Chapter 20

Canterlot Castle, Canterlot

While Celestia was busy making arrangements with the visitors from the CISS, Luna on the other hoof was bored once again. While visitors from other nations was usually cause for excitement, it never lasted. She wished something else would happen. That’s the funny thing about wishes; they often come true not in the way you expect. This was the case for the youngest alicorn sister. Just as Luna was about to find another toy a grey blur flew at her. It slammed into her face, knocking her to the ground. The room became dark and as she regained her composure she noted the faint smell of blueberry muffins. As the princess tried to talk, she heard a squeak. Luna huffed in frustration, noting that the squeak became louder. She flew backwards as light flooded her vision but still managed to slam into a wall.

Luna rubbed her head. “Ughh what manner of tomfoolery is this?”

A gray wall-eyed pegasus waved at her. “Hiya Princess I have a letter for you!”

“Oh why hello Derpy. What in the world were you doing earlier?”

“Well I was in such a hurry that I flew in here and sort of…slammed into you.”

“Very well but why were you squeaking so much?”

Derpy blushed. “Umm when I crashed, your mouth was tickling me…in a very private place.”

Realizing the faux pas she committed, Luna laughed nervously. “That would certainly explain the squeaking. Sorry Derpy it was not intended.”

Derpy wing-shrugged. “I know, I’m just clumsy…no harm done. Anyhow, I have a letter for you.”

“Who is it from?”

Derpy squinted. “Hmm I dunno. The writing is really weird; it looks like a bunch of squiggles. But the stationary is fancy.”

Luna looked at the letter. “That’s Arabic. I wonder what the Saddle Arabians would want from me.”

“Can you read it?”

“Yes, I learned it centuries ago. The title on the letter reads: To the esteemed Princess of the Moon. Rather generic if you ask me.”

Derpy hovered over Luna. “Oh oh open it and see what it says!”

To her Highness Princess Luna of Equestria

Greetings sacred bringer of the night. The supreme leader of Saddle Arabia, Generalissimo Alem Al-Qadir, invites you to attend the grand ceremony denoting the five year anniversary of the founding of the new state. If you decide to attend, arrangements will be made to accommodate you. I would be equally as pleased if you sent a representative. I understand that you may be busy and might not be able to attend. Please RSVP within a week of receiving this invitation.

Salutations -Gen. Al-Qadir

Luna scratched her head. “This letter seems a bit off…”

“What do you mean princess?”

“Before I was sent to the moon, I seem to recall that Saddle Arabia had a sultan. Perhaps that has changed?”

Derpy sat on her haunches. “Mhmm something did change. Five years ago some general overthrew the sultanate. It was big news! I think it was because the sultan was corrupt or something…I’m not sure.”

“That certainly explains why I don’t know of it. But why are they sending me a letter and not Ti-err I mean Princess Celestia?”

“I guess it’s because your sister doesn’t like the new government very much. A lot of ponies were killed during the civil war. It didn’t last very long though, because the general had most of the population on his side.”

“Yes, I imagine Tia would be quite upset with ponies willing to commit regicide. Have they tried sending letters to my sister?”

Derpy nodded. “Yeah but she kept throwing them out. We even got a royal order to toss any incoming mail from Saddle Arabia addressed by the general.”

Luna rubbed her temples. “What am I to do? I certainly can’t judge this so called ‘General’ simply on what others think of him. I’m not really in a position to attend a function so far from Equestria; it would require too much preparation…as much as I’d like to go. What do you think Derpy?”

“Hmm well, why don’t you send that captain of yours to the function?”

“Nightwing? Surely you must be joking. He’s busy staying at Rarity’s house in Ponyville. I couldn’t do that to him.”

Derpy giggled. “Don’t be silly. What I meant was that Rarity could go with Nightwing, as his official guest. She likes parties after all…and it’d be pretty romantic.”

Luna shot her hoof in the air. “OF COURSE! HUZZAH, WHAT A SPLENDID IDEA DERPY!”

“Um princess you might want to tone down the royal voice a bit.”

Luna blushed. “Sorry force of habit. But seriously, thank you for such a great idea.”

“Always happy to help. Well I gotta go, if I don’t get back to the office my boss will buck me into next week.”

Luna waved. “Farewell Derpy. Oh and the next time you find yourself near the castle, I’ll make sure to have some muffins ready for you!”

With a navy blue flash Luna teleported to Carousel Boutique before anypony could get a word in.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Carousel Boutique, Ponyville

Nightwing sighed in relief; finally those three fillies had decided to fall asleep. It had taken him three hours’ worth of board games, movies and junk food to get them to settle down. Despite all of the effort, he smiled looking at the trio. They were all huddled together in Sweetie’s bed snoring lightly. He chuckled seeing how much Scootaloo was drooling. Apple Bloom was kicking her legs slightly, which Nightwing assumed must have been a dream about bucking trees. Sweetie was content to cuddle Scootaloo, nuzzling her occasionally. Nightwing quietly crept downstairs to find Rarity huddled on the couch reading a book.

Rarity put down her book. “So I take it that they are finally asleep?”

“Yeah, it only took like three hours. Sheesh I swear you could power an airship with all the energy they have.”

Rarity giggled. “I imagine you aren’t far off darling. *Sigh* I really am trying to get into this book, but it’s terribly boring.”

“What’s it about?”

“It was recommended to me by Fluttershy. It’s about some guard falling in love with a princess, terribly cliché. She’s such sweetheart but has terrible taste in literature.”

Nightwing rustled with wings. “Actually I know quite a few guards that think the princesses are hot. In the old days there used to be a posting that involved attending the erm…royal plot.”

Rarity rolled her eyes. “Yes, I’m sure that even the princesses have needs. But what about you darling? Have you ever had the urge to ravish a princess?”

Nightwing’s ears flattened. “Well I…”

“Come on now, speak up! It is terribly impolite to keep a lady waiting.”

“I’m a guard; I shouldn’t be talking about such things. Especially in front of mares.”

Rarity huffed. “What? So you aren’t going to tell me since I’m not one of the stallions. Is that it?”

“No, it’s not that I just don’t want to…”

“Offend me? Please darling, I’m not a filly. Go on I promise I won’t get upset.”

Nightwing blushed heavily. “Ok I think Luna has a really nice figure. She looks like one of those supermodels you see in magazines. I’ve even gotten close enough to catch her scent. She smells like a mixture of cherries and lavender. But don’t you dare tell her I said that!”

Rarity laughed. “I do enjoy gossip but such thoughts are not meant to be shared with royalty. I wonder if Luna would consider taking a paramour. Even I think she’s absolutely gorgeous. You still didn’t answer my question though. If given the opportunity, would you make love to her?”

Nightwing let out a soft whimper. “…yes.”

“I suspected as much. Many stallions and mares would take such an opportunity. But…I did happen to notice you ogling me while I wore my black lacy panties. I wonder if a similar thought crossed your mind then…”

Nightwing’s wings began to unfurl. “That’s not fair. I tried my best not to…”

Rarity placed her hoof over his lips. “Don’t worry I’m not angry darling. I’m quite happy that you looked. The whole point of maintaining my beauty is, in fact, to be looked upon.”

Nightwing sighed in relief. “Oh thank Luna. Umm if it isn’t too forward…what do you think of me?”

“What do I think hmm? Well you’re certainly easy on the eyes darling. No I don’t think you being a batpony is a bad thing, nor does it scare me. I think it gives you a certain mystic. Of course it helps that you have extremely…toned muscles.”

Rarity gasped in surprise as a navy blue light engulfed the room. Before her stood the very princess of the night in all her glory. Nightwing snapped his wings to his sides and dipped his muzzle to the floor.

“Your majesty I wasn’t expecting to see you at this hour.”

Luna lifted his chin. “Please rise Captain, there is no need for such formalities.”

“Yes ma’am. What can I do for you?”

“I would be grateful if Rarity and you could attend a celebration for me.”

“Is it some kind of Gala?”

“No, but similar in some ways I suppose. The Saddle Arabians have invited me to their founding celebration. I don’t think it’s a very good idea for me to go…however I could send you as my representative.”

Rarity cleared her throat. “Excuse me princess, but did I just hear you say Saddle Arabia?”

“Yes but…”

Rarity’s eyes sparkled. “*Squee* The land of sultans, exotic spices, oh and all that lovely architecture. And all the wonderful flowing clothing they wear! Nightwing, WE SIMPLY MUST ATTEND!”

Nightwing shuffled his hooves. “I guess we could go but there are two issues.”

“Fine…name them darling.”

“As a nightguard it is my duty to keep up with modern politics and the happenings in other nations. Saddle Arabia doesn’t have a sultan anymore, Rarity. The ponies there rebelled and installed a military dictatorship. It happened a few years ago. Granted from what I’ve heard, General Al-Qadir is a benevolent tyrant but still.”

Luna flared her wings. “So that’s why my sister doesn’t like them! She always insists that citizens in every nation should share power with their ruler. I’m afraid that such a thought is a merely an ideal, not a reality.”

Rarity puffed out her chest. “It is our duty as Equestrians to show other nations respect and courtesy, regardless of how they run their government. I shall be attending princess.”

Nightwing tapped Rarity on the shoulder. “We still have a small problem. Who’s going to look after Sweetie?”

“My word, you’re absolutely right! In my excitement I forgot about my poor sister.”

“What about Pinkie Pie, she seems to be good with foals. Why would fillies be any different?”

“I can’t ask her that Nightwing. She’s already busy enough looking after the twins and she has a job to boot.”

Nightwing frowned. “Oh…right. Hey what about Dusk? He has the library to look after but I’m sure that his job isn’t so demanding that he couldn’t look after a filly.”

“I’m not sure he would…wait IDEA! I could have Spike look after her.”

“But isn’t Spike a baby dragon?”

Rarity scoffed. “Yes, but you do realize he is nearly as old as we are darling. Why with all the cooking and cleaning he does around the library, I am confident that he is responsible enough to look after my sister. Although I shall likely need to bribe him somehow…”

Luna stared at her captain. “Do you wish to go Captain?”

“I’ll go. I was just making sure that we tied all the loose ends first. Besides I’ve been wanting to brush up on my Arabic.”

Luna clapped her hooves. “Excellent, I shall send back the invitation post haste. You have my thanks Captain.”

Nightwing bowed. “Anytime your majesty.”

Rarity trotted upstairs and came back down with a bulging pair of saddle bags on her back.

“Rarity why does it look like you’re going on a camping trip?”

“I DESPISE CAMPING! No, the bulges you see are gems darling.”

“Gems? Why would you need so many of them?”

Rarity whipped her mane to the side. “Why to bribe Spike of course. You can’t expect him to foal-sit Sweetie for free do you?”

“Maybe you could put on the old charm and persuade him?”

“No, I’m afraid such a thing is impossible. Spike only has eyes for Fluttershy. He would probably jump off a cliff if she asked him to. Oh well c'est la vie.”

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Golden Oaks Library, Ponyville

Spike was busy munching on a bag of cheese curls, listening to some music. He had long since given up trying to read manga, all of the noise going on in Dusk’s room interrupted his concentration. In all honesty he really didn’t want to hear his adoptive brother having crazy sex anyway. Spike sighed knowing full well that Dusk would be sore tomorrow, thus virtually useless. Many chores awaited him. As Spike stuck another cheese curl in his mouth, there was a knock at the door. He opened the door to find a very anxious looking Rarity.

“Good evening Spike, might I come in. I have much to discuss with you.”

“Uh sure but what do you want with me?”

Rarity dumped her saddlebags onto the floor. “I need you to do me a favor.”

Spike saw all the assorted gems spilled onto the floor. He licked his cheese coated lips. “A-are those fire rubies?”

“Indeed they are darling. You see Nightwing and I have been invited to a celebration on Luna’s behalf. I was wondering if you could watch my sister for a week or so.”

Spike shook Rarity’s hoof. “With all of those gems how could I refuse?”

“Excellent, I knew I could count on you Spike. You’re ever the gentledrake.”

“Meh I do what I can. Am I going to be staying over at the Boutique?”

“I suppose I could arrange that. But couldn’t Sweetie just stay here?”

Spike pointed upstairs. “Wait for it.”

Rarity heard a heavy thumping noise, followed by a scream of pleasure. The unicorn blushed heavily. “Oh dear I forgot about that…yes I think it would be best if Sweetie stayed at my shop. Molly and Dusk are certainly active and…distracting.”

“Yeah tell me about it. They’ve been at it for hours now. Dusk will probably trot with a waddle tomorrow, HA it’ll be funny.”

Rarity coughed. “Darling I think that’s quite enough talk about Dusk’s activities. Let’s go shall we?”

Spike waved his claw. “Sure just lemme grab some DRCs.”

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CISS Embassy, Canterlot

Commander Damiskos sank into a plush couch sipping a glass of wine. It had been a tiring day and he just wanted to get some sleep. After all diplomacy wasn’t his strong suit, he left such matters to the viceroy. The wine was quite good, made from blueberries it seemed. It didn’t have quite the tartness of sheep made wine, which was produced mainly from grapes and figs. Being a somewhat older ram, he was well acquainted with Ariadne. He had known her since she was a little lamb and he considered her to be his surrogate niece. So the commander was genuinely concerned when it came to her safety and well-being and was anxious to bring her home. Metrophanes trotted over to the couch and poured himself a glass of wine as well.

“I see the day is finally catching up to you commander.”

Damiskos popped his neck. “Aye that it is. I’m getting too old for this.”

“I must admit that I too feel a certain weariness when dealing with these…ponies. While I must agree that Princess Celestia has been quite accommodating, she has also been very curt with me.”

“She’s a princess what do you expect? Hell, we haven’t had royalty in the islands for just about as long as she’s been alive. The Equestrians certainly haven’t ever elected their rulers, so I bet she’s just used to getting her way.”

The viceroy swirled his wine. “No matter, we shall get the chancellor’s daughter back home if we have to drag her kicking and screaming.”

Damiskos groaned. “That’s the kind of attitude that won’t make you any friends. Do you want me to march home and tell Minos that his viceroy is going to be sent back as a lamb roast?”

“I’m going to be a lamb roast regardless if we don’t get her back!”

“Whoa easy there Metro. Everything will work out fine; we need to be patient is all.”

Metrophanes sighed. “I’m sorry…you’re right. Maybe some more wine will help numb my anxiety.”

Damiskos yawned. “Well hot damn am I tired. I’m gonna hit the sack, see ya later Metro.”

“Have a pleasant evening commander.”

Once the navy ram was asleep, Metrophanes fished a mirror out of the pocket of his toga. It was gold plated and had six quartz crystals inlaid around the outside. While the arrangement was aesthetically pleasing, it served a far more practical purpose. This was a magic communication mirror. It allowed two beings to communicate through vast distances, so long as ambient magic was present, which Equestria had plenty of.

“ενεργοποιήσετε (activate).” Metro whispered.

The mirror glowed and began to form a picture. A ram dressed in leather armor along with a purple cape appeared. The same circlet that the viceroy had worn was pinned to his chest. His hair was mostly black but greying along the sides, but that did little to hide his topaz blue eyes.

The ram spoke in a rich, commanding tone. “Good evening viceroy, what news do you bring me?”

“Greetings Lord Chancellor Minos, I am pleased to announce that the diplomatic leg of our mission had been completed. However, we have yet to find your daughter.”

Minos nodded. “I didn’t expect you to find her right away, but still I congratulate you on your progress with the Equestrians. Were there any complications?”

“Princess Celestia was rather heavy-hoofed concerning your daughter’s marriage.”

“Ah so they believed the story then?”

“Yes everyone including Commander Damiskos. He doesn’t suspect a thing.”

Minos laughed. “Excellent. We can’t have them finding out the real reason I need Ariadne back.”

Metrophanes nodded. “Speaking of the real reason, what progress have you made in the excavations?”

“While you were gone some of our archeologists found an old tablet from the ancients in a temple near Herdaklion. It has given me invaluable clues as to where a power crystal is located.”

“Do you think all of the rumors about the ancients are true? Like their advanced magic technology and weapons?”

“I hope so. If I find this font of power, the sheep shall take their rightful place as this planet’s rulers as our ancient forefathers did.”

Metrophanes scrunched his brows. “I still don’t entirely understand why we need Ariadne.”

“Only those with the voice of the siren can open the seals. The magic that courses through her body is as ancient as time itself.”

“But sir…only oracles can tap into such power. And they are forbidden to procreate!”

Minos rubbed his chin. “That is the very reason why I was so careful concerning Ariadne’s mother.”

“You can’t mean…”

“I knew that I couldn’t have the power and neither would the priestesses help me, so I grew impatient. One night I abducted one of the temple maidens, a powerful one I might add, and I planted my seed inside her. I kept her hidden in my estate for a year, until she gave birth. Once the deed was done, I slit her throat and tossed her into the sea. I always told Ariadne her mother died in child birth, it was a convenient excuse.”

Metrophanes’s ears flattened. “By the gods…I sincerely hope this plan of yours is worth the blood you’ve shed.”

Minos growled. “It had better be. I want a full report of your progress in exactly one week’s time.”

“Yes sir.”