Principle Celestia just looked at Twilight and the others in a kind of stunned silence. Her brain was numb from trying to process the information they had just given her. Dumbfounded she looked to her sister, Vice Principle Luna, who looked just as shocked as she was. Somehow how she found the ability to start speaking.

"So, what you are telling me is that you sent a girl, into a realm of magic where she has the form of a horse,"

"Pony," Twilight corrected but then immediately regretted it once she saw Celestia's death stare.

"Pony," Celestia said in a quiet rage, over pronouncing the "p" sound. "A scared, teenage girl; who had only just recently gone through the trauma of changing into a demon, into another dimension."

"Well, when you say it like that . . ." Rainbow Dash started to say before Celestia angrily cut her off.

"Rainbow Dash, shut up!" She turned to Twilight and glared at her.

"She's with Princess Celestia and Luna. In their royal castle under not only their protection but the Royal Cantorlot Guard as well. She is in the safest place imaginable. Not only that; the Princesses will show here how to use her powers. She'll be ok. Safer than she would be here. I would not have sent her there if I thought she was in any harm. We might be two people, but were still Twilight."

"And her family? You have effectively usurped her identity. You are lying to her parents and any other family members you'll meet," Celestia said accusingly.

"Only for a short time. As short as possible. But if something escaped from Equestria and is killing people, then it is my responsibility to hunt it down and either bring it back or destroy it. The needs of the greater good are more important than anyone person or small family."

"Sunset Shimmer couldn't handle this herself?" asked Luna who was more curious than angry.

Twilight shook her head. "No, not without knowing the specific threat. Also, Sunset and I magnify each other. I don't know how, but she and I are linked in a way I can't explain but we are both stronger when we stand together."

"And Sunset is going to be dropping out you said?" Celestia asked, somewhat more composed but still angry (and a bit confused).

"Yes, she'll get her papers updated to say she's twenty-one. She'll do most of the researching while we're here. I have to keep up your Twilight's life and the others here are actual high school students, so they need to be here. Sunset is in her early thirties i actuality; so she'll be fine."

"And what about her," Luna pointed to Sonata who hid behind Pinky. "And the other Dazzlings?"

"Sunset is watching Adagio and Aria is with Applejack's brother. Sonata is staying with Pinkie and wants to be a student here. All three claim they want to make amends. I can't vouch for the other two, but Sonata seems sincere."

"I am," Sonata said both sheepishly but excitedly. "I'm tired of running and being homeless and hungry. I just want a place to settle down. If nothing else, I want to prove myself to Twilight so I can go back home with her."

"And what of the others, Twilight?" Celestia asked in a voice that was ancient sounding. Far older and wiser than any human could be. "As you said, they are but high school students. If the threat is as grave as you say it is, and I have no reason to doubt it isn't based on what has happened so far; how do you plan on protecting them?"

Twilight looked around at the others and felt a sadness well up within her. She turned backed to Celestia and sighed, "As best I can. I know that doesn't sound like much, but it's the only answer I have." She paused for a second and started again. "Each of the girls has demonstrated new magical abilities above even those the manifested before. They have tapped into something far greater than even Sunset and I expected. So they are not defenseless. As for the boys, they'll be kept away from the frontlines as much as possible and they'll be under the girls protection."

As Twilight spoke, Applejack couldn't help but think bitterly, Yeah, everyone but me that is.

"I don't know Twilight. Twice you have saved our school, probably our world," Celestia said with a heavy sigh, "and I've seen the power you all have together. BUT, this is something new. As you said, this is far bigger and more dangerous than anything you've faced before." She then stopped and just looked Twilight in the eyes. "But this is what you do. This is what you're here for. Ok. Do what needs to be done."

"I will. You know I'll do whatever it takes to keep Earth and Equestria safe." Twilight tried to sound reassuring.

"Salvum fac temet ipsum," Celestia said flatly. "You're all dismissed."

Twilight turned around confused and they all left Principle Celestia's office. As they walked through the halls, Twilight tried to figure out what Celestia said. She felt a tap on her right shoulder and looked to see Fluttershy standing there with a concerned look on her face.

"It was Latin," she said with a hint of fear. "It means, 'Save yourself'."

Author's Notes:

"The needs of the many out weigh the needs of the few or the one." Happy 50th Anniversary Star Trek