Cadance trotted out of the train car, and sighed gratefully when no screaming crowd greeted her. It was one of the nicer things about Ponyville, the town just seemed to treat her as a normal pony instead of a Princess. Well, of course there was some things that just wouldn’t go away, but it really was the best she could hope for.

The Princess of Love looked around, and more than a few ponies gave her a polite wave, nod, or bow, which she gracefully returned. She started trotting down Main Street, heading towards Twilight’s library.

It was the unicorn’s birthday in a month or so, and Cadance wanted to help coordinate the party with the other Element Bearers, and visiting the best filly she ever foalssat for wasn’t a bad bonus to the trip.

Cadance sighed, maybe she should have sent Twilight a letter saying that she was coming, Celestia know’s how well that mare does with surprises. Speaking of surprises. She turned back to her husband who had the sword Zelgius gave him strapped to his back.

"Did you really needed to bring that with you?" Cadence asked while Shining just smiled sheepishly. "I just want to have a spar with him."

Cadence shook her head. It had been a week since the whole Sombra incident and she thought it might be a good time to surprise Twilight. Shining though had trained with the blade almost nonstop but not much as he did like spending time with his wife.

The two looked around the quaint town as she made her way through it. Canterlot and the Crystal Empire were certainly grand, they were considered some of the most beautiful cities in the world for a reason, but there was something just… pleasant about small towns like Ponyville. How everypony knew each other, and just stopping over at a friends house entirely unexpected was considered to be one of the most pleasant surprises there was.

Not to mention that the amount of Love is this town was practically staggering to her. She could feel the communal bond the town shared, the love they had for each other, was practically flooding into her. And the taste of some new love between couples was certainly the cherry on top, maybe those two musicians had finally gotten together? It would be about time.

The two picked up on their speed as they neared the Twilight library.

After a few seconds she noticed that the mare  was staring at them blankly.

“Cadance!” Twilight suddenly cried out happily before bounding over to the Princess.

“Sunshine Sunshine Ladybugs Awake! Clap your hooves and do a little shake!” the two grown mares launched into their standard greeting.

Drawing a few giggles from the fillies nearby as they went through the motions. The two of them turned back to face each other.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were coming Cadance?” Twilight asked,

"Where's Zelgius?" Shining interjected but sweat drop as he was ignored.

“I wanted it to be a surprise!” Cadance giggled.

Twilight turned towards her brother and hugged him which he returned. "It's good to see you to B.B.B.F.F."

"You to Twilight but where's Zelgius? He's usually always with you?"

Twilight looked over to the door. "I'm not sure."

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Zelgius sat on a log as he stared at the flower in his hand deep in thought. 'Why do I have these strange feelings.'

'They don't trust you." A voice spoke in Zelgius head.

Zelgius eyes widened as he stood up. "Who's there?"

'They fear you.'

Zelgius didn't speak but pulled his sword out. "Show yourself coward and declare your intentions."

The voice simply chuckled. 'I simply wish for you to see the truth.'

Zelgius was quiet. "What truth?"

'I am the one that brought you here boy. I know your memories as well.' The voice taunted Zelgius who growled.

"What do you want?"

'Nothing.....yet. I simply wish to have loyal follower once more.'

"Follower?" Zelgius asked while still looking around for the owner of the voice. "What do you mean by that?"

'In due time......Black Knight.'

Zelgius looked around. "Hey. Come back here!" He waited but didn't hear a reply back causing him to sigh as he sheathed his sword.

'My memories?'

Deep within a dark cave, in the very depths of which no living thing has gone was absolute darkness.....until a pair of glowing red eyes opened. Next Chapter: Chapter 10 Estimated time remaining: 41 Minutes