Twilight and Dawn Flash were sitting side by side on the train back to Ponyville. For most of the ride, Dawn sat there staring at Twilight incredulously with wide eyes.

"Uh, is there something wrong?" Twilight asked when the staring became weird.

"Oh...uh, well it's just that...is it true that you are one of the Elements of Harmony?" Dawn asked.

"Uh, yeah, although the Elements aren't really...around that much anymore. But yeah, the Element of Magic." Twilight answered.

Dawn's face lit up.

"Was Princess Luna really the fearsome Nightmare Moon?"

Twilight nodded.

"And you defeated her and returned her to her true form?"

Twilight nodded again.

"And what about the Changelings? And the Crystal Empire, is Sombra truly gone? Or what about that Discord character? Is he really an ally of Equestria now? What of Tirek? I heard that that battle was fierce. Or what about-"

"Hey! Dawn Flash. We're here, we can talk all about that when I get you to the castle. Okay?" Twilight spoke.

"Right. Ahem, I apologize." Dawn agreed as she followed Twilight off of the train and the two mares walked through Ponyville's main square.

"Welcome to Ponyville Dawn Flash." Twilight proclaimed.

Dawn's eyes widened even more as she took in all of the sights around her. The pegasi flying around keeping the skies clear. The Earth pony merchants selling their wares. The unicorns hanging about, levitating their bags or belongings with lit horns.

The square was full and busy and Dawn Flash was doing her best to take it all in at once.

"There are so many ponies around," she sighed in awe.

"Don't you have towns like this in Equintine?" Twilight asked.

"Yes but...I haven't been allowed to leave the royal palace ever since I was announced to be the heir." Dawn replied.

"Huh? What do you me-"

"Ooh what's that over there?" Dawn exclaimed, pointing to a building.

"Um, a restaurant."

"And that?" "A fruit stand." "What about that?"

"Okay, we should get you to the castle Dawn Flash." Twilight interjected.

"Oh, oh yes of course. Please, lead the way Miss Sparkle of Twilight." Dawn replied.

"Y'know, you really can just call me Twilight."

The two princesses went into the castle, where Spike was waiting for them.

"Twilight! You're back! How was your trip? Is everything okay? Is Equestria at risk from evil magic again? Should I contact the others?...Who's that with you?"Spike demanded.

"Spike, this is the princess of Equintine, Dawn Flash." Twilight announced.

"Greetings, Sir Spike." Dawn greeted with a wave of her hoof.

Spike smiled awkwardly and waved back.

"Dawn is going to be staying with us for while. We have to keep her safe here until she can go back to Equintine." Twilight explained.

"Oh, okay then." Spike spoke before leaving the two princesses.

"It was nice meeting you princess!" Spike called as he ran off to do...whatever it was that he was going to go and do.

"And to you as well Sir Spike!" Dawn replied.

"C'mon Dawn Flash, I'll show you the rooms that you can stay in."

Twilight led Dawn through the long halls of the castle. Dawn looked around at the tall, empty spaces as they passed by them.

"Is there something wrong princess?" Twilight asked.

"No, it's just that...this place reminds me a lot of the royal palace back home," she answered, "however, this one seems...warmer. Friendlier."

"Oh? What's your castle in Equintine like?" Twilight asked, trying to properly break the ice between her and the other princess.

Dawn Flash's eyebrows furrowed and she frowned as if remembering something unpleasant.

"Big," she answered finally "big and dark and cold...and lonely. The last king we had, Oberon, wasn't a very pleasant fellow. His rule had been short at a mere ten years but the nation that he left is still here. Many good ponies lost their jobs and businesses when Oberon created the High Lord's system. Where his advisors and other rich ponies are to be served with the highest priority. He separated himself from the rest of the country and left Equintine divided."

"That...that sounds horrible." Twilight commented.

"But, let's not dwell on my homeland. I'm in yours now! And I would love nothing more than to learn as much as I can while I am here." Dawn replied with a smile.

Twilight wanted to know more about the subject, but it clearly was a touchy area and decided against pushing it.

"Alright then. Let me show you to your room."

Twilight led Dawn Flash up a flight of stairs. She saw the other pony being a bit slower as she climbed the steps.

"It's just up here princess." Twilight spoke as she watched the struggling pony.

"Do you...do you need help?"

"What? No, no no no. I am fine. It's just this dress. It is quite long-woah!" Sawn exclaimed as she slipped and fell backwards down the stairs.

"Dawn Flash!" Twilight shouted as she jumped down.

The Equintine royal groaned as she got up. Her styled mane was now lopsided, and her bag had been tossed aside.

"Are you alright?" Twilight asked worriedly, helping Dawn Flash up.

"Yes, yes I am fine Miss Sparkle of Twilight...wait. My bag. Where is it?" Dawn Flash quickly scanned the space around them until she found the bag several hoof-lengths away. With a gasp she quickly trotted over to it. She picked something up before sighing and turning around.

Dawn was holding a crown. It was shining gold, encrusted with white gems and a single sapphire sitting at its center.

"Good, no damage." Dawn Flash muttered as she put the crown away.

"Dawn Flash, what are you carrying that crown around in your bag for? Shouldn't you be wearing it? Is it not yours?" Twilight questioned.

"Oh, it is mine. At least, it's going to be." Dawn replied. "When my two years training period ends by month's end, I will be able to wear this crown as the new Queen of Equintine."

"Two years training period? What is that?" Twilight wondered.

"When the new heir is identified, they are taken to the royal castle for training over the course of the following two years. The heirs are to learn the ways of Equintine law, as well royal traditions and mannerisms within the confines, er, I mean walls of the castle." Dawn explained. "This way, we will be prepared to rule, without the distractions of the outside and/or common folk."

It sounded as if Dawn was reciting something that she had been required to memorize. She spoke in a monotone yet sounded skeptical, as if she were trying to convince herself that what she was saying is actually true.

"What do you mean by, when the new heir is identified? Isn't the heir the child of the previous ruler?"

"No," she answered she turned to show Twilight her cutie mark. "this is the sign of royalty in my homeland."

Dawn Flash took out the crown once more.

"You see Miss Sparkle of Twilight, in the ancient times of Equintine, our people were ruled by a powerful alicorn. That alicorn ruled for many centuries, but when they themselves finally grew too old, they cast a spell. A spell that would provide Equintine with a cycle of rulers. When the previous monarch passes on, the royal cutie mark will eventually appear upon the next heir. Then they are trained in the royal ways for two years, and then the crown will be bestowed upon them. It is said, that the crown holds the great alicorn's magic within it, and only the chosen ponies can properly wield it." Dawn Flash explained. "Fair Cross is committed to eliminating me from the equation. Committed to keeping me from my destiny. If I return to Equintine with the crown and its magic, then the people will see that I am indeed the next chosen. My rule will go unchallenged and all will be well."

Dawn however, didn't sound so sure.

Is this whole thing okay? The history of Equintine and stuff.

Let me know what you think! Comment and review!