, still parked where Discord had unceremoniously dropped it after his interception of them; any questions Mickey or the keyblade wielders had about how or why Discord had done so was answered with a simple “because he’s Discord” or “he does that”.

The atmosphere in the castle was notably solemn as the two rulers left Equestria in the brightly coloured Gummi Ship, the emotions of the ponies still in the castle varying as wildly as the ponies themselves.

****

As the ship departed, Phalanx could feel anger fill him; they were in a time of crisis, and possibly even war, and their Princess was leaving them without a true leader in this time of crisis.

“Phalanx, move your flank!”

Get stuffed, Phalanx grumbled in his mind as he reluctantly obeyed the Pegasus in bright purple armour ahead of him. How Razorback had ever gained the title of Captain of the Guard was a mystery still lost on Phalanx; as if the first dolt hadn’t been bad enough, they now had an even younger stallion in the position, he was practically still a colt compared to Phalanx for Celestia’s sake!

“Hey Phalanx, we’re going to need you pull up around here, we’re short one Princess as of now.” Razorback looked back with an excited grin on his dark face.

“I fail to see why that is cause for celebration, captain.” Phalanx grumbled with as much malice in the title as he could get away with.

Razorback either ignored him or didn’t notice.

“Well duh, I love Celestia and all but now we have a regent! This is so cool, we haven’t had someone else in charge for centuries, longer than anypony else can remember at least!” His grin was only growing, Phalanx decided to cut him off.

“Yes, and now with Celestia gone we’ll have first-hoof evidence of why she’s the only pony who should be in charge around here.”

Razorback stopped and faced Phalanx, irritated.

“Phalanx, if I hear you say one word against Shining during his time here I’ll be certain to have you guarding the Blueblood estate for the next month.” Razorback glowered at his second in command.

Phalanx tilted his head in confusion.

“Excuse me sir but why exactly would I saw something against Prince Shining Armour?” He asked with genuine confusion.

Razorback gave him a strange look.

“Are you that out of the loop Phalanx? Alright then, well simply enough, Prince Shining Armour is going to act as Regent while Celestia-“

“WHAT!!!”

Phalanx’s yell startled a group of cleaners nearby who responded with reproachful glares but he paid them no mind.

“Yes, Prince Shining Armour,” Razorback began, emphasising on the title, “is going to be in charge of Equestria for an unspecified period, possibly a few weeks. While he’s here we will obey him like we would Princess Celestia, are you going to follow that or do I need to beat it into you?” Razorback shoved his face toward Phalanx, almost nose to nose.

He knew better than to disobey; Phalanx knew that Razorback would not hesitate to kick his flank from one side of Canterlot to the other for showing disrespect to Shining Armour. Of course that was precisely why Phalanx saw him as a poor leader but there was nothing to be gained here but a few unnecessary bruises.

“Sir, yes sir.” He gave an acceptable but unenthusiastic response, which Razorback returned.

“Good, now please find Nimbus and tell him to take this to the Wonderbolt academy; he’s the fastest, he should be there and back in less than two hours.” Razorback handed a rolled up scroll to Phalanx which the unicorn took in his magic, scowling at the little wax shield emblem on the seal, the seal of Prince Shining Armour.

Phalanx again saluted and proceeded to look for Nimbus, turning on himself in time to see Razorback use one of his famous wings to slam the throne room door shut, as he no doubt went to converse with the new “regent”.

Phalanx mumbled angrily to himself, various curses and threats against “peasant kings” and “bat winged freaks” audible as he made his way to the guard chambers.

****

Shining Armour fidgeted awkwardly on the throne, trying to get comfortable; even while ruling over the Crystal Empire he had never sat in a throne for long periods, Cadance more than happy to handle the actual ruling of the Empire while Shining focused his efforts, he felt, more effectively on training themselves an army.

He still had no idea why Princess Luna had refused to take up Regency, and he had the distinct feeling that he was not alone in feeling confused if the looks of befuddlement on Celestia and Cadance’s faces had been any indication. He was only more confused as to why Celestia and the mysterious King Mickey would choose now of all times to leave, now when they were facing a crisis, surely they would be needed?

“Your majesty?”

Shining was pulled from his thoughts by a familiar voice from the throne room doors. His face split into a wide smile as he saw the familiar night guard.

“Razorback!” Forgetting about any sort of protocol, Shining trotted over to the now bowing night guard and pulled him into a one legged hug.

“It’s been way too long since I’ve seen you and the others Razorback, how’s it going nowadays royal guard?”

Razorback grinned.

“Very well, and it’s Guard Captain now your majesty.” Razorback swelled with pride at the mixed look of surprise and glee on Shining Armour’s face.

“Well, they couldn’t have given it to a better stallion, I told them you were up to the job when I left! How long did it take before they realised I was right?”

“Well the next thing I knew after a certain Changeling invasion I was being fitted for Captains armour.”

Shining rubbed a hoof through Razorbacks grey mane before nodded toward the door.

“Well, seems like it would be only right to meet everyone, care to give the old Captain a tour new Captain.”

Razorback gave a melodramatic salute and trotted as though someone had shoved a flagpole somewhere painful, chuckling along with Shining before the two walked more casually down the grand halls together, Razorback telling the staff to spread word to meet in the Great Hall in an hour.

“Think we should send word to the nobles Razorback? They’ll probably want to bore us with facts and who should be allowed to squeeze the new ruler for the most bits, might as well get it over with.” Shining’s voice spoke of his enthusiasm to the idea, or lack of.

Razorback looked at him, surprised.

“Why are you asking me? You’re the Regent.”

Shining smiled warmly at him, much like how an older brother would smile to a younger sibling. It was a smile he had used many times with Twilight.

“Well, does Celestia ever act like her word is the only one that matters?”

“Of course not.” Razorback replied, shocked at the idea.

“And does she ever act like her position makes her better?” Shining questioned.

“Well duh, you know she doesn’t.” Razorback met Shining’s eyes, getting his point.

“Okay, okay. If you really want to ask me I reckon that you’re right, better just to get the all rich snobs complaints out of the way. It’ll be more fun for me anyway, you have to put up with their nonsense and I get to hit them or throw them out a window if they lay a hoof on you.” He grinned dreamily at the thought.

“So pleased to see my Guard Captain has his priorities in place.” Shining Armour deadpanned.

“This from the Regent who’s going to spend most of his time figuring out ways to make the throne more comfy?” Razorback countered.

“Fair enough.”

The two continued their walk toward the guard chambers, nodding to the various passers-by and staff on their way. Shining Armour was still trying to get used to it, the very idea of him being ruler over anything was still bizarre to him, even at the Empire he was more a general than a ruler.

As they passed the kitchens he caught the whiff of the royal feast no doubt being cooked for the meeting with the nobles later.

Well, maybe there are perks, he thought to himself then trotted to catch up with Razorback.

****

****

Across Canterlot the news spread quickly of the arrival of a Regent ruling in place of Celestia; the rumours were far spread and wild; who was the new Regent? Were they royalty? Who would they favour in the Canterlot Elite? Were they a member of the Canterlot elite? All these questions buzzed throughout the nobles, equal parts excited and nervous.

With the exception of one stallion; only indignation existed in the Blueblood estate.

“Of all the things, I mean I appreciate that Auntie Celestia would need a break eventually but surely she would think to entrust such information to her most loyal subjects first, especially those of us who have more than proven themselves belonging on the top rungs of society!”

“Yes sir,” came the thoroughly bored reply from a pink mare with a long and flat mane of sky blue, “I’m sure the Princess was simply on urgent business and had no time to inform her trusted advisors. Clearly this is a new development.” The mares tone remained utterly deadpan through the entire sentence.

“Yes but a ruler of a country does not simply leave, least of all a pony as experienced and professional as Auntie Celestia. And if she left, who decided who put this Regent in place? Did they not consider that my family have been loyal to the Royal Sisters for as long as our line has existed, never wavering in our loyalties?” Blueblood’s voice grew increasingly more dramatic and, frankly, whiny with every question.

“I am sure not sir, I’m sure it was simply short notice.” The pink mare repeated, no longer even looking at Blueblood; she could swear she had seen movement on the landing.

“I mean, after that fiasco at the Gala she should have surely seen my potential leadership! Did I not demonstrate excellent calm in such a mess? Did I not show why I am that which the Canterlot Elite should strive to be? Have I-“

“I couldn’t agree more Prince Blueblood.”

Blueblood squeaked and jumped so badly his feet left the floor, the pink mare in the corner dropped into a defensive stance, ready to fight.

The Pegasus before them was clearly not normal, even to Blueblood that was clear.

His coat was of a dark purple for the most part, but across his neck the fur changed to black and red to form a symbol that resembled a heart, with what they could guess was a spear like shape coming from beneath it. The same symbol was also evidently his Cutie Mark, while his mane seemed to be made of pure shadow, flickering and almost twitching as they watched. His eyes were also unusual, they seemed to be looking right through Blueblood as he stared at him.

“Who in the hay are you? How dare you intrude upon the house of royalty! Dusk Remnant, remove him at once!”

Dusk nodded and advanced on the Pegasus, who spread his wings to prevent her getting a good angle to attack and continued talking.

“Forgive me your majesty, but I come with urgent news.”

“Dusk Remnant, stand down!” Blueblood wore a smirk that breathed superiority, clearly being addressed as “your majesty” was something he could get used to.

This stallions smarter than he looks, Dusk thought to herself.

“Sir, I would strongly advise against-“

“Dusk Remnant, you will remember your place, no one asked you for your opinion.” Blueblood snapped.

“Sir I’m afraid I really must object-“

“Well, sadly for you Dusk, you have no right to object to anything I do, now kindly remove yourself from my presence or I will have the guards haul you off the property. I doubt your brother would appreciate that.” Blueblood smirked as Dusk Remnant paled.

“You wouldn’t.”

Blueblood advanced on her, Dusk Remnant unknowingly being backed out the door.

“What you fail to realise Dusk Remnant, is that you are beneath me, an animal to be used for its purpose when it is obedient, and to be put down if it cannot control itself, now I will give you one final chance to leave my estate immediately before I personally see to it that your brother spends the remainder of his “glory days” rotting in a dungeon cell.”

Dusk fought the desire to growl at Blueblood and galloped out of the estate into the pouring rain of the night, the rainfall hiding the now freely falling tears of sadness and fury.

“Anyway, may I offer you some of Canterlots finest wines my good fellow?” Blueblood asked of the purple and black Pegasus, who had still not moved from his position in the centre of the room. Blueblood was now beginning to wonder exactly how he had got there.

“No, I am here to discuss business your majesty.”

Blueblood could not help a minor pout, torn between the prospect of work and the flattery of being addressed as a monarch.

“Very well then, I have not much time as I am a very busy stallion, make your case quickly Mr-“

“My name doesn’t matter Your Majesty, I am here on behalf of a power much greater and further reaching than myself.” The Pegasus seemed to insist on maintaining eye contact with Blueblood at all costs, twisting its neck to surely painful positions as Blueblood paced up and down trying to look important.

“Hmm, carry on.” Blueblood said, trying to hide that he was not used to being approached by messengers of the powerful and influential.

“I heard your own objections to this farce of Regency your majesty. Suffice to say, you are not the only one who sees this development for the disaster it is, and there are those who would desire to see somepony with more competence placed in power: my master believes that you would be an excellent candidate.” The Pegasus actually bowed as he finished his statement.

Blueblood smiled and drew himself up to his greatest height, pleased of his importance finally being acknowledged.

“My, you seem to have a master more intelligent than most of the uneducated drivel that have polluted the Canterlot Elite over the years; so tell me good sir, who is this master of yours?”

The Pegasus bowed once again.

“I apologise your majesty, but my master is not highly regarded amongst the Canterlot Elite and would prefer to remain

anonymous until such a time as the name of Blueblood sits upon the throne; the name of a noble not well regarded as say Fancypants he fears may hurt your case.” The Pegasus still maintained the same monotone and blank face.

Blueblood nodded, pretending to understand the logic behind this; in reality his mind was preoccupied with images of himself finally in his rightful place on the throne of Equestria and ruling over the subjects who had for so long refused to acknowledge his noble bloodline, even if it would only be for as long as Auntie Celestia was away.

“Very well good sir,” Blueblood nodded to the Pegasus, “please inform your master that I am honoured to accept his offer, I shall make myself present at this “induction” of our new Regent so that I may assess for myself the fool they have picked out for the job. For now, begone from my presence, I need to prepare myself for the evening ahead.”

The Pegasus bowed a final time before marching smartly onto the balcony and shooting off into the setting sun, leaving a very excited Prince to mull over what he would do when he was in charge.

****

It was still strange for Luna to be around other ponies casually, even after over two years of her return to ruling Equestria. Still, she couldn’t help the smile on her face as she watched the remaining Element Bearers sitting and laughing together, Rarity and Fluttershy were being entertained by Pinkie Pies antics while Applejack made sure those same antics didn’t destroy their chariot.

“Princess Luna?”

Luna looked to Twilight Sparkle.

“Twilight, I have told you before that there are no formalities between me and you six, I would’ve thought you especially would appreciate that.” She nodded with a slight giggle to Twilights fairly recent wings.

Twilight blushed, realising her wings had once again stuck themselves out firmly to the sides; fortunately it seemed no one had noticed and she forced them back to her sides.

“I take it you still haven’t told them?” Luna was speaking in whispers now, much better than her first attempt at whispering which most other ponies would call yelling.

Twilight was blushing furiously now.

Luna sighed and wrapped a wing around her.

“You know they won’t think any differently of you. They are still your friends, and if they still thought of you the same after you grew wings, I hardly feel that they will think poorly of you for your choice in ponies.” Luna gently stroked Twilight’s mane with her wing as Twilight just nuzzled into her.

Over in the corner, Rarity grinned; she had not missed a moment of Luna and Twilight’s cuddle as much as they tried to be subtle about it. She only wished that her friend would trust the rest of them with her choice but she was sure that Twilight would tell them when she was ready. For now she amused herself watching Pinkie playing with Gummy, content to simply watch the funny antics rather than wonder where the toothless alligator had come from.

Soon they would be in Ponyville again and soon they would have answers to what exactly had happened there.

On one of the many long dirt roads of Equestria, a bizarre contraption chugged along, two very lean unicorns sitting in place on a seat just behind a large funnel that, their horns aglow and powering an engine atop the machine.

The brothers Flim and Flam were angry; still their genius had not been accepted among the masses of Equestria, their reputations still in tatters.

Being ran out of a town tended to do that.

Both brothers were dozing atop their machine, barely even awake as their magic carried them along their path to Manehatten where they would once again market their genius device and delicious cider.

They were pulled from their pleasant day dreams by the machine jerking to halt, lurching the brothers forward and fully awake.

“Flim, did you fall asleep again?” Flam asked irritably.

“Not me brother, was it you who dozed off?” Flim returned, rubbing his head where he had hit it.

“Ahem.”

The brothers snapped their heads to look at the road directly ahead of them; a unicorn stood blocking their path, his body was blood red and it was topped with a mess of brown mane.

“Gentlemen? Pardon my interruption but I am seeking the world renowned Flim Flam brothers?” The unicorns’ voice was very smooth, the kind one would often see playing a romantic lead in plays.

Flim and Flam grinned to each other before jumping down from their machine, their matching straw hats levitating magically to them as they landed.

“Pleased to meet you good sir, I am Flim, purveyor of fine merchandise and fine beverages with my brother Flam here!” The one without a moustache declared in a businessman announcing voice.

“And I am Flam, together we’re the Flim Flam brothers, well renowned inventors and merchants extraordinaire across all of Equestria, we deliver fine customer satisfaction with every purchase.” Flam spoke with great gusto just like his brother.

The unicorn quirked an eyebrow.

“Odd, the last thing I heard related to you two you were run out of a rural town for trying to ruin the lives of one of the Elements of Harmony bearers?”

The two brothers noticeably sagged; yet another customer lost because of one mistake.

“Now now my good sirs, I am not about to judge two fine businessponies such as yourselves on one mistake, after all, you did not know who you were contending with or the special treatment they are afforded, correct?” The unicorns’ smile was back, now reassuring.

The brothers nodded, hope flickering ever so slightly.

“But do not lie to me again.” His tone was suddenly dangerous.

The brothers shivered slightly but again nodded.

“Now, to business, I am well aware of what this fine device you ride upon is capable of.” He tapped a forehoof against the front of the Super Cider Squeezy. “Tell me, did you never considered going full scale with this device, larger chasis build, multiple duplicates, perhaps even a factory?”

The unicorn grinned at the glint that showed in the brothers’ eyes as they imagined themselves rolling in the bits that would surely result from such a venture.

“Why of course, we are business savvy stallions my friend! But sadly such a venture requires bits that now seem, well, rather unlikely all things considered.” Even Flams moustache seemed to droop.

The unicorn grinned once again, though there was now a gleam in his eyes that Flam didn’t like.

“Quite. Well my dear stallions, I find myself in a rather difficult positions; a dear friend of mine, Celestia bless him, has recently passed and has left me his old factory to run in his stead, as decreed by his will. However, I am not a man of machinery or business, I fail to see how I could possibly maintain such a factory without a technical aptitude or experience as a businesspony.”

The brothers swelled. This was too good to be true…

“What’s the cat-“Flam started but Flim slapped a hoof over his mouth, silencing him.

“Well good sir, it just so happens my brother and I would be happy to hash out terms for us to run that factory for you, assuming you are willing?” Flims grin was so big it threatened to engulf his face by this point.

The unicorn seemed to think for a moment before nodding.

“Indeed my good sir, I believe that may well be the best way to go about this, shall we split initial profits say, 25-75 and go from there?”

“You mean 75-25 right?” Flam asked suspiciously.

The unicorn shook his head.

“Oh my no, I think it is quite clear that you two are both the metaphorical brains and brawn in this business relationship; I am merely there to provide funds for you to use in your operations it would appear, so the profit margin should reflect it, 75% for you and your brother.” The unicorn showed no signs of joking or lying on his face, and Flim and Flam were both experienced liars.

The brothers whirled around to face each other; what they had planned to be a private business talk soon became the two brothers nodded their heads as fast as possible, huge smiles on their faces, before turning back.

“Very well, we accept your offer Mr-“

“Oh I do apologise, it seems I never introduced myself, I do get myself in a flap sometimes while talking to such esteemed gentlecolts” the brothers beamed again, “my name is Cascading Aurora, and it will be a pleasure working with you, shall we depart?”

With a glow of purple around his horn, a large, swirling portal appeared behind Cascading, who turned on his hooves and walked right through it.

The Flim Flam brothers wasted no time and drove their device through the portal as fast as they could, eager to finally make their millions.

****

At the Royal Canterlot Palace, the Grand Hall was now packed with tables and servants preparing various meals for the flood of nobles attending the formal function; even though it was mostly an open invitation to any nobles interested, they were attending with almost the same gusto as they would the Grand Galloping Gala.

“No doubt trying to suck up to the new Regent.” Razorback muttered as he saw how many nobles had agreed to come, the list already accounted for at least one member of every noble family and this didn’t include those who would undoubtedly arrive unannounced.

“Well, they’ll have better luck with him than Celestia.” Phalanx muttered as he gestured for a young recruit to fix his helmet.

“What was that Phalanx?” Razorback flared his bat wings angrily.

“You heard what I said Razorback; our Regent is only eligible in the first place because he’s in bed with Celestia’s niece, you think he won’t be above showing favouritism to ponies he likes, look at you, what qualified you to be Guard Captain before me other than being friends with the old captain?” Now Phalanx was right in Razorbacks face, the challenge more blatant than he had dared before now.

“Oh is that what it is Phalanx? At least that explains a lot about why you hate all the Guard Captains, just angry because you couldn’t cut it hey you old mule?” Razorback didn’t let him respond but instead drew back and head-butted Phalanx in the nose, knocking him to the ground.

“Get up to the south-east tower, you’re on aerial watch duty for the night. We needed a replacement anyway since Soarin’ went to the Wonderbolts, look like you win the prize.” Razorback declared mockingly.

Phalanx scowled but felt a hoof holding him back and could see other guards, both Celestias and Lunas gathering around Razorback. Still scowling he stomped his way out the Grand Hall and up to the South wing.

“More problems with Phalanx Razorback?” The guards all bowed quickly to Shining Armour before marching off to their duties after he waved a hoof.

“He’s just bitter, he does his job at least, wouldn’t put up with him otherwise.” Razorback trotted over to the massive double doors that the nobles would enter through. “So, ready for us to sound off?”

Shining nodded.

“Let the torture begin!” He declared in his best kingly voice, giving him and Razorback a chuckle as the two unicorn guards sent up huge blasts of magic in a multitude of colours, which exploded into a grant fireworks display as several Earth ponies lowered the drawbridge to the castle, the dozens of well-dressed and expectant nobles filing their way in across the bridge, ready to give their best to the new Regent and come out richer.

****

Prince Blueblood prepared himself, taking a deep breath to calm himself before he made his way across the bridge. He had no idea why he was even nervous, he had the rights of royalty on his side, this Regent had only a tangential claim at best.

“Ooof!” Blueblood found himself face first on the floor as somepony slammed into him from behind.

“Hey, keep your flank moving dude, can’t stop right in front of me like that, you could’ve broke my shades!” The voice was distinctly not that of a Canterlot noble.

Blueblood hauled himself to his hooves and glared back at the mare who had slammed into him, jaw dropping in shock and disgust.

The mare before him was the very epitome of the kind of pony that did not belong in Canterlot, the mares’ mane was wild, reasonably short and a shocking electric blue that shot out in all directions over a white coat. Her eyes were hidden behind a pair of clearly custom made purple sunglasses that rested just under her horn and she was wearing what he could only describe as a leather jacket.

“Begone you wretch, guards! Guards! Who let this rabble in?” Blueblood called out, other nobles simply ignoring the pair and going around them.

“Sir, please calm yourself, what seems to be the matter?” The unicorn guard was younger than either of the other two but he was composed and professional nonetheless.

“What seems to be the matter?! I’ll tell you what is the matter, you guards are so careless and ignorant you let a peasant slip into this most formal of functions and I demand that she be removed this instant!” The guard scowled at Blueblood.

“Sir, if you insult Ms Scratch one more time I will personally see you ejected from the castle.”

“What! You would side with this, this-“

“Mare of noble blood?” The guard had to fight with every ounce of his will not to smirk at Bluebloods horrified look.

“Wh-what, t-th-this, no, can’t, shouldn’t, what?”

“Yup, names DJ-PON3 buddy, and I’m as noble blooded as any of the rest of you, and if you could kindly move your flank out of the way, my marefriend just got swept up in the crowd, I need to go catch up before someone sweeps her off her hooves.” Openly laughing at Bluebloods increased spluttering at the mention of “marefriend”, Vinyl Scratch trotted off to catch up to a grey mare that was being carried away by the still moving crowd.

“Honestly Vinyl, couldn’t you have at least tried to dress yourself up, this is a formal event!” The grey Earth mare groaned, trying to use her hooves to straighten out Vinyl’s mane only to have them slapped away.

“Come on Octy, you can’t mess with the DJ-PON3 mane, it just isn’t right!” By now they were attracting a great deal of irritated glances from other nobles.

Octavia sighed and leaned her head to Vinyl and whispered in her ear.

“Vinyl I know what the DJ-PON3 is to you. I know what she means. But tonight, just tonight, we need to be respectable. So please, just for tonight, would you please drop the persona and just be Vinyl Scratch, for me?” Octavia looked deep into the DJ’s eyes, gently easing her sunglasses on top of her horn to look into her scarlet eyes.

Vinyl momentarily maintained her cockiness and arrogance in her eyes but she quickly buckled under Octavia’s pleading gaze; with a sad frown, her horn glowed and pulled her mane into a more acceptable style, flattened straight and teleported her leather jacket away, no doubt back to their home.

“Can I please keep the shades?” She sounded like a child asking for sweets.

Octavia smiled and nuzzled her DJ before gently placing the sunglasses back over her eyes.

“Of course you can. You are MY special pony, and only I get to see the amazing mare behind those glasses whenever I want to, right?”

Vinyl finally smiled again.

“Yep. But there are other things that no one else gets to see of mine…”

“Vinyl.” Octavia growled.

“I swear, last one of the night.” Vinyl held her hoofs up in mock surrender.

Octavia groaned but couldn’t hide her smile as the two of them pressed into each other’s sides as they finally made their way to a table in the Grand Hall, Vinyl amazing Octavia by pulling her seat out for her before seating herself.

“Most esteemed nobles of Canterlot, may I please ask you to help me in welcoming the newly declared Regent of Equestria, Prince Shining Armour!”

Prince Blueblood nearly spat his wine across the tablecloth as Shining Armour made his appearance, decked out in his old Guard armour minus his helmet and waved to the various bowing nobles. Blueblood quickly realised that he was not bowing and forced himself to falsify enough of a bow to not raise eyebrows.

After a typical speech about the new Regent and their absolute authority (Blueblood resisted the urge to gag), the nobles began their socialising, many feigning interest in others of their calibre briefly before badgering the new Regent, if only to appear not to be hoof lickers.

Blueblood excused himself to the Royal Gardens, seething.

“What seems to be the issue your majesty?”

Blueblood whirled at the voice, sitting atop one of the many walls of the hedge maze was the same pegasus from earlier at his estate.

“I will tell you what my issue is you uneducated grunt, up there is a pathetic colt with no claim to the throne who has been given special treatment by Auntie Celestia because he’s rutting Cadance. Meanwhile you sit there and infiltrate my estate as you please-“

“I did no such thing.”

Blueblood growled at the pegasus’ unwavering face.

“Do you take me for a fool, you were there, you told me to make myself present at this farce and I deman-“

“I did not break into your estate, I am merely a representative of The Shadowbolts. And you are in no position to demand anything of us.”

Blueblood was taken aback, whether more by the shock of two so identical Pegasi, a group he had never heard of or the fact that this Pegasus had talked back to him, the other had never done so.

“The Shadowbolts? I know only of the Wonderbolts, I demand you tell me of The Shadowbolts and what they are, and especially why in the hay you have taken an interest in wasting my time so thoroughly!” Bluebloods face was turning red.

The Pegasus seemed to mull his questions over for a moment before answering.

“I cannot tell you everything-“

“WHY IN THE HA-“

Blueblood was dazed as he suddenly found himself on his side, a thundering pain against his head and flecks of concrete surrounding him. The Pegasus had dropped down from the hedge maze and now stood before him, an annoyed look the first emotion that it, they, had ever shown.

“Listen your majesty, I regret that I had to do that but the Shadowbolts value our secrecy, it is what allows us to operate as we do. As it stands, if you will follow me, quietly this time, I can explain what I am allowed to.” He lowered a wing, helping a dizzied Blueblood to his feet, who whether from fear or concussion raised no more objections and followed the Pegasus as they wandered into the hedge maze.

“Now, what I am allowed to tell you about the Shadowbolts is this: we predate the Royal Sisters, shut up!” He snapped a wing over Bluebloods mouth before he could speak. “We are unknown even to them but we have long been in place, always watching and always waiting for when we are needed.”

The Pegasus turned to face Blueblood and stopped walking. They were now in the very centre of the hedge maze.

“It has come to our attention that Princess Celestia has made some, well, very unwise rulings over the last few years; the escape of Nightmare Moon, entrusting the Elements of Harmony to mortal ponies, the escape of Discord, or hay even the inability to run a wedding or gala properly. As much as it pains us if the Princess cannot fulfil her duties then, we have no choice to but ensure a new monarch. Her decision to place Prince Shining Armour on the throne over you only confirms our worries that her mind is no longer sharp enough to run Equestria effectively.”

Blueblood nodded, he had always felt his ideals for Equestria were superior to his Aunties though he would never challenge their authority. Now it looked like he wouldn’t have to.

“So, Prince Blueblood, tonight at the opportune moment you shall raise your objections to Prince Shining Armour’s claim to the throne and with support of the nobles we shall have you elected as the next Regent and soon after we shall see to making you a permanent monarch, should you prove capable.”

The Pegasus frowned as it saw Blueblood was now literally bouncing on his hooves like an overactive foal. It resisted the urge to facehoof and flapped its wings to hover above the prince.

“For now, I must leave you alone once again, your role is critical tonight in deciding the future of Equestria, it may well be the most important moment of your life.”

The Pegasus turned to leave but heard the Princes voice once again, sounding confused.

“Wait, the opportune moment, when’s that?”

Growling softly enough so that the Prince could not hear him, The Pegasus turned back to him.

“Your majesty, I highly doubt that you will be able to miss it. To say anymore would be to compromise our plan.”

“Oh right.” Blueblood nodded furiously, pretending to understand as the Pegasus took off into the night sky until he lifted above the clouds.

“Right Blueblood, time to embrace your destiny and prove to all those fools accepting that peasant as their ruler what true royalty looks like; Equestria shall enter a golden age under your rule and you shall gain the respect that has been kept from you since you took on your royal duties.” He swept himself up into a triumphant pose and then remembered where he was.

“Okay. Now, how do I get out of this maze?”