The throne room had a large number of ponies from the nobility of Canterlot that were running around and screaming like they had lost their heads. Twilight looked off to the side and was surprised to find her former mentor, Princess Celestia, staring at the center of the room with a look of horror on her face. Following her gaze, Twilight had her worst fears confirmed. In the center of the room stood Celestia’s younger brother, Prince Artemis. His normally dark blue coat was slowly turning black. He was turning back into his nightmare form, Night-Terror Knight. He was glaring and slightly growling at a trembling and cowering Prince Blueblood.

"Everypony stop where you are and be quiet!”

Everypony in the throne room stopped and looked over in shock. They had never heard Princess Twilight Sparkle use the Royal Canterlot Voice before.

“Now that I have your attention," Twilight calmly continued "I would like you to move to the edges of the room, but no running.”

Nopony argued. Instead, all of them quickly followed her orders.

Celestia moved to the edge of the room as well. I really hope Twilight knows what she's doing. She was startled when a letter appeared in front of her in a flash of green fire.

Dear Princess Celestia,

I apologize for the interruption, but Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie, Fluttershy and Rainbow just ran into Twi's castle. They told me that Twilight suddenly teleported away from them a few minutes ago. Do you know where she went? Is there a problem? If so, do you need the girls to join Twilight somewhere?

Sincerely,

Spike

After quickly reading the letter, Celestia summoned a scroll and quill.

Dear Spike,

Twilight teleported to the throne room in Canterlot Castle. I'm not sure how she did it, but Twilight must have sensed that there is a problem here. Unfortunately, that's all I can tell you at this time. I will be able to tell you more when things have calmed down.

Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie are ordered to remain at Twilight's castle until further notice.

Sincerely,

Princess Celestia

Celestia sent the letter to Spike before turning her attention to the center of the room.

Now that she had space to work with, Twilight slowly walked towards Night-Terror Knight. He had apparently not noticed her arrive, because his head snapped up as she approached. The ponies at the edges of the room all gasped or screamed as he sent a bolt of darkness straight at her. Twilight calmly erected a barrier around herself that dissipated the dark magic.

Surprisingly, no further attacks were forthcoming. Instead, Night-Terror Knight put up a barrier of his own and waited to see her next move. His eyes widened when she walked right up to the edge of it. “You cannot enter.”

Twilight responded by spreading her wings and passing right through, eyes glowing as she did. She kept going until she was right in front of him and stood there with her wings still flared. “Artemis,” She said calmly, refusing to call him by the name of the form he was currently in, “you don’t have to do this. This isn’t like you. Why don’t you calm down and tell me what’s going on?”

Night-Terror Knight stared at her for a moment before he charged his horn.

Closing her eyes, Twilight focused for a moment before casting her force field so that it surrounded his shield. Opening her eyes, she continued in the same calm voice as before. “I’m sorry, but I won’t let you out until you calm down.”

Night-Terror Knight unleashed his spell in an attempt to break free, but was shocked to find that it had no effect. H-how did she do that? Eyes wide, he turned back to her. “What have you done?”

“I enclosed us in a force field.” Twilight replied “I told you that I wouldn’t let you out and I meant it. Now, answer my questions.”

Night-Terror Knight quickly came to two realizations, that she was serious and he was trapped until she let him out. “You have become truly powerful, Twilight Sparkle. Or should I be calling you “princess”?”

“That is not necessary” Twilight said as she sat down and folded her wings, indicating that she had no intention of leaving. He doesn’t seem interested in attacking me at the moment, so I should try to keep him focused on me. “The last time we met, you spent most of the night trying to kill me. However, this time, you've only launched one attack at me. Why is that?”

Night-Terror Knight remained standing, but he did fold his wings. “I have not launched any further attacks against you because I do not wish to. The first one was an attempt to scare you away." He sighed "I should have known that it wouldn't work.”

“Of course not." Twilight responded "I don't scare easily. This is especially true when it involves my friends. What happened?" She thought for a moment. "Wait, before that, can you let Artemis out or do I have to call the girls?”

Night-Terror Knight nodded before closing his eyes.

The rest of the ponies in the throne room gasped when Night-Terror Knight began to change. He became slightly smaller, his coat returned to its usual midnight blue and his mane went back to the ponytail that looked like it was made of the night sky, placed over his shoulder.

Standing, Twilight walked to Artemis' side before giving him a hug. “Thank you, Artemis." She released the force field before turning to address the crowd. “Night court will be cancelled for the next two days. Guards, please see to it that everypony leaves now.”

Eyes wide, the Captain of the Night Guard replied "Y-yes, Princess Twilight." He bowed low before leaving the room to carry out the orders he had been given.

Twilight glanced around the room. “Celestia?”

Celestia raised an eyebrow as she walked towards her brother and former Faithful Student. "Yes, Twilight?"

“Can you please send a letter to Spike telling him and the girls not to worry and that I will be staying here for at least the next couple of days?” Blushing, Twilight looked up at her former teacher. “Um, if it’s okay with you, that is.”

Celestia and Artemis laughed.

“Of course." Celestia replied "I'd love to have you here.” She wrote and sent the letter to Spike before turning to her brother. “What happened?”

Looking down in shame, Artemis opened his mouth, but was distracted by a loud noise.

Surprised, Celestia and Artemis looked at Twilight.

Blushing, Twilight explained “The girls and I were going to dinner when I sensed trouble here and. . .”

Celestia and Artemis laughed again.

“In that case, I think we should head to the kitchen.” Celestia commented

Many of you are going to be upset at the battle scene because of the lack of a fight. That was not the point. We all know that Twilight is powerful as hell. The point was to focus on her friendship with Artemis.