When Captain Stone Brow stated that he sought a conversation, Iscariat didn't think much about it, even when the good Captain locked the door behind him; after all as commander of both the Solaris and Lunar Guards it made sense that he want to be in the loop. However, Iscariat never really appreciated just how intimidating  the Guard Captain could be, the stallion was positively massive, and all of it was muscle. Iscariat felt ashamed that he never bothered to truly acknowledge Stone Brow, instead blending him into the faceless chorus of guards, but now he gazed upon the Captain as he should, as an individual, and not some blank slate. Unlike most stallions, Stone Brow was taller than bulkier, standing at an impressive six foot eight, his body was well chiseled with his muscles giving his body proper dimension without over defining it, his steely grey coat was accented by his black mane and tail, his cutie mark was a snowflake made of obsidian, but it was the Captain's crimson red eyes that truly made him not someone to mess with. Now as all royal guards, Captain Stone Brow was suited in the appropriate attire; a heavy helmet and chest plate, though oppose to gold plate, or black iron in the case of the Lunar Guards, Stone Brow's Captain's Armor sported an electrum finish, and yet while this slightly more flashy armor signaled him out among his subordinates, what honestly made him unique, and made Iscariat ashamed in not realizing sooner, was the fact that Stone Brow was an Earth Pony.

For an Earth Pony to be made a royal guard is a borderline miracle due to the absurd screening, and training process, but to be named a Captain of the Guard; well that is just unheard of. Iscariat had so many questions for Stone Brow, but they would have to wait for another, more pleasant time to discuss the Captain's service record, for right now Stone Brow had his own questionnaire.

"So, you wanted to talk?" Iscariat asked, trying his best to sit straight before the Captain, in spite of the discomfort it caused him.

"I can see that even sitting pains you, so I will be brief," Captain Stone Brow said, as he removed his helmet, while keeping his indomitable stare on Iscariat. "Pardon my bluntness, but just what the buck is going on?"

"No offense Captain, but it is probably best you remain ignorant. Trust me, this is not something you want to bumble into," Iscariat said, his face slightly hardening, but to the veteran solider it amounted to nothing.

"I'm under no delusion, Curator, this whole thing may just be way out of my depth," Captain Stone Brow admitted shamelessly. "However, as Captain of the Royal Guard, I have duty to the Princesses, Equestria, and my subordinates. An in the name of that duty, I implore you to inform me on just what is happening."

"As you wish, Captain. Comprehend me, if you can," Iscariat said, as he began to tell Stone Brow all that has transpired since last night.

As Stone Brow sat there, patiently listening to all Iscariat had to say, he couldn't help but notice the overwhelming guilt the old Unicorn radiated with each word spoken. The explanation did not take long to dictate, understanding and processing it all, however, was the real trick. Making heads or tails of this situation really put Stone Brow against the wall; the warrior in him told him to rally the guards, and make for Pony Ville, but the solider in him said to weather it out.

"So Captain, now that you are caught up, as it were. What do you plan on doing now?" Iscariat asked, his injuries finally pushing him to the point of exhaustion, making it even more of a chore to remain sitting straight.

"For now, I'll just play along, but I warn you, if I see an opportunity," Captain Stone Brow said as he instantly blitzed Iscariat, pinning him to the ground, his right hoof positioned in such a way that he could easily snap Iscariat's neck. "I will not hesitate to take either of you down, understand?"

"Oh, I have no doubt you will, Captain. However..." Iscariat said, as he gestured Stone Brow to turn towards the vanity mirror to his right, and there he saw a dagger levitating inches from the back of his neck. "Understand that I won't go down like some dog."

"Interesting, I was warned you had some bite, but this..." Captain Stone Brow said turning towards Iscariat, an uncharacteristic smile brandishing his face. "But this was truly unexpected. Curator Iscariat, just who are you really?"

"I'm nothing," Iscariat deadpanned.

"Nothing?" Captain Stone Brow retorted with a puzzled gaze, and then shook his head defiantly. "If you don't want to answer my question, fine, but don't blatantly lie to us both, and say you are nothing, because a nothing couldn't have done what I saw today."

"This conversation is over, Captain," Iscariat flatly said, dematerializing the dagger above Stone Brow's neck, and then telekinetically unlocking the door. "Forgive me, if I don't see you out."

"Very well, I have tested fate long enough," Captain Stone Brow said, as he got off Iscariat, but did not help him up, and then replaced his helmet as he made for the door. "It is a shame though."

"An what does that mean?" Iscariat asked, using the edge of the bed to lift himself up from the floor.

"It is a shame that even you can fall," Captain Stone Brow said, and then exited the room.

"I'm not perfect, Stone Brow!" Iscariat called out, but the Captain was already gone.

Alone once more, Iscariat lifted himself on to the bed, he was so tried, and not just physically. Since day one this whole ordeal has been physically, mentally, emotionally, and magically demanding; it was just too much. An yet he could not stop now, he was too invested in Nightmare, and in the other ponies, whether they realized it nor not. From the very moment he chose a side things have escalated as he had predicted, but it was far from over, and soon the tipping point would be reached, and when that happens only one group will stand tall in the ring with the prize clenched in their grip. As he slowly left the waking world Iscariat wondered if he was going to live long enough to see this play out, and if he did, could he prevent anypony from dying?

An as one sleeps, one awakens in Pony Ville; Princess Celestia has never slept so well, not since her childhood, when the weight of the crown rested solely on her all powerful father's strong back. There were days when she cried over the loss of her parents, and now she would weep over the loss of her baby sister; "Why couldn't it have been me?" the Princess would constantly ask herself whenever she thought of poor Luna. None of this made sense, she was sure the chapter on Nightmare Moon was finally finished, and yet the same sick drama unfolded again. Only this time there was no quick fix, for the Elements of Harmony were returned to the Tree of Harmony, and thus not available to them. This was without a doubt the most trying situation she has ever encountered during her reign, and in spite of that she felt so good, as if all was well with the world, and Equestria has entered a new golden age not seen since Sorca the Mystic's time.

The euphoria Princess Celestia felt was unnatural, there was no way she should feel this good after all that has transpired over the last two days. As her eyes slowly peeked through her eye lids, Celestia could see faint wisps of bluish white energy swirling about, and seeping into her body through her horn and skin. When at last she awoke in earnest, the Princess could see that this energy did not spawn from the aether, but from the slumbering Changeling laying beside her. Celestia did not know how to react to this, for she has never heard of a Changeling channeling love into a subject; it was most unprecedented. From a scientific point of view this was most interesting, and easily worthy of lengthy research, however now was neither the time or place for such a thing; though it was very tempting, even for her.

For a time, Princess Celestia simply sat there watching the peacefully slumbering Fyee, her little chest was rising and falling in a calm rhythm that made Celestia want to gobble her up because it was so adorable. The Princess was so zoned out from the rest of the world that she failed to realize that Spike has been gawking at the pair for quite sometime, and has only refrained to make his presence known because of the degree of shock this whole ordeal caused him. It wasn't long however till Fyee began to stir, and awoke as well; when that happened, Spike thought it would be best if he made himself scarce, and so hid behind a curtain like a little kid hiding from his parents.

"What time is it?" Fyee softly spoke, still not fully aware of the complete situation.

"Probably the afternoon, or sometime close to it, given the Sun's position," Princess Celestia replied, as she pulled back her wing so Fyee could stretch more comfortably.

"Oh my, I 'm sorry to fall asleep on you like that," Fyee said rubbing her lens, so the bright light would not blind her.

"It's okay, you looked so peaceful I didn't want to disturb you," Princess Celestia said warmly.

"Well I'm glad you are so understanding, but it is still...quite...embarrassing...Oh no! I'm so sorry! Pony feathers, I thought I finally had it under control!" Fyee shrieked, as she finally took notice of the energy wisps leaking from her body; a bright red blush coating her face.  

"Calm down Fyee," Princess Celestia soothingly said, but Fyee was too ashamed to listen.

"Please Princess, you must not tell anypony about this!" Fyee begged, bowing on all fours in hopes of the desired result.

"I fail to see why," Princess Celestia retorted, puzzled at Fyee's peculiar request.

"Your highness, I'm a Changeling Noble, do you have any idea what would happen to me if word of this got back to the Hive?" Fyee inquired, her expression one of fear that made Celestia wish she never started this conversation. "It would be a mercy if they just disowned me."

"I just don't understand, what is it that you are doing that would prompt such a reaction?" Princess Celestia asked both concerned and curious towards the situation.

"Ah, my love, your highness. What you feel coursing through your body and spirit is the love I have assimilated. I'm wasting a precious resource, and that is an unforgivable sin to my people," Fyee said grimly.

"This is what love looks like?" Princess Celestia asked, as she closely inspected the manifested form of Love, and feeling a tad privileged to be the first pony to see a normally invisible emotion.

"Yes, and no," Fyee replied, as she stood up, and then used her magic to stop the flow of love an reabsorbed what was left in the air. "Raw love has no color or recognizable shape. It only assumes those traits once it has been refined within our bodies; at least that is the theory I have deduced from experimentation and research."

"Astounding, I had no idea that Changelings could develop such an ability," Princess Celestia said, her mind already pondering on the benefits a power like this could produce, and the gaps it could bridge between her Ponies and Chrysalis' Changelings.

"Before you get too enthralled by this notion, I want to make it clear that I am the only Changeling with this deformity," Fyee said, her body language betraying her thoughts towards this ability she was born with; a veritable gift in Celestia's eyes.

"Deformity? Hardly, and you shouldn't think so either," Princess Celestia said with a frown, her left brow raised high. "You were given a gift. A gift to heal and sooth the spirit; tempering it with love. That doesn't make you deformed Fyee, it makes you special, and a possible beacon for other Changelings to aspire to."

"Your optimism is sweet, but naive, your highness," Fyee said with a half smile. "The Hive is not as open minded to change as you may believe. Rather ironic, given my species ability to alter form at will."

"Yes it is," Princess Celestia said with chuckle, prompting Fyee to follow suit.

"Well I think we should get back to the matter at hoof," Fyee said, Celestia concurring with nod. "Now I understand you want me to keep an eye on your precious prodigy, but would it be alright if I fetch the others? I'm sure I'll be back before Twilight awakens."

"Be my guest, and by all means take your time. I have a feeling something pleasant awaits you," Princess Celestia said with a heart felt smile.

Smiling back in response, Fyee performed a few stretches, and then with a final goodbye she left out the door. Once she was sure Fyee was gone, Princess Celestia turned her gaze to the rustling curtain behind her, and with a flick of her horn she drew them back, exposing a nervous Spike.

"How much did you hear?" Princess Celestia asked sharply.

"Enough," Spike said casually with a smirk.

"And what are your thoughts?" Princess Celestia said, as she rose up, and approached Spike.

"Well apart from fitting your description to a tee, all I can add is that she is really easy on the eyes up close," Spike snickered, but quickly quieted himself after the Princess shot him a strong gaze. "Sorry Princess, I didn't mean any disrespect."

"I know Spike," Princess Celestia said, abandoning her unamused glare, and adopting a tender smile. "Now I have a small request to make."

"You want me to follow her, again," Spike replied with a cheshire grin, knowing full well he was right.

"If it isn't too much trouble," Princess Celestia said nervously, her face blushing from embarrassment.

"Princess, even if I wasn't bound by Dragon Code, I would still assist you in this regard," Spike said dropping to one knee, and bowing his head like a Dragon Knight of old.

"Rise, Sir Spike. You do your Princess great honor," Princess Celestia spoke in her most regal voice, while fighting hard not to laugh. "Just remember not to let her notice, especially now since she knows your face."

"Don't worry about it your highness," Spike said, as he made for the door, and then tilted his head towards Celestia, a sly expression on his face. "Blending in is my specialty."

As Celestia took this alone time to recompose herself for the discussion ahead, Fyee wandered about the town searching for the others. Many a pony cast her a wary stare as she casually walked about taking in the environment, and revealing the serene atmosphere this town was famous for producing. Fyee has only ever been in Pony Ville once before when she got lost on her way to the Arch-Library, though her visit wasn't nearly as long due in no small part to the town's legendary party pony; Fyee couldn't get away fast enough. The ambient love just lingering around was like a small buffet for Fyee, however she had to mind her snacking else she could off set the delicate balance of emotions this latent veil maintained. It wasn't long in her search when she heard a familiar group of voices laughing out from the establishment known as, Sugar Cube Corners.

Walking towards the door, Fyee didn't have a chance to look around as she was mare-handled through the threshold, and firmly seated at a table in the far back, flanked by Applejack and Rainbow Dash respectively. Across the table sat Princess Cadence, Shining Armor, and Rarity; Fluttershy and Pinkie each took one of the two remaining sides of the circular table. Very few things outside a specific set of circumstances and situations can cause Fyee to feel in danger, but this random moment did not do that; no, it just terrified her to the core, and almost caused her throat to seize up.

"Are we making you nervous?" Princess Cadence asked, sensing Fyee's anxiety seeping about like a gas leak.

"I can see how this looks, but you have nothing to worry about," Shinning Armor spoke out with a smile, which quickly spread to all the other ponies.

"So, you are not going to hurt and/or lynch me?" Fyee asked, still a little worried.

"Hurt you? I want to hug you, for bringing my sister back," Shining Armor said, laughing at the notion that he would allow anypony to gang up on another, even a Changeling.

"Oh it was nothing," Fyee said humbly.

"Not to me," Shining Armor said.

"Seriously though, nice job," Rainbow Dash said leaning up next to Fyee and laying her left hoof upon the Changeling's shoulders. "And I'm sorry for the way I acted late last night. It was uncalled for, and uncool."

"Don't worry about it," Fyee replied with a smile. "I was young once too, and I know how it feels to be really hurt; physically and emotionally."

"Sorry to hear that," Rainbow Dash said, as she lightly tightened her grip on Fyee's shoulders. "But you got me in your corner now, and I never let my friends get hurt."

"That goes for all of us," Princess Cadence said, her smile radiating a powerful emotion not unlike love, though not as intimate,

"While I hate to be a wet blanket, we have to return to the library, and discuss our next strategy," Fyee said, attempting to get up only to be gently forced back down by Rainbow Dash.

"What's the hurry? I doubt the Princess will mind waiting a little while," Rainbow Dash said with a grin that disturbed Fyee a tad.

"But I told Celestia..."Fyee tried to rebut, but was silenced by Princess Cadence raising her hoof.

"Don't worry about my aunt," Princess Cadence said, as she switched gears, and cuddled up to Shining brandishing a captivating pair of puppy dog eyes. "Say darling, you mind going to the library and telling Auntie Celestia that we will be held up for a while?"

"Su...Sure, I can do that," Shining Armor said, his white face adopting a bright red tint, as he began to sweat from his wife's close proximity.

"Thank you honey, and love you," Princess Cadence said, waving goodbye to Shining, and once he was gone she sharply turned her gaze to Fyee. "You see, now my aunt will know we shall be a little late. Which gives us plenty of time to discuss other matters." matters."

"Indeed, matters of a more intimate nature," Rarity said with a devious grin.

"Yeah, like why you were cuddling with a certain Alicorn," Rainbow Dash spoke softly into Fyee's right ear, causing the Changeling's heart to almost stop for the second time today.

"You all saw that?" Fyee asked, her body stiffening like a seizing muscle as the others nodded with sly grins as their response. "Well, I can assure you there is a perfectly logical explanation. I just wish I has one. Oh ho ho, buck me."

As Fyee frantically tried to find a way out of this perfect check mate, Iscariat was deep in though back in Canterlot. After he awoke from his short slumber some time ago, Iscariat left Nightmare's bed chamber, and took up residence in a special room only he, the Princesses and the current Captain of the Guard even know exists; deep down in the Castle sub-levels. Now contrary to popular belief; an popular belief, of course, is merely short hand for ridiculous assumptions and ideas conceived by Twilight Sparkle. Anyway, opposed to the wild fantasies of a single pony, Canterlot Castle has not, and never will have, dungeons in its lower levels, for such things were done away after the reign of King Quazar, by Princess Celestia herself. What really resided in the Castle Catacombs were mainly food cellars, storage rooms, wine cellars, and the chamber Iscariat currently occupied.

The room was called the Equinox Chamber, so named for in this chamber both Princesses of Sun and Moon stood as equals, there was no hierarchy, and no sins of jealousy or envy, there was simply two sisters and their love for one another. It was this very chamber that inspired Iscariat to create the Stargazer's Sanctum, and appearance wise both chambers were almost identical with the exception that this room was more neutral with aspects of both Princesses plainly visible. In the spirit of what this room was built for, Iscariat kept things casual, and refrained from using proper etiquette; within reason. It was because of this calming effect the room rewarded Iscariat that he chose to meditate there, and reflect on all that has occurred thus far. As focused his magical energies to the tip of his horn, and allowed his spirit and body to almost literally uncoil from one another granting him a sense of universal clarity; a third eye, if you will.

In this elevated state of awareness, Iscariat could gaze into the hearts and minds of those he has a close kinship with, though they must be within a one mile radius. As it was only one pony fit the bill, and fortunately she was too busy with castle affairs to notice this serious breech of trust; "I'll hate myself come the morrow," Iscariat said, ashamed that he was doing this. Recalling back to when he and Nightmare first melded minds, Iscariat thought he felt something pure, a kind of light that endures regardless of how dark it becomes. It was this unique discovery that made him believe Nightmare was not beyond redemption, but it wasn't until they shared a kiss that he had a much clearer picture of what he merely glanced the first time. An now the image was unadulterated; at the very heart of a tempest of darkness stood a lone gray statue of a cloaked pony brandishing a cracked long sword in its right hoof, and a pale torch in the other.

Iscariat did not understand it, but he could feel something within the stone, an indescribable resonance that was far beyond his realm of comprehension. As he examined the statue, Iscariat came across an engraving at its base, which read,

"These words, where have I seen them before?" Iscariat asked himself, as he laid a hoof upon the stone base.

Upon touching the statue Iscariat could hear a soft voice speak the words, "Justice is indestructible, but its spirit is not."

"What does that mean?" Iscariat asked aloud, gazing at the statue's hooded visage.

"What you seek to protect is less than a ghost. Barely a memory remains," the statue spoke, telegraphed by its faint glowing eyes.

"I don't believe that," Iscariat sharply spoke.

"Your beliefs are irrelevant, what is spoken is truth," the statue retorted, its eyes fading away into obscurity. "Now...Go!"

An just like that, Iscariat found himself back in his own body, and instead of being enlightened he felt more in the dark than he has ever been. Sighing in frustration, Iscariat got on his feet, and returned to the Castle's main level. The upper levels were all a bustle, Guards and other Castle Staff alike were traversing the halls with scrolls, tables, plates of food, and other items.

"What is going on around here?" Iscariat quarried to himself.

"Her highness is holding a dinner party with some of the local Nobles, don't know why, but she requests your attendance," Steward Trixie replied professionally, but with a hint of disgust.

"Is that so?" Iscariat said turning to face the stern glare of the young mare. "Please inform her highness that I shall be there."

"It will be at eight, so don't be late," Steward Trixie coldly replied, and then took her leave.

"Wow, she sounded mad," came a voice from Iscariat's left vest pocket.

"Ah, Discord. Believe it or not, but I was hoping we could speak again," Iscariat spoke softly so as not to attract unwanted attention.

"Oh?" Discord retorted, amused and confused at the same time. "An what do you wish to ask me?"

"Something right up your alley," Iscariat said with a smirk, which amused Discord even more. "What can you tell me about the Spirit's of Order?"

"Hahahaha! My siblings?" Discord said with a hardy laugh. "Sure , on one condition."

"An that is?" Iscariat asked with a raised eye brow.

"That you tell me how you could just walk away from that willingly offered piece of flank!" Discord shouted, but thanks to the snow globe's thick glass it was barely a yelp.

"I didn't walk away," Iscariat said, his face turning red. "I was shot through a wall."

"I knew it! You were disappointed it got cut short, don't deny it!" Discord said triumphantly.  

"I answered your question, now answer mine," Iscariat said, trying to control his blushing face.

"Fair enough, but let's go somewhere more private," Discord said, Iscariat nodded, and went straight back to Nightmare's bed room. "So, anyone in specific you want dirt on? Just so I can give you relevant info. I have so many brothers and sisters you know."

"Yes, tell me about Artymus," Iscariat replied, as he closed the doors behind him, and placed Discord on the night stand.

"I was right," Discord said chuckling lightly. "Things are getting very interesting." Next Chapter: Chapter 11.2: So Close, and Yet Impossibly Far Estimated time remaining: 49 Minutes