I woke up to hearing a knock on my door, I gasped as I looked at my pocketwatch to see it was already the afternoon. I got out of bed and went to open the door to see Twilight.

"Afternoon Bond, Princess Celestia has asked us to meet with the dignitaries in Canterlot." she said.

"Afternoon Twilight, you mean as in smiling and waving?" I asked.

"Yeah, it may not seem much but the Princess wants us to do our part of the royal greeting."

"Well, if Celestia needs us to, then I guess we better get going."

"Right, but let's get our friends to come along too."

I left my home and we began rounding up the other mares and Spike and we boarded a train to Canterlot, when we arrived, we left the station and walked to the castle.

"Seems like only yesterday I was saving the Crystal Empire from being totally destroyed. Hey, you guys remember that?" Spike asked.

"You only mentioned it about fifteen times on the train here." Dash replied.

"Yes, and we never hear a peep out of you about your exploits." Rarity added sarcastically.

"Heh, point taken."

I quietly kissed Rarity on the cheek.

"I'm glad you all wanted to come, but I don't think it's gonna be that exciting." Twilight said, "We pretty much just have to smile and wave as the dignitaries arrive."

"Yes, but you and Bond get to smile and wave like a princess and a prince."

"Yes, but you're my princess, Rarity." I assured which made Rarity blush.

"How exactly is that different than smilin' and wavin' like not a princess and prince?" Applejack asked.

"It isn't." Twilight sighed,

"What's wrong, Twilight?" Fluttershy asked.

"Why the looooooooong face?" Pinkie also asked.

I then performed a rimshot out of the blue.

"I've just been feeling a little unsure about things lately. It doesn't seem that my new role as a princess equates to all that much."

"That's just silly. You've got a real important role in Equestria." Applejack said

"Princess Celestia wouldn't have asked you to come today if she didn't think so." Fluttershy added.

"I guess you're right." Twilight replied.

"Of course we are. Now hurry along!" Rarity told us, "You two don't want to risk having that important role diminished because you were tardy for your regal meet-and-greet."

We then arrived by the castle where the three Princesses were, Celestia, Luna and Cadence greeted us.

We all joined up on the balcony and Twilight and I were looking over the town. A fanfare began to play as the ponies we barely saw back at the Equestria games arrived.

"The Duke and Duchess of Maretonia!" the orange guard announced.

Twilight used her magic to roll down a banner from the tower and the ponies on the ground greeted the princesses whilst we smiled and waved at them going into the castle.

"That was it?" Spike asked, "Princess Celestia had you both come all the way to Canterlot just to do that?"

I looked at him with a blank face and Twilight held her head a little lower.

"I mean, whoa, really regal and important!" Spike added, changing his tune before he got thumped on the head by Applejack.

"Not much of a comeback there, I'm afraid." I smirked.

"Yeah whatever..."

Sometime later, Twilight and I were in the hallway, the others had already gone home but promised to be waiting for us when we were done with our royal duty. We were then greeted with the The Duke and Duchess was saw earlier and bowed at them.

"Your Highness and Lordship. Thank you for understanding our desire to keep the number of those privy to these confidential discussions to a minimum." The Duke said.

"Of course." Twilight replied.

The Duke and Duchess then left the castle as we stood in the hallway, until the three princesses arrived.

"Is there anything else we can do to assist with their visit?" I asked.

"I'm sorry, Twilight and Bond, but their visit is already over." Cadence replied.

"Oh." Twilight sighed.

"Something wrong?" Luna asked.

"I guess we just don't really understand why we're here, especially me. Couldn't one of the royal guard have unfurled the banner?"

"Having all four of us in the Canterlot Castle to greet them lets the dignitaries know that their visit is considered an important one." Celestia replied.

"Plus, it gives me an opportunity to see my favourite sister-in-law." Cadence added as she placed her hoof around Twilight.

"And I'm happy to see you. All of you." Twilight said.

"But...?"

"But I...well, it's just that Princess Luna raises the moon, Princess Celestia raises the sun, you protect the Crystal Empire, and all I seem to do is... smile and wave."

"Well I don't do anything much important, but you don't hear me complain." I said.

"That's not the point."

Just then, background music began to play. Maybe I should try singing this time.

It isn't that I'm ungrateful

For all the things that I've earned,

For all the journeys I have taken,

All the lessons that I have learned

But I wonder where I'm going now,

What my role is meant to be

I don't know how to travel

To a future that I can't see

I have my wings, I wear this crown

I'm a princess, this is true

But it's still unclear to me

Just what I am meant to do

I wanna have a purpose

Wanna do all that I can

I wanna make a contribution

I want to be a part of the plan

Celestia comforted her as she sang.

Your destiny's uncertain

And that's sometimes hard to take

But it will become much clearer

With every new choice you make

Luna then joined in.

Patience is never easy

I understand wanting more

I know how hard it is to wait

To spread out your wings and soar

Cadence then sung which was the first time we heard her sing.

But you stand here for a reason

You're gifted and you are strong

That crown is upon your head because

You belong

I then cleared my throat and gave my part a go.

Know that your time is coming soon

As the sun rises, so does the moon

As love finds a place in every heart

You are a princess; you'll play your part

I then stood back, slightly embarrassed but happy to have sung my bit.

We understand you wanting more

A chance to shine, a chance to soar

Soon will come the day it turns around

Know that your time is coming soon

As the sun rises, so does the moon

As love finds a place in every heart

You are a princess; you'll play your part

You are a princess; you'll play your part

The song then finished and Twilight smiled happily.

"Your time will come." Celestia said as she hugged Twilight.

"Come on Twilight, we should go back now, it's nearly night time." I said.

We then left the castle and waved to the princesses before we left Canterlot and caught the train back to Ponyville. Rarity and Spike were the only two waiting as all the other mares had to go home, but suggested we would all meet up to discuss about the crystal box and what keys we each managed to receive in our encounters.

"Well I would like that idea very much." Twilight said as Spike got on her back. "Goodnight you two, see you and the others in the morning."

"Same to you both." I replied as I walked back with Rarity.

"I'm happy you're home darling, I've missed you." she said, kissing me.

"I missed you too my love, I don't see myself anywhere else but with you nowadays."

I kissed her back as we got to her home and walked inside.

"You know dear, I've been thinking. You've been sleeping with me more than at your own home recently. Maybe we should plan to have a house of our own someday."

"I've wondered about that as well, but I'm not sure how big of a house we would need to store both mine and your stuff under one roof."

"Well, we can talk about that later tomorrow after discussing the crystal box issue...in the meantime, let's have a quiet sleep together."

"Alright, Rarity...we'll do that."

We kissed once more before we got to her bedroom and snuggled up close in her bed and waited until we began to sleep.

When it was the next morning, we heard a knock on the door. I got up first and went downstairs to answer it.

"Bond, we've got a major problem." Twilight said.

"Major? I guess the meet up with the others is gonna have to wait?" I asked.

"Don't worry, they agreed to see us later instead of the morning."

"Alright, let me tell Rarity and we'll get going."

"Okay, but time may be short."

I trotted upstairs and saw Rarity who had just woke up.

"Morning darling, is anything wrong?" she asked as she rubbed her eyes.

"There is, Twilight and I have to go to the castle, it's an emergency."

"Emergency?"

"Yes, the princesses need her and me right now...but I will be back as soon as we can."

"Alright dear, be careful."

"I will."

We then shared a loving kiss until I turned around and proceeded to leave her house. Twilight and I agreed to fly straight to the castle since it's been a while since I used my wings. We got there quite quickly and entered into the castle to see Celestia, Luna and Cadence.

"Twilight and Bond, thank you for coming quick." Cadence said.

"What's happening?" I asked.

"We must tell you a story before we can discuss the issue." Luna replied as Celestia brought out a book and opened the pages.

"Tirek and his brother Scorpan came here from a distant land, intent on stealing Equestrian magic. But Scorpan soon came to appreciate the ways of Equestria, even befriending a young unicorn wizard." Celestia explained.

Unicorn wizard...that must be Starswirl The Bearded that Twilight talked about a few times, I thought.

"Scorpan urged his brother to abandon their plans. When Tirek refused, Scorpan alerted us to Tirek's intentions." Luna added.

"Scorpan returned to his own land, and Tirek was sent to Tartarus for his crimes. But it appears he has found a way to escape."

"We believe it happened when Cerberus left his post at the gates."

"Oh yes, that was the time you were worrying about what your future self was trying to warn you, right?" I asked.

"Yes. But that was a long time ago." Twilight replied. "Why is he just now starting to steal magic?"

"His time in Tartarus left him very weak. He has just now gained enough strength to use his dark powers." Celestia said

"But with each passing moment, he grows stronger still." Luna added.

"And I know just the princess who can stop him." Cadence said.

"Yes. I'll find him and–"

Twilight got cut off.

"No, Twilight. I'm afraid I must call in another to stop Tirek." Celestia said.

"You mean me?" I asked.

"No...Discord."

We all gasped.

"Wait, wait, wait...but why him?"

"He's the only being who can sense imbalanced magic, so when Tirek steals magic, he will be able to sense the location and find him."

"But can we really trust him...what if he tries to convince Discord to go back to his evil ways?"

"Well, that's where you come in." Luna replied.

"Me?"

"Yes...we want you to keep an eye on Discord, just in case he finds Tirek and tries to persuade him, but only from a distance."

"Ahhh as in, watching him from a distance? Right, I can do that without a problem."

"Good, you may both go and be with your friends." Celestia said.

"Got it."

Twilight and I left the castle and flew all the way back to Ponyville and just in time, the rest of the mares and Spike were outside the library.

"Happy to see you two!" Pinkie exclaimed.

"So, are we thinking about the crystal box?" Rarity asked as I kissed her.

"Not quite." I replied.

Twilight and I then talked to them about what the princesses said to us and they gasped at Discord's name.

"As in Discord Discord?" Applejack asked.

"Yes!"

"I don't think it's that big of a surprise. He can be very helpful." Fluttershy said.

"He can sense when there's a magical imbalance. The next time Tirek steals magic, Discord will be able to track him down whilst Bond will keep an eye on him from a distance." Twilight said.

"So what are you supposed to do in the meantime?" Dash asked.

"Nothing. Unless of course one of you needs me to smile and wave."

"Where are you going?" Spike asked as Twilight began to walk away.

"To the Castle of the Two Sisters. I'm not really needed anywhere else. Might as well catch up on some of my reading."

"You want some company?" I asked.

"It has been a while since we visited the castle. Might be fun!" Applejack added.

"Maybe I could use a little company right now." Twilight replied, smiling a little.

We all then walked together through the Everfree forest and along the way, we came across the tree of harmony which was still glowing with strong magic.

"I still can't believe we had to give back the Elements." Dash sighed.

"It had to be done or the Tree of Harmony wouldn't have survived." Rarity said.

"But Twilight was right. Even without the Elements, our friendship is as strong as ever." Fluttershy added.

"Ah just hope another 'friend' of ours never makes us sorry we had to give them up." Applejack said rolling her eyes.

"Oh, you're talking about me, I presume?" Discord asked as he approached us by a flying umbrella.

"Discord, are you the new Mary Poppins?" I asked with a smirk.

"Oh ha de ha, mister watching over me from afar."

"Anyways, how'd you guess about us talkin' about you?"

"My ears were burning."

"What are you even doing here, Discord?" Dash asked.

"Oh, just a bit of light reading before I head off on my extremely important mission. I suppose you all know that I've been tasked to capture a certain escapee."

"Big deal." Spike commented.

"You're right, Spike. It is a big deal. Seems I possess a magic that gives me quite an important role in Equestria. Maybe they should make me an Alicorn princess."

He then appeared with fake wings and a fake horn.

"In your dreams!" Dash remarked.

"Oh, I never dream of such things. Ask Princess Luna."

"Don't you have a creepy magic-stealin' villain to track down?" Applejack reminded.

"Yes, yes, yes, of course. It's just that I couldn't help but notice that Twilight hasn't yet opened this little chest of hers." he paused as he took us to inside the cave by the crystal box that was displayed on a flower. "I-I-It got me thinking, what if what's locked inside is something that could help her prove her royal worth? I only bring it up because she said that she's been feeling like her role as a princess doesn't equate to much."

"Wait a minute! How do you know how she was feeling?!" Pinkie exclaimed.

"Oh, my. Is eavesdropping not the way you're supposed to find out what your best pals are up to? Woe is me. Will I ever learn the intricate nuances of being a good friend...Well in any case, I suppose now is as good a time as any for me to make my exit.

"And good riddance!" Applejack said.

"Oopsie-doopsie, I almost left with the little journal you've all been keeping. What a fascinating read. Haven't you girls just learned so much? I've bookmarked a few of the more interesting passages. You really should take a look! We're still on for tea later, aren't we, Fluttershy?"

"I wouldn't miss it." Fluttershy replied.

"Well, I'll bring the cucumber sandwiches."

He then disappeared and we didn't hear him again.

"Sometimes ah think the 'reformed' Discord is more obnoxious than the 'before-he-was-reformed' Discord." Applejack said.

"Indeed." Rarity replied.

"But he could be right, couldn't he? What if there is something important in that chest?" Fluttershy asked.

"There's only one way to find out."

"Well girls, I guess I better go and keep an eye on Discord just in case he finds Tirek." I said to them.

"Alright darling...but do be careful, you are going to be near them both, I'm really worried." Rarity said as she held onto me tight.

"I will be...remember, if I can overcome Dark Wonder, I'm sure to be able to defend myself against Tirek."

"Okay, we'll look for answers at the abandoned castle in the meantime." Twilight replied.

I gave Rarity a passionate kiss before I flew up and went to the sky and started looking for Discord. When it was nightfall, I was in Canterlot and I didn't find Discord, but from a distance, I found a weird looking monkey dressed all over in black cloak...that must be Tirek. I landed on one of the rooftop houses and kept a watchful eye. He began to approach a grey unicorn who was reading a book and had no idea that Tirek was behind him.

I could only stand in horror as to what was about to happen to that unicorn...if that is a normal pony or perhaps Discord...the pony suddenly turned around.

"Tirek, I presume?" he asked, showing his real face...it was indeed Discord.

"Discord. You're free?" Tirek asked.

"As a bird." he replied, changing into a parrot for a moment before he went back to his normal appearance.

"I commend you on your escape."

"I'm afraid the feeling isn't mutual."

He clicked his fingers and placed chains on Tirek's arms...good move Discord.

"Oh, I should have known you would want to have Equestria all to yourself."

I flew closer to another house so I could hear them more clearly.

"Oh, I'm not doing this for me. I'm doing it for my friends. Just between the two of us, it's mostly for Fluttershy."

"Fluttershy? You're not saying you're friends with ponies?"

"Surprised?"

"I am surprised that someone with your intellect does not see this 'friendship' is but a new form of imprisonment. Clearly you've had to abandon your true nature to stay in their good graces."

"I have done nothing of the sort!"

"Oh, please, I've seen this before. But he was always weak minded. You are Discord, you are legend, you cannot fall into the same trap that claimed my brother! Help me to grow strong, and be rewarded with something far greater than friendship. Freedom."

Discord began to look like he was being convinced, this was not good.

"Once I've stripped these ponies of their magic, nothing would give me greater pleasure than to see their world turned upside down. Who better to do so than the master of chaos himself? Join me, Discord, and reclaim your greatness. Unless, of course, 'pony errand boy' is the role you've always wanted to play in this world."

I gasped as it looked like Discord was beginning to look evil.

"NO! DON'T DO IT!" I shouted as I flew from my hiding place and landed beside him, not aware of putting myself in danger. "How dare you try to feed Discord with your lies, you poor excuse for a monkey!"

"Ohhh, good one Prince Bond." Discord praised, "I didn't think of that myself."

"Well, looks like we have an alicorn...Discord, won't you mind helping me by draining this one of his magic?" Tirek asked.

"Don't do it Discord, Fluttershy worked her flank off to get you to be a good friend and we had to accept it as well."

"My, my...you are quite resistant...but it will not be enough to defeat me and my plans."

"Blah, blah, blah...like I haven't heard this before...you're gonna be defeated, pain and suffering, you will not succeed...when will you villains ever get some originals lines?"

Tirek began to growl in anger.

"Growl all you like, but you'll be back in Tatarus soon...Discord, whatever you do, do not go back to your old ways, he'll turn on you."

I then flew away as fast as I could to Ponyville to find Twilight back at her library, I grabbed her hoof and told her that it's urgent. We flew over to the castle to the Princesses and we galloped into the throne room.

"Princesses, we have another problem!" I exclaimed.

"What is it Twilight and Bond?" Celestia asked.

I then told them and Twilight what I had seen and heard as I was watching over Discord and Tirek.

Celestia sighed, "It appears that I have put too much trust in Discord and the effect that friendship would have upon him."

"How could he do this?!" Twilight asked, "I thought our friendship meant something to him! I thought he had changed."

"If Discord gets convinced to join his side, then Tirek will be able to gather enough magic to even steal flight magic from pegasi as well as draining away the unicorns of thier magic!" Luna added.

"He will also go after the Earth Ponies and then the ponies will no longer be in control of their world. That power will belong solely to Tirek."

"There is no doubt that Tirek is after Alicorn magic. If he gets Discord by his side, we will not be able to stop him from taking it."

"Once it is in his possession, his power will know no bounds, and all hope will be lost."

"But there is one solution. It is only by making this sacrifice that Equestria and the lands beyond it might be saved. We must rid ourselves of our magic before Tirek has the chance to steal it from us."

We gasped...knowing that this could very well be the challenging foe we would be facing since my battle with Dark Wonder, I really hoped and prayed that our closest friends and my fiancé are still alright...

Next Chapter: Twilight's Kingdom Part 2. Estimated time remaining: 6 Hours, 48 Minutes