Canterlot Royal Barracks
Lit in the glory of Celestia's late day sun, the Canterlot Royal Barracks was alive with activity. Ponies went this way and that, each seemingly on a mission of their own. Many carried an assortment of blades in holsters on their forelegs and spears slung over their backs. Many of the earth ponies even carried crossbows as they hurried along on their way.
The rather out of place mint green unicorn cast her eyes around the busy atmosphere of bright, golden and white buildings as she walked slowly along. With a start Lyra realised Bon Bon was no longer at her side. She saw her mare's cute flank as it disappeared inside the officers building, 'looks like Bonny wasn't joking after all...' She sighed, her head sinking low. After a solemn moment she rose up then gaze turned to the courtyard she was in. Lyra noticed there were two earth pony stallions who watched her like impassive hawks, their crossbows ready in case of trouble. Lyra decided it would be better if she went elsewhere. Maybe now would be a good time to go visit some friends?
Inside the cramped office space, a deep red earth pony stallion with a black mane sat behind a neat desk. He lent back and smiled at the creme mare who entered the room.
"It is a pleasure to see you again. Bon Bon, was it nowadays?" The deep, heavy voice of the officer was laced with pleasure at seeing the mare before him.
"Yes. That's right, Captain Dark Lance."
"You're just in time."
"For what?"
The captain sighed, "there has been a griffon attack on two of the element bearers in the Canterlot forest."
Dread crept down the earth pony's back as she tried not to think about what a griffon attack on Pinkie Pie's friends might mean. "That's why Pinkie's Pinkie sense kept going off!"
The officer scowled at the mare before him. "Yes, well. Celestia has declared our borders closed to all griffons and I have been asked to revive the program and return to hunting down dangerous creatures across Equestria. That's why I'm glad you came. We need all our best agents back on the job and ready for action."
"Okay." Bon Bon sat back in her seat and thought for a few moments. "But why now? What makes dangerous creatures so bad now that we are looking at hostilities with the griffons?"
"I think that they might be a useful tool should war break out."
"What?"
"Do you not agree?" The stallion lent forward, his keen gaze examined the mare before him. "Unleashing several dangerous beasts against the griffons in their own camps could save the lives of many ponies. Best of all, it would keep them from troubling us. It would almost be like all the times we rehoused creatures."
"That's hardly fair to the beasts." Bon Bon sourly.
"Come. Walk with me." Dark Lance stood and without waiting for the candy mare, headed for the door behind his desk.
The two walked in silence for a while as Bon Bon contemplated where they might be headed. Then her mind began to wonder what her marefriend might be up to.
The duo turned into a larger meeting room and Dark Lance closed the door behind them. "One moment please."
The officer left the earth pony alone in the room and Bon Bon took a seat at the long table. Just as she was about to let her mind wander back to her sweet Lyra, the door at the opposite side of the room opened and a pegasus mare poked her head through.
Bright blue wings shot out in surprise, "oh my gosh, it is you!"
"Hey! I'm now Bon Bon," the creme earth pony half rose.
"Well, my name is now Cinnamon Flare. But, I still do the odd job for the military. Couldn't quite make myself quit after it all went bad, you know?"
Bon Bon nodded in understanding. "Yea, I guess I was one of the few who wanted out then?"
"Ah, don't worry about it. You might have been one of our toughest, craziest agents but that didn't mean it was your calling. Did you get to follow your calling once you left?"
"Oh did I ever..." Bon Bon sat down with a blissful sigh. "I opened a small candy store in Ponyville and I supply the local bakery with many of their specialist sweets. I also met the mare of my dreams, Lyra."
The bright blue pegasus smirked as she took a seat next to Bon Bon, "don't go checking me out. My husband might not like it. He often works with me, you know... to keep an eye on me."
"Oh hush you," laughed Bon Bon. "I only have eyes for Lyra."
"Was that the green unicorn that accompanied you to the barracks?" Dark Lance asked as he reentered the room.
Bon Bon gave a start and turned to face the deep red stallion. "Yea. She insisted upon coming with me after she overheard some of our conversation. She... wasn't happy that I had been keeping secrets about my past job here."
"I see..." The stallion took a set near the head of the table. "I'm glad you had at least kept your quiet up till now."
The door once again opened and another two stallions filed into the room. One grey burly earth pony and a white unicorn in shiny silver armour with a light green mane. They nodded in greeting to Bon Bon as they sat and everypony turned to the commanding officer.
"Thank you all for coming. Sadly, Celestia is unable to be here. She had hoped to meet you all herself like the good old days. However, the facts are as follows; after today's attack on two of the bearers of the elements of harmony, no griffons are allowed into Equestria. It no longer matters if they claim to be rogues or not. It is suspected that the griffons seek artifacts and other objects of power and means to take what they desire with any force necessary. Celestia refuses to strike a preemptive blow against Griffonstone. However, she has sent a team of two pegasi to deliver a final warning: Leave us alone for a full year and prove to us that no harm is meant. If this is ignored, our time of peace with them will officially come to an end." The stallion glanced around at the set jaws and contemplative faces.
After a moment to process, he slowly continued; "further to this, I am investigating other candidates for the supporting roles to our core team. We will have been given our own small airship with crew. This will assist with locating and capturing of beasts that threaten Equestria. If war breaks out, our goal will be to deliver our payload to strategic targets and attempt to disrupt the griffons as much as possible. It will be dangerous and all of you are likely to be in near constant danger. However, you were the best of my original team and I know that if you are willing, then we can do this. It will save pony lives and I believe the end justifies the means. Who is with me?"
Bon Bon felt everypony else in the room raise a forehoof almost immediately. She sat back in her seat and tried to think as her commander's words circled around in her mind. "But what about my Lyra? I can't just leave her..." The candy mare realized she had voiced her thoughts out loud and her gaze shot up to the commander.
Dark Lance lent forward, "do you believe your fillyfriend could be a military asset to the team?"
Bon Bon gave a dry laugh. "She's a musician and a real sweet oddball. I don't know if there's one killer bone in her body. I-I want to help. Even though I'm concerned about what you mean to do... but... Lyra is the best thing that ever happened to me and I don't want to just leave her and go disappearing off on an airship in search of dangerous beasts."
"Then you must decide what is most important to you and what you can offer in defence of others. Keep in mind, when not in action, we will be based right here in Canterlot."
The two toned mane bobbed slightly as Bon Bon nodded. "May I have a day to talk to Lyra and think about it?"
"You may."
"Can I ask my hubby if he would like to join?" Cinnamon Flare asked. "He's a good fighter and could keep a watch on the airship while we subdue the monsters."
"I will consider him," Dark Lance nodded. "Alright. Meeting adjourned. I expect everypony who is on the program to be here at six hundred hours sharp for training."
Bon Bon rose slowly. What was she going to do? What would Lyra say? She slowly squared her shoulders and nodded to her old officer as she left the room.
Canterlot Palace
With the late day sun filtering through the palace windows, Twilight and Luna arrived outside the hospital wing, the purple unicorn heard the sound of several hooves approaching from further along the corridor.
"Twilight! There you are!"
Fast as lighting Pinkie Pie appeared before the duo and gave Twilight a big hug.
"Hi Pinkie, what are you girls doing here? Did Celestia ask you all to come? Wait- how did you get here so fast?"
The party pony stepped back from the purple unicorn and smiled uneasily at her. "It was my Pinkie sense. It's never been this crazy before! So we caught the first train to Canterlot and here we are!"
"Yea," Applejack agreed. "Ah've never seen her Pinkie sense explode like it did so, we figured it must be pretty serious."
"Are you okay? You don't look so good Twilight." Spike spoke up.
The full weight of the situation returned to Twilight once more and she sighed. "It is pretty serious. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were attacked by two griffons in the forest outside Canterlot and if it weren't for the rainbow trail that Dash leaves when she flies fast, none of the guards would have found them or made it in time."
Rarity nervously took a step back, "I'm not sure I like where this is going, darling."
"They both nearly ...were... uh..." Twilight choked on the words and fell silent.
A dark blue wing fell upon the purple unicorn and she leant into the strong side of the princess of the night.
Pinkie Pie's eyes flashed between the duo before her. "They are okay, right? Please tell me my Pinkie sense didn't mean that they passed away!"
"Never fear," Princess Luna spoke up. "They both are inside the hospital wing in a stable, if critical condition."
The pink mare deflated at the news and let out a massive sigh of relief. "Oh thank goodness. I don't know what I would do without those two."
"Ah' think you speak for all of us there," Applejack agreed. "Do you think they'll let us see them?"
"That depends," mused Luna.
"On what?" Rarity asked.
"If the medical team have finished."
"Right."
"This way, we shall inquire as to their condition and with luck, you four will be allowed to see them both." Luna's magic opened the small double doors to the Canterlot royal hospital and she stepped inside.
The other ponies were quick to follow. They arrived at the main desk in silence. The newcomers' gaze was temporarily stolen by the simple golden and yellow trim that decorated the walls. The air smelled crisp, clean and clinical. The reception area was neat, tidy and dead quiet, save for the clop clop of the newcomer's hooves. There were enough chairs for ten ponies to wait by the wall off to their right, each currently unoccupied.
The light blue earth pony mare behind the desk glanced between the group before she settled on Luna. "Do you wish to see Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash?"
"Yes."
"I will ask their nurse if they are able to be seen and return shortly." The mare bowed then trotted off down the hallway.
Luna felt a tug and startled. Impossible!
No. That was impossible. No creature could see through her illusion spell! Something had just broken a spell she had placed in the Foal Mountains... And there were only two spells she had bothered to place there. "We must leave thee. One of my spells tripped a proximity warning and We must check it out immediately."
Twilight spotted the look on the larger mare's face, "which one? Where? I could come too. I can help you."
"This is something we must do alone. Tis not far and we shan't be too long."
"Okay." Twilight shot Luna a cautious look. "Well, I guess... you take care out there, Luna."
The alicorn nodded then made a hasty exit.
"What was that about?" Rarity asked as Twilight turned from the entrance way to face her friends once more.
"I don't know. But I think we should take a seat and wait for the receptionists return." Twilight led her friends as they headed to find a seat along the wall opposite the reception desk.
As they settled awkwardly down in the otherwise empty waiting room, Pinkie Pie deflated into a chair.
"You alright there, Sugarcube?" Applejack asked as she settled down next to the party pony.
Pinkie shook her head.
"You may see her now."
Four ponies glanced up to see the receptionist as she stood in the doorway that led to the wards.
Twilight stood slowly while Pinkie Pie bounced up. Rarity and Applejack shared a glance before they too joined the party and headed off into the pristine white hallway beyond. They walked in silence behind their guide, each uncertain about what they would discover when they arrived.
"This is Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash's ward." The mare paused beside a set of double doors. Room seven. "Although neither are awake, I ask that you try and remain quiet."
"Thank you, we will," Twilight replied as she slowly pushed the door open with her magic.
The small group stepped inside and drew back the large curtain to reveal two hospital beds right next to each other. Pinkie Pie zipped up to the blue form and loudly gasped silently. There was only a small amount of blue visible from under the casts and sheets. It appeared that her wings were bound, her forelegs were in a cast and her lower body was hidden under the white sheet. Her muzzle was mostly hidden behind bandages too.
Twilight walked slowly over to the yellow form and spotted signs of bandages around Fluttershy's barrel. Her right foreleg was in a cast and her left was hidden beneath the spotless white bedsheet. Her face was hidden behind bandages with two small holes for her to breathe.
The clearing of a throat drew the girls attention to an older unicorn stallion who sat in the corner with a clipboard levitated in his magic. "Greetings, I am doctor Silverlight. I have been in charge of caring for you two friends."
"Hello, thank you for looking after them. Err... how are they?" Rarity asked as her gaze flittered between the doctor and the two downed pegasi.
"Very lucky." The unicorn rose and paced over to Fluttershy's bed. "I was worried that either one might not make it, but they are lucky that those guards found them when they did."
"Right." Rarity managed, her gaze flickered between the two pegasi and the doctor. "How long will they be like this?"
"Hard to say exactly. Maybe a month. Thanks to her knowledge of healing, Celestia was able to heal most of the internal damage suffered by Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. Our unicorn surgeons also managed to heal a lot of the damage done to Fluttershy's face and lower barrel where a griffon took several bites out of her. Neither are perfect heals and I would be very careful touching her anywhere on her barrel as she needs time to let the magic set and for natural healing run its course. Her muzzle will be very sensitive for at least the next three weeks. Her right foreleg was broken and she has lost several feathers, but once those grow back, she should be able to fly again." The stallion turned his gaze to the other-bed bound mare. "Rainbow Dash appears to have been the primary fighter and as such as sustained a lot of small cuts and bruises. As we were focused on healing her major wounds, the smaller ones are left to heal by themselves. She had both her forelegs broken and some bruising to her ribs but thankfully those appear to have protected her vital organs. Her face was not in the best shape either, but we expect her to make a full recovery with only scars left to tell of this incident."
"So... once all... that... heals-" Twilight cautiously asked. "They will definitely be okay?"
"They will live, provided there are no complications with their bodies accepting the magic."
Pinkie Pie deflated. "Oh thank goodness!"
Mighty wing, Griffonstone
The tawny brown hide of Grandeur was spotted slipping between the shadows of buildings. His grey-white head bore the crown he enjoyed wearing and an intent gaze was set upon his face. As he came before a bleak stone building he smiled to himself. The chief strode up to the door where a tough black and white griffon wearing a black cape stood guard. "I'm here for my drink, now let me in."
"Entry is six bits." The guard stared back, unafraid at the imposing figure before him.
"I'm the chief, let me in." The white chest feathers fluffed as Grandeur added emphasis to his demand.
"Six bits, or get lost."
"I'm sure you only charge other griffons two."
"For you asshole, it's six." The guard locked eyes with his leader, unflinching. He shoved his own beak into his chief's, "now pay up or get out of my face."
The cocky royal griffon scoffed. "Whatever." He grabbed five bits and offered them to the guard.
The black and white griffon flinched the bits but failed to move from the door.
"Well, move."
"By my count that was five. Sir." The guard remained impassive in the fact of his impatient leader.
"I've paid you, fool, now move!"
"One more bit." The guard unsheathed a dagger he had hidden. "Or leave."
Grandeur took a half step back, shocked at his underling's audacity. "You would attack me?"
"I attack any creature who fails to pay or get out of my face. This pub is for higher-order only. I can't just let any scum off the street in here."
"I'll get you fired, is what will happen." Chief Grandeur reached into his bits bag and flicked the lone bit at the bouncers face.
The griffon was quick to pluck the money out of the air and pocketed it. He stepped aside and slid his dagger back under his cloak. "Get out of my face."
The chief did as he was bidden, he shoved the door open and strode into the well adored inside of the pub. Now he really needed a hard drink.
Mighty Wing, Griffonstone
Inside one of the thatch huts in the outer rim of Mighty Wing, a group of musicians were gathered.
Echo scratch, a unicorn with a blue coat and fuzzy white mane revealed his latest creation, a new electric guitar. This one was a seven string beauty with red fire painted along the sharp body and up the smooth neck. The old six string it was placed beside looked rather plain in comparison. Echo smiled proudly at the members of the griffon metal band he had been cultivating. Each creature wore a wide grin as they eyed the latest addition to their musical arsenal. All in the group either wore spikes on their foreclaws and pauldrons. Each band member also had their hair and feathers styled to be spiky.
"That looks so badass... a shame we don't get to test it out with you tonight." A tough black and red griffon who wore a leather jacket with a spiked collar and shoulder pads carefully picked up his new instrument. "I would have loved to have you sound check this baby..."
"Why? What's wrong?" Echo Scratch glanced around the group, uncertain as to why he could not attend the show he had helped put together.
"You don't understand. Rumour on the street says war is coming. Chief Grandeur, the great big flankhole that he is, is said to be preparing to kill ponies on a mass scale. That scheming rat has something planned. You won't be safe with us here anymore. When he takes absolute power in the next few days, there is nothing any of us can do to stop the guards from killing you."
"But- I'm only like a musco. Like, come on."
Lynx, the only female griffon in the band stepped forward and placed a blood red claw comfortingly on the pony musician. "We know you rock, but as far as our leaders are concerned you are a pony. Nothing more to them."
"But... I had been looking forward to seeing you try out my new creation on stage tonight..." Echo Scratch took the seven string guitar in his magic, caressed it then carefully placed it in a stand where he eyed it mournfully.
"I know. But your safety is more important. Maybe we can play loud enough that your little pony ears will hear us from the border." The tough black and red griffon sniggered as he reached out and loving picked up the new guitar. He carefully ran his claw across the painted fire that embellished the body and neck of the guitar. "I love this design. I bet it sounds even more epic than it looks."
The unicorn nodded slowly, "alright. I'll go. Guess I can give my daughter a big surprise. But I want you lot to promise me something."
"Anything."
"Keep safe. If war really does start, I don't want to come back one day to find you all died."
Gryo scoffed, "other ponies might be dweebs, but we aren't really interested in killing any of your fellows. I for one would rather make some ears bleed rockin' it out on stage than actually killing."
Gerwalt nodded his painted red and black head as if in time to some heavy music. "Shit yea man. But we want you to keep that weeny body safe too, okay?"
"Thank you. I will do my best." Echo nodded with a slight smirk.
"Alright, who's gonna fly this runt out of here?" Gerwalt cried out.
The tough black and red griffon placed the guitar upon its stand and removed his neck spikes. "I can. You lot need more practice with the riffs and screeching. I'm sweet as for tonight."
"Thank you, Red."
Gryo walked over to the new guitar and carefully ran a claw along. Red was quick to snatch the offending claw and bent it over the yelping griffon's back. "That's my guitar. Go play with your bass!"
"Ow, ow, screw you asshole, I just wanted to touch!"
Red scoffed and relinquished hold on his bandmate. He then ran his claw lovingly along his new guitar, his eyes transfixed by its flawless beauty. "No touching. I'll know if my girl has been tampered with. Alright, let's go, horn face."
Various mutters followed the pony and large griffon out.
Skies above Equestria
With mighty wingbeats, Luna flew over the city of Canterlot on her way to check the hidden griffon artifact. The glow of the capitol caught her eye and she couldn't help but marvel at her sister's work in creating such a mighty city.
After a few moments, she tore her gaze away and honed in on the distant mountains of her destination. What if she was out of time? It felt rather... quiet... What if it had been a false alarm?
But what if some creature had managed to stumble through her illusion and break the shield and found the artifact? That would not be good. 'You should have been more careful...' With a deep breath to steady her nerves, she powered her horn and teleported.
With a blast of moonlight and a frantic beat of her wings, Luna reappeared. The Foal Mountains were much closer now. Her gaze fell upon the middle mount and with her next target in sight, she once again powered up her horn. With a flash of moonlight, the wild skies fell silent once more.
Canterlot Palace, royal dining room
Celestia settled down at her place on the royal table.
Today had been taxing both emotionally and magically. She was looking forward to a more calorie orientated meal this evening.
...Basically, a meal centred around cake.
Blueberry, an earth pony mare with a light blue coat and purple mane, entered the room with a cart laden with a variety of cakes. "Are you sure you require cake first?"
"I am, thank you."
Golden magic captured the cakes and placed them down on the table in front of Celestia.
The server bowed then made her exit as the lone alicorn prepared to enjoy her selection of cakes.
Celestia bit into the first and her eyes fluttered closed with a sigh. This was better...
She took a second bite then a third and before she knew it, she was onto her second cake. As she ate, she wondered how her daughter was holding up. Should she send her another message soon? Or would it seem a bit odd that her 'auntie' was sending another letter so soon?
As the princess bit into her second cake, her mind wandered to the two element bearers who were in the care of her hospital. She was thankful that with the help of her staff, they had managed to stabilize the couple. The couple had taken a beating but clearly had something to live for. That would be sure to help them.
She smiled to herself. Celestia was thankful that even with times becoming rougher, love could still flourish. Almost like her sister and rather oblivious student. Those two had been rather quiet for the last two hours. Maybe they were off spending some time together after the brutal surprise.
"Your highness."
With half a cake suspended in her magic, Celestia side eyed the guard who had snuck into the room. Despite the fatigue that still played her system, she rose to her full height and placed her wonderful morsel down. "Yes?"
"Um..." The guard paused then carefully continued, "we kinda... lost the griffons but I think we found out why they were so close to Canterlot."
"Why might that be?"
"We found a dead zebra, mostly eaten under some foliage. One of the guards had the unpleasant experience of tripping over it after investigating a bloodied area of bush."
Celestia couldn't help but cringe at the mental image. If they ate that zebra, her little ponies were also at risk. Maybe it was a good thing to close her lands to the griffon tribes...
"We think this zebra was on the run and being chased. But because of the condition of the body, we can't tell anything else about the poor creature."
The pure white alicorn sighed. "Please prepare a messenger and escort. I want them to be ready to fly to the Zebra tribes homeland with haste. I will prepare a message, asking if this poor soul might be one of theirs and if they have suffered any attacks from griffons."
"Yes, princess."
The white stallion turned only to pause as Celestia lightly cleared her throat. "I think it might also be an idea to contact the hippogriffs. I wish to see how our allies are faring."
The white stallion bowed then exited the room on his mission. The large mare eyed her food regretfully. There was no way she could enjoy cake right now. This was because of those griffons. Were they becoming antagonistic toward all creatures? Was there even such a thing as griffon rogues? Were they under orders of some griffon? Grandeur? He was a dangerous case for sure, but was he so evil as to desire conflict? Or could it be one of the other griffon lords? Zeke the Untamable had always been a rough character and rather warlike as far as griffons went. Maybe it could be worth sending a few scouts to discreetly check on the griffon tribes?
Yes, she would be sure to send her best operatives into their lands, just to check for sure. It was no longer worth leaving anything up to chance and good faith.
Today good faith had its face torn off by two griffons. Now was a time of action and sacrifice.
If there were griffons on the move in her land, her daughter might no longer be safe. With a pang of fear, the regal mare teleported her ink, quill and paper to her and began to write.
Once the scratching of quill on paper finished Celestia was quick to send the scroll off on its way. She hoped that a response to her simple message would be forthcoming soon.
The princess sat in silence.
Time dragged on slowly and the scent of cake began to call to her once more. A keen pair of eyes came to rest upon the delicious specimens before her.
Celestia's cake tummy called out for more sustenance.
'Maybe I should check to see how Lulu is doing?' She pondered to herself.
The smell of Cake called once more. The cake tummy rumbled. It demanded to be satisfied.
Celestia had to do something before her situation became critical.
Hungry eyes fell upon a two layer chocolate sponge cake. It was a simple thing. Chocolate swirls on top, two layers filled with chocolatey goodness. Perfect for a ruler who was worried about what the new day might bring.
Before she knew what she was doing, the cake glowed softly and rose into the air. A dainty bite was had and a sigh escaped her lips. It was perfect. She took a second, less dainty bite. That was better...
All too soon, that cake had also vanished.
Celestia felt out to the sun as it lay low in the sky.
Surely Cadence would have read her message by now.
Her ...niece was always fast at replying.
What was going on?
'I knew I should have investigated the use of tracking spells on ponies...' Celestia eyed another cake, one layer, white and blue with rainbow sprinkles on top.
She knew she should step away and seek out healthy food.
Her horn lit and the chosen cake slowly rose into the air.
On second thoughts, cake was good. Comfort food was perfect when your only remaining daughter was out in dangerous territory, not replying. Maybe in trouble... or worse, discovered by griffons and attacked like Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash had been.
She picked up a large glass of wine and downed the lot. No. No thinking like that. Cadence was strong. Cadence had Shining Armour, her best guard at her side. They would be fine.
They had to be fine.
Maybe it was time she sent another letter, this time to insist upon a reply? But what if they were in danger and another flash of a scroll appearing could attract unwanted attention.
This waiting business was hard when it was your ...niece out there.
Just as the light blue attendant approached, Celestia's magic took hold of another cake.
"Would you like your glass refilled, your majesty?"
With her mouth full of cake, Celestia nodded slowly. Blueberry studiously refilled the large glass, bowed then retreated.
Celestia took another long drink. She had a feeling that she was in for a hard night ahead.
Foal Mountains
With a flash of moonlight Luna appeared on the slope of the rocky mountainside of the Foal Mountains. She took several deep breaths to steady herself. Multiple teleports to reach the location with haste had been rather taxing and not something she had put herself through in some time.
However, somepony had definitely triggered her spells warnings. She took flight and soared up the mountainside toward the magical cliff face she had made. She flew through the illusion and landed roughly inside. With a flick of her wings, the dark mare strode deeper into the cave and froze in alarm as she reached her shield.
It was not there.
What!?
Why?
What had happened to her barrier? No creature should have been able to see through her rock face illusion. Worst case scenario, no creature and certainly no griffon should have been able to break this barrier so quickly. Something was wrong.
The long dark horn lit with moonlit magic as the alicorn advanced carefully through the cave. Something skitted about in the shadows. Luna jumped slightly and blasted the spot.
The alicorn of the night strode toward the small crater. Nothing of note was there.
Luna took off at a trot toward the back of the cave and quickly came before the location of the griffon artifact.
It was gone.
"No. This can not be..."
Something dark welled up inside. It met the sinking feeling of doom and exploded. The dark alicorn staggered back several paces.
Frantic, Luna ran for the exit. Her illusion spell faded as she rushed through it.
The illusion spells failure revealed a blasted rock cave entrance. In the middle of this entrance stood a half black, half midnight blue alicorn. The darker side of her muzzle sported a fang while her horn crackled with dark magic. As she stumbled along, Luna flickered between nightmare and her regular self.
"Where is it?! It's mine!"
"Mine!"
All of a sudden the dark magics broke, leaving a tearful midnight mare in their wake. Luna collapsed upon the rough rocky ground and covered her face with shame as she wept. It was too much to take in. Something was very wrong.
"W-what is happening to me?"
The thought that maybe she should have brought Twilight crossed her mind. As Luna felt a darkness well up inside she flailed about on the ground as though to try and strike some attacker.
"No- stay away! You were defeated!"
The sudden fading sunlight broke the internal struggle with the realization that she had to raise the moon. She had to do it now or raise the suspicion of her sister. That would not do. There was no way Celestia could know!
With a shaky breath, Luna reached deep inside herself until she felt her moon. The night called out to her, gave her strength and made her feel calmer. With a burst of lunar magic, she flooded the sky with stars and her moon crept out above the horizon. There, all better.
Then a second realization hit. It was dinner time. Twilight and her friends would be having dinner about now and she was missing a chance to spend time with the pony she wished to court.
'You can't just leave! Where is the artifact! They can't be allowed to steal my artifact!" Luna clamped her mouth shut. Somehow that dark thought had done more than simply cross her mind. But the nightmare was banished? How could it suddenly use her mouth to speak?
This was disturbing. Yet as Luna lay there, she had no idea what to do. She should tell her sister. Or Twilight.
Celestia would demand to know why she had moved the artifact. Cele would also take some kind of action to counter the rise of the nightmare.
'She will banish us to the moon again!'
"No. I am her sister. She promised..."
'She lies...'
Luna shook her head as she stumbled to her feet. Twilight! She would have to tell Twilight.
Twilight would know what to do! Or at least, she would panic with her as they worked out what to do together.
Yes.
That is what she would do!
And best of all, it would allow her to spend time with her twilight. Somehow she did not like the way that Pinkie Pie had looked at her when they had arrived to see Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. Luna hoped that the party pony had not tried to seduce Twilight while she was gone. Luna was not she what she would do if she lost Twilight's heart.
No. She would not lose Twilight!
Moonlight lit the cave entrance. With access to her full power, Luna called on her moon to teleport her home.