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Chapter Text

The moon hung high over Canterlot, its silver glow casting a tranquil sheen over the castle gardens. A soft, ethereal light bathed the sprawling landscape, making the intricate stonework of the garden paths shimmer with a quiet elegance. The shadows of ancient trees stretched long and fluid across the cobblestones, their gnarled branches swaying gently in the cool night breeze. The air, crisp with the scent of jasmine and night-blooming lilies, carried the faint, sweet fragrance of roses in full bloom, mingling with the earthy scent of damp soil and aged stone. At the heart of the garden, where the murmurs of the night were punctuated only by the soft symphony of crickets, Queen Celestia sat in solitude. She was positioned on a low stone bench, her back straight and her regal composure as pristine as ever. Yet tonight, the serene mask she wore during her daylight duties was fragile, as if the very weight of the world bore down on her shoulders. Her usual grace seemed to waver, and her piercing, sunlit gaze was now clouded with the heaviness of grief. Before her, the stone markers stood tall—weathered by time but undiminished in their solemnity.

The names etched into them were faint, worn by centuries of wear and tear, but still legible. The gravestones, cradling the remains of those long gone, seemed to whisper their ancient secrets to the wind. Celestia’s eyes lingered on them with a quiet reverence, though the stoic expression she tried so desperately to maintain could not conceal the trembling sorrow that flickered across her features. Her horn glowed softly, the golden light casting a warm aura around her, contrasting with the coolness of the night. At the center of that glow, two letters floated in the air, spinning ever so slowly. Their edges were worn, creased by time, yet their presence felt as sharp as the day they were written. The handwriting was familiar—hauntingly so. Each delicate stroke of the ink was as if the past itself had risen, sending a ripple through her chest. Each word, each syllable, was like a thread tying her to the past she wished she could forget.

Celestia drew a shaky breath, her lungs trembling as she fought to steady her frame, but the serenity she sought was shattered by the unmistakable sound of approaching hoofsteps. Her heart skipped a beat, and in an instant, she snapped the letters shut with a soft, almost imperceptible flutter of her magic. They disappeared beneath the protective shelter of her wing, and her golden aura faded away like the last remnants of twilight.

She turned quickly, her pulse racing, and found herself face-to-face with a familiar figure emerging from the shadows. Queen Luna stepped into the clearing, her figure a striking silhouette against the moonlit backdrop. The soft glow of the night seemed to wrap around her, her mane—a cascade of midnight blue stars—twinkling in the celestial light, giving her an almost otherworldly aura. She was adorned in the regal, flowing vestments that had become a symbol of the era they now inhabited, but in this moment, under the cold embrace of the moon, Luna seemed almost as timeless as the stars themselves.

Celestia's breath caught in her throat. "L-Luna!" she stammered, her voice betraying the shock that surged through her. She quickly forced a smile, but it was strained, fragile—unable to reach the depths of her eyes. "What a surprise," she continued, her tone fluttering nervously. "I thought you’d still be tending to your night duties."

Luna’s eyes softened at the sight of her sister, sensing the unease in the air. Her gaze, usually sharp and commanding, now held a quiet understanding. She stepped closer, the cool night air stirring around her as she approached Celestia with an almost imperceptible tilt of her head. The shadows beneath her wings seemed to stretch and blend with the night, but Luna's presence remained calming—if not faintly haunting in its gentleness.

"I have taken a moment's respite," Luna replied, her voice steady but warm. "The night is still young, and there is time for reflection. Yet... you do not seem as you normally are, dear sister. Something weighs on you." Her eyes flickered to the spot where Celestia had hidden the letters, but she said nothing, sensing that the moment was too delicate for words.

Celestia’s heart tightened. She wanted to speak, to tell Luna everything, but the words seemed to falter on her lips, swallowed by the silence that stretched between them. Her smile faltered, the shadows in her heart too heavy to bear, too tangled in memories long left untouched.

Celestia hesitated, her voice wavering as she tried to sound convincing. "It’s nothing, Luna. Just… old memories, that’s all."

Luna’s eyes narrowed slightly, the moonlight catching the subtle flicker of concern in her gaze. She took a step closer, her presence imposing yet comforting, like the quiet whisper of the night itself. “Memories aren’t meant to haunt you like this,” Luna said softly, her voice rich with understanding. She paused, letting the weight of her words settle before continuing. “Do you think I haven’t noticed? You’ve been distant for weeks—withdrawn, unfocused. And these late-night wanderings… they’ve grown more frequent. Almost obsessive.” Her tone softened, but there was a firmness in her words, an unmistakable undercurrent of worry that Celestia could not ignore.

“I’m fine, Luna. Truly.” Celestia’s words felt hollow, even to her own ears. She offered the smile again, but this time it faltered even more. Her gaze shifted downward, unable to meet her sister’s searching eyes. She had been telling herself that—telling herself that the weight of the past didn’t matter anymore. But it did. It always did.

Luna’s expression softened, her concern deepening as she stepped forward, closer still, until the space between them was minimal. Her gaze, filled with a mixture of compassion and quiet desperation, lingered on her sister. “It’s hard to believe when my sister, the one I’ve always known to be steady and strong, is slipping away before my eyes." There was a barely perceptible tremor in Luna’s voice, a hint of emotion Celestia hadn’t expected. "Tell me, Celestia, do those letters you’re hiding have something to do with this?"

Celestia stiffened, her wings shifting instinctively to shield the hidden letters tucked beneath her feathers. Her gaze fell to the ground, avoiding Luna’s searching eyes as her heart thudded painfully in her chest. She couldn’t bear to look at her sister—couldn’t let her see the cracks forming in her carefully constructed façade. "They're just... old correspondences," Celestia murmured, her voice so faint it barely carried above the whisper of the night breeze. "Nothing of importance."

Luna’s eyes narrowed slightly, her concern deepening as she took a small step forward. "If they were truly nothing, why do you keep them hidden?" she asked, her voice a careful balance of firmness and empathy, laced with the unmistakable weight of worry. She had been patient, giving Celestia space, letting her sister shoulder her burdens alone—but this, this silence, this distance, was too much. "I’ve tried to give you space. Tried to let you handle this in your own time. But this… this is too much. You barely eat, you barely speak, and your dreams... they’re empty. I won’t just stand by and watch you disappear from me." Her voice softened, but the desperation beneath the words was unmistakable. "Please, let me help you."

Celestia’s lips trembled, but she remained silent. Her eyes, misted with unspoken grief, remained fixed on the gravestones in the distance, her thoughts drifting to the memories they marked. The tension between the two sisters grew thick, palpable, a suffocating presence that made it harder for Celestia to breathe. She wanted to speak, to deny everything, to say that Luna was wrong, but the words got lost in the weight of her sorrow.

Luna’s breath caught in her throat, her frustration shifting into something deeper, something more urgent. "Did you not hear me, Celestia?" she asked, her voice more insistent. "I said—" But Luna’s words faltered as her eyes followed her sister’s unblinking gaze. They landed on the gravestones, and a quiet understanding seemed to pass between them. The names etched into the weathered stone were enough to steal the air from Luna’s lungs.

Her heart skipped a beat, and she took an instinctive step back, her wings folding tightly to her sides as guilt washed over her. "Oh," Luna whispered, the realization settling heavily on her shoulders. "I see. My apologies." Her voice wavered, the earlier sharpness gone, replaced by a soft, sorrowful understanding. "I didn’t mean to intrude. I’ll… I’ll leave you to your thoughts."

She turned to leave, her hooves soft against the earth, each step a quiet punctuation of her retreat. But just as the distance between them began to grow, Celestia’s voice, fragile and full of emotion, broke the silence.

"Luna, wait!" Celestia called out, her voice trembling, breaking with the weight of everything she had been holding back. "Please… don’t go."

Luna hesitated, her heart aching at the raw vulnerability in Celestia’s voice. The softness in her sister’s plea, the tremble in her tone, struck a chord deep within Luna. She slowly returned to her sister's side, her hooves making little sound as she settled beside Celestia on the cold stone bench. The air between them felt different now—not filled with tension, but with a heavy, unspoken understanding. Neither sister spoke, and yet their shared presence was enough to fill the silence with the weight of years gone by and emotions unexpressed.

After what seemed like an eternity, Celestia let out a long, quiet breath. Slowly, carefully, she unfurled her wing, the graceful feathers parting like the opening of a forbidden chest. Beneath the protective shelter of her wing, a stack of crumpled letters lay hidden, their edges worn from years of careful concealment. Her golden magic flared briefly, lifting them gently from the stone, before she passed them into Luna’s waiting hooves.

Luna took them with a delicate touch, her gaze drawn to the familiar, almost haunting script. Her eyes widened in recognition, her breath catching in her throat. She swallowed hard before speaking, her voice barely a whisper, laced with disbelief. "Are these from…?"

"Yes," Celestia admitted, the word catching painfully in her throat. Her voice, always so poised and composed, now cracked under the weight of her grief. "We planned to reunite, once everything settled down. But life… life intervened. My… my duties intervened." She closed her eyes, as if the words themselves were sharp thorns digging into her soul. "What began as ruling a kingdom grew into leading an entire nation. And still, she wrote. Letter after letter, she reached out. Always reaching out."

Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, and she let out a bitter, almost hollow laugh. The sound was strained, like a wound that refused to heal. "She shared everything, Luna. Her triumphs, her heartbreaks, her adventures… Through it all, I stayed silent, buried in my own world. Guilty. And yet… she never stopped. She never gave up on me." Her voice faltered again, and for the first time in centuries, Celestia allowed herself to be completely vulnerable in front of her sister. "After everything I did to her, to you, to them… how could she forgive me? How could she still believe I was worth reaching out to?"

Luna’s wings stretched wide, wrapping gently around her sister, pulling her close with a soft, comforting embrace. The warmth of Luna’s touch, so familiar and steady, seemed to ground Celestia in the midst of her storm of emotions. “Celestia,” Luna said softly, her voice tender but firm, “I cannot claim to understand every burden you’ve carried, or every choice you’ve made. But I know your heart. You’ve always sought to protect those you love, even when the cost was unimaginable.”

Celestia trembled against her sister, the weight of years of hidden grief crashing down on her all at once. Her voice cracked as the tears streamed freely down her cheeks. “No matter how hard I tried,” she whispered, her words soaked with regret, “my choices have caused nothing but pain. To the innocent… to you…” She drew in a shaky breath, fighting the lump in her throat, but it was no use. The sorrow in her heart was too great to hide. “I’m not a good pony, Luna. Maybe I never was…”

Luna’s heart ached at the self-loathing in Celestia’s voice. She reached out, taking her sister’s hooves in her own with a firm, yet gentle touch. Her voice was steady now, filled with a quiet conviction. “Listen to me, Celestia,” she said softly, her gaze unwavering. “Our subjects chose you as queen for a reason. Your kindness, your wisdom, your strength—these are the pillars that hold this kingdom together. The way you care for others, the way you give everything of yourself to those you love… those sacrifices, that love, are what make you the leader we all look to.”

Luna paused, her expression softening, her eyes full of warmth as she continued, her voice softer still. “Do you remember when I became Nightmare Moon? You stood against me—not out of hatred, but out of love. You risked everything to protect this land, even if it meant leaving me to endure a thousand years of solitude. You did that out of love, Celestia. You did that to protect everypony.”

Celestia winced at the memory, her heart aching with the weight of it. The pain of that time was still so fresh, the wound never truly healed. But Luna tightened her grip on her hooves, pulling her closer, as though to remind her that even in the darkest of moments, there was always a thread of light.

“Everypony makes mistakes,” Luna continued, her voice a quiet balm to Celestia’s tormented soul. “We stumble, we fall, but those mistakes don’t define us. What matters is who we choose to be after. And you… you are good. You always have been, and you always will be. I know it… and I’m certain she did as well.”

Celestia’s breath caught, her chest tightening. The words seemed to pierce through the fog of self-doubt that had clouded her heart for so long. For a fleeting moment, she let herself believe them, let herself believe that she was good. But then the weight of her past pressed down again, and she closed her eyes, shaking her head gently. “I don’t know, Luna. I’ve hurt so many… And now, even after all this time, I can’t seem to fix what’s broken.”

Luna, sensing the deep-rooted pain her sister was trying to suppress, gave her a gentle squeeze. “You can fix what’s broken, Celestia,” she said softly, her voice carrying the full weight of her belief. “But it doesn’t happen all at once. Healing takes time, and it takes willingness. And you have that, sister. You’ve always had that.”

Celestia’s eyes, once calm and steady, now wavered with a rawness that Luna had never seen before. Her composure, that unshakable facade she had worn for centuries, finally cracked. With a choked sob, the dam broke, and Celestia’s trembling body collapsed into her sister’s embrace. She buried her face against Luna’s shoulder, unable to hold back the torrent of grief that had long been simmering beneath the surface.

The sound of her cries, soft yet heart-wrenching, echoed through the quiet garden, blending with the rustling leaves in a mournful symphony. Luna held her sister tightly, her wing wrapping around her in a protective cocoon, offering silent comfort, as the sobs seemed to tear through Celestia’s very soul. The weight of everything—years of guilt, regrets, and unspoken pain—pressed down on her in that moment, and she let herself crumble, finding solace in the warmth of Luna’s presence.

The silence that had once stretched between them was filled now only with the sound of Celestia’s weeping, a poignant, aching release. The world around them seemed to fade, leaving only the two of them in that quiet, fragile moment. The moonlight, so gentle and ever-constant, bathed the garden in a silver glow, casting long shadows on the earth. It illuminated the gravestones before them, their weathered stone faces bearing the names that had haunted Celestia’s heart for so long.

Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and Captain Shining Armor.

The sun began its slow ascent over the city of Canterlot, painting the sky in delicate hues of gold and soft pinks. The morning air was crisp and serene, as if the very world were holding its breath in reverence of the dawn. The warmth of the early sunlight stretched across the grand balcony of Canterlot Castle, bathing the stone in a soft, inviting glow. Princess Mi Amore Cadenza lay sprawled on a plush chaise, her quill scratching rhythmically across the aged parchment of a large, ornate journal. The journal was worn at the edges, its spine softened by years of use and secrets, bearing the weight of dreams, frustrations, and hopes that never quite found fruition.

The silence was interrupted by the sound of hesitant hoofsteps behind her. Cadance’s ears flicked, and she turned, her flowing nightwear catching the morning sunlight as she shifted. Twilight Sparkle, her young hoofmaiden, stood at the entrance, looking a bit out of place with the tray she carried. Twilight’s lavender coat seemed to bristle with nervous energy, and her wide, uncertain eyes met Cadance's with a mixture of deference and apprehension. The tray she levitated was laden with steaming porridge, fresh fruit, and a delicate pot of tea. Twilight's voice quavered slightly as she spoke.

“Princess Cadenza? My apologies for the intrusion, but I thought you might like some breakfast.”

Cadance sighed, setting her quill down and leaning back with a soft, rueful smile. “Twilight, how many times must I remind you? Just call me Cadance. There’s no need for formality around me.” Her eyes flicked to the tray, noticing the attempt at something new. “What’s this?”

Twilight’s magic flickered faintly, her hooves shaking just enough to betray her nervousness as she hovered the tray closer. “The chefs thought it might be fun to try something different this morning. A little surprise, you know?” She glanced at Cadance, her anxiety rising when she saw the uncertainty in the princess's eyes. “B-but if it’s not to your liking, I can always have them prepare something else—”

Cadance raised a hoof gently, silencing her. “No, no, it’s fine. It’s the thought that counts, I suppose,” she said, her voice carrying an unexpected softness, but there was a trace of something deeper—something unspoken—lingering in her tone.

Twilight visibly relaxed, her posture easing as she stepped forward to place the tray on the small table before Cadance. As the princess closed her journal and pushed it aside, Twilight poured her a cup of tea with careful precision, her eyes lingering on Cadance’s face for any sign of approval. Cadance took a tentative bite of the porridge, her expression unreadable for a moment before she sighed.

“So,” Twilight ventured, her voice a little softer, more tentative now. “What’s on the royal agenda today?”

Cadance’s lips curled into a sardonic smile, the playful spark in her eyes quickly replaced by a flicker of bitterness. “Oh, the usual. Matchmaking, meetings, a few royal appointments. A thrilling itinerary for a princess’s last day of ‘singledom,’” she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Not that I’ll have much free time after today. I should probably savor every moment of freedom while I can.” The words slipped out sharper than she intended, but she didn’t take them back.

Twilight frowned, trying to inject some optimism into the moment. “Well, I know it’s not exactly how you imagined things, marrying somepony you barely know. But, stranger things have happened. Who knows? Maybe—”

Cadance set down her spoon with a sharp clink. “Maybe I’ll suddenly fall madly in love with him, and we’ll live happily ever after?” Her tone was biting, her frustration leaking through. “Twilight, I’m getting married in a week to a pony I hardly know, and you’re telling me to ‘give him a chance?’” She shook her head, her eyes flashing with anger. “I’ve been treated like nothing more than a prize to be won, and to every suitor, I’ve been nothing but a stepping stone. How can you possibly think this time will be any different?”

Twilight’s words faltered, and she hesitated before speaking. “I know you’ve had your share of disappointments, Cadance. And I know it feels like you’re being forced into this. But…” Twilight took a breath, choosing her words carefully, “I wonder if it’s not just about them.”

Cadance’s brows knitted together in confusion. “Are you saying this is my fault?”

Twilight’s eyes widened in alarm, and she quickly shook her head. “No, no, no! That’s not what I meant at all! It’s just… when you turn down so many suitors, it might give others the impression that you’re…” She paused, searching for the right word. “Unapproachable? Maybe that’s why your mother felt compelled to arrange a marriage for you.”

Cadance’s cup clinked sharply against its saucer as she set it down, her eyes narrowing. “Twilight, your only job is to be my hoofmaiden, not my advisor. Stop acting like you know better,” she said coldly. Her voice was frigid, and the sharpness of her words cut through the air. Twilight flinched, her face flushed with embarrassment, but she quickly masked her hurt and forced a calm smile.

Taking a steadying breath, Twilight carefully poured more tea into Cadance’s cup. “I just want you to be happy, Cadance,” she said gently, her voice softening. “I know I can’t fully understand what you’re going through, but I know that love, real love, is worth waiting for. Even if the past has been hard, I believe there’s somepony out there who’ll see you for the amazing pony you are. I’m sure of it.”

Cadance let out a bitter laugh, the sound laced with despair. “My mother? The mare who’s more concerned with stained glass windows than her own daughter?” Her eyes clouded with frustration. “If it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t be in this mess.”

Twilight smiled faintly, undeterred by Cadance’s harsh words. “Your mother is one of the kindest ponies I know. I think she’d listen if you told her how you feel.”

Cadance shook her head, her voice resolute. “You don’t know her like I do, Twilight. It’s never that simple with her.”

Twilight hesitated for a moment before venturing, “But… have you even tried to—”

“I said no , Twilight!” Cadance’s voice cut through the air with finality.

A heavy silence filled the room, thick and tense. Cadance drained the last of her tea, her eyes cold, and rose gracefully from her seat. She tucked her journal under her wing and began to walk away, her posture regal yet rigid, like a princess bound by invisible chains. Twilight watched her go, her heart heavy with unspoken words and unheeded advice.

As Cadance reached the door, Twilight’s voice broke the silence, filled with a touch of surprise. “Oh, have you finished already? You haven’t even touched your fruit.”

Without turning, Cadance’s voice was cool and distant. “I have more important matters to see to, Twilight. Breakfast can wait. Please tell my guard to assemble in the town square. Same time as usual.”

Twilight’s eyes widened. “I’m afraid your personal guard won’t be available today, Your Highness. They’ve been reassigned to help welcome the Canterlot Army home from the front lines.”

Cadance stopped abruptly, her eyes flashing with surprise. “The Canterlot Army is back? Already?”

Twilight nodded, her expression earnest. “Yes. I thought perhaps you’d like to join your mother in greeting them? It could be a really good boost to morale, and you’ll be able to meet—”

Cadance’s sharp glare silenced Twilight mid-sentence. Twilight took an involuntary step back, her cheeks flushing. “A-Actually, on second thought,” she stammered, “maybe that isn’t a good idea. Your schedule is already so full, after all! I can arrange someone else to help you, if you’d prefer?”

Cadance turned away, her tone icy. “I can handle it, Twilight. Stop assuming I can’t.” Without another word, she disappeared into her bedroom, the door closing firmly behind her with a soft click.

Twilight stood in the quiet, the weight of her words hanging between them. She began cleaning up the remnants of breakfast, moving with quiet efficiency, but her mind was racing. Once the tray was cleared, she conjured a scroll and quill with her magic, hesitating as she glanced toward the closed door. With a deep, determined breath, she sat down and began to write. The quill moved across the parchment with careful deliberation, her thoughts spilling onto the page in a way that she could never voice aloud.

The sun's first rays crept over the grand spires of Canterlot Castle, casting a warm, golden hue across the courtyard. The air was thick with anticipation, and the gathering crowd of townsponies and royal guards filled the area around the castle entrance, their whispers rising in a collective hum. At the forefront of the crowd stood Queen Celestia and Twilight Sparkle, both dressed in their simple, everyday attire. While Celestia remained composed and serene, a quiet, uncharacteristic unease radiated from Twilight. She shifted her weight nervously, her eyes darting toward the horizon as though trying to will the Canterlot Army to appear faster.

Noticing Twilight’s anxious fidgeting, Celestia leaned closer, her voice soft yet reassuring. "Would you like a moment to collect yourself, Twilight?" she asked gently.

Twilight let out a breathless laugh, her words tumbling out in a rush. "Oh, I’m fine, Your Majesty. Totally fine. Just peachy. Like, you know, a peach. I love peaches. I could eat a whole bushel right now—"

Celestia’s warm smile was both soothing and understanding. "It’s perfectly natural to feel nervous. If it helps, I’m a little nervous too."

Twilight blinked in surprise. "You? Nervous? But... aren't you thrilled? Canterlot triumphed over the Dragon Lands, after all!"

Celestia’s expression shifted, becoming more serious. "War is never a cause for celebration, Twilight. I have sent living, breathing ponies into battle, knowing they may not return. Many of them will come back wounded, exhausted, and some will carry scars that will never heal. And some… won’t come back at all. While many think that fighting the battle is the hardest part, rebuilding, readjusting, and healing after war is its own kind of battle."

Twilight's ears drooped in response, her heart heavy. "I just hope there weren’t too many casualties. I don’t know if Canterlot can bear another loss. You… you don’t think my brother’s in danger, do you? What if he’s hurt? Or—"

Celestia’s hoof gently rested on Twilight’s shoulder, her voice calm and steady. "Twilight, there’s a reason I made your brother the Captain of my Royal Army. War is unpredictable, yes, but the stars I create tell me that his time has not yet come. Trust that he is safe, little one. Do not worry."

Twilight took a deep breath, nodding slowly. "You’re right. I should stop worrying. Thank you, Your Majesty."

Before Celestia could offer further comfort, the crowd’s excited cheers interrupted, signaling the arrival of the Canterlot Army. The soldiers, battered but full of pride, marched toward the castle, their weary faces lighting up with smiles as they were met by their loved ones. Twilight, overwhelmed by the sea of ponies, rushed forward but halted as the throngs made it nearly impossible to spot her brother. Her voice trembled in the quiet of the moment. "Where is he? He should be here… he has to be. Please, Shining… please be here."

Just as her heart sank, a strong pair of hooves lifted her off the ground, spinning her through the air. Twilight let out a surprised squeal of joy as she was twirled around in a warm embrace.

"Twily!" Shining Armor’s familiar voice rang out, full of warmth and affection.

"Shining!" Twilight exclaimed, clinging to him as he gently set her down. "Thank Celestia you’re okay!"

Shining Armor grinned, clearly relieved. "It’s so good to see you! How’ve you been?"

Twilight’s eyes scanned him quickly for injuries, her concern growing. "I’m fine, but what about you? Are you okay? You’re not hurt, are you? Have you been eating? Sleeping? Your colleagues haven’t been too hard on you, have they?"

Shining chuckled, holding up a hoof to stop her. "Whoa, whoa! Give me a moment to breathe, Twily!"

Twilight flushed, her cheeks tinged with embarrassment. "Sorry, sorry!" she stammered. Then, with a bright smile, she added, "Oh, wait! I have something for you!" Her horn flickered to life, conjuring a small, neatly wrapped box.

Shining’s eyes twinkled mischievously. "Ooooh, a box? Twily, you really didn’t have to—"

Twilight rolled her eyes, shaking her head. "Just open it, you goof!"

Shining carefully unwrapped the gift, his face lighting up when he saw the light turquoise crest with his cutie mark engraved on it. His breath caught in his throat as he held it up, stunned.

"Is this…?" he began, his voice thick with emotion.

Twilight beamed brightly. "I know royal guards don’t usually wear anything extra on duty, but I thought this would add a special touch to your uniform. Now that you’ll be serving royalty, I thought it’d be nice. Do you like it?"

Shining’s eyes softened with gratitude as he gazed at his sister. "Twilight, you are the BSBFF ever!"

Twilight blinked, confused. "Huh?"

Shining laughed, pulling her into another tight hug. "Best Sister, Best Friend Forever, you silly filly! Come here!"

Their shared laughter filled the air, but as Shining held her, his smile slowly faded, and a shadow passed over his face. He set Twilight down gently, teleporting the crest away with a quiet flick of his horn. Twilight, still caught in the joy of their reunion, continued to babble excitedly. "So, how was your journey? Was it okay traveling back and forth? I know the weather can be bad this time of year. Oh, and did you see I packed Smarty Pants in your bag? I thought she could keep you company—"

"Twily," Shining interrupted, his tone suddenly serious. "Is it true?"

Twilight frowned, puzzled. "What’s true?"

"Am I really getting married next week?" he asked, the weight of his words hanging in the air.

The silence between them was thick, and Twilight's face softened as she realized what he was asking. Her voice quieted, tinged with sorrow. "I’ve tried talking to Papa ever since you left, but he won’t listen. He says all parties have agreed to it. But… I don’t know. Maybe this could be a good thing?"

Shining sighed deeply, shaking his head slowly. "For all the greatness of this kingdom, I’ll never understand why ponies think it’s right to force someone into marriage with a stranger. I get it, Twily, you always try to see the bright side, but how can anyone believe that marrying someone you barely know is a good idea? How does that even make sense?"

Twilight’s voice grew more defensive, her frustration beginning to show. "I’m not saying it’ll be easy, Shining, but what do you want me to say? I can’t change what Papa has decided; I’ve tried. All I want is for you to see that maybe there’s something good in all of this. I’m not your enemy here."

Shining turned away, his jaw tightening as he stared at the crowd around them. Twilight stepped closer, resting a gentle hoof on his shoulder. "I understand, Shining. But you’re not alone in this. You don’t have to face it by yourself."

Shining muttered under his breath, his eyes dark with worry. "I don’t know if I can do this, Twily… It’s too much."

Twilight’s voice softened, her tone comforting. "It’s okay to feel that way. This is a big step, and you’ve already been through so much. But sometimes, the things that scare us the most are the things that change us for the better." She nudged him playfully. "And who knows, your future partner might just surprise you. You did say you’d make a great father someday. I’m sure you’ll be an amazing husband too. This could be something truly special, even if it doesn’t feel that way now. Do you think you could give this a chance? For me?"

Shining looked at her, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "I did say that, didn’t I?" He paused, then added, "You know, if I do become a father, I’d be pretty lucky. Because my kid would have the best aunt in all of Equestria."

Twilight blushed, flustered by his praise. "Oh, stop it." She wrinkled her nose. "Speaking of luck, your future kid’s going to need all the luck it can get if you keep smelling like… well, you ."

Shining smirked playfully. "You’ve been hugging me this whole time and now you notice? Guess I should’ve warned you about my signature 'eau de battlefield.'"

Twilight rolled her eyes with a playful groan. "Oh, hush! Let’s get you cleaned up before you scare every foal on the way home."

The two siblings laughed together as they began to walk toward the castle, their footsteps light and full of shared warmth. From a distance, Celestia watched them, a soft but wistful expression on her face as she observed their bond. 

It was a bright day in Canterlot, the town square alive with the vibrant pulse of the city. Ponies of every shape, color, and size bustled about, attending to their daily routines, shopping, chatting, and soaking in the sun. Amidst it all, Princess Cadance stood behind a polished booth, a calming presence amidst the commotion. Her task today was simple: to offer her services as a matchmaker, guiding those in search of love and harmony in their relationships. A long line of ponies patiently awaited their turn, and many had hopeful, expectant expressions on their faces. However, Cadance was currently caught in the midst of a heated confrontation. Two ponies, clearly upset, were at the center of it all. They were arguing fiercely, oblivious to the gaze of the gathered crowd. Princess Cadance, with her gentle yet determined demeanor, was doing her best to calm the situation.

"HOW DARE YOU ACCUSE ME OF SOMETHING SO VILE?!" A light-yellow coloured pony shouted, her anger crackling in the air.

"I SAW YOU WITH HER! IN OUR OWN HOUSE!" A plum-coloured pony shot back, her voice tinged with betrayal.

"She’s just a friend! Nothing more!" the yellow insisted, her voice rising to match the intensity.

"NOTHING MORE?! THAT’S NOT WHAT I SAW FROM THE WINDOW!" The plum pony retorted.

"YOU SPIED ON ME?! I SHOULD’VE KNOWN YOU COULDN’T BE TRUSTED!" The yellow pony exclaimed.

"TRUSTED?! DON’T YOU DARE TALK TO ME ABOUT TRUST WHEN YOU’RE THE ONE BETRAYING ME!" The plum pony fired back, the words hitting like sharp daggers.

"SHUT UP, YOU CRAZY—" The yellow pony began, but was cut off as Princess Cadance stepped in, attempting to bring calm to the situation.

"Ladies, please!" Cadance's voice was softer, trying to ease the tension, but carrying an air of authority. "I understand you’re upset, but shouting won’t resolve anything. Let me help. Perhaps my cards can offer some clarity?" Cadance pulled out a stack of tarot cards, which she took from under her wing, displaying three blank cards before the two ponies. Their angry expressions shifted slightly as they hesitated, eventually sitting down reluctantly on the ground.

"These cards before you are more than just symbols," Cadance said, her tone serious and measured. "They reflect the past, the present, and the future of your bond. What has been, what is, and what may come. Are you both ready to face what the cards may reveal?" The two ponies nodded hesitantly, and Cadance opened a small bag from under another wing, sprinkling dust onto the cards. A pink flame flared up, creating a hole that revealed three cards with intricate illustrations: "The Lovers," "The Sun," and "The Star." As she locked eyes with the cards, Cadance's eyes glowed white and the pink flames grew brighter.

"In your past," Cadance began, pointing to the "The Sun" card, "I see great joy between you. I see pure, unguarded love, moments of laughter, shared secrets under the stars. Red roses in full bloom, sweet symphonies playing just for you both. Days of excitement, nights where dreams seemed endless." She spun the "The Star" card around. "But now... I see distance. The closeness you once shared is clouded with doubt. I see storms brewing where there were once clear skies. Distrust lingers like a shadow, and hearts, once whole, are now bruised, perhaps broken." She tapped the "The Lovers" card, spinning it slightly. "In your future, I see struggle, yet also strength. There are skies painted with both light and shadow, feelings tangled and uncertain. I see challenges ahead, but I also see moments of triumph. A future where hope and defeat walk side by side." As Cadance spoke, two large pink flames emerged from the cards, circling the two ponies in a mesmerizing display.

However, in the midst of reading the outcome, Cadance noticed Shining Armor in the distance, speaking with other ponies. Her attention shifted momentarily, and in her distraction, Cadance's wing accidentally knocked over the small dust bag, causing the powder to fly directly into the eyes of the two arguing ponies.

"Ahhh! My eyes!" The yellow pony screamed out in pain.

"What did you do to us?!" The plum pony demanded, their expressions filled with anger and disbelief.

"I’m so sorry!" Cadance exclaimed, panic evident in her voice. "It was an accident!"

"Don’t touch me!" The yellow pony swiped Cadance's hoof away, her anger palpable.

"What kind of princess are you?!" The plum pony demanded, her voice tinged with scorn. "How could you do this to your own subjects?"

"I-It’s not like that!" Cadance protested, rushing over to the ponies. "Let me fix this, let me redo your session—"

"I cannot believe you wasted our time, as usual!" The plum pony shot at the yellow pony.

"Me? You couldn’t see what was right in front of you!" The yellow pony retorted.

"You were the one who couldn’t!" The plum pony shot back, anger dripping from each word. As the argument escalates, Shining Armor steps into the fray, his tone sharp and commanding. "What in Equestria is going on here?!" he demanded, his voice cutting through the chaos.

"Finally!" The yellow pony exclaimed. "An actual authority figure! Captain Armor, can you please tell the princess how heartless she’s being?"

"Ma’am," Shining said, his tone calm but firm, "My duty is to maintain peace and order, which includes ensuring respectful behavior. If you’re upset, you have every right to express it, but hostility and insults will not be tolerated towards her royal highness. For the sake of peace, I must insist that you both leave the area."

"What?!" The plum pony exclaimed in outrage. "You want us to leave after she humiliated us right in front of everypony? Is that how a princess of Canterlot should treat her own subjects?"

"She’s not even a real princess!" The yellow pony shouted, her voice full of scorn. "Just some charity case the Queen picked up! What does she even mean to anypony? She’s nothing!" In a sudden surge of anger, the yellow pony lunged forward, snatching the tarot cards and igniting her horn to rip and tear the cards into pieces, which she then threw onto the ground. Cadance watched in horror. It was as if something inside Shining Armor snapped.

"That’s enough!" he said, his tone suddenly colder, more intense. "Leave. Now!"

The yellow pony hesitated, but Shining’s commanding presence was impossible to ignore. The two ponies walked away, their expressions filled with anger and defeat. Shining turned to face an overwhelmed Cadance, who was visibly shaken. "Are you alright?" he asked, his concern evident.

"Yes," Cadance said, her voice softer, though tinged with tension. "I’m fine. "What are you doing here?" she asked, looking at Shining with a puzzled expression.

"I thought you were supposed to be at the courtyard." "I thought I’d swing by," Shining said, surveying the commotion around Cadance’s booth. "These citizens sure know how to keep a stallion busy. But I didn’t expect to be helping you today. Are you sure you’re alright?" he asked, noticing the slight distant look in Cadance’s eyes.

"I’m fine, Captain," Cadance replied, a coldness in her tone. "I don’t need your help."

"I know you don’t," Shining replied, a hint of regret in his voice. "But what those ponies did—"

"Please," Cadance interrupted, her tone tinged with bitterness, "I’m not some delicate filly who needs coddling, Captain. I can handle a few insults. But thanks to your little stunt, I’ve lost two of my most important clients. Do you have any idea what kind of damage that does to me?!"

"It wasn’t my intention, Your Highness." Shining said, trying to stay calm. "I didn’t mean to disrupt things…"

"Oh, you didn’t mean to?" Cadance said, rolling her eyes dramatically. "You barged in and destroyed everything! I’ve been managing complex negotiations every day without your help! Do you honestly think I can’t handle a little pressure?"

"I didn’t say that." Shining replied, slightly defensive. "And negotiations? I thought your job was matchmaking—"

"Y-Yes!" Cadance said, suddenly flustered. "W-Well, It’s not just matchmaking! It’s about understanding everypony’s needs, balancing fragile alliances, managing delicate emotions! There’s far more at stake than you realize!"

"So," Shining said, his tone tinged with sarcasm, "your job is all about trying to control things that aren’t yours to control? Right.”

Cadance's face tightened with anger. "Excuse me?!"

"I get that you’re trying to help," Shining said, his voice firm, "and I don’t doubt your heart's in the right place. But love is complicated. It’s not something you can just set up with a spell or a matchmaking plan. Every pony is different, and real connections take time. It’s about more than pushing ponies together; it’s about letting them figure it out for themselves, finding their own way to each other. You can guide, sure, but sometimes, it’s better to let them make their own choices."

Cadance stared at Shining, her anger rising in waves. "Oh, now you think you know better than me?" she demanded. "What, you think I don’t understand love? You’re speaking to your princess, Captain! I’ve been carrying that title long before you wore that armor! You couldn’t possibly know what it’s like to be in my position. You couldn’t possibly understand the weight of the responsibility I carry!"

"You’re right," Shining said, his voice firm. "You’ve been a princess for longer than I’ve worn this armor. But that doesn’t mean you get to treat me like I’m somepony beneath you. I’ve worked for everything I have, including the right to speak my mind. This kingdom deserves more than a ruler who uses love as a tool. It deserves a ruler who knows how to share it. And from where I’m standing… it doesn’t seem like you're doing a great job of it."

A tense silence fell over the scene. Cadance’s face dropped as she realized Shining was right. She looked around to see ponies begin to whisper and giggle amongst themselves. Shining seemed to notice the impact of his words, but Cadance turned and glared at him in embarrassment.

"Shoot," Shining muttered under his breath, "I didn’t mean—"

"Save it," Cadance said, her tone sharp as she walked away, leaving Shining to gather up the scattered pieces of tarot cards and the small bag of dust.

"Thank you for coming, everypony," Shining said to the gathered crowd, trying to regain control. "Unfortunately, Princess Cadenza has had to conclude her session earlier than planned. Please feel free to return to the town square tomorrow morning, where she will resume her matchmaking duties." The townsponies exchanged murmurs and glances as Shining hurried after Cadance, disappearing further into the town.

The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the streets of Canterlot. Princess Cadance wandered through the bustling city, her hooves striking the cobblestones with an echo of frustration. The royal gown she usually wore was replaced by her everyday attire, yet it did little to conceal the storm brewing in her heart. Behind her, Shining Armor trotted cautiously, his expression filled with remorse. The once-lively streets seemed distant as the two ponies walked in silence, the tension between them thickening with each step. Princess Cadance’s voice broke the silence, sharp and filled with anger.

“I can’t believe you would do that to me! Do you have any idea how humiliating that was?! And in front of everypony?! Gods, you’re unbelievable!”

Shining Armor’s ears drooped, his face full of guilt. He hurried to catch up with her, his voice pleading.

“Cadance, please, just listen. I didn’t mean it that way. I shouldn’t have spoken to you like that, especially not in front of everypony. Let me fix this! I can go back and—”

“Oh, please!” Cadance interrupted, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Tell me, was embarrassing me in front of my citizens part of your brilliant plan to ‘help’? Because it certainly didn’t feel like it!” She paused for a moment, glaring over her shoulder. “And while you’re at it, stop following me. And for the love of Equestria, don’t call me Cadance.”

Shining Armor slowed, allowing a brief silence to pass before he walked up beside her. “I can’t undo what’s done, but I’m not going to leave you alone like this. Please, let me make it right. At least allow me the chance to escort you to your next duty. It’s standard protocol for a royal guard to be with you, after all.”

Cadance scoffed, her tone cold. “You think it’s that simple? I have bigger things to deal with right now. Maybe you should be focusing on keeping this kingdom safe instead of whatever this is….”

Shining Armor’s gaze softened, a hint of vulnerability in his voice. “You are my priority, Princess. You always have been. You know that.” He hesitated for a moment, his voice dropping to a whisper. “I… I don’t want us to get off on the wrong hoof, not now. I want to fix this. Let me fix this.”

Turning to face him, Cadance’s eyes narrowed. “And how exactly are you going to do that, Captain?”

Before Shining could answer, something unexpected caught her eye. Her tarot cards and dust bag floated gently in the air, restored to their original state by Shining’s magic. She stared at them for a long beat, frustration rising in her chest. Letting out a heavy sigh, she took the items from the air and tucked them under her wing, avoiding Shining’s gaze.

“Fine,” she muttered, still clearly irritated. “Just… stay out of my way. Only speak to me if it’s absolutely necessary.”

Shining Armor nodded obediently. “Yes, Princess.”

Cadance shot him one final glare. “What did I just say?”

As the two continued their walk through Canterlot, the busy streets seemed to soften around them. But that peace didn’t last long. A group of fillies and colts suddenly spotted them from a distance, their faces lighting up with excitement. Without hesitation, they raced toward Cadance, ecstatic to see her. Cadance’s anger melted away as she watched the children approach. A soft smile crept across her face, her demeanor changing entirely. Shining Armor, surprised by the shift in her attitude, stood back and watched as the young ponies swarmed around her.

“Princess Cadenza! Princess Cadenza! You’re here! You’re really here!” one filly squealed.

“We love you, Princess!” another added, her voice full of adoration.

“You’re the BEST princess ever!” a colt chimed in, beaming.

“Look, everypony, it’s Captain Shining Armor!” another colt shouted, pointing at him with excitement. Cadance chuckled lightly, her smile warm as she addressed them.

“Now, now, settle down, my little ponies. It’s so good to see you all again. What exciting things have been happening around town since I was last here?”

“Oh, nothing much, I guess,” one filly shrugged before another burst in. “We heard you’re getting married soon! You’re meeting your special somepony tonight, right?!” another filly asked eagerly.

Cadance blinked in surprise, her cheeks flushing at the mention of her upcoming wedding. “W-Well, yes, but how did you know—”

“That’s amazing!” the colt interrupted. “I bet he’s the most handsome pony ever!” The second filly’s eyes widened with excitement. “Are you nervous? What if you trip down the aisle?

What if he doesn’t want to marry you?!” “What if he gets scared and runs away?!” the first filly added seriously, causing Cadance to cringe slightly.

The conversation continued, with questions growing more playful and absurd. The young ponies were relentless in their curiosity about Cadance’s wedding, offering up their own thoughts on her future life. As they chattered away, Shining Armor watched, noticing the way Cadance’s mood seemed to change with each word. But as the questions grew more overwhelming, he stepped forward, gently nudging the foals away from the princess.

“I’m sorry, everypony,” he said politely, “but the princess has a very busy day ahead. She’s looking forward to seeing all of you at the engagement gala tonight, though!” The fillies and colts let out a collective “awww” in disappointment, but Shining Armor wasn’t finished yet.
Leaning down with a playful grin, he spoke again.

“How about a deal?” he proposed. “I could use some help finding a sneaky pony who snuck off with some delicious pastries earlier. If you can track them down, maybe I’ll have a special surprise for you at the gala tonight!”

The little ponies’ faces lit up at the idea. Their excitement returned in full force as they agreed to the task with glee. “We’ll catch that pastry thief, you’ll see!” a filly declared, raising a hoof.

Cadance watched with amusement as the foals raced off toward the nearby bakery, their energy contagious. She turned back to Shining Armor, grateful for his timely intervention. “Thank you, Captain,” she said, still flustered from the barrage of questions. “I know the foals didn’t mean any harm, but…”

“No need to apologize,” Shining Armor reassured her, raising a hoof. “Foals will be foals. I will admit, I didn’t expect them to know about the engagement. I thought it was being kept under wraps until tonight…”

“Word travels fast in Canterlot, doesn’t it?” Cadance shrugged, her voice growing quieter. She cast a glance at the happy couples passing by. “Not every day you hear about a royal wedding. Especially one that’s… arranged.”

The words hit Shining Armor like a cold wind. He noticed how her gaze lingered on the couples, their joy only serving to deepen the weight in her expression. He opened his mouth to speak, but the words didn’t come. Instead, he hesitated, trying to find something to say that could ease her discomfort.

“What do you think?” she asked softly, breaking the silence. Shining Armor blinked, clearly caught off guard. “Pardon?”

“About all of it,” she continued, her voice distant. “Do you think arranged marriages are really… that bad?”

Shining Armor hesitated, his thoughts uncertain. “I… I’m not entirely sure what to say, Your Highness. I’ll admit, the idea of arranged marriages is something that doesn’t sit quite right with me. It’s hard to imagine anyone truly understanding what matters most to you in the way you deserve.” He met her gaze, his voice softening. “But… I will say this; your strength, your wisdom, your unwavering loyalty to your kingdom, to its people… Those are qualities that speak volumes. Anyone who is fortunate enough to stand by your side, to call you their partner, will truly be a very lucky soul. As Captain of the Royal Guard, I can offer nothing but my sincerest well wishes for you, and for the future you build with your suitor.”

Cadance stared at him, her expression unreadable. His words had struck a chord deep within her, and for a moment, she found herself speechless. “I… I didn’t expect that kind of response from you, Captain,” she said, her voice softer than before.

Shining Armor smiled lightly, though there was a tinge of sadness behind it. “Just telling it like it is, Your Highness.”

For a brief moment, the two ponies shared a quiet connection, a calm silence falling over them. They both stood still, silently acknowledging something unspoken between them. But before they could dwell further on the matter, a familiar voice called out.

“Princess Cadance!” Twilight Sparkle’s voice rang through the air, and the moment was shattered. Cadance and Shining Armor snapped out of their quiet contemplation, turning to see Twilight approaching, out of breath and clearly worried.

“T-There you are! I was so worried when I didn’t see you in the town square, so I—I started looking and—” Twilight froze as she noticed Shining Armor beside Cadance. A subtle shift in her expression told them both that something was off. “Oh, Captain! I thought you were supposed to be heading home…” she added, her voice tinged with concern.

“I was in the area when Princess Cadenza was having some… difficulties with some locals,” Shining Armor explained, standing straighter. “But I made sure the issue was handled before it could get out of hoof.”

Twilight sighed in relief, but quickly refocused. “Well, I’m glad to hear that.” She turned to Cadance. “My apologies for interrupting, Your Highness, but it's time for your appointment.”

“Appointment?” Cadance echoed, her mind still reeling.

“Your wedding dress fitting…” Twilight replied awkwardly.

“Oh. Right,” Cadance murmured, her enthusiasm gone.

Twilight nodded toward Shining Armor, her tone shifting to one of acknowledgment. “Thank you for your help, Captain. I can take it from here.”

Shining Armor gave a small nod, his voice warm. “Always a pleasure, Twilight.” He bowed his head slightly to Cadance. “Have a good day, Princess Cadenza.”

Cadance gave him a tight nod in return. “You too, Captain.”

As the three ponies parted ways, the awkward tension hung in the air like smoke. Each of them felt the weight of unspoken thoughts, and the silence between them seemed heavier with each passing step. As Shining Armor took a small glance back toward Cadance, he sees her stop for a moment. However, she didn’t look back at him. The distance between them, both physical and emotional, felt infinite. Both of them continue to walk away, each silently wondering if the path they were on would ever bring them closer—or if it was already too late.

Chapter Text

The golden glow of the setting sun filtered through the curtains, casting long shadows across a white unicorn’s bedchambers. Shining Armor stood before the full-length mirror, his hooves fumbling with his gala tie. Despite his strength and valor on the battlefield, this simple task seemed to elude him. The tie refused to cooperate, slipping from his hooves and tangling with the fabric of his royal attire. His brow furrowed with frustration, but just as he was about to give up, a knock at the door broke his concentration. “Come in!” he called out, hopeful for a distraction from his mounting struggle.

The door creaked open, and Lord Sombra, his father, entered with a slow, deliberate gait. His tall, dark figure seemed to fill the room, exuding an uncomfortable presence that immediately set Shining on edge. As Sombra’s eyes landed on his son’s difficulty, he sighed in exaggerated disappointment. “After a year away at war, and you still can’t tie a tie?” Lord Sombra’s voice was thick with disdain, the kind that seemed to drain the air around them.

Shining Armor tried to lighten the mood, giving a weak chuckle. “I guess fighting dragons really threw me off my game, huh?” Sombra rolled his eyes with a sharp scoff. “You guess?” He walked up to his son, towering over him with an air of superiority, and without another word, deftly adjusted the tie with practiced ease. “Did you at least manage to accomplish your mission?” Sombra asked, a slight edge to his tone as he looked over Shining Armor. Straightening himself up, Shining Armor gave a firm nod. “Yes. The Dragon Lands have been subdued, and they have no plans to attack Equestria anytime soon. If they try, we’ll be ready.”

Sombra’s lips curled into a pleased smile. “Excellent. I’m pleased to hear you put those... monstrous creatures in their place. They never should have been allowed to exist, if you ask me.” He paused for a moment, as if lost in thought. Then, he looked his son dead in the eyes. “Now then, are you prepared to meet your betrothed tonight?” Shining Armor’s face hardened, uncertainty clouding his features. “I don’t know… This whole thing feels like it’s happening too fast. I don’t even really know her that well. How am I supposed to just commit to something this big? What if it falls apart? What if we’re not the right match?”

Sombra scoffed again, shaking his head with a look of disappointment. “Nonsense, Shining. A Sparkle is always prepared, no matter what comes their way.” He patted Shining Armor’s shoulder, a forced smile spreading across his face. “And as for you, my son… you are not only one of the wealthiest bachelors in all of Canterlot, but also the captain of the royal guard! Surely, your future wife must be ecstatic to have you as her husband. With your looks, your charm, your status, I’m sure she’ll be practically swooning at your hooves before the night is over!”

Shining Armor shifted uncomfortably at his father’s words. “She didn’t seem very interested when we first met. Maybe she’s having doubts?”

Sombra adjusted the tie once more, his movements deliberate and almost clinical. “Ah, marrying someone as handsome as you can certainly leave a mare feeling a bit… overwhelmed. If your mother were here, I’m sure she’d be the first to tell you how nervous I made her, too.”

As Sombra’s eyes flicked down to the crest on Shining Armor’s suit, his expression darkened. He let out a low growl of annoyance. “I thought I instructed you to get rid of that old thing, Shining. It clashes with your suit.”

Shining Armor blinked, taken aback by the sudden change in tone. “I-I know. I just thought it would be nice to carry a piece of her with me, and-”

Sombra’s eyes narrowed, the words dripping with cold disappointment. “We already discussed this, Shining. You do understand there was nothing we could’ve done for her, right?” The sadness in Shining’s voice was palpable as he whispered, “I know…”

Sombra dismissed the sentiment with a wave of his hoof. “You need to stop dwelling on the past and start focusing on your future, my boy. You need to step up and ensure our family is taken care of! I’m not getting any younger, and one day, I won’t be around to guide you. It’s your responsibility to restore our family name and reputation throughout all of Canterlot.”

Shining Armor was confused. “Well received?” he echoed, before realizing the truth. “Wait… is that what this marriage is really about? Restoring our family’s reputation?”

Sombra’s face contorted with anger, his voice growing sharper. “Of course it is! Ever since your sister took that maid job with the queen, our family's standing has cratered! I've been the laughingstock of every soirée, every social event for the past year; do you have any idea how humiliating that is?! If she’s going to publicly defy tradition and drag me through the mud in front of our partners, what use is she to us?!” Sombra’s face twisted into a bitter smirk. “Honestly, at this point, I might as well put her out on the streets. I’m sure her ‘servant skills’ will come in handy there.”

Shining Armor’s face turned a deep shade of red as he pushed his father’s hoof off his shoulder, fury surging through him. “Papa! How could you say something like that?! Twilight-”

Sombra interrupted him, waving a hoof dismissively. “This is not about her, Shining. This is about you. You need to focus on your future. Just imagine the doors that will open once you marry. We’ll join the ranks of Canterlot’s wealthiest families. Our name will shine again, maybe even become legendary. Don’t tell me you’ve never dreamed of your own happily ever after?”

Shining Armor’s voice trembled with a mix of anger and sorrow. “I do, but not like this ! This isn’t fair! You can’t just decide my life for me!”

Sombra’s expression hardened, his patience running thin. “Fair? Life isn’t about fairness, Shining. It’s about what needs to be done. Don’t do it for anyone else; do it for yourself. And if you get bored, you can always find some other mare to ‘cherry pick.’ It’s simple! Trust me when I say that things will always have a way of working out when you take control. This marriage? It’s what’s best for you. For all of us. In time, I know you'll understand.” He paused before turning to leave. “Now go clean yourself up. We’ve got a carriage to catch, and I’m not about to be late.”

Sombra’s words hung heavy in the air as he turned toward the door. But Shining Armor’s voice stopped him cold.

“No,” Shining Armor said, his tone firm and resolute. “I’m sorry, Papa… but I can’t do this.”

The room fell into a tense silence. Sombra’s face twisted into a dark glare as he slowly turned to face his son. For a moment, neither spoke. Then, with a speed and ferocity Shining had never seen before, Sombra ignited his horn. A surge of magic threw Shining violently to the ground. His crest fell from his suit and landed with a soft, mournful crack. Sombra stood over him, eyes burning with fury as he choked out his words, his magic tightening around Shining’s neck, cutting off his breath.

“ENOUGH! This disgraceful display is utterly unbefitting of a Sparkle, Shining Armor! What has possessed you, I cannot fathom, but your insolence ends tonight! You will fulfill your obligation and marry this mare! After all I've done for you, is this one simple act of loyalty beyond your capacity? Your actions, and Twilight’s, are a stain upon this noble family! Do you comprehend the gravity of your defiance? DO YOU?!” Shining Armor gasped for air, his vision blurring, his body weakening. But before he could fade into unconsciousness, a voice echoed through the room.

“PAPA!”

The word echoed through the room, a desperate cry of disbelief and fear. The sound of her voice was enough to draw Sombra’s attention. He slowly turned his head, his cold eyes narrowing as he saw Twilight standing there. Her gown shimmered in the dim light of the room, but it did little to mask the horror in her expression. For a long moment, Sombra didn’t move, his gaze locking with his daughter’s. Then, without a word, he released his magical grip on Shining Armor, stepping back with a subtle, almost imperceptible sigh. Shining Armor collapsed to the ground, his hooves failing to catch him as he crumpled in pain. He gasped for air, his chest heaving violently, each breath a struggle. Twilight rushed to her brother’s side, her hooves carrying her swiftly across the room. She knelt down beside him, her hooves trembling as she helped him back onto his hooves.

“Shining?” Twilight whispered, her voice strained. Shining Armor, still struggling to catch his breath, nodded weakly.

“I-I’ll be fine… just... just give me a moment…” Without another word, Lord Sombra whirled and stormed from the room, his hooves a metronome against the icy marble. The heavy door slammed shut behind him, the sound echoing through the grand hall like a gunshot. In the stunned silence that followed, the only sound was the labored breathing of those left behind. Lying discarded on the polished floor, a short distance from where Sombra had stood, was Shining Armor's crest. The once-proud symbol of his family, a masterpiece of intricate silverwork, now laid cracked and broken.

The evening in Canterlot had descended into a soft, golden glow, casting long shadows over the grandiose halls of Canterlot Castle. The setting sun painted the sky in hues of orange and purple, reflecting off the glittering spires and illuminating the manicured gardens below. Yet within the castle’s heart, the atmosphere in Princess Cadance’s bedchamber was anything but serene. A heavy silence lingered, broken only by the distant sound of the wind whispering through the ancient trees outside and the soft clink of combs and brushes as royal maids, their movements a blur of white and silver, worked diligently on their charge. Princess Cadance sat before her vanity, a magnificent antique adorned with shimmering jewels, her reflection staring back at her with an expression of sheer boredom. Her usual grace and elegance were replaced by a palpable discomfort, her posture stiff and her movements restless. Her mane, a cascade of shimmering pink, was tangled in a knot of frustration, the silken strands matted and unruly. The touch of the brushes and combs, though intended to be gentle, felt more like pricks of agony than tender care. Cadance winced every time a maid attempted to navigate the thicket of her mane, her brow furrowed in a silent plea for them to stop. However, she made no move to intervene, choosing instead to endure the discomfort with an air of quiet resignation. One maid, her brow beaded with sweat as she wrestled with a particularly stubborn knot, looked up with an apologetic expression.

"My apologies, Your Highness," she stammered, her voice trembling slightly, "but we shall have your mane prepared in a mere moment!"

Cadance gritted her teeth, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, no rush. My mane isn't exactly going anywhere, is it?"

Her words hung heavy in the air, the silence punctuated only by the soft rustle of silk and the gentle clinking of the grooming tools. The maid visibly flinched, her eyes darting nervously towards the floor. The frustration on Cadance's face deepened as another, more forceful tug of the comb sent a sharp pain shooting through her scalp. She let out a small yelp of pain, her patience rapidly wearing thin. "Ouch!" she muttered under her breath, her voice laced with annoyance.

Just as the tension in the room threatened to reach a boiling point, a soft knock echoed from the door. The sound, though subtle, brought an unexpected sense of relief. The heavy oak door creaked open, revealing Queen Celestia standing in the doorway. Her regal presence filled the room as she stepped inside, her elegant figure draped in a shimmering gown of lavender, light blues and greens. She wore her crown, a masterpiece of intricate craftsmanship, with effortless grace, every inch the embodiment of royalty. The moment her golden hooves touched the floor, the atmosphere in the room seemed to shift, her aura of calm and serenity radiating outwards, softening the sharp edge of Cadance's frustration.

"There you are, Cadance," Celestia said with a warm smile, her voice gentle yet carrying the inherent authority of a mother. "It's lovely to see you preparing for the festivities. Is there anything I can do to assist?"

Cadance’s gaze flickered towards Celestia, her lips twitching in a brief, tired smile. "Nope, I think the royal mane-removal society seems to have things well in hoof," she replied, her voice laced with irony. Another painful tug sent her flinching, and she let out another yelp of pain. "OW!" Celestia’s gaze softened, and she raised a hoof in a gentle gesture, signaling for the maids to cease their efforts. "Could you kindly give us a moment, please?" she asked gently, her voice imbued with a quiet authority. The second maid, her face flushed with embarrassment, nodded and bowed deeply. "Of course, Your Majesty." She motioned for the other maid to follow, and with another curtsey, they retreated from the room, leaving the two royals in a peaceful solitude.

Once the door clicked shut behind them, Cadance’s wings fluttered in relief, and she sprang from the chair, eager to escape the confines of the grooming session and the oppressive atmosphere of the room. But as she turned to move across the room, her eyes fell upon Celestia, who remained standing calmly by the door, her expression a mixture of concern and anticipation. The sharpness in Cadance’s features returned, and the sarcasm in her voice was undeniable.

"Oh… it’s you," Cadance muttered, her frustration bubbling over. Celestia regarded her daughter with patience and understanding.

"Indeed, it is," she said calmly, her voice warm yet firm. "I received a letter from Twilight earlier today, informing me of your desire to discuss your betrothal." Celestia’s gaze softened, but there was a hint of concern in her tone. "Unless, of course, there has been some sort of misunderstanding?"

Cadance didn’t respond right away. Instead, she walked towards the mirror, deliberately avoiding eye contact, as if the very mention of her betrothal was too much to bear. Her eyes focused on her wings, a vibrant shade of pink that mirrored the color of her mane, and she began preening them absentmindedly, a silent rebellion against the discomfort and the impending conversation. Celestia followed, watching her carefully, her expression a study in maternal concern.

"Cadance," Celestia said gently, her voice low and filled with a genuine concern. "I understand that this is a difficult time. I truly do." She took another step forward, her gaze never wavering. "But I wouldn’t ask you to do this if I didn’t believe it could lead to something truly beneficial for you."

The anger in Cadance’s eyes flared, her wings bristling like a startled bird. Without warning, she turned towards Celestia, her body tense with frustration. "A beneficial thing?!" she cried, her voice rising with every word. "Do you even realize how utterly absurd this situation is? You're forcing me into a marriage with somepony I barely know, and you expect me to simply accept it?!"

Celestia winced, but she did not allow the sarcasm to shake her. Instead, she took a step back, her voice calm and measured. "Cadance, let us try to remain calm. Losing your temper will not resolve the situation—"

"Oh, so now you're concerned about my temper?!" Cadance retorted bitterly. Her wings flared in agitation, their vibrant pink feathers ruffling in the sudden gust of air. "What kind of parent does this to their own child?!" Her voice cracked slightly, though she didn’t care to hide the depth of her anger. "This entire marriage is what you desire, not me! Why must I adhere to this archaic tradition anyway?!" She took a few steps towards Celestia, her eyes blazing with fury. "Aunt Luna did not have to endure this, so why should I?!"

At the mention of Luna, Celestia’s face darkened ever so slightly, her expression tightening as the words struck a nerve. Her voice rose, commanding yet tinged with sorrow. "Princess Mi Amore Cadenza!" she called sharply.

The power of Celestia’s voice echoed in the room, an unspoken authority that immediately silenced Cadance. Both ponies stood motionless, the tension palpable, the air thick with unspoken words. Cadance’s eyes darted to the floor, anger and frustration mixing in a tempest within her chest. Celestia, too, remained silent, her gaze fixed on her daughter, her expression a mixture of disappointment and concern. Celestia sighed heavily before speaking, her voice quieter now, though still filled with undeniable sincerity.

"Cadance, I understand your anger, and you have every right to feel it. But we both understand the weight of royal tradition. A wedding must occur before a pony reaches their twentieth year, and…" Her voice trailed off as her eyes searched Cadance’s face, a flicker of sadness crossing her features. "Your birthday has already passed. This is not merely about tradition; it’s about your future and the future of Canterlot. It impacts all of us." Cadance remained silent, her emotions swirling as she refused to meet Celestia’s gaze. The silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken words and simmering with unspoken anger. Celestia reached out, gently tucking a loose strand of Cadance’s mane behind her ear. The soft gesture was full of motherly tenderness, but there was a hint of sadness in her eyes as she continued. "You’ve turned away every suitor, meeting their kindness with a frosty smile, dismissing their offers with a flick of your tail. You’ve built a wall around your heart, brick by painful brick, shutting out not only the world but also the love that could potentially fill your life." Celestia’s voice softened, a wistful smile touching her lips. "As your Queen, I must uphold our traditions. But more importantly, as your mother, I cannot stand by and watch you live in solitude. I had to act out of love, to protect you from a future of loneliness." There was a long pause before Celestia added, "Please, Cadance. Just… meet your suitor tonight. Just for a few hours. For me?"

Cadance stood in silence, her thoughts a swirling tempest. For what felt like an eternity, she didn’t speak, her gaze fixed on the floor, lost in a sea of conflicting emotions. Finally, after what felt like an agonizing wait, she lifted her head and spoke in a low, almost resigned voice. "Very well."

Celestia blinked in surprise, her eyes widening. "Pardon?"

Cadance turned to face her mother, her voice quiet but firm. "The citizens of Canterlot need a ruler. A strong and decisive ruler who will do what’s necessary to protect their kingdom. If marrying my betrothed will secure the future of our kingdom, and my well-being, then so be it." She paused for a beat, her gaze intense. "But I will not marry someone who is unworthy of me. If my betrothed doesn’t meet my standards, then the marriage is off. Do we have a deal?"

Celestia’s eyes softened, and she frowned, concern flickering across her face. "Cadance, you cannot keep using that excuse—"

Cadance’s voice was firm, unwavering as she repeated herself. "If my betrothed isn’t up to my standards, then the marriage is off. Deal?" A long, tense silence filled the room. Celestia, her brow furrowed in contemplation, carefully studied her daughter. The unwavering conviction in Cadance's eyes, the quiet determination in her voice, spoke volumes. Slowly, reluctantly, she nodded, her voice cautious. "Deal." She then added, "Now, have you decided on what to wear for tonight?"

Cadance shook her head, her voice flat. "All the dresses I have aren’t very ‘fiancée’ material. Why do you ask?"

Celestia smiled gently, her voice filled with warmth. "I may have left a little surprise in your closet. A gesture of anticipation for your betrothed and his family." Her smile grew slightly mischievous. "On that note, would you like to meet them before the engagement is made official?"

Cadance shot her a look, a warning gleam in her eye. Celestia, sensing the unspoken message, nodded with a sigh. "Very well. If that is all, I’ll be outside." She hesitated for a moment, her voice softening. "I love you, Cadance. You know that, right?"

Cadance’s gaze softened, but she hesitated before answering. "I know."

Celestia helped Cadance to her hooves, both ponies exchanging an awkward look before Celestia turned to leave. As the door began to close behind her, Cadance reached out with a hoof, stopping her mother in her tracks. "Since you've lived for over a thousand years," Cadance asked, her voice filled with curiosity, "you must’ve had a suitor when you were my age, right? What was he like?"

Celestia paused, her expression unreadable. She stood in silence for a moment, the weight of time and forgotten emotions heavy in the air. Then, without a word, she turned to Cadance, placed a soft kiss on her forehead, and left the room, leaving Cadance standing alone in stunned silence.

The door clicked shut, leaving Cadance standing alone in the quiet room. Her heart pounded a frantic rhythm against her ribs, a mixture of anticipation and dread swirling within her. She turned toward her closet, her breath catching in her throat. The ornate carvings on the wooden doors seemed to whisper secrets, their intricate details a stark contrast to the turmoil within her. With trembling hooves, she opened the closet doors. And there it was. A vision of shimmering silk and delicate lace, a masterpiece of artistry that seemed to breathe with an ethereal light. The dress, a breathtaking indigo, cascaded down like a waterfall, the fabric catching the light and casting mesmerizing shadows across the room. Cadance stood in awe, her heart heavy with a strange mixture of awe and apprehension. The royal maids, sensing her hesitation, entered the room, their presence a gentle reminder of the impending occasion. She glanced at them, then back at the dress, her mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. Excitement battled with a deep-seated fear, the future looming ahead of her like an uncertain horizon. The dress, a symbol of her impending betrothal, seemed to mock her with its elegance, a stark contrast to the turmoil within her. She was about to embark on a journey into the unknown, a journey that would forever alter the course of her life.

The night in Canterlot was crisp and serene, the city bathed in the ethereal glow of the castle's countless windows. From the grand entrance hall, the sweeping staircase offered a breathtaking view of the bustling crowd below, a sea of vibrant colors and excited chatter. It was a night for celebration, yet for those perched at the top of the stairs, the festive atmosphere seemed a million miles away. Princess Cadance and Shining Armor stood side-by-side, their hooves intertwined, a picture of royal harmony. Their smiles were radiant, their attire sparkling under the dazzling chandeliers, but the forced cheerfulness couldn't mask the palpable tension between them. The joyous din of the crowd, a symphony of laughter and conversation, felt distant, as if they were trapped in their own private bubble, suffocating under the weight of their public personas.

Shining Armor, ever the dutiful soldier, leaned towards Cadance, attempting to break the suffocating silence. "I didn't realize Canterlot had grown this much," he remarked, his voice a low murmur, a hint of nostalgia coloring his words. "Feels like everything's changed since I came back." Cadance, however, remained fixed on the throng of ponies below, her smile unwavering but mechanical. Her gaze, distant and unfocused, seemed to pierce through the crowd, searching for something beyond the festivities. The subtle tremor in her eyes, the fleeting flicker of discomfort, didn't escape Shining Armor's notice. He tried again, his voice softer, more intimate. "Do you want me to—"

"Can't you see I don't want to talk right now?" Cadance's whisper was sharp, cutting through the silence like a whiplash. Shining Armor recoiled, his ears flattening against his head. He hadn't expected such a harsh response. "I was just going to ask if you wanted something to eat…" he mumbled, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. Cadance didn't look at him, her gaze still glued to the distant horizon of ponies. "I'm fine, Captain. Royals don't eat or drink while fulfilling their duties, remember?" she replied, her voice icy, a subtle reminder of the rigid protocol that governed their lives. Shining Armor's ears drooped. "Right. My apologies."

The words felt hollow, a mere echo of the countless drills and lessons that had ingrained obedience into his very being. An awkward silence descended, heavy and suffocating, hanging between them like a shroud. Cadance's gaze shifted slightly, her eyes falling on Shining Armor's neck. Just beneath the surface of his coat, a faint bruise marred his skin, a jarring note against the pristine whiteness of his uniform. She leaned in slightly, her voice barely a whisper, more to herself than to him.

"Your neck," she murmured, "It wasn't like that earlier." Shining Armor stiffened, his eyes darting towards her before he quickly averted his gaze. His hooves shifted nervously on the cold stone steps. "Oh, uh… it's nothing. Just an itch," he stammered, his voice strained. Cadance's brow furrowed as she scrutinized him, her instincts screaming at her that something was amiss. But before she could delve deeper, the imposing figures of Queen Celestia and Lord Sombra emerged from the swirling crowd. With a swift, almost imperceptible movement, Cadance released Shining Armor's hoof and turned to face the approaching dignitaries, plastering a strained smile upon her face. Shining Armor followed suit, his expression a carefully crafted mask of forced cheerfulness. Lord Sombra, his dark figure looming large over the others, greeted them with exaggerated warmth.

"Ah, my dear boy! Princess Mi Amore Cadenza! What a glorious evening this is! The Queen and I are thrilled to extend our deepest congratulations once again. Truly, you two are a match forged by the stars, a union destined to bring greatness to Equestria!" His voice boomed, his smile wide and unsettling, as if he were desperately trying to convince himself, and everyone else, of his sincerity. Queen Celestia, ever the picture of grace and elegance, nodded in agreement, a gentle smile gracing her lips.

"We also wish to express our sincere gratitude for your discretion in keeping the engagement under wraps. I can only imagine how difficult it must have been to keep such news a secret."

Shining Armor, ever the dutiful son and soldier, bowed his head slightly, his voice measured and polite. "Your Majesty, it would be an immense honor to welcome you as my mother-in-law. I vow to treat Princess Cadance with nothing less than the utmost care, respect, and devotion."

Queen Celestia smiled warmly. "You are most kind, Captain. It will certainly be an adjustment to have new faces in the castle after all these years, but I have no doubt the transition will go smoothly once you two are wed."

Lord Sombra turned his attention to Cadance, his eyes gleaming with an unsettling mixture of admiration and something more calculating. "Princess Cadenza, as a gesture of my admiration and respect, I wish to contribute a substantial gift to your wedding fund. Consider it a token of my esteem."

Cadance's smile felt brittle, the words escaping her lips more out of obligation than genuine gratitude. "O-Oh! How thoughtful of you, my lord…" she managed, her voice barely a whisper, a shiver of unease running down her spine. Shining Armor, equally uncomfortable with the situation, forced a smile. "Yes, that's very generous of you, Papa. I hadn't realized you'd be doing this…"

Sombra smirked, his voice taking on a smug, almost predatory tone. "Naturally. Your wedding to Shining Armor is an event worthy of nothing less than the finest of what Equestria has to offer. With your mother's influence and my resources, we'll ensure it's a celebration you will remember for a lifetime. But, of course, such generosity does come with certain… expectations."

Cadance's heart lurched. "Expectations?" she echoed, her voice barely audible, a look of suspicion clouding her features.

Sombra chuckled darkly, a low, unsettling sound that sent a shiver down her spine. "Oh, nothing too burdensome, my dear! Just a small matter of repayment. You see, the Sparkle family is known for its extraordinary lineage, and you and your mother, of course, are two of the most stunning examples of Equestria's finest! I have no doubt that your children will grow into not only brilliant ponies but great rulers in their own right." His eyes narrowed, the glint in them cold and calculating. "And, should the wedding go as planned, I wouldn't be surprised if Shining Armor's eagerness to start a family intensifies right after this party is over…"

The room seemed to freeze, the festive atmosphere abruptly shattered by Sombra's chilling words. Shining Armor's face turned crimson, his eyes wide with shock and embarrassment. Cadance's lips parted, a look of offended disbelief washing over her features. Her heart pounded against her ribs, a wave of indignation threatening to overwhelm her. But before she could respond, Twilight Sparkle, having witnessed the uncomfortable exchange from a distance, hurried towards them.

"Your Majesty, I'm sorry to interrupt, but some guests are asking if the castle gardens are open to the public?" Twilight's voice was polite but tinged with nervous energy.

Sombra, who had been reveling in the power he wielded, growled under his breath, his eyes narrowing at the younger pony. "Twilight, can't you see we're in the middle of something important?" Twilight stood her ground, her voice unwavering despite the tremor that ran through her. "I was just asking Her Majesty a question…" Sombra's glare hardened. "And that gives you the right to interrupt? You could wait your turn like everyone else." Twilight flinched under the intensity of his gaze but quickly regained her composure. "But I was just—"

Before Twilight could finish her sentence, Queen Celestia stepped in, her voice calm and collected but firm. "Actually, the gardens haven't been open to the public for some time, Twilight. Why not allow our guests to enjoy them for a little while longer?" Sombra stammered, taken aback by Celestia's unexpected intervention. "B-But Your Highness, the gardens were reserved for the wedding reception…"

Celestia turned to him with a raised eyebrow, her tone cool and unwavering. "I'm sure the gardens wouldn't mind a few extra visitors. Unless you've consulted the gardens about their feelings, Lord Sombra?" Sombra was left speechless, his smug demeanor crumbling under the weight of Celestia's withering gaze. He felt a cold hoof gently grasp his hoof, and he found himself being led away by the Queen, her presence casting a long, chilling shadow over the room. The three remaining ponies exchanged uneasy glances, the tension in the air palpable.

Shining Armor leaned towards Twilight, concern etched on his face. "Are you okay?" Twilight's voice was shaky, a mixture of disbelief and excitement bubbling within her. "Did you see that? I've never seen the Queen act like that towards anyone! And towards our father?! Nopony's dared speak to him like that in years!" Shining Armor chuckled lightly, a hint of playfulness in his voice. "I guess you've got a new favorite relative, huh?" He feigned a pout. "How could you do this to me, Twily?! After everything we've been through?!"

Twilight rolled her eyes, her face flushing with embarrassment. "Oh, stop it, Shining. We're in public!" Shining Armor, ever the mischievous one, grinned, his eyes twinkling. "Oh, please, Twily. This is the kingdom's biggest scandal! I'm definitely telling Papa about this one." They both chuckled, a brief moment of lightheartedness in the otherwise overwhelming atmosphere. But the laughter died abruptly as Shining Armor's gaze fell upon the crowd below.

Cadance was gone. She had slipped away unnoticed, disappearing into the throng of ponies. A wave of concern washed over him, his smile vanishing completely. "Stay here and greet some guests for me, will you, Twily?" he said quickly, his voice suddenly serious. "I need some air."

Before Twilight could respond, he was already heading down the grand staircase, weaving his way through the sea of ponies. Twilight, left standing alone, called after him, her voice filled with a mixture of frustration and worry. "Wait, what? Shining? Come back! I can't do this alone! Shining Armor!" But her pleas were lost in the din of the party. Shining Armor was gone, leaving Twilight to navigate the social minefield of the royal ball entirely on her own.

The night air, crisp and invigorating, rustled the leaves of the ancient trees that lined the gardens of Canterlot Castle. The imposing stone walls, etched with the passage of centuries, loomed against the velvety canvas of the night sky, their silhouette softened by the pale moonlight. A distant hum, a melodic counterpoint to the tranquility of the gardens, escaped the castle walls, a stark reminder of the gala taking place within. Despite the idyllic setting, an undercurrent of tension, palpable and unspoken, hung heavy in the air between Shining Armor and Princess Cadance. Shining Armor, his movements cautious and deliberate, stepped into the gardens, his gaze sweeping across the serene landscape. His eyes, drawn by an unspoken magnetism, found Princess Cadance, her figure a solitary silhouette against the night sky as she sat by the cascading waters of the fountain. He hesitated, observing her from a distance, his hooves barely disturbing the soft emerald grass. But Cadance, as if sensing his presence, turned, her posture instantly shifting, a subtle tightening of her muscles betraying her awareness of his approach.

Shining Armor paused, a sheepish grin tugging at his lips. "Sorry," he murmured, his voice a soft whisper carried on the gentle breeze. "I saw you slip away, and I… I didn’t want to disturb you, but—" Cadance’s expression softened, a fleeting, almost imperceptible, shift in her features.

"I’m okay," she replied, her voice a low, melodious counterpoint to the distant hum of the gala. "I just needed some air." A sigh escaped her lips, followed by a small, almost reluctant smile. "You can sit if you’d like."

Shining Armor, hesitant yet drawn to her, accepted her invitation, taking a seat beside her, careful to maintain a respectful distance. They sat in companionable silence for a moment, their gazes drawn to the celestial tapestry above, the awkwardness of their situation hanging heavy between them like a shroud. Neither pony knew how to bridge the chasm that separated them, both lost in their own thoughts, their minds a whirlwind of anxieties and unspoken fears. Cadance, her voice firm and direct, broke the silence.

"So, what’s the plan after this?" Shining Armor blinked, startled by the abruptness of her question. "What do you mean?"
She turned to face him fully, her gaze unwavering, her eyes sharp with an intensity that made him flinch. "Do you plan to move things along? Or is that not part of the plan?" Shining Armor froze, his face flushing crimson with embarrassment.

"W-wait, what?" he stammered, his panic mounting. "No! Nononono! I—I would never! I swear, I’ll make sure my father doesn’t say anything like that again! I promise!" Cadance’s expression remained unchanged, her gaze unwavering. "They better not."

The words hung heavy in the air, charged with unspoken accusations and simmering resentment. They both returned their gazes to the heavens, but the serenity of the night sky had been shattered, replaced by a suffocating silence. Cadance, her voice lower now, a hint of something deeper, something more profound than mere frustration, broke the silence again.

"How long have you known? About… us?"

Shining Armor’s breath hitched. He swallowed hard, his voice hesitant but steady.

"I found out the day I went off to war." He gave a bitter, humorless chuckle. "It’s funny. It’s been a year, and I still can’t wrap my head around it. I get why my father’s doing this, but it still feels like a tangled mess." He turned to her, his gaze searching, desperate for understanding.

"How long have you known?" Cadance’s expression softened, a fleeting expression of vulnerability crossing her features.

"About a year as well," she said, shrugging slightly. "I guess my mother’s been getting impatient with my refusal of suitors. I always knew I couldn’t avoid marriage forever, but… something about this whole thing feels so wrong." She paused, her eyes narrowing slightly, as if seeing him anew, stripping away the layers of polite facade. "I can see why she picked you, though. You’re smart, successful, capable of providing for your family. You come from a noble house, and you hold one of the most prestigious positions in the kingdom. You’re an ideal match for someone of royal blood. You should be proud."

Shining Armor shifted uncomfortably, unsure how to respond to her unexpected praise. "Thank you… I think?" Another silence descended, heavier than the previous one, the air thick with unspoken emotions. Then, with a deep breath, Shining Armor turned to her, extending his hoof tentatively. Cadance eyed his gesture with suspicion, raising an eyebrow in question. "What are you doing?"

Shining Armor took a moment to choose his words carefully, his voice calm and earnest. "Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, we’ve been thrust into a situation neither of us wanted, yet one we must accept for our families’ sake." He sighed, his gaze steady, unwavering. "While tradition dictates that royals marry young, my father seeks this union for reasons of heritage and political expediency. I sense we’re both reluctant about it… but a wise pony once told me that maybe marriage isn’t such a terrible thing." He gave a small, sad smile. "I may not have much experience with courting, but I do have experience in friendship. I’d like to propose that we build a small friendship before our wedding. I want you to see the kind of pony I am before we’re bound together by law. Although we haven’t started on the best of terms, I hope we can start anew if given the chance." He looked at her, his eyes filled with sincerity. "The choice is yours, Your Highness. But please know, I will respect whatever decision you make."

Cadance was silent for a long moment, her expression a mask of conflicting emotions. Then, suddenly, she slapped his hoof away, anger flashing across her features as she stood, her voice rising in disbelief. "Are you seriously telling me you want this marriage to happen?" Shining Armor’s eyes widened, his hooves raised in a gesture of defense. "Not exactly, Your Highness. I just thought that maybe, if we could be friends first—"

"Friends?" Cadance cut him off, her voice sharp with incredulity. "You think that’s going to fix this? You think we’ll just magically get married and live happily ever after? You humiliated me in front of my own citizens, your father said you wanted to defile me, and now you’re asking me to be your friend?!" Her voice cracked with frustration. "Do you honestly think that’s how marriage works? Do you think we can just pretend everything’s fine and go along with it like nothing happened?"

Shining Armor stood, his face flushing crimson with frustration. "N-No! I just thought we could take a step back and figure out a better way forward for us, that’s all!" "There is no 'us,' Shining Armor!" Cadance’s voice rose, sharp and cutting. "There never will be an 'us'! Why can’t you see that?!"

Shining Armor’s face contorted, the anger bubbling up from somewhere deep within him. He met her gaze, his voice rising in turn. "Are you being serious right now? Do you really think I’m to blame for all of this? I don’t want this marriage either, but you think I wanted to be part of this mess?!" His words came fast and sharp, each one an accusation. "I don’t have a choice! My father, that bigot of a stallion, has made it clear every single day that this is what’s expected of me! All I’ve ever tried to do is make the best of this, to show you some semblance of respect! But no matter what I do, no matter how hard I try, you treat me like I’m your enemy!"

Cadance jumped onto the edge of the fountain, her body language defiant, her voice cutting through the tension like a whip. "You think this is easy for me? You think I want any of this? This whole marriage was arranged by our parents to uphold some ridiculous tradition, to secure our family’s bloodline! Do you think I crave the honor of carrying your name?" Her voice cracked, tears threatening to spill. "I don’t care what you think of me, Captain; we are not getting married! Not ever!" She took a deep breath, her voice breaking. "I can’t love, Captain. Is that what you wanted to hear?!"

Shining Armor froze, his mind reeling, struggling to process the raw emotion, the unfiltered truth, that she had just laid bare. The silence that followed was deafening, heavy with the weight of unspoken words, unspoken emotions. But then, out of the corner of his eye, he saw something—something that sent a jolt of icy fear through him. A pony-like creature, its features obscured by the shadows, emerged from the depths of the garden. Before he could react, the air crackled with unseen energy, and the creature’s presence was unmistakably felt. Shining Armor’s horn flared to life, his eyes narrowing as he locked onto the creature lurking behind Cadance. The fear mirrored in Cadance’s eyes matched his own as she realized the gravity of the situation.

"Princess," Shining Armor said sternly, his voice low and urgent. "Get down!"

Cadance barely had time to react as Shining’s magic flared. The blast of energy shot past her, narrowly missing, but the creature screeched as it was struck, falling back into the shadows. In a blur of motion, Shining charged forward, his magic crackling in the air as he fought the creature. The creature dodged and darted, but Shining’s fury was unmatched, and soon, it lay pinned beneath him. But before he could finish it off, Cadance screamed. Another creature had appeared, dragging her from the water fountain. Panic surged in Shining's chest as he saw the second creature take her.

"Princess!" he yelled, fear and fury lacing his voice. He barely spared a second for the pinned creature before he blasted it away and rushed to Cadance’s side. He leaped at the second creature, tackling it to the ground. But the creature fought back viciously, trapping Cadance between its legs. It screeched and ignited its horn. Shining’s magic exploded, knocking the changeling away from Cadance. He jumped in front of her, firing another powerful shot of magic, sending the creature tumbling back into the bushes with a scream. His heart raced as he rushed to Cadance, lifting her to her hooves.

"Princess!" Shining shouted, his voice shaky as he tried to calm her. "Are you hurt? Please, talk to me."

But Cadance didn’t answer. Her mind was still reeling, her ears ringing from the blast, her body trembling with shock. She stared at him, dazed, as the world around her seemed to unravel. The sound of the creatures above caught her attention. She turned her gaze to the sky, and horror filled her eyes as more of them descended, their ominous silhouettes against the moonlit sky. Screams echoed from the castle, and Cadance and Shining exchanged a glance, both filled with terror and realization. This wasn’t over.

The grand ballroom of Canterlot Castle, draped in elegant decorations and filled with ponies in their finest gala attire, was now a scene of utter chaos. Screams filled the air as the guests, once dancing and chatting, now frantically tried to escape the overwhelming terror. Dark, sinister creatures had invaded the castle, and their vicious attacks sent ponies scrambling in every direction, searching for a way out.

In the center of the ballroom, Queen Celestia stood tall, doing her best to maintain order amid the turmoil. Her voice rang out, trying to cut through the panic. "Everypony, please remain calm!" she called, her voice steady but filled with urgency. "If you’re familiar with the castle’s evacuation procedures, proceed to the exits immediately! For others, follow the staff and wait for further instructions!"

Twilight Sparkle, standing nearby, was doing what she could to help calm the panicked ponies and direct them toward safety. But as she moved through the chaos, her eyes couldn’t help but dart around in horror. The once-beautiful ballroom was now a battleground. The elegant chandeliers had fallen, the walls were covered in claw marks, and the once-refined atmosphere had been replaced by fear. Twilight’s breath caught in her throat as she saw the destruction unfold before her. These creatures were everywhere—swarming, attacking. Their appearance was horrifying: insect-like bodies with jagged, black chitin armor, translucent wings that buzzed erratically, and glowing eyes that pierced through the darkened ballroom. The creatures’ fangs and sharp horns gave them a predatory, almost skeletal appearance, their twisted forms moving like shadows through the panic-stricken crowd. Twilight froze for a moment, paralyzed by the horrific scene. Celestia, noticing Twilight’s stillness, moved to her side and gently placed a hoof on her shoulder, grounding her.

"Twilight," the Queen said firmly, "I understand your distress, but you must leave this place at once!" Then, with a more serious tone, she added, "Where’s your brother?"

"I... I don’t know!" Twilight stammered, her eyes wide with panic. "I think he went to find Cadance!"

Just then, the sound of windows shattering echoed through the ballroom. Both Celestia and Twilight spun around, their hearts sinking as a large group of the creatures broke through the glass, diving into the crowd below. The chaos only intensified, the room descending into madness. "Twilight," Celestia called out, her voice urgent, "You must find Shining Armor and Cadance and get them out of here!"

"But what about you?!" Twilight protested, her voice quivering. "I can’t leave you here!"

"I’ll be fine," Celestia said, a stern but caring look in her eyes. "But you need to go now!" Twilight hesitated, torn between loyalty and fear, but Celestia's commanding tone brooked no argument. "That’s an order, Twilight!"

With a final, reluctant nod, Twilight turned and ran through the chaos, dodging attacks from the creatures as she moved swiftly through the ballroom. There was no time to waste. Meanwhile, Celestia’s horn flared brightly as she charged into a nearby cluster of the creatures, ready to defend the ponies who remained. Twilight, heart pounding, pushed forward, her eyes scanning the crowd. At last, she spotted her brother and Cadance, hiding behind a buffet table.

"Shining! Princess!" Twilight called, rushing over to them. "Thank hoofness you’re okay!" Shining Armor’s urgent shout cut through her relief. "Duck!"

Twilight barely had time to react before a magical blast shot past her, narrowly missing. She jumped over the buffet table and joined Shining and Cadance, the three of them crouching low behind the table as Shining fired magical blasts at the encroaching creatures.

Cadance, however, seemed less focused, her eyes scanning the chaotic scene with frustration. "I could be a lot better if we could have avoided this situation in the first place!" Cadance grumble loudly, clearly irritated.

Shining Armor turned to her, his voice rising above the noise. "Are you being serious right now?! This is a terrible time to be complaining!"

"It’s not complaining if I’m stating facts!" Cadance shot back, her tone defiant.

Twilight winced as a group of the creatures headed directly toward them. With a sharp intake of breath, Shining Armor blasted them away, the creatures falling to the ground with a sickening thud. One of the fallen creatures landed inches from Twilight, and her eyes went wide in horror.

"Oh no..." Twilight gasped, her body frozen in fear. Her heart raced, and her breath caught in her throat as the reality of the situation hit her. Cadance immediately reached for her, trying to calm her down. Shining, meanwhile, moved the dead creature away and continued his assault on the other invaders.

"Twilight, look at me!" Cadance urged. "Everything’s going to be okay. Just take a deep breath for me!"

"I—How can you say that?" Twilight’s voice cracked, her face streaked with tears.

"There are just so many of them!" "I know, but I need you to stay focused!" Cadance insisted, her tone soft but firm. "Deep breaths for me, Twilight." Twilight struggled to calm herself, her mind a whirlwind of panic. After a beat, she nodded, trying to focus. "I think there might be an exit on the stage," she said, her voice wavering. "We could escape if we can get there!"

"But what if there’s no exit under the stage?" Cadance asked, worry lining her voice.

"I—I could try to teleport us all out of here," Twilight said, but her confidence was fading. "But I’ve never done that spell with three ponies before... M-My magic isn’t strong enough."

"Great," Cadance muttered, her voice laced with frustration.

"If we’re going to move, we need to do it now!" Shining shouted over the noise. "I don’t think I can hold them off much longer!"

The three ponies peeked out from behind the buffet table, eyes scanning for a moment of opportunity. When a clash broke out between the creatures and the fleeing ponies, they made a break for it. With Shining and Twilight clearing a path with their magic, they reached the stage. "Twilight, open the door!" Shining yelled urgently. "I—I can’t! It’s stuck!" Twilight shouted, panic rising in her chest.

"Then it’s time to teleport us out of here!" Shining said, his voice growing desperate. "I can’t do that without Cadance!"

Twilight replied, her voice trembling with fear. Shining turned, confused. "What do you mean? She’s right here!" Twilight pointed a shaking hoof to the ballroom floor. "She’s not with us anymore!" The two unicorns turned, eyes widening in terror. There, in the middle of the chaos, stood Cadance—frozen in place, her gaze fixed on something in the distance.

"Cadance!" both Twilight and Shining shouted in unison.

In the midst of the madness, Cadance was staring at something—or rather, someone. A tall, mysterious figure stood among the chaos, its presence sending a chill down Cadance’s spine. The creature locked eyes with her from across the ballroom, and in that instant, time seemed to slow. Her heartbeat thundered in her ears, and the world around her began to blur.The creature began to walk toward her, and with each step it took, her heartbeat quickened. Everything else faded away—the noise, the chaos, the creatures—all of it drowned out by the thudding of her pulse. She tried to move, but her body refused to obey her. Fear gripped her, her muscles locked in place as the creature closed in. Suddenly, the world around her flickered, glitching erratically. Cadance’s breath quickened, her fear mounting. The creature was getting closer, its eyes fixed on her. She couldn’t move. She couldn’t scream. Then, with a sudden jolt, the creature was in front of her.

Cadance’s breath hitched in her throat as she tried to scream—but no sound came. Her mouth opened in a silent cry, her eyes wide with terror. The creature opened its mouth and let out a horrifying, guttural scream that seemed to reverberate through her very bones. Without warning, the creature placed a clawed hoof on her chest, pressing deeply. The claws sank into her skin, disappearing into her body. A painful white light began to glow from within her chest, causing her to let out a muffled scream, though the pain was too much to bear. The creature flickered wildly, suddenly vanishing from sight. The glow in Cadance’s chest faded, leaving her gasping for breath. Slowly, the ballroom began to return to focus, but the nightmare had just begun for Cadance. She placed a hoof to her chest, her face pale, her eyes filled with shock and confusion. Then, unable to stand, she collapsed to the floor unconscious. The sound of her heartbeat was the only thing that echoed in the silence.

Chapter Text

Dawn broke over Canterlot like a sigh of relief, casting pale pink and amber hues across the marble towers of the city. But within the heart of Canterlot Castle, inside the grand throne room, there was no peace — only tension. Three days had passed since the devastating attack during the engagement gala, and the trauma still clung to the atmosphere like smoke. Queen Celestia sat on her throne beneath the stained-glass windows, their colorful light falling across her immaculate white coat and golden regalia. Her calm, regal presence contrasted with the storm of voices before her. A group of noble ponies had gathered in the emergency council. They wore fine coats, silk cravats, and gemstone-studded pins — but there was little refinement in their demeanor now. Grief, panic, and fury spilled from them in equal measure.

Lord Highmark, an older unicorn stallion with a dark gray mane and stern blue eyes, stomped a hoof furiously on the marble floor. “Calm down?! How can we possibly calm down? One of Equestria’s greatest kingdoms has just been torn apart!” His voice cracked with emotion, though he tried to hide it beneath righteous outrage.

Beside him, Lady Velloria — a tall, cream-colored mare draped in sapphire robes — stepped forward, her lips trembling. “My family is dead because of those creatures!” she cried. “The medical wards are filled to the brim, and the death toll keeps rising by the minute! What are we supposed to do?!” Her voice rose, raw with heartbreak. A younger noble mare moved to her side, placing a comforting hoof on her shoulder, but Velloria shook her head, trembling.

Lord Braebright, a portly earth pony with golden buttons and a red waistcoat, paced anxiously. Sweat clung to his brow as his eyes darted about the room. “And what if they come back?!” he asked in panic. “Our army barely held them off during the gala!” His voice was thin with fear, and his legs shook despite his heavy frame.

At the far end of the group stood Baroness Flintlock, a steel-gray unicorn with a mane like wildfire. Her narrowed eyes and taut jaw said she had little patience left. “It's been three days!” she snarled. “Why hasn’t any action been taken?! Why are we sitting here doing nothing?!” Her horn sparked slightly with residual magic.

Queen Celestia raised a hoof gently, a calming gesture that drew reluctant silence. “I understand your concerns, everypony. These are difficult times, but I assure you, I am doing everything I can to bring those responsible to justice.”

But her attempt at reassurance only reignited the fire. All four nobles began talking at once, voices rising in overlapping waves of accusation and demand. The chorus was deafening. Celestia’s calm gaze scanned the crowd, her mouth parting as if to speak, but no words came. Her serenity was being tested. Then, from behind the crowd, a voice called out.

“Never fear, citizens!” came Shining Armor’s voice, echoing boldly through the throne room.

The nobles turned in unison to see Captain Shining Armor standing near the entrance. The moment he saw all eyes on him, he winced internally. That opening line had sounded better in his head.

Lord Highmark hurried forward, his steps brisk despite his age. “Captain Armor! Thank the stars you're here!” he said with a breath of relief. Then his expression twisted with concern. “What can you tell us about the attack?”

Shining raised a hoof, trying to project authority. “As of this moment, we don't know much. But the army and I are investigating the matter as we speak. I promise, we will find those responsible.”

Celestia’s voice followed smoothly. “In the meantime, relief and support will be provided to those affected. All that I ask from you is your patience.”

But Lord Braebright scoffed. He crossed his forelegs tightly, brows furrowed. “Patience? That’s your answer?! Are you trying to get us all killed?!”

Shining Armor stepped forward, eyes narrowing slightly. “Sir, if you have any complaints, you address them to me.”

Lady Velloria flared her nostrils and stepped around Braebright. “Oh, this is rich!” she snapped. “The hero who turned the gala into a warzone gets to play the martyr? How is it that you're not the one facing consequences?!” Her voice dripped with bitterness, the grief in her earlier tone now transformed into sharp-edged blame.

Shining Armor took a calming breath. “Sir, I understand your anger, but if you could explain your reasoning, perhaps I’ll reconsider escorting you into the path of those creatures….”

Flintlock was practically snarling now. “Explain?! We don’t need to explain!” she shouted. “You failed us! How could you not see this attack coming?! Were you too busy chasing Princess Cadenza to notice the danger?!”

“Yeah!” Lord Braebright joined in, stepping beside her. “What was so important about her that you gambled with the safety of all of Canterlot?!”

Lord Highmark’s eyes burned with cold fury. “Hundreds of ponies are dead because of you and the royals!” he growled. “How can you expect us to trust any of you after such a disaster?! You all have blood on your hooves!”

The nobles surged again, closing in on Shining with accusations, scorn, and outrage. The entire room roiled with emotion. Shining’s jaw clenched as magic sparked to life around his horn, a blue aura slowly growing with his rising temper. He wasn't aiming to harm — just to be heard. But before the spell could be cast, Celestia’s voice boomed through the chamber like a thunderclap.

“Enough!” she said, her tone regal and commanding. The sound silenced the room instantly. Her eyes, usually so warm, were narrowed in warning. “This meeting is adjourned.” She turned to Shining Armor, her voice quieter but no less firm. “Captain Armor, remain behind please.”

The nobles hesitated, exchanging sharp glances. One by one, they turned and began filing out of the throne room, still muttering among themselves. As they passed Shining Armor, some gave him glares filled with scorn, others with disappointment. Velloria avoided his gaze entirely, her tear-streaked face blank with grief. Flintlock cast him a final sneer before flicking her fiery tail in contempt.

When the last of them had gone, Celestia descended from the dais with an elegant beat of her wings. Shining bowed his head as she landed before him.

“Your Majesty, I owe you an apology,” he said quietly. “I let my emotions cloud my judgment, and that was a mistake. It was wrong of me to stand out of line.”

Celestia nodded, her expression softening. “Your honesty is appreciated, Captain. The council’s actions today were indeed… unprofessional. But as a leader, you must rise above such provocations. Escalating tensions only serves to weaken us.”

Shining looked away, shame in his eyes. “I understand, Your Majesty. But… they’re right. I should have foreseen the attack. My duty is to protect you, your family, all of Canterlot. How can I claim the title of Captain when I’ve failed so completely?”

“You carry no fault for what transpired at the gala,” she said, her tone warmer now. “The attack was precise and calculated. Even the sharpest eyes can be caught unprepared.” She gave him a gentle look. “There is no pony I trust more with Canterlot's defense than you, Shining Armor. Never doubt that.”

His face flushed at the unexpected praise. He shifted slightly, his voice hesitant. “Has there been any news about Princess Cadance? How is she?”

Celestia offered a small nod. “The medics have assured me she is stable. She should be awake by now.”

“Good to hear,” he said, though the doubt lingered in his voice.

Celestia tilted her head. “You don’t sound reassured, Captain. What’s on your mind?”

Shining hesitated, then said, “It’s just… being attacked out of nowhere, it’s terrifying. I’ve seen the fear in my soldiers’ eyes when they first face danger. I’ve felt it too. But Princess Cadance’s reaction at the gala… It wasn’t just fear; it was something else. I know she’s never been through something like this before, but… Forgive me, but has she ever reacted this way to danger?”

Celestia looked thoughtful, a crease forming between her brows. “Not to my knowledge. Cadance usually strives to remain calm, even under immense pressure.” She then asked gently, “Have you had a chance to visit her?”

Shining shook his head. “No. And even if I did, I doubt she’d want to see me.” His voice dropped to a whisper. “Not for lack of trying.”

Celestia stepped forward and placed a hoof on his shoulder. “I know that my daughter can be… difficult at times. But please know that she doesn’t mean to push you away.” Her voice softened. “I believe she may need your support now more than ever.”

He gave a respectful but guarded response. “With all due respect, Your Majesty, my primary focus is to uncover the motives behind this attack and ensure justice is served. I’m certain that the princess will rise again soon.”

She inclined her head, not pressing the point, but gently redirecting. “I understand your resolve, Captain, but speaking with Cadance might provide us with some answers. She was one of the targets of those creatures, after all. She may have seen something we didn’t.”

Shining Armor paused, then nodded slowly. “Very well, Your Majesty. I’ll see what I can learn from her.”

Celestia smiled faintly. “Thank you, Captain. You are dismissed.”

He bowed deeply and exited the throne room, his hoofsteps echoing through the now-quiet chamber. Celestia watched him go, thoughtful, then turned and ascended the steps back to her throne. She sat down with regal grace, lit her horn, and summoned a blank scroll and quill. The glow of her magic bathed the parchment in gold as she began to write a letter to another kingdom.

Outside the tall arched windows, a shadow moved, swift and quiet. Celestia’s eyes flicked to the movement, her gaze lingering for a second. Then she returned to her writing, her face calm, but her mind clearly elsewhere.

The grand halls of Canterlot Castle were quieter than usual. The early morning light filtered through the tall stained-glass windows, casting colored patterns on the marble floors. Outside, the city was waking with soft sounds of life; hooves on cobblestone, birdsong, the occasional distant carriage. But here, in the wing of the royal bedchambers, it was solemn. Shining Armor stood just outside the door to Princess Cadance’s chambers. He hesitated for a brief moment, his hoof raised halfway. The polished brass of the doorknob reflected his concerned expression. Drawing in a breath, he gave a gentle knock.

A soft voice answered from within. “Come in.”

Shining pushed open the heavy door slowly, careful not to let the hinges creak. As it swung open, the golden morning light from the hallway spilled into a dark and heavy room. The contrast was immediate. Cadance’s chambers were cloaked in thick shadow. The velvet curtains were fully drawn, blocking out the sun, and the air inside felt... weighted. Not just stale or quiet—but tense, sad, and intimate in a way that made even a seasoned captain pause. Cadance’s bed was barely distinguishable under the pile of royal bedding. She was hidden beneath the sheets, her figure obscured entirely. Sitting beside the bed, still and watchful, was Twilight Sparkle. She looked exhausted; her mane was slightly disheveled, her posture slumped with the kind of fatigue that only came from emotional labor.

Shining stepped lightly inside, his hoofsteps muffled by the plush rug beneath him. He walked to his sister’s side and sat down, his presence quiet and steady.

“How’s she doing?” he asked, his voice soft.

Twilight turned to face him, her eyes tired and rimmed with concern.

“Not great. She hasn’t eaten, barely leaves her bed. The only one she’s spoken to is me, and even then, it’s hardly anything.” She glanced back toward the lump under the sheets. “I know she can be... difficult , but this? This isn’t like her.”

Shining cracked a small smile, attempting a flicker of levity. “You sure love calling her ‘difficult’, don’t you?”

Twilight gave a faint shrug, lips twitching. “If you’ve got a better word to describe the princess, be my guest.”

Shining chuckled under his breath, then reached a hoof out to help her stand. Together, they moved quietly toward the door. “Go home, Twily. You’ve been here for days. I’ll take it from here.”

Twilight hesitated. “Are you sure? I don’t think she wants to see anypony right now. And what about the investigation? The kingdom needs you.”

Shining placed a firm but kind hoof on her shoulder. “The investigation can wait. Right now, you need rest. I can handle this.”

She studied him for a beat, then finally nodded with a soft smile. “Alright. Just… make sure she eats something, okay?”

“I’ll do my best.”

Twilight gave him a quick, warm hug before exiting the room. Shining gently closed the door behind her, and the room was once again plunged into near-complete darkness. He turned back toward the bed and stood still for a long moment. Cadance hadn’t moved. The quiet was deeper now, more personal. Shining walked softly to the bedside and lowered himself to her level.

“Princess Cadance, I’m here to relieve Twilight. If you need anything, just let me know.”

A voice responded from beneath the sheets, muffled but unmistakably hers.

“Is it too late to ask for a replacement?”

Shining chuckled, the sound a welcome break in the heaviness of the room. “Afraid so, Your Highness.”

There was a long pause. Then, from under the blankets, a single hoof slowly emerged, pointing toward the window.

“Curtains. Can you open them?”

He nodded and walked across the room. Drawing the curtains apart, the morning sun flooded the chamber in soft gold and warm pink. The transformation was immediate. Where darkness had loomed, the light now brought a strange sort of calm; gentle, quiet, and still full of sorrow, but with a touch of hope. Shining turned around and blinked at the now-illuminated room. It was stunning. Books stacked high on the nightstand. An array of makeup neatly arranged. A polished mirror. A few pieces of royal regalia tucked in their places. And in the corner, a small collection of plush toys; a whimsical, softer side of the princess rarely seen.

“Wow…” he murmured.

From under the blankets came a dry, muffled voice.

“What a charmer. You really know how to flatter a mare, don’t you?”

He shook his head with a sheepish grin. “I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just… your room… it’s very you.” He paused. “I like it.”

Cadance said nothing. Her hoof slowly retreated back beneath the sheets.

Shining’s attention was drawn to a large, weathered journal sitting open on the dresser. Curious, he stepped toward it. The pages were filled with repeated lines—dozens of scrawled repetitions of the same phrase: Non Posso Amore. His brow furrowed. Before he could process it, a voice called softly from the bed.

“How’s that neck of yours, Captain?”

He nearly jumped out of his armor, letting out an ungraceful squeak of surprise. Turning swiftly, his surprise turned to awe. Cadance was sitting up. Though her mane was unkempt and her eyes were heavy with fatigue, she still possessed a quiet radiance. She looked terrible—but to Shining, there was something powerful and beautiful about her presence all the same.

He straightened instinctively. “Good morning, Your Highness. I’m here at your mother’s request to ask you some questions about the attack at our engagement party.” He hesitated, seeing her rub her temple. “But first, would you like me to fetch something to ease the pain?”

“Yes, please. I feel as though I’ve been trampled over by one of my mother’s chariots.”

He gave a small bow. “I’ll have the kitchen prepare something. Perhaps breakfast?”

“A pastry and some tea would be perfect.”

“I’ll see to it.”

He turned to go, placing a hoof on the door when her voice suddenly rang out—sharp, urgent.

“Wait!”

He froze. “What is it?! Is something wrong?!”

“S-Sorry! I didn’t mean to shout like that. I just... I only wanted to ask if I could have a moment of your time. To apologize.”

He glanced back at her, wary. “Your Highness, if this is some form of jestery….”

Her eyes narrowed slightly. “It’s no joke, Captain. I mean it.” Her voice softened. “After everything that's happened, you deserve an apology. Especially from me.”

He stared at her. There was a weight in her voice, an honesty that caught him off guard. After a moment, he nodded slowly and stepped closer.

She let out a breath, steadying herself, then spoke.

“I… I owe you an apology. For how I acted before and during the engagement party. This arrangement hasn’t been easy for either of us, but that’s no excuse for my behavior. I dismissed your feelings as if my own concerns were the only ones that mattered. We both know this union is about strengthening our families, but… you offered me something more. A chance for real understanding. A possibility for friendship, even with all the complications between us. I know I’ve been difficult, and I can’t expect forgiveness right away, but… I want you to know that even if you can’t forgive me, I’ll understand.”

He took a moment, letting her words sink in. Then, with a quiet breath, he smiled gently.

“Thank you, Your Highness. That means a lot. But… I need to know you mean it.” His smile shifted into a teasing grin. “What do you say we seal it with a secret hoofshake? Or better yet, a little dance?”

“No.”

“Oh, come on, I’ll even teach you one my sister and I made up. It goes like this: “Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake. Clap your hooves and do a little shake.””

Her eyes widened in horror. “Wha– T-That’s absurd! Ridiculous! I would never–”

She caught herself. He was teasing. Letting out a long sigh, she gave him a faint smile.

“Thank you, Captain. If there’s anything I can do to make it right, don’t hesitate to ask.”

“For now, I think I’ll just appreciate your apology.”

They shared a quiet smile, the space between them softening. The morning light bathed them both in gentle warmth, and for a few long seconds, they simply looked at one another. Hearts calm. Breaths steady. Something unsaid hung in the air, but neither broke the moment. Eventually, Shining looked away and cleared his throat, his cheeks slightly pink.

“I still need to ask you some questions, but not right now. You should rest.”

“It’s fine.” She sat up straighter. “I overheard Twilight talking to some of the staff about the attack. What do you know?”

“Honestly, not much. It’s been three days, and it feels like our attackers just vanished into thin air. They’re being careful. Whoever they are, they want to stay hidden. That’s why I was hoping you could tell me more about your experience.”

“Well, my experience was certainly harrowing, to say the least.”

“Did those creatures hurt you in any way?”

“Well, they did drag me out of a water fountain, so my tail feels like it’s been through the wringer.”

He tilted his head. “Your tail seems fine from my point of view. Do you have any other injuries?”

“Just my pride.”

He moved past the jab. “Did you feel dizzy at any point during the attack? Anything strange? Any unusual sensations?”

She grew more cautious. “No? Why do you ask?”

“When the attack happened, we had a plan. We were supposed to get out through the stage exit, but... you didn’t follow us. You froze. Right there, in the middle of it all. Your mother, Twilight, and I—we all saw you. Just standing there, not moving… You didn’t see us, didn’t even hear us.” He paused. “And then... then you screamed, and collapsed. I know this is a lot. But I need you to try and think. Was there anything that felt different or out of place before you blacked out?”

She hesitated. “I don’t know? It was hard to focus on anything else, let alone what might have been real or imagined.”

“So, you don’t remember anything specific?”

“No. Nothing.”

“Are you sure?”

She went quiet. Sinking lower into her bed, her gaze fell. Guilt crept into her eyes.

“I need you to be honest with me, Princess.”

Her tone shifted. “Honest about what? Are you accusing me of lying?”

He remained calm. “Sometimes, what we remember doesn’t match what our bodies have experienced. I saw your reaction at the gala. Your posture, your expressions, your movements… It wasn’t just nerves. It’s something deeper. Your body was responding. And responses like that don’t happen for no reason.” He took a breath. “I think you saw something. Something only you could see. Something your mind hasn’t let you fully process yet. Something that you don’t wish to relive.”

Cadance’s eyes widened. For a moment, she looked like she wanted to speak, but Shining gently raised a hoof.

“But I’m not going to force you to talk about it. Whenever you’re ready, I’ll be here. You deserve to feel safe, and if that means taking things slow, I’m here for that too.”

The bedchamber was cloaked in silence, the only illumination coming from the tall windows where moonlight spilled through sheer curtains and bathed the room in a cold, silver glow. Cadance sat upright in her bed. A tension hung in the air, thick and fragile, as Shining Armor stood a respectful distance away, his posture straight but his eyes watching her closely. Cadance remained quiet, letting the silence stretch between them before slowly exhaling. She glanced over at the unicorn, the quiet of the room sharpening the vulnerability in her voice.

"Captain? If I did see something out of place… you wouldn’t think of me as some kind of freak, would you?"

Shining Armor’s expression softened, his voice steady and sure as he responded without hesitation.

"Never, Your Highness."

The words echoed between them like a solemn vow. For a long beat, neither of them moved. Then, with a sudden breath, sharp and intentional, Cadance threw off the sheets and stepped out of bed. Her hooves touched the cold marble floor as she crossed the room to her dresser. The journal lay open, its worn spine sagging from use. Shining watched her from his place near the door, his concern deepening. Cadance lifted the journal and flipped through its pages. Every single one was covered with the same phrase: Non Posso Amore , over and over again, the words etched in ink like a silent scream. Shining’s brow furrowed. A knot of worry formed in his chest. Cadance didn’t look at him as she spoke again, her voice harder now, more resolute.

"As the Princess of Love, I’m supposed to spread, to heal, to nurture the bonds between ponies. It’s my duty as a matchmaker, to bring them together, to ensure their happiness... through love." Her eyes flicked over to him, solemn and intense. "But at the gala… I felt something. No, not just something—a presence. It wasn’t a figure, it didn’t speak, didn’t move. It just… watched. It screamed, but without sound. Then it was gone."

She paused, the weight of memory pressing on her shoulders. Her breath hitched before she continued.

"It felt like it was ripping me apart from the inside out. Like every belief I’ve ever had, every action, every little thing I’ve done, didn’t matter." Her voice broke, cracking with emotion. "In that moment… I felt so small. So completely… useless. Worthless." She turned away from him then, staring down at the floor. "And now… I can’t remember anything else."

Shining stepped forward, carefully, gently.

"You don’t need to remember everything, Your Highness. What you’ve shared is a good start. I’ll follow up on any leads and hunt down whatever evidence we can find."

She closed the journal slowly, like closing the lid on something dangerous. She placed it carefully back on the dresser and turned to face him once more, her voice steadier, but her eyes still clouded.

"What of my subjects? How are they coping?"

Shining shook his head with a sigh.

"Unfortunately, your mother is facing a lot of criticism for not anticipating the attack and for how the situation was handled afterward. Some even believe she orchestrated it to prevent our marriage. But I know she plans to address the public soon. It would be wise for you to stand with her when the time comes."

Cadance nodded slowly, her expression unreadable. She began to walk back to the bed when Shining Armor hesitated. A thought crossed his mind, something that had been weighing on him since that night in the garden.

"There’s something else I’d like to discuss with you."

She glanced over her shoulder. "What is it?"

He spoke more cautiously now, measuring each word.

"I’d like to revisit our conversation in the garden."

At that, Cadance froze mid-step. Her body stiffened. She didn’t turn to face him.

"You said you couldn't love me. Or anyone. Or anything. I don’t understand. What did you mean by that?"

There was a long, tense silence before she answered, her voice cold and distant.

"I don’t want to talk about it."

Shining pressed on, gently but insistently.

"Princess, as Captain of the Royal Guard, it’s my duty to protect and serve the royal family to the best of my abilities. I can sense that something is troubling you, and I can’t bear to be left in the dark about such a serious issue." He paused, his voice dipping into something more personal. "Especially when it concerns our betrothal…."

Her reply came sharp and impatient.

"I said I don’t want to talk about it, Captain."

Still, he didn’t back down.

"I just want to understand, Princess. You have my word that this conversation will remain between us."

Cadance whirled around, her eyes blazing.

"You don’t understand, do you? This isn’t about us! This is… something I’m dealing with that has nothing to do with you."

"But not being able to love, to feel any love? That’s something I have to understand. Has anyone else noticed? How long has this been going on?"

Her composure cracked, fury and frustration spilling out.

"I don’t know?! It just happened! I’ve been trying to figure out what’s wrong with me for years, and now you’re asking me to explain something I can’t even understand myself? I can’t love, Captain! I can’t feel it! I don’t know how, or why, and I sure as heck can’t give you some neat little explanation. So stop expecting me to have one!"

Shining's voice remained steady, but the tension was mounting.

"Princess, I’m not trying to make this worse. But bottling this up? It’s not going to help you. You can’t deal with this on your own."

Cadance let out a bitter, mocking laugh.

"Oh, of course! Just talk about it, and suddenly I’ll feel better, right? You think I haven’t tried that already? Every time I do, I get nothing but disappointment! So, excuse me if I’d rather keep it to myself than face more judgment."

Shining’s tone sharpened, anger rising now.

"So it’s everyone else’s fault, but never yours? Have you ever thought that maybe the problem isn’t just everyone around you, maybe it’s you too?"

The pegasus’s face twisted with offense, rage boiling over.

"Problem?! You think I’m the problem? You think I’m the one to blame here?!"

His answer came like a thunderclap.

"YES I DO!"

The words rang out, cutting through the chamber like a blade. Cadance stared at him, stunned. Shining’s face paled as the weight of his outburst sank in.

"S-Shoot. C-Cadance. I-I didn’t—"

But Cadance was already surging forward, voice shaking with fury and something…. deeper?

"By the stars, can you just get it through your thick skull?! I don’t want your help, I don’t need it, and I sure as Tartarus don’t want your pity or understanding! What were our parents thinking when they arranged this marriage?!" Her voice cracked, tears threatening. "I swear, I’d rather die than be shackled to you in any way, shape, or form. So, do us both a favor and GET OUT. OF. MY. SIGHT!"

The room fell into a deafening silence. Shining’s expression hardened, all emotion draining from his face. He stared at her, like seeing her for the first time. Cadance’s face starts to fall as she realises the words that flew out of her mouth. She lifts a hoof, but is stopped by a sharp voice.

"You want me to take the hint? Fine. Adieu, Your Highness."

With that, Shining turns around and walks to the door. He opens it without another word and stepped out, letting it close behind him with a soft click. Cadance stands motionless. The silence pressed down on her like a crushing weight. Her chest heaved with quiet and quick breath as the adrenaline in her veins fades away in the breeze. She stumbles back a few steps before collapsing onto the floor, utterly overwhelmed. Her gaze landed on the dresser, on the journal, still lying open where she had left it. The words on the page seemed to glow in the moonlight. Non Posso Amore. The words etched themselves into her thoughts, branded behind her eyes. Her breath catches, and with a furious yell, she slams the book shut and hurls it across the room. It hit the wall with a harsh thud and fell to the ground, pages fluttering. On the other side of the door, Shining Armor stood motionless. He leans his head against the wood, eyes closed, his breath slow and shallow. With a weary exhale, he slides down to the floor, resting there in silence. The distance between these two ponies has now never felt wider.

The once-glorious ballroom of Canterlot Castle now lay in utter ruin. Debris littered the shattered marble floor: splintered wood from collapsed tables, torn streamers and banners that had once fluttered with pride, and broken glass glinting in the sunbeams that filtered through shattered stained-glass windows. Chandeliers hung crooked from cracked ceilings, some fallen entirely, their crystals strewn across the chaos like remnants of a lost celebration. In the center of the devastation, multiple clusters of ponies worked with grim efficiency. Medical ponies moved through the room with solemn expressions, attending to the fallen and the injured. Some wrapped bodies with care, while others quietly comforted the survivors. Royal guards kept order, overseeing the scene with stern vigilance. The castle staff, visibly shaken, tried their best to clean, sweeping away bloodstained debris with trembling hooves.

Amid this tense scene stood Lord Sombra, his dark mane swirling around him as he spoke harshly to a medic pony. His voice was low, but the edge of his fury cut through the surrounding murmurs.

"Three weeks?!" Sombra struggled to keep his temper from spilling over. "Do you not realize that my son and the princess are getting married here, in this very room?!"

The medic pony, trying to remain calm despite the pressure, responded with professional restraint.

"I understand the gravity of the situation, Lord Sombra. However, we can’t rush the investigation. There’s a significant amount of evidence to gather, deceased ponies to recover, and forensics to process. We must respect the procedure."

Sombra's eyes narrowed, his voice taking on a sharper bite.

"So you’re telling me that the dead come before my son’s wedding? You honestly think I care about that right now?!"

The medic raised a hoof defensively, keeping his tone even.

"Sir, I’m simply following Her Majesty’s orders. If you have concerns, I’d suggest addressing them with her directly."

Sombra stepped closer, his voice now a low growl through gritted teeth.

"You’d do well to watch your tone, tosser. Push me further, and I’ll remind you exactly who holds the power here!"

The medic arched a brow, unimpressed.

"You wanna test that?"

Sombra snarled, magic flaring faintly at the tip of his horn, but before he could act, movement from the ballroom entrance caught his eye. His entire demeanor shifted in an instant. Across the floor, Shining Armor stepped inside. His mane was tousled, his posture tired, and his expression troubled. The disturbance in his step betrayed the emotional storm roiling inside him. Sombra’s anger vanished, replaced by a radiant, if unsettlingly forced, smile.

With a flash of magic, Sombra teleported directly in front of him, cutting off his path.

"Shining Armor, my dear boy!" he greeted with false cheer, masking his lingering frustration. "What a lovely surprise. Shouldn’t you be off planning the wedding of the century with your beautiful bride-to-be?"

Shining blinked, taken aback by his father’s sudden exuberance.

"I thought it might be more productive to assist with the investigation into the attack."

Sombra chuckled, waving a dismissive hoof.

"Oh, my boy, I know it's dreadful, but you can't work yourself into the ground. The guards have it under control. Surely you’ve got better things to do!"

Shining's frown deepened.

"Papa, this investigation is critical. The damage to Canterlot’s citizens is immense."

But Sombra scoffed.

"Ponies get hurt, Shining. It’s unfortunate, but it happens. The real priority here is your wedding, your once-in-a-lifetime event. Trust me, you’ll feel much better once this place is sorted." He gestured broadly to the wreckage around them. "Look at this mess! Hardly fit for a prince, wouldn’t you agree?"

Shining hesitated, his voice uncertain.

"Well… about that. I think the wedding might have to be postponed."

The word hit like a slap. Sombra’s eyes went wide.

"WHAT?!"

Everypony in the ballroom freezes and glanced toward the two unicorns. Realizing the scene he was making, Sombra quickly turned and gave a sheepish grin to the onlookers. As the stares returned to their tasks, Sombra’s expression darkened.

With a flick of magic, he seized Shining’s ear and yanked him closer. Shining yelped in pain, caught off-guard by the sudden aggression.

"What do you mean the wedding might be postponed?!" Sombra hissed into his son’s ear.

Shining winced but didn't pull away.

"The princess and I… we had a disagreement earlier, and—"

"What did you do?!" Sombra growled, eyes narrowing. "What did you say to her?!"

Shining exhaled slowly, accepting the coming storm. "It’s... it’s my fault. We argued. I pushed her too hard on things I shouldn’t have. And now, I’m not sure the marriage will happen. I don’t think we can move forward with the betrothal."

For a beat, Sombra said nothing. Shining holds his breath. Then in a surprising twist, the older unicorn rolls his eyes and releases Shining’s ear with a scoff.

"This is what’s bothering you? Really? Shining, don’t let the princess cloud your judgment. You’re a stallion now. It’s time to start handling your problems like one."

Shining stepped back, his brow creasing.

"Handle it?"

Sombra placed a hoof firmly on his son’s chest.

"Remind her who’s in charge. You’re about to be a prince. That means power and responsibility. Part of that responsibility is keeping your betrothed in line. Sure, she wears a crown, but let’s not forget who she really is: a street rat the queen took in. You, on the other hoof, come from noble blood. Pure, untarnished."  He gave a small, dismissive shrug. "Honestly, she has no real power over you. You hold all the cards."

Then, his voice turned low and dangerous. "If she steps out of line, we both know what needs to be done. So why let her rattle you?"

A dark chuckle escaped Sombra’s throat. But Shining Armor had heard enough. He yanked himself free from his father’s grip, fury rising in his chest.

"Lord Sombra! Apologize for your insolence! You may be my father, but that’s not just disrespectful to the Queen, it’s an affront to Princess Cadenza!"

Ponies began to glance over again as Shining’s voice rose. Sombra’s jaw tightened.

"Shining, lower your voice…."

But Shining pressed on, ignoring him.

"No! You’ve slandered the royals I serve—I serve! To think I’d ever take your advice, it sickens me!"

Sombra’s temper suddenly snaps.

"Don’t you dare lecture me about duty! What in Equestria is happening to you, boy?! Is this how you handle things now that you’re some 'seasoned war hero'? You’d better start appreciating everything I’ve done for you. I’m your father!"

"Appreciate?!" Shining shouted, his voice shaking. "I’ve always done what you wanted, even when it hurt me! When will you ever stop this? When will you ever be the father I need instead of being a tyrant?!"

"Shining Armor! Lord Sombra!"

The two stallions froze. Queen Celestia was striding toward them from across the ballroom, her majestic form casting long shadows across the broken floor. Her voice carried the full weight of royal authority, and both unicorns instinctively bowed their heads as she approached.

Sombra bowed low, masking his tension with grace.

"Your Majesty, my sincerest apologies. There was a… misunderstanding between my son and I, but it has since been resolved."

Celestia looked between them with disapproval, her gaze settling longer on Shining, who met her eyes with guilt, remembering their earlier conversation. She did not speak to him right away. Instead, she turned her focus to Sombra.

"I’ve received reports of an altercation involving you and one of the medics. As your Queen, I expect a full explanation of your actions."

Sombra was quick to shift blame, keeping his voice polished.

"Your Majesty, I was simply attempting to ensure the staff stayed focused on preparations for the wedding. But it seems their attention was diverted to rumors about the deceased, rather than the tasks at hand."

Celestia’s tone was calm, but resolute.

"I understand your concerns, Lord Sombra, but reprimanding the staff for discussing recent tragedies is not the solution. They are grieving, and we must allow them space to process their sorrow."

Sombra’s face darkened.

"I appreciate your concern, Your Majesty, but isn’t it a royal’s duty to uphold standards? We cannot ignore such distractions—this is a matter of importance!"

Celestia straightened, silencing him with a single glance.

"And I will uphold those standards, Lord Sombra. But not at the expense of compassion. Many lives were lost in the attack, and many still bear the scars, both physical and emotional. If the ballroom cannot be ready in time for the wedding, I will arrange an alternative venue. Is that understood?"

Shining let out a quiet breath of relief. For once, someone had silenced Sombra. The older stallion clenched his jaw but said nothing. Celestia turned to Shining now, offering a gentler expression.

"Captain Armor, would you care to join me? I’m heading into town to address the citizens. They would appreciate hearing from you."

Shining shook his head politely.

"As much as I’d like to offer comfort, I must remain here. There’s still much to be done."

Celestia nodded.

"Very well. We’ll speak later." She then turned to Sombra. "Lord Sombra, would you accompany me to town instead?"

Sombra bowed, more subdued. "Of course, Your Majesty."

As the two ponies of high status made their way out of the ballroom, Sombra glances back over his shoulder. His eyes locked with Shining’s. The stare was cold and full of contempt. Shining met it without flinching. As soon as they were gone, Shining allowed himself to breathe again. He turned his attention to the room, but froze when his eyes fell upon a medic gently covering the lifeless body of a female pony. The sheet was pulled up slowly, reverently. Shining’s breath caught. His face went pale. He couldn’t bear to look. Without another word, he turned and quickly exited the ballroom, disappearing into the quiet solace of the castle gardens.

The warm sunlight filters through the high canopy of blooming cherry blossom trees, casting soft shadows onto the pristine stone path that winds through the royal garden. The gentle gurgle of water echoes from a majestic marble fountain, where koi fish lazily drift just beneath the surface.The soft murmur of the fountain mingled with the chirping of distant birds, a rare moment of serenity within the castle grounds. Shining Armor sat in front of the ornate water fountain, his eyes fixed on the gentle ripples. His hoof stirred the surface, playfully tracing circles, and the small fish swimming inside began to swirl around his touch. A rare, peaceful smile found its way onto his face, brief, but genuine. He wore his everyday attire, less formal than his usual guard uniform, but still carrying the dignity of his rank.

A teasing voice cut through the quiet. Twilight Sparkle stepped onto the garden path, her tone light and mischievous. “So, that’s your grand plan for your first conversation with Cadance? ‘You like fish?’ ” She wore her everyday clothes as well, simple and practical.

Startled, Shining Armor whipped his head around to see his younger sister standing behind him. He quickly pulled his hoof from the water, a blush of embarrassment coloring his face.
“I-It’s not what it looks like!” he stammered.

Twilight giggled and gave his shoulder a comforting pat. “Don’t worry. I won’t tell anypony that you talk to Nemo.” She gave him a small smile, then grew more serious. “What’s got you out here?”

He hesitated. “I… I needed some air.” He looked away, avoiding her gaze. “What about you? Shouldn’t you be home?”

Twilight walked closer and sat beside him on the stone bench, her voice gentle but knowing. “I received word from the castle staff that you and Papa got into a little… spat earlier.” She paused, noting the way Shining’s body stiffened. “Things are not going too well with the betrothal, I presume?”

Shining didn’t answer. Instead, he looked down at the rippling water, his eyes shadowed with doubt. Twilight’s expression softened at the sight.

“If you want… I can talk to Cadance for you,” she offered quietly. “It might not change much, but maybe I can put in a good word? Help things along?”

Shining Armor’s reply was firm, even resolute. “It won’t make a difference, Twilight. I’ve made my decision. I’m going back to the front lines. It’s where I belong.”

Twilight’s face twisted in shock. “Shining, you can’t go back! The kingdom needs you here! I need you here!”

He scoffed, bitterness lacing his words. “Twilight, this whole engagement was a mistake from the start. Cadance isn’t who I thought she was. We don’t even like each other! What’s the point of staying if this marriage is doomed to fail?”

She reached out, trying to console him. “I know it's hard, but she's not as cold as she comes across. Deep down, Cadance really cares. She's just… afraid of letting anyone in. You have to believe there's more to her than the walls she’s built up.”

Shining shook his head, frustration bubbling to the surface. “Walls? It’s more than just walls, Twilight. It's like she’s locked me out entirely, and I’m left here banging on the door, hoping for something... anything. But it’s always the same. I—I don’t even know what I’m supposed to do anymore! I’m losing myself trying to fix something that’s broken beyond repair.”

Twilight’s voice softened, but her conviction remained. She placed her hoof on top of his. “I know you’re hurting, and I can see how much this is tearing you apart. I know it feels impossible, like there’s no way forward, but maybe, just maybe, if you keep going, if you give it one last chance, you could reach her. I’m not saying ignore the pain, or act like everything’s fine. But you both deserve to be happy, and maybe, just maybe, you two can find your way back to each other. It’s a huge risk, but… I really believe you can do it. Together.”

He looked at her, eyes filled with uncertainty. “I don’t know, Twily… It just feels like it’s all a lost cause.”

Their shared silence was pierced by a chilling sound. A sharp, screeching cry that made both unicorns freeze in place. The screech echoed again, closer this time, sending a ripple of dread through the air. Twilight and Shining snapped their heads toward the sound. The nearby bushes rustled violently. Shining quickly gestured for Twilight to stay quiet and ignited his horn, prepared for a fight. Another screech rang out, and then, without warning, a wounded creature tumbled out from the foliage. Twilight screamed as the creature collapsed onto the grass, writhing. Reacting instinctively, Shining tackled the creature back into the bushes, hoping to avoid alerting the nearby guards or castle guests. Twilight followed, lighting her horn and casting a protective bubble of magic around them to mute the sounds.

Inside the bubble, the changeling thrashed and shrieked beneath Shining's hooves.

“Stop squirming, you monster!” Shining snarled, pinning it down.

“P-Please, let me go! I-I don’t mean any harm!” the changeling cried out, its voice panicked and strained.

Twilight gasped. “It… It can talk?!”

“Yes! I can talk!” it pleaded. “I swear, I’m not here to hurt anyone! I just… I just fell out of the bushes, I wasn’t trying to attack anyone! Please, you’ve got to believe me!”

Shining didn’t budge. He pressed down harder. “Enough of your excuses! You really expect us to buy that? After everything that’s happened?!”

The creature cried out in pain, and Shining’s horn glowed brighter—ready to end it. But Twilight, noticing something strange in its appearance, intervened.

“Shining, stop!” she yelled, rushing to his side and pulling him back. “It’s one of the creatures from the attack! We need to think this through!”

“Exactly! That’s why we can’t waste time! Get out of the way, Twily!”

“No! If we kill it now, we’ll never get the answers we need! Think of what we could learn!”

“What?! But Twily—”

“Please, Shining! If we kill it, we lose everything we could learn from it. Please… just listen to me!”

Breathing hard, Shining stared at his sister, then down at the trembling creature. With a frustrated grunt, he backed away slightly and levitated the creature upright, still wary. He stepped in front of Twilight, standing as a shield.

“Speak. Now.”

The creature stammered, terrified. “W-W-What do you want to know?”

“Everything. Your name, your kind, why you’re here. Don’t leave anything out.”

“M-My name is Thorax. We… we were ordered to invade your kingdom.”

“By whom?”

At this, Thorax froze, saying nothing. Shining growled, losing patience. He slammed Thorax back down and pressed hard onto one of the creature’s wounds.

“Answer me! Who sent you?!”

Thorax screamed. “Ow! M-Mother… We were sent by Mother!”

“Mother?” Shining’s brow furrowed. “Who is this ‘Mother’ you're talking about?!”

“We… we just call her Mother! She’s our leader… she sent us!”

“What are you?! Who are you really?!”

“I—I’m a changeling! We’re a species that feeds off love and affection, that's how we survive!”

“That doesn’t explain why you attacked us! Canterlot's never had contact with your kind before! Who are you working with?!”

Thorax shook his head frantically. “W-We don’t have anyone! It’s just us… we only did what Mother ordered!”

“Why are you here? Where are the others?!”

“A few days ago… you attacked me in the garden… I—I’m too injured to leave, let alone heal properly! As… As for the others, I don’t know where they are!”

“Liar! Tell me the truth! Another attack is coming, isn’t it?!”

“I—I don’t know! I swear! If I did, I’d tell you! Please, just let me go! I’m not a threat!”

“You’re not going anywhere! If you believe we'd let you go, you are very gravely mistaken!”

Twilight stepped forward, placing a hoof on Shining’s shoulder. “Shining, threatening them isn’t going to help!”

“Twilight, I can’t stand by while this creature might be a danger to everyone we care about! We’ve asked him the most basic questions and gotten nothing! I won’t just let him go without answers!”

“I swear, I’m not lying!” Thorax cried. “I’ve told you everything I know! Please just… just let me go! I’m not a threat!”

Suddenly, Twilight stepped forward and slammed her hoof down on Thorax’s chest, forcing him onto his back. The motion stunned both him and her brother into silence.

“Enough!” she shouted. “Your kind has taken lives, destroyed half of Canterlot, and left our people terrified! You’ve torn apart the lives of those we care about, and now, after everything that’s happened, you think you can walk away unscathed? If you want any chance of survival, you’ll cooperate with us, now! ” She took a breath, her voice softening. “I know you're scared. So am I. But if we’re going to fix this, we need to work together. All of us. Can you do that for me, Thorax?”

The changeling says nothing, their eyes darting like a pinball machine as they stared at Twilight’s stern muzzle. Twilight sighed and turned back to Shining.

“Shining, we need to inform the royals about this.”

Thorax’s eyes widened in panic. “What?! No, no, you can’t! You can’t tell the royals about me! If Mother finds out, she’ll—”

“Quiet!” Shining barked. “Cadance is one of the few ponies who has dealt with these creatures firsthand. We need her here. With her, we can take this prisoner to the queen and handle it properly.”

Twilight nodded. “Go get Cadance. I’ll stay here with Thorax. Make sure nothing happens to them.”

“Twily, I’m not leaving you alone with him. No matter what condition they’re in.”

“I can handle it, Shining. Trust me. I’m your sister, I know what I’m doing.”

Shining looked from the wounded changeling to Twilight, conflicted. He knows what his sister’s doing, right? At last, he let out a heavy sigh. Twilight used her horn to open a gap in the magical bubble, and Shining slipped through it, heading back toward the castle at a swift pace. As the bubble sealed behind him, Twilight turned back toward Thorax, ready to defend herself if needed.

The changeling blinked and nervously tried to speak. “So… um… Twinkle Sprinkle, was it?”

Chapter Text

The bright midday sun streamed through the tall stained-glass windows of the Canterlot Castle dining hall, casting kaleidoscopic colors over the long, polished table. Princess Cadance sat alone at one end, her lunch half-eaten in front of her. She quietly stirred her soup, but her thoughts were far from the food. Flashes of the attack at her engagement party began flickering in her mind; visions of chaos, screams, and that thing .  Her breathing grew shallow. She looked up from her bowl, and her eyes widened. At the far end of the long dining hall, the very creature that haunted her memory appeared, silent and unmoving. Cadance froze in terror. Then she blinked…. and the creature was suddenly inches from her face. She let out a horrified yell and dropped her spoon with a loud clatter onto the table. As she blinked again, the vision vanished. The dining hall was empty once more. But the fear lingered. Before she could catch her breath, the doors slammed open. The sudden noise caused Cadance to cry out again, her nerves already frayed. Shining Armor burst into the room, his expression urgent.

“Princess Cadenza! I need you to come with me immediately!” he called out, then faltered when he saw her frightened face. “Are you alright?”

Cadance fumbled over her words, trying to compose herself. “Y-Yes, I’m fine! Just... choked on my soup.” She narrowed her eyes at him, her voice sharpening. “What are you doing here?”

“Your Highness, please, this is an emergency. You have to come with me, it's important!” Shining Armor stepped forward, clearly trying to coax her into action.

Cadance stared at him for a moment, then scoffed and picked up her spoon again. She resumed eating, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a response. Shining's expression twisted in disbelief.

“Princess, this isn’t a request! The kingdom is in danger!”

“I thought I made myself clear, Captain. Our marriage is off. So kindly stop trying to—”

“We’ve apprehended the one who attacked you at our party!” he blurted out, cutting her off.

Cadance immediately froze, her face paling. She looked up sharply at him.

Shining straightened, his tone serious. “One of the creatures from our engagement party is injured in the gardens. Twilight’s keeping it under surveillance, but we need to act quickly before it escapes.”

Cadance scoffed. “That’s ridiculous. There’s no way one of them is still here. The guards have been on constant patrol.”

“I’ve had my best men stationed everywhere, but it seems our attackers are more elusive than we realized.” Shining turned toward the door. “Twilight won’t be able to hold it down much longer. You need to come with me. Now.”

“And why should I trust you?” Cadance asked suspiciously.

He stopped in his tracks, frustration finally bubbling over. Are you kidding me right now?

“Princess, we’re in the middle of a crisis! Do you honestly think your mother would’ve made me commander of the Canterlot Army if she thought I’d betray you? I’m not the enemy! If you can’t trust me to protect you, then at least trust me to protect them—your own people!” His voice rose, impassioned. “I swore an oath to defend this kingdom, and I will not let you stop me from doing my royal duty!”

Cadance’s expression shifted, the fire in her eyes cooling into reluctant resignation. She muttered something under her breath and stood up. Without another word, she strode past him toward the castle gardens.

“You better be right about this, Captain. You’re making me miss lunch.”

Together, they hurried through the pristine corridors of the castle and out into the vast, manicured gardens. Shining led her into a thick patch of bushes, but as they emerged into the clearing, his eyes darted around in panic. Twilight and Thorax were nowhere to be found.

“W-What? They were just here!” he exclaimed, spinning in place. “Twily! Twilight, where are you?! Twily?!”

Cadance rolled her eyes and waved her hoof dismissively. “Oh, relax, Captain. It’s not the end of the world if Twilight needed a break from your constant hovering.”

Shining turned to her, visibly offended. “Excuse me?”

“Look, the last thing I want is to be within five hoofsteps of you right now. If you want to play ‘Find the Unicorn’ in the gardens, be my guest. Meanwhile, I’ve got cold soup to contend with.” She turned to leave.

“Are you serious?!” Shining shouted behind her. “There’s a dangerous creature loose on castle grounds with my sister and you’re just going to walk away?! Don’t you care at all?!”

Cadance barely flinched. “Twilight’s tougher than you think. She’ll be fine. You? I’m more worried about you. You’re acting like a complete foal.”

“At least I'm not acting like a complete arsehole,” he muttered.

That did it. Cadance sharply turned, fire in her eyes, ready to give him a piece of her mind…. until a familiar voice rang through the air.

“Shining! Over here!” Twilight Sparkle called.

Both ponies turned toward the voice, their expressions shifting from irritation to shock. Twilight appeared, dragging behind her a strange creature bound in rope. It was Thorax.

“Twilight?! Are you okay?!” Shining rushed toward her.

“I-I’m fine!” she said, slightly out of breath. “Thorax managed to slip out of the bubble, but I caught up to them and—”

“WHAT IS THAT THING DOING HERE?!” Cadance screamed.

Shining instantly tackled her to the ground, covering her mouth before she could scream again. Cadance thrashed under him, her muffled shrieks of panic echoing throughout the dense garden. Twilight stared at them, awkward and unsure, while Thorax tilted their head in confusion.

“Is this the pony you were talking about? She seems a bit….. lively for your brother.”

Twilight deadpanned, “Glad we can agree on something.”

“IT CAN TALK?!?!” came Cadance’s muffled shriek.

Twilight nodded. “Yep. This is Thorax. Shining and I found him in the garden, but don’t worry, he’s harmless!”

“For now anyway,” Thorax muttered under their breath.

“WHAT DID IT SAY?!”

“Princess, please! You have to stay calm. Panicking isn’t going to help us!” Shining said, trying to reason with her.

“SERIOUSLY, CAPTAIN?! T-THIS IS CRAZY!”

“Cadance, listen to me. It’s okay. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

“BUT—”

“I need you to trust me, Cadance. I’m not going to let anything happen to you.” His voice softened. “Just trust me. Please.”

Cadance glanced around. She looked at Thorax, at Twilight, and finally at Shining. Their eyes were pleading. Slowly, she stopped struggling, her breathing steadying. Shining released her and helped her up. She stepped closer to Thorax, narrowing her eyes in suspicion. Thorax leaned back slightly, nervous. Cadance inspected them closely. Her eyes drifted to their chest, where she noticed something—an scarred, heart-shaped mark.

“Your chest?” she asked.

“W-What?” Thorax stammered.

“That mark. On your chest. Why do you have it?”

“I... I don’t know?! It’s just how we were born. All of us have it.”

Cadance stared at Thormax. Then just for a second, Thorax’s image suddenly flickered—replaced with the creature from her nightmares, the one from the party. It bore the same mark. She gasped and stumbled back. Reacting instantly, Shining tackled Thorax to the ground, locking them in a headlock and drawing his sword. Twilight screamed in protest and tried to pull him off. Cadance stood, dazed, as chaos erupted around her.

“Seems that keeping you alive was a mistake!” Shining growled.

“N-No! ! I-I didn’t do anything! I swear, I promise you!” Thorax pleaded, thrashing.

“Shining, stop! They didn’t do anything!” Twilight cried.

“This has gone far enough, Twilight! This thing needs to be killed now!”

“Nononono! P-Please don't kill me! I-I'll do whatever you want!”

“Shining, stop it!”

“Twily—”

“EVERYPONY, STOP!” Cadance’s voice cut through the air like a blade.

All motion ceased. Shining, Twilight, and Thorax turned to her, stunned. Cadance stood tall, her expression steely, radiating command.

“That’s ENOUGH!” she barked. “Captain, imprison this creature. Bring him with us, and make sure he stays silent.” She turned to Twilight. “Twilight, find my mother. Tell her to meet us in the throne room immediately. And clear the hallways, too. We can’t afford another panic.” Her gaze shifted to Thorax, eyes like daggers. “And you. If you even think about escaping, I won’t hesitate to have Captain Armor tear you apart until there's nothing left but dust. Do you understand me?!”

Thorax nodded furiously, terrified.

Cadance turned to walk away but noticed the stunned looks on their faces. She sighed.

“Oh, for pony’s sake.” She raised her voice. “Let's go!”

Shining slowly pulled his sword away and sheathed it, his glare never leaving Thorax. He gestured to Twilight to take over. Twilight quickly handed Thorax over and ran back toward the castle.

As Shining dragged Thorax behind him with his magic, he gave Cadance a small nod. She returned it, both moving in tense, grim silence.

Behind them, Thorax nervously spoke up. “So… how long have you two—”

“Shut up!” Cadance and Shining snapped in unison, turning back to glare at him.

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a soft golden hue across the sprawling grounds of Canterlot Castle. Inside the Throne Room, the air was thick with tension. Queen Celestia sat tall upon her majestic throne, her ethereal mane shimmering like the night sky. Before her stood a group of ponies and a single, strange creature. Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, Twilight Sparkle, and Thorax—who is still tied up—formed a line in front of her, each standing in their usual attire. The silence was heavy as Celestia absorbed the details of the situation. Cadance had just finished a tense conversation with Celestia, her emotions swirling with confusion and distrust.

Celestia turned to face Shining Armor, her gaze sharp and commanding. "I see. Is there anything else I should know about this creature before we proceed?" Her voice carried the weight of authority.

Shining Armor shook his head, his stance firm, though there was a hint of unease in his eyes. "No, Your Majesty. Nothing more."

With a slight nod, Celestia then shifted her attention to Twilight Sparkle, her protégé. "Twilight, you apprehended this creature here, on the castle grounds?" Her voice held no judgment, only a quiet curiosity.

Twilight's ears drooped slightly, embarrassment creeping into her features. She shifted uncomfortably, casting her eyes down for a moment before speaking. "Yes, Your Majesty. I... I shouldn’t have acted so hastily, but they knew something about the attack. I couldn’t risk letting them go!"

Celestia raised a hoof, her tone gentle but firm. "There is no need to apologize, Twilight. Your bravery is clear." Her eyes then turned toward Thorax, narrowing as she spoke in a voice that brooked no argument. "Now, creature, you are here for a reason. You have one opportunity to explain yourself. Tell us what you know."

Thorax, his body trembling under the weight of his restraints, looked up at the queen, but his lips remained sealed. He refused to meet her gaze. The tension thickened in the room as Shining Armor’s horn flared, and with a sharp pull of his magic, the rope around Thorax tightened, causing the changeling to wince in pain. Shining Armor’s voice was laced with steel as he addressed the trapped creature. "Her Majesty asked you a question. Answer her."

"No!" Thorax shook his head violently, his wings fluttering in distress. His voice was shaky, barely more than a whisper. "I can’t! Mother will kill me if I say anything!"

Shining’s eyes narrowed, and he took a step closer, his tone threatening. "You’ll be dead either way if you don’t!"

Thorax squirmed, his body writhing against the restraints, trying to escape, but the more he struggled, the tighter the ropes grew. "N-No! I won’t talk! Y-You can’t make me!" His voice cracked in fear, desperation thick in every word.

As Shining Armor pressed on, trying to force a response from the changeling, Twilight stepped forward, her voice calming, though tinged with concern. "Thorax, please! We’re not your enemies here.”

But it was Celestia who caught a glimmer of something unexpected. Her eyes, always so composed, flickered with sudden recognition as they settled on a scarred mark on Thorax’s chest. It was small but distinct—a mark that seemed oddly familiar to her. Her expression shifted from curiosity to something more somber. She leaned forward slightly, her lips pressing into a thin line as she watched the changeling struggle against Shining’s grip and Twilight’s words.

Cadance, sensing the shift, followed her mother’s gaze, her own expression turning to confusion. "Mom? What’s wrong?" Her voice was laced with concern, but Celestia barely acknowledged her, too absorbed in her observations.

"Cadance," Celestia murmured, her voice distant, as if speaking to herself. "Could you remind me what this creature is called again?"

Cadance blinked, still trying to piece together the situation. "They called itself a changeling," she said quietly, but then added, almost as an afterthought, "And a peculiar one, too."

The instant the words left Cadance’s mouth, Celestia’s eyes widened, and her horn flared to life with a burst of golden magic. A stack of letters materialized in the air in front of her, floating in a whirlwind of urgency. She began reading through them rapidly, her eyes darting across the words with increasing intensity. Cadance’s frown deepened as she watched her mother’s behavior shift from calm to frantic. "What’s matching? What are you talking about?" she asked, her voice edged with frustration.

Celestia, caught in the whirlwind of her own thoughts, barely registered Cadance’s words. "This is… impossible," she muttered under her breath, her gaze flicking from one scroll to the next. "His research, it’s… matching perfectly. It shouldn’t be. It can’t be."

"Mom?" Cadance stepped closer, now genuinely concerned, her voice rising slightly as she demanded an answer. "What’s going on? What are you reading?"

With a sharp sigh, Celestia snapped her attention back to Cadance, her demeanor more tense than it had been in years. "Cadance, please, not now. I need to think." Her voice was curt, and she raised a hoof as if to ward off any further questions.

Cadance’s brow furrowed at her mother’s dismissiveness. She took a step back, her gaze never leaving Celestia. But as she watched her mother, something unsettling happened. Celestia, without realizing it, began to trace the same mark on Thorax’s chest with her hoof, drawing the same shape over her own chest, unknowingly mirroring it. A cold shiver ran down Cadance’s spine. Her heart raced as the realization hit her, and her unease turned to anger. Her wings flared, and without warning, she surged upward toward the throne, snatching the letters from Celestia’s magical grip. "Cadance?!" Celestia’s voice was filled with disbelief as her daughter boldly took the scrolls.

The room fell into stunned silence as everypony froze, staring at Cadance, who now stood on high, reading the letters with growing urgency. The weight of her actions was clear in the room’s tense atmosphere. Celestia’s voice trembled, laced with a mixture of disbelief and frustration. "What has come over you? Give those back immediately!"

Cadance glanced up from the letters, her face a mixture of disbelief and barely contained fury. "You know what this creature is, don’t you?" Her voice grew more heated with each word.

Celestia’s eyes narrowed, her silence hanging heavily in the air. Twilight, Shining, and even Thorax looked on in confusion, but the changeling refused to meet anypony’s gaze. Celestia took a soft, deliberate breath before speaking, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yes," she admitted reluctantly, "I do."

Cadance’s heart pounded as she read the final few lines of the scroll. Her eyes shifted from the letters to Celestia, a spark of anger igniting within her. "Who’s Sunburst?"

Celestia, though visibly reluctant, levitated the scrolls away from Cadance’s hooves, making them vanish in a flash of light. She paused, gathering herself before speaking again, her voice tinged with regret. "Sunburst was one of my students from years ago. From a young age, I recognized his immense potential and took him under my wing for personal training. He was a quick learner, and his magical talents were truly extraordinary. He quickly rose to become one of the most renowned wizards in all of Canterlot, and I couldn’t have been prouder. After years of study, he was eager to share his knowledge with the world. He traveled across Equestria, teaching others about the various forms of magic. Throughout his journeys, he kept in touch, sending me letters detailing his discoveries. In one of his most recent letters, he mentioned a mysterious new species he had encountered: the Changelings. He described them as a shapeshifting race capable of assuming the appearance of any pony they wished."

Cadance’s eyes darkened further as she processed the information, her anger seething just beneath the surface. "So... the creatures that attacked us at the party are the same ones you were told about months ago, and you didn’t think to say anything?!"

Celestia raised a hoof, trying to explain. "Cadance, my reign as ruler of this kingdom has spanned hundreds of moons. You know as well as I do that I have never put my subjects or their safety at risk." Her voice softened, her regret palpable. "I admit, I was aware of these creatures for some time, but I didn’t believe the Changelings posed a threat to ponykind. Sunburst only shared his discovery with me; he never provided details about their motives or appearance. When his letters stopped arriving, I foolishly assumed it was a one-time occurrence. I was a fool to think that, and an even bigger fool for not reaching out to him to discuss it further."

The words hung heavy in the air, and a stunned silence followed. Each of the ponies—and changeling—was left to absorb the weight of Celestia’s confession. Finally, it was Shining who broke the silence, his voice cautious. "You mentioned that this pony's letters stopped arriving. Can you elaborate on that?"

Celestia nodded, her gaze clouded with sorrow. "Sunburst and I used to correspond regularly. However, his last letter, sent a few months ago, informed me that he had decided to step down as my student. While I respect his decision, his sudden resignation caught me off guard, and his absence has left me with many more questions than answers."

Twilight’s voice was full of concern as she spoke up. "So, what do we do now?"

Cadance, still processing the flood of information, turned toward Thorax. Her eyes narrowed as a plan began to form in her mind. She glanced at Twilight and Shining Armor, who were still confused by her demeanor. Her gaze turned toward Celestia, her expression set. "Mom, I believe it's time to prepare for the possibility of war."

Shining Armor, Twilight Sparkle, and Thorax looked on in disbelief, each shocked by the gravity of Cadance’s statement. Even Celestia, who had always kept a level head, was momentarily taken aback.

"What leads you to believe war may be imminent?" Celestia asked, her tone now slightly concerned.

Cadance’s eyes burned with determination as she pointed a hoof toward Thorax. "You saw what those creatures are capable of! The sheer number of them, their abilities, another attack is inevitable! We can’t just sit back and wait for them to descend upon us like timberwolves! We have to take the fight to them on their own territory!"

Shining Armor stepped forward, his voice trying to temper the rising tension. "Your Highness, I urge you to reconsider launching an immediate attack into unknown territory. Remember the battle with the Kingdom of Trotland? We can't let history repeat itself!"

Cadance spun toward Shining, her frustration mounting. "Then what do you suggest we do? Find this Sunburst guy and get him to help us?"

Shining Armor’s eyes widened in horror at the mention of Sunburst, his head shaking rapidly. "Your highness, this is folly! We have more important matters to address than tracking down some random pony!"

Cadance’s eyes narrowed, her tone growing more insistent. "This Sunburst pony has crossed paths with the changelings before. If we can find him, he might help us prepare for their next move and maybe even explain why they attacked us in the first place!"

Shining Armor raised a hoof to silence her, but Cadance wasn’t done. "We’re not just looking for anypony! Sunburst was one of the few ponies who actually saw the changelings up close. He studied them. He has to know something! If we wait too long, we might not get another chance!"

Shining Armor hesitated, his mind racing as he thought it through. Finally, he turned to Celestia. "Your Majesty, do you have any idea where we can find your former student?"

Celestia, still processing the weight of the situation, nodded slowly. "According to his letters, Sunburst lives in a small village northwest of the Kingdom of Cloudsdale. I'll have my royal messengers notify the village elders of your and Princess Cadance's arrival."

Both Cadance and Shining Armor nodded in agreement, but before either could say more, something stopped them cold. They both turned, their eyes wide with shock.

"Wait..." Shining Armor whispered, realizing what Celestia had just said. "WHAT?!"

Cadance’s voice quivered with disbelief. "WHAT?!"

Twilight, looking between the ponies, caught a glimpse of Thorax out of the corner of her eye. She saw the changeling trembling, his body slick with sweat. "Thorax?" she called, her concern rising.

Suddenly, Thorax let out a strangled scream, collapsing to the ground in agony, clutching his chest. His antennas glowed blue, and his body shook violently. His legs spasmed uncontrollably, and he let out a choked gasp for breath, each inhale shallow and pained. A cold sweat covered his body as he writhed in pain, his hooves gripping his chest in a desperate attempt to quell the sensation.

Twilight screamed, rushing to his side. "Thorax?! What’s happening?!"

Thorax, his voice barely a whisper between gasps, cried out in agony. "I-I don’t know! W-What did you ponies do to me?!"

Cadance, her patience wearing thin, rolled her eyes. "Oh, please, we haven’t done anything to you."

But Thorax was beyond reason, his body shuddering as he let out another cry of pain. "It hurts! Why does it hurt?! What did you do to me?!"

Celestia, finally snapping into action, spoke with sharp authority. "Shining, Cadance, get the changeling to the medical bay quickly!"

Cadance’s eyes widened in disbelief at her mother’s command. "What?! But, Mom—"

Celestia's voice was steely, unwavering. "That’s an order, Cadance!"

She turned to Twilight, her eyes cold with urgency. "Twilight, go with them and write down everything! Every reaction, every symptom. We need to keep research of this."

Before Celestia could say more, Shining Armor rushed over, lifting Thorax onto his back with urgency. But just as Shining was about to carry the changeling out, Thorax pointed a trembling hoof toward the window. His face contorted with panic as he gasped for air. Cadance followed Thorax’s trembling hoof to the window. Her heart stopped as she saw a massive shadow looming in the distance, stretching ominously across the castle grounds.

"Dear gods..." she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Shining Armor turned to the window, his eyes widening in horror. Without a moment's hesitation, he dropped Thorax from his back and threw himself over Cadance.

"EVERYPONY, GET DOWN!" he screamed, his voice cracking with urgency.

But before he could finish his command, a massive explosion rocked the throne room, sending everypony flying in every direction. The force of the blast echoed through the room, disorienting them as changelings poured into the castle like a tidal wave. Their wings buzzing in unison, they overwhelmed the throne room in a matter of moments. Cadance’s vision blurred as the ringing in her ears grew deafening. She struggled to remain conscious, her body slamming against the cold stone floor. From her vantage point, she caught glimpses of Thorax being dragged away by the changelings, struggling and screaming for help. Shining Armor and Celestia fought valiantly, but they were vastly outnumbered. Twilight, frantic, tried to rouse Cadance, but before Cadance could reach for her friend, a changeling knocked her unconscious with a swift blow to the head.

Princess Cadance lies on a makeshift wooden medical bed, her body covered only by a thin blanket. The dim light of the Canterlot Caves flickered around her, casting long shadows against the cold stone walls. The smell of damp earth and the distant echo of dripping water filled the air. Cadance stirred, groaning softly as the dimness of sleep slowly began to fade. A shadow loomed over her, casting a silhouette across her face, making her shift uncomfortably in her sleep. Her eyelids fluttered open, revealing the blurry, tired face of Shining Armor standing above her, his features etched with exhaustion and worry.

“Dear heavens,” Cadance groaned sleepily, squinting at him through half-closed eyes. “How many times do I have to tell you, Captain? The wedding is—”

“Princess, please,” Shining Armor interrupted, his tone serious, yet urgent. “You need to stay awake. There's no time to waste.”

Her voice was muffled, her sleepiness still holding on as she mumbled, “Why?”

Shining Armor hesitated before replying, his gaze intense as he looked down at her. “We’ve been invaded, Your Highness.”

Cadance’s eyes widened at the words, the weight of his statement sinking into her mind like a stone. She didn’t respond, her expression unreadable as she slowly rolled back around, the stiffness in her body telling the tale of the days spent unconscious. She finally sat up, a sharp breath escaping her lips as she steadied herself against the side of the bed, her voice barely above a whisper as she asked, “What happened?”

Shining Armor’s voice faltered for a moment as he collected himself, clearly struggling with his emotions. “We... We were caught off guard. An attack came out of nowhere. Twilight, your mother, and some of the castle staff managed to get out safely, but my priority was getting you to safety. You’ve been unconscious for two days.” He swallowed hard, fighting back the grief that threatened to break his composure. “As for the kingdom... it's... gone. The changelings showed no mercy—everything we built, reduced to ash. Homes, businesses, hospitals, schools—all of it destroyed. The citizens... mares, stallions, fillies, foals...” His voice trembled slightly, and he struggled to regain his composure. “I tried to help, but it wasn’t enough. We’re fortunate that a few are still with us, barely harmed. I’m still coordinating with the army to assess the full extent of the damage. It’s clear, though—it’s going to take everything we have to rebuild.”

A heavy silence followed, filled with the weight of loss. Cadance’s mind reeled, her heart aching for her people, but she couldn’t stop herself from asking the next question. “What about Thorax?”

Shining Armor’s expression darkened, anger flashing in his eyes. “Thorax... escaped our custody. They’ve rejoined their own kind. Whether they orchestrated this attack... I don’t know yet. But I swear, I will find them. No matter what it takes.”

Cadance didn’t speak immediately, letting the words sink in. She felt a swirl of emotions, the helplessness and confusion overwhelming her as she began to push herself out of bed. Her legs trembled beneath her, and she wavered for a moment, wincing slightly. Shining Armor instinctively stepped forward, extending a hoof to help her, but she waved him away. With a slow, measured effort, she stood up, her eyes scanning the small, makeshift medical area.

“Where are we?” she asked, confusion lacing her voice as she looked around.

“These are the caves beneath Canterlot,” Shining Armor explained, his gaze sweeping the dark, hollow spaces. “Your mother had them built as a safe haven, just in case of an invasion.” He let out a bitter laugh, a hollow sound in the otherwise quiet cave. “Not that anyone ever expected to need them.”

Cadance’s brow furrowed, a slight edge of concern creeping into her voice as she asked, “Do you think they’ll find us down here?”

Shining Armor looked over at her, his eyes filled with uncertainty. “That... isn’t something I can confidently answer, Your Highness.” He paused for a beat before adding, “But your mother has requested I bring you to her. She wants to discuss our next steps, figure out how to handle this. The city’s already in a panic. They’re demanding answers.”

Cadance sighed softly, the weight of it all pressing down on her. “Then let’s not waste any more time.”

She moved past him, her steps slow but determined. Shining Armor followed closely behind, but as they neared the entrance of the caves, Cadance stopped in her tracks. A look of deep contemplation overtook her face, and Shining Armor, noticing the shift, paused as well.

“Princess?” he asked, his voice tinged with concern.

Cadance turned to face him, her expression serious. “Captain, how well do you know the Kingdom of Cloudsdale and its surrounding areas?”

Shining Armor’s brow furrowed as he considered her question. “Fairly well. Cloudsdale lies northwest of here. About a few days' trek through mostly flat terrain.” He gave her a questioning glance. “Why do you ask?”

She looked him in the eye, her gaze unwavering, as she spoke with quiet determination. “Because I’m going there.”

Shining Armor’s eyes widened as realization dawned on him. He quickly stepped forward, his voice urgent. “Princess, no… I implore you, reconsider! Leaving the kingdom now, with the siege underway, it’s too dangerous! Your subjects need you here more than ever!”

Cadance raised a hoof, her voice unwavering as she emphasized her point. “Captain, look at what we're up against! We’ve been attacked twice by the same creatures, and still, we don’t understand why. I know I said we might need to prepare for war, but it would be a mistake not to seek out this Sunburst pony first.”

Shining Armor’s voice grew firm, his concern for her safety deepening. “Princess, it’s far too dangerous! There are others, ponies trained for this kind of mission. You can’t put yourself in harm’s way! If anything happens to you, Canterlot won’t survive it! I won’t survive it!” His voice cracked slightly, emotion surging through him. “I... I couldn’t live with myself if something happened to you.”

Cadance’s voice became even more resolute, her eyes softened with the weight of the situation. “Captain, somewhere in Equestria is a pony who knows about these creatures and can help us stop them. I refuse to stand by and do nothing while the fate of our kingdom hangs in the balance! As the future ruler of Canterlot, I have the duty to do everything I can to protect our people, even if it means putting myself in danger.” She stepped closer, her voice barely above a whisper. “We cannot afford to lose one more innocent life. If we don’t find this pony and stop the changelings now, Canterlot will fall—blood and dust.” She took a breath before continuing, her words heavy with conviction. “This could be our only chance to make things right. Can you truly live with letting that chance slip away?”

The air between them grew thick with tension, the silence stretching out as Shining Armor processed her words. He saw the fire in her eyes, the unwavering determination. He knew she wasn’t going to back down. And, despite the fear and doubt in his heart, neither was he. He let out a sigh, defeated but resolute. “Our devotion to your role is admirable, Princess. I will do what I can to help you. But if we’re going to do this, we’ll do it right. My only condition is this: I won’t let you go out there unprotected.”

Cadance sighed in frustration before rolling her eyes. “Fine. But if that’s the case, who do you suggest accompany me?”

They stared at each other for a long moment, the tension between them palpable. Finally, Cadance’s eyes widened in realization. “No. No! No way! Never in a thousand years will I travel alone with you! That is absolutely out of the question!”

Shining Armor didn’t back down. “I know you’re not fond of me, Princess. But right now, I’m one of the strongest ponies you have at your disposal. The army is stretched thin, and most of the others are either injured or... gone. And let’s be honest, disobeying your mother’s orders wouldn’t be wise.”

Cadance glared at him, her voice firm. “I don’t care what my mother said! I will not be hunting for this Sunburst character with you! That’s final!”

Shining Armor’s expression hardened slightly, but his voice softened with sincerity. “Listen! Regardless of what’s between us, you are the future. You’re the kingdom’s hope.” He lowered his head slightly, his voice almost breaking. “I failed to protect your kingdom before. I failed to keep you and your mother safe. I can’t afford to fail you again. I swore an oath to protect you, the kingdom. I don’t break oaths. Please, I... I know it’s difficult. But let me safeguard what matters most to you. Let me be the one to ensure you’re safe. Please, Your Highness.”

Cadance’s gaze softened, and for a moment, her expression faltered. She stared at him, the weight of his words sinking in. With a frustrated yell, she quickly paced back and forth, her mind racing with conflicting emotions. Finally, she stopped and turned to him with a sigh.

“Fine!” she exclaimed, the frustration clear in her voice. “Here’s what we’re going to do: We find Sunburst, stop these changelings, save Canterlot... and when this is all over, I’ll tell my mother about our decision to call off the engagement. How does that sound?”

A tense silence followed as the two of them locked eyes. After a moment, Shining Armor extended a hoof toward her, his expression a mixture of relief and solemnity.

“You have a deal, Your Highness,” he said quietly.

Cadance stared at his hoof, her mind racing, before finally taking it. She hesitated for a moment, but then shook it firmly. There was no turning back now. Not for either of them. Not ever.

The sun was sinking beneath the horizon, casting a blood-orange hue across the barren landscape surrounding the changeling hive. The air felt thick and oppressive, as if the very atmosphere was charged with anticipation. The hive itself stood like a dark sentinel against the twilight, its jagged, insect-like architecture looming over the desolate wasteland that stretched for miles in every direction. The sky above was a deep shade of purple, dotted with the faintest twinkles of stars, but the eerie glow from within the hive’s walls drowned out most of the natural light.

Inside the throne room, the air was heavy with the pungent smell of decay and the musty scent of old stone. The floor was a cold, slick expanse of cracked obsidian, the black surface uneven and worn from centuries of use. Jagged stalactites hung down from the high ceiling, their sharp tips casting twisted shadows on the walls. The dim, flickering light from a few scattered torches barely illuminated the room, leaving most corners obscured in deep shadow. In the farthest corner of the room, an enormous throne of black crystal sat atop a raised platform, its jagged edges resembling a dark flower in full bloom. The crystals embedded within it pulsed faintly, glowing in time with the heartbeat of the hive, casting an eerie blue light that painted the surroundings in an unsettling, sickly glow.

The walls of the throne room were adorned with crude carvings, deep grooves etched into the stone that depicted past battles, victories, and the twisted history of the changeling hive. The air hummed with the low buzz of distant insect wings, the occasional scraping sound of chitinous limbs scuttling across the stone floor, and the soft, rhythmic dripping of water that had been gathering from the cracks in the ceiling. The place felt alive with the hum of magic—an energy that seemed to pulse through every stone, every inch of the hive, like a living, breathing entity.

As two changelings dragged Thorax into the room, the sound of their hooves scraping against the stone floor echoed through the vast emptiness. Their movements were mechanical, cold, and unfeeling, as they unceremoniously dropped Thorax in front of the throne. The sudden impact of Thorax’s body hitting the ground reverberated through the room, a dull thud that seemed to make the very walls tremble. The changelings turned and vanished without a word, disappearing into one of the many dark, winding passages that led deeper into the hive. Their departure left the room in a heavy, suffocating silence.

Thorax lay on the cold, jagged stone, the pain of the fall slowly bringing them back to consciousness. They groggily blinked, the edges of their vision blurry and unfocused. The faintest glimmer of green magic in the corner of their eye was the only hint of movement as the changeling queen’s voice broke through the fog of their thoughts.

"Welcome home, Thorax. How lovely it is to see you awake."

The words were smooth, almost sickeningly calm, but they carried the weight of something far darker. Thorax’s heart skipped a beat at the sound of their mother’s voice. Panic gripped them, and they scrambled to their hooves, fear evident in their trembling legs. They bowed low to the throne, the smooth stone beneath them cold against their body, as they tried to orient themselves.

“M-Mother! Please, forgive me for the long absence from home! Y-You wouldn't believe the awful things I've been through!” Thorax’s voice cracked with a mixture of pain and fear, the words tumbling out before they could stop themselves.

From the shadows of the throne, Mother Chrysalis’s voice responded, unperturbed and commanding. "No need for apologies, my dear. The whispers of the hive have already reached me. What matters is that you’ve returned to us, safe and sound."

Relief washed over Thorax like a fleeting wave, their breath steadying slightly as they began to rise, their weak legs struggling to find balance. “Thank you, Mother. I... I’m grateful to be home too.”

Chrysalis’s tone softened with a false warmth. "Come here, little one," she beckoned. "You must be exhausted after everything you’ve endured."

Thorax nodded and slowly lifted their wings, their flight unsteady as they drifted toward the raised throne. The jagged crystals surrounding the throne seemed to glow brighter as they approached, casting eerie, angular shadows across the floor. When Thorax reached the throne, Chrysalis’s hooves wrapped around them, pulling them into an embrace. For a fleeting moment, it felt like home—warm, familiar, safe—but that comfort was short-lived. A sudden surge of power erupted from Chrysalis, and Thorax was violently thrown from her grasp, their body crashing against the cold stone wall.

The impact reverberated throughout the chamber, the crack of Thorax’s back echoing off the walls as they fell to the ground in a heap. The sickening sound of bones breaking was drowned by their own scream of pain, which echoed through the vastness of the room. Thorax tried to move, their legs weak and trembling as they struggled to rise. But before they could get very far, the sound of hooves drew near, and a dark shadow loomed over them.

"You had one job, Thorax! Lead our hive to victory!" Chrysalis’s voice rang out, now dripping with venom. The temperature in the room seemed to drop, the air growing thick and oppressive as her anger filled the space. "Instead, you led us to ruin! How hard is it for you to follow the simplest of orders?!"

Thorax whined, their breath shallow as they tried to speak, their voice weak with pain. "I-I’m sorry, Mother! I—"

Chrysalis let out a mocking, cruel laugh, cutting them off. "‘I’m sorry! I’m sorry!’ Your apologies are worthless to me!" Her voice grew louder, more menacing. "You were supposed to conquer Canterlot, not be captured by a bunch of weaklings! You're lucky I found you at all!" She loomed over Thorax, her dark, almost liquid eyes narrowing as her rage built. "Tell me, what was the reason for your failure?!"

Thorax, trembling and wincing from the agony coursing through their body, tried to explain, their voice little more than a broken whisper. “A-A princess and a soldier found me. I tried to escape, but they caught me! I didn’t tell them anything—”

Before they could finish their sentence, Chrysalis’s hoof slammed down on their back with a bone-shattering force, causing Thorax to cry out in agony. The sound of their body crashing against the stone was a sickening thud, the room seeming to vibrate with the force of it.

"You DARE lie to me?! To your OWN mother?!" Chrysalis’s roar filled the space, the vibrations in the air nearly making it hard to breathe. The walls seemed to close in, and Thorax’s heart pounded in their chest.

"I-I’m not lying, I swear! M-Mother, please, you're hurting me!" Thorax’s voice cracked as they gasped for air, but Chrysalis was relentless, ignoring their pleas.

“You worthless child!” Chrysalis shouted, her fury unmatched. “I didn’t raise you to be weak like this! Stop your whimpering and tell me the truth! What did you tell those ponies?!" Her words came out in a furious scream, echoing off the walls and making the very stone seem to tremble.

The sound of the flickering crystal shards embedded in the throne filled the room, faint and barely noticeable at first, but growing in intensity as Chrysalis turned to inspect them. The faint, rhythmic pulse of magic from the shards reflected off the jagged surfaces of the room, casting eerie, shifting shadows.

Thorax, still lying on the cold stone, struggled to lift their head. “I-I’ve never seen them do that before,” they muttered weakly, their breath labored.

Chrysalis smirked, turning back to face Thorax, her demeanor shifting into something more controlled, almost pleased. "My beautiful offspring… It seems you’ve finally accomplished something worthwhile."

Thorax winced at the faint praise, still dazed and struggling to understand. "D-Does that mean we can take over now?"

Chrysalis approached Thorax, her steps deliberate, and placed a hoof on their head with feigned affection. “Not yet, my sweet. Patience is a virtue, especially when dealing with such a grand unveiling."

Thorax looked up at her, confusion clouding their thoughts. “Unveiling?”

Chrysalis’s lips curled into a sinister grin. “That’s not for you to worry about, my love. You’re home now. I’m sure your siblings have missed you terribly.” She paused, her voice softening with a fake warmth. "Now, why don’t you go play outside? I hear there’s a charming little village near Cloudsdale that could use some… playmates."

Thorax nodded weakly, trying to force a smile despite the lingering pain. "Yes, Mother."

With great effort, Thorax attempted to rise, but their legs betrayed them. As they collapsed, Chrysalis’s magic flared once more, lifting them effortlessly into the air. She gazed at Thorax with an unreadable expression before finally speaking again, her voice laced with a rare, guilty softness.

"I apologise, Thorax. I didn’t mean for my outburst to get out of hoof," she murmured, a brief moment of tenderness in her voice that contrasted sharply with her usual harshness. "I know that no apology can undo what I’ve done, but I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me." Her eyes softened further. "My love for you is unwavering, my child. You know that, right?"

Thorax’s gaze softened despite the pain, and they nodded slowly. “I know, Mother. I’m sorry too. I promise that I won’t let you down again.”

Chrysalis’s smile was chillingly serene. "Good. Now run along."

As Thorax turned to leave, a pulse of dark magic surged through the room. In an instant, Thorax was slammed back down into the stone floor, their body making a sickening impact. They screamed as the pain overtook them. Again and again, they were lifted and dropped, each collision more brutal than the last. The echoes of their cries reverberated through the throne room, only to be swallowed by the darkness that hung over the hive.

Finally, Chrysalis raised her hooves high, her eyes gleaming with sadistic pleasure as she prepared to deliver the final blow. Thorax’s eyes filled with terror as they screamed one last plea. "N-NO! MOTHER! PLEASE! MOTHER—"

But it was too late. The sickening sound of Chrysalis’s hooves striking Thorax’s head rang out through the room. The air grew still as the lifeless body of Thorax crumpled to the ground. Silence fell over the throne room, broken only by the faint hum of the hive’s energy.

A changeling slowly approached the body, their movements cautious. Chrysalis, unfazed, turned her attention back to the glowing shards embedded in the throne, her smile returning as she placed a bloodied hoof upon one of them.

"Darling," she said flatly, addressing the changeling. "Wouldn't want to disturb the decor, would you? Clean that up."

The changeling nodded and hurriedly lifted Thorax’s body from the floor, disappearing into the shadows. Chrysalis remained, gazing at the crystal shards, her mind already turning to the next stage of her dark plan. As the room pulsed with energy, her laughter filled the space, a sound filled with both madness and triumph.

Chapter Text

The sun bathed the Crystal Empire in a soft, iridescent glow, casting radiant beams across the spires and walkways of the Crystal Castle. The lush castle gardens shimmered with dew-kissed flowers and perfectly trimmed hedges, a living kaleidoscope of color stretching out in every direction. In the heart of the garden, a white marble gazebo stood like a jewel, nestled among crystal trees and blooming flora. Beneath it, Emperor Eros was locked in a fierce, imaginary battle. He moved awkwardly, his military attire shifting as he lunged and dodged, gritting his teeth and grunting with each motion. His bow creaked under tension as he fired blunt arrows at a makeshift dummy—an assembly of old armor and straw propped up with spears and rope. The dummy, though lifeless, seemed to mock him with its crooked stance. Eros shouted things like “Hyah!” and “Take that!” with all the intensity of a colt playing soldier. Sweat trickled down his brow, his focus bordering on frantic as he continued his self-imposed training.

Unbeknownst to him, a figure had entered the garden, her steps quiet against the cobblestone path. Empress Amore—graceful, composed, and radiant in her royal attire—approached from behind, a playful gleam in her eyes.

“I think you’ve vanquished it, Eros,” she said with a smirk, her voice ringing through the air like a bell.

Eros jumped with a startled cry, and without thinking, he released an arrow toward the voice. The air cracked as the shaft flew through the garden—and straight at Amore. In an instant, her horn glowed with rosy magic, catching the arrow mid-air just inches from her chest. It hovered there, trembling slightly, until she gently lowered it to the grass.

His eyes went wide with horror. “A-Amore?! What are you doing here?! I thought your meeting with the King of Yakyakistan wasn’t until noon!” he stammered, visibly panicking.

She raised a brow, bemused. “It was, but he cancelled at the last minute. Something about ‘political tensions?’ Or was it a scheduling issue?” Her gaze drifted past him to the dummy. “What’s all this? Some kind of special training?”

Eros looked away, cheeks flushing as he stared at his bow like it had betrayed him. “I thought I could use some extra practice... but nothing feels right.” His voice grew sharper with frustration. “I can’t focus, I can’t aim—I don’t even know what I’m doing wrong!”

Amore stepped into the gazebo, her smile fading slightly as she watched her husband struggle. “You? Not getting it right? That doesn’t sound like the Eros I know.”

“Maybe it should!” he snapped bitterly, shaking his head. “You offered me command of the army, and I’m truly grateful, but...” He lifted his hoof, and she saw it trembling. “H-How can I lead when I can barely hold a bow?! I—I freeze up, Amore!” His voice dropped low, filled with guilt. “Griffonstone... it’s left me—”

“Well... that’s normal, isn’t it?” she replied softly, stepping closer. “I mean, after what happened... of course you’d feel different. But you’re still you, Eros.”

“Different? Amore, I got your entire squadron killed ! I—I nearly died myself because I was reckless! How can you even think about trusting me with an entire army after that?!” His voice cracked with pain, shame rising to the surface.

Amore’s tone became steady, her eyes serious but tender. “Because I do trust you. Eros. You didn’t want anypony to get hurt. That means something.”

He looked away, his jaw tight. “I was in charge! I—It was my responsibility to protect them, and I—” He gritted his teeth, his voice trembling. “I failed! How do I just move on from that?!”

She placed a gentle hoof on his shoulder, grounding him. Her voice was quiet, but carried the weight of experience. “I don’t think you do. Not really. You carry it with you. Every leader does. But maybe... that’s what makes you good at this. You care. That means you won’t make the same mistake twice. Right?”

He looked into her eyes, searching for reassurance, fear still lurking beneath his bravado. “But... but what if I mess up again? What if I make another mistake? What if next time, it’s worse?”

She smiled warmly, brushing his cheek with her hoof. “Then we’ll face it together. Every challenge. Every failure. As a team.”

There was a pause, full of something unspoken. Eros’s shoulders slowly relaxed, and a small, grateful smile spread across his face. He stepped away from the dummy and set his bow on the ground beside it. Turning to her fully, his gaze softened.

“You always know how to lift my spirits, Amore. Even when you’re supposed to be in a meeting, you’re worrying about me.”

She chuckled, a musical sound that echoed lightly in the still air. “Well, of course. Besides, I wasn’t too upset about the meeting being cancelled. I’ve been feeling a little off lately, anyway.”

That got his attention. “Off? Have you seen the healers? You’re not getting sick, are you?”

“I did.” She nodded, reassuring. “They said I’m fine, nothing to worry about. But they suggested I make a small addition to my study.”

Eros blinked in confusion. “An addition? What kind?”

“A reading nook. Something cozy... maybe with a rocking chair.” Her tone was suspiciously sweet.

He tilted his head, clearly puzzled. “A rocking chair? Why? Do we really need one of those?”

She smiled slyly, eyes twinkling. “We might. Especially once the little one arrives.”

He stared at her, blinking slowly. “Little one?”

Amore’s smile became nervous as she looked at him, gauging his reaction. Eros stood dumbfounded, blinking at her for several long moments before his expression shifted—slow dawning realization flooding his face.

“W-Wait… Amore? A-Are you saying—”

She giggled softly. “Yes, Eros. Indeed I am.”

He didn’t say anything else. He just moved—rushing forward, nearly knocking her over as he wrapped his hooves around her in a tight embrace. Amore laughed, tears already gathering at the corners of her eyes.

“A-Amore, this is incredible! The doctors... they said… Are you sure?!” he asked breathlessly.

She nuzzled into his neck, heart swelling. “The world works in mysterious ways, my love.”

And then he unraveled.

“W-We have to tell everypony! We need to celebrate! P-Plan everything! Names, oh sweet gods, we need names! Toys, clothes, diapers, LOTS of diapers—”

She silenced him with a gentle hoof. “Take a breath, Eros. We have plenty of time.”

He nodded, trying to calm himself but failing. “B-But time flies, Amore!” As soon as she moved her hoof, he was gesturing again, wildly animated. “W-What about the nursery?! Pink and blue are too predictable, right?! We—we could go bold! Yellow?! Green?! Maybe even purple?! O-Or maybe—”

“Eros, darling, please breathe for me.” she laughed, muffling his rambling with her hoof again.

“I know, I know! It’s just—This is so huge! W-We’re having a foal! A foal!” He slowed, his voice trembling. “We’re really... having a foal...” Then, barely more than a whisper: “A foal…”

Suddenly, his whole body began to shake. Amore’s smile faded, concern creeping in. Then, without warning, Eros collapsed to his knees and clutched her tightly, burying his face into her chest as the sobs came.

“A foal... Our little foal...” His voice was muffled, breaking. “W-We did it, Amore... W-We’re going to be parents….”

Her legs gave out with him, and she cradled him gently, stroking his mane as tears filled her eyes. They sat like that in the gazebo, two royals, two hearts overwhelmed by the fragility and beauty of life. In the quiet, Eros’s bow tipped over and clattered to the ground. Amore’s gaze was drawn to the sound. Her eyes drifted beyond the weapon—beyond the garden’s peaceful blossoms—to a row of small, weathered headstones standing beneath a flowering tree. Marked with delicate carvings and fresh blooms, they sat in quiet tribute to the fallen. Her breath hitched as emotion surged. She let out a choked sob and buried her face in Eros’s shoulder again, clinging to the warmth of his embrace. There, beneath the crystal light and swaying branches, they held each other. Two leaders, two survivors, two parents.

Day One. The sun was dipping below the treetops, bleeding warm golds and reds through the dense canopy. The forest was ancient and untamed, branches thick and gnarled, trunks cloaked in moss, and thorny underbrush clawing at anything that dared pass through. In the fading light, shadows grew long and ominous, casting strange shapes across the floor of the woods. Birds had gone silent. The wind whispered through the leaves like distant voices. Shining Armor stood in the midst of the overgrown wilderness, sweat matting his mane slightly beneath his brow. His hooves crunched on fallen twigs and damp leaves as he scanned a fragile, yellowed map. The parchment shook slightly in his aura, its ink faded, almost illegible in places. 

“According to the map, we should be near the village where Sunburst lives. But we need to hurry… It won’t be long before night falls.” His voice carried a note of urgency as he turned, the map lowering slightly. “This map's practically unreadable. Princess, could you-”

He stopped. The map slipped slightly from his magical grasp as his eyes searched behind him. The forest was empty. The space Cadance had occupied moments ago was now just leaves and wind.

“Princess? Princess Cadance? Where are you?!” His voice shot up, panic edging into it. He spun around in a full circle, ears flicking, heart racing. The trees, silent and looming, gave no answer.

A sudden rustle in the underbrush to his right made his breath hitch. Instinctively, Shining teleported the map away and summoned his sword, its blade gleaming faintly in the low light. He held it before him with practiced steadiness as he crept toward the sound, every step deliberate. The rustling intensified.

Then, bursting through the thicket, came Cadance.

She was absolutely filthy—mud caked her hooves and underbelly, her mane was tangled with sticks and leaves, and one of her wings hung half-open in agitation. Her eyes burned with righteous fury. Shining blinked, frozen between panic and relief, before his expression softened and he quickly sheathed his sword. His horn dimmed.

“There you are! Where in Equestria have you been?!” she snapped, her voice slicing through the air.

He stared, stunned at her disheveled state. “Wh… What happened to you?”

“Mother Nature happened, dumbass!” she barked, throwing her mud-splattered hooves up.

“Could you translate that into Equine for me?” he asked, raising a bemused eyebrow.

“Just look at me!” she cried, motioning to her appearance. “I’m stuck in an arranged marriage with a possessive, overbearing Captain of the Guard; half of my home is in ruins; and now I look like I’ve been through a tornado! Gods, why did I agree to this?!”

Shining’s mouth turns into a tight frown. “You were the one who insisted on going after Sunburst, remember?”

“W-Well, yes, but that was before I literally fell into a ditch!” she stammered indignantly. “I’m supposed to be handling matchmaking duties right now, not out here trying to prevent a war!”

“Sounds just as thrilling as watching paint dry.” he muttered under his breath.

Cadance whipped her head toward him, eyes narrowing into a withering glare. Shining sighed and stepped toward her carefully, raising a hoof. But as he did, Cadance instinctively stepped back, confused. He stopped and gestured gently to the mess of mud and foliage tangled in her mane. “I don’t think it’s wise to enter a village looking like that, Your Highness.” He paused, softening. “May I?”

She hesitated, then gave a reluctant nod. His horn glowed, and the debris began to lift from her coat and mane in delicate, deliberate pulls. Cadance cringed, her eye twitching as clumps of mud peeled off her feathers and sticks yanked from her curls. After a moment, her usual grace returned—her pink coat smooth, her mane shining.

“There. Good as new.” Shining rolled his eyes, slightly amused.

Cadance gave him a curt nod of acknowledgment, then turned to observe the forest around them. The trees stretched endlessly in all directions, but there was a quiet shift in the air—something was changing. Shining lit his horn once again, retrieving the old map and inspecting it closely. Cadance inched closer, peeking over his shoulder without saying a word. 

“Now, as I was saying, we should be getting close to Sunburst’s village. It might be best to set up camp for the night and head out at first light…”

“What?! No, no, no! I’m not sleeping out here again!” Cadance recoiled in horror. “Do you know how many parasprite bites I woke up with this morning?”

Shining rolled his eyes. “We can keep the bugs away. I’ll set up a barrier for safety. Let’s just camp here, alright?” His tone turned firmer, less patient.

“We’re stuck in the middle of nowhere, Captain! We could die before morning! The village can’t be that far! We can make it before dark if we-”

“No.” His voice cut through hers, final and resolute. “We need to rest. We’re both exhausted, and we can’t push ourselves further in the dark. We’ll take shelter, build a fire, and reassess in the morning. Alright?”

Cadance let out a loud, equine snort, flaring her nostrils, then shoved past him with a toss of her head. She stomped into the trees with indignation. Shining sighed, tucked the map away, and chased after her.

“W-Where are you going?” he called out, baffled.

“Far far away, from you! Honestly, I don’t know how my mother expects us to work together! She’s insane to think this will work!”

“I’d appreciate it if you didn’t talk about your mother like that in front of me, Your Highness.”

Cadance spun to face him mid-step, her voice sharp and scathing. “Oh, as if you’re not up to your ears in her good graces! If you like her so much, why don’t you marry her instead? At least she’ll be happy knowing her precious traditions live on!”

As she ranted, Shining’s eyes drifted beyond her—and suddenly widened in alarm.

“Princess, can you slow down-” he urged, taking a few quick steps forward.

“Oh, now you're telling me what to do?! What’s next, huh?! You're gonna tell me how to breathe, too?!” she snapped, walking backward.

“But the cliff-” he warned, panic now breaking through his tone.

Cadance turned—and screamed.

There was nothing beneath her hooves. Her pupils shrank as she looked down at the massive drop. She flailed back instinctively, but the edge crumbled beneath her. A chunk of earth gave way with a loud crack , and she plummeted with a shriek.

“Your Highness!” Shining roared.

Without a second thought, he leapt after her, hooves skidding down the jagged slope. Rocks flew in every direction. Below, Cadance tumbled and rolled, her wings extended but unable to catch the air fast enough. Her cries echoed off the cliffside. Shining’s horn sparked to life as he tried to grab her with magic, but she was too quick, the descent too steep. Finally, she landed hard at the base of the cliff, sliding to a stop in a dusty heap. Her face was buried in dirt. Shining landed moments later, rushing to her side, wide-eyed and breathless.

“Your Highness?! Are you hurt?! Can you move?!”

Cadance sat up, coughing and looking around in a daze. “W-Where in Equestria did that cliff come from?!”

Shining ignored her question, scanning her for injuries, eyes flicking across her wings, legs, ribs.

“You could’ve warned me, you know?!”

“I did…” he muttered, rubbing his temples. Then more gently: “Are you sure you’re okay? Nothing’s broken?”

“I’m fine, ‘Mom’ . Just a bit dusty.” She rolled her eyes, brushing off a layer of dirt from her mane with a grimace. As she grouched, Shining’s gaze shifted past her—and froze again.

He stepped forward, eyes widening as he pulled the map from his bag once more. He stared at something just off-screen, his horn glowing faintly. Cadance noticed his expression and turned to follow his gaze. Her breath caught.

“Is this….” she asked softly, voice reverent.

Shining gave a small, slow nod. “Yep… we made it.”

Beyond them stretched the crumbling remains of Sunburst’s village—half-buried in shadow and vines, collapsed structures scattered across the valley floor like bones of a forgotten era. The air smelled faintly of ash and decay. It was quiet.

Too quiet.

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a haunting amber glow over the remains of Sunburst’s village. What was once a quiet, peaceful hamlet now resembled the aftermath of a battlefield. Princess Cadance and Shining Armor walked side by side, their hooves crunching softly against cracked pavement riddled with deep holes. The buildings around them stood in varying states of ruin—some ripped open as though by explosions, others barely held together with haphazard planks of wood and rusted nails. Shops were gutted, roofs caved in, and windows shattered, leaving gaping black eyes staring into nothingness. Trees that once lined the village paths now stood brittle and colorless, their bark peeling away, and the surrounding flora had all but withered to dust. The air was thick with the metallic scent of dried blood and the unmistakable stench of decay—rotting pony flesh hidden beneath debris.

Both Cadance and Shining Armor wore their usual everyday attire, but the oppressive atmosphere seemed to weigh heavier on them than armor ever could. The pair remained quiet, taking in the devastation in solemn silence.

Shining Armor eventually spoke, his voice low and bitter. “Changelings.”

Cadance groaned, not even trying to mask her frustration. “Ugh, don’t remind me.”

Shining gestured with his head toward the ruined surroundings. “Blue blood, deep craters, no sign of life.” His voice turned cold with disgust. “Filthy creatures.”

Cadance's gaze swept across the destruction, her heart sinking deeper with each step. As they passed a series of crude gravestones—stones barely upright, some marked with shaky hooffwriting—her breath caught in her throat. One in particular made her stop: a child’s teddy bear sat at its base, the fur matted and dirty, the once-bright eyes now dull. She blinked hard, fighting the sting of tears, and turned away before her emotions betrayed her.

The two continued down a broken path, weaving between shattered buildings and overgrown rubble. Then, suddenly, a soft “psst” echoed faintly. Shining stopped in his tracks, ears twitching. He looked around, narrowing his eyes.

He shrugged off the sound and continued walking—only for it to come again, slightly louder this time. His horn lit up instinctively as he summoned his sword, eyes scanning their surroundings. “Did you hear that?” he asked, voice low and cautious.

Cadance looked around, puzzled. “Hear what?”

They both froze as the soft “psst” came again. The tension in the air thickened. Shining instinctively moved to stand protectively in front of Cadance, shielding her with his body as his sword hovered nearby.

Cadance let out an irritated sigh and rolled her eyes. “A… Are you serious right now?”

“I’m not taking any chances, Your Highness,” Shining replied, standing his ground firmly.

Cadance’s irritation grew. “Stop treating me like I’m some kind of damsel!”

Shining didn’t respond, keeping his focus on the shadows. Cadance growled in frustration.

“Oh my Luna, there’s NOTHING here!” she yelled, throwing her hooves into the air. “Can’t you just relax for one second?!”

But her outburst was cut short.

A surge of magic flared without warning, clamping down on her mouth. Cadance’s muffled scream echoed as a spell engulfed her in a glowing aura. Her body lifted off the ground and was yanked violently away from Shining, disappearing down a narrow alleyway. Shining reacted instantly, hooves slamming against the ground as he gave chase.

“Princess!” he bellowed, charging after her.

He turned into the alley to find a hooded figure with Cadance in tow. The figure held a hoof to their lips, motioning for silence. Shining’s eyes blazed with fury as his sword rose.

“Halt! Get your hooves off her!” he roared.

The hooded figure turned just in time to see Shining hurl his sword at them. With a quick flash of magic, the sword was caught mid-air and flung back toward him. Shining barely caught it before it struck. The unicorn turned and dashed down the alley, dragging Cadance with them. Shining followed, his hooves pounding against the ground as he launched bolts of magic that whizzed just past Cadance’s struggling form. Her muffled cries grew louder as the magic blasts flew dangerously close. The kidnapper weaved skillfully between Shining’s attacks, showing an agility and precision that made it difficult to get a clean shot. Shining attempted a spell to break the magic holding Cadance, but the field was too dense, too complex. 

He narrowed his eyes, concentrated—and teleported.

In a blink, he appeared directly in the unicorn’s path and tackled them with all his strength. The force sent all three ponies tumbling to the ground. Cadance’s magical restraints broke with the impact. As she scrambled to her hooves, Shining pinned the hooded figure down, fury burning in his eyes. His sword hovered inches from their throat. He ripped the cloak back—revealing a lavender unicorn mare beneath. Her turquoise eyes sparkled with recognition.

“Captain Armor?!” she exclaimed excitedly.

Shining blinked, caught off guard. “Uhhh?”

Before he could recover, the unicorn teleported out from under him in a flash. He stumbled slightly but quickly regained his footing, sword at the ready. She reappeared in front of him, bouncing excitedly.

“Captain Armor?! No way! Is it really you?! Oh my gosh, I can’t believe it! You’re really here!”

Still confused, Shining squinted at her. “Uh... sorry, do I know you?”

She gasped. “Wait... what? It’s me, Starlight Glimmer! Your sister and I went to the Queen's Magic School together! Your dad invited me to all his galas! I was even there at your graduation! How can you not remember me?”

Shining stared at her blankly. Starlight frowned, clearly disappointed.

“I... I was the one who... uh, you know, borrowed Twilight’s cutie mark as a prank... and, uh, tried to rewrite history with a time travel spell...”

That did the trick. Shining’s eyes widened as the memories came flooding back. He cracked a smile.

“Oh, now I remember you! You were the one who triggered that school-wide lockdown.” He frowned. “What in Equestria made you think that was a good idea?”

Starlight grinned and shrugged. “Eh, it seemed like a good idea at the time.” She leaned in playfully. “So, what brings you out here? Shouldn’t you be in Canterlot keeping the streets safe?”

Shining’s expression hardened. “Look, Starlight, it’s nice to see you again, but this isn’t the time for games. Not after you abducted a princess.”

Starlight laughed nervously. “Oh, right. Guess I got a little... overzealous, huh? You know how it is. Gotta stay one step ahead, right?”

“You can say that again,” Cadance muttered, brushing off dirt as she joined them. Her eyes narrowed at Shining. “Took you long enough. I was starting to think you’d forgotten about me.”

Shining smirked. “How could I ever forget you? My memory’s not that rusty.”

“Yeah, yeah, whatever.” Cadance rolled her eyes, then turned a questioning look toward Starlight. “Who’s this?”

Shining nodded toward her. “Princess, this is Starlight Glimmer, an old friend of Twilight’s. She was a student at your mother’s magic school a few years ago.”

Cadance eyed Starlight with suspicion. “I see.”

Shining chuckled awkwardly. “No need to worry, she’s a good pony. She just… has a knack for finding trouble.”

“Does one of her talents include kidnapping royalty?” Cadance asked flatly.

Starlight’s cheeks turned red. “W-well, I wouldn’t exactly say I studied kidnapping… more like, uh… read a few books on the subject?”

Cadance shot Shining a deadpan look.

“As I said,” he muttered, rubbing his foreleg awkwardly, “mischievous tendencies.”

Starlight bowed her head. “Wow… who would’ve thought I’d kidnap royalty? My sincerest apologies, Princess Cadenza. I really didn’t mean to startle you. I was only just trying to help!”

Cadance raised an eyebrow. “Help? That’s your explanation?”

“I-I didn’t know what else to do!” Starlight stammered. “I had to get you both out of there, and I wasn’t sure who might’ve been watching me, so—”

Shining raised a hoof, eyes narrowing. “Wait, wait. What do you mean by watching you ?”

Before she could answer, a sudden darkness fell over them. Shadows loomed from above.

Starlight gasped. “Shhh!” she hissed, igniting her horn. In a blink, she cast a spell that rendered the three ponies transparent. “Close your eyes! Don’t move or make a sound!”

They obeyed, just as a swarm of changelings soared overhead. Shining and Cadance dared to peek up before shutting their eyes again in horror. The creatures buzzed and screeched, wings slicing the air. One changeling veered off, sniffing the air curiously. It dropped down to the ground. It began to sniff toward Cadance’s position. Cadance trembled, unable to move, as the changeling came dangerously close—mere inches from her face. Her heart pounded in her chest. The changeling lingered… and then turned away, buzzing off after the swarm. After several tense seconds, Starlight slowly opened her eyes and released the spell.

All three ponies gasped for air.

“What just happened?!” Cadance panted.

“Invisibility spell…” Shining said, still catching his breath. “But I’ve never seen one cast like that before.”

Cadance turned sharply to Starlight. “Hey, care to explain what just happened?!”

“That was too close...” Starlight muttered, still looking skyward. “But why would changelings be heading to the village? It’s been months since anyone’s been there.”

“You know about the changelings?” Shining asked, his voice sharpening. “Were they the ones attacking this place?”

Starlight shook her head slightly, muttering to herself. “Unless they’re up to something else. Their swarms are growing too fast. Their behavior’s changing, too. Sharper senses...” Her eyes darkened. “This isn’t good.”

“Hey, Mini Twilight ,” Cadance snapped. “We really need some answers here!”

Starlight turned, expression serious. “Hey! Look, I get it. You want answers. But I need to ask: what’s royalty and the captain of the royal guard doing all the way out here?”

“We’re looking for a unicorn named Sunburst,” Shining explained.

“Wait, you’re searching for Sunburst?” Starlight asked, her eyes widening.

Cadance nodded. “We need his help. He was a student of my mother’s, and he’d sent her reports about the changelings before cutting off contact. We believe he might hold the key to stopping them from causing even more damage to our kingdom.”

“More damage?” Starlight asked quietly. Her face fell as realization dawned.

Shining gave her a grim nod.

Starlight stood still for a long moment, processing everything. Then she exhaled.

“Alright… I’ll take you to him,” she said at last.

“Really?” Shining looked surprised.

“Yes,” Starlight said, her tone careful. “But you’ll have to follow my lead… and stay close.”

As they ventured deeper into the dark forest, the air grew colder. Behind them, hidden among the trees, a pair of glowing eyes observed in silence before disappearing into the shadows. The golden light of the setting sun filtered through the dense canopy of the forest, casting long shadows across the narrow dirt path that snaked its way toward Sunburst’s secluded cottage. The trees whispered softly in the evening breeze, their leaves rustling above like quiet gossip. Birds chirped lazily overhead, while the occasional crack of a twig underhoof punctuated the stillness. Starlight Glimmer trotted ahead with purpose, her cloak trailing behind her and catching on the occasional bramble. She moved like a pony who knew every twist and turn of the path by heart. Behind her, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor kept close, carefully maneuvering around gnarled roots and uneven stones.

Trying to ease the quiet tension in the air, Shining Armor turned toward their guide. He offered a friendly tone, the kind often used to bridge small gaps in uncertain company. “So, how long have you known Sunburst?”

Starlight glanced over her shoulder with a light smile. “We’ve known each other since he moved to the village. Once I found out he was a former student of the queen, I practically begged him to teach me everything he knew!”

Cadance’s eyes swept the forest with a puzzled frown. She stepped carefully over a low root, raising an elegant eyebrow at her surroundings. “I’m surprised someone who studied under my mother would choose to live all the way out here.”

Starlight’s smile tensed slightly, but she kept her voice even. “Well, Sunburst isn’t exactly... the most social pony. He thrives on peace and quiet, so he settled out here instead of staying in the village. Says it helps him focus.”

Shining Armor’s interest seemed to deepen. He leaned in just a bit, genuine curiosity in his tone. “You must be pretty close with him, I assume?”

Starlight nodded eagerly. “Of course! We’re best friends, after all!” Then, under her breath, she added with a trace of sarcasm, “Because friendship is magic, and magic is friendship and all that stuff.”

Sensing an opening, Shining gently tried to probe further. “If you’re that close, do you have any idea why he stopped writing to the queen? He resigned as her student a few months ago without warning, and hasn’t reached out since.”

There was a noticeable pause. Starlight’s ears twitched. “Oh… Sunburst’s fine,” she said quickly, brushing some loose strands of mane from her face in an overly casual motion.

Shining’s brow furrowed slightly, but his voice remained calm. “Starlight, we need more of an answer than just ‘he's fine.’”

“He’s….. doing great?” Starlight said, her grin a little too forced. “He’s just been busy, that’s all.”

Shining Armor came to an abrupt halt, his hoof instinctively rising to Cadance’s chest to stop her as well. His tone, still gentle, now carried a thread of firmness. “Starlight, what’s going on?”

Starlight stopped, her body tense. “N-Nothing! He’s just... working on a few things! Really, don’t worry about it!”

As if fate chose that exact moment to contradict her, a sudden explosion erupted in the distance. A brilliant flash of color lit the sky beyond the trees, followed by a thunderous boom . Smoke—thick and laced with sparks of magic—rose in a plume over the tree line.

Starlight’s eyes went wide. “Oh no… not again!”

Without waiting for a response, she took off down the path at a gallop. Leaves and dust kicked up in her wake. Shining and Cadance exchanged a glance—half alarm and also half exasperation—before following in pursuit.

The forest around them grew thinner until it gave way to a small clearing. Nestled in the center was a squat, slightly crooked house made of stone and timber, with several mismatched chimneys and magical runes scrawled along the walls. Colorful smoke was pouring from every open window. They burst through the front door together. Instantly, they were hit by a choking wall of magical smoke—sweet, acrid, and tinged with ozone. It clung to their coats and stung their eyes. All three coughed violently as they pushed forward, hooves thudding against the wooden floor.

“Sunburst? Are you alright?! Call out to me!” Starlight shouted, waving away the smoke with a hoof as she tried to locate him.

Gradually, the smoke began to clear, revealing a chaotic scene: books strewn everywhere, potions spilling over from cracked glassware, and half-melted magical conduits sparking on a workbench. At the center of it all was Sunburst, slumped over a table, coughing into his sleeve as he levitated his glasses and wiped them off. Cadance and Shining stood stunned, their eyes locked on the disheveled unicorn. Starlight rushed to his side.

“Sunburst! What happened?!” she demanded, looking him over.

“Oh, just another minor magic mishap, Starlight. Nothing to worry about,” he said between coughs, his voice weak but cheerful.

Starlight groaned, pinching the bridge of her muzzle. “Again?! That’s the third time this week! What were you even trying to do this time?!”

Sunburst offered a sheepish grin. “Uh, bridging the gap between worlds?”

Her eyes nearly bulged from her head. “Sunburst! You can't just go around dabbling in science fiction! Do you even realize how dangerous messing with alternate dimensions can be? You’re not even close to ready for that kind of magic!”

Sunburst chuckled weakly. “Ouch. Says the pony who locked down an entire magic school with a time-travel spell.”

Starlight’s cheeks flushed. “That was one time and you know it was an accident!”

Sunburst smirked. “Oh, Starlight. Don’t pretend you didn’t secretly enjoy the chaos. Admit it, you thrived a little.”

“I-I did not!” she shot back, flustered.

A soft throat-clearing from behind caused both of them to turn. Shining and Cadance stood in the doorway, looking both bemused and bewildered. Starlight quickly helped Sunburst stand.

“O-Oh, sorry! Where are my manners? Sunburst, these are Captain Shining Armor and Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, from the kingdom of Canterlot.”

Cadance lifted a hoof gently, smiling. “Just ‘Cadance’ is fine.”

Sunburst adjusted his glasses, then blinked as he looked more closely at Cadance. He stepped forward, eyes wide with awe. Cadance instinctively leaned back slightly, unsettled by his intense stare. Shining picked up on her discomfort and stepped beside her.

“Wait… am I seeing this right? Princess Cadenza? Is it really you?” Sunburst asked in disbelief.

“Uh…. yes?” Cadance replied, clearly unsure how to respond.

A radiant grin broke across Sunburst’s face. He took Cadance’s hoof and shook it enthusiastically, much to her and Shining’s surprise.

“Princess Mi Amore Cadenza! I can’t believe it’s you! It’s been so long! You’ve changed so much, yet you’re exactly the same! Your beauty still shines like the sun! You look just like your mother!”

Cadance, still wide-eyed, gently pulled her hoof away. “Uh, thank you?”

Shining moved closer, his tone professional but edged with protectiveness. “So, you're Sunburst? We've been looking for you. There are some things we need to discuss.”

Sunburst’s expression turned solemn, then excited again. “Oh my goodness! If you’re here to see me, this must be serious!” He turned toward the kitchen. “Starlight, can you make some tea? Darjeeling, if you have it! We have royal guests, after all!”

Starlight threw her head back dramatically. “Can I please just have five minutes of peace?!”

“Oh, of course!” Sunburst replied, still riding the high of his excitement. “But make sure to get the tea just right! And we’ll need scones! No, scratch that, we’re going full royal today: Crumpets!”

Starlight groaned. “Crumpets, huh? Should I whip up a soufflé while I’m at it?”

“Oh, that would be amazing if you could!” Sunburst chirped, entirely missing her sarcasm.

Muttering under her breath, Starlight stormed off toward the kitchen. Cadance reached out a hoof as if to stop her.

“Oh, that’s really not necessary—”

Sunburst waved a hoof dismissively, launching into a fast-paced monologue as he turned in a circle. “Oh, but it is! You’re our honored guests! Let me give you the grand tour! So, this is the main room, as you can see, with the table, books, potions… and, well, the usual clutter! Oh, and you saw Starlight dash off into the kitchen, didn’t you? Over here, we have—”

As he rattled on, his words running together in a joyful babble, Starlight’s irritated clanging in the kitchen echoed throughout the house. Cadance, now visibly overwhelmed, turned slowly to face Shining with a flat, deadpan stare.

“I blame you for this.”

Sunburst, Starlight, Cadance, and Shining Armor are gathered around an old, poorly made table. Cups of tea and hot crumpets sit before them, steam rising from the mugs in the evening air. Sunburst, still settling into the conversation, takes a sip from his tea, his eyes shifting between the group. "So, Starlight mentioned you both came all the way from Canterlot to see me. May I ask why?"

Princess Cadance's face hardens, her voice serious. "My kingdom has fallen victim to two unprovoked attacks by foreign creatures; Changelings. We’ve been sent by my mother to ask for your help. We need your knowledge on how to stop them."

Suddenly, Sunburst chokes on his tea, coughing violently. The sound of Starlight nervously biting into her crumpet is the only noise for a moment. Sunburst wipes his mouth, trying to compose himself, but his shock is evident. "S-Sorry. I just… didn’t expect that. You travelled all this way for my help with those creatures?"

Shining Armor nods, his expression grave. "Yes. We believe your expertise is crucial. Her Majesty told us you’ve studied them in depth; their abilities, their appearance. With your help, we might have a chance to stop them before they destroy Canterlot completely."

A heavy silence fills the air as Sunburst looks down at his tea cup. His mind clearly racing, he finally speaks, his voice hesitant. "I… I’m sorry, but I can’t help you."

Cadance’s eyes widen in disbelief. "What!?"

Shining Armor leans forward, incredulous. "What do you mean, you can’t help us?"

Sunburst stammers, his voice faltering. "I-It’s complicated….”

The tension in the room thickens, and Cadance’s frustration boils over. "What’s so hard to explain?! My kingdom is in ruins because of these creatures! We’ve come all this way, and now you’re telling me you won’t help?!"

Sunburst raises a hoof nervously, trying to calm the situation. "N-now, let’s just... calm down, okay? We can talk this through—"

Cadance slams her hooves on the table, standing up abruptly. Her voice is sharp, filled with fury. "Calm down?! You want me to calm down? You’re the one refusing to help, and you’re telling me to calm down?!"

Starlight mumbles to herself, clearly uncomfortable, as she nervously munches on her crumpet. "Oh no…."

The sound of Starlight’s comment is enough to send Cadance over the edge. She rises from her chair and slams her hooves on the table, the force of her anger palpable. "Do you two have any idea what I've been through in the past four days?! I've been forced into an arranged marriage, attacked twice by foreign creatures, and watched my kingdom unravel before my eyes! So help me, if you're just going to give us a simple 'Oh I can’t help you!', THEN EAT MY A—"

Before Cadance can finish, Shining Armor places a hoof over her mouth, cutting off her rant. Her muffled protests are heard as Shining Armor speaks, his voice a mix of apology and concern. "M-My apologies, Sunburst. I’m sure that’s not what Her Highness meant to say." He looks at the others, trying to reason with Sunburst. "I know this is a lot to ask, and I understand your hesitation. But she’s right. This isn't something we can simply walk away from. Countless lives, including the Queen’s, are at stake here."

Sunburst shakes his head, looking down at his teacup. "I can only imagine the chaos you've faced... but you have to understand. Even if I wanted to help, I don’t think I can."

Shining Armor furrows his brow, confusion creeping into his voice. "Why not? What’s stopping you from helping us?"

Sunburst avoids Shining’s gaze, his eyes downcast. "I… I can’t say."

Shining Armor’s voice softens, but a tinge of urgency laces his words. "Sunburst, you’re the only one who can help us. If it’s fear holding you back, if you’re scared, I get it, but time is running out. We don’t have the luxury of—"

Suddenly, Starlight speaks up, her voice low but clear. "He’s cursed."

The room falls into an eerie silence. Cadance and Shining Armor freeze, staring at Starlight, confused. Sunburst looks down at his teacup, his face a mask of shame.

Shining Armor’s voice cracks the silence. "What? What do you mean, 'cursed'?"

Starlight glances nervously between the two. "Sunburst... He was cursed… by the changelings."

Cadance’s confusion deepens. "Cursed? What does that mean?"

Sunburst takes a slow breath and, with a visible sense of hesitation, lifts the front of his cloak to reveal a scarred mark on his chest. Both Cadance and Shining Armor stare at the mark in horror. It's the same mark that Thorax bore. The same mark that was on that thing at the engagement party.

Cadance’s voice trembles as she stammers, "W… Where did you get that?"

Sunburst shifts uncomfortably, his voice barely a whisper. "It’s a long story…."

Shining Armor, his tone softening, speaks up. "We have time."

A concerned glance passes between Sunburst and Starlight. After a brief pause, Sunburst exhales deeply, gathering the courage to explain. "Years ago, Queen Celestia entrusted me with five rare crystal shards. According to ancient legends, when united, they’re said to unlock a power older than Equestria itself: the legendary Crystal Heart. It’s said that with the light and love of its wielder, the Heart can shield its bearer, and those around them, from harm, especially from those with dark intentions." He pauses, his eyes darkening. "But in the end... I did the one thing you should never do to royalty. I failed her."

Shining Armor, still puzzled, leans forward. "How so?"

Starlight, her voice flat as she continues eating her crumpet, answers. "What Sunburst didn’t know was that he wasn’t the only one hunting for those shards. Someone else, something… far worse than we ever imagined, was searching too. A creature we never thought could be real."

Shining Armor’s curiosity piques. "Who?"

Starlight glances down at her tea, hesitating before answering. "Mother Chrysalis. A creature as captivating as she is cruel. The queen of the Changelings; a species that can shapeshift into any pony they desire. Their magic is so precise, they can mimic voices, mannerisms… everything. For years, we only heard whispers. Rumors, stories from the townsfolk. We thought they were exaggerations. But Chrysalis isn’t some myth. She’s real. And she wanted those shards. And eventually, she found them. After fifteen years of us guarding them, Chrysalis came to our village, tore them from our hooves, and… did that to Sunburst."

Shining Armor, a hint of concern creeping into his voice, looks at Sunburst. "What did she do to you?"

Sunburst places a hoof on his chest, his voice barely audible. "I’m not sure. But ever since... my chest feels hollow. Like something’s been taken from me. Empty. Like I’ve lost a part of who I am." He shakes his head, as if dismissing the thought. "But it doesn’t matter now. All that matters is she got what she wanted."

Starlight frowns, her gaze darkening. "We don’t know what Chrysalis plans to do with those shards, but we can’t imagine it’s anything good. With the Changelings’ reign over Canterlot, our village, and whispers of destruction spreading through other kingdoms… we fear her scheme is already in motion."

Sunburst’s voice falters. "I’m sorry, everypony. I want to help. I truly do. But… I don’t know if I can face them again. Not after everything that’s happened."

A heavy silence falls over the table. Cadance’s eyes flicker down to Sunburst’s chest, a look of guilt crossing her face. After a beat, she speaks, her voice quieter than before. "You said my mother entrusted you with those shards to keep them safe. Why?"

Sunburst shakes his head sadly, his expression distant. "I wish I knew, Your Highness. She only told me to keep them far from Canterlot. To guard them, to make sure they never fell into the wrong hooves."

Cadance’s face tightens in hurt. "So… she lied to me about you?"

Shining Armor frowns, watching as Cadance’s expression shifts from frustration to conflicted sorrow. The silence in the room grows thick, heavy with unspoken emotions. Sunburst and Starlight exchange a brief, uncertain look, and after a beat, they both nod in agreement. They turn back to face Shining and Cadance.

Sunburst speaks, his voice hesitant but determined. "What if... we told you there might be a way to fix this?"

Cadance’s eyes narrow. "How so?"

"There’s… a theory we’ve been working on." Starlight cautiously adds on.

Sunburst’s voice remains strangely calm as he explains. "Over the past fifteen years, I’ve studied the crystal shards; everything from their structure, their power sources, their strengths, their vulnerabilities. Lately, though... we've started hearing whispers. Stories passed down through villages at the edges of Equestria."

Starlight nods in agreement. "And these tales speak of something incredible. If the Crystal Heart is restored, and if it’s wielded by the right ponies, its magic can sustain peace across the kingdom."

Sunburst adds, "But, and this is crucial, it can also bring devastation if it falls into the wrong hooves."

Shining Armor’s confusion deepens. "What exactly are you saying?"

Starlight sighs, rolling her eyes. "If the stories are true, the only way to stop Mother Chrysalis is for you to recover the shards, rebuild the Crystal Heart, and activate its magic. If not, your kingdom, and possibly all of Equestria, is doomed."

The room falls into a heavy silence, and then, suddenly, Cadance bursts out laughing. Everyone is taken aback by the outburst.

Cadance, still laughing, shakes her head. "‘Restore the Crystal Heart’? That’s your plan?! You little ponies really have a sense of humor, don’t you?" Her laughter dies down when she sees the serious expressions on Sunburst and Starlight’s faces. "Wait… you’re being serious?"

Sunburst nods slowly. "This theory could be the key to stopping Mother Chrysalis. But time is running out. With every moment that passes, her grip on the crystal shards tightens."

Cadance shakes her head vehemently, disbelieving. "Stop Mother Chrysalis? Are you insane?!" She gestures wildly. "We came here to ask for your help with a changeling invasion, not to embark on some suicide mission! Do you even understand what you’re asking of us?!"

Starlight, with a shrug, continues to nibble on her crumpet. "Yep."

The room grows quieter still, the distant sounds of the world outside muffled by the heavy atmosphere. In the low light of the setting sun, long shadows stretch across the room, and the rhythmic ticking of a clock fills the otherwise still space. Sunburst is the first to shift, his eyes avoiding direct contact with the others as he nervously fidgets in his seat. He knows the stakes—they all do—but he isn’t sure how much more of this burden he can bear. His hooves move uncomfortably on the table, betraying his unease.

Princess Cadance lets out a deep, exhausted sigh. She leans back in her chair, her gaze drifting to the window where the sky is slowly darkening. Her mind spins with the enormity of what’s being asked of her. "I... I don’t know what to say," she murmurs, her voice softer now, touched with uncertainty. "You want us to go after Chrysalis... find these shards, rebuild the Crystal Heart, and somehow defeat her. But what if we fail? What if we make things worse?" Her eyes flicker over to Shining Armor, seeking his strength, but even he looks as lost as she feels.

Sunburst shifts uncomfortably, his eyes dropping to the teacup in front of him, as if finding the right words to ease the tension is an impossible task. His voice is quiet, almost apologetic. "I wish I could give you a better answer, Your Highness. I truly do. But I don’t think we have a choice." He swallows, his gaze rising slightly to meet hers. "The longer we wait, the more dangerous it becomes. The Changelings will only grow stronger. Chrysalis… she won’t stop until she gets what she wants."

The gravity of his words hangs in the air like a storm cloud, and Cadance feels the chill of inevitability creep down her spine. She turns her gaze to Shining Armor, searching for something—anything—that will give her a sense of security. He meets her eyes, his expression softening, but the worry in his features is unmistakable. He’s as trapped in this moment as she is. The tension is palpable, thick enough to cut through. And then, as if to break the stifling silence, Starlight Glimmer, who’s been quietly observing, speaks up once again, her tone more measured than before. "You two shouldn’t leave tonight," she suggests, glancing between Shining and Cadance. "You’ve traveled a long way. You’re both exhausted, and with everything that’s going on, you could use some rest. It might be better to stay here with us for the night. You’ll have time to think this through.”

Cadance looks at Starlight, surprised by the offer, but there’s a sense of gratitude in her eyes. The tension of the conversation has left her feeling drained, and the prospect of not having to make any immediate decisions feels like a small reprieve. She turns to Shining Armor, silently seeking his opinion.

Shining Armor, though still hesitant, nods in agreement. "Maybe... maybe you're right. We could use a break." His eyes shift toward Cadance, and though his concern for her is ever-present, there’s a flicker of relief at the thought of not immediately plunging back into the chaos. "We’ll stay for the night."

Sunburst, looking relieved that the decision is made, gives a small smile. "Good. It’s better that you rest. There’s no point in rushing into something we can’t fully prepare for. And besides," he adds, "I’m sure we’ll think of a plan together tomorrow."

As the tension in the room begins to ease, Cadance lets out a small breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding. Her eyes flick back to the window, where the last rays of sunlight are fading, and for the first time in days, she feels a sliver of comfort knowing she won’t have to face this battle immediately.

Chapter Text

Night had settled over the forest surrounding Sunburst’s house, the once vibrant colors of the day now replaced by deep, velvety shadows. The soft, rhythmic rustling of the trees was the only sound that accompanied the crackling of the small campfire where Princess Cadance and Shining Armor lay side by side on a blanket. The firelight flickered and danced, casting long, wavering shadows over their faces. The air had a chill to it, a reminder that the warmth of the fire was a fleeting comfort against the cool embrace of the night. Both Cadance and Shining wore their nightwear, their exhaustion evident in the way they barely made a dent in the bowls of soup Sunburst and Starlight had prepared for them. It had been a long, tense day, and the meal, though humble, was a small comfort. But even that comfort seemed to sit uneasily in their stomachs, as Cadance now groaned lightly, her discomfort palpable.

“Ugh, I don’t think that soup is sitting well with me,” Cadance murmured, her voice low and tinged with dissatisfaction. She shifted on the ground, trying to find a more comfortable position, but the discomfort lingered.

Shining Armor, ever the optimist, offered a small shrug. “Could be worse. At least it’s not Haybale stew. That stuff’s brutal in winter,” he replied, attempting to lighten the mood with a weak joke, but it did little to mask the underlying tension in the air.

Cadance turned her head toward him, her brow furrowing in confusion. “Isn’t that something Twilight makes? I’m sure I remember her serving it to you once.”

Shining Armor chuckled, though it was a hollow sound, tinged with nostalgia. “She did. But between us, I’m relieved she didn’t pursue a career in cooking. Otherwise, every meal would come with a side of edible glitter.” There was a small, almost sad smile on his face as he spoke, remembering Twilight's attempts at cooking with a kind of bittersweet humor.

Cadance gave a small chuckle, her mood lightened ever so slightly. She pushed her bowl away from her, unable to stomach any more of the soup. Shifting her body, she adjusted her position on the ground to lie down, her eyes wandering to the campfire. Its flames danced and flickered, casting shadows that seemed to grow longer as the night deepened. She could feel the weight of the conversation, the gravity of everything they were facing, pressing down on her. Shining Armor followed suit, shifting his position as well, and for a long while, the two of them lay in silence, the only sounds the crackling of the fire and the occasional rustle of leaves in the trees.

After a stretch of quiet, Cadance’s voice broke the silence, soft and tentative. “Do you think they’ll be okay?”

Shining Armor turned his head to face her, his gaze gentle and reassuring. “Your mother and Twilight are two of the strongest, most resilient ponies I know. They’ll be fine,” he said, his voice calm, trying to offer her a semblance of comfort. Cadance nodded slowly, though doubt lingered in her eyes. She didn’t want to show it, but the uncertainty gnawed at her.

Another silence fell between them, and Cadance, unable to keep her thoughts to herself, turned her head slightly to glance at Shining. Her eyes fell on the bruise forming on his neck—a mark of the struggle they’d just endured. A frown creased her brow as she looked at it. “What about your father?” she asked, her voice quieter now, concerned.

Shining Armor hesitated for a moment, his gaze shifting away as though he didn’t want to confront the question. “I’m sure he’ll be fine. He knows how to handle himself,” he said, though there was a slight crack in his confidence.

Cadance wasn’t satisfied with that answer, her tone soft yet insistent. “And if not?”

Shining Armor’s voice lowered, a heaviness in it as he replied, “Then… he shall be missed by those closest to him.”

His response was matter-of-fact, but the weight of the unspoken emotion hung in the air. Shining Armor winced slightly as he touched his neck, where the bruise throbbed under his hoof. Cadance’s frown deepened, and without another word, she reached for her saddlebag beside her, rifling through it until she pulled out a block of purple ice wrapped in cloth. She extended it to him, a silent offer.

Shining Armor blinked in confusion. “What’s this?”

“Purple ice. For your neck,” Cadance explained, her voice softer now, a hint of concern creeping into her tone. “It’s not much, but… swelling doesn’t suit you.” She offered the ice with a gentle smile, the only kind gesture she could offer in the moment.

Shining Armor took the ice, his eyes softening a little as he placed it against the bruise on his neck. A soft sigh of relief escaped his lips as the cold numbed the pain. He settled back down on the blanket, the discomfort from the day slowly fading as he relaxed into the warmth of the fire.

“What do you think of Sunburst’s theory?” Shining asked quietly, his voice contemplative. “About this ‘legendary Crystal Heart?’”

Cadance absentmindedly toyed with her mane, her thoughts drifting. “I… I don’t know,” she replied, her voice hesitant. “I mean, a magical artifact made of crystal capable of defeating a psychotic queen? It sounds more like a fairytale than a solution.”

Shining Armor’s voice took on a note of pleading. “But what if it’s true? If this Crystal Heart exists, it could be the answer we’ve been searching for; the key to defeating Chrysalis and saving Canterlot. Think of what’s at stake. We need something to change the tide, Cadance. We can’t afford to ignore it.”

Cadance’s frustration bubbled to the surface, her frown deepening. “I understand that, but didn’t you hear Sunburst? The Crystal Heart was shattered, its shards scattered, and now, Chrysalis has them all! How are we supposed to track her down, let alone restore the heart and use its magic?!” She shook her head in exasperation, her voice rising with the weight of the impossible task ahead. “T-This isn’t a plan, Captain! It’s a gamble!”

Shining Armor went silent, his lips pressed into a thin line as he processed her words. They both stared into the fire, the dancing flames reflecting in their eyes as the tension between them simmered. After a long, uncomfortable pause, Cadance spoke again, her voice softer, laced with uncertainty.

“So… what’s your plan after this?” she asked, her words quiet, as if she were afraid of the answer.

Shining Armor blinked, momentarily thrown off by her question. “After this? I… go to sleep?” he replied, a hint of confusion in his voice.

Cadance shook her head, her frustration growing. “That’s not what I meant.”

Shining Armor looked away from her, his eyes flickering with something unspoken. “Well, I guess… after the changelings are gone and our engagement is over, we just go back to our old lives. You to your royal duties, and me to mine.” He paused, his voice quieter now. “But… I don’t know… nothing ever stays the same, does it?”

Cadance raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. “What are you implying?”

Shining Armor didn’t answer right away. He seemed lost in thought, his gaze fixed on the fire. His silence stretched, and Cadance’s patience began to fray. “Oh, for Luna’s sake, can we not do this again?” she snapped, the irritation creeping into her voice.

Shining Armor sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping as he finally spoke. “We agreed to this engagement out of duty. Not because of some great love. Neither of us wanted it, and we said it would end once the changelings were defeated.” He shook his head, the weight of it all settling on him. “But… I can’t just abandon someone I respect.”

Cadance scoffed, a bitter laugh escaping her. “Respect? Is that what you call it? Because from where I’m standing, it looks more like you’ve been dismissing my opinions from the start.”

Shining Armor’s eyes darkened, his frown deepening. “Respect isn’t something you just give away; it’s earned. Through all of this, I’ve tried to respect you. But you—” He stopped himself, his frustration bubbling to the surface. His gaze turned away from her as he struggled to find the right words.

Cadance, sensing the shift in his tone, narrowed her eyes. “What are you trying to say?” she demanded, her voice sharp.

Shining Armor let out a frustrated breath, his voice low and filled with resignation. “Maybe I shouldn’t try anymore.”

Cadance’s eyes widened in disbelief. “What?”

He turned toward her, his face hardening with anger. “I said maybe I shouldn’t try anymore.”

Cadance’s chest tightened at the sharpness of his words. “Excuse me?” she said, her voice trembling with shock.

Shining Armor stood up suddenly, his horn flaring with magic. “No, I don’t care who you are anymore!” he shouted, his words laced with raw emotion. “I’ve given everything to this! As a suitor, as a friend, as part of your damn guard, and what have I gotten in return? Nothing! I don’t even know why I thought I could ever get through to you! Do you even realize what you’re doing to me?! To everyone around you?!”

Cadance clutched at her chest, trying to get a word out, but Shining Armor wasn’t finished. His anger surged, and with a shout, he flung the purple ice across the camp, sending it skittering off into the darkness.

“Go ahead! Unleash your fury! Shred me, tear me apart, do whatever the hell you want! But just remember this—when you're done, you’ll still be alone!”

At that moment, something inside Cadance snapped. Her eyes burned with unshed tears, her heart pounding in her chest. With a scream that echoed through the quiet night, she finally let it all out.

“I’M CURSED TOO!”

Her voice shattered the stillness of the forest, the raw pain of her words hanging in the air. Shining Armor stood paralyzed in the soft moonlight, his breath caught halfway in his throat. The night air was still, but thick with tension, as though the world itself had paused to listen. Before him stood Princess Cadance, her face ghostly pale, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

Without speaking, she reached trembling hooves to the hem of her nightgown and slowly pulled it aside. The silk slipped away like a secret being revealed. There, just above her heart, a scar in the shape of a heart was carved into her flesh—ugly, raw, and unmistakable. It shimmered faintly with residual magic. Shining’s eyes widened in horror. He had seen that scar before. Once on Thorax. Again on Sunburst. But never had he dreamed it could be on her.

“This…” Cadance whispered, voice breaking. “This is why I can’t love, Captain.”

Shining’s mouth opened, but only fragments of words came out. “Y... You... W…”

Then silence swallowed them whole. A chill wind moved through the trees behind him. Cadance’s eyes shifted past him—and widened in pure terror.

She took an instinctive step back. Her breath came in rapid, ragged gasps. “No…”

Shining spun around. He saw only trees. But Cadance dropped to her knees, clutching her chest.

“CAPTAIN!” she cried, voice splintering. “G-Get rid of it! Now!”

“What? Get rid of what ?!”

She pointed with a trembling hoof. “T-that thing! That demon!”

His instincts kicked in. Magic surged through his horn. His sword, still glowing from their earlier patrol, lifted beside him. Then he saw it. Twin green eyes blinking slowly from deep within the brush.

“HEY!” he shouted. “Who’s out there?! Show yourself!”

The eyes narrowed. Then, they screeched . Shining charged into the darkness. Branches snapped around him, his hooves pounded the earth. A spell lit the trees in brief, strobing light. Then another shriek—and silence.

“Captain?!” Cadance screamed from the clearing. “Where are you going?! Don’t leave me!”

A second later, Shining Armor was flung back into the moonlit yard. He crashed to the ground with a grunt, rolling until he landed near Cadance, his sword clattering beside him. He lay groaning, winded and bruised.

Cadance rushed to his side. “Where is it?! Did you vanquish it?!”

“I… I only struck it once,” he gasped, coughing. “What did you say it was?”

“I-I don’t know!” she said, voice rising in panic. “I saw it at the Gala and—”

“The Gala ?” Shining asked in disbelief. “No creature like that would’ve made it through the gates!”

“I saw it!” she insisted, tears now spilling freely. “I—”

A thunderous, guttural screech tore through the ground, cutting her off. The air itself seemed to buckle as a vast shadow rose from the forest's edge. Leaves flew. The earth shuddered. Then it appeared. A monstrous figure—far larger than a manticore or chimera. Its chitinous body shimmered with unnatural light, its form part-insect, part-nightmare. Dark, tangled magic pulsed from every limb. The front door of the manor burst open with a bang. Sunburst stumbled out in his star-and-moon-patterned pajamas, blinking sleepily.

“What in Equestria is going on out here?!”

Starlight Glimmer followed, eyes adjusting to the chaos. Her gaze fell on the towering beast.

“Oh great…” she muttered dryly.

Insetto let out a screech that shattered windows.

Sunburst vanished on the spot with a pop .

“Coward,” Starlight muttered, lighting her horn.

“LOOK OUT!” Shining yelled.

A jet of dark magic blasted toward them. Starlight threw up a shimmering shield, deflecting the beam. It ricocheted into the ground, exploding in a burst of dirt and stone.

“RUN!” Shining shouted, pulling Cadance toward the tree line.

They ran. Insetto gave chase, each thunderous step shaking the ground. More beams flew. Shining fired back, but his spells barely grazed the creature’s armored hide. Ahead of them, Starlight teleported into position. She unleashed a devastating blast of energy that met the monster’s next attack mid-air. The collision lit the night like lightning—but Insetto pushed through. It overpowered her. Starlight was flung like a ragdoll, crashing into a boulder with a sickening crack. She didn’t get up.

“STARLIGHT!” Shining’s voice cracked.

Insetto’s massive tail rose—and slammed down on her body. A sound tore out of Shining that wasn’t a scream—it was a roar of anguish. He fired again, rage blinding him. The monster staggered back, hissing.

“Captain, are you CRAZY?!” Cadance yelled. “We have to run!”

“We can’t leave her!” he shouted, planting his hooves. “Get to high ground—I’ll hold it off!”

“You’re insane if you think you can handle this thing!”

Insetto’s body flared. Bristles of glowing energy sprang from its limbs—and fired like darts. Shining raised a shield just in time. They bounced off like arrows, but his magic flickered. His strength was fading.

“Princess!” he called, gasping. “Grab my sword—and stab it! ”

“What?!” she shrieked. “NO! Are we even looking at the same thing right now?! I’m not going to stab it! ”

“If you don’t,” he growled, “we all die!”

His magic failed. The shield shattered. Insetto’s leg came down like a hammer. At the last moment, Shining threw Cadance away with a burst of magic. She tumbled across the yard and rolled to a stop near Starlight’s broken form. Then the leg crushed him.

“CAPTAIN!!!” Cadance’s scream echoed through the trees.

Insetto lifted its leg. Shining groaned beneath it, blood running from the corner of his mouth. The creature wrapped its coils around him, lifting him into the air. He fought, but his horn flickered and died. Powerless. The coils tightened. He closed his eyes.

Then— a scream . Not from the beast. From Cadance.

“GET AWAY FROM HIM!”

The monster shrieked. Shining’s eyes fluttered open. Cadance stood beneath Insetto, his sword glowing in her grip. She had driven it deep into the beast’s abdomen. Blood like oil spilled onto the grass. She ripped the sword out and flew up, dodging a magical blast. Another stab, this time to the shoulder. Cadance soared, spinning through the air, gathering momentum. With a final cry, she plummeted—sword first—and drove the blade into the monster’s eye. The creature screamed . It dropped Shining. Stumbled backward. And crashed—right into Sunburst’s house, obliterating it in a fireball of debris. At that precise moment, Sunburst reappeared in the clearing, hooves full of magical weapons and scrolls. He stared at the burning wreckage.

“My HOOOOOUUUUUSE!!!”

A soft, golden light crept over the distant horizon, casting long shadows across the wreckage-strewn clearing. The crisp morning air shimmered with frost and the scent of scorched earth. The Insetto’s monstrous body was gone—no trace of the abomination remained. But from above, something fell.

Fast.

Cadance looked up just in time to see Shining Armor's unconscious form plummeting from the sky like a broken star. Her wings snapped open and she shot upward, catching him clumsily around the waist. The force of it knocked the breath from her lungs. She grunted and lowered him to the ground gently, her hooves shaking.

“H-Hey,” she whispered, brushing a damp lock of mane from his bruised face. “Time to get up.”

Silence.

“Captain? Can you hear me?” she asked, voice wavering. “...Captain?”

A distant screech shattered the stillness. Cadance froze. Slowly, she turned her head toward the gutted ruins of Sunburst’s cottage. The Insetto was still alive. Battered, torn, burned—but alive. It clawed its way from the rubble with hateful defiance, its glowing eyes locking directly onto her. There was no hesitation. No pain. No mercy. It reached to its side and yanked free the sword still lodged in its abdomen—Shining’s sword—and flung it aside with a guttural roar. Then it charged. Cadance turned back to Shining, panic flooding her.

“C-Come on, Captain! Can you hear me?” she said frantically, pressing her ear to his chest. Relief flooded her—he was breathing.

But the Insetto was closing the distance fast. Sunburst appeared in her periphery, galloping to help—only to be swept away like a rag doll by the creature’s tail. Cadance grabbed Shining by the shoulders, trying to drag him. His body was too heavy, his armor weighing him down like iron chains.

“C-Captain,” she sobbed, straining. “You gotta help me out here!”

She collapsed beside him, exhausted.

“Please…” Her voice cracked. “Wake up! WAKE UP!”

Still nothing.

Time seemed to slow. Her breathing grew shallow as her eyes darted around the battlefield. Starlight Glimmer was still unconscious, her chest rising shallowly. Sunburst was crawling back, limping and bloodied. The Insetto thundered toward them, each step shaking the ground. Tears blurred Cadance’s vision as she clutched Shining’s hoof in her own.

“I... I’m so sorry, Captain,” she whispered, the words catching in her throat. “For everything.”

She bowed her head.

“I didn’t treat you the way you deserved. I should’ve trusted you—believed in you—but instead, I pushed you away. I made you feel small when all you ever did was try to protect me.”

Her voice trembled.

“You risked everything for me. And I... I didn’t even give you the chance to show me who you really are.”

Tears spilled freely now, trailing down her cheeks.

“You didn’t just deserve better. You are better. Stronger, kinder, more patient than I ever gave you credit for.”

She swallowed hard.

“If saying sorry could fix this, I’d never stop. But more than that... I just want you to know—I see you now. And I respect you more than words can say.”

The moment hung in the air. And then, the Insetto stood above them, casting a shadow like a living eclipse. Its horns glowed, charging for a killing blow. But before it could strike—it staggered . A strange blue light flickered inside its chest, pulsing like a heartbeat.

Then, burst .

A shimmering aura tore free from the beast, spiraling upward like a phantom. The Insetto screeched and clawed at its own chest as if trying to hold something in—but it was too late. Its body twisted unnaturally, compressing in on itself like paper in a flame. And then—it imploded . One final breath. One last wheeze.

It was gone.

A hush fell over the clearing. Where the beast had stood, only a faint blue light hovered for a moment, then faded. A single glowing crystal shard drifted from the air and landed on the grass with a soft clink . Cadance slowly opened her eyes. Snowflakes drifted down from where the Insetto had been, catching the morning light as they rose like ashes to the sky. She breathed out, stunned.

“ I can hear you loud and clear… your highness. ”

She gasped, snapping to Shining Armor. His eyes fluttered open, bloodied but conscious.

“Thank the stars...” she exhaled, tears streaming.

Shining blinked at her, his voice faint. “Did you mean it? What you said?”

Cadance nodded, brushing a hoof against his cheek. “Every word.”

He held her gaze. “How do I know I can trust you?”

“You can ask me anything,” she said softly, steady now. “Whatever you need—I'll do it. No questions. You have my word.”

A faint smile tugged at his lips. “You sure you’re ready for that?”

“If it means earning back your trust... yes. Whatever it takes.”

He studied her face for a long moment, then nodded. “Then I’ll give you a chance. But you owe me.”

They shared a tired, quiet smile.

“Cadance,” she added gently.

He blinked. “Huh?”

“Call me Cadance. After everything… I think we’ve earned a little honesty.”

Shining’s smile deepened. “Then... call me Shining.”

She helped him to his hooves. He stumbled, nearly collapsing, and she instinctively wrapped a wing around him. Both blushed at the closeness—but neither moved away. A scream shattered the moment.

“ STARLIGHT!! NONONONONONONONO! DON’T YOU DARE DIE ON ME!! PLEASE! STARLIGHT!!! ”

Cadance and Shining turned. Sunburst was sobbing over Starlight’s limp body.

“I’m fine, Sunburst,” came her groggy voice, deadpan. “I’m just resting.”

Sunburst broke into joyful sobs and hugged her tightly. “ STARLIGHT?! OH THANK HOOFNESS! WHAT WAS HEAVEN LIKE?! WAS IT WARM?! DID YOU SEE CELESTIA?! ”

“Queen Luna, kill me now...” Starlight muttered. Cadance and Shining chuckled. Then a faint glow caught Cadance’s eye. She knelt and picked up the crystal shard lying in the grass.

“What is that?” Shining asked, peering at it.

“I’m not sure…” Cadance murmured. “But I think it came from the creature I stabbed.”

“Wait—you mean that thing left this behind?”

She shrugged, cradling it. “I think so.”

Sunburst and Starlight joined them.

“You two alright?” Starlight asked, still limping.

“We’re fine,” Shining said. “What about you two?”

“Much better now that Starlight’s back among the living!” Sunburst beamed.

“I wasn’t dead, Sunburst,” Starlight groaned. She paused. “What happened to that creature?”

“It… turned to snow,” Cadance replied quietly. “Just… vanished.”

Starlight raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure you didn’t hit your head?”

Cadance narrowed her eyes. “Are you sure you didn’t?”

“Wait—what’s that in your hoof?” Sunburst pointed.

Cadance handed him the shard. He examined it—and gasped.

“STAAAARLIGHT, LOOK!”

Starlight looked, and her expression changed. “That’s… no. It can’t be. I thought Chrysalis took all the shards!”

“Maybe she used them to create that creature,” Sunburst said breathlessly. “If she has the rest, who knows what she’s planning? Our theory about the Crystal Heart—it might actually be right!”

Starlight nodded, serious. “Then we can’t waste any time. We need to find the remaining shards—fast.”

“But how?” Shining asked. “We don’t even know where to start.”

“What if we track down more creatures like the one we fought?” Cadance suggested. “If they’re connected to the shards, they might be the key.”

“Wait,” Starlight said suddenly, “a unicorn friend of mine told me a creature like that attacked her village just a few days ago! I’ll reach out. If she knows anything, it could point us to the next shard.”

Sunburst offered the shard to Cadance. “Then it’s decided. Cadance. Shining. The fate of the kingdom rests with you. Find the shards. Restore the Crystal Heart. Stop Chrysalis.”

Cadance looked down at the shard in her hoof—then to Shining. Their eyes met.

“But… what if we fail?” she asked quietly. “This Crystal Heart thing—it’s still just a theory.”

Shining met her gaze. “Then we fail trying. And that’s better than doing nothing.”

Sunburst nodded. “Exactly. Even failure is noble, if it’s for the right cause.”

Cadance looked at Shining. He nodded. So she did, too.

Shining turned to Sunburst. “We’ll do it.”

Sunburst clapped cheerfully. “Excellent! Now, let’s get you packed for the journey north! Winter clothes, summer clothes—maybe spring, just in case—food, water, medical supplies—oh, this is going to be so organized! ”

Cadance blinked. “You’re not coming?”

Starlight raised a hoof sheepishly. “Yeah… we’re more of the ‘library’ type. But don’t worry—we’ll be right here when you get back.”

They started walking—until Sunburst froze . His eyes slowly widened at the sight of his obliterated cottage. He dropped to his knees and let out a heartbroken, dramatic sob.

“ NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! ”

Cadance, Shining, and Starlight all cringed.

Starlight sighed, deadpan. “Actually, I take that back. I want in.”

Dim light, the colour of bruised plums, filtered through the jagged crystal windows of the chamber. On an ornate bed, carved from what looked like petrified nightmares, Mother Chrysalis reclined. Her sleek, dark form was surrounded by a small cluster of Changelings, their multifaceted eyes reflecting the faint glow. With disturbing reverence, they offered her crimson-stained morsels. Not just any morsels, but the beating, bloodied hearts of ponies. Disgusting.

A low hum of pleasure vibrated in the air as Chrysalis delicately plucked one, her fangs sinking into the gruesome offering. The macabre feast continued in a grotesque tableau until the silence was shattered by the entrance of a Changeling Soldier. He carried a satchel, its contents unseen, and bowed so deeply his carapace scraped the floor.

"Sweetheart," Mother Chrysalis purred, her voice dripping with annoyance as she waved a dismissive claw, "didn’t I tell you not to interrupt Mommy’s feeding time?"

The soldier flinched, hastily straightening. "My apologies, Mother. But there’s something urgent you need to see."

Chrysalis sighed, a sound like dry leaves skittering across stone. "Can’t it wait? Mommy hasn’t eaten since yesterday. You know how famished I get after a hard night’s work." Her gaze lingered on the remaining pony hearts, a predatory glint in her eyes.

"I understand," the soldier nodded, though his antennae twitched with urgency. "But this is important. It’s about your... Insettos."

The words hung in the air, a sudden, chilling frost. Chrysalis stopped chewing. The blood-stained pony heart, half-devoured, slipped from her grasp and landed on the dark sheets with a soft, wet thud. She wiped a smear of crimson from her mouth, her eyes narrowing, the previous annoyance replaced by something cold and sharp.

"Show me," she commanded, her voice now flat, devoid of its earlier sugary annoyance.

The soldier reached into his satchel and pulled out a glowing orb of swirling, colourful light. Chrysalis’s horn ignited, a verdant aura emanating from its tip as her magic lifted the orb from the soldier’s grasp. It floated towards her, the light within it shifting and dancing. An eerie beat passed, filled only by the distant drip of unknown fluids from the hive’s depths.

"Little ones," Chrysalis’s voice was suddenly gentle, yet imbued with an unmistakable command, "step outside. Mommy needs to talk with your sibling."

Without a word, the smaller Changelings swiftly exited the chamber, their footsteps barely audible. Chrysalis and the soldier were left alone. Slowly, deliberately, Chrysalis rose from the bed, her form unfolding to its full, imposing height. Her gaze, sharp and unwavering, fixed on the soldier as she approached him.

"Thank you for bringing this to my attention," she said, her voice calmer now, but still laced with an unsettling authority. "Now... what happened to the Insetto?"

The soldier shifted nervously. "The Insetto was supposed to help us drain the last of the love from that village, but... it failed. It was attacked unexpectedly at 0600 hours."

"By whom?" Chrysalis asked, her voice calm, almost probing, as if she were a scientist examining a specimen.

The soldier’s antennae drooped, a grim expression settling on his face. "Canterlot’s main defense. And... a pony of royalty." He paused, a beat of uncomfortable silence stretching between them. "What should we do?"

Chrysalis paused, her head shaking slowly, almost imperceptibly. "Nothing."

The soldier’s confusion was palpable. "Nothing? With all due respect, Mother, I’m not sure that’s the best course of action..."

Chrysalis’s eyes flashed with renewed annoyance. "And with all due respect, I didn’t ask for your opinion." Another beat. "Prepare the prisoners for the throne room at noon. I have questions... and perhaps a solution."

The soldier hesitated, then bowed. "Yes, Mother." He turned to leave, but before he could take a single step, Chrysalis’s magic lashed out.

BAM!

A resounding slam echoed through the chamber as an invisible force struck the soldier’s head, driving it hard into the floor. A trickle of crimson blood began to snake down his temple. The soldier lay frozen, his eyes wide with stark terror. Chrysalis leaned down, her voice a dark, venomous whisper in his ear.

"One misstep, and you’ll regret it for the rest of your afterlife. Don’t bother me again. Understand?"

"Yes… Mother," the soldier barely managed to croak.

He scrambled up, a blur of motion, and flew away swiftly, disappearing into the dim tunnels of the hive.

The soldier darted through twisting tunnels, his form a frantic shadow against the crystalline walls. He passed other shadowed changeling guards, their eyes following him with silent curiosity. At a huge, foreboding gate, two guards, their forms hulking and imposing, nodded him through.

Inside, the air grew heavy, thick with the stench of decay and something sickly sweet. It was a grim, cavernous room, its walls lined with crystalline cages. Each cage was wrapped in thick, green, sticky cobwebs, glistening with an unnatural ooze. Green slime dripped from the walls and ceiling, forming small, viscous puddles on the floor.

The soldier approached two of the cages, his movements less frantic now, replaced by a gruff, mocking swagger. Inside, barely visible through the clinging webs, lay two bruised, battered ponies.

The screen stayed tight on the cages for a moment, the ponies within remaining unseen, their identities a mystery.

"Rise and shine, maggots," the Changeling Soldier’s voice echoed through the cavernous space, harsh and mocking. "Mother demands your presence at 1200 hours. Don’t disappoint her, or you’ll learn what breaking a horse really means."

He chuckled darkly, a sound that grated on the silence, then exited the chamber, leaving the prisoners to their fate. Revealed within, bruised and battered, their usually regal attire replaced by tattered remnants, were Queen Celestia and Twilight Sparkle. Their hair was dishevelled, their eyes swollen, but a spark of defiance still flickered within them as they exchanged worried looks.

Chapter Text

The world was a canvas of white, painted in shades of a brutal blizzard. Wind, a relentless artist, howled its masterpiece across the desolate, snow-covered field, whipping flakes into a furious, blinding frenzy. Above, the Northern Lights danced with an eerie, ethereal glow, casting long, distorted shadows that writhed like tormented spirits. Amidst this frozen tableau lay a horrifying contrast: the gruesome remains of several dead ponies, their bodies facedown, their lifeblood staining the pristine snow a stark, unforgiving crimson. Empress Amore, clad in practical, snow-dusted attire, pranced frantically through the storm, her every movement a testament to her desperation. A visible gash on her flank seeped fresh blood, a cruel testament to a recent injury. Her breath came in ragged gasps, each exhaling a desperate struggle against the swirling snow that threatened to consume her.

"Eros! Eros, can you hear me?!" Her voice, thin and trembling, was snatched away by the voracious wind. She stumbled past more fallen ponies, their vacant eyes staring into the swirling nothingness. Broken weapons—swords, spears, and arrows—were strewn haphazardly across the ground, silent witnesses to a forgotten battle.

"Eros! Please! Where are you?!" she called out again, her voice cracking, raw with fear.

Her gaze snagged on something half-buried in the snow—a bloodied bow, intricately carved, its delicate artistry now marred by violence. Amore’s face contorted in terror, her eyes wide with desperation as she frantically scanned her surroundings. Then, with a surge of magical energy, her horn ignited with a brilliant, pulsing light. A large, glowing, indistinct shape materialized before her in the swirling snow. Its form remained obscured, a nebulous beacon of unanswered hope.

"C-come on... Please, please work! Why isn’t it working? Where is he? Where is he?! It should show me, right? Please... please!" she pleaded, her voice a frantic whisper against the storm's roar.

Her eyes fixed on the glowing shape, her hope visibly draining away with each passing second. Her heart sank, a leaden weight in her chest. Amore lifted her head, her eyes darting around, desperately trying to pierce the blizzard’s impenetrable white veil. Then, in the distance, a figure emerged from the swirling snowstorm—a pony, barely upright, staggering towards her. Amore squinted, shielding her eyes with a hoof. A sharp intake of breath escaped her lips, a sound swallowed by the wind.

"EROS?!" she screamed, her voice tearing through the howling gale.

The glowing shape dissipated as Amore dropped it in the snow, forgotten. Without hesitation, she broke into a gallop, her injured flank screaming in protest, but her resolve unyielding. She raced towards the figure. As she drew closer, Emperor Eros, clad in his bloodied military attire, collapsed to the ground, his body wracked with pain. He weakly tried to reach out to her, a desperate plea in his outstretched hoof. Amore reached his side in an instant, falling to her knees and cradling him in her hooves. His coat was soaked with blood, his breathing shallow and ragged.

"EROS?! I-I’m right here! It’s okay, I’ve got you! P-Please, say something!" she stammered, her voice thick with panic at the sight of him.

"A... Amore? Y-you’re here? Thank the gods... I... I wasn’t sure... I didn’t know if I’d find you…" Eros’s voice was a weak whisper, barely audible above the storm.

"Yes! Yes, it’s me! Eros, who did this to you?!" she cried, tears blurring her vision.

"I don’t know... It all happened so fast... I tried... tried to get away... but they..." His eyes widened with a sudden, agonizing worry. "T-The baby! Are they-"

"S-She’s fine! She’s fine, Eros, she’s okay!" Amore interrupted, her voice trembling.

"S-She?... You mean.... Oh, Amore…" A faint, ghost of a smile touched his lips.

"Y-Yes, Eros... It’s a girl. We’re having a little girl," Amore confessed, her voice choked with emotion, even amidst the terror.

"A girl... That’s... that’s good...right? That’s good? She’ll be okay? You’ll both be okay, won’t you?" Eros’s eyes began to flutter closed, the effort of speech too much. Amore gently cupped his face with her hoof.

"E-Eros, no, no, no! You have to stay awake! Please, just a little longer, okay?" she pleaded, her voice rising in panic.

"No.... Amore.... Y-You can’t... I... I don’t think I can... You... You have to listen to me," he whispered, his voice fading.

"N-No! Don’t say that! W-We’ll be fine! We can fix this! We just... we just need to get home! We can-"

"Amore... You don’t understand... There’s no time."

"W-What? No! I can’t just leave you! I won’t!" Her voice was a desperate wail.

"I don’t know if... if they’re still out there... but if they are... I c-can’t... I can’t lose you."

"N-No! You’re wrong! Y-You can’t die, not like this, not now! I-I can’t live without you! O-Our child won’t survive without her father!" Amore’s voice was a raw, emotional plea.

"I need to know...that you’ll be okay...."

"N-No! P-Please!" She was begging now, her voice cracking. "Eros, please! D-Don’t do this to me! You can’t leave me like this! We’re so close... We can’t..."

"A-Amore... It’s okay..... Everything will be okay," Eros whispered, his voice almost imperceptible.

"E-Eros.... please," Amore choked out, her voice barely a whisper.

He weakly raised a hoof and placed it on Amore’s slightly swollen stomach. Amore pressed her hoof desperately on top of his, a futile attempt to keep him with her. He took a few shallow, shaky breaths. Then, his breathing stopped. His hoof went limp, falling away from Amore’s stomach. His body went still, the bitter cold seeping into him, claiming him. Amore clutched his hoof, her grip tightening in denial.

"N-no! No, no, no, no!" Her voice rose to a panicked shriek. "Please, Eros, please don’t do this! This isn’t how it’s supposed to go! Don’t leave me like this! I-I don’t know how to do this without you!" She was yelling now, her voice a primal scream. "Eros! EROS!"

Amore’s horn flared with raw magic, a desperate, uncontrolled surge of power. She tried to heave Eros onto her back, but his dead weight was too much. She strained, muscles trembling, but failed. Again, she tried, her cries echoing in the wind, a mournful dirge. Again, she failed. Finally, exhaustion overwhelmed her, and she collapsed beside his lifeless body, her sobs wracking her frame. The wind howled around her, a mournful symphony accompanying her despair.

As she wept, a low rumble vibrated through the icy ground beneath her. Amore’s head snapped up, her tear-filled eyes looking towards the horizon. In the distance, silhouetted against the stormy sky, the magnificent Crystal Empire shimmered... and then began to crumble. Jagged cracks spiderwebbed across its crystalline structures. Towers tilted and fell with agonizing slowness.

The ground beneath Amore’s hooves began to crack and break apart, as if the very earth was weeping.

Seeing the catastrophic destruction, a surge of adrenaline, sharp and cold, coursed through Amore. She scrambled to her hooves, her horn blazing with desperate energy. She tried to drag Eros’s body, but it was too heavy, too still, too gone.

Parts of the Crystal Empire were now collapsing completely, disappearing into the swirling snowstorm. The once proud buildings and houses were being reduced to rubble, swept away by the merciless wind.

Debris—shards of crystal, chunks of ice, remnants of their home—flew through the air like deadly projectiles, slamming into the snow and the already fallen ponies. Amore struggled to dodge the flying debris, which landed with sickening thuds all around her.

A large chunk of crystal hurtled directly towards Amore. She let out a terrified scream and instinctively fired a blast of magic from her horn. The crystal exploded in a shower of glittering fragments, harmless for a moment.

More debris rained down. Amore ignited her horn again, this time forming a protective shield bubble around herself. Chunks of ice and crystal crashed against the shimmering barrier, the impact shaking her to her core. Snow sprayed everywhere, a blinding spray of white.

After a few terrifying moments, the barrage subsided. Amore cautiously lowered the shield, her breath catching in her throat at the horrific sight before her.

Her kingdom... her home... was now a wasteland of shattered crystal and swirling snow. Ruins stretched as far as the eye could see, a monument to their destruction.

Just as she was about to succumb to despair, a sharp pain ripped through her abdomen. She clutched her stomach, a wave of nausea washing over her, cold and dizzying.

When she looked down, her face drained of all color, the last vestiges of hope vanishing.

In her panic, she had forgotten to extend the shield to cover Eros.

Her dead husband’s body was now buried under a fresh layer of snow, stained crimson with new blood. Jagged pieces of debris protruded from his lifeless form. His once noble shape was now squashed and broken, unrecognizable.

A gut-wrenching, primal scream tore from Amore’s throat, a sound of pure agony that defied the howling wind. She collapsed to the ground once more, her body wracked with inconsolable grief and horror. The ethereal glow of the Northern Lights faded from the sky, leaving only the cold, unforgiving darkness and the relentless, mournful wind.

"ERRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOSSSSSSSSSSSS!" Her wail echoed into the vast, indifferent emptiness.

The pulsating, dim green light of the organic walls cast an eerie glow as Queen Celestia and Twilight Sparkle were led deeper into the changeling hive. The air hummed with a faint, unsettling buzz—the ceaseless activity of the monstrous insects. Gone were their regal adornments, their flowing manes replaced by matted, bruised fur. They were simply two ponies, raw and exhausted, flanked by two imposing Changeling Soldiers who herded them forward.

"Where are they taking us?" Twilight whispered, her voice barely audible above the alien sounds of the hive.

Celestia’s response was equally hushed. "I don’t know. Just stay close... and keep your head down."

The soldier behind them growled, a guttural sound that vibrated through the very walls. With a sneer, he lashed out, striking Celestia across the side. She grunted, staggering under the blow.

"No talking to the other prisoner!" the Changeling snarled.

"Leave her alone, you fiend!" Twilight flared, her anger momentarily eclipsing her fear.

Celestia, despite her pain, gently extended a hoof, a silent gesture to calm Twilight. "It’s okay, Twilight."

Twilight stared, shock warring with disbelief. "What? B-But they attacked you! You—"

"It’s okay, Twilight," Celestia repeated, her voice stern, leaving no room for argument.

Twilight nodded, her defiance draining away. She leaned against Celestia, offering what little support she could. The strange procession finally halted before a pair of immense, pulsating doors. The front soldier pushed them open, revealing a vast, cavernous chamber. They were shoved inside, the soldiers exiting quickly as the doors shut with a dull thud, plunging them into a thick, suffocating silence.

The throne room was immense, cold, and forbidding. A cracked, empty throne dominated the far end, four faintly flickering crystal shards embedded within it, casting an ethereal glow.

A cheerful voice, laced with chilling mock sincerity, broke the tension. "Ah, guests! Did you enjoy the escort in? I trust the décor left a lasting impression."

Twilight jumped, her head whipping around. "W-Who said that?"

"Oh, my dear, you wound me!" the voice purred, dripping with feigned offense. "Surely a brilliant filly like yourself can recognize royalty."

A cold wind, smelling of decay and something indefinably wrong, rustled through the vast space. Twilight spun, seeing nothing behind her. She turned back—

Chrysalis was suddenly there, her face mere inches from Twilight’s, a predatory grin stretching across her features.

Twilight screamed.

Chrysalis laughed, a high-pitched, mocking sound that echoed off the cavernous walls. "My, my. What a little foal you are. It’s surprising to see a hoofmaiden of royalty so... jumpy."

Celestia stepped between them, her body a shield for Twilight. "Stand down, creature! By what right have you brought us here?"

Chrysalis’s grin faded, replaced by a slow, creeping scowl. She stepped forward, a shadow falling over her face. "Ah. Always the savior, aren’t you... Celestia?"

Celestia frowned, a flicker of confusion in her eyes. "How do you know my name?"

Chrysalis leaned in, her voice low and venomous. "Oh, please. You really don’t recognize me?"

Celestia’s expression faltered, her golden fur paling. She stared, a horrifying realization dawning in her eyes. Her voice, when it came, was a broken whisper. "No... It can’t be. You—"

"You bet it is, sunshine," Chrysalis smirked, her eyes glinting with malice. "Missed me?"

"Y-You two know each other?" Twilight peeked out from behind Celestia.

Celestia stammered, "I—I don’t…"

Chrysalis interrupted, addressing Twilight. "Oh, we go way back. Not that she’d admit it. Her lips are good at hiding things."

"Don’t bring her into this," Celestia glared, her voice laced with warning.

Chrysalis scoffed. "Relax. I wouldn’t dream of harming your precious little pet."

"Don’t you dare talk to her like that!" Celestia seethed, her rage growing.

"What, playing hero now?" Chrysalis mocked, a cruel twist to her lips. "Just like when you banished your sister?"

Celestia lunged, but thick, sticky slime erupted from the floor, locking her hooves in place. Her horn fizzled, its magic abruptly cut off. Twilight backed away, fear seizing her.

"Your Majesty!" Twilight tried to ignite her own horn, but nothing happened. Her hooves, too, were suddenly trapped in the suffocating slime. They struggled helplessly.

"Save your strengths, my dears. It won’t do you any good." Chrysalis watched their futile attempts with a sneering satisfaction.

"Let us go! We’ve done nothing to you!" Twilight yelled, desperation in her voice.

Chrysalis’s voice rose, filled with a raw, festering bitterness. "You’ve done everything to me! And now, you’ll pay for it!"

"What happened between us in the past doesn't justify what you're doing now!" Celestia struggled, her voice strained. "We’ve done nothing to provoke you!"

"Oh, your kingdom, your lies, your sins—everything you pretended to be!" Chrysalis snarled, her eyes burning with fury. "It’s all coming down today! It's far too late for your hollow apologies and empty justifications. You never cared for me, for her, for anyone!"

"I won’t let you twist the truth!" Celestia shouted, her voice echoing in the vast chamber. "What have I done to deserve this? To see my kingdom crumble at the brink of destruction? To be kidnapped, with my own people?!"

"Truth?!" Chrysalis roared, her voice laced with venom. "You’ve never known it! But now... you’ll choke on it! You are weak, a disgrace to everything Equestria was meant to stand for!"

"How dare you speak to the Queen that way!" Twilight defied, her fear momentarily forgotten in a surge of loyalty.

Chrysalis snapped, her composure shattering. She lunged, unhinged, towards Twilight. "SILENCE! Your precious queen sent her own princess after me, to finish what she started! She’s been playing this game from the very beginning! Let her daughter face the danger, while she sits back comfortably in her throne?! You’re blind if you can’t see it, blind to the truth, to the bigger picture!"

Chrysalis spun back towards the throne, igniting her horn. With a surge of dark magic, the four crystal shards embedded in the throne lifted into the air, hovering menacingly before her. Celestia gasped.

"No... this can’t be."

"What are they?" Twilight whispered, her voice trembling.

"My destiny," Chrysalis declared, her gaze sweeping over Celestia. "And you... will help me finish what you started."

With a sudden, violent blast of magic, Chrysalis struck Twilight. Twilight screamed as she was lifted into the air, her body convulsing. Chrysalis, with frightening speed, formed a spinning barrier of the four crystal shards, positioning it between herself and Celestia.

"Twilight!" Celestia cried out, struggling against the slime.

"Ah, ah, ah. Be careful, little sunshine. One wrong word... and she vanishes," Chrysalis smirked, her eyes gleaming.

"Over my dead body," Celestia snarled through gritted teeth.

Chrysalis shrugged, a gesture of chilling indifference. "Very well."

She opened her mouth, and a dark, insidious force began to drain Twilight’s love essence. A glowing mark formed on Twilight’s chest, throbbing with stolen energy. Her screams filled the chamber, raw and agonizing. Celestia struggled with renewed desperation, her hooves slipping and sinking deeper into the slime.

"LET HER GO!" Celestia roared, her voice thick with anguish.

"You can stop this, Celestia," Chrysalis said, her voice deceptively calm. "All you have to do... is help me."

"I will never help you!"

Chrysalis squeezed her magic, tightening her hold on Twilight midair. The scream intensified, becoming a ragged, broken sound.

"WHAT’S IT GOING TO BE, CELESTIA?!" Chrysalis shrieked, her voice crazed. "SHE CAN’T HOLD ON MUCH LONGER! MAKE YOUR CHOICE!"

The glowing mark on Twilight’s chest pulsed violently, sickening cracks forming along her barrel. The strain was unbearable, her body contorting.

"D-Don’t do it!" Twilight yelled through the pain, her voice hoarse. "No matter what she says—DON’T!"

"Twilight, please!" Celestia pleaded, her voice trembling, on the verge of breaking.

"CHOOSE! OR I BREAK HER APART!" Chrysalis roared.

The shards around Celestia spun faster, emitting a high-pitched whine that filled the room. Chrysalis channeled her magic into a crushing arc, her horn twisting with dark power.

CRACK.

A horrifying snap echoed through the chamber as Twilight’s back bent the wrong way. Her body jerked violently—

—then went limp.

"TWILIGHT!!" Celestia screamed, a sound of pure horror and agony.

Twilight dropped to the floor with a heavy thud, groaning weakly. Her breathing was ragged, shallow.

"I’LL DO ANYTHING!" Celestia cried, utterly broken, tears streaming down her face. "I’LL HELP YOU! JUST STOP THIS! PLEASE—JUST STOP!!"

The room went still. Chrysalis lowered her magic, a look of chilling satisfaction on her face. Twilight lay motionless, barely conscious, her body a crumpled heap.

"Now… was that really so difficult?" Chrysalis smiled, her eyes gleaming.

Twilight groaned, weak and dazed. Her hooves were immediately swallowed again by the sticky changeling slime, pinning her in place. The glowing mark on her chest slowly disappeared, its magic undone—for now. Twilight turned her head with effort, her eyes filled with exhaustion and pain. Celestia stood only feet away, trapped in her own slime bindings, her legs shaking beneath her.

"N-No... Your Majesty, please... you can’t—" Twilight choked on her words.

"Twilight, I—I don’t have a choice," Celestia whispered, her voice thick with despair.

"B-But... there has to be—some other—"

"I swear to you... we’ll find a way," Celestia whispered back, desperate, their eyes locking.

A silent moment passed between them—trust, pain, defeat, all shared in a single, agonizing look. Twilight, unable to argue further, dropped her gaze, her spirit broken, her body still.

Celestia turned away from her friend, lifting her chin toward Chrysalis, who now stood in front of them, unusually serene. Chrysalis stared at the four flickering crystal shards orbiting above her, her expression unreadable. She spoke not a word. Celestia stared at her for a long moment, her voice barely above a whisper.

"...What do you need me to do?"

Chrysalis slowly turned her head, a wicked smile curling at the corners of her mouth. Her eyes glinted in the dim green light. Her moment had finally arrived.

The world blurred around them in a kaleidoscope of sun-drenched plains, bustling villages, and whispering forests. Princess Cadance and Shining Armor, bruised but unbowed from their earlier battles, journeyed onward. Their path was a tapestry woven with shared laughter at the antics of quirky villagers, tense moments navigating strange magical creatures, and the quiet comfort of mutual understanding. They argued, as all close companions do, their voices sometimes sharp, sometimes playful, but always underpinned by an unwavering bond. Through it all, the unspoken weight of their quest pressed on them, a phantom chill even in the warmest sun.

The montage of sun and laughter faded, swallowed by a biting wind and the oppressive gloom of an early sunset. Day Three. The air grew thinner, the sky a sickly bruised purple. Before them stretched the Frozen North, an unforgiving expanse of endless white, where the horizon bled into a churning grey sky. They trudged onward, figures swallowed by thick, insulated snow gear, their faces mostly hidden. The blizzard raged, a deafening howl that devoured all sound, reducing visibility to mere hoof-lengths.

"Are you sure this is the right way, Shining?" Cadance shivered, her voice muffled by the storm, despite the thick fabric covering her mouth. "How much longer until we reach somewhere... warmer?"

Shining Armor squinted at a crumpled map, the parchment stiff with cold, his brow furrowed in concentration. "Starlight's friend heard about a village nearby. Said it was attacked... same type of thing we fought before. I trust her instincts." He muttered the last part, almost to himself, the words barely audible over the wind. "I think."

Cadance grumbled, pulling her cloak tighter against the relentless assault of ice. "Still can’t believe a creature like that survives here. It's just endless snow. Like walking through a frostbitten dream from Tartarus."

Shining Armor glanced around, his gaze sweeping the desolate landscape. "Hard to imagine anything living out here. But we don’t know what it’s capable of. Could be... different in this terrain."

"I can think of a few things it could do…" Cadance shuddered, a vivid, unwelcome image flashing in her mind.

A beat of silence settled between them, broken only by the shriek of the wind. They walked on, each hoof-step a struggle against the accumulating snow.

"Ever tried yak butter tea?" Shining Armor asked suddenly, his voice attempting a cheerful lightness that felt incongruous with their surroundings.

Cadance paused, baffled. "What kind of question is that?"

Shining Armor shrugged, the movement barely visible under his heavy layers. "Snow reminded me of that trip you took with your mother to Yakyakistan last winter."

Cadance rolled her eyes. "Ugh. Don’t remind me. After facing the 'Yak of Steel'... yak anything is a hard no."

Shining Armor chuckled, a warm sound in the biting cold. "Was he that bad?"

"Imagine a mountain with hooves and a temper," Cadance said, a dramatic flair creeping into her voice despite the cold. "Every other sentence was 'Yak SMASH!' followed by—well, smashing."

"Still, soft fur, right?" Shining Armor offered.

Cadance smirked. "The only thing that saved us in negotiations."

"And your mother?"

"Nearly fainted from the noise. You should’ve seen her when the prince's kids came in—twice as loud."

They both laughed, the sound swallowed almost immediately by the strengthening howl of the wind.

"What about you?" Cadance asked softly, the laughter fading from her voice.

"Hmm?"

"Do you ever... relax? Have a life outside all this?"

Shining Armor’s pace slowed, a beat of silence stretching between them. His form grew stiff, cold. Cadance slowed beside him, frowning.

"Shining?"

He whispered, his voice dangerously low. "Stop talking."

"Why? I just asked a—" Cadance began, feeling a surge of offense.

"I’m serious, Cadance. Stop. Now." His voice was grave, cutting through the wind with an unexpected sharpness.

"Jeez, there’s no need to be so rude—"

A guttural growl, impossibly deep, ripped through the howling wind, vibrating through the very ground beneath their hooves.

They spun, their eyes scanning the swirling white. From the shifting snowdrifts, a towering Insetto rose. It was larger, more vicious than any they had encountered before, its segmented carapace glowing with an ominous eldritch power. It roared, a sound that shook the snow from the trees and sent tremors through the ground.

"GO!" Shining Armor yelled, his voice raw with urgency.

Cadance didn't hesitate. She broke into a gallop, churning through the deep snow, her heart hammering against her ribs. Shining Armor stayed behind, planting his hooves, his body a defiant silhouette against the swirling white.

His horn ignited, a brilliant sapphire light piercing the gloom. A bolt of magic, shimmering with raw power, blasted toward the Insetto. The creature, surprisingly agile for its size, dodged with a hiss and lunged, its massive horn aimed directly at Shining Armor. He rolled aside just in time, the Insetto slamming into the snow where he had been moments before, launching a geyser of powder skyward. Shining Armor, without a moment's pause, conjured a shimmering shield bubble around himself.

The Insetto hissed again, a sound of pure predatory fury. It released its hooked feet, each claw a razor-sharp blade, and leaped onto the bubble. Claws slammed against the magical barrier, a relentless, furious assault that sent shockwaves through the air.

Cadance skidded to a halt, her breath coming in ragged gasps. She turned back, her eyes wide with horror as she saw Shining trapped under the creature’s furious assault. A haunting memory flashed in her eyes—the first Insetto attack, the sheer, overwhelming power of the beast.

"Not again," she whispered, her voice laced with a quiet, fierce resolve. She snarled, a primal sound that defied the cold, and sprinted back toward the fight, her hooves pounding against the snow.

Inside the rapidly vibrating bubble, Shining Armor gritted his teeth, his eyes scanning for an opening, a chance. He dropped the shield, rolling away just as a colossal claw smashed down where he had been. He drew his sword, its polished blade gleaming even in the dim light, and enchanted it with a surge of glowing magic. With a swift, powerful swipe, he severed one of the Insetto's feet.

The creature shrieked in agony, a piercing sound that momentarily cut through the blizzard’s roar, and reared back, its remaining limbs thrashing.

"HEY! PICK ON SOMEONE YOUR OWN SIZE!" Cadance’s yell pierced the din, echoing strangely in the vast expanse.

Shining Armor and the Insetto turned. Cadance was… holding a snowball?

"Cadance, no!" Shining Armor yelled, his voice panicked. "You’ll—"

Too late. She threw.

SMACK! The snowball hits Insetto squarely in the eye.

"Ah, shi—" Cadance winced, bracing herself.

The Insetto roared, its horn glowing with furious energy. It blasts a beam of pure magical force that struck Shining Armor, sending him flying through the air, a crumpled heap against a snowdrift.

"SHINING!" Cadance screamed, her voice a raw cry of despair.

The Insetto’s back split open, revealing grotesque, leathery wings that unfurled with a wet tearing sound. It blasted into the air, a dark silhouette against the swirling snow, then nosedived straight for Cadance. She dodged, breathing hard, ducking beneath horn swipes and magic beams that tore gashes in the snow. She slipped, her hooves losing purchase as the ground beneath her suddenly became glassy.

"Oh no…" Cadance’s eyes widened in alarm. She was on an icy lake. Her hooves slid helplessly across the slick surface.

She skidded into a snowbank with a yelp, scrambling to stand. Just as she found her footing, the Insetto landed with a bone-jarring impact, cracking the ice around her. It roared, swiped. She dodged again, desperately. Spreading her wings, she took flight, a pink blur against the white.

The Insetto swiped mid-air, its claw catching her wing.

"Aghhh!" Cadance screamed, a cry of pain.

She plummeted, slamming hard into the frozen lake. CRACK! The ice groaned ominously beneath her. Dazed, Cadance opened her eyes. She kicked, swimming upward through the frigid water, her lungs screaming for air. She broke the surface, gasping, coughing, her body trembling violently.

She clawed her way to the bank, collapsing onto the snow, her body shaking uncontrollably. Blood bloomed darkly on her wing, staining the white snow. Her breath plumed in frosty clouds in the biting air. The Insetto landed hard, cracking the ice even further, its massive body looming over her. Cadance tried to rise, but her body wouldn’t obey. The creature planted a foot on her, pinning her down. It opened its maw, a dark, gaping void filled with glistening fangs.

She screamed.

BOOM! A blast of pink magic exploded behind the Insetto’s head. It howled, stumbling back, disoriented.

Shining Armor barreled in, his eyes glowing with renewed fury, his horn alight with power. "GET OUT OF HERE!" he yelled, his voice hoarse.

He fired a bolt of lightning, then another, then another. The Insetto shrieked, stumbling under the onslaught of magic. It rushed into the air, circling him rapidly, a dark, menacing specter. Shining Armor wobbled, dizzy from the effort, the magic taking its toll. The Insetto swiped again, its massive claw sending him tumbling into the snow.

Shining rose with a grunt, enraged. He drew his sword once more, its blade glowing ominously, and charged.

"Shining, don’t! It’ll—" Cadance yelled, her voice raw with fear.

Too late.

He leaped, magic-boosted, and drove the sword into the Insetto’s back. The creature screamed, thrashing violently, its immense body shuddering. Shining Armor held on, terrified, his hooves slipping on the creature’s carapace. The Insetto body-slammed the earth, crushing him beneath its weight. Shining rolled free, barely conscious, his vision swimming.

The Insetto snarled, pinning him, its jaws opening wide.

A pink blur streaked in. Cadance, despite her injured wing, snatched Shining Armor up in her hooves. The Insetto roared in confusion, its prey slipping from its grasp. Cadance struggled with Shining’s weight, her injured wing screaming in protest, but she kept going, her eyes fixed on a nearby opening.

The creature gave chase, gaining ground fast.

"WOAH, WOAH, WOAH! You want to go in there?!" Shining Armor yelled, his voice laced with panic.

Ahead: the gaping maw of a Glacial Cave.

"W-We don’t have a choice, Shining!" Cadance strained, her voice tight with exertion.

"We won’t make it!"

"Do you want to die out here?!"

The Insetto was closing in, its roars echoing behind them. Cadance dove into the cave entrance, her body scraping against the jagged ice. The Insetto crashed into the mouth, too big to follow, its furious roars echoing into the cavern. It clawed furiously at the entrance, its talons leaving deep gouges in the ice.

BOOM! A magic beam, narrow and deadly, pierced through a gap in the entrance, striking Cadance mid-flight. She and Shining screamed as they tumbled down, down—

CRASH.

The air within the glacial cave hung heavy and still, the silence broken only by the distant drip of melting ice. An hour had passed since Cadance and Shining Armor’s dramatic entrance, an hour since the terrifying Insetto had been momentarily thwarted. Now, the cavern shimmered with an ethereal, icy blue light, cast by unseen magical veins within the glacier itself.

Shining Armor lay unconscious on the frigid cave floor, his snow gear dusted with fine ice crystals. Cadance knelt beside him, her heart thumping a frantic rhythm against her ribs. She shook his shoulder gently, then more firmly. No response. She touched his face, her hoof cold against his cheek. Still nothing. A sigh escaped her, a cloud of vapor in the chill air. She looked down at her hoof, then cringed, a flash of frustrated determination hardening her gaze.

With a final, exasperated sigh, she hauled back and smacked him hard across the cheek.

"OW! What the hay was that for?!" Shining Armor cried out, jolting awake with a pained yelp, his eyes snapping open.

Cadance flustered, her cheeks flushing. "I-I’m sorry! You were out cold and I didn’t know what else to do!"

Shining Armor winced, gingerly touching his throbbing cheek. "Well, next time, try something gentler, Princess. My face doesn’t need to be part of your revival strategy." He shook his head, groaning softly, then ignited his horn, a soft magical glow illuminating the shimmering ice walls. Cadance, meanwhile, began rummaging through their saddlebags.

"Where are we? What happened?" Shining Armor asked, looking around with a confused frown.

"After you decided to make friends with the Insetto, I dragged your unconscious self in here," Cadance replied, a dry sarcasm lacing her voice. "Lucky for us, it got stuck at the entrance." She paused, then added, "You’re welcome, by the way."

Shining Armor nodded slowly, the events of the fight trickling back into his memory. He frowned, his gaze hardening. "We can’t stay here long. We need a new plan—something that actually works."

Cadance raised an eyebrow, her expression incredulous. "I’m sorry, but did you see what it did to us? We were this close to becoming its lunch! Do you really want to face that thing again?"

"It was a close call, Cadance. But you’re not listening," Shining Armor countered, a hint of annoyance creeping into his voice. "Your impulsiveness almost got us both killed. We need to be smarter."

"I just wanted to help, you know?" Cadance bristled, her voice sharp with offense. "That thing would’ve killed us if I hadn’t done something!"

"Help?" Shining Armor’s annoyance deepened. "You nearly got us eaten because you acted on impulse! What if something went wrong? What if you were hurt? What would I have done then?"

"Oh, so now I’m the helpless one?" Cadance’s anger flared, her voice rising. "I’m not some fragile flower you need to protect! I can fight, Shining! I can handle myself!"

"It’s not about protecting you. It’s about making sure you stay safe," Shining Armor retorted, his own voice rising in frustration. "You can’t just throw a snowball at every monster you meet! You need training!"

"Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t realize my mother forgot to enroll me in self-defense classes!" Cadance snapped, her sarcasm dripping with rising anger. "And you—always hovering over me. Why can’t you trust me to handle things on my own? Why do you need to be by my side every second?!"

"BECAUSE I CAN’T LOSE YOU TOO!" Shining Armor yelled, his voice raw, cracking with an unexpected depth of emotion.

A stunned silence crashed into the space between them, thick and heavy. Cadance’s angry expression softened, replaced by surprise, then understanding. Shining Armor breathed heavily, his chest heaving, then looked down, a wave of shame washing over him.

"I… I’m sorry," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "It’s just… been a long few days."

After a beat of quiet, Cadance responded softly. "I’m sorry too. I shouldn’t have snapped at you."

"No," Shining Armor shook his head. "I shouldn’t have raised my voice. You were just trying to help."

They both fell quiet, the tension easing slightly, replaced by a lingering awkwardness. Shining Armor’s gaze fell to Cadance’s wing, a dark stain of blood trailing down the pale fur.

"Cadance—You’re bleeding!" he exclaimed, an alarm filling his voice.

Cadance looked down at her wing, a deadpan expression on her face. "Huh?" She paused. "Oh. Would you look at that?"

Shining Armor took a step towards her. "Let me help you with that."

"N-No, it’s okay. I can—" Cadance began, backing away instinctively.

Shining Armor gently grabbed her shoulders, his grip firm but not forceful, and guided her to a nearby rock, seating her carefully. "No, not happening. You saved my life. Now let me return the favor."

"But, Shining, I—" Cadance started to argue.

"Cadance," he said, his voice firm, leaving no room for protest.

She stared at him for a moment, then huffed softly, relenting. He levitated their saddlebags over. With practiced care, he gently lifted her injured wing, revealing a deep, ragged gash. She winced, a soft hiss of pain escaping her lips as he pressed a clean cloth gently against the wound. Using his magic, he carefully wrapped a bandage snugly around her wing, his movements precise and tender.

"There," he said, nodding in satisfaction. "Any other injuries I should know about?"

"Only the one I can feel," Cadance sighed, the pain still evident in her voice. Then, her expression softened with concern. "What about you?"

Shining Armor shrugged. "I’ll live."

He stood and scanned the cave, his eyes assessing their surroundings. Cadance, meanwhile, began packing the saddlebags again, her movements stiff. She watched him, a slow realization dawning in her eyes.

"What are you thinking?" she asked suspiciously. She paused, then her eyes widened as understanding hit her. "You want us to go deeper into the cave?!"

"Would you rather go back out and face that thing?" Shining Armor replied, a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

"W-Well, no, but what if we get lost? What if we fall? What if we get hypothermia?!" Cadance stammered, a touch of panic entering her voice.

"Now, now. No need to worry yourself into a flurry," Shining Armor said calmly, levitating his own saddlebag. "We’ve got provisions, warm gear, and I’ll keep an eye out." He glanced at her, a teasing light in his eyes. "Didn’t realize you were such a cave expert."

"I—I do not!" Cadance said defensively, her cheeks flushing. She turned away, muttering under her breath, "Dumbass."

Shining Armor chuckled softly, then followed closely as they ventured deeper into the glacier cave. His horn glowed steadily, casting long, shifting shadows against the crystalline walls of ice. A quiet moment passed between them, the only sound was the crunch of their hooves on the icy floor.

"Flurry," Cadance said softly, breaking the silence. "I like that word."

Shining Armor smiled, a genuine, warm smile. "Yeah… Me too."

Chapter Text

The magical glow from Shining Armor’s horn cut a path through the crystalline depths of the glacier cave, casting shimmering, ephemeral reflections on the icy walls. He and Cadance, bundled in their heavy no-snow gear, moved deeper into the cavern. They passed breathtaking formations: glittering waterfalls frozen mid-cascade, jagged icicles hanging like ancient teeth, and colossal, ice-covered structures that hinted at geological ages. Minerals embedded in the cave walls sparkled like hidden gems, catching the light and splintering it into a thousand dancing rainbows. For a while, they walked in quiet awe, the grandeur of their surroundings silencing their earlier squabble. But the comfortable silence soon gave way to the continuation of their conversation, a thread picked up seamlessly, reinforcing the nascent bond between them.

"—And the laughter that erupted when they saw Smarty Pants?" Shining Armor recounted, a fresh chuckle bubbling up. "I swear, it was like a sonic rainboom of amusement!"

"No!? Really?!" Cadance laughed, delighted by his story. "That’s terrible!"

Shining Armor blushed, a faint flush visible even under his fur. "I could feel their judgmental stares. I just know they’ll never let me live that down."

"Oh, come on! I’m sure your squadron didn’t mean any harm," Cadance teased gently. She paused. "Who knows, maybe they’ll start requesting Smarty Pants for their next mission."

Shining Armor rolled his eyes, a playful exasperation on his face. "As long as she doesn’t try to take my job, we’ll be fine."

"Now that’s something I’d love to see—Captain Smarty Pants of the Canterlot Royal Guard!" Cadance giggled, the image too absurd not to find amusing.

They laughed together, the sound light-hearted and at ease, echoing softly in the vast chamber. Suddenly, Cadance tripped over something and stumbled, barely catching herself before she could fall.

"You alright?" Shining Armor asked, a frown creasing his brow.

"Yeah… just tripped on something," Cadance replied, surprised.

She turned to investigate, her gaze falling upon a broken floor tile jutting out of the uneven cave floor. She knelt, her brow furrowed in curiosity. Brushing away a layer of snow, she revealed more broken tiles, scattered in a distinct pattern along the tunnel. Her eyes widened, and she called out to Shining.

"Shining, look! There’s more!"

"I wonder…" Shining Armor mused, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "Could this tunnel be some kind of old entrance or passage? Or maybe—"

As he rambled, Cadance’s attention snagged on a small crack of light far ahead. Her eyes widened, a gasp escaping her lips. In her excitement, she instinctively threw the broken tile behind her—nearly hitting Shining.

"Shining! An exit! We can finally get out of here!" she exclaimed, her voice bubbling with excitement.

"Whoa, hey! Watch where you're throwing things!" Shining Armor ducked, his hooves scrabbling for balance.

They raced down the icy tunnel toward the glimmering light. The glow led them to a massive boulder, impossibly lodged in the cave wall, leaving only a tight, precarious gap. Shining Armor gestured for Cadance to step back. She did. He aimed his glowing horn, a beacon of azure light, and fired a beam of magic. The boulder shattered into a cascade of glowing shards, and brilliant light flooded the passageway, blinding them for a moment.

Cautiously, they stepped out into the ruined grandeur of a royal dining hall, long buried beneath snow and time. The air here was less frigid, though still cool, hinting at a hidden warmth. The floor was cracked, ancient chairs lay broken and scattered, and sections of the walls had crumbled away. Yet, despite the devastation, the hall remained hauntingly beautiful, imbued with the ghostly echoes of a forgotten era.

"Wow…" they both breathed, their voices soft with awe.

They removed their cumbersome gear and saddlebags, setting them gently on the cracked floor, and stepped slowly into the vast space. Shining Armor’s gaze swept over the empty armor stands that lined the crumbling walls, vestiges of a once-proud guard. Cadance, drawn by an instinct she couldn’t name, approached the shattered dining table, its surface scored and split. A flicker of light caught her attention—she looked up. On the far wall, a massive banner hung loosely, draped over something. Intrigued, she approached, her hooves silent on the dusty floor, and pulled it down.

As the heavy fabric fell, brilliant, multicolored beams of light burst into the hall, painting the ruined space in vibrant hues. Shining Armor and Cadance looked up, breathless. Before them stood three massive, broken stained-glass windows. The center window depicted a regal pony—Empress Amore, her image now fractured by time and impact, but still radiating a serene majesty. On either side, the iconic symbol of the Crystal Empire, cracked but undeniably recognizable, completed the tableau.

"This place… it’s incredible," Shining Armor whistled softly, his awe palpable.

"This is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen," Cadance murmured, her eyes wide. "What are the odds we’d find something like this?"

"I guess my mother’s stories were right after all," Shining Armor said, stepping beside her, his gaze still fixed on the luminous windows.

Cadance turned to him, a flicker of surprise in her eyes. "Wait… You know who this pony is?"

Shining Armor nodded, his gaze returning to the depiction of the Empress. "Empress Amore. Wife of Emperor Eros. The last ruler of the Crystal Empire. My mother used to tell Twilight and me bedtime stories about her."

"What happened to her?" Cadance asked, her voice filled with curiosity.

Shining Armor’s expression grew somber. "When Emperor Eros died, Amore… just disappeared. Vanished into the snow. Some say her spirit still haunts the Frozen North. Others… say she reunited with him. Wherever he is."

Cadance stared up at the majestic stained-glass image. Gently, almost reverently, she placed a hoof against it. The glass responded with a soft, musical chime, a delicate, ethereal sound that resonated through the hall. She tapped different sections—each panel echoed with a different, angelic tone. A soft giggle escaped her lips, breaking the solemnity of the moment.

Shining Armor watched her, a gentle smile playing on his lips. But his smile faded. He drew a slow, shaky breath, the cheerful atmosphere suddenly replaced by a heavy tension.

"I… haven’t been honest with you, Cadance," he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

She stopped tapping, turning to him, her expression shifting from childlike wonder to confusion. "What do you mean?"

"About our arranged marriage," he said quietly, his gaze dropping to the floor. "I wasn’t… completely honest."

"How so?" Cadance’s suspicion was clear in her voice.

He hesitated, a beat of silence stretching between them. "Do you know why I tried so hard to connect with you? Why I wanted this arrangement to work?" His voice faltered, raw with unspoken emotion. "It wasn’t just about duty. It was… about moving forward."

"Moving forward from what?" Cadance asked softly, sensing the weight of his confession.

Another beat of silence, then he spoke, his voice gentle, almost a whisper. "From… my former fiancée."

Silence crashed down. Cadance’s eyes widened in surprise, her breath catching in her throat. Shining Armor shifted uncomfortably on his hooves, his gaze fixed on the cracked floor.

"My condolences," Cadance said after a long moment, the words feeling inadequate.

"It’s fine. You didn’t know," he dismissed, though his voice was tight. He added quietly, "I’m okay now."

"Are you though?" Cadance asked softly, almost a whisper, her empathy clear.

A heavy silence settled once more, thick with unspoken grief.

"If I may ask…" Cadance began gently, "what was she like?"

Shining Armor’s lips curved into a small, wistful smile, his eyes distant, filled with emotion. "She was… more than I could ever put into words." He paused, a deep breath shuddering through him. "The light in every room. Fearless. Kind. Adventurous. She had this strength, you know? But she also knew when to be soft. When to listen. When to love." He swallowed, his voice trembling.

"She could’ve taken on the world… and won. But she didn’t need to. She just wanted to explore it. She traveled across Equestria, chasing dreams even when it hurt." Another pause, his gaze fixed on the fractured Empress Amore. "And then she got sick." He let out a small, bitter laugh, devoid of humor. "It took everything from her. But she kept going… never gave up. Not even at the end." His voice broke. "She did everything she dreamed of… except marry me."

He choked on a breath, his shoulders trembling. "I keep thinking… maybe I should’ve been the one. Maybe I should’ve taken her place. Maybe there was more I could’ve done. We were so close… so close to starting a family." He finished, his voice a soft, heart-wrenching whisper. "But now… it’s just me."

Cadance watched him, her eyes filled with a profound empathy. She stepped closer, but said nothing, offering no platitudes. She simply stood with him, a silent, comforting presence. The two of them stood beneath the fractured stained-glass window of Empress Amore, the colored light dancing across their coats like a silent, poignant memory.

Shining Armor’s emotional dam finally broke. He sank to the floor, his chest trembling as he shed quiet, restrained tears, the sound almost lost in the vastness of the hall. Across from him, Cadance stood frozen, overwhelmed by a sudden, crushing wave of guilt. Her eyes flickered, memories flashing in her mind—harsh words, cold stares, all the damage she had inflicted on others, the emotional wounds she had caused.

She slowly walked towards Shining, her steps hesitant, filled with regret. She sat in front of him, the coldness of the floor a stark reminder of the chill in her own heart.

A beat of heavy silence.

Cadance glanced down at her chest, her eyes falling on her scarred, heart-shaped mark—a constant, painful reminder of her own internal struggles. Her face hardened, a mask of self-loathing. Her voice was barely a whisper.

"You're not the only one who… hates themselves."

Shining lifted his head, startled, his tear-filled eyes wide. Cadance placed a trembling hoof over her scar.

"I… I know I'm not a good pony," she whispered, the words heavy with self-condemnation. She paused, gathering her courage. "I see it—every time I hurt someone. In their eyes. I feel it in me… these cracks, these pieces I can barely keep together." Her voice began to shake, betraying the depth of her turmoil. "Every cruel word, every time I pushed someone away… it rips me apart. And still, it happens. Like I'm watching myself from far away." She took a shuddering breath. "I want to love. I do. I want to be kind. But this darkness in me… it won’t let go. I see it in my mother's eyes—the way she looks at me like I’ve failed her." She shuddered, a raw, exposed sound. "I hate myself for it. And yet… the ugliness still comes out. I don’t know how to stop it."

Cadance broke, a sob bursting from her chest. She clutched her scar, as if trying to hold herself together.

"I want to change, Captain," she sobbed through her tears. "So badly. I want to be someone who can love… who can be loved. But I don’t know how." Her voice dropped to a quiet, desolate whisper. "I feel like I’m beyond saving."

Silence stretched out, thick and profound. Outside the broken window, snowflakes drifted silently past, oblivious to the raw emotion unfolding within the hall. Shining slowly shifted forward, his hoof gently brushing against hers. Cadance’s sobs softened, her breathing evening out.

"You don’t need all the answers," Shining Armor said softly, his voice gentle and understanding. He paused. "No one’s born knowing how to be better. What matters… is that you want to be."

"But… where do I go from here?" Cadance sniffled, her voice still breaking.

"The next step… is patience. It takes time," Shining Armor replied, his voice a soothing balm. "You’ll fall. You’ll doubt. But you’ll keep going. That’s what matters."

"But what if I try, and it still doesn’t work?"

"Then you try again. And again. Until it does."

A quiet, fragile smile touched Cadance’s lips. Shining smiled gently in return, a shared moment of understanding passing between them. They both looked towards the fractured stained-glass windows, a soft, almost sacred light dancing across the room, illuminating their shared vulnerability.

Cadance slowly slid her hoof forward—touching Shining’s. He didn't pull away. They rested in that stillness, the gentle glow of the room enveloping them, a quiet sanctuary in the heart of the frozen north.

"I’m sorry, Shining Armor," Cadance said softly, her voice still a little shaky.

"I’m sorry too," Shining Armor replied, equally soft.

"For what?"

"For not seeing how deeply you were hurting." He paused. "Do you think… we could start again?"

Cadance hesitated for a moment, then nodded, a sad but hopeful smile playing on her lips. "I’d like that."

They both relaxed, the raw, tender moment hanging in the air around them. Then, Cadance wiped her eyes, clearing her throat, and both of them shuffled, suddenly embarrassed, their hooves slipping apart.

"We should probably find a way out of here before we freeze to death," Shining Armor said, a blush creeping onto his cheeks.

"Agreed," Cadance responded, also blushing.

Shining ignited his horn, levitating their winter gear over. He slipped into his own with ease. Cadance fumbled with hers, and he stepped forward, a gentle smile on his face. He adjusted her scarf, his hooves lightly brushing against her fur.

"There," he said softly. "All warm and cozy."

Cadance locked eyes with him, her heart skipping a beat. She blushed deeper, her chest hammering against her ribs. Shining turned away, heading toward the grand dining hall doors, leaving her momentarily stunned. She watched him go, her hoof resting over her chest, feeling the frantic beat of her heart. Suddenly—she looked up. One of the windows caught her eye. The middle one, where Empress Amore shone faintly in its stained glass depiction. Cadance breathed slower, calmer, a sense of peace settling over her.

A distant voice—Shining calling from down the hall—pulled her from her contemplation. Cadance turned to follow, but paused, looking back one last time at the window. Then she disappeared through the doors, following Shining’s glowing horn into the unknown. Silence descended upon the ruined hall once more. The room glowed peacefully—until a shadow slid through the colored light. A silhouette appeared in the fractured window, twisted and menacing, watching. A Demon slithered silently across the crystalline floor, its unseen presence following their path into the dining hall, a chilling omen of what was to come. The air in the ancient Crystal Empire Ruins was still, broken only by the soft descent of snowflakes filtering through shattered archways. Inside the broken walls of the throne room, a silent testament to a forgotten age, Cadance sat carefully on a fractured throne, its once-grand seat now cold and hard. Shining Armor stood nearby, his horn casting a gentle, ethereal glow on the icy blue walls.

"I can't believe I've never heard of this place before," Cadance mused, her voice soft with wonder and a hint of unease. "It feels so... forgotten."

"Same here," Shining Armor tilted his head, his brow furrowed. "It’s strange—especially when the Crystal Empire is part of Equestrian history. At least, that’s what my mother always told me."

"I wonder what could have happened here..." Cadance murmured, a shiver running down her spine despite the warmth of her gear.

"Maybe we’ll find out when we get out of this place," Shining Armor said, turning towards the shattered doorway. "First, we need to figure out how."

Cadance rose from the throne, her hooves descending the cracked steps. As she took her final step, her body locked up. Her surroundings blurred, the vibrant blues and whites of the ice becoming a hazy swirl. A low, guttural droning sound hummed in her ears, steadily growing louder, accompanied by muffled, distorted voices that seemed to whisper from nowhere and everywhere. In the doorway, a shadowy figure coalesced from the gloom—the Demon appeared, its form indistinct yet undeniably menacing.

Time slowed, stretching into an agonizing crawl. Cadance’s eyes widened in sheer terror.

"Cadance? What’s wrong?" Shining Armor rushed to her side, his voice urgent. "Talk to me—what’s happening?" He looked towards the doorway, seeing nothing but the swirling snow beyond.

Cadance stared directly at the creature, her breath catching in her throat. The Demon stepped forward, its form solidifying just for her. Cadance screamed, a raw, primal sound of pure terror.

Shining Armor’s horn flared, his sword materializing in his grip. "WHO ARE YOU!? SHOW YOURSELF!" he roared, fury burning in his eyes, though his gaze met only empty space.

But there was nothing. The Demon remained invisible to him. Cadance, unable to bear the sight, shut her eyes tight, hiding behind Shining, trembling violently. Suddenly, Cadance gasped in pain. Her scarred heart-shaped mark, a constant reminder of her inner turmoil, began to glow with an ominous, sickly light. A spiderweb of cracks spread from its center, slowly widening. From within the glowing, fractured mark…

…The Demon began to slither out of her chest.

"Aaaagh!" Cadance wailed, an unbearable agony tearing through her.

"Dear gods…" Shining Armor whispered, horror etched on his face as he witnessed the impossible.

The Demon screamed, a sound that ripped through the very fabric of reality, and launched itself forward. Shining Armor met it head-on with a swift sword swipe—

—But the Demon passed through him, a mere ripple in its shadowy form. The creature made a direct, unhesitating path for Cadance, its unseen claws reaching.

Just as the Demon closed in—

—CRAAASH! The Insetto beast from earlier, a nightmare of chitin and fury, burst through the throne room wall, howling with animalistic rage. Dust, rubble, and snow exploded into the air, plunging the room into chaos. Shining Armor, reacting on instinct, scooped up the paralyzed Cadance and dove behind a massive snowbank. Cadance was shaking uncontrollably, her eyes wild with terror, her breath coming in ragged gasps.

"Y-You saw it, right?!" she choked out, her voice hysterical. "That thing—it was real—it was at the Gala, in the forest—"

"I saw it too, Cadance," Shining Armor said firmly, his voice cutting through her panic. "We need to figure out how to fight back."

"How?!" she cried, tears streaming down her face. "We can’t take them both at once!"

"There has to be a way," Shining Armor insisted, his eyes scanning their chaotic surroundings. "A weakness. A pattern."

"Shining—I can’t—" Cadance broke, her courage shattered.

"You can!" Shining Armor interrupted, his voice unwavering. "Just tell me what you need—and I’ll follow your lead."

Cadance gasped, a sudden, desperate idea hitting her. She frantically dug into her saddlebag as the two monstrous creatures screeched at each other from beyond the snowbank, their immense forms momentarily distracting each other.

The creatures lunged— They found… nothing.

Suddenly— WHOOSH! A blue blur slashed across the Insetto’s back, leaving a shimmering magical trail. Shining Armor, having used his magic to levitate into the air, launched himself into the fray.

The Demon snarled, a sound that grated on the soul, and prepared to lunge for Shining—

BOOM! An explosion of pink magic knocked it back, sending it skidding across the icy floor.

Cadance appeared from behind the snowbank, her hoof blazing with power, hurling flaming tarot cards at the Demon, each one exploding on impact.

The throne room erupted into a whirlwind of chaos. Shining Armor, a blue streak of fury, dodged the Insetto’s massive claws, his sword slicing through its thick hide. The Demon, a shadowy blur, lunged for Cadance, but she countered with precise, powerful magic bursts, deflecting its ethereal attacks. Claws clashed with fire, swordplay danced with aerial acrobatics, the two ponies fighting with a desperate ferocity against impossible odds.

Finally—

The Demon lunged, tackling Cadance with terrifying force. She fell hard, her saddlebag spilling open, its contents scattering across the icy floor. Time slowed once more. Everything around her dimmed, the sounds of battle fading into a dull roar. Her chest burned, a searing agony from the glowing mark. The Demon loomed closer, its form glitching, echoing distorted whispers directly into her mind.

LET. ME. IN.

Cadance couldn’t scream. She couldn’t move. The Demon was right on top of her, its shadowy claws pushing into her chest. Her chest mark glowed white hot, the pain unbearable.

"Aaaagh!" Cadance screamed, a sound that tore through her very being.

Suddenly— CRASH! An ice spike, conjured from the glacial floor, crashed onto the Demon’s head, staggering it. Shining Armor appeared, his sword floating beside him, ready for command.

SWOOSH! The sword vanished from his side—and reappeared, humming with magic, directly in Cadance’s hooves.

With a surge of newfound strength, Cadance drove the sword into the Demon’s chest. A high-pitched, unearthly shriek tore through the air. She quickly pulled a flaming tarot card from her scattered bag and, with grim determination, shoved it into the wound.

"NOW!" Shining Armor roared.

A cloud of pink dust erupted from the Demon’s chest, followed by a blinding explosion. Cadance, fueled by adrenaline, kicked the reeling Demon back—right into the path of the enraged Insetto.

BOOM!

A massive explosion ripped through the throne room. The ancient ruins shuddered, groaning as the very structure began to collapse around them. Shining Armor, without a moment’s hesitation, dove, covering Cadance with his body as rubble rained down.

Her chest mark stopped glowing, the terrifying pain receding. Cadance gasped, sucking in ragged breaths.

"WE NEED TO GET OUT OF HERE!" Shining Armor yelled over the roar of collapsing stone.

"BUT THE SHARD! WE NEED THE SHARD!" Cadance cried, her eyes wide with a desperate urgency.

"IT’S TOO LATE!"

"I’M NOT LEAVING WITHOUT IT!"

Shining Armor grabbed her, telekinetically lifting her onto his back, ignoring her frantic protests.

"NO! SHINING! PUT ME DOWN RIGHT NOW!" Cadance screamed, her voice hoarse, as he began to move.

They escaped, dodging massive chunks of falling rubble, churning through swirling snow blizzards, the very earth trembling beneath their hooves. At the last second, Shining Armor leaped through the now-widened exit, a final burst of magic propelling them forward. Behind them, the ancient castle crumbled, a deafening roar echoing through the Frozen North. The Demon and the Insetto, caught in the devastating collapse, were swallowed by falling stone and snow, buried beneath the weight of a forgotten history.

The horizon bled a soft, ethereal orange as the morning sun finally broke across the vast, icy plains. Snow swirled gently over the shattered remains of the ancient, dark castle, a testament to the night's brutal battle. Cadance slumped off Shining Armor’s back, both of them panting, wide-eyed, and stunned by their survival. Then, a shaky, disbelieving laugh bubbled up from Cadance.

"We did it!" she exclaimed, her voice thick with wonder. "I can’t believe it… we actually made it! We’re alive!"

Shining Armor chuckled, a relieved, breathless sound. "I never thought I’d be so happy to see snow in my life!"

"Did you see the way they exploded?!" Cadance asked, her eyes gleaming. "That was perfect! Your plan couldn’t have gone better!"

"And you?!" Shining Armor countered, his voice full of admiration. "That tarot card trick? Who knew they’d be the key to taking down those monsters?"

They shook their heads, still laughing, catching their breath in the crisp morning air. The shared triumph, the sheer adrenaline of their survival, built a tangible warmth between them as they slowly rose to their hooves. The golden sunlight framed them, glinting off their no-snow attire, turning their exhausted forms into figures of resilience. They shared a long look—a silent, soft understanding that transcended words, their heartbeats seeming to sync in the quiet aftermath.

Cadance blushed, a delicate pink spreading across her cheeks, and cleared her throat. "T… Thank you for saving me back there."

Shining Armor grinned, a playful glint in his eyes. "Oh, it’s nothing. Just another day in the life of a hero, right?"

"I would’ve totally gotten out on my own!" Cadance retorted, shoving him playfully with her hoof.

"Oh yeah?" Shining Armor’s grin widened, a smugness creeping into his tone. "With that wing of yours in the condition it’s in? I'd like to see that."

They giggled, a carefree sound that felt almost alien after the terror they’d faced. Then, a faint hum filled the air as two blue, glowing crystal shards emerged from the snow where the Insetto had fallen. The monster’s body glowed bright blue, then dissolved into drifting snowflakes that scattered on the wind, leaving only the gleaming fragments behind. Shining and Cadance looked on, awestruck. They rushed forward, each bending to pick one up, the crystals cool and smooth against their hooves.

"Y-you were right about the snow thing!" Shining Armor said in awe, turning the shard over in his hoof. "I never would’ve guessed they'd drop shards like this."

"I can’t believe these creatures can drop two shards!" Cadance exclaimed, equally shocked. "How many did Sunburst say we needed again?"

"Five," Shining Armor replied, peering at his shard. "To restore the Crystal Heart." He paused, his expression growing serious. "But I don’t think we’re the only ones after them. A villager mentioned something… about the King of the Badlands. Said he’s fighting an infestation of his own."

"The Badlands?" Cadance was taken aback, her gaze sweeping across the vast, desolate plains. "That’s... That’s a long way from here, Shining. At least a week on hoof. Maybe more." She hesitated, a wave of doubt washing over her. "What if we don’t even find anything?"

"I know it’s a long shot," Shining Armor said, his voice firm, his earlier levity gone. "But it’s the only lead we’ve got. Everypony’s counting on us. If we don’t find more shards…" His voice trailed off, the unspoken consequences hanging heavy in the air.

Cadance hesitated, her gaze sweeping across the endless snowy wasteland, the weight of their mission settling upon her. Then, slowly, she pulled a second shard from her own saddlebag—the one she had retrieved earlier from the ruined hall—and placed it gently into Shining’s hooves.

"You’re right," she said softly, her voice filled with a newfound resolve. "We can’t just wait around. If this is our only chance… we have to take it."

Shining nodded, his expression softening as he placed the newly acquired shards with his own. The three crystals glowed brightly, emitting a soft, harmonic hum. The light reflected beautifully off Cadance’s face, painting her in hues of pink and gold. Shining smiled, a genuine warmth spreading through him—until he noticed the troubled expression clouding her features.

"Hey. You okay?" he asked, his brow furrowing with concern.

"Yeah, I’m fine. I just…" Cadance’s voice was quiet, hesitant. She paused, then, "I’m sorry."

"For what?" Shining Armor asked, confused.

"For everything that happened back there…" Cadance’s voice cracked, trembling with suppressed emotion. "It’s my fault we got stuck. I-I should’ve done more. I could’ve stopped it! That demon—he tried to get inside me again, just like at the Gala. And I… I did nothing! You were caught in the middle of it all because of me and my stupid emotions!"

"Cadance, listen to me," Shining Armor said, his voice quiet but firm, cutting through her self-recrimination. "It’s not your fault."

"But it is!" she cried, her voice breaking. "I could’ve done something—anything! I should’ve—"

Shining Armor gently grabbed her shoulders, his grip warm and steady. "Cadance. Look at me." He paused, letting his words sink in. "It. Is. Not. Your. Fault."

A beat of silence stretched between them, thick with emotion. Then, with a sudden, desperate surge, Cadance threw her hooves around him, burying her face in his shoulder. Shining Armor froze for a moment, surprised, then slowly, tenderly, returned the embrace, holding her close. They held each other as the sun dipped further behind the horizon, casting long, purple shadows across the pristine snow. The wind picked up, a soft, mournful sigh, but the silence between them was warm, broken only by the gentle rhythm of their breathing.

A short distance away, unseen by the two ponies, a faint slithering sound disturbed the pristine snow. The Demon, weak and scorched, its form flickering like a dying ember, pulled itself out from under the ruined castle. It disappeared into the swirling storm, unnoticed, its sinister presence still lurking in the shadows.

The throne room was a dark, cavernous expanse, lit only by the faint, sickly glow of bioluminescent fungus clinging to the organic walls. The once-glorious throne, now twisted and organic, was splintered, a testament to raw, unrestrained fury. Mother Chrysalis tore a jagged piece of it off, a guttural snarl escaping her throat, and hurled it across the room with devastating force.

Beside her, a massive, glowing orb of swirling, multicolored light pulsed rhythmically. Embedded in the throne were five large, empty holes, only two shards remaining, flickering with a dim, unsteady light.

Two Changeling drones watched from the shadows, their eyes wide with a mixture of awe and trepidation.

"Holy moly. What happened here?" the first changeling whispered, their voice a low hum.

"Mother just found out the Insetto she forced that alicorn to create failed," the changeling soldier scoffed, their tone weary. "Apparently, the alicorn’s daughter and some overconfident general blew it up."

"Really? How’d they manage that?" the changeling asked, surprised.

"Beats me," the soldier shrugged, a gesture of exasperation. "All I know is, Mother’s about to go full storm if anyling even breathes wrong."

"What happened to the rest of those shard thingies?" the changeling asked, noticing the empty slots in the throne.

"She found out the Insettos drop shards when they die. First was made from one. That pony’s? Made from two." The soldier paused, a sigh escaping them. "You can imagine her mood now…"

A furious shriek erupted through the hall, echoing off the cavernous walls.

"CHILD! COME HERE AT ONCE!" Mother Chrysalis's voice was raw with fury, rattling the very foundations of the hive.

"Damn it," the soldier muttered under their breath.

"Good luck," the changeling chuckled, quickly melting deeper into the shadows.

The soldier steeled themselves, then flew forward, landing with a soft thud before Chrysalis. They bowed low, their head dipped in deference. Chrysalis, without a word, hurled the orb of swirling light at the soldier. It slammed into them with unexpected force—they winced, barely catching it in their hooves, the raw magic burning their touch.

"LOOK AT IT!" Chrysalis snarled, her eyes blazing with an unholy green fire.

"P-Pardon?" the soldier stammered, wincing from the impact.

"TELL ME WHAT YOU SEE!" Chrysalis screamed, her voice reaching a fever pitch.

The soldier timidly tapped the orb. Light swirled violently within, a maelstrom of colors that concealed its true contents from any outside observer.

"A-All I see is an Insetto, Mother," the soldier said, their voice trembling.

"WHAT ELSE?!" Chrysalis roared, her fury escalating.

"Um… that it’s… deceased?" the soldier stammered, their body trembling.

"THE SHARDS! THOSE WRETCHED CHILDREN HAVE MY SHARDS, YOU IDIOT! HOW DID THEY GET THEM?!" Chrysalis shrieked, leaping forward, her hooves pounding the splintered floor.

"I-I-I don’t know, Mother. I-I—" the soldier stammered, backing away.

"DO YOU NOT SEE THE GRAVITY OF THIS?!" Chrysalis shrieked, her voice trembling with barely contained rage. "THEY’VE STOLEN WHAT BELONGS TO ME!" She paused, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "DO YOU NOT UNDERSTAND?!"

"I-I do!" the soldier nodded quickly, their body shaking. "W-We could rally more brothers and sisters—maybe track them down—"

"ARE YOU A FOOL?!" Chrysalis leaped toward them, her face contorted in a mask of fury. "THEY’LL ANTICIPATE THAT!" Her voice suddenly dropped, becoming unnervingly quiet, a chilling contrast to her previous rage. "We need something… darker. Something they’ll never see coming…"

The soldier went still, their eyes wide with apprehension. Chrysalis breathed heavily, her chest heaving. Then, miraculously, her expression softened. She placed a hoof on the soldier’s shoulder, a gesture of almost unsettling calm.

"My apologies, little one," she said, her voice unusually placid. She sighed, a deep, theatrical sound. "My temper… is a tempest. I’m simply tired of seeing my plans shattered to pieces." She paused, her gaze piercing. "Do you grasp the peril?"

"Yes, Mother," the soldier nodded quickly.

"Good." Chrysalis’s lips curved into a soft, yet ominous smile. "Now run along."

The soldier, relieved, nodded and flew away with the glowing orb. Chrysalis rose, her expression unreadable, and placed a hoof on one of the remaining shards embedded in the throne. Her face changed. Her eyes widened, a flicker of raw power surging through them. Her vision began to blur, the world around her swirling into a distorted kaleidoscope of colors. Sounds warped, becoming muffled, distorted whispers that echoed from the depths of her being.

Then—she turned. Standing at the base of the throne, a tiny, shadowy creature solidified. An imp of some kind, its eyes glowing faintly with an inner malice, stared back at her. Time slowed, stretching into an impossibly long moment. Chrysalis stared it down, her posture rigid, her gaze unwavering.

"What do you want?" Chrysalis asked, her voice cold and serious, devoid of emotion.

"Those ponies are really strong! You didn’t expect that, did you, Mama?" the Imp’s voice was distorted, a sing-song whisper that grated on the nerves. It paused, its head tilting. "Maybe it’s time to change plans?"

"And what do you suggest?" Chrysalis asked, her expression blank, her tone cautious, masking a rising intrigue.

"If those two ponies are acting up together…" the Imp chirped cheerfully, a chilling grin spreading across its face. "Then they should be torn apart! Like a crushed cookie!"

"They’re not quite a dessert, darling," Chrysalis said, a hint of amusement entering her voice. She paused, considering the Imp’s words. "But separating them… that has promise." She leaned in, her voice low and conspiratorial. "Tell me—how do you see this chaos unfolding?"

"You’re a heroic sorceress, Mama! You can think of anything! You can do everything!" the Imp replied playfully, its eyes gleaming with adoration.

Chrysalis smiled, her eyes twinkling with a dark, unhinged glee. An idea, sinister and brilliant, sparked behind her eyes.

"You flatter me too much, little one," she giggled, the sound chillingly unhinged. Her grin widened, stretching impossibly. "Perhaps it’s time Mommy showed you a little magic... unlike anything you’ve ever seen."

She reached out a hoof. The Imp hesitated for a moment, then, with childish eagerness, took it. The Imp placed their other hoof against Chrysalis’s chest, directly over her heart—and began to phase into her. The shadowy limb sank into Chrysalis’s body, making her shudder in a mixture of ecstasy and pain. Her chest glowed with a blinding white light. Chrysalis let out a warped, painful laugh, a sound of both suffering and dark delight. Then, with a sudden, forceful motion, she grabbed the Imp—

—and shoved them fully into her chest. A shriek of pure agony escaped her, as she stumbled backward, trembling, consumed by the agonizing transformation.

Her head jerked toward the ceiling, an unnatural arch to her neck. Her mouth opened unnaturally wide, forming a gaping maw from which black smoke and tendrils of dark magic spiraled, mingling with similar currents erupting from her eyes. Tears streamed down her cheeks—but her smile grew, wide and terrifying. She stood tall, her posture powerful, broken and reborn in a terrifying metamorphosis.

With a final, guttural cry, she summoned a ring of vibrant green fire that spun rapidly around her, a swirling vortex of destructive energy. Several changelings, drawn by the immense magical surge, emerged from the shadows, watching in fear and reverence, their forms trembling.

"MAMA’S COMING FOR YA, PONIES!" Chrysalis screamed, her voice distorted, yet filled with a chilling, triumphant cackle. She laughed wildly, the green fire rising higher and higher, consuming the darkness of the throne room.