Everyone stood mouths agape and eyes wide looking at the white coated stallion in front of them.

After few moments Twilight beamed and jumped on her brother embracing him in a tight hug.

“I’m so so happy for you two!” Twilight yelled out in excitement.

Shining returned the hug, after few moments Twilight let him go and everyone took turn to congratulate him.

“Thank you everypony, I’m extremely happy.” Shining smiled and then frowned slightly

“And nervous at the same time.”

“What are you nervous about B.B.B.F.F?”

“I-I am sure that Cadence will make a great mother, it’s just that, I’m scared that I’m not ready to be a father.” He said as he lowered his head and shut his eyes.

After few moments of silence he felt somepony’s hoof touching his shoulder gently, he opened his eyes and looked up to see Princess Celestia smiling at him warmly.

“Shining Armor, I’m more than sure you will make a great parent.”

“But…”

“No buts my dear, and besides, you are not alone, you have Cadance and your friends, we will all help you in the time of need.” Shining looked around and saw everypony smiling at him reassuringly

Shining smiled wildly, small tears forming in his eyes.

“T-Thank you everypony, I’m truly grateful.”

Celestia nodded and turned towards girls.

“You six should go to your chambers and dress up, King Vergard shall soon be there.”

Girls all nodded and left the room, Celestia looked at Shining.

“It’s good to have friends like these right?”

Shining nodded and wiped his tears.

“Yeah.”

“Are you still crying?”

“It’s liquid pride.”

“This is so great!” Twilight screamed in joy while she levitated her dress towards herself.

“Yes, our Twilight will soon be an auntie.” Rarity cheered.

“Auntie Twilight! This is priceless.” Rainbow said while laughing, making Twilight blush a bit, but didn’t stop her from jumping in excitement.

“Oh my, Applejack where did you get that necklace from?” Rarity gasped and pointed at the shining Emerald which hang on the farmers neck.

“This is a present from Michael.” Applejack said proudly.

“Oh my, this is simply gorgeous.”

“Yeah, even I have to admit that it looks cool.” Rainbow added while fighting with her new dress.

“Thank ya’ll.”

“Yes Applejack, that is definitely a beautiful piece of jewelry, so it’s from human world I presume?” They all turned around and saw Princess Celestia, standing in doors smiling wildly, she wore her royal dress which she also used to wear at the Grand Galloping Gala.

“Eeyup.” Applejack said with a nod.

All girls started giggling when suddenly a royal guard ran up to Celestia.

“Princess! I’m here to deliver a message!” Guard tried to catch his breath while doing his best to salute.

“What is it?”

“King V-Vergard has arrived.”

Princess expression went from happy to frown and she nodded.

“Very well then, I shall greet him.” She said and started leaving.

“Wait Princess, let us come with you!” Twilight shouted while finally putting her dress on completely.

“Are you sure about that Twilight? Gryphons are known for their, hard characters.” She said emphasizing last words.

All girls nodded simultaneously, Celestia nodded and motioned them to follow her.

“So this is Canterlot? It’s really impressive architecture.” Quickshot commented when their airship landed on the secluded platform.

“Captain Quickshot! We successfully landed.” One of the soldier stated and saluted.

“Good job soldier, dismissed!” Quickshot saluted and the gryphon soldier left him alone.

After few minutes doors to main cabin opened and King Vergard walked outside, he was wearing royal red cape and a helmet-like crown on his head.

He walked past Quickshot who simply started to follow him.

“My King, are you really sure about this? I mean if we fail than…”

“We won’t Captain, we can’t fail, this humiliation have gone for long enough, today we will change the future.”

Vergard put his right claw on Quickshot shoulder.

“I hope you are with me Quickshot?”

Quickshot sighed.

“I promised Gabriel that I will stand by your side, and I will never disappoint him.”

Vergard smiled and resumed his walking.

They soon left the airship and were greeted by two columns of soldiers holding their spears high in respect.

“Well, where is her highness? I hope she won’t be late?” He asked one of the soldiers with devilish smile.

The colt he talked to was a pegasus, his coat was white cause of the goyal guard armor he was wearing and his mane was blond, also the effect of royal guards armor magic. His left eye was blue while his right eye was magenta.

“I-I don’t k-know your Majesty.” He answered visibly intimidated which didn’t go unnoticed by Vergard and pegasus fellow guards.

“Say, what’s your name?” He asked while greeting his teeth, showing the soldier his powerful fangs.

“D-D-Dash L-Li-Light.” He answered shaking from fear.

“Well well, mr. Dash Light, why are you shaking so much. Is it cold?” Every soldier wanted to help but their hooves were tied, both by their duty and fear.

“T-That’s…”

“King Vergard, with all respects we should go and greet the Princess.” Quickshot said trying to soften the situation.

“We should go and greet her? Isn’t she the host here? This is completely…”

“King Vergard.” Everyone turned towards the entrance and saw Princess Celestia, with all elements of harmony by her side.

“We came to greet you in our country, and if I may ask, what are you doing to one of my soldiers?” She asked with a frown, rest of the girls also had quite unpleasant expressions.

“Oh nothing my Princess, just some small talk.” He said and walked towards her, Dash Light mouthed “Thanks” to Quickshot who only nodded in response and followed his King.

“I’m glad to see you Princess Celestia.” Vergard said and both him and Quickshot bowed.

“So am I, King Vergard.” Celestia added and bowed her head.

Vergard than looked at the girls.

“Who are those 6 lovely mares that stand by your side Princess?” He said with a wicked grin.

“Those are Elements of Harmony.” She said and 6 girls bowed slightly.

After few moments of silence Vergard started to chuckle quietly.

“What’s so funny King Vergard?” Princess asked with annoyed expression.

“W-Well I heard that elements of harmony are Equestria’s strongest and most valuable artifacts, is that right?” Princess nodded.

“When why are they protected by six small mares?”

All girls frowned, Rainbow even growled at him.

“Stay assured that elements are in good hooves, they were chosen by the elements and no one has a right to disagree with the elements decision, not even me.”

“Very well then, let’s not waste any more time shall we?” He grinned and walked past the Princess, Quickshot following him silently.

“What a jerk!” Rarity said.

“Rarity calm yourself.”

“But Twilight...”

“No buts, he might be arrogant but he’s still a King, let’s just let it go.”

Celestia nodded.

“Well said Twilight, I am proud of you, let’s go and get this over with.”

All girls nodded and left the landing platform and ventured into the castle.

All guards sighed with relief and lowered their spears, especially one of them was relieved.

“Hey Light, are you all right?” One of the guards with black coat walked up to the still shivering pegasus.

“Y-Yes I’m fine, just a bit scared.”

“Yeah “a bit”.” Guard chuckled and left pegasus alone.

Dash Light sighed and looked towards the entrance to the castle.

“She hasn’t changed at all.”

“What was that?” One of the guards turned towards Light when he heard him talking.

“N-Nothing I was just talking to myself.” He quickly said and ran away.

Ceremony was about to start, throne room was filled with many important guests sitting on the benches prepared especially for the occasion, some nobles from all around the country were present, there were also owners of huge companies. Aside from the nobles and rich ponies, there were also representatives of Equestrian military, one of them being Spitfire. When Twilight and her friends walked inside Rarity immediately noticed a friendly face.

“Fancy Pants! How nice to see you.”

White coated stallion turned around with quizzical expression which quickly changed into the happy one.

“Rarity! It’s been so long, how are you doing?”

“Oh I’m doing great, it seems there’s no time now, but would you like to have a cup of coffee with me after the ceremony? There’s somepony special that I want to introduce you to.”

“You mean the lucky colt you wrote about in letters?” Fancy Pants said with a grin.

Rarity blushed slightly and nodded.

“Very well then, we can meet after the ceremony, if you don’t mind I would like to take Fleur with me.”

“Of course.”

“Ekmh Rarity, it’s about to start we should go to our place.” Twilight said quietly and pointed with her hoof at the right side of the room where was a secluded area with six seats.

“Oh, of course, see you later.” She added quietly and walked with rest of the girls.

After few moments Princess Celestia walked inside and sat on her throne, Princess Luna soon followed suit.

After few moments of killing silence, King Vergard walked into the Throne room, he stopped for a few moments and looked around.

There were only 2 things he saw in those ponies eyes.

Fear and disgust.

‘Soon, you will all learn what true terror is.’

He resumed his walking and after few minutes he stopped in front of Princesses.

“King Vergard, we are here today to accept your, and yours Empire loyalty.” Vergard felt his wrath boil inside him when he heard those words.

Soon two royal guards came in, third one after them.

They stopped before the King and stepped aside letting their third companion get through, after that he handled small piece of paper he was holding to the King, along with a quill which was already soaked in ink.

Everyone stared at the King waiting for him to sign it.

Vergard smiled wickedly.

“You want me, to swear my loyalty to you Princess? You think that our Empire will humbly serve you forever? You are WRONG!” He shouted out last words making some ponies jump in theirs seats.

“What in the name of sun are you talking about Vergard!” Celestia shouted.

“I’m sayin that your time have come Princess, yours and this pathetic country.”

He stood on his back legs showing of his powerful wings and chest.

“The time for our revenge has come!” He shouted last words and suddenly one of the walls exploded, making everyone scream out in fear and cover their ears.

Celestia was stunned by the noise and impact but not for long.

Her horn glowed and she removed the smoke that came from the explosion, the sight she saw terrified her.

Her royal guards already started a fight with something she could only describe as shadows.

Small bipedal creatures with red eyes and no mouths.

She looked to her side and saw Luna standing up, she noticed that in the chaos Vergard vanished.

“Princess! Those creatures are attacking every part of the castle, what are we to do?!” One of the guards shouted.

“Give the leadership to Captain Shining Armor, he should be in the main hall probably already taking care of things, call all guards that are off-duty and most importantly escort the civilians to the safety.” She said tilting her head to the screaming crowd.

Soldier saluted and dashed away.

“Sister, what shall we do?” Luna asked.

“Luna you help with escorting, I will help our soldiers get rid of these things.”

“What about Vergard?”

“Saving our subjects is most important Luna.” Princess of the night nodded and flew towards the crowd.

Celestia was boiling with anger, but there was no time for that, she teleported to the place where most of these creatures were in order to help her soldiers.

“So did everything go well Irae?” Vergard asked while taking off his pieces of clothing, he was inside his cabine on the airship which was already taking flight.

“Yes my King, everything went perfect, we got what we wanted.” Huge dark creature said while pointing to the corner of the room.

Vergard grinned wickedly.

“So it begun.”

After less than an hour guards were dealing with some last remains of dark creatures. Many ponies, both guards and civilians were injured, luckily none of the latter ones died.

Soldiers on the other hoof had some casualties.

Celestia walked back towards the throne room with anger written all over her muzzle, Shining Armor was on her right side, while on her left side was a gray coated stallion with short black mane.

“What are your orders Princess?” Gray stallion asked while walking by her side.

“If he wants war then he will get it, I want you to send messages to all Princesses.”

Gray coated stallion went pale and gulped.

“A-All of them? But that means.”

“Yes, for the first time in 600 years I’m putting Equestria in full state of war.” Shining Armor was now also nervous, he never saw Celestia so furious.

“B-But Princess that means…”

“I told you what to do! Write letters to all Princesses, Princess Firefly of the Ignis Kingdom, Princess Stella of Iron Kingdom, Princess Cadence of Crystal Empire, Princess Iridia of Tempestas Kingdom, and rest of the Princesses as well!” She shouted out her last words in Royal Canterlot voice.

Gray stallion nodded.

“Also write a letter to Discord, tell him about the situation, sadly for him he will have to get back from his vacation sooner than he hoped.”

Gray stallion nodded once again and ran off.

“Aren’t you a bit harsh on him?”

She sighed few times hoping that will calm her down at least a little.

“I’m sorry Shining, after 600 years of peace he shows up and declares war while also hurting and even killing my subjects, I can’t even describe how furious I am.” She said with small tears of anger and sadness forming in her eyes, she quickly wiped them.

Before they realized they were already at the throne room doors, Princess Luna was waiting for them.

They walked inside and saw medical ponies running from one injured pony to another.

“We are going to wait for all Princesses to arrive, this hasn’t happened in 600 years, for all of them to assemble here at the same time.”

Luna’s eyes went wide and she gulped.

“Thou are calling all Princesses here? But that means you…”

“Yes I put Equestria in full state of war.”

“We hope you made right decision sister.” Luna said with a frown.

Celestia nodded and then something caught her eye, something flashed in the corner of her sight.

She walked up to the source and lifted it with her magic, her eyes went wide in shock.

“Luna, did you escort every civilian to the safe place?”

“Yes sister.”

“Twilight and her friends as well?”

Luna put on a quizzical expression.

“We thought that they were with you sister.”

Celestia looked once again at the heart shaped emerald necklace that previously adorned Applejack’s neck.

“Oh no, for the love of sun NO!” Celestia shouted and put her front legs over her head.

“What is it Princess?” Shining quickly asked worried about her.

“They got them.”

“What?” Both Princess Luna and Shining asked simultaneously.

“I can’t believe it, so that was their reason for this chaos?”

“What is it sister?”

Celestia turned towards them, fear and anger written all over her muzzle.

“They kidnapped them.”

“Thanks for walking me home Ray.” Girl said and placed a small kiss on boys cheek making him blush.

“No problem, so see you tomorrow?”

She giggled and nodded, boy than bowed and walked away.

She sighed and opened doors to her house, after taking of her jacket she greeted her parents and ran to her room.

She wanted to turn on her computer and surf the net but she then saw something with a corner of her eyes.

“How was your day my dear?” Old man with long white beard walked out of the corner of her room with a warm smile on her face.

“Thanks, it was nice.”

“You’ve been much happier ever since you met that boy, what was his name again?”

“Ray, and I guess you’re right, I’m happy with him. And it’s all thanks to Thomas and Rainbow.”

“I’m truly glad for you happiness Sarah.”

They looked at each other for few moments before girl broke the silence.

“So why came here?”

“Can’t I just visit my friends for no reason?”

“Well I guess.”

Old man chuckled and sat on her bed.

“But you are right, today I’m here for a reason, something very important actually.”

She frowned and leaned in closer.

“It started Sarah, sooner than I expected, I have to go back to Equestria, they will need me there.”

Sarah’s eyes went wide

“B-But what about.”

“I know, but there’s no other choice, if I stay here they are sure to fail in Equestria, give me your phone Sarah.”

She nodded and handed her mobile phone to him.

His hand glowed with silver aura and after few seconds it stopped.

“Here, I inserted a special number which will let you communicate with me through the phone, I called it “Friend on the other side”. Report me about their movements and also call me if you will need help.”

Sarah nodded her eyes slightly watering.

“What’s wrong child?”

“W-Well, you’ve been here for quite some time now, and I knew you will have to go sooner or later but it still hurts, you are like second father to me old man.”

He chuckled.

“And you still can’t remember my name?”

“I can but it’s easier to call you old man.”

“I guess it is.” They both chuckled for a few moments before silence took over again, man stood up and waved his hands in a goodbye motion.

“We will meet again Sarah, I’m certain, I just hope it will be a peaceful reunion.” He said and vanished in silver light.

Sarah released few more tears, she looked at her phone and nodded to herself.

“I won’t disappoint you old man.”