A day's flight brought Skyblazer Haycart and Cobalt to Canterlot by sunset. Their altitude provided them with a breathtaking vista over the mountain city as myriad colors set a warm backdrop against the rugged slope.

Sky, a young male pegasus with golden fur and feathers and a platinum gray mane and tail, had just finished a flight across all of Equestria. His desire to visit the horizon and beyond had been utterly satisfied, and he welcomed the short journey.

Cobalt, a female griffon with white fur and deep blue feathers which were her namesake, flew alongside him. The pair made for quite the strange sight to pegasi who passed by. Ponies and griffons typically avoided each other. These two, however, were best of friends.

They landed in a flurry of wings at one of the authorized entry points for the royal city. Neither were interested in paying a fine for inappropriate landing. They stretched their wings and legs, tightened straps on baggage loose from turbulence, and strode into the bustling city.

Sky worried that Cobalt may react badly to such a crowded location. However, she seemed to have calmed and adjusted sufficiently. While still giving off an air of cold indifference, she was very polite and peaceful.

An earth-pony hauling a cart paused in passing. Both cart and pony were formal and gaudy. The blue-furred pony wore formal clothing and glasses with a gold chain, while the cart was full of expensive imported wood, velvet pillows, and an overweight mare.

The blue pony gave an interested glance at Sky and Cobalt. He spoke,

“Marble, would you look at this? I do say, it seems to be a griffon!”

Skyblazer corrected him, “You mean 'she' seems to be a griffon, and she can talk you know.”

“Indeed, and I do not mean to come across as rude. Rather, we are fascinated. I have never seen one up close.”

The obese and sweating unicorn mare in the cart, who was apparently named Marble, held less resemblance to a sculpture than to the block from which one could be carved. Her horn glimmered with an ugly magic in the color puce as she used a paper fan to attempt cooling herself.

She talked in an incredibly haughty tone, as though studying a monster exhibit in a zoo, “Hmm quite a fine specimen, yes, very muscular, feathers of a fine quality. Rather calm and composed for a member of the griffon race. Do you know Ponish, my dear griffon?”

A subtle glow formed on the element which Skyblazer wore. This golden glow flowed down the necklace chain and into a runic charm alongside the crystal.

Sky put one ear down in focus, and thought, Cobalt I know this is hard. You can get through this. Just grin and bear it, keep a good impression.

The telepathic reply from Cobalt came as a burst of obscenity that would have shocked even Sky's farmer father. Sky grinned broadly at her predicament.

Marble was still speaking, her snout in the air, “Quite abnormal for a pony and a griffon to be traveling together, and with such amity as well! Why my dear husband, I do believe we have encountered another couple upon their stroll through Canterlot.”

Both Sky and Cobalt began to loudly object while taking several steps away from each other. The male blue pony raised a hoof, shook his head, and spoke,

“Now now, there is no cause for alarm. I believe I speak for Marble and myself when I say that we welcome this fascinating, modern romance.”

“Uh, thanks..” answered Sky, both ears down now, as absolute embarrassment poured off of him like water, “But we're not really, well, you see,”

“Pony-feathers!” announced Marble, “Why, look at your matching necklace and ring.”

Watch this, thought Cobalt to Sky. She gave him an evil, toothy grin and Sky was too late to stop her as she said,

“Oh, you have no idea what that means to us! Why yes, the discrimination you damn ponies so often give to griffon-kind has been a great burden on this beautiful thing we have going.”

Sky was horrified. He couldn't even speak, only watch. The fat mare Marble replied in a gushing and warm voice, “Well I say it certainly is beautiful, and good to see! Let others hold judgment, pity on them! Luna rest their hardened hearts! You two enjoy your visit to our fine city.”

The two wealthy ponies went on their way, leaving Cobalt standing with a grin and a front leg on Sky's back, as Skyblazer sat on the cobblestone with his ears still down and an angry glare in his eyes.

Cobalt, who was on the verge of riotous laughter, spoke to him, “What? You told me to be friendlier, didn't you?”

“That's... a little too friendly, Cobalt.”

The griffon offered a chuckle and a slap on the back for Sky. She spoke, “You should know me well enough by now, Sky. It wasn't just a joke.”

Sky blushed, “I don't, I mean thanks and all, but that's kind of...”

Cobalt realized what she had just said, and stuck her tongue out, “No! I meant, this! Look at this!” She held up a velvet coin pouch, which contained close to a hundred bits.

“Oh, wow,” said Skyblazer in stunned disbelief, “I'm not sure, but that might be even worse.”

The two of them continued through the elegant city, stopping in to visit various shops and observe the ebb and flow of material hedonism.

All of their concerns proved baseless. Even though it was a large town, the ponies of Canterlot seemed to harbor no fear or ill will towards foreign races. This was an abrupt change of pace from Cobalt's arrival to Equestria. The pegasus guards of Manehattan had tried to shoot her from the sky with a hail of arrows.

Cobalt expressed these thoughts to Sky through telepathy. After a pause, Sky thoughtfully replied back that East coast regions had more to fear from aggressive dragons or griffons who crossed the sea.

The pair walked on towards the castle, respecting the posted signs which read “No unauthorized flying within city limits. Please be courteous of others.”

Well how come they get to fly, complained Cobalt within Sky's mind. Skyblazer glanced at the descending pegasi and the artificial formation of low clouds they came from. With his powerful eyesight, Sky could observe an official-looking seal on their clothing and carts.

He thought towards Cobalt, My mother told me that Canterlot pegasi get incentives to live in the clouds and save space, since they can't exactly expand a mountaintop city. They have a whole private neighborhood up there.

The voice of Cobalt entered his mind, Oh, with exclusive clubs and lots of snobby rich ponies drinking wine. No fucking thank you.

Ha, I couldn't agree more. Let's hurry to the castle, this news is pretty important.

What do we do if Celestia and Luna are changelings?

Probably act natural and run like a bat out of Tartarus when we can.

Both of them craned their necks to look up at the impossible architecture of Castle Canterlot. If not for magic, it could never have been built. Without magic, it might even collapse from imbalance. No doubt this was one of many concerns for the ruling sisters.

They shuffled and weaved their way through the gathered crowds. Merchants peddled their wares in the street. Sky and Cobalt split left and right to make way for a lumbering wagon full of bricks, which was hauled by two shackled criminals. Local pegasi descended into parks and clearings where it was safe and wouldn't cause a disturbance, with guidance from pegasi of the royal guard.

Emerging from this river of noise and commotion, Sky and Cobalt found themselves leaving the market district and moving on to the political offices. This part of town was far quieter and less popular than the tourist districts.

The demographic shifted as well. While the parks and markets and landmarks were frequented by younger ponies from many areas, seldom local, the political district was mostly full of elderly ponies who walked slowly under the weight of books and scrolls. They wore dusty robes as old as they were, bedecked with various brooches and ribbons that symbolized their formal role in managing the kingdom.

One such older unicorn mare paused as she passed and offered a friendly greeting, “Ah, you must be the new ambassador, Silverhoof! I see you are already welcoming an adventurous griffon to Canterlot."

Skyblazer responded, “Sorry ma'am, but my mane is naturally gray. I was born with it! We're just adventurers together, visiting the castle.”

Cobalt offered a friendly grin which was actually rather frightening coming from a carnivore. She spoke softly though, “That's the second mistaken identity today! Earlier, somepony thought we were a couple.”

The elderly mare laughed lightly, saying, “Imagine that, a pegasus and a griffon. Predator and plant eater. No, surely the world has not gone that far to Tartarus just yet.”

Sky nudged Cobalt before she could say anything rude. He answered, “Oh heavens no! We are monster hunters for hire, and you see our line of work is very dangerous. A break and some tourism is nice.”

“Not many tourists stray into the political district! If you intend to visit the castle, I'm afraid it has been closed off to the public in light of recent events.”

“That's no problem!” interrupted Cobalt, “Princess Luna actually invited us.”

“Oh is that so, hmm? Did she make her usual dramatic, bombastic dream world appearance?”

Sky and Cobalt shared a glance. Sky very subtly nodded. Cobalt spoke, “Yes, it was very startling.”

“If it's not prying, may I ask your business with her? You see I am an official scribe of court, you can see my signet here...” she nudged a sash from beneath her robes, which had a badge ironed onto it of a scroll and quill, “so I may be needed shortly if you are to hold any formal discussion.”

Sky answered, “You may wish to stick around then, ma'am. We do have very important official business. The princesses need us brave adventurers to help them investigate why magic is weakening!”

“Ahh, so you two fine fliers may visit far off locales while the royal sisters are free to manage and protect their kingdom.”

“Indeed, madam. By the way, I'm Skyblazer, from the Haycart family, and this is Cobalt.”

“Haycart? Strange family name for a pegasus.”

“My mother is a pegasus, father is an earth pony. They own a grain field south of Ponyville.”

“Then tell them thank you for me, the farming types never get enough gratitude for all they do. Is it too much if I ask what kind of exciting mission Luna has in mind for you?”

Sky asked Cobalt if it was okay, and she nodded. They held up their elements, which glowed and lifted a few nearby leaves and sticks with telekinesis. The old mare was flabbergasted. Sky spoke,

“We found these crystals, which are apparently more elements to go along with the famous ones of Harmony! We don't know what they do yet, but along with an earth pony named Maud we have three of them. Ours let us use magic! It's kind of weak, but still very nifty.”

“In all my days, I never... perhaps this is key to the restoration of all magic! I bid good day to you, pegasus and griffon.”

Cobalt quickly added, “Ma'am, we didn't get your name?”

She spoke, “I am Madam Ivy Gardens. As you can tell I was born here, in Canterlot, and I was named after the botanical finery near the home of my unicorn parents. You ought to hurry on, seems like rather important business!”

They said goodbye and moved on towards the looming castle. Cobalt's runic brand glowed from beneath her metal leg armor. Her voice was in Sky's head as she thought, Well that was strange.

Sky couldn't agree more. They traveled at a fast trot towards the castle grounds.

The old mare observed them as they trotted over a hill and out of sight. She began to shimmer and vibrate. There was a brief flash of deep gray magic energy, and she was gone. Standing in her place was the true form of a changeling: part bug, part pony, with a glossy black exoskeleton and papery bug-like wings. It hissed and flicked out its tongue.

Around it were further shimmers. A mailbox, a lamppost, and a bag of mulch all flashed with gray energy. The four changelings were joined by what appeared to be an earth pony. This pony shimmered gray, and then became a canvas tent which covered them all. Anypony passing by would only see a tent to cover building materials nearby some new construction.

The lead changeling, who had posed as the scribe, dug into saddlebags for scrolls and maps and unrolled them on the ground.

Skyblazer and Cobalt were halted at the castle gates. They waited in a luxurious parlor with glasses of cold lemon water and fruit to snack on. When the messenger returned, he beckoned them upstairs and through corridors to meet Celestia.

The throne room was the usual place to meet visitors, but for these two, they were led instead to a comfortable conservatory.

Many towering and perfectly clear windows let warm sunlight through lacy curtains. The room, situated in a tower, was full of plants. Foliage, flowers and berries resided happily in planters in every corner. Baskets hung from the rafters, overflowing with flowers. It was a very humid room, but the warmth was wonderful in the autumn chill.

Princess Celestia reclined on a lounge, lying relaxed on her side and yet sill giving off an aura of absolute majesty and grace. As her guests entered, her horn glowed and overstuffed chairs glided across the polished floor for them to sit in.

Celestia warmly greeted them. She spoke to Cobalt first, to Sky's surprise, saying it was nice to meet her again.

Cobalt bowed deeply, and said, “Same to you Miss Celestia. I can't thank you enough for the warm welcome to your land. I've been through so much.”

Celestia sagely nodded as Cobalt and Sky took their seats. She then spoke,

“You must understand the primal fear ponies hold, Cobalt. For all of recorded history, ponies have feared carnivorous predators which may consume them.”

“Well, I get that, but it's still just not fair,” said Cobalt gruffly, “and now I got kicked out of Ponyville!”

“Oh?” asked Celestia, as Cobalt explained.

“Well that certainly isn't fair,” said Celestia, “Have they any proof it was you?”

“No! I was just blamed and banished. Back to Everfree, 'where I belong', apparently.”

“Rest assured young griffon, I will personally clear this up. I have a feeling I know which wealthy pony is responsible, a certain Mr. Rich... I digress. You wished to speak to me about something?”

Skyblazer and Cobalt told her about the sudden appearance of Twilight, the crystallized book, and the warning from Twilight.

Princess Celestia, in her aged wisdom, offered some peace of mind. She said, “If I were indeed a changeling, even a particularly intelligent one, I doubt that I could do this,” she focused on energy from her horn. The sun itself outside the window began to visibly move past sunset as night fell. Several minutes later, the moon rose in its place.

Celestia spoke, “It would seem Luna is fine and well.”

A question from Cobalt, “Wait, if you can move the entire sun, what happened before you two were born?”

“Oh it would always set naturally without us, simply at a much delayed time. Or so I have read and maintained in memory orbs, that before ponies harnessed magic to control day and night, each lasted far, far longer. Imagine a single day that lasts for three, and as much darkness to follow, and you may well understand the modern fear of the dark.”

“That's wild,” replied Sky, “And to think of times that were ancient before you were even born! You must have witnessed so much, Princess Celestia.”

She nodded weakly, “Indeed, and not all of it good. A warning from my haggard student concerning a newfound threat as she herself goes rogue among such.”

Cobalt told Celestia about the dream world, and the dream changelings, which seemed indestructible. This gave the wise immortal mare enough surprise to pause and linger in thought.

Eventually she spoke again, in a gentle and reassuring tone, “You need not fear creatures of nightmare finding their way out, not for as long as my sister holds power o'er the realm of dreams.”

“Which leaves,” said Sky, “the very real creatures which can change into anything. Or be anyone. That is terrifying. What do they want?”

“Changelings feed off of happiness, they literally eat it for sustenance. This leaves their target in a despondent and badly depressed and shaken state. Usually they manage a vicious cycle of joy and sorrow among themselves, but it would seem in these dark times they cannot find moments of happiness with which to feed each other.”

Cobalt added, “Okay, that's entirely fu--”

“Anyways,” cut in Skyblazer, “What should we do? We have elements, I could get Maud and we can find out what they are meant for.”

“It is concerning that Harmony should be disbanded, and yet, I maintain my trust in Twilight and her friends, as you should. Perhaps a greater understanding of Conflict may bring more light to the mysteries of faltering magic. I agree with your chosen route.”

“Alright then, I'll leave with Cobalt and we'll locate Maud.”

“Maud shall arrive here soon, along with her companions and my sister. All will be explained then. Consider the castle home, you are family here. I will arrange a room and bath for the night. Oh yes, take these cards with you,” here she gave them several pieces of paper, “and memorize the answers to each question, so that the guards may know you are whom you claim to be.”

Curious now, Cobalt and Sky reluctantly retreated to their rooms for the night. As they walked the halls, led by a messenger, Cobalt spoke,

“Can you believe it? I'm in the royal castle! And no one hates me, no one's trying to stab me.”

“It is pretty awesome, but remember it's just cause we found the elements of conflict,” noted Sky, “Without them, we would just be two ordinary adventurers. And before you say anything I'm sure Celestia would clear up the mess in Ponyville even without the element, since you have good intentions. It's not playing favorites.”

All throughout the castle were more curios than they could count. A glass cube which constantly changed color, a flower in a vase which glowed and smelled sweet, a stone bowl of cold fire which could be touched. The castle was a maze of rooms and passages, more than they could see any justifiable need for.

Most prominent of all were the books. Scrolls, documents, tomes, shelves, stacks of books everywhere. Sky could see, now, why Twilight missed Canterlot so much. The collections in this castle represented thousands of years of continued study and knowledge, supplemented with the collective wisdom of the entire kingdom through the years.

Behind locked doors and well hidden would be further archives of advanced and forbidden magic spells that could alter reality in terrible ways. Artifacts that granted immense power at a steep cost. Somewhere, locked safely away in these halls, would be the amulet Trixie had once used to take over Ponyville.

Skyblazer had his bath, and then sampled a few books while his feathers dried. Cobalt jokingly asked if he wanted to share a bed since they were a 'lovely couple'.

“Sure, why not,” said Sky distractedly, his nose in a book.

“Hey, I was joking!” exclaimed Cobalt, “Get your own room, you feathery bastard.”

With a grin, Sky threw the book at her. Cobalt caught it and read the title, imitating the snobby ponies from earlier, “Ye Lost Treasures of Equestria Past,” she tucked the book under a wing to bring with her, “They wouldn't mind if one book went missing.”

Sky gave her an angry glance.

“Okay, I'll put it back when I'm done! Here, give me a hug before we hit the hay. Hurry up before I change my mind.”

Sky did so, and they both went to their exceedingly luxurious rooms for the night. They were not apart for long. Soon, both of them awoke within a dream.

It was dark at first. As their eyes adjusted, they saw a flickering light nearby. They approached; it was a campfire, with a circle of comfortable lawn chairs around it.

Now attuned to the darkness, they could see a blaze of stars and a quarter moon far above, although they all seemed oddly blurry and unfocused, as though the entire sky was full of the campfire smoke.

A quick glance at their surroundings confirmed it must be a dream. Walking too far from the fire led into a dark pine forest full of cold mist. From this mist, several shadowy shapes could be seen emerging into the firelight.

Princess Celestia calmly flew into the clearing, the dream mists trailing off her wings and tail as she landed gracefully. With a nod at Sky and Cobalt, she sat in a chair. They did the same, remaining quiet in stunned awe.

Further into the mist could be seen a blinding light, which seemed able to part the thick fog. The wielder walked into the open, leading several others.

Sky and Cobalt sat up in surprise as Luna, Starlight, Trixie, and Maud all joined them.

Luna lie couchant by the fire as Starlight and Trixie took a seat together, cuddling side by side, on a lounge.

Maud announced, “This is a dream, correct?” and proceeded to summon a granite throne from the very ground covered in flowering vines, which she sat in regally. In response to this Luna gave a wry smile, and the shadows cast by firelight seemed to become liquid, flowing around her, until Luna lie on a large cushion made entirely out of shadow.

Celestia couldn't help but smile. She gently scolded them, “Now then girls, this isn't the time or place for silly antics.”

Now Cobalt spoke up, her high but gravelly voice cutting through the quiet forest, “Oh, by Luna's mane—sorry,” Luna held up a hoof and nodded to say there was no offense taken, “but if we're back here, then the dream world is still broken.”

“You need not worry, Cobalt,” spoke Luna in a softer and kinder tone than she was usually known to use, “I have explored the extent of the dream realm and repaired all known damage. For a change, I feel at peace.”

Celestia nodded, and continued, “My sister seldom has peace of mind. You must understand she is given to regret and mourning for her past mistakes, and seeks a role as paladin of Equestria to atone.”

“Indeed my dear sister. However, this is the first pleasant shared dream I have conjured in quite some time. The previous one was an effort to subdue the Tantabus. That could not be described as pleasant.”

Celestia spoke, “While the subject matter is dark, our time together need not be. Let us relax and rejoice in the company of friends, for soon I fear, we may not know who to trust.”

They talked to Luna and company about Twilight's changeling warning. Luna then spoke to Celestia, Sky and Cobalt about the old castle and their findings. A moment of silence then followed, as they considered any possible correlation.

At length, Luna reluctantly said, “While it pains me to say it, we may be facing two considerable threats which are unrelated. Celestia, I need your counsel. Would it be prudent to trust Twilight Sparkle in her endeavor so that we may explore this new enigma?”

A moment of thought. All were quiet. Celestia spoke, “Yes, thus far the chosen Elements of Harmony have been reliable. I will never doubt Twilight or her friends. Let us explore what lies before us.”

Maud spoke now, in her typical bored monotone, “My element of conflict allows me to observe mineral structure and composition. The red crystal does not have a structure. It is not composed of any minerals. Normally I can focus on an object, like this throne, and observe a granite and flint composition. The red crystal does not exist. We also know it cannot be damaged by any magic. Now, here is a piece of the red crystal for analysis.”

Author's Notes:

Important edit in the previous chapter. I meant to add a short bit of dialogue on Skyblazer asking Zecora about her telepathy, and receiving the runic charm from her so that he and Cobalt may communicate by thought.