The World Rests On Your Shoulders

The world seemed held in a moment of perpetual silence as the first glimpses of sunlight broke the horizon, bathing the sprawling city of Canterlot in a warm glow. Throughout the majestic city, ponies of all ages and race began to stir from their peaceful slumbers, welcoming the glorious new dawn with a quick thank to Celestia. Very soon the cobblestone streets would be bustling with ponies on their way to work, the shops and offices would become a hive of activity, and everyone would be ecstatic at the prospect of embracing the new day.

Well, almost everyone…

Beyond the clustered city, stood the awesome sight, of Canterlot Castle. Truly a sight to behold with its smooth marble walls, its delicate towers and majestic spires. And high up in one of the numerous ivory towers, one that used to hold none other than the personal student of Princess Celestia herself, one individual was not happy to see the rays of light seeping through his window.

“A thousand curses upon you Sol!” he spoke in a voice muffled by the pillow he clutched to his face in a vain attempt to stop the first light from penetrating his eyelids. While his method achieved its desired aim and blocked out all rays of natural light, it had the unfortunate side effect of making him too tense to get back to sleep. With a roar of frustration he tore the pillow from his face and launched it across the room, resigning himself to the disappointing fact he would not be sleeping in that morning.

The figure lazily raised a bear paw and began to rub the sleep out of his mismatched eyes, muttering curses to Celestia and her entire family under his breath. As he did, he raised an eagle claw, snapping the talons and summoning the pillow he had just cast aside back into his grasp. With a single thought the pillow vanished in a flurry of gold light only to be replaced by a bright cone of cotton candy, upon which he began to munch.

“’Make friends’ they said,” Discord whined between mouthfuls, putting on a nasally voice, “’your life will be better’ they said.”

Before he knew it he was biting into thin air, the candy floss having been devoured too quickly for his enjoyment. He simply lay there, idly picking his teeth, staring at the ceiling.

“How the mighty have fallen,” he spoke to the empty room, “once a god, a being unmatched by all… now Celestia’s faithful pooch.

“And all because of the magic of friendship.” Discord raised his head and began slamming it back into the springy mattress, he did this for a few minutes, hoping it would alleviate his moody thoughts, but to no avail. It seemed he would have to resort to desperate measures. Wriggling his back he allowed his dragon tail to slither out from beneath him, and let it blindly roam over the bedside, searching for what he knew to be lying face down on the cabinet. As he felt his tail brush over it, he took hold of it in the hand like appendage adorning the tip of his tail and brought it over so he could see it.

Held in front of him, was a cheap wooden frame that held something more valuable to him than all the gold in Canterlot Bank. The picture showed a butter yellow Pegasus, smiling politely from behind her long pink mane. Even in this picture Discord could see the timidness in her eyes. At her ankle sat a white rabbit wearing a clear frown on his face, clearly annoyed at having his picture taken, but Discord didn’t care, Angel wasn’t the one he stared at. Written in eloquent, yet delicate writing, were the words ‘Your friend, Fluttershy’.

Discord sighed, placing the picture frame back on the bedside cabinet, making sure it was face down again.

“How the mighty have fallen indeed,” he muttered to himself, all the steam built up in him a moment before suddenly gone. with that he rolled over, tucking his odd legs close to his chest and burying himself as close to the wall as possible, his face pressed into the mattress in another vain attempt at blocking out the light of the sun which by now was fully risen and beginning its long ascent into the sky, on this, the longest day of the year.

Discord didn’t know how long he had lain there like that, it could have been minutes, it could have been hours, but the next thing he knew the ornate double doors to his room were creaking open, and he could hear hoofsteps making their slow deliberate way across the floor. He didn’t bother to roll over to see who it was, none of the servants or guards ever came here unless it was necessary, that could only leave few options. Sure enough the steps ceased and a tall shadow loomed over him, the long horn and impressive wingspan clearly featured on it.

“Not now Celestia,” Discord moaned, still not looking around, “you had me up all night dealing with envoys, and I need my beauty sleep.”

“Celestia?” a voice spoke, one that was undoubtedly not Celestia’s, “guess again, old friend.”

Discord felt his heart stop dead in his chest, and ice seep through his veins. Not much could scare the spirit of chaos, but he knew that voice, and he had good reason to be afraid.

In the blink of an eye he scrambled around and began backing up desperately against the wall, in a childish attempt to put as much distance between himself and the figure who now towered over him.

“M-m-m’lady,” he stammered, unable to control the fear in his voice, “what a p-pleasant surprise, it’s been too long.”

She didn’t respond at first, she merely narrowed her eyes, causing the draconequus to squirm further under her gaze.

“Hasn’t it just,” she said at last, her voice calm and measured, “the last I heard you were still sealed in stone, following your initial failure.”

“Well, hehe,” he began, forcing a nervous laugh, “guess it didn’t stick.”

“Clearly,” she responded, not even trying to hide the distaste in her voice, “and now here you are, loyal to Celestia.”

The last word came out as a hiss, causing Discord to gulp.

“Loyal is a strong word,” he insisted, “I prefer to think of it as biding my time.”

“Well then, I deem your time bidden long enough,” she said, the first smile creeping onto her face, that only worried Discord more, “I think it’s time we finished what we started, don’t you?”

Discord didn't respond, all words stuck in his throat. The figure raised an eyebrow impatiently, forcing him to stammer out a response.

“B-but what do expect m-me to do?”

“Not much,” she admitted turning around and making for the door, “I have already set things in motion; you will have one part to play towards the end…”

Suddenly she swished around fixing Discord with a stare that could kill dragons, “and you will play it, or need I remind you the cost of your disloyalty?”

Discord hung his head, all fight drained in an instant.

“No,” he whispered miserably.

“Then we have an agreement,” she said marching from the room, her magical aura slamming the doors shut behind her.

Discord lay motionless on the bed, staring blankly at the doors she had just left through. Slowly but steadily his heart rate was returning to normal, and he was beginning to take control of his breathing. For the second time that morning he was unsure how much time passed before he moved again, but when he did he reached out for the picture once again, staring glumly at the mare smiling back at him.

“So much for reformed,” he muttered letting the picture clatter to the floor.

Powerless

“Feelin’ any better Sugarcube?” the orange mare asked, the concern on her face apparent, even with her Stetson covering half of it.

“Much better,” Twilight Sparkle responded, although her voice was still a little shaky. Twilight made a mental note to thank Cadance for teaching her that relaxation technique.

With her thoughts relatively calm and clear Twilight turned her attention to her surroundings which she had neglected during her recent panic attack.

Applejack sat across from her, half sitting, half lounging on the seat she occupied. Across the aisle Rainbow Dash fidgeted impatiently, giving her cyan wings an occasional flex, while opposite her, Rarity with her pristine white coat and Fluttershy the butter yellow Pegasus sat discussing Rarity’s latest commission for another faceless member of the Canterlot gentry.

Turning away from this, Twilight instead looked outside the window at the rolling landscape rushing past them. Taking the train to Canterlot had become such a regular thing for Twilight; she often neglected to notice just how stunning the view was. Equestria was spread out before her in all its glory, thickets of forest and clusters of mountains scattered over the landscape, and in the distance, Twilight could just about make out quaint town she now called home.

“It’s been three years,” she said suddenly causing Applejack to stir from what she guessed was another attempt at catching some shut eye before their arrival.

“What’s that Sugarcube?” she asked stifling a yawn.

“I said it’s been three years since I moved to Ponyville,” she repeated looking back at the farmer, “It’s not that long when you really think about it, but I honestly can’t imagine a life outside it anymore.

Applejack grinned, and Twilight noticed the other three had stopped what they were doing to listen in.

“Well shucks Twi,” Applejack began sitting up straight, “if ah’m honest, ah can’t imagine life in Ponyville without you either.”

“Yeah, you may be a total egghead,” not the most flattering thing you could have said Rainbow, “but in a good way, Ponyville would be so not awesome without you.”

Rarity and Fluttershy nodded enthusiastically in agreement and Twilight blushed.

“Are you ever worried you might get called back to Canterlot?” Fluttershy asked in a barely audible whisper.

“Sometimes,” Twilight admitted, “but even if I was, I wouldn’t go.”

“I suppose there’s really no risk of Princess Celestia forcing you to now,” Rarity commented, “you after all her equal now.”

Twilight gave a nervous glance at her wings which gave an involuntary flutter.

“Yeah… I’m a princess now…”

“Now don’t go havin’ another freak out on us yah hear me,” Applejack said letting the panic in her voice rise.

“Don’t worry,” Twilight assured them with a small blush of embarrassment, “I got all that out of my system.”

“You really shouldn’t be worried Twilight darling,” Rarity consoled, “you’re about to take part in something ponies like us could only dream of.”

“Yeah, can you imagine,” Rainbow said dramatically, “when you think meeting one, or even two princesses is awesome, you’re about to meet all of them at once. Now that, is, awesome.”

“It’s exciting, sure,” Twilight said, not sounding convinced, “but I’ve only been a princess for a few months, what if I mess up? What if I start a war? What if…”

All four of her friends shared exasperated looks and Applejack was about to speak up, when a pink blur sped through the train car, spinning uncontrollably into an unassuming Twilight.

“Pinkie, what in Equestria was…” she began but was instantly cut off by the pink party pony who seemed more excited than usual, which was hard to tell as she was always excited.

“Twilight, you gotta come see this!”

Without waiting another second, Pinkie Pie sped off to the end of the train car and pressed her nose against one of the far windows, enthralled by something she could apparently see outside. casting a confused look at Rainbow Dash, who responded with the look known to all locals of Ponyville to mean ‘it’s just Pinkie Pie being Pinkie Pie’, she then pulled herself up and made her way towards Pinkie who was trembling with excitement.

Soon all five arrived at the window where Pinkie Pie and Twilight’s number one assistant, Spike the dragon sat staring out the window. Now thoroughly intrigued as to what could be going on Twilight opened the window with her magic and all seven peered out. There was a collective ‘wow’ as they all saw what Pinkie had been talking about. Canterlot Mountain stood tall in the distance, the city and castle perched precariously on the side, but for once there was a sight even more incredible than that.

A plume of fire was streaked across the sky, trailing behind what looked at first to be a Pegasus drawn carriage, but upon further inspection Twilight saw there were no pegasi pulling it, the shining gold carriage was being propelled along by the flames spewing from behind it. But the most impressive part about this sight, was the figure who sat atop it. there was no doubt in any of their minds who this figure was, the red coat practically screamed royalty, the long elegant horn and the wings woven from tongues of flame were a dead give-away.

“So that’s one of the princesses,” Twilight breathed, unable to tear her eyes away from the scarlet alicorn descending into Canterlot.

“Twilight…” Rainbow Dash began in a distant voice.

“Yeah?” Twilight replied not looking over.

“How many princesses did you say there was going to be again?”

“Well including myself, Celestia, Luna and Cadance,” Twilight thought back to her letter from Celestia for a moment, “thirteen.”

There was a moment of awed silence broken only by Rainbow Dash.

“So… awesome.”

~

Canterlot station would usually have been a central hub of activity this early in the morning; ponies from all over Equestria would pour in and out of the capital, thus making the train station one of the busiest places. Not today however, today was far too important, and with Equestria’s newest princess arriving by train it became a necessity to have the platform closed for the day so that royal guards may occupy it.

And so as the Friendship Express came whistling and screeching to a halt, Twilight and her friends were greeted by a dozen guards waiting patiently in the otherwise deserted station.

“Jeez, these stiffs again,” Dash scoffed flying ahead of the group, finally being allowed to stretch her wings after being cooped up for the entire journey. The guards eyed her suspiciously, but made no move to stop her. Once Twilight was in the midst of the guards the senior officer approached them, stopping to give her a salute before addressing her.

“You highness,” he began in the generic clip one of the guards ponies; “transport is ready outside the station to take you and your escorts to the castle. We will have your luggage transported separately.”

“Escorts!” Rarity muttered in outrage, Twilight scuffed the ground nervously, not sure if she should correct him or not.

“Thank you captain,” she said instead. He saluted once more before standing at attention to the side allowing them to pass.

Leaving their bags behind as instructed they made their way across the station, making for the unmanned ticket booth and the arch way leading to the streets of Canterlot. Rainbow Dash dropped down to glide alongside them and together all seven of them stepped out onto the street, with Twilight at the head of the pack. It seemed they had closed the whole street for her on top of everything else, Twilight would have been annoyed about this but she was too surprised by who stood outside the carriage waiting for them.

She had expected more armoured guards, but the reality was so much better.

“Cadance!” she exclaimed in delight rushing forward to her old foalsitter and sister in law, whose face broke out in a wide smile as she too sought to close the distance between them.

“Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake. Clap your hooves and do a little shake.”

They both broke out in a little fit of giggles upon finishing their greeting, before embracing each other warmly.

“I missed you,” Twilight said as they parted from each other’s grasp.

“It’s only been a few months,” Cadance argued, “but none the less I’ve missed you too.”

As Cadance greeted the others, it was only then that Twilight realised she hadn’t been the only one waiting for them outside the train station. Standing a little back, as if unsure as to whether she was welcome to join in or not, stood a blue unicorn mare. At a glance she looked around the same age as Twilight and her friends, her eyes were a stunning violet and her magenta mane was tied up in a long plat.

“Oh, where are my manners,” Cadance said, looking apologetically at the mare, “Twilight you remember my sister, Clarity.”

“Clarity!” Twilight exclaimed in surprise, the name rung true in her mind, she knew she recognised the mare from somewhere, but she could never have guessed.

“Hey Twilight, I-I mean Princess Twilight,” she stammered giving an awkward bow.

“Clarity it’s okay,” Twilight assured her, Clarity stood up gratefully.

“I hope you’re all looking forward to your stay,” Cadance said addressing the group, “I’d love to take more time for you all, but I’m afraid the summit must be underway soon, and it can’t start when two princesses are catching up on the streets of Canterlot.”

Twilight gave a sheepish grin in response and Cadance invited them all to mount the carriage. Once they were all comfortable Cadance gave a nod to the two stallions hitched up at the front and they immediately began to pull them along.

“So you are the princess’s sister,” Rarity said breaking the silence, “charmed to make your acquaintance, I am Rarity.”

“Clarity, and really it’s an honour to meet you, all of you.” Applejack and Rarity exchanged a surprised look, Twilight smiled to herself, she could already tell they were all going to get along, and as they chatted away she looked out the window to see the castle looming ever closer.

~

The trumpet blasted across the palace courtyard in typical regal fashion as the carriage swung through the high arch.

“Princess Twilight Sparkle!” a magically amplified voice boomed, signally for all the guards present to stand to attention. the carriage slowed to a stop, the door swung open and to the baited breaths of all present, both dignitaries and guards ponies, the lavender alicorn dismounted, her only symbol of office being the delicate crown upon her head, adorned with the pink gemstone in the shape of her cutie mark.

As all members of the party stepped off the coach a single figure rushed forward from the crowd, the sweat prominent on his brow, and a pocket watch held in silver aura in front of him.

“Your highnesses,” he said breathlessly, giving a quick bow to Twilight and Cadance, “the summit will be taking place momentarily.”

“Of course, thank you Pen Pusher,” Cadance replied warmly before turning to the assembled ponies, “Twilight and I must be off, business comes first and all that, we will catch up more this evening at dinner.”

“Wait a sec,” Rainbow butted in, “we’re coming too right?”

“I’m sorry Rainbow Dash,” Cadance said hesitantly, “but only princesses are permitted to be in the assembly hall during the summit.”

“So we came all this way and we don’t even get to meet these princesses,” Rainbow huffed, kicking at the ground in frustration.

“Sorry Rainbow Dash,” Twilight began before noticing the steward looking at his pocket watch impatiently, “look we really have to go…”

“Yeah, yeah,” Rainbow said dismissively fluttering away.

“Don’t you fret about her none Sugarcube,” Applejack assured Twilight, “now you run on ahead, don’t wanna keep all them important ponies waitin’ do yah?”

Twilight smiled appreciatively and after a quick farewell to the others, she and Cadance ascended the courtyard stairs, making their way into the castle.

“I must say Twilight,” Cadance began suddenly as they marched swiftly through the corridors, “I expected you to be a ticking time bomb of nerves at the prospect of your first royal summit.”

Twilight laughed and scratched her head awkwardly, “well… I got it all out of my system during the train ride here. Thanks again for teaching me that calming technique.”

“Not at all,” Cadance replied with a laugh, “it’s funny; Celestia actually taught me that before my first summit. I had this crazy idea I was going to do something stupid like start a war.”

Twilight laughed, but looked away in order to hide the blush of embarrassment creeping into her cheeks.

“The important thing to remember,” Cadance continued, seemingly not noticing Twilight’s reaction, “Is that we’re all on the same side, even though we rule all over the world, our job is to maintain harmony for all.”

“Just out of interest, what do I do?” Twilight asked, it was only now that they were making the final leg of their journey that it dawned on Twilight how little of her studies looked into international affairs.

“Well you’re part of the Triumvirate, so you won’t be expected to put forward any of your own points.”

“That’s good, I… wait, the Tri-what?” Twilight stopped dead, she had never heard of this, but Cadance didn’t seem surprised by her confusion.

“The Triumvirate,” she repeated, “while there is one princess representative I each of the foreign continents, Equestria, as the centre of pony kind, must always be ruled by three princess.

“Until recently, it was comprised of Celestia, Luna and I,” she continued, “but as you know, the re-emergence of the Crystal Empire required one of us to take a new title. It was actually for that very reason that it became even more crucial that you ascend to princess hood as quickly as possible so that the Triumvirate could be maintained.”

Twilight nodded eagerly, she loved to learn new things, and this was simply baiting her desire for knowledge, what more was there to Equestrian politics that she had yet to discover?

“Alright, this is where we separate,” Cadance announced, cutting off Twilight’s train of thought.

“Wait, what?”

“I have to get to my own chamber,” she explained, “but Celestia and Luna are waiting for you at the end of this hallway.”

Twilight nodded, still unsure what she meant by 'her own chamber'.

“Don’t dawdle,” Cadance called back, taking a different route, “the summit is due to start any minute now.”

Twilight was suddenly filled with new panic, and forgetting all semblance of grace, she galloped madly down the corridor, praying she wasn’t too late. Celestia and Luna stopped their conversation as they saw her approaching, they looked both surprised and greatly amused to see her so breathless as she came to a shuddering stop in front of them.

“I-I’m… here!” Twilight spluttered between breathes. Celestia and Luna took one look at each other before bursting into raucous laughter.

“Did Cadance tell you, you were going to be late?” Celesta asked, being the first to stop laughing at Twilight’s expense. Twilight stared at her as the gears clicked into place in her head. “Twilight, the summit cannot start until we’re all present, technically there is no ‘being late’.”

Twilight suppressed a groan, pulling herself up to her full height, although she was still dwarfed by Celestia.

“Shall we proceed?” Luna inquired, whipping a stray tear from the corner of her eye.

“I think so,” Celestia responded, turning to face the doors her and Luna had been waiting at, which she gripped in a gold aura and swung open.

~

The others watched, almost sullenly, as Twilight and Cadance departed. None of them could deny it was a little annoying they wouldn’t get to meet these new princesses, but they were Twilight’s friends, and even Rainbow Dash couldn’t be angry at her for the privileges that came with her new position.

“So Clarity,” Rarity said, breaking the uncomfortable silence, “have you and Twilight known each other long?”

“Oh, well actually we hardly knew each other,” Clarity admitted as they began walking aimlessly through the courtyard, unsure where they could or couldn’t go, “we saw each other a bit, sometimes Cadance would foal sit us both, but mostly we kept to ourselves. It’s no secret Twilight had no interest in making friends when I knew her, and even when we were in Celestia’s school for gifted unicorns we were studying completely different fields of magic.”

“You went to Celestia’s school?” Fluttershy asked in quiet awe.

“Yeah, I mean I was never at the same level as Twilight,” she replied, “truth be told I’m actually pretty mediocre when it comes to magic, but I have a specialty for emotion based magic.”

Clarity gestured at her cutie mark, a sapphire outline of a heart.

“Must run in the family,” Applejack commented.

“Not exactly, while Cadance is centred around creating love, I have more variety.” Rainbow Dash who had joined them during the conversation, picked up on the subtle smugness in Clarity’s voice, she was an expert in being smug after all.

“Excuse me ladies,” a voice spoke behind them. They turned to see the stallion who had addressed Cadance when they first arrived at the palace, Pen Pusher was it?

“Yes?” Rarity asked politely.

“Would you care to come inside and get something to eat?” he asked unsure. It was only then they realised walking around the courtyard aimlessly was probably a peculiar way to pass the time.

“That would be mighty appreciated” Applejack said taking the lead.

The group followed Pen Pusher into one of the many rooms leading away from the courtyard, still talking among themselves.

“So how long are you staying?” Pen Pusher asked over his shoulder, interrupting their latest conversation about the Crystal Empire.

“We’re not rightly sure,” Applejack replied glancing around at the others for confirmation, “we only need to be here for this summit, after that we were just lookin’ to get a break.”

“Maybe if you find yourselves with some free time, we can have ourselves a little fun?” Pen Pusher suggested, a smile creeping into his voice. The six ponies and dragon stopped dead in their tracks. Pen Pusher turned to face them, his eyes bright yellow and sizes too big.

“Did I come on a bit too strong?” an all too familiar voice asked from Pen Pusher’s mouth. With a flash of light leaving the assembled ponies blinking in confusion, the stallion was replaced by the distinctive form of Discord.

“Discord!” Fluttershy cried out, speeding in for an embrace, ignoring the groans of frustration from all the others except Clarity, who was just confused by both the sudden reveal and Fluttershy’s sudden change in demeanour.

“What? Aren’t you happy to see me?” Discord addressed the others in a mock hurt voice.

“Well as long as you don’t play any of your mean pranks, then we’ll get along like ice cream and apple pie, okie dokie lokie?” Pinkie said bouncing up to meet his eye.

“You can’t be serious Pinkie,” Discord replied, sounding genuinely surprised, “I thought you liked a good prank.”

Pinkie Pie held her glare, before breaking into a wide grin and giving Discord a wink.

“Bazinga,” she exclaimed, “course I do, good to see you again Disco.”

Discord raised an eyebrow at this latest nickname, before giving a good natured smile.

“And that Pinkie, is why you’re my favourite,” he said before seeming to remember something, “next to Fluttershy of course.”

“Oh that’s alright Discord,” Fluttershy insisted still fluttering next to him, “I know you and Pinkie have so much more in common.”

“What about the rest of you? Aren’t you going to give your favourite god of chaos a hug?”

“Ah’m not gonna credit that with a response,” Applejack said in a deadpan tone.

“Yeah, ignoring the fact the last time we met, you poured hot gravy on my… lap,” Rainbow said sourly flying up to join Fluttershy and Pinkie who was somehow still hanging in the air, “what have you been up to Dipcord?”

“At least that nickname has a finer ring to it,” Discord scoffed, “I’ll have you know it’s Lord Dipcord now, whatever grand purpose Celestia had planned following my reformation, she has so far omitted to put into action, so instead she’s had me running royal errands like her personal steward.”

“Well if you don’t enjoy it, we can always give you a nice long vacation in the sculpture gardens,” Rarity said icily.

“Oh, somepony get me some Aloe Vera, I just got burned,” Discord said as small fires broke out over his body, extinguishing almost immediately.

“Anyway, I’d stay and chat, or continue this game of insult ping pong, but believe it or not I actually have responsibilities which require my attention.

“Oh that’s alright, we’ll catch up later,” Fluttershy said, receiving a small smile from the draconequus’s lips.

“The kitchens are just down this way,” he said gesturing down the corridor he led them into, “help yourselves, however now, I bid you adieu.”

With a small bow a puff of smoke he vanished from sight.

The group began walking in the direction indicated by Discord in silence, only broken by Clarity.

“Does somepony want to fill me in?”

“Let’s get some food first,” Spike said, speaking for the first time since they’d arrived at the castle, “it’s a long story.”

What none of them saw as they entered through the kitchen doors, was Discord rematerialize in the exact spot he had apparently disappeared from, and the grimace he wore on his face.

~

“Get your flanks in gear!” the voice bellowed across the courtyard. Its recipients were not pleased to be receiving less than motivating comments from their ex-captain of the guard, Shining Armour.

“Apologies sir,” one soldier said through gritted teeth, “but what exactly did your sister’s friends pack?”

“For the love of…” Shining muttered to himself, traipsing down the stone steps to the three breathless guards.

“Do you three mean to tell me, that after years of rigorous training, you’re struggling to carry a filly’s travel luggage?” he asked rhetorically.

“You’re welcome to show off your strength sir,” one spat back. Shining had to bit back his retort; these soldiers wouldn’t have dared talk back to him when he was still their commanding officer.

“Fine, since you’re clearly struggling so much,” he said pushing one of the guards aside and leaning down to grip the suitcase handle in his mouth.

Holy Celestia that is heavy!

After lifting the bag an inch off the ground, Shining Armour let it fall, swearing profusely. After an embarrassing moment of silence he looked up to see the self-satisfied smirks of the three guards he had only moments before chastised for doing the exact same thing, he was never going to hear the end of this.

“Get those bags open,” he ordered, “there is no way they should be so heavy.”

It seemed the guards were just as eager to find out the contents as he was because they didn’t argue, just dove right in. one, two, three bags were pulled open, and out leapt one, two, three fillies.

“Are we in?” the yellow earth pony asked scanning around before gulping when she saw they were surrounded by guards.

“Does this look like the castle to you?” the orange Pegasus snapped back, unperturbed by their current predicament.

“At the very least did we get our infiltration cutie marks?” the white unicorn asked, at once all three fillies twisted their bodies and stared at their still blank flanks before slumping dejectedly.

“Ah reckon it woulda’ worked, if Twilight’s brother hadn’t caught us.”

At that the three guards ceased to stare in confusion at the fillies and instead directed their attention to Shining Armour, who was resisting the urge to face hoof.

“Do you know these fillies sir?” one asked, Shining nodded.

“Unfortunately,” he admitted, “I’ll take them from here, you go on and get the rest of the bags.”

It wasn’t a matter for discussion and the guards knew it, they marched away whispering among themselves.

“Girls,” Shining began.

“Maybe we should just go back to the drawing board,” Sweetie Belle suggested.

“Girls,” Shining repeated.

“But we already tried to get artist cutie marks,” Scootaloo retorted.

“Girls,” he tried one more time, feeling thoroughly frustrated by this point.

“That’s not what she meant yah dodo,” Applebloom snapped back.

“Girls!”

All three heads snapped around as Shining Armour finally lost his temper.

“Forgetting the fact it’s an offence to sneak inside the royal palace, can I ask what you three trouble makers are doing here?”

“We wanted to tag along with our sisters but they wouldn’t let us,” Applebloom replied, as if this was perfect justification.

“You won’t tell them will you?” Sweetie Belle begged, but she knew he wasn’t the type to let up.

“I’m sorry girls,” he said, though he wasn’t, “maybe you can get your cutie marks in seeking forgiveness from your sisters.”

“Fat chance,” Scootaloo said, “do you know how many times we’ve tried that one.”

“I can guess,” he replied sternly, “now come on, you don’t want to be caught trespassing on today of all days.”

“Why what’s going on today of all days?” Sweetie Belle asked as he began leading them away.

“You don’t know?” he asked surprised, “today is the annual royal summit, the longest day of the year, the day all princesses are in Canterlot at once.”

“All the princesses?” Applebloom questioned.

“There’s more than…” Sweetie Belle thought for a moment, “three?”

“Four Sweetie, Twi remember,” Applebloom reminded her.

Shining Armour smiled, “more than four, you bet there are.”

~

The assembly hall was a sight to behold, like all rooms of the castle, it had a high vaulted ceiling, and white marble pillars lined the wall. The room was circular, what had Ms Peachbottom called it, a rotunda? And now Twilight stood with Celestia and Luna on a platform jutting from the wall. The highest platform in fact, all around the room there were ten more platforms lining the wall, each in descending height. The room was empty besides the three of them, but Celestia and Luna stood as if they were addressing a crowd of thousands.

Twilight didn’t have long to ponder this however as Celestia spoke up, addressing the empty room.

“I Celestia, Princess of the sun and head of the Triumvirate of Equestria call this, the Royal Summit of 1313 to order.”

Twilight glanced at Luna whose eyes were fixed forward and quickly did the same.

“Step fourth, Cadance, princess of love and ruler of the Crystal Empire.” As she spoke, the door to the first platform, situated right of Twilight’s platform swung open, and Cadance strode forward, holding herself  more regally than Twilight had ever seen.

“Step fourth,” here we go, Twilight thought as Celestia began to introduce the next princess, “Luonto, Princess of nature and ruler of Gallopolli.” The doors to the platform right of Cadance, and in strode the most stunning sight Twilight had ever seen. The Alicorn that glide forward bore a strong resemblance to Celestia, except that the few parts of her coat that were visible to Twilight were various shades of green, those parts she could not see were due to her being heavily adorned with all manners of plant life, ivy, flowers, fungi. Her hair appeared to be formed from clusters of leaves, varying from spring green closer to her body, all the way to autumn shades further out. To top off the image she was surrounded in various small birds and insects taking pleasure from her peculiar method of dress. She seemed to be the visage of life itself.

Twilight realised she was staring and quickly switched her gaze to the next platform as Celestia began to introduce the next princess.

“Step fourth, Somnium, princess of dreams and ruler of the Dream Cluster.” again the doors opened but this time the figure fluttered in on delicate wings, only her polite smile visible through the purple mane that was draped over her face, littered with twinkling star like lights. Twilight was immediately reminded of Fluttershy from her demeanour, a notion that was quickly forgotten about as she took in Somnium’s intriguing coat which looked to be a mesmerizing blend of sandy texture. Somnium’s only attire appeared to be a golden necklace with a pink gem inset in the front. As Somnium stood on her platform Twilight noticed her eyes were closed, had she kept them shut on her way in? Twilight wasn’t sure.

“Step fourth, Roma, princess of order and ruler of Panchea.” the next doors opened and a stone grey alicorn marched out, almost in military fashion, unlike those who had come before her, she spared no expense in dressing for the occasion, but rather than wearing something regal she was suited up in full silver armour with bronze trimmings, with a helmet to top off the military appearance.

“Step fourth, Mare Equus, princess of water and ruler of Aquestria.” Twilight stifled a giggle at the pun as the next princess stepped out onto her platform. Her coat was a deep blue and like Roma she was wearing a little armour, although hers looked far more decorative, adorned with sapphires as well as the tiara sitting atop her head. It was however her physical appearance that took Twilight most by surprised. Unlike the regular horn type all other princesses in the room were sporting, hers was coiled, resembling a sea shell. Her mane, like Celestia’s seemed to reflect her element and consisted of a spout of bubbles. Her wings reminded Twilight at first of insect wings, but their orange colour gave them away as fins. Lastly what Twilight original thought was a regular coat, consisted of bright blue fish scales, plastered in various sea life in some areas.

“Step fourth, Ignis, princess of fire and ruler of the Badlands.” The doors opened to reveal a figure Twilight had already seen briefly, one that appeared far more awesome up close. The blood red coat was clear, as was her billowing tail, mane and wings of flame. She was lightly accessorised with some gold features which didn’t suit her. Finally Twilight noticed her eyes, the only part of her she hadn’t been able to pick up from her initial view from the train. They didn’t seem to be eyes at all, rather deep, raging infernos.

“Step forward, Caelum, princess of the sky and ruler of Whinnypeg.” To say the figure walked in would have been an understatement, sauntered was a more appropriate term. Twilight didn’t want to immediately think of Rainbow Dash when she saw this princess, but the pale blue coat and the fact she was constantly flexing her wings wasn’t helping. Now that Twilight looked closer, she saw her coat appeared to be moving, Twilight let out a little gasp when she realised there were wispy clouds moving across her sky blue body, even her deep blue hair had little shocks of lightning passing through it.  Other than that she seemed to be wearing a golden wreath of laurels, a long white scarf flowing out behind her and winged boots of all things.

“Step forward, Clover,” Wait, Clover? “Princess of time and ruler of Damarescus.” Twilight’s jaw dropped open as the next figure ambled in, slower than the rest. The historical records told of her yellowish green coat and dark purple mane, which was hard to identify when her head was shrouded by a leather hood and parts of her admittedly purple tail were streaked with grey. And her coat was indeed a light green, but some parts looked old… fossilised? The princess of time… am I really looking at ‘the’ Clover the Clever?

“Step forward, Vegnum, princess of technology and ruler of Metropolis.”

“Princess of what now?” Twilight asked before she could stop herself, earning her a glare from Celestia.

What stepped through the doors to the second last platform was like nothing Twilight had ever seen. Her brown wings were folded tightly to her sides, as if she didn’t want them to be seen, aided by the fact they were barely visible behind two barrel looking objects strapped to her sides, this would have seemed odd, but taking the rest of her into account, it seemed positively cliché. Her hooves clopped across the platform louder than normal hooves would. This was because they were each dressed in… armoured gauntlets? Certainly no armour Twilight had ever seen before.

Oh but it gets weirder, Twilight noticed she couldn’t see either her mane or tail, and why? Because where the top half of her skull and rump should be, were instead replaced by metal domes, bolted into place! Her eyes were completely hidden from view by a pair of thick brass goggles. And to just hammer home how weird this princess was, strapped to her back was some kind of device spouting four metallic tentacles, each tipped with a large claw made up of four twitching appendages.

“Now I’ve seen everything,” Twilight whispered to herself.

“And lastly,” Celestia said causing Twilight to hold her breath again; ten platforms were now occupied; only the one to the left of their platform remained empty. “Step forward, Inen, princess of death.”

The temperature in the room seemed to drop like an anvil as the last doors opened. Twilight felt her breath stick in her throat as the last figure stepped into the room. There was little of the actual alicorn for Twilight to make out, as about ninety nine percent was shrouded in a rippling black cloak, frayed and shredded around the edges. The only part Twilight could see was the long horn, and the white muzzle, not the soft warm white that was Celestia, but a cold, empty white. The princess of death… or death itself?

“Now we are all present,” Celestia said dragging Twilight away from her thoughts, “let us begin.”

~

Feather Duster was sprinting as fast as he could, he loathed now more than ever how these caverns sapped his natural Pegasus magic, this was an emergency. He knew he was about to do something that’s never been done before, not in the entire history of Equestria, nopony dared to interrupt the royal summit, the shear notion would be worthy of execution. But Feather Duster couldn’t let that stop him, something terrible had just happened, and Celestia had to know. If it was left any longer, it may be too late.

~

“Don’t interrupt me when ah’m  tellin’ you off little missy,” Applejack commanded, Applebloom hung her head in disappointment. They three fillies were now in one of the many dining rooms of the castle, where Shining Armour had found their sisters and the rest of Twilight’s friends. Said stallion was now talking with Clarity, whom it turned out he knew quite well being her brother in law and all that.

“We are most displeased with you three,” Rarity chipped, aiming her words particularly at Sweetie Belle.

“You can believe there’s gonna be hay to pay when we get back ta the farm,” Applejack threatened; again the three fillies opened their mouths to argue but were interrupted by Rainbow Dash of all ponies.

“Give ‘em a break AJ,” she said earning her a side long glare from the farm pony, “you too Rare, give the kids some credit for sneaking into the castle of all places.”

Scootaloo beamed up at her idle who gave her an encouraging wink.

“We are not gonna encourage this kinda behaviour Dash,” Applejack retorted, “and if you really plan to be an older sister to that little filly you’re gonna have to start takin’ some responsibility.”

“Forget that,” Dash said fluttering over to the fillies side, “besides, they’re here now, might as well let them get some grub.”

“Thanks Rainbow Dash, you’re the best,” Scootaloo said staring up at the older Pegasus in awe before running off to the table to grab some food.

Applebloom and Sweetie Belle stared after her but remaining rooted to the spot.

“Ugh, fine,” Applejack relented, “you run on Applebloom, but rest assured we’ll be speakin’ about this later yah hear.”

“You too Sweetie Belle,” Rarity conceded as Applebloom ran off gleefully. When all three fillies sat together at the table and were busy interrogating Clarity about her cutie mark, the two older sisters turned their glares on Rainbow Dash.

“What?” she said defensively.

“Are you serious about takin’ that girl under your wing RD?” Applejack whispered.

“Course I am, Scootaloo’s a cool girl,” Dash replied with conviction.

“Then it’s about time you learned to look out for her best interests,” Rarity snapped, “You owe her the role model she desperately needs."

Rainbow opened her mouth but found she had no words to retort with. Grunting dismissively she flew over to Pinkie Pie who was in the middle of setting up some kind of complicated breakfast eating contraption.

~

“I think you’re missing the point of our current relationship with the Griffin empire,” Twilight insisted, barely even aware that she was outright arguing with the very princess of said kingdom, “we don’t want to assert our dominance over them, we have to show that we’re ready to accept them as equals, if we don’t were doomed to have a repeat of the great Griffin War of 668.”

Celestia smiled proudly at Twilight, she was taking to her new position with extreme comfort, her vast collection of knowledge and skills at debating aiding her greatly.

One or two of the other princess nodded sagely in response to her words, but Caelum just looked more irritated at her comeback.

“what you’re forgetting is that these are Griffins we’re talking about,” she snapped back, clearly not a fan of having her views debated against, “they respect actions of intimation, I obviously don’t believe ponies have higher status than Griffins, but if we’re to maintain our standing with them we need to prove to them we’re just as strong a race as they are. Of course I wouldn’t expect someone like you to understand that.”

“Caelum don’t be mean,” Somnium said gently, “she has a good point, it may be time for a different direction.”

Caelum just sighed in frustration, but Somnium wasn’t done, she then turned to Twilight.

“While I agree with your suggestions, you should keep in mind that Caelum has been living among the Griffins for over six hundred years, she does have expertise we don’t.”

Twilight felt a pang of guilt, “you’re right, I’m sorry Caelum, I didn’t mean to undermine you.”

Caelum tried to hide her embarrassed smirk.

“No worries newbie,” she said merely offering a glance up at Twilight, “I’ll look into what you proposed, but I can’t promise anything.”

“Excellent,” Celestia said, delighted the situation hadn’t escalated, “next order of business, Mare Equus, you are proposing an extension of your kingdom.”

“Not an extension per say,” the water princess corrected, “think of it more like, colonising the sea. It’s just difficult to maintain rule over the whole ocean from a single location.”

“Was this issue not brought up at the turn of the century?” Luonto asked.

“Yes,” Mare Equus admitted, “but at the time it was rejected due to a lack of unicorns trained in water based magic. But over the years our academy has produced times the amount of specialists and I believe now we have the necessary components to proceed.”

A collection of documents were held in a liquid aura and floated across the room for Celestia to inspect.

“This is certainly an improvement,” she agreed, “I would have no objections.”

In her own gold aura she passed the papers over to Luna who briefly scanned them.

“I concur,” she said simply passing the notes to Twilight.

Twilight held them in front of her in her own purple field of magic, she was unsure how the princesses had taken in everything after a mere glance, there was so many statistics presented, Twilight would need an entire day to fully analyse the contents.

However before she could point this out, another set of doors leading to the room burst open. These ones opened onto the ground level and in sped a Pegasus in royal guard attire. All around the room there was an appalled collection of gasps; Twilight wondered how a messenger could cause such a reaction from a room of centuries old deities.

“What is the meaning of this intrusion?” Luna demanded, fighting the urge to call upon the royal Canterlot voice.

“A thousand apologies your graces,” the Pegasus said hurriedly, bowing as low as he could, “but something terrible has happened and it requires your immediate attention.”

This last comment was directed at Celestia, a look a worry was creeping into her face.

“Rise,” she commanded, her voice remaining neutral, “what has occurred.”

“The vault has been broken into,” the guard cried, a look of sheer terror on his face.

“The tower vault, an inconvenience certainly but by no means would it warrant interrupting the royal summit.”

“N-no you grace,” he stammered, “not the tower vault… the deep vault.”

The effect those words had on Celestia sent a shiver up Twilight’s spine. Never before had she seen the princess look so terrified, and she didn’t want to see it, because it could only mean something truly awful.

“No it can’t be, tell me it has not been taken,” Celestia asked in a panicked voice.

“I’m afraid so,” the guard confirmed miserably.

These words had yet another profound effect on the gathered princess, primarily shock and indignation.

“Impossible!” Clover exclaimed.

“What fool would dare steal such an item with all the princesses gathered in the one place?” Roma asked incredulously.

“Celestia, what are your orders?” Ignis asked, seeming to forget that they were all on equal status as Celestia.

Celestia’s head swept across the room, “I apologies for the interruption but something catastrophic has just occurred, I must ask that you all retire to quarters, I fear whatever has come to pass may require all our efforts.”

“What!” exclaimed a voice; Twilight was surprised to see it was Somnium of all the ponies gathered. “But Celestia, our lands need us; we can’t stay any longer than necessary!”

“I’m sorry Somnium,” Celestia said, looking genuinely apologetic, “but this is too important, your citizens will have to hold out for a little longer without you.”

Somnium nodded sadly before turning to leave, the other princesses began following suit as Celestia turned to Twilight and Luna.

“There is no time to lose,” she said simply before darting from the room, her wings spread to give her a speed boost. Luna followed instantly, leaving only Twilight to stand blinking in confusion at everything that had just occurred.

“TWILIGHT!” Luna bellowed down the corridor shaking her out of her thoughts. Spreading her own wings she sped after the other two.

~

“No, no, no, no, this can’t be happening,” Celestia was pacing back and forth. Twilight had never even heard of the deep vault let alone been there before, but she recognised the route to get there only too well, having been imprisoned in it by a changeling impersonating her foal sitter. The vault itself seemed to be crafted from the igneous rock of the Canterlot Mountain itself, a divine structure built with magic properties in mind, Twilight could feel the immense number of protection spells this place was imbued with, and she wondered what it could all have been made to protect.

“Sister, we cannot afford to panic now!” Luna chastised storming up to the panicking Celestia, Twilight was afraid she was going to slap her but she refrained. “We need a plan of action right now!”

“Of course, thank you Luna,” Celestia said, embarrassed with herself, Twilight couldn’t help but notice the similarities Celestia had displayed to herself.

“Celestia, what exactly was stolen?” she asked, earning a surprised look from both the sisters.

“The key,” they almost breathed.

“A key?” Twilight repeated.

“No, not ‘a’ key, ‘the’ key,” Luna corrected.

“The Aether Key,” Celestia added in a hushed tone.

“The Aether?”

“Twilight, do you ever wonder where magic comes from?” Celestia asked, her voice returning to a copy of its old tone.

“Magic is all around us surely,” Twilight countered, it was what Celestia had always taught her.

“Yes, and no,” Celestia admitted.

“You see Twilight,” Luna chipped in, “the world we live in, everything you know is all part of the physical world, but there is another realm, one of pure magic that exists in tandem with this one.”

“Magic is technically all around us as the two worlds are interwoven,” Celestia continued, “We use magic by drawing on it from this other world using our horns. This world is known as the Aether.”

“And this key, opens a door to the Aether?” Twilight hypothesised.

“Not exactly,” Luna said, “you see, while our worlds remain constantly close to one another, they are separated by a veil, one that keeps all physical matter on one side, and most magical energy on the other.”

“But there are some areas where this veil is thinner than normal,” Celestia said, “we think of these areas as gates, the key has only one use, and that is to tear the veil open at these areas.”

“And what happens if the veil is torn apart?” Twilight asked, although she already knew the answer.

“There will be nothing to stop all that infinite magic from pouring into this world,” Celestia replied, “and just like if you channel too much magical energy, there won’t be a physical thing that would survive the exposure.”

“But who would steal something that could do that? Who could steal that?” Twilight asked, the panic entering her voice too now.

“Alas, that is the worst part dear Twilight Sparkle,” Luna said sadly.

“This vault was created with an extreme amount of protection; no doubt you can feel a small fraction of it.” Twilight nodded in response to Celestia, “it is, literally, impossible for any being to break into this vault… however every rule has an exception, and in this case there are only thirteen exceptions in all of existence, and they are all gathered in this castle.”

“You don’t mean…” Twilight began, the sisters nodded.

“One of the princesses stole the Aether Key. One of the princesses is a traitor.”

~

“Um, Shining,” Applejack began as they strode swiftly down the corridor, “do you maybe wanna fill us in on what the heck’s goin on, just telling us there’s an emergency isn’t much to go on.”

“Yeah, I mean we’re the elements of harmony,” Rainbow Dash concurred flying up next to them, “we kind of make a business of dealing with disasters.”

“I would tell you but even I don’t know the full story,” he admitted, still remaining focused on their destination, “but when Celestia sounds scared you know it’s no trifling matter.”

With the three ponies in the lead, Rarity, Fluttershy, Clarity, Pinkie Pie and Spike followed a few feet behind, occasionally sharing worried looks.

“Cheer up everypony,” Pinkie said in her usual chipper voice, “I bet they’re just preparing a surprise ‘just kidding you can actually meet the princesses’ party.”

“Now that you mention that,” Shining began as the doors to the assembly hall came into view, “a number of the princesses were supposed to leave immediately after the summit, but they had their transport cancelled.”

“And that’s a bad thing ah take it?” Applejack enquired.

“I don’t know what it means,” Shining admitted as they passed through the double doors. The ponies took a moment to admire the tall, circular room with its numerous platforms lining the wall before turning their attention to the group gathered in the middle of the room.

“Thank you for coming so promptly,” Celestia said as they reached the group, “there’s no time to lose.”

“Long story short, a high security vault was broken into and perhaps the most destructive artefact in all of Equestria, neigh, the whole world has been stolen.” The ponies began to ask a series of questions but were immediately cut off by Luna who wasn’t done talking. “To top it off, the only individuals capable of committing this crime are the princesses themselves.”

“Our investigation, although rushed has confirmed that the vault was broken into shortly before the summit began,” Celestia continued, “I was with Luna the entire morning, so we can vouch for one another, and of course Cadance was out of the castle to greet Twilight who hadn’t yet arrived. Hence we can rule us out as suspects.”

That explained why they were the only four gathered when they arrived, but then where were the others?

“We have asked the other princesses remain in their quarters until further notice, this is where you all come in.” The group all stared at Celestia, unsure if they liked where this conversation was going.

“Excuse me princess,” Fluttershy began, “but if somepony- I mean, some princess really did steal this, uh…”

“Key.”

“Key, then why would they admit it to us?”

“Unfortunately they probably won’t,” Celestia admitted, “we’re clutching at straws here I know, but anyone who could have carried out this act will clearly be prepared for every inevitability. This is crude and desperate, but at the moment it’s all we’ve got.”

“So you want us to interrogate princesses on whether they stole a key of mass destruction?” Rainbow summed up, with a hesitant nod of confirmation from Celestia and Luna, she swooped into the air, clearly ecstatic at the prospect. “Sweet, consider it done.”

With that she zoomed out from the room, leaving the rest to sigh frustrated in her wake.

“No time like the present to carry out an insane plan that's doomed to fail,” Spike muttered as one by one they left the room.

“Celestia, is there really no better way?” Cadance asked, being the last in the room with her husband and the sisters.

“I’m afraid not,” she replied shaking her head, “our only hope is to lure her out into the open, and I can think of few other ponies more qualified to cause the necessary ruckus.”

As the final occupants of the room departed, three fillies tumbled out of their hiding spot behind one of the marble pillars.

“Did y’all hear that?” Applebloom asked, “one of them princesses is a no good thief.”

“They said those four are innocent, but that leaves nine suspects,” Sweetie Belle pointed out, “can they handle that many?”

They sat in silence for a moment before a unanimous light bulb seemed to light up over all their heads.

“Are you girls thinking what I’m thinking?” Scootaloo asked with a wide grin.

“CUTIE MARK CRUSADER PRINCESS INTEROGATORS! YAY!!!”

~

“That sounds pretty bad,” Spike had said as Twilight began to explain the entire situation to him.

“That sounds really bad,” he had said as she continued to explain.

“That sounds terrible,” he said as they arrived at their own room and Twilight had finished telling him her account of the situation. “But who would want to do that, what do you accomplish from destroying everything?”

“It doesn’t make any sense to me either Spike,” Twilight said removing her crown, “I can only assume they plan to use it as a fear weapon.”

Using her magic she lifted the gem encrusted box from her pack and placed it on the table.

“And you think the elements will help?”

“Actually I don’t, not without knowing what we’re up against,” Twilight informed him, “but if someone is stealing powerful artefacts they might have their eye on these, and I don’t want my friends in the line of fire.”

Placing the crown inside along with the other elements, she resealed it and began casting as many protection spells as she knew, although she was aware that this thief had broken through every protection ever developed in order to steal the key, making this effort rather fruitless.

“If Tartarus really breaks loose,” she said sliding the box under her bed, “I want you to come straight here and get these.”

“You can count on me,” he said giving a small salute before clambering onto her back at her invite, “so where to now?”

“We have to speak to the princesses,” Twilight said as they left the room at a swift but not undignified pace, “and I know who I want to start with.”

“You have a suspect?”

“No, I have nothing to base any suspicion on, I just want to talk to her,” Twilight responded as she weaved through the corridors. She knew the castle well, and she knew where all the most dignified suites were situated, and being the studious princess she was, she had taken note of the directions the other princesses had taken as they left.

Arriving at her destination she could only pray she was right in her deductions. She raised a hoof and knocked confidently.

“Enter,” a neutral voice called out.

Twilight opened the door with her magic and stepped forward, her eyes sweeping the room. She found her quarry sitting at a writing desk, a large tome lying open in front of her. She didn’t look up as she greeted them.

“Greetings Twilight Sparkle,” she said, her voice retaining its neutrality, “and same to your companion.”

“Sorry for disturbing you Clover,” Twilight said giving a polite bow, “but I was hoping you had time to talk.”

“We’re alicorns, we have vast amounts of time to spare,” she said finally turning around in her seat. Twilight could still not see her eyes, which remained cast in shadow by the peak of her hood. “I wanted to offer my congratulations on what was a most impressive display of knowledge and speech craft at the summit today, especially from one so new to their position.”

“Thank you,” Twilight said, genuinely surprised by the compliment. Clover had barely spoke during the summit and it had been cut short before she could put forward any of her own points.

“No doubt you’re here investigating the break in,” she said leaning back and placing the tips of her fourhooves together thoughtfully.

“Yes I am,” Twilight said without thinking. She mentally kicked herself as Clover smiled.

“Don’t worry Twilight,” she assured her, “Celestia is no fool and neither are you, we all know only a princess could have broken into that vault, and now you have to suspect all of us.”

“Do you deny it?” Twilight asked, it was a weak move but she felt powerless against Clover.

“I do,” she said simply, “I cannot give you a sufficient alibi as I was here alone reading, there is nopony who can vouch for my innocence.”

“So you want me to take your word for it?” Twilight enquired.

“Not at all, you would be naïve to do so,” she responded, “I have no evidence of my innocence and you have nothing to condemn me with, so we are at stalemate.”

Twilight stood in dumbfounded silence, she didn’t know what she was expecting when she came here, she didn’t have a clue what kind of ponies these princesses would turn out to be, but as she stood facing Clover she felt something she knew all too well from time spent with Celestia, respect.

“Clover?” Spike pondered suddenly, pulling Twilight from her thoughts, “where do I know that name from?”

Clover’s smiled disappeared so quickly it was as if it was never there. She turned away and began pretending to read her book as she spoke again.

“yes, I am that Clover,” she admitted, Twilight’s eyes widened to the sizes of dinner plates, “no doubt you have a plethora of questions, but please, ask someone else, I beseech thee.”

Twilight shut her mouth as Clover’s words sunk in, they only raised further questions, but she would obey her wishes. Raising her horn she sent out a quick blast of magic drawing Clover’s attention. If the key was here it would surely be emanating a powerful aura, but Twilight felt nothing.

“Thank you for your time,” she said as she turned on the spot and left Clover to her reading.

~

Roma was pacing back and forth in her quarters as Rarity and Fluttershy asked to come in. They both gave low respectful bows before starting to talk.

“Forgive us for our intrusion, but no doubt you aware of the situation,” Roma nodded in response so Rarity continued, “well we were just hoping you could confirm your whereabouts between this morning and your appearance at the royal summit.”

“Of course,” Fluttershy and Rarity looked at each other in surprise, “it’s quite alright, Celestia is right to be wary. I awoke early this morning, at around seven; this can be confirmed by one of the servants who delivered me breakfast at my request. An hour later I departed from my room and spent the morning over at the barracks, inspecting the troops’ morning drills; there are multiple witnesses who will be able to support me on this. I was there until an hour before the summit at which point I attended lunch with Luonto in the royal dining room.”

“Um… well that seems pretty thorough,” Rarity said, she wasn’t expecting it to be so easy, “thank you for your time.”

“Thank you for your efforts,” she responded, “you are the elements of generosity and kindness, if my sources are to be believed.”

“Oh, yes we are,” Rarity confirmed.

“Then it is an honour to make your acquaintances,” Roma said offering a small bow of her own causing both mares to blush heavily.

“This who situation is rotten,” Roma continued looking back up at them, “the fool responsible for this is either insane or has no idea what they’ve unleashed. I fear we will need all our efforts if we are to see Equestria through this.”

“Well with princesses like you and Twilight, I think we stand a pretty good chance,” Fluttershy commented.

“Of course, Twilight is your friend,” Roma added, “when you see her, gave her my regards, and tell her I was impressed with how she challenged Caelum, that show off needed someone to put her in her place.”

Roma gave a small laugh at that last comment, which Rarity and Fluttershy joined in good naturedly. After that they said their farewells and left Roma to her pacing. As they were out in the corridor Fluttershy looked to Rarity.

“That went better than I expected.”

“Yes, this whole situation might not turn out as bad as I thought,” Rarity had said just as a crashing could be heard from the floor above them. “I just had to open my mouth.”

~

Clarity knocked hesitantly at the door, shifting her weight nervously from left to right. She spent one morning with Twilight Sparkle’s friends and now she was being drafted into recovering an ancient artefact of apocalyptic properties.

This is my chance, she thought as a voice called her through, to repay the debt.

“Welcome my little pony, can I help you?” the water princess asked from her bed where she lay curled up as the door swung open.

“Um, yes,” Clarity began with a low bow, “I’m sorry for the intrusion but I’ve been asked to inves…”

“You are Cadance’s sister, are you not?” the princess interrupted causing Clarity to look up in surprise.

“Your highness? I mean yes, yes I am,” she confirmed.

“She’s a nice girl,” the princess replied nodding approvingly, “I suppose I ought to treat you with some status then, Mare Equus, at your service.”

“Uh, Clarity your highness, but really I just need to ask you…” again she was cut off.

“So how is life in the Crystal Empire treating you?”

“Pardon? It’s uh, nice I suppose,” she replied, why was she changing the subject?

“I’ve always wanted to pay it a visit ever since its return,” she said looking out the window thoughtfully, “I was never around before it disappeared you see. Unfortunately duties in Aquestria have kept me busy.”

“That is unfortunate, I’m sure you’d love it,” Clarity confirmed before steering the conversation back on track, “now I just wanted to ask you…”

“Do you swim?” Mare Equus interrupted once again.

“Do I what? What does that have to do with anything?” Clarity demanded before remembering who she was addressing, “I mean, yes, on occasion.”

“It is my favourite pass time,” she replied wistfully flapping her fins, “however like a Pegasus who spends all her time in the sky, you often lose your appreciation for it.”

“That, um,” Clarity didn’t know what it was, she was trying to remember what she came here for.

“But I digress,” Mare Equus said turning to face Clarity once more, “thank you for dropping in, I hope we shall see each other again very soon.”

And with a smile she opened the door with her telekinetic grasp, inviting Clarity to take her leave. Confused, she obeyed. It was only when she stood outside and the door slammed behind her that she spoke.

“What just happened?” she then sighed remembering her job, “some use I was.”

With that she dragged herself back down the corridor, hoping she wasn’t the only one who had found out nothing.

~

Ignis stomped back and forth, muttering curses to anyone and anything that would dare commit the crime in question. Her mane had become a churning wave of hellfire; she had to cast a protection spell on the room to avoid setting the whole place ablaze. Taking a moment to calm herself down and gather her thoughts she let her mane die down a little, it would do no good to lose her temper like this, she needed clear thoughts if she was going to be any use to Celestia.

“Get your hoof outta my face!” a muffled voice shouted. Ignis’s head spun around to the wardrobe at the end of the room where she was sure she heard the voice. Taking a few determined steps forward she reached out with her magic and grabbed the wardrobe. She could have easily opened it gently, but she wasn’t in the mood. The door of the wardrobe ripped itself from the hinges turning to ash in Ignis’s grip, causing three fillies to tumble out.

“What the…” she began looking down at the unlikely intruders.

“Uh-oh,” they all said simultaneously.

“I told you we should have just knocked,” the orange one spat at the other two.

“It seemed like a good idea at the time,” the yellow one snapped back.

“It seemed like a good idea to break into a princess’s bedroom?” the white one asked incredulously.

“Girls, may I ask what you are doing here?” Ignis said in as polite a voice as she could muster. All three fillies looked up at her, then once at each other, seeming to come to a unanimous decision.

“Good day your majesty,” the white one said as they all leapt to their hooves, “we were hoping we could ask you a few questions.”

“Questions?” Ignis repeated, had she taken cider with her lunch without knowing it?

“Don’t you worry none,” the yellow one chipped, “you ain’t in any trouble.”

“But you will be if you don’t give us information,” the orange one joined in, assuming a hard tone.

“Uh…”

“We know you just wanna do what’s right,” the yellow one consoled.

“We know you did it, fess up!” the orange one commanded.

“What in the hay are you doin Scoots?” the yellow one demanded.

“Playing bad cop, is that not what we rehearsed?” she replied.

“Yeah but you don’t order a princess around,” the white one stated like it was the most obvious thing in the world, which it kind of was.

“Girls,” Ignis repeated catching their attention, “what exactly are you doing in my room?”

“Did you steal the key?” they all demanded at once. Ignis stared horrified at the three fillies before her.

“Did I…” she repeated, her eyes wide and appalled, “Celestia, suspects me?”

The fillies immediately picked up something was wrong which was only confirmed when Ignis began hyperventilating and pacing circles around the room.

“No, this can’t be,” she said, more to herself, “she trusts me; I’m loyal to her and her alone.”

“Ah think we made a mistake girls,” the yellow one said to the others, they all nodded in agreement. “Look your highness, we didn’t mean to make out you were a thief.”

“Yeah we were just being safe,” the white one agreed apologetically.

“Ah’m sure Celestia trusts you,” the yellow one continued, “but she can’t take any risks, that all.”

Ignis sighed as she collapsed onto her bed.

“I pray you’re right,” she said looking over at the shameful looking fillies, “I’m sorry about my reaction, but it’s good to see three so young taking on such a responsibility.”

“Thank you your majesty,” they said in unison.

“Please call me Ignis, I care not for titles,” she said waving a hoof dismissively, “come now, tell me your names.”

“Ah’m Applebloom, and this is Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo.”

“A pleasure,” Ignis replied gesturing for them to come closer, “so Celestia thinks one of the princesses is responsible… of course, foolish of me not to see it sooner.”

“Do you know who did it?” Scootaloo asked.

“Unfortunately I don’t,” Ignis admitted, “I know no reason why any of my fellows would steal it, there is no motive I can see any of them having.”

“Oh,” Sweetie Belle said dejectedly, “but they will catch the thief won’t they?”

“I have faith in Celestia, you should as well,” Ignis said reassuringly.

“You seem to really like Celestia,” Scootaloo said in admiration.

“Why of course, I have served her my whole life,” Ignis said proudly, “Were it not for her, I would not be here today.”

“You mean a princess?” Applebloom asked.

“Not exactly what I meant…”

Suddenly there was a loud knocking on the door followed by a concerned voice.

“We heard some noise, is everything alright in there?”

“Oh no,” Sweetie Belle said drawing Ignis’s attention. Without hesitating she pulled the door open from her seat on the bed, and there stood a white unicorn flanked by a yellow Pegasus.

“Oh your highness, we didn’t mean to disturb, we just…” then she noticed the three fillies, “Sweetie Belle!”

“Hey Rarity,” Sweetie Belle murmured, knowing she was in trouble.

“What-why-you,” Rarity stammered taking a few hesitant steps into the room.

“Please it’s quite alright,” Ignis said, stopping Rarity’s anger before it could take off, “your friends here were just cheering me up, and I must say they are the most delightful and polite fillies I have had the honour of meeting.”

Ignis gave a subtle wink to Sweetie Belle who grinned.

“I presume this is your sister?” Ignis asked although she could see the family resemblance, “I must commend you on a fine job raising her to be so respectable.”

“Oh, why thank you your highness,” Rarity said swaying on the spot, threatening to pass out from elation.

“We were just worried because we heard some crashing sounds,” the Pegasus said timidly.

“I’m afraid I lost my composure a little with the wardrobe,” Ignis replied, “I apologise for worrying you both.”

“We would have gotten here sooner, but we were held up by, dare I say, a rather uncouth princess,” Rarity said with a grimace.

“Let me guess,” Ignis said with a deadpan look, “blue, spikey hair, long white scarf?”

“Yes,” Fluttershy muttered, almost angrily.

“Forgive her,” Ignis said with a sigh, “Caelum is not known for making good first appearances.”

With that she clambered to her hooves, casting a gaze over the gathered ponies.

“Come, let us see Celestia and offer her our assistances in these, most dire circumstances.” With that she led the way out of the room, the three fillies following closely, the other two mares shrugging to one another, they did have to interrogate the princesses after all.

~

Pinkie Pie bounced down the corridor, she was super excited at the prospect of meeting a new princess, it would be like the time she met Twilight and the time Twilight became a princess rolled into one. She wondered if the new princess would let her throw them a party. She knew she was going in the right direction because her head was jerking, which meant that whatever she was looking for was in the direction of the jerking. She knew she was close as the jerking was becoming more violent.

As she hopped down the corridor she came to a screeching halt, with her head jutting out painfully towards one of the many doors along this hallway. Guess this was where one of the princesses was staying. Excitedly she skipped up and gave a musical rap on the door and called out.

“Heelllooo, may I come in?”

No answer came; instead the door was bathed in a pale glow and swung open of its own accord, issuing an ‘ohhh’ from Pinkie.

As the door opened however she knew something was wrong. It was midsummer and so it was a pleasantly warm day, but as the door opened it was as if she had been transported to the frozen north. Shivering she made her slow but still happy way inside.

“You could really use a heater in here,” she suggested with her teeth chattering. Then she saw the figure standing in the room, and the chill she felt seeped into the core of her being. She stood tall, perhaps even taller than Celestia, and her entire form was hidden from view by a pitch black cloak that was waving and fluttering as if it had a life of its own or was caught in some powerful gale.

“Um, excuse me?” Pinkie said, the cheer draining from her voice.

“Hello, Pinkie Pie.” the voice was like a shard of ice going through Pinkie’s heart, it seemed to vibrate in the air, almost as if it were not bound to the being standing before her.

“Uhh…” Pinkie began, but before she could get any words out her ears began to flop while at the same time she gave a small sneeze.

“Pinkie sense,” the figure spoke slowly, “a most peculiar gift, tell me what does that indicate?”

Pinkie gulped before answering, “It means I’ve gotten myself into something I shouldn’t have.”

~

Rainbow Dash sped through the whole castle, smashing into one room after another, any sense of decorum forgotten in her mission. However after about ten minutes, or what seemed like forever to the fastest flyer in Equestria, she hovered over the castle looking down in frustration.

“Where is an evil princess when you need one?” she shouted over the towers in anger. As if the universe was answering her, there was an almighty explosion of smoke from the top of one of taller towers.

“Bingo,” she said dashing off towards, a glint of victory in her eyes. Swooping down she landed perfectly on the balcony, mentally awarding herself and eleven out of ten. She then waited a moment for the last of the smoke to clear before storming in.

“Hooves in the air, we got you now!” she shouted out as the room came into focus, then her jaw hit the floor.

What was once apparently a study room, was now filled to the brim with the most complex collection of machines Dash had ever seen. The room was filled with panels and pipes, sputtering and spraying steam. Screens glowed with series of complicated writing and code, pistons pumped and small volts could be heard passing through the whole room.

“What the…” Dash began as a voice cried out from the ceiling.

“Do you like it? Celestia was kind enough to give me a room to work in while I was here.” Dash looked up slowly; she was forced to shake her head to make sure she wasn’t imagining things. A brown alicorn hung from the ceiling, held in place by four metal claws spewing out of a pack strapped to her back. If this wasn’t strange enough her hooves seemed to be encased in some kind of heavy metal gauntlets, the ends of which were sprung open to reveal yet more claw like appendages.

With these she was pulling various levels and conducting random acts of metal work.

“What did Pinkie Pie put in those cupcakes?” Dash asked herself still unsure whether any of this was real or not. The alicorn hopped down to ground level, the claws on her back folding in and her gauntlets closing to look like regular hooves. As she fell however, her descent was slowed by two cylindrical objects strapped to her sides giving a short burst a blue flame.

“Nice to make your acquaintance, I’m Vegnum, what’s your name?” she spoke in a rushed tone that was all too similar to that of Pinkie Pie.

“Uh, Rainbow Dash,” she replied, “Are you a princess?”

“Sure am,” she said striking a dramatic pose, “the princess of technology.”

“I can see that,” Dash replied dumbstruck staring all around the room.

“Would you like the official tour?” she asked almost bursting with excitement.

“Maybe another time,” Dash said causing Vegnum to deflate, “I actually just needed to ask you about this key.”

“You think I stole it?” Vegnum asked quickly.

“No, I mean I don’t know, did you?” Dash stammered.

“Of course not silly,” she said grinning again, “why would anyone want to destroy the world, there’s no sense in that.”

“I’ve seen crazy villains before who didn’t care for sense,” Dash responded coolly.

“You mean Discord,” Vegnum said with a frown, “yes I understand where you’re coming from there, but I assure you even if I wanted to steal the key, I couldn’t have.”

“But you’re an alicorn,” Dash argued.

“True, but…” Vegnum hesitated, “I’m actually, not great at using magic.”

“Seriously?”

“I have a very individual medium,” she justified, gesturing all around her, “so now that we’ve clarified my innocence, the tour?”

“I guess…” was all Dash managed before a claw grabbed her forehoof and she was pulled forward to the first machine.

~

“Hey Applejack,” a voice called out, causing the farm pony to turn around. “Any luck?”

“Oh hey Shining,” she greeted the stallion, “nah no luck, ah can’t even find their rooms.”

“No worries, I’ll show you the way.” together the two walked in silence as Shining navigated the castle corridors.

“Here we are,” he said at last giving an authoritive rap on one of the doors. No sooner had he done so that a green glow wrapped around it, drawing it open.

“Welcome prince Armour, lady Applejack,” the nature princess greeted them before either could utter a word.

“Shucks your majesty, I ain’t no lady,” Applejack admitted embarrassed.

“None the less, please come take a seat,” she offered summoning two more chairs around the table. Applejack and Shining Armour obeyed and soon they sat in silence with both the princess of nature as well as the princess of dreams.

“Tell us,” the latter began, speaking to Shining Armour, “how goes the search, have you turned up anything?”

“That’s actually why we’re here princess Somnium,” he confirmed, “We need to ask you where you both were before the summit began, if you don’t mind.”

“Not at all,” the nature princess replied calmly, “I believe Roma can inform you that I was attending lunch in the royal dining room.”

“I was sleeping,” Somnium chipped in; Applejack noticed that what she could see of her face from behind her purple, star encrusted mane, looked nervous, and why was she keeping her eyes closed?

“Are you alright Sugarcube?” she asked, receiving a nervous twitch from Somnium.

“Of course I am, why wouldn’t I be?” she replied in a high pitched voice, Applejack didn’t need to be the element of honesty to know she was lying, but before she could press further the other princess laid her hoof on Somnium’s.

“It’s alright dear,” she assured her in a soothing voice, “this will be over soon, and you will be able to return home, just stay strong.”

Somnium nodded with new resolve, “thank you Luonto, I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Applejack looked at Shining Armour who shared her look of confusion and suspicion.

“Don’t worry friends,” Luonto said noticing their looks, “I can assure you of Somnium’s innocence, she always has chamber maids at hoof when she sleeps, they will be able to assure you of this.”

Applejack licked her lips, she wanted to know what they had just been talking about, but she recognised a touchy subject to know she would do better not to touch it.

“Well, I think that’s all we need from you both then,” Shining Armour said, clearly thinking the same as Applejack, “we’ll go check out your alibis now, thank you for your time.”

“Not at all Shining Armour,” Luonto said with a nod, “give my regards to your wife, I didn’t get an opportunity to speak to her today.”

“I shall, thank you again,” he said giving a bow which Applejack mimicked before following him from the room.

“Is it jus’ me or did that seem mighty suspicious to you?”

“It’s not just you,” Shining Armour said grimly, “I think we need to have a word about this with Celestia.”

~

“Never again,” Dash muttered to herself as she traipsed down the hallway, she thought she would never get away from that crazy princess. As she walked she could swear it was getting colder, and was that sobbing she heard? As she approached an open door she peered in to see a terrifying sight. There were legends, stories of the reaper pony, but never had Dash seen anything that could resemble such a creature, but here it was, in this ice cold room.

Turning her head she sawing the source of the crying, which made her heart sink. Pinkie Pie lay curled up, her mane and tail completely straight, her usually vibrant coat a much duller hue of pink.

“Pinkie!” she screamed rushing forward to embrace to sobbing mare, as she did she looked up at the cloaked figure, “what did you do to her you monster?”

“I did nothing,” the voice spoke sending a chill up Dash’s spine and through her wings, “the poor girl couldn’t handle my presence, like so many others.”

“I wanna go home Dashie,” Pinkie moaned from where her head was pressed into Dash’s lap.

“You should get her away Rainbow Dash,” the voice instructed.

“How the hay do you know my name?” Dash demanded.

“I believe your friend needs you now,” the being reminded her, Dash grunted, pulling the limp Pinkie onto her back and rushing from the room.

“Hang on Pinkie,” Dash assured her as she ran down the hallway, “I’m gonna get you help.”

~

Clarity walked with her head hung low, she couldn’t even keep on track, what use was she ever going to be to Twilight Sparkle?

“I hope the others had better luck than I did,” she mumbled to herself, however just then her horn lit up with a stunning blue light. “What now?”

Her magic had never acted of its own accord before, not for many years since she learned to control it, but more importantly, what magic was this, she had never felt anything like it before.

As the thoughts ran through her mind she felt herself getting dragged along by her horn.

“Where are you taking me?” she begged as if it would tell her. Soon she found herself trailed up next to another door, one that at a glance seemed just as ordinary as every other one.

“Um, hello,” she said reaching up to knock, but as her hoof made contact with the door it swung open. The room appeared empty, so warily she crept in, not sure why she wasn’t just closing the door and pretending the whole incident had never happened.

Her horn had stopped shining but it was beginning to tingle as she made her way across the room to a large wooden chest, pressed against the far wall. As she stepped up, she could feel her horn channelling magical energy, almost as if it were casting a series of spells of its own accord.

“Okay,” she muttered to herself as she felt her horn return to normal, unless you counted the ever present tingling sensation. Bracing herself she reached out with her forehooves, griped the lid of the chest and pulled it open.

If it had been physically possible her jaw would have hit the floor and kept going, the chest was completely empty, bar one item. A crystalline key, in the simple shape of an ankh, shining with an intense blue light.

“I-I found it,” Clarity breathed as she reached out, taking it in her hoof. She raised it to eye level and examined it, could it really have been that easy? However she didn’t get to enjoy her victory as at that moment a voice spoke behind her.

“It seems you broke through my wards, most intriguing, I was certain that would be impossible.” Clarity watched as the key seemed to dissolve in her hoof, and she spun around to see it now held before the figure who had spoken.

“Regardless of how you managed to find it, I can’t have you spoiling my plans by alerting the other princesses of my identity.” with that she held the key out, so the tip was pointing directly at Clarity.

Clarity turned slowly as she heard an unholy tearing noise behind her. The wall seemed to be ripping open, not just the wall, but reality itself, to reveal an endlessly deep, swirling mass of pure magical energy. Clarity barely had time to take this all in as she felt something slam into her back, sending her cascading through the portal, and falling through the endless void. As she fell she twisted herself around so she could see the tear sealing itself back up. Just before it did she made out the alicorn standing there, a wide grin plastered on her face, and heard her call out.

“Goodbye Clarity, I’ll give my regards to your sister.” and with that the gate sealed itself, and Clarity felt herself submerged under the weight of all the spiritual matter crushing her into oblivion.