“What happened next?” Twilight asked

Celestia glanced at her sister before turning to their parents. “Did Silver behave himself?”

Midnight Armor shuddered “No.”

“What did he do?” Artemis hesitantly asked

Sundance nuzzled her husband. “It’s alright, Midnight. I’ll show them this part.”

“Thank you.” Midnight Armor quietly replied

Celestia, Artemis and Twilight looked at each other for a moment before turning back to their parents.

“You don’t have to show us if you don’t want to.” Celestia said softly

Sundance turned to her eldest. “It’s alright. Your father and I knew that this part would be difficult for us. However, we think the three of you should know about this because it is part of the history of Equestria.”

“Are you sure?” Twilight slowly asked

Midnight Armor nodded as he levitated his youngest to his side before pulling her into a tight hug.

Twilight raised an eyebrow. Whatever happened next must be really bad. She nuzzled him before snuggling closer to his side.

Sundance watched this with a small smile. Thank you, Twilight. “I am going to start with what happened that night.”

Celestia, Artemis, Twilight and Star Swirl nodded.

- - - Sundance’s Flashback - - -

Sundance woke to a bloodcurdling scream. Startled, she scrambled to her hooves as she looked around. The first thing she noticed was that she was alone. She looked up when another scream tore through the night.

T-that sounds like Midnight Armor. Sundance leapt into the air and quickly flew towards the sound. She paused when she noticed that a large group of unicorns was gathered in a circle around something. Where did all of them come from? I thought Silver and Cypress were the only unicorns here.

Shaking her head, she took a closer look at what they were doing. It seems that several of the unicorns are simply providing light. The rest of them are focused on the object in the center of the circle.

Sundance gasped when she got close enough to see what that object was. I-it’s Midnight Armor! H-he is unconscious and . . . She gasped in horror when she took a closer look at his injuries. T-they have cut his stomach open and are holding it open with at least a dozen large knives while they . . . She was pulled from her thoughts by Silver’s laughter.

“I’m glad you were able to join us, Sundance.” Silver remarked

All of the researchers instantly turned to him before following his gaze to her.

Sundance made sure that she was out of the range of all of them before glaring at Silver. “What you are doing to him?!”

“Conducting research, of course.” Silver glanced at something to her left.

Sundance turned to see that Gale and Cloud were flying towards them.

Both of them gasped when they saw what was going on.

“I really must thank you, Gale.” Silver remarked “I never would have found these two without your help.”

“What are you talking about?!” Gale demanded

“You sent me the names of the ponies that were going to be attending the Meeting of the Tribes.” Silver reminded him.

“Y-you mean that is why you . . .” Horrified, Gale stared at what they had done to Midnight Armor for a moment. Then he landed on the ground before proceeding to lose his dinner.

Silver laughed again before turning back to Sundance. “You don’t need to worry. I won’t kill him . . .” He paused while she sighed in relief. “Yet. We are going keep him alive until we understand why he has the abilities that he does. Then we will figure out what it takes to kill him . . . by killing him.”

Sundance gasped in horror.

Silver smiled at her. “I have a slightly different plan for you, my dear.”

Sundance shuddered I hate it when he calls me that. “W-what are you talking about?”

“You will bear as many of my foals as possible.” Silver answered “Then you will follow in Midnight Armor’s hoofsteps as soon as you have outlived your usefulness.”

There is no way that I am going to let him touch me! Sundance immediately backed up several feet. She waited until she was sure that her dinner was going to stay in her stomach before turning back to Midnight Armor. H-he won’t be able to take much more of that. I have to get him out of there . . . now.

Silver laughed when Sundance’s horn began to glow. “What do you think you’re doing? I am well aware of the fact that you have no combat experience.” He gasped in shock when she launched two very different beams of magic towards the ponies on the ground.

Sundance watched both of them carefully. I can’t warn Elder Gale because that would also warn Silver and the researchers. I’ll just have to apologize to him later. Tears began to well up in her eyes as she looked at Midnight Armor again. Please be strong enough to survive this.

The first beam of magic produced a shockwave that knocked all of the ponies on the ground off of their hooves. The second removed all of the knives from Midnight Armor’s stomach before she levitated him into the air.

Silver struggled to his hooves. “Give him back!”

Ignoring him, Sundance gently lay Midnight Armor on his back on a nearby cloud before landing next to him and folding her wings. Tears began to stream down her face as she knelt next to him before using her magic to hold his internal organs in place while she tried to close the wound. This isn’t working! Perhaps I’m not . . . She shook her head. No! I can’t give up. I’m the only one who can save him. She cast the advanced healing spell that she had created to heal Amber’s wounds.

Nothing happened for a couple of minutes. Then Midnight Armor moved his head a little.

“I-it’s working!” Sundance said softly

“Ugh . . .” Midnight Armor tried to roll onto his side.

“D-don’t move.” Sundance whispered “I haven’t finished healing you yet.”

“H-healing me?” Midnight Armor slowly opened his eyes. His eyes widened when he saw the tears on her face. “What’s wrong?”

Sundance nodded to his stomach.

Surprised, he just stared at his wounds for a moment before laying his head on the cloud again. “I-I remember now. I woke to an unusual noise. That was when Silver used a sword to slice my stomach open. I remember screaming in pain a couple of times . . . and then . . . I must have passed out from the pain.”

“I’m not surprised.” Sundance quietly replied “Your first scream woke me and your second led me to your location.” She shuddered “I-I’ve never seen so much blood. They were holding your stomach open with over a dozen knives and . . .” She trailed off as she shuddered again.

“How did you get me away from at least twenty unicorns?” Midnight Armor asked

“I created a new offensive spell after our battle with the Chimeras.” Sundance answered “It produces a shockwave on impact. I wasn’t planning to use it on ponies, but that is exactly what I just did. Then I levitated you into the air before they had a chance to recover. I placed you on this cloud and started to heal your wound.”

“T-thank you, Sundance.” Midnight Armor said softly “You probably saved my life.”

Sundance shuddered again before telling Midnight Armor what Silver had told her about his plans for them.

Midnight Armor’s eyes widened. “Y-you really did save my life . . .”

Sundance shook her head. “Not yet. I have to finish healing your wound.” She lifted her head so she could look him in the eye. “We also need to deal with them.”

“We will.” Midnight Armor assured her.

It took a little over an hour for Sundance to finish healing Midnight Armor’s wound. Then she stood before carefully helping him to his hooves. “How do you feel?”

He nuzzled her as he used his magic to dry her eyes. “I’m a little weak at the moment, but I feel much better than I did an hour ago.”

Sighing in relief, Sundance returned his nuzzle. “Do you think you can fly?”

Nodding, Midnight Armor spread his wings before slowly rising into the air. Sundance watched him carefully for a moment before joining him in the air.

Silver glared up at both of them. “Why did you do that, Sundance?!”

“I didn’t want Midnight Armor to die.” Sundance answered

“The two of you are my property!” Silver angrily replied “I will do with you as I see fit!”

“Stop here.” Sundance said softly

Midnight Armor did as he was told. “I assume we are just outside their range.”

Sundance nodded to Midnight Armor before looking down at Silver. “That is where you are wrong.” She turned to one of the researchers. “You gave Midnight Armor and myself an official name. Isn’t that right, Brook?”

Surprised, Brook nodded “Both of you are a type of pony . . .” He trailed off as a look of horror settled on his face.

“That has the characteristics, or traits, of an earth pony, a pegasus and a unicorn.” Sundance finished “Midnight Armor and I are members of the fourth pony tribe . . . the Alicorn.”

“T-that is correct.” Brook shakily replied

Sundance looked at everypony else. “All of you heard Silver say that he plans to kill the only two alicorns in existence.”

Gale and Cloud nodded. The researchers reluctantly did the same.

“There is one more thing.” Sundance returned her gaze to Silver. “You know what happens to a pony who conducts that type of . . . research . . . on other ponies, right?”

Silver’s look of rage shifted to one of horror as he finally realized the consequences of his actions. “I-I . . .”

Sundance surrounded Silver, Cypress and all of the researchers with her magic. “All of you are accused of conducting illegal research on a pony, attempted murder and planning to push a tribe of ponies to extinction.”

Gale spread his wings. “I am Gale, Leader of the Pegasus Tribe. I hereby recognize the existence of the fourth pony tribe . . . the Alicorn. I also recognize Sundance and Midnight Armor as the only known members of this new tribe.”

Silver gulped

Gale turned to Silver, Cypress and the researchers. “All of you are under arrest for the crimes that Sundance just listed. As such, all of you will be placed in the dungeons in the capital while we decide your punishment. Additionally, each of you is stripped of any title and power that you previously held.”

Silver, Cypress and the researchers shivered in terror when Sundance, Midnight Armor and Cloud landed in front of them.

Sundance glanced at Midnight Armor before turning back to the captured ponies. “We need to wait for Midnight Armor to fully recover before we can bring you to the capital. Unfortunately, that will take at least a couple of days.”

Gale turned to Sundance and Midnight Armor. “Do you have the ability to keep them restrained until then?”

“Sundance and I will combine our magic and create some type of enclosure for them.” Midnight Armor answered

Gale nodded “That sounds perfect.”

Midnight Armor leaned down and touched the tip of his horn to Sundance’s. She used their combined magic to create a large cage that was made entirely of magic.

Sundance placed the captured ponies inside it before creating a roof for the cage. Then she released her magic as she turned to Gale. “This will keep them contained. Additionally, we will be able to use it to transport them to the capital.”

Gale smiled at her. “Thank you.”

Midnight Armor turned to Sundance in time to see her wobble slightly. He looked at the rising sun for a moment before turning to Gale. “We can continue the Meeting of the Tribes later. However, right now, Sundance and I need to get some rest.”

“That is understandable.” Gale quickly replied “It has been a long night for both of you. We will continue when both of you have recovered.”

Sundance and Midnight Armor returned to their campsite and lay down next to each other again. However, this time, they snuggled as close to each other as possible. Sundance lay her head on her forehooves and allowed herself to fall asleep. Midnight Armor draped a wing over her back before doing the same.

- - - End Flashback - - -

Sundance looked around to see that Celestia, Artemis and Star Swirl had tears in their eyes as they stared at her in a combination of shock and horror. She turned to see that Twilight had a similar expression on her face. Midnight Armor had somehow managed to pull his youngest even closer before laying his head on his forehooves and closing his eyes.

Sundance leaned over Twilight and nuzzled her husband. “It’s alright, Midnight. The worst part is over.”

Midnight Armor shuddered T-thank goodness. I don’t even like to think about that memory, let alone relive it.

Twilight stared at her father for a moment before smiling slightly when she got an idea.

Sundance raised an eyebrow when her daughter’s horn began to glow. What is she doing?

Midnight Armor moaned in pleasure when he felt a wave of warmth move through his entire body. “T-thank you, Twilight.”

Twilight nuzzled her father. “You’re welcome.”

I see what she did. Laughing softly, Sundance nuzzled her youngest. “Well done, Twilight.”

“There is something that confuses me.” Celestia said slowly

Sundance turned to her eldest. “What is it?”

“Why were you so worried about Father dying?” Celestia responded “It is impossible for an alicorn to die from that type of injury.”

“We didn’t know that at the time.” Sundance answered “Therefore, I really thought your father was going to die.”

“I see.” Celestia said softly

Twilight stared at her sister for a moment before gently nuzzling their father.

Smiling slightly, Midnight Armor returned her nuzzle before opening his eyes and looking at his wife. “Would you mind showing them the next part?”

Sundance nodded to her husband before turning to Celestia, Artemis and Star Swirl. “The Meeting of the Tribes resumed three days later. I’m going to start there.”

All three of them nodded.

- - - Sundance’s Flashback - - -

Gale, Cloud, Sundance and Midnight Armor gathered around the stone table. The cage that held Silver, Cypress and the researchers sat a few feet away.

“The prisoners have been fed.” Cloud informed Gale.

“Thank you.” Gale turned to Midnight Armor. “Are you sure that you are ready for this?”

“I appreciate your concern.” Midnight Armor replied “However, I have recovered enough to continue.”

Gale nodded to Midnight Armor before turning to Sundance. “Thank you for taking the time to travel to my village. Your work has ensured that we will have enough food to survive until the next Harvest Season.”

“You’re welcome, elder.” Sundance replied “However . . .”

“Don’t worry.” Gale responded “I will ensure that all of the earthbound settlements receive enough rain.”

Sundance smiled “Thank you.” I am going to hold him to that.

“This year’s Meeting of the Tribes was a little unusual . . . for obvious reasons.” Gale commented “However, there will be a major change to the next one.”

“There are four pony tribes now.” Midnight Armor responded “As the only known alicorns, Sundance and I will both be in attendance.”

Gale nodded

“This means that Elder Lila and Elder Onyx will probably be here as well.” Sundance paused “That’s not entirely accurate. Amber will be of age by the next Meeting of the Tribes. This means that she may be representing the unicorn village.”

“Agreed.” Gale responded “Now then, we need to decide how we are going to transport the prisoners to the capital.”

“I think we should use the simplest method.” Midnight Armor replied

“And that is?” Gale asked

“Sundance and I will levitate the cage while the four of us fly to the capital.” Midnight Armor responded.

Cloud slowly nodded “I see. That is also the fastest method.”

Sundance and Midnight Armor nodded as well.

Gale glanced at the cage before turning back to Sundance, Midnight Armor and Cloud. “You’re right.”

“I think we should leave as soon as everypony has eaten their morning meal tomorrow.” Sundance commented

“Good point.” Gale remarked “In that case, I believe all of us should retire for the evening. Please make sure that you get some rest.”

Sundance, Midnight Armor and Cloud nodded

The Next Morning

Midnight Armor, Sundance, Gale and Cloud worked together to pack enough supplies for their journey. Each of them placed a pair of saddlebags on their back before turning to the prisoners.

Gale and Cloud looked on as Sundance and Midnight Armor worked together to levitate the cage into the air. The four of them spread their wings and took flight, bringing the cage with them.

Silver glared at Sundance and Midnight Armor. “You better not drop us!”

“Don’t tempt me.” Sundance replied

Midnight Armor, Cloud and Gale laughed when Silver suddenly became extremely interested in the scenery.

Seven Hours Later

Everypony looked up when Sundance, Midnight Armor, Gale and Cloud landed in the center of the capital.

Sundance and Midnight Armor gently set the cage on the ground next to them.

The unicorns gasped when they saw who was in the cage.

“Sundance!”

Surprised, Sundance turned to see that a young colt was staring at her with tears in his eyes. I still have trouble believing that this sweet colt is Silver’s son. Smiling slightly, she lay down where she stood. “Good afternoon, Bay.”

Bay rushed forward to nuzzle her. “A-are you alright?!”

Sundance returned his nuzzle before lifting her head so that she could take a closer look at him. “Why do you ask?”

“I-I heard some of the researchers talking last night.” Bay answered “T-they said that Daddy wanted them to kill you and Mr. Midnight Armor.”

“I see.” Sundance thought for a moment. “Can you tell me who your father left in charge of the capital while he was gone?”

“That would be me.”

Sundance looked up to see that a unicorn mare was walking towards her. She stood before turning to face the approaching unicorn. “Good afternoon, Star.”

“Good afternoon, Sundance.” Star glanced at the cage, and those inside it, for a moment before turning back to Sundance. “Would you mind telling me why my husband and the researchers are in a cage?”

Midnight Armor turned to her. “I was hoping that you were going to ask.”

Gale shuddered “Y-you should prepare yourself, Star. This won’t be easy for you to see.”

Obviously somewhere between confused and concerned, Star nodded to Gale before turning back to the alicorns.

Midnight Armor and Sundance took turns showing everyone what Silver had done.

Everypony else, except for those in the cage, gasped in horror.

Star stared at Sundance and Midnight Armor in shock for a moment before turning to her husband. “H-how could you do such a thing?!”

Silver glared at his wife. “Get me out of this cage, Star!”

“No.” Star replied. “Elder Gale is correct. You will be punished for your crimes.”

Silver’s glare deepened “We’ll see about that.”

“Yes, we will.” Star turned back to Sundance. “You have my sincerest apologies. I had no idea that my husband was doing such horrible things to either of you.” She looked at Midnight Armor. “I would like you to see a healer before you leave the capital.”

Midnight Armor raised an eyebrow. “Why?”

“I know that Sundance healed your injuries." Star answered "However, I would feel better if you would allow one of our healers to confirm it.”

“I see.” Midnight Armor slowly replied

“Don’t worry.” Sundance said softly “You won’t be going alone.”

Midnight Armor smiled at her before looking up when Star raised her voice.

“Silver has been stripped of his position and power as a result of his crimes. This means that the pony that he has placed in charge of the capital while he was gone is now the leader of the capital. Does anypony disagree with this?”

“Of course!” Silver shouted

Star glared at her husband for a moment before turning to the ponies around her. “Does anypony else disagree?”

No one else voiced any complaints.

Star nodded to the unicorns around her before turning to Gale, Cloud, Sundance and Midnight Armor. “I am Star, Leader of the Unicorn Capital. I hereby recognize the existence of the fourth pony tribe, the Alicorn. Additionally, I recognize Midnight Armor and Sundance as the only known members of this new tribe.”

Silver growled

Star glared at her husband before listing off the names of each of the ponies in the cage. “The ponies that I have just named are accused of the following charges . . . Conducting illegal research on another pony, attempted murder and planning to push a tribe of ponies to extinction. It is possible that additional charges may be added as we examine their actions. All of them will receive the appropriate punishment for their crimes when we have finished.”

All of the unicorns in the capital, except for those in the cage, cheered.

Star turned to Gale. “I would appreciate it if you, and your assistant, would stay in the capital until each of them receives their punishment.”

“I have no problem with that.” Gale glanced at Sundance and Midnight Armor before turning back to Star. “However, I would like to make a suggestion.”

“What is it?” Star asked

“We should give Sundance and Midnight Armor time to return to their respective villages so they can inform Lila and Onyx of this.” Gale replied “Then the four of them should return to the capital before any of the captured ponies receives their punishment.”

Star nodded “Good idea. The leaders of all four of the pony tribes, and major settlements, should be present for this.” She turned to Sundance and Midnight Armor. “Do you think a week, starting tomorrow, will be enough time?”

Sundance and Midnight Armor nodded

“Good.” Star replied “In that case, I would like you to see the healer tonight, Midnight Armor. Then the two of you should head to your respective villages tomorrow morning.”

Sundance and Midnight Armor nodded again.

The Next Morning

Sundance and Midnight Armor said farewell to Star, Bay, Gale and Cloud before spreading their wings and taking flight. The flight was silent as each of them tried not to think about what had happened over the last week or so.

They arrived in the air above the Everfree Forest a little over six hours later. Both of them were surprised when they noticed a large group of ponies on the neutral ground between their villages.

“What do you think that’s about?” Sundance asked

Midnight Armor shrugged. “Perhaps we should find out.”

Sundance nodded before following Midnight Armor towards the group of ponies on the ground. They watched everypony else turn to them as their hooves touched the ground.

Lila, Onyx, Amber, Thunder and Smoky smiled as they walked closer to Sundance and Midnight Armor. Their smiled faded when they saw the expressions on the faces of the alicorns.

“What’s wrong, dear?” Lila asked Sundance.

Sundance glanced at Midnight Armor. “We might as well get it over with.”

Midnight Armor nodded “You’re right.”

Sundance showed everyone what had happened before, during and after the Meeting of the Tribes. Midnight Armor showed them what had happened in the capital.

Every member of both villages gasped in horror.

“O-oh my . . .” Lila said softly “I-I don’t know what to say.”

“I do.” Onyx growled “You, Sundance, Midnight Armor and I are going to start traveling to the capital tomorrow. We will see to it that those ponies receive the proper punishment for their crimes.”

Lila nodded “Agreed.”

One of the earth ponies that threw rocks at Sundance slowly turned to another. “I-I know that we treat her like a monster, but . . .”

“We don’t try to kill her!” The second quietly finished

“I-I don’t think we should treat her like that anymore.” The third stallion said softly

Every member of the earth pony village nodded.

Lila turned to Sundance. “You did a very good job, dear.”

Surprised, Sundance turned to her. “What are you talking about?” That entire experience was a nightmare!

“You ensured that we would be able to keep our food.” Lila responded “You also made sure that our farms would be able to keep what little food they have. Additionally, you helped ensure that the pegasi will be able to survive until the next Harvest Season.”

Onyx smiled at Sundance. “More importantly, you saved Midnight Armor’s life.”

“You also got Gale to agree to provide rain for us again.” Amber added

Everyone else nodded

Sundance blushed T-they make it sound like I did everything. “I-I’m sure that Midnight Armor would have helped me, but Silver . . .”

“It’s alright, Sundance.” Onyx assured her. “I’m not upset with him at all.” He turned to Midnight Armor. “I noticed that you were also able to convince Gale that we wouldn’t be giving the pegasi any of our food.”

Midnight Armor nodded

Onyx smiled at him. “Well done.” He turned to his daughter. “You are in charge of the village until I return.”

Amber nodded “Yes, Father.”

Midnight Armor noticed that she was upset. “Don’t worry. We will let you know how it goes.”

Amber smiled “Thank you.”

Onyx and Lila nodded to each other before turning to everypony around them.

“I’m glad that everypony is here.” Lila commented

“Agreed.” Onyx remarked “There is one more thing that we need to take care of today . . . and it is something that all of you need to hear.”

Every member of both villages immediately gave both of them their full attention.

“I am Lila, Leader of the Earth Pony Tribe.” Lila began

“I am Onyx, Leader of the Unicorn Village.” Onyx continued

They said the rest together. “We hereby recognize the existence of the fourth pony tribe, the Alicorn. Additionally, we recognize Sundance and Midnight Armor as the only known alicorns.”

Sundance and Midnight Armor were surprised when every member of both villages cheered.

Lila and Onyx smiled at each other before turning back to Sundance and Midnight Armor.

“I believe that is enough for one day.” Onyx commented

Lila nodded “Let’s get both of you home for some dinner and a good night’s rest.”

Lila, Onyx, Amber, Thunder and Smoky smiled when Sundance and Midnight Armor nuzzled each other. Then everypony walked towards their respective villages.

- - - End Flashback - - -

“W-wow.” Twilight whispered “That isn’t in any of the history books.”

Laughing softly, Celestia turned to her sister. “As far as I know, this is the first time that Mother and Father have told anypony about this.”

Sundance and Midnight Armor nodded

Celestia glanced at her brother before turning back to her sister. “Additionally, the unicorn capital was destroyed long before Artemis and I were born.”

Twilight turned to her parents. “What happened to it?”

“The capital was located near the border.” Midnight Armor answered “For some reason, the unicorns in the capital thought it would be a good idea to expand their city into the land that eventually became the Griffin Kingdom.”

Artemis shuddered “I can’t imagine that going well.”

“It didn’t.” Sundance responded “The griffins destroyed the capital before the other tribes or the unicorn village even knew what the unicorns in the capital had done.”

Midnight Armor nodded “Fortunately, the griffins were satisfied with that. They returned to their territory as soon as they were sure that they had killed all of the unicorns in the capital.”

Celestia’s eyes widened when something occurred to her. “That means every unicorn in Equestria is descended from the ones that lived in the village near the forest.”

Midnight Armor nodded again. “That’s right. It also means that Amber, who was the leader of the unicorn village by that point, suddenly became the leader of the Unicorn Tribe.”

Twilight’s eyes widened as well. “That must have come as a surprise.”

Sundance nodded as well. “She was certain that she wouldn’t be able to handle the responsibility.”

Midnight Armor smiled at his wife before turning to their children and Star Swirl. “Even so, she quickly proved herself to be a capable leader.”

Celestia smiled at Twilight. “That sounds familiar.”

Midnight Armor, Sundance, Celestia, Artemis and Star Swirl laughed when Twilight blushed.

Midnight Armor nuzzled his youngest before turning to Sundance, Celestia, Artemis and Star Swirl. “I’m going to start with what happened the next morning.”

Celestia, Artemis, Twilight and Star Swirl nodded.

- - -Midnight Armor’s Flashback - - -

Midnight Armor woke to a gentle nuzzle. He slowly opened his eyes and looked around the room for a moment before noticing that Onyx and Amber were standing next to the soft pile of hay that served as his bed. Yawning, he stretched for a moment before standing. “Did I oversleep?”

“Yes.” Amber shook her head when she saw that Midnight Armor was about to apologize. “It’s alright. It’s clear that you haven’t fully recovered from your injuries.”

“Amber is correct.” Onyx commented “You lost a lot of blood. This means that you will be tired and weak for at least a few more days.”

Midnight Armor sighed “You’re probably right.” I hate feeling like this!

Onyx shook his head. “I’m still amazed that Sundance was able to save you.”

“I am as well.” Amber replied “I’m also surprised that she hasn’t earned her Soul Mark yet.”

Onyx nodded as the three of them sat down at the table for breakfast.

Amber levitated a bowl of apples and oranges to the center of the table while Onyx filled three wooden cups with water.

Midnight Armor took a bite of an apple and chewed it thoughtfully. Amber and Onyx watched him eat for a moment before beginning to eat as well.

Midnight Armor swallowed the food in his mouth before turning to Amber. “I don’t think Sundance’s specialty is healing.”

Amber raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean? She is so good at healing that it has to be her specialty.”

“Have you noticed that she creates her own spells?” Midnight Armor asked

Amber gasped “Y-you’re right! I’ve never met another pony who can do that.”

“Good point.” Onyx said slowly “Every unicorn that I’ve met uses the existing spells that have been passed down from parent to child.” He turned to Midnight Armor. “You’ve spent a lot of time with her recently. What do you think her specialty is?”

“I believe her specialty has something to with magic.” Midnight Armor answered

“That would be appropriate.” Amber said slowly

Onyx nodded again

Onyx and Midnight Armor finished their breakfasts heading to their rooms to pack for their journey.

Amber, Onyx and Midnight Armor headed outside fifteen minutes later. They found the rest of the village waiting for them.

“Midnight Armor!”

Midnight Armor, Amber and Onyx turned towards the voice to see that Summer was running towards them.

Summer skidded to a stop in front of Midnight Armor before looking up at him. “Are you really going away again?”

Midnight Armor lay down in front of her. “Yes, Summer. I have to go to the capital for a while, but I’ll be back in a couple of weeks.”

“A-are you going to get hurt again?” Summer tearfully asked

Midnight Armor nuzzled the filly. “Don’t worry. I’ll be careful.”

Everyone looked up when one of the ponies on the wall climbed down and walked over to Onyx. “Elder Lila and Sundance are approaching the village.”

“Please let them in.” Onyx replied

The stallion nodded before walking over to the gate. He returned a couple of minutes later with Lila and Sundance.

Onyx smiled at the guard. “Thank you.”

“Of course, elder.” The stallion nodded to Lila and Sundance before returning to his post.

Onyx turned to Lila and Sundance. “Good morning.”

“Good morning.” Lila replied “I’m sorry we’re late.”

Sundance nodded “I overslept because I was up late last night.”

“Do you mind if I ask why?” Amber asked

“I created a new spell.” Sundance answered “I hope I don’t need to use it, but I wanted it to be ready . . . just in case.”

Midnight Armor stood before turning to Sundance. “What kind of spell did you create this time?”

“It’s a defensive spell.” Sundance replied

Onyx raised an eyebrow. “This means that you have created three new spells in less than two weeks. A healing spell, an offensive spell and a defensive spell.”

Surprised, Sundance stared at him for a moment before nodding. Onyx, Midnight Armor and Amber smiled at each other before turning back to Sundance.

Lila smiled at Sundance before turning to Onyx. “I think we should get going.”

Onyx nodded to Lila before turning to Midnight Armor. “Are you ready?”

Midnight Armor levitated his saddlebags onto his back before nodding.

Onyx levitated his saddlebags onto his back as well before turning to Amber. “Take care of things here.”

“I will.” Amber followed them to the gate. “Be careful.”

“We will.” Sundance, Midnight Armor, Lila and Onyx smiled at Amber before walking through the gate.

Five Hours Later

Lila and Onyx were discussing something as they walked down the path. Sundance and Midnight Armor were walking a few feet behind them.

Sundance looked at Midnight Armor when he stumbled. “Are you alright?”

“Y-yes.” Midnight Armor slowly replied I can’t rest yet!

Sundance raised an eyebrow when he stumbled again. She turned to the ponies walking in front of them. “Elder Lila? I think we should take a break.”

Lila and Onyx looked over their shoulders in time to see Midnight Armor stumble again. They exchanged glances before turning back to the younger ponies.

“You’re right, dear.” Lila replied “It’s clear that Midnight Armor needs to rest for a while.”

Onyx looked up at the sun for a moment before turning back to the ponies. “I think we should also use this time to eat something.”

Lila, Sundance and Midnight Armor nodded before moving to a spot just off the path. Onyx joined them. The four of them set their saddlebags on the ground before laying down.

Sundance pulled some food from her saddlebags before turning to see that Midnight Armor had laid his head on his forehooves and closed his eyes.

Onyx and Lila smiled when Sundance set her food on a wooden plate before nuzzling Midnight Armor.

Midnight Armor slowly opened his eyes. “What is it?”

“You should eat something before you get some sleep.” Sundance opened one of the sides of his saddlebags and pulled out a large apple. “Here.”

Midnight Armor lifted his head as he took it in his magic. “Thank you.”

Sundance stood and spread her wings as she levitated a large wooden cup out of her saddlebags. “I’ll go get some water from the river.”

“Good idea.” Lila replied

Midnight Armor had just finished his apple when he noticed that Sundance was flying towards them. He watched her land next to him and lay down before offering him some water. He drank some of the water before setting the cup on the ground in front of her. “Thank you.”

Sundance smiled “You’re welcome.” She watched Midnight Armor lay his head on his forehooves and close his eyes again.

Onyx, Lila and Sundance quietly ate their lunches before laying their heads on their forehooves as well.

Onyx let Midnight Armor sleep for an hour before lifting his head. “Sundance?” He waited for her to open her eyes and lift her head before continuing. “I think we should get going. Would you mind waking Midnight Armor?”

Sundance nodded to Onyx before turning to see that Midnight Armor had shifted in his sleep so that he was lying against her right side. Blushing slightly, she lowered her head and gently nuzzled him.

Midnight Armor mumbled something unintelligible as he snuggled closer to her. Onyx and Lila laughed softly when Sundance’s blush deepened.

Sundance nuzzled Midnight Armor a little harder. “It’s time to wake up.”

Midnight Armor slowly opened his eyes. “Hmm?”

“We need to get going.” Sundance quietly told him.

Midnight Armor yawned as he slowly lifted his head. “Very well.”

Lila and Onyx laughed harder when Midnight Armor blushed as soon as he realized how close he was to Sundance.

“I-I’m sorry.” Midnight Armor whispered to Sundance as he scooted over.

“It’s alright.” Sundance said softly “You were asleep.”

Sundance and Midnight Armor stood and levitated their saddlebags onto their backs before turning to Lila and Onyx. They glanced at each other when they saw the mischievous smiles on the faces of both of the elders.

“What is it?” Sundance nervously asked

“Should we find the two of you a room for tonight?” Lila responded

Sundance’s face instantly turned bright red. “E-elder Lila!”

“W-why did you say that?” Midnight Armor stammered

Laughing, Lila nuzzled Sundance. “Relax, dear. I was just teasing you.”

Sundance sighed in relief.

“Or was she?” Onyx asked

Midnight Armor’s eyes widened. “What do you mean?”

“Neither of you refused.” Onyx pointed out.

“I-I . . . um . . .” Sundance stammered

Midnight Armor opened his mouth, but paused when Onyx and Lila laughed.

Onyx waited until he had finished laughing before turning to Lila. “We should get going.”

Lila nodded “You’re right.”

Sundance and Midnight Armor sighed in relief as they fell into step a couple of feet behind Lila and Onyx.

Six Hours Later

Lila turned to Onyx, Sundance and Midnight Armor. “I think we should stop here for the night.”

“Good idea.” Onyx replied “We should be able to make it to the capital tomorrow afternoon.”

Sundance headed over to a large group of trees to collect firewood. Onyx and Lila began to unpack their saddlebags while Midnight Armor went over to the river to collect water.

The four of them worked together to prepare a salad for their main meal and slices of fruit for dessert.

Onyx raised an eyebrow when he noticed that Midnight Armor was looking around them. “Is something wrong?”

“I am fairly certain that something dangerous lives around here.” Midnight Armor slowly replied “I’m trying to remember what it is.”

“I haven’t walked down this path in several years.” Onyx replied “Unfortunately, this means that I don’t remember what lives here.”

Midnight Armor thought for a couple of minutes before gasping in shock. “I remember now! There is a group of cockatrices living in that large group of trees over there!”

Lila turned towards the group of trees before gasping as well. “There are five of them heading straight towards us!”

“I could enclose us in a barrier.” Midnight Armor remarked “That would stop the cockatrices from attacking us directly, but they would still be able to turn us to stone.”

“This means that I need to use my new spell.” Closing her eyes, Sundance focused her magic for a moment before surrounding the four of them with her new shield.

Midnight Armor, Lila and Onyx gasped when all of the cockatrices were suddenly turned to stone.

Onyx turned to Sundance. “H-how did you do that?!”

Sundance opened her eyes. “My new shield has the same reflective properties as a still pond. This means that I can send attacks back to the original attacker. In this case, it allowed me to turn the cockatrices stone.”

“I-incredible!” Lila said softly

Eyes wide, Onyx and Midnight Armor silently nodded.

Sundance allowed her shield to fade. “Unfortunately, it requires a lot of magic. This means that I can’t keep it up for long.”

Midnight Armor nuzzled Sundance. “That’s alright. You were able to keep your shield up long enough to protect us.”

“Midnight Armor is correct.” Lila smiled at Sundance. “Well done.”

Sundance returned Midnight Armor’s nuzzle before turning to Lila. “Thank you.”

I don’t care what Elder Onyx and Elder Lila say about this. Midnight Armor draped a wing over Sundance’s back before casting his barrier around the four of them.

Onyx and Lila smiled at each other before turning back to Sundance and Midnight Armor.

“I don’t hear you complaining, dear.” Lila commented “It seems that our earlier comments weren’t that far off.”

Lila and Onyx laughed when Sundance blushed and shook her head before snuggling closer to Midnight Armor.

Onyx turned to Midnight Armor. “I know that I am not your father. Therefore, I will keep this brief. This mare is obviously very special. You better take care of her.”

Midnight Armor nuzzled Sundance again. “I will.”

Lila laughed harder when Sundance’s blush deepened. “I think that’s enough excitement for one day. Let’s get some sleep.”

All four of them nodded before laying their heads on their forehooves and closing their eyes.

- - - End Flashback - - -

“W-wow!” Twilight whispered

Artemis nuzzled his wife before turning to their parents. “She’s right.”

Celestia nodded

Midnight Armor nuzzled his wife before smiling at their children. “All three of you are correct.”

Midnight Armor, Celestia, Artemis, Twilight and Star Swirl laughed when Sundance blushed.

“I-I think we should show them what happened next.” Sundance stammered

Artemis laughed again “We still have a couple of hours until I need to lower the moon and stars.”

“That should be enough time.” Sundance turned to her husband. “I’ll show them this part.”

Midnight Armor chuckled “Alright.”

Sundance turned to Celestia, Artemis, Twilight and Star Swirl. “I am going to begin with what happened when we arrived in the capital.”

The four of them nodded.

- - - Sundance’s Flashback - - -

Lila, Onyx, Sundance and Midnight Armor looked up when Gale flew over to them. “I’m happy to see that the four of you are safe.”

Midnight Armor raised an eyebrow when he saw how concerned Gale was. “Is there a reason that we wouldn’t be safe?”

“It seems that my husband has escaped.”

The five of them turned to see that Star was walking over to them.

Sundance and Midnight Armor gasped “What?!”

Sighing, Star nodded “Unfortunately, he was able to convince some of the guards on the night shift to free him. He asked the researchers to give me a message. He has promised to kill Sundance and Midnight Armor.”

“Where are those guards?” Onyx growled

“They have been imprisoned.” Star answered

“Good” Lila responded

Sundance glanced at Midnight Armor. “He knew that we were going to return to the capital.”

Midnight Armor nodded “You’re right. That means he is probably still here.”

“You are probably correct.” Star nodded to the six stallions behind her. “These guards will be with you at all times.”

Midnight Armor glanced at Sundance before turning back to Star. “I appreciate the offer, but no thank you.”

“Why don’t you want the guards?” Lila asked

“We know that some of them are still loyal to Silver.” Sundance explained

Midnight Armor nodded “This means that there is no way to be sure that those guards will actually protect us.”

Lila’s eyes widened “Good point.”

Sundance watched one of the guards pull out a scroll and write a message on it before rolling it up again. Then he slowly backed away from the other guards. That’s strange.

The guard gasped when he noticed that he was suspended in a field of light blue magic. “Put me down!”

Sundance levitated him closer. “Let’s see what we have here.” She took the scroll from him, unrolled it and read it aloud.

Emperor,

Unfortunately, you were correct. The test subjects known as Sundance and Midnight Armor have refused the guards that were offered to them. This is because they know that some of us remain loyal to you. I will commence our back up plan as soon as I deliver this message.

Your Loyal Servant

The rest of the guards glared at the one that was suspended in Sundance’s magic.

“How could you betray our leader?!” One of them asked

The captive returned the glare. “I didn’t. We swore loyalty to Emperor Silver. This means that all of you are the ones who have betrayed our leader.”

“I have read the oath that each guard takes.” Sundance commented “It states that they will remain loyal to the leader of the capital and unquestionably follow any order from that leader.”

One of the other guards nodded. “You are correct, Miss Sundance. This means that we are loyal to the current leader, Star.” He turned back to the captured guard. “You know the punishment for your actions.”

The captured guard gulped.

Midnight Armor looked at the five guards that still stood behind Star.

The one who had spoken to Sundance noticed this. “You don’t need to worry, Midnight Armor. We won’t break our oaths.”

The other four stallions nodded.

Midnight Armor searched their faces for any trace of deceit. Finding none, he glanced at the captured guard before turning to Star. “In that case, perhaps you would be willing to take custody of him.”

Nodding, Star turned to the guard that had spoken to Sundance and Midnight Armor. “Please see to it that he is placed in the dungeons while he awaits the punishment for betrayal, Ridge.”

Ridge nodded “Of course, Leader.” He took the prisoner from Sundance and levitated him towards the entrance to the dungeon.

Lila sighed in relief. “Well done, Sundance.”

“Agreed.” Gale remarked “That is one less pony to worry about.”

“Out of how many?” Onyx asked

“Unfortunately, we don’t know the answer to that question.” Gale answered

Star turned to Onyx, Lila, Sundance and Midnight Armor. “Each of you has been provided with a room. I believe that all of you should get some rest. We will continue searching for Silver in the morning.”

Sundance, Midnight Armor, Onyx and Lila nodded before following her to a building not far from the entrance to the capital.

Later That Night . . .

Sundance was lying in bed and trying to relax enough to fall asleep. Sighing, she rolled on to her right side. This isn’t working. Perhaps I should . . . She was pulled from her thoughts by a knock on the door. Who could that be? She cast a standard shield spell around herself before using her magic to open the door. Sighing in relief, she released her shield when she saw Midnight Armor standing in the hall.

“May I come in?” Midnight Armor asked softly

Sundance nodded

“Thank you.” Midnight Armor walked into the room and closed the door behind him before turning back to Sundance. “I see that you can’t sleep either.”

Sighing again, she shook her head. “I’m too nervous to sleep.” She moved over to make enough space for him on the bed. “Silver has sworn to kill both of us . . . and we have no idea where he is.”

Midnight Armor walked over to the bed, lay down and covered her with a wing. “Perhaps we will be able to sleep if we surround ourselves with a couple of defensive techniques.”

“Good idea.” Sundance replied

Sundance created a standard shield around herself and Midnight Armor. Midnight Armor created a barrier just inside that.

Sundance nuzzled Midnight Armor before laying her head on her forehooves and closing her eyes. Smiling, Midnight Armor looked at Sundance for a moment before laying his head on his forehooves and closing his eyes as well.

The Next Morning

Sundance and Midnight Armor woke to the sound of somepony knocking. Confused, they opened their eyes and looked at each other for a moment before turning towards the sound. They found Lila, Onyx, Gale and Star standing just outside of Sundance’s shield.

Gale, Lila, Onyx and Star smiled when Sundance and Midnight Armor released the shield and barrier before standing and stretching.

“I see that the two of you have found a way to ensure that nopony would be able to harm you while you sleep.” Star commented

Sundance and Midnight Armor nodded

“That was a good idea.” Lila responded

The six of them walked outside before heading towards Star’s house.

Sundance glanced at Star. “Were you able to figure out what Silver’s back up plan is?”

Star shook her head. “The pony that you captured yesterday refuses to tell us anything.”

“That’s alright.” Gale remarked “We know what Silver’s goal is.”

“Good point.” Onyx replied “We just need to keep Sundance and Midnight Armor with us during the day. I’m sure that he’ll show himself soon enough.”

Everyone sat down at a large table before beginning to eat the fruit salad that was in front of them.

Sundance lifted one of the apple slices with her magic. Unfortunately, they only have tart apples here. She suppressed a sigh and ate the rest of her food.

Everyone finished eating their breakfasts before heading back outside. They walked around the capital for several hours before noticing that there was a bright light coming from the center of the capital. Curious, they headed in that direction before stopping when they saw Silver standing in front of the well. He was surrounded by a dozen loyal guards.

Silver smiled at Sundance and Midnight Armor. “Good afternoon, my test subjects.”

Midnight Armor shook his head. “We are not toys for you to play with, Silver.”

Onyx’s horn began to glow. “I hope you’re ready to pay for your crimes, Silver.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure about that, Onyx.” Silver’s horn began to glow as well. “I have learned from what happened at the Meeting of the Tribes.”

“What do you mean?” Lila asked

Everyone jumped when a scream of horror and pain echoed through the capital. They turned to see that Sundance was suspended in Silver’s magic.

Midnight Armor gasped when he noticed that her body was convulsing. He glared at Silver. “What are you doing?!”

“Testing a few of the spells that the researchers have created.” Silver replied “I will deal with you as soon as she is out of the way.”

“What are you doing to her, Silver?!” Star demanded

“These spells are working together to slowly destroy her mind.” Silver answered “When I’m done, she will be the perfect slave whose only goal will be to please me. As I said before, she will bear as many of my foals as she can before I kill her.”

Everyone gasped in horror.

I-I have to break out of this! Sundance somehow managed to focus enough to examine the spells that Silver had cast on her. She sighed in relief when she realized which ones they were. I’ve seen all three of them before. They were in the books that Silver made me read because he was too lazy to do so himself. She shook her head. There is no way that he actually read those books. One of the researchers must have taught him how to cast these spells.

Midnight Armor noticed that Sundance’s horn had begun to glow. He smiled slightly before turning back to Silver. “You won’t get away with this.”

Silver laughed “What can you do to stop me? I am being protected by a dozen of the most powerful guards in the capital.”

Midnight Armor’s horn began to glow. “I think you need a few more guards.”

Silver raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

“You know what I am capable of.” Midnight Armor replied “Wasn’t it your idea to make me the sole defender of the capital?”

The guards exchanged nervous glances before moving closer to Silver.

Silver glared at Midnight Armor. “You wouldn’t dare.”

Midnight Armor responded by launching a barrage of magic blasts that took out all of the guards at once.

Onyx surrounded all of the guards with his magic and levitated them into the air.

Midnight Armor turned back to Silver. “Release her at once!”

Silver backed up until he bumped into the well. “W-why do you care about what happens to her?”

“There are two reasons.” Midnight Armor replied “The first is that she is one of only two known alicorns.”

“What is the second?” Silver asked

“She is my mare.” Midnight Armor answered

Silver’s eyes widened. “Y-you are courting her?”

“That is correct.” Midnight Armor responded “I won’t let you have her.”

Silver was about to respond, but paused when he noticed a bright light above him. He immediately looked up.

Everypony else quickly did the same. They gasped in shock when they saw that Sundance was surrounded with a sphere of light.

Lila glared at Silver. “What are you doing to her?!”

“I-I’m not doing this!” Silver stammered “Something must be wrong with the spells!”

Everypony was forced to close their eyes when the light got even brighter. When the light faded, they opened their eyes and looked up to see that the magic that had been holding Sundance in place had vanished.

Sundance glared at Silver for a moment before glancing at Midnight Armor.

Midnight Armor instantly understood what she was going to do. He quickly cast a barrier around himself, Lila, Onyx, Gale and Star before casting another barrier around the ponies in the crowd. Then he nodded to Sundance.

Sundance cast the one of the spells that she had used to free Midnight Armor from Silver and the researchers at the Meeting of the Tribes. As before, it created a shockwave that knocked Silver off of his hooves.

Onyx immediately levitated him into the air to join his guards.

Silver glared at Onyx. “Let me go!”

“No.” Onyx replied

Gale, Lila, Onyx and Star watched Sundance land in front of them and fold her wings.

Midnight Armor quickly took a couple of steps forward and nuzzled her. “Are you alright?!”

Panting, Sundance wobbled slightly before returning his nuzzle. “Y-yes. Thank you for distracting Silver and taking care of his guards. That gave me enough time to break out of his magic.”

Onyx gasped in shock before turning to Midnight Armor. “Is that true?!”

Midnight Armor nodded “I noticed that her horn had begun to glow. I didn’t know what she had planned, but decided to keep Silver focused on me so that he wouldn’t be able to interrupt her. I also decided to use that as an opportunity to take care of Silver’s guards.”

“I can’t believe I fell for that!” Silver growled

Lila carefully examined Sundance’s injuries. Her eyes widened when she suddenly noticed something. “S-sundance! Look at your flank!”

Why is she so shocked? Sundance’s eyes widened as well when she looked at her right flank. “I-I earned my Soul Mark!” It must have happened when I overpowered Silver’s spells.

Midnight Armor gasped as well when he took a closer look at Sundance’s Soul Mark. “Six six-pointed stars?!”

“I-I’ve never seen anything like that before.” Star said slowly

“I have.” Sundance said softly “There is a book in the library that explains what Soul Marks mean. According to that book, a six-pointed star is the symbol for magic.”

“Does that mean what I think it does?” Midnight Armor asked

Sundance nodded “My specialty is magic.”

“I’m not surprised.” Onyx remarked

Midnight Armor chuckled “Neither am I.”

Everypony else gasped in shock.

Sundance glanced at Silver before turning to Star. “It appears that we have a couple of new charges to add to the list.”

“You are correct, Sundance.” Star glared at her husband for a moment before turning to his guards. “Additionally, each of you will be charged with betraying the leader of the capital.”

All of the former guards gasped in horror.

Gale thought for a moment before turning to Star, Onyx, Lila, Midnight Armor and Sundance. “If I understand correctly, the addition of the new charges means that Silver has just earned an early death.”

Silver gasped in horror. “Y-you can’t do that!”

“Yes, we can.” Star replied “We will make the necessary arrangements and take care of that tomorrow morning.” She noticed that Sundance was leaning into Midnight Armor’s side. “I would like you to see the healers as soon as possible.”

I knew she was going to say that. Sundance nodded to Star before glancing at Midnight Armor.

“Don’t worry.” Midnight Armor said softly “I’m not leaving you alone.”

Sundance smiled slightly “Thank you.”

Three Hours Later

Sundance and Midnight Armor walked outside to see that Star, Lila, Onyx and Gale were waiting for them.

“How did it go?” Lila nervously asked Midnight Armor.

“Fortunately, she wasn’t exposed to Silver’s spells for long.” Midnight Armor replied “This means that there wasn’t any permanent damage.”

Star, Lila, Onyx and Gale sighed in relief.

“As you can see, the healers were able to heal all of her wounds.” Midnight Armor continued “However, they made it clear that she needs to rest for the rest of the day.”

“I was going to insist on that anyway.” Lila glanced at Sundance before turning back to Midnight Armor. “I would like you to stay with her.”

“Good idea, Lila.” Onyx turned to Midnight Armor as well. “I want you to immediately tell us if you notice anything wrong.”

“I will.” Midnight Armor promised

“We will bring both of you something to eat later.” Star told Midnight Armor. “For now, both of you should get some rest.”

Midnight Armor nodded to everyone before leading Sundance back to the room that they had slept in the night before.

Sundance lay down on the bed and looked up at Midnight Armor. She smiled slightly when he lay down next to her and covered her with a wing. “I-”

Midnight Armor shook his head. “You need to get some rest.”

Surprised, she shifted so that she could look him in the eye. “I just-”

“Get some sleep.” Midnight Armor insisted “I will listen to whatever you have to say when you wake up.”

Sundance sighed “Alright.” She lay her head on her forehooves, closed her eyes and allowed herself to fall asleep.

- - - End Flashback - - -

Sundance looked around to see that Twilight and Star Swirl were staring at her in shock.

Celestia scooted closer to her mother before nuzzling her.

Smiling, Sundance returned her daughter’s nuzzle before looking up when she heard her son’s voice.

“Please tell me that you took care of Silver.” Artemis said slowly

Midnight Armor nodded “He was killed the next morning. The captured researchers were as well.”

Sundance nodded as well. “The guards that were charged with betrayal were never allowed to leave the dungeons again.”

Celestia, Artemis, Twilight and Star Swirl sighed in relief. “Good.”

Artemis and Celestia lifted their heads and looked at each other.

Knowing what that meant, Midnight Armor turned to Star Swirl. “We’ll see you in a couple of minutes.

Artemis woke the five of them after Star Swirl had been pulled back to his star.

In the stars, Sundance, Midnight Armor, Artemis, Celestia and Twilight opened their eyes at the same time.

Star Swirl brightened “Good morning.”

Midnight Armor, Sundance, Artemis, Twilight and Celestia laughed. “Good morning, Star Swirl.”

“We should head back to Ponyville.” Celestia commented

“You’re right.” Artemis brought the five of them back to the room that he shared with Twilight. They he lowered the moon and stars before turning to his sister.

Celestia raised the sun before turning to Twilight. “Should we head to the bakery?”

Twilight shook her head. “Mr. Cake, Mrs. Cake and Pinkie aren’t awake yet. Additionally, they need to bake some fresh bread, muffins and breakfast pastries before they can open the bakery. That means we need to give them at least three hours before we head over there.”

“In that case, your mother and I will go to our room.” Midnight Armor responded

Sundance nodded “We would like to relax for a while before taking a bath.”

Celestia climbed off of the bed as well before following her parents over to the door before looking back at her siblings. “We’ll meet back here in three hours.”

Twilight and Artemis nodded

Sundance, Midnight Armor and Celestia walked into the hall and closed the door behind them before heading to their rooms.

In Celestia’s room, she walked into the bathroom and started the water before turning to the bottle that was sitting on the counter. She smiled when she saw a short message written in Twilight’s magic in the air above it.

I bought a bottle of vanilla scented body wash for you when I went shopping a couple of weeks ago. Unfortunately, the store was out of the matching shampoo. I’ll look again when I go shopping later.

That’s just like her. Shaking her head, she levitated the body wash and a washcloth over to the tub and walked into the hot water.

In Midnight Armor and Sundance’s room, he closed the door before turning to see that his wife had just climbed into bed and lay down on her side. Smiling, he walked over to the bed and lay down next to her.

Both of them sighed in pleasure as they snuggled closer to each other and lay their heads on a couple of pillows.

After roughly half an hour of relaxing, Midnight Armor lifted his head and turned to his wife. “Do you know if our children have anything planned for this morning?”

“I don’t think so.” She replied “Why?”

“There is something that I would like to do.” He responded “However, I wanted to discuss it with you before bringing the idea up to our children.”

Sundance turned to him. “What is it?”

Next Chapter: Chapter 80 Estimated time remaining: 2 Hours, 4 Minutes