The following takes place between 12:00am and 1:00am

Seeing Chrysalis caused Celestia to freeze. The memories of the wedding came rushing back. Luna didn't move, she will do anything to protect her sister. None of them called the royal guards. They could be changelings impersonating them and this could be a siege. Chrysalis moved from the drape to the bed. Her smile and eyes were the two things Celestia didn't forget.

"Why have you come?" Celestia tried her best to prevent her experience from distracting her mind.

Chrysalis took her time to answer. She enjoyed watching the sisters' reaction to her presence. "Been hearing of some changelings running rampant. Whom I recall aren't under my command anymore."

"What made you so damn sure?" Luna asked.

"Where were you when your sister's encased in a cocoon? Finding where all the moon and stars go when the sun comes?"

Luna felt taunted, she fired a beam of magic, only to have it deflected by Chrysalis' magic.

"Luna, don't let her get to you," Celestia told Luna.

"Is she going to tell us more about the changelings, or is she going to enter our heads and screw them?" Luna retorted.

Chrysalis had enough enjoyment for herself. "After my failed attempt in ruling Equestria, my army slowly split. They weren't leaving just to live with the citizens of Ponyville. I've noticed is the colour scheme. At first, it looked like they had trouble turning back to their original form. I had to work my wings off to aid them. Those minions can be unpredictable, then they got smarter."

"Smarter? In what way?" Celestia asked.

"Some analysed my flaws and some planned to stab me in the back. Luckily I had some servants giving me the heads up. Later on, they left before they're discharged from the swarm. Then came the news of Sugarcube Corner Robbery. I may seem like a random event, unless it's done as a… ruse."

"Those ponies who tried to rob the Cakes were the rogue changelings." Luna replied.

"Sadly not part of Sect. Which I thought was just a folklore to scare fillies. Though I do enjoy telling it." Chrysalis lower her eyelids until they're half-closed and smiled.

It's unknown to Celestia if Chrysalis wanted revenge. She doesn't know anything about the queen of the swarm. Not giving Luna any information about them was a definite misstep. She could have helped her at the royal wedding. Instead Shining Armour and Cadance's power of love saved them. She didn't ask her sister where she was or why she didn't help.

"There's no need to offer any help. ESCT and Jack Bauer are all we need." Luna tried to gain authority.

Chrysalis' wasn't easily intimidated and her mood remained the same. "Both of you need me. I'm sure your student and her friends will agree with you. After all, you're Equestria's ruler. You're unaware they're taking you for granted. Probably because you're stuck at being a princess. They look down on you, the one who makes the decisions."

She managed to make Celestia come to her senses. Chrysalis continued her anecdote. "You're still a princess and yet haven't stepped up. I'm a queen and not for power reasons. You haven't been taken anything serious recently."

"I have taken things seriously." Celestia tried to protest in her defence.

"After Twilight and her friends met for the first time."

"How did you know?"

"News spreads quickly in Equestria."

Celestia wasn't certain if Chrysalis is right about her status. Changing rank might go against those who look up to her. Sure Luna will still be a princess, Celestia is the one they turn to first.

12:10am

Jack explained what's been going on in Ponyville. Zecora began to worry, but quickly change her emotion.

"This may seem unorthodox, can you give me unlimited ammo?" Jack asked.

Zecora looked at the gun. He showed her the magazine with the remaining bullets. She didn't have any doubts. She grabbed a spell book, to find the right spell. "I know you're a good person Jack. With Twilight and her friends, they got your back."

She concocted a brew. Jack watched her pour in liquids, crushed plants, and stirred them in a cauldron. It simmered to boil.

"I have to place my gun in there?" Jack asked.

Zecora nodded. He dropped the gun and magazine full of bullets in the cauldron. He had to wait for a few minutes. Time isn't Jack ally. He spent half of a full day in Equestria. Every minute counts.

Zecora reached in and pulled the gun. She carefully handed it over. Jack cocked the gun, pulled the trigger more than eight times. The gun didn't click. Zecora covered her ears when Jack aimed. Ten holes in the roof showed a full moon. Jack gave an apology. "Sorry about your roof. I think I should go back."

"Whenever you're in dismay, come visit any day," Zecora told Jack before he left.

He arrived back at the cottage. Sleep wasn't what he's planning. In every crisis, he doesn't sleep until it's resolved. When he entered, Fluttershy's already inside. "How did you get in?"

"Your door's unlocked." Fluttershy looked worried.

"What is it you want?" Jack can see her looking worried.

It's difficult for Fluttershy to explain. Jack wasn't impatient, he waited for her to speak. "I saw an alicorn fly to Canterlot. It landed in the castle where Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are. I told the others about it, they're probably too tired to listen."

"Are the princesses in danger?"

"Not likely. I'm just worried that's all."

Jack can see her looking timid. It reminded him of his daughter Kim, at a young age. He reached over, trying to hug her. Fluttershy didn't try to make him stop. She found it awkward.

"Why are you hugging me?" she asked.

"You remind me of somebody back home." Jack nearly felt embarrassed, not for hugging a pegasus.

"Do you think they're worried that you're missing?"

"I have no idea. My cell phone has no range and I don't what time it is there. Guess we'll know once this is over."

Jack went to the door, insisting Fluttershy to come with him. "Maybe your friends will listen when I explain."

Fluttershy smiled.

12:39am

Twilight felt tired, she carried a cup of coffee. Pinkie Pie was awake all night. She looked like she's about to run amok.

"How much coffee did she drink?" asked Applejack.

"None. She's been like this when we slept," said Rainbow Dash.

Two guards stood in front of the royal bedroom. It's very silent inside, it seemed calm. Jack didn't think everything's alright. "I like to speak to the princesses."

The guards didn't recognise him at first.

"Are you the one who saved Princess Celestia from a changeling?" one of the guards asked.

"Yes I am."

"Proceed." The other guard opened the door.

"Should we go in in as well?" asked Rarity.

"I think it's best we wait. Besides, I need to sleep," yawned Twilight.

"Good idea," agreed Fluttershy.

Jack entered the bedroom to see Luna and Celestia on the bed. He couldn't see anybody else. Celestia covered her head with her hoof. Luna told Jack about Chrysalis. "I'll be outside."

"Shouldn't you be with her?" Jack asked.

"I think you should talk to her. You experienced turmoil before… you give words of encouragement."

After Luna left the room, Jack didn't ask on how did she knew of his past. He sat next to Celestia, he heard her crying quietly. "Your majesty? Is something the matter?"

"I don't know who I am. I don't even know if I'm rightful enough to rule Equestria."

"Is this got to do what Fluttershy told me?"

Celestia's confused at first, then Jack told her about what Fluttershy saw. "She thought you were in danger. Her friends are outside."

Celestia didn't have any choice but to tell Jack. "An alicorn named Queen Chrysalis came here earlier. She's the leader of the changelings. She invaded Canterlot, kidnap and impersonated Cadance, used Shining Armour to lower defences… I didn't listen to Twilight. Can't believe I've been used."

"Did Twilight and friends end up saving the day?" Jack couldn't believe he said that sentence.

"Only Cadance and Shining Armour's love for each other stopped the swarm."

"And you?"

"Trapped in a cocoon after being struck down."

Celestia cried after she finished talking. Jack rarely saw a leader break down, after remembering a past experience with an enemy. He didn't know how to help the leader of a magical land with talking equines and other creatures. Jack tried his best to comfort her.

"Things have been rough I know. I've seen tragic events on the field, and made tough decisions. All I can do is try to show I'm not stopping."

"She also said I should have greater power."

"By doing what?"

"Becoming queen."

Jack didn't see as a big deal. "Changes can be scary, but you must learn to accept them. If you want to show that you can be powerful, respectful, and not taken for granted, this is the first step."

Celestia's eyes leaked rapidly. "Do you think they'll like me as a queen?"

"It's not just the status alone, it's to show you got what it takes, to show full responsibility. I met leaders who coped with obstacles. Whether it's based on my actions, or world changing events. If your parents were around, they would probably tell you they faced the same turmoil as other prior."

Celestia felt better. She didn't bother wipe her eyes. She placed her head over Jack's shoulder. Her wings acted as arms, wrapped around him. "OK Jack, I'll take your word."

Jack's glad to see her smile. Before he left, he stroked her mane, just to see what it feels like.

Luna rushed to Jack once he exited the room. "So Jack, is my sister alright?"

He saw the other ponies wanting to know too. "She will be, we had a talk."

"What is it about?"

"Becoming Queen Celestia of Equestria."