Ponyville Train Station

Twilight and her friends made their final preparations for their missions. It was agreed that one of each element would go to each location.

Rainbow Dash, Strongheart, Gilda and Terramar agreed to take on the Crystal Empire.
Applejack, Sweetie Belle, Pinkie Pie and Garble took Appleloosa.
Rarity, Smolder, Yona and Gallus went to Canterlot
Fluttershy, Scootaloo, Apple Bloom and Silverstream went to the wastelands.
Spike went to the dragon lands with Ocellus, a hippogriff and a griffin made their way to the dragon lands.

Twilight, Sunburst and their other friends stayed to protect Ponyville and keep track of what was happening with their missions.

Once on the train the girls said their final "good luck"s as they made plans with their respective teams.

In Canterlot Castle dungeon
Phoenix sat in meditation as the princess watched him calmly. "You seem calm. It seems this is not the first time you have been behind bars." She explained glaring at him.

"When you live as long as we have. It is easy to understand the urge to be reckless." Phoenix replied with a smirk. "Don't you agree?"

Celestia laughed weakly. "If this wasn't how we met. I would wager that you're flirting with me."

He laughed and laid down looking at her. "And if I was? It's not like we have much to do while we wait other than to make small talk and have a little fun."

She laughed in agreement before nodding. "Then perhaps I shall join the fun. Then again. Maybe I should just wait till we can share the same cell. Or better yet the same bed?"

"A bit forward princess. But I doubt I'd be against the idea. After all, I do have a soft spot for ladies of royalty." He replied.

"Oh? And what of my sister?"

Phoenix shrugged. "She isn't herself at the moment. But if the two of you are into it. Then we can have a three way."

Celestia bit her lip. She had to admit, it was a tempting offer. "Oh. But I fear my current condition is…"

"Not something I'm worried about. If it makes you feel better. I'll wear a blindfold." He countered with a smirk smelling the change in the air. "I bet there's a few tricks I can show you that'd send you to a new level of pleasure."

Celestia bit her lip as she looked to the door out of the dungeon before turning to Phoenix. "Are… are you simply teasing me? Or would you really do as you offered?"

"Sadly we're locked behind bars. So you'll simply have to wait to find out." He replied, lifting a hand with his pointer and middle fingers extended before wiggling them.

"Do not forget who's castle dungeon we're in." She remarked smugly.

Phoenix blinked and rolled over to look directly at her. "I get why you stay. But why not check on the others down here?"

"Because we're alone." She replied. "And before you ask. I doubt the guards or my sister will stop us."

"Are you just doing this just to mess with your sister and the guards?" He asked with a smirk.

"Part of it. Yes. I know it'd drive my sister crazy to know I'm getting action before her. And to make it even funner, I'll be able to have fun with someone as old as I am." Celestia teased.

"Oh? And how old do you think I am?"

Celestia thought for a moment before opening her cell. "Around 5000 moons? Or is it 500 years?"

"Give or take a few hundred."

"An older gentleman? How exciting." She teased as she approached his cage. "How about this? I'll do you a favor if you help me."

Phoenix looked her over. It's true that he hadn't had action in a long time. And from what he saw before, she was good looking. However, one thing that concerned him was if she was affected by the shadows or if she really wanted this.

Either way, he needed to play this smart. "Let's play things slow and see where the night takes us." He teased as she opened his cage and stepped in and closed the door behind herself.

Ponyville
Twilight sat at the train station looking off to we're the train went. Letting out a sigh, she looked back at the letter.

"PS: Twilight. I want you to stay at the castle and stay in contact with the spirits. Learn what they want from you and the others after the battle. Likely Pinkie is already planning parties. But don't forget your task is to learn and follow their guidance."

Letting out a sigh she looked up at the sky. "Please. Help us." She sighed.

What path to follow first? I wonder. And how weak has Celestia become? Is she under the influence or is she thinking for herself? And why is Twilight so worried about her friends? Ideas?