Twilight awoke the next day, a letter sitting next to her. She smiled, noting the seal of the royal guard. My little spell worked. Pulled the letter out of the sorting bins and brought it here. The unicorn sat up, floating the letter in front of her. Well, lets see what it says.

To whom this may concern,

We regret to inform you that the State of Equestria cannot take its time to answer every single plight. While we feel the deepest sympathy, we simply do not have the pony-power to send guards out to deal with every single situation that arises. I understand that your problems seem large to you, but at this time there are more pressing matters that must be dealt with first.

General of the Solar Guard

-Shining Armor

Twilight smiled. My brother answered it. Talk about adding insult to injury. Twilight thought. Having my own brother say that the nation of Equestria can do nothing to help. And so detached too. And speaking of my brother, I know just how to keep him off my tail, and dissuade any suspicions he has. Twilight sat down, preparing another letter, this one for her brother.

Dear Shiny,

I know you must be wondering what’s going on. I saw you put your shield up, and I want to thank you for that. I have some information that I think you need to hear. The attack on the factory, it was aimed at me. I had gone there, planning on visiting it. I know I’ve expressed my disdain at its existence many times, but, as it has been shut down, I wanted to take a moment to gloat to myself. Not the best of things I know, but I wanted that moment.

I had barely stepped inside when I felt the magical blast coming at me. I had just enough time to throw up a shield and protect myself before it hit. I can’t tell you where I am, because I don’t want those ponies after me to know. I’m trapped in Canterlot for now, your shield has done that. That may have been their goal, I don’t know. But please leave it up. I need to know they can’t get to my friends.

Please, help me however you can. I miss you so much, and I hope this all gets resolved soon. I’m scared.

-Twilight

Twilight grinned as she scribbled out the last word. She had written it hastily, hoping to make it seem like she was scared. While a smile she folded it and placed a stamp on, making sure it was ready for her to drop in a mailbox. Her horn lit up quickly, re-cluttering her room, making sure there was no trace of her ever being there. She was about to leave when a thought occurred to her. She opened her wardrobe, rummaging through it. She smiled as she pulled out a cloak, much like the one Zecora wore during her visits to Ponyville. With a small flash, she teleported away, intent on her next move.

Twilight appeared in one of Canterlot’s many back alleys. They were often home to all sorts of things, from entrances to nightclubs, to black market dealers. Nothing that would ever be open during the day though. Twilight slowly made her way out, pulling her hood up to cover her horn, and checking the corners before going past. She made her way to the nearest mailbox and dropped her letter in, knowing it would reach Shining by the end of the day. Her mail was always given high priority.

The unicorn looked up, feeling out for the position of the sun. After a few quick calculations she determined it was a little before nine in the morning. Much too early to make a personal call. She decided, her shoulders slumped. Well, I guess I can do a bit of recon on my own. Or perhaps some shopping. I wouldn’t mind a new cloak. This one is old. The unicorn smiled to herself as she took off, heading for the market.

Twilight strode around, taking note of everything. The town, to an outsider, looked perfectly normal. Ponies went about their tasks, some purchasing things from stalls worked by others. Some stood on corners, marketing stores, trying to bring in new customers. Everything seemed perfectly normal.

Twilight could see the hidden side though. She had grown up in the town, and most of her actual work was done in the capital city, and she knew exactly how to judge the state of the city. From the way the ponies walked, heads down, a slight hesitation in their gait, to the interactions, quiet, tired and hesitant, all told Twilight the true state of the city. Something was wrong. There was a general feeling of unease in the city. Nopony could place their hoof on it, but it was there. Like a cloud hanging over the city, casting a shadow on everything everypony did.

I’ll have to figure this one out. And then somehow blame it on Celestia. Twilight thought to herself. She strode about, doing her best to blend in. While she was a very important pony, she wasn’t easily recognized, especially with her hood up, and she was glad for it. Now, let’s see who’s in town. She added to herself, looking around.

Quickly spotting one of Canterlot’s many back alleys, she slipped into it. Let’s see if that DJ has any events coming up. Twilight slipped past dumpsters and crates, looking for a door. Not any specific door, any door in an alley would lead her where she needed to go. Soon enough she found one and, after a quick check for anypony watching, slipped in. This wasn’t a place she wanted to be seen entering, ever.

The door led to a flight of stairs, leading down. Twilight trotted down them, smiling as the scent of alcohol and sweat slowly filled her nostrils. Soon she reached the bottom of the stairs. Sprawled out before her was a small nightclub. Nothing fancy, and certainly not something that a certain DJ would be playing at any time soon. But just the kind of place she would find the information she needed.

The purple unicorn made her way to the bar, glad that it was early morning. It looked to her like the club was just shutting down, having had entertainment through the previous night. Good. Less ponies to deal with. She rapped on the bar with her hoof, hoping to get the attention of the bartender.

His back was turned to Twilight, his wings flapping as he flew about, replacing bottles on the shelves, taking others down to refill. “We’re closed for the day. Come back tonight.” He called over his shoulder in response to Twilight’s rap.

“Good. I’m not here to mingle.” Twilight responded, levitating the few glasses the bartender had left to their respective places, magically refilling the ones that needed it. The pegasus flapped gently, starring as the bottles floated around him, each covered in a distinctive purple hue.

He quickly landed, spinning around to face Twilight. She had lowered her hood, and stood there, an eyebrow raised. “Miss Sparkle!” He exclaimed, clearly shocked. “What brings you here?”

“I need information, and a quick drink.” Twilight calmly replied, sitting on one of the stools. Behind her the rest of the stage-hoofs had stopped, stunned as well that Twilight Sparkle was among them. “A glass of scotch please.”

The bartender quickly flew up and grabbed his finest bottle of scotch, pouring two small glasses. “Here you go Miss Sparkle.” he stammered, sliding a cup to his guest. “Now, what information can I provide you with?”

Twilight took a mouthful of the liquid offered to her, smiling at the burn in her throat. “I need to know when and where DJ PON-3 will be next playing.” Twilight looked down, swirling her drink around, staring at the second glass. “And why did you pour two glasses?”

The pegasus picked up the other glass, downing all of it in one go. “Calm the nerves ma’am.” he replied. When he noticed Twilight’s raised eyebrow, he continued. “I’m currently talking with one of the most powerful and influential ponies in all of Equestria. Please forgive me if I’m a little shaken by this.”

Twilight rolled her eyes, a smile playing on her lips. “Oh all right. I suppose...” She let out a short laugh, the pegasus quickly joining in. They shared their short laugh before Twilight set her drink back down, her face a hard line except for the small smile still playing at the corners of her lips. “So, about that information...”

“Ah, yes.” The bartender relaxed back, scratching his chin as he thought. “Well, I’m not entirely sure. She is in Canterlot at the moment, and should be playing the more well known clubs during the week.” Twilight smiled, mentally taking notes. “From what I know of her, she won’t play anyplace like this, nothing in the back streets, and nothing that can’t hold hundreds of ponies. If you want to find her, look in the bigger places. And not on a Tuesday. She has never played a show on a Tuesday. Some little rule of hers.”

Twilight nodded, understanding the feeling. “Alright. Thank you very much good sir.” Twilight stood, having gathered the information she could. She dropped a few bits on the counter, more than enough to cover the cost of their drinks. “Have a wonderful day, and a well paying night.” She called out as she left. The bartender watched as she disappeared up the steps, drinking down another glass of scotch.

She emerged back into the shade of the alley, glancing about before quickly trotting away. She lifted her hood back up, sighing as she felt it rip along the back. I liked this cloak. She thought to herself with a sigh. Well, gives me an excuse to visit some fashion shop to get it fixed. Twilight took off, weaving her way to the fashion districts, the one place she would be able to find somepony willing to treat her normally while her she shopped. And I can ask about Hoity Toity while I’m at it.

Twilight slowly made her way to the richer side of Canterlot. Though it was one of the richest places in Equestria, with one of the highest standards of living, it still had a rich and poor side to it. Not that the ponies on the poor side weren't well off, they just weren’t as famous, rich, or powerful as some of the higher ups.

The unicorn smiled as she reached her destination. She looked up, chuckling at the giant sign above her. There were no words, just a trio of blue gems, looking exactly like a certain unicorn’s cutie mark, albeit much larger. The door jingled as she walked in, announcing her presence to the shop.

“Twilight!” a blue earth pony exclaimed, a Prench accent gracing her lips as she ushered Twilight in. “So good to see you again. What can we do you for?” She trotted around the desk between them, smiling.

“I need this cloak repaired Miss Needle.” Twilight calmly replied, slipping out of her garment.

Golden Needle stared, slightly repulsed by the gray, tattered cloak Twilight had just pulled off. “Well... Certainly dear. But wouldn’t you rather have something more fetching?” She asked, gently draping the cloak over her back with obvious disdain.

Twilight turned, a hoof raised as if to protest, before an idea floated into her mind. “Oh, why not. I still want that cloak though. But feel free to spruce it up and all. In fact, dye the whole thing a midnight blue, and give a full repair job. I’ve got time.” She answered, smiling and watching as Golden Needle took the garment into the back.

“There. It should be ready in an hour or so.” Needle called out as she returned. “Anything else I can do for vous?”

“I’ll take a full treatment Miss Needle.” Twilight answered, looking at her hoof critically. “I have gone so very long without a proper hooficure.” Golden Needle smiled, motioning for Twilight to follow her.

“ Oui oui madame. Right this way. I’ll call some of the girls in to get started right away.” Twilight followed Golden through a few hallways to the giant spa room. Golden led Twilight to one of the chairs, which Twilight promptly sat in. “Now, I’m afraid that if I let you show up for a full treatment, without getting any news out of you, Madame Rarity will tan my hide.” Golden commented, climbing into the chair next to Twilight, letting out a short whistle.

Immediately two ponies, who had been sitting off to the side, chatting between themselves, looked up, and rushed over. They quickly set to work, taking a hoof to start the treatment. ”Well, yes, that is Rarity isn’t it.” Twilight responded with a light laugh. “I hope you don’t mind if I have a few questions of my own. It has been so long since I was last in Canterlot.”

“Not at all.” Golden replied, sighing as the ponies set to work on their hooves. “But, what brings you to Canterlot? It has been so very long since you’ve been here, and longer since you came without the rest of the gang. And all this chaos happening around town, what with that purple bubble and the collapse of the factory. What ever is going on?”

Twilight sighed, relaxing as she felt her hooves cleaned. “Well, I needed to speak with Princess Celestia. Some things recently came up.” Twilight shook her head, as if not happy with the turn events had taken. “However, for some reason, I haven’t been able to. She keeps denying me a chance to speak with her.”

Golden gasped. “But surely she would make time in her schedule for vous! You’re her most prized student after all!”

“Not anymore it seems. She dismissed me yesterday.” Golden gasped again, but remained silent. “I teleported up here, intent on talking with her. Before I could get to her though that factory collapsed, though it felt more like an explosion from where I was. The whole palace was put under lockdown after that, and nopony has been able to meet with her. And, as I’m no longer her student, I can’t pull any strings.”

“Wow... that’s incredible. I never thought anything like this would ever happen.” Golden shook her mane out, staring down at the floor. “I thought she cared about you above everypony else. Sometimes I even though she cared more for you than her sister.”

Twilight shook her head, letting her mane fall around her head as well. “I guess not. And when you put it that way, well, it makes me think.” Golden looked up, hungry for gossip. “If that’s how much she cares for me, willing to just dismiss me on a whim, well... I never doubted before how much she cares about her subjects or me. But now, I’m not so sure. How much does she care?”

Golden fell silent as well, her mouth hanging open. “That’s a good point.” She said after a moment. She looked off into space, trying to process what she had just heard. The two mares sat in silence for awhile. As their hooves were finished, and the two ponies moved to their manes, Golden spoke up. “So, you had some questions?” She asked, having given up on picking Twilight apart for gossip. She had gotten enough to fill a castle with that short conversation.

“What? Oh, yes.” Twilight snapped back to reality. Her thoughts had been on Celestia, and her plans to overthrow her. “Well, I’m trying to catch up on the going ons of Canterlot. It has been so long since I was last here. So, what’s the latest gossip around town? And, more importantly, who’s in town?”

“OH!” Golden exclaimed, a smile on her face. “Well, there’s plenty of good gossip going around. I’m not sure if you knew, but Hoity Toity and Photo Finish got married a few years ago.” Twilight nodded, feeling her head jerked back as the combs began running through her mane. “Well, apparently, Photo Finish is pregnant!” Twilight gasped, knowing it was the right place for it. “She’s been out of the scene recently, hasn’t been doing much of anything. And a few days ago one of the tabloids published that it’s because she’s with foal!”

“Wow. I had heard about their marriage, but I never knew they were so serious about it.” Twilight responded. So, it looks like I might not be able to get to Photo Finish. Though if it’s true, I can use it against Hoity Toity. She added mentally. “Well, I wish them the best of luck. A foal is a wonderful gift.”

Golden nodded, smiling. “Well, thats not the only news going around town.” She began. Though Twilight continued their conversation on the outside, her mind was far away, working on her plans.

So, Vinyl is in town, and has shows lined up. I should be able to get into one of them, and talk with her. She thought, her mind going through her plans. And though it doesn’t sound like I can get to Photo Finish, I should be able to get to Hoity Toity. I can work him to my side. Twilight continued planning, not getting very far, due to her lack of information.

Eventually Twilight’s mane, hooves, tail and coat were finished, sparkling and clean. “Well Golden, thank you so very much. I had a pleasant afternoon.”

“Oh no, thank you. It’s not very often we get somepony in who stays.” Golden replied, walking with Twilight to the front. “Most just show up to place or collect an order.” Golden walked behind her deck, the pegasus that had taken over for her smiling and returning into the back. “And I’m always glad to have you in darling.”

“Well, still thank you.” Twilight smiled, feeling refreshed and clean. “And thank you so much for fixing up my cloak. This one means so much to me.” she added, slipping her now dark blue cloak around her. She said her goodbyes as she dropped a sack of bits on the counter, making sure she left enough for a generous tip.

With a smile she left, walking back out into the streets of Canterlot. Her cloak fit snugly around her, keeping out the chill of the altitude. Her horn flashed briefly as she checked the time. According to the sun, it was now five in the afternoon. Good. Early enough that I should find Blue Blood in his home, but late enough for a personal call. He can’t exactly turn me away either. Twilight set off, heading for the richer districts of Canterlot, intent on her destination.

It was almost an hour later that she arrived at Blue Blood’s mansion. She sighed, knowing she would have to suck up her hate, at least until she was talking with him alone. With another heavy sigh, she reached up, pulled on the rope, and activated many magical enhancements she herself had placed, ringing a bell. And all so that Blue Blood could keep his visitors at the gate until he chose to admit them.

A moment later the gates opened, allowing her in. As I thought. He can’t exactly just turn me away. Twilight strode forward, chuckling to herself. As she neared the door it was pulled open by a silvery blue glow. “Ah! Twilight Sparkle! To what do I owe the, pleasure, of having you here?” Blue Blood visibly struggled to stay cordial with Twilight.

“Simple. We have business to discuss. May I come in?” Twilight retorted, herself trying to stay calm.

“Why of course. I would be, glad,” Blue Blood visibly twitched as he continued. “Glad, to discuss business with you.” He let Twilight in, closing the door behind her. “Would you like to hang up your cloak?”

“No thank you.” Twilight replied, a fake smile on her face as she entered. “I would prefer to keep it with me.”

“Very well then.” Blue Blood responded, a false smile gracing his face as well “Shall we adjourn to my study?”

“That would be delightful.” Twilight reciprocated, following Blue Blood. “And would you have the servants bring me some tea? Jasmine preferably, I have had a stressful day.”

“Certainly Ms. Sparkle.” The prince gave a quick nod to one of his butlers, sending them scurrying to the kitchen. Silence fell over the pair as they ascended through the stallion’s many floors, eventually arriving at a ornate wooden door. “After you ma’am.” Blue Blood said through gritted teeth, holding the door for Twilight.

“Thank you.” Twilight calmly walked in, sitting herself in one of the more comfortable chairs. As Blue Blood closed the door she cast a quick locking spell, sealing them off from the rest of the mansion. “Alright, there. Now we can talk freely. And yes, I still hate you Blue Blood.”

The prince sat across from Twilight, sighing as her relaxed. “As my distain for you has not faltered either. Now, what business do you have to speak with me about?”

Before Twilight could begin a small knock was heard at the door. The prince gave a small start, though Twilight simply opened the door. “Ah, my tea. Thank you.” Twilight took her cup, floating it over to her as Blue Blood did the same. As soon as the door closed again Twilight recast her spell. “Alright. Simply put, revolution.”

The prince raised an eyebrow, taking a small sip of his tea. “Against whom? Celestia or Luna?” He quickly understood what Twilight was getting at, his ears perking up. “I must admit I am not all that happy with how my aunts have been running things as of late.”

“Celestia. And I must agree, changes need to be made.” Twilight responded, taking a delicate sip of her tea. “For too long she has ruled over us, without giving anything back. Since my friends and I became the bearers of the Elements of Harmony, she has failed to step up to the plate. No matter what threat has come against Equestria, she has done nothing.” Twilight set her cup down, turning to stare at Blue Blood. “From Discord breaking free to the Changeling Invasion.”

“And who would take over for her? Surely you don’t intend to thrust everything upon Luna. I very much doubt she would be able to rule the country on her own. Nor do I think I would want her ruling over all of us.” Blue Blood retorted, looking for holes in Twilight’s plan. “Unless, you plan to.”

“I will. I know a few spells that will give me her power.” Twilight took a small sip, smiling at Blue Blood. “And I have reason to believe Celestia is no longer fit for the crown anyways. She no longer cares for any of us.”

Blue Blood set his own tea down, turning to stare at Twilight. “Oh, she doesn’t does she? And what evidence do you have for this?”

“I need to know I have you on my side Blue Blood.” Twilight responded, deflecting the question.

“Hmmm.” Blue Blood pondered for a while. As he sat, occasionally taking sips of his tea, Twilight reclined, waiting. “Alright, what’s in this for me? I can’t say I agree with everything you’ve ever done,” Twilight nodded, showing her understanding. “But, I am willing to listen. But I want to know what I will gain from this.”

Twilight looked up, taking her turn to think and sip at her tea. “Alright. Fair enough. During this time, we will need to round up those who will be able to help us. We will need the most influential ponies in Canterlot. During this, you will be my second in command. And after we have overthrown Celestia, that is what you will stay.”

Blue Blood raised an eyebrow, a gentle smile playing across his lips. He was quite obviously pleased with the idea. “But what about Luna? Surely she would be second to you.” He inquired, gazing at Twilight.

“I have known Luna for a long time Prince. Though it was 20 years ago that she returned, the thing she still cares about the most is the ponies love for her. If the ponies decide that you should rule alongside me, she will step down, and take third.” Dear Faust, there is no way I’m letting this pig rule. But, if it gets him to help me, fine. Blue Blood smiled. “And, I would not thrust her power over the night onto you. You would simply take over her other duties. Only some of the work, for all of the perks.”

Blue Blood’s smile widened. “Well, this all sounds very reasonable to me. Alright Twilight.” Blue Blood drained his cup, turning to the unicorn across from him. “You have me on your side. What is it you need from me?”

“Information.” Twilight responded, finishing her cup in kind. “I have not been to Canterlot for quite some time. While I am the archmage, I have spent most of my time at my home in Ponyville, doing research. I know a few big names, some of the influential ponies, but I need to know who to win over.” Twilight pulled out a sheet of parchment. “I was hoping you could help with this. I will win them over, but I need to know who, and how..”

“Certainly.” Blue Blood smiled, a certain evil twinkle in his eye. “Obviously Fancy Pants. He is still the most influential pony in Canterlot.” Twilight brought out a quill, quickly taking notes. “However, he is immensely loyal to the princesses. I do not know if we will be able to win him.”

“I had expected as much.” Twilight quickly reciprocated. “Though, if we go to him last, after we have numerous others on our side, and if I bring up Rarity, we may be able to.”

The prince nodded slowly. “Ah yes. I see what you mean. Show him it is the will of the ponies that he would be going against. And this Rarity, the white unicorn I, well, spent some time with, let’s leave it at that, at the gala so many years ago?” Twilight nodded, and Blue Blood began scratching his chin. “I remember her. She had quite the impression on Fancy Pants. And I must agree, we shall save him for last. Though he is somepony we need to try for.” Twilight nodded, adding a few notes. “Now, I believe Hoity Toity would be worth having on our side.”

“What for?” Twilight responded quickly, looking up. “His influence comes from his designs. Outside of that I did not think his word carried much weight.” Twilight gave Blue Blood a confused gaze, wondering what he was thinking.

“True. But he has money. I am certain we will be needing much of that.” The prince replied, relaxing. “And while his words will not carry far, they will spread wide. He is daily in contact with many ponies, all of whom take his opinion very seriously. He can also create ways for us to identify each other before the coup starts. If we have him on our side, we can have him spread the word much faster than either of us can.”

Twilight considered the words of the prince, nodding slowly as she agreed. “Alright. Fair enough. And a way to know who is on our side, and how far our words have spread, would be wonderful.” She responded slowly. “But what about his wife, Photo Finish?”

“If we can convince one, we will have the other.” Blue Blood chuckled. “They always act as a pair. I have never heard of the, having a disagreement. I believe they would sooner just agree with each other than worry about a fight.”

Twilight gained an evil grin. “Then we separately go to them, at the same time though. We tell each of them that the other is already on our side. That should be enough to convince them.” The purple unicorn’s grin grew as she chuckled at her plan.

“Yes!” Blue Blood exclaimed, seeing the brilliance in Twilight’s plan. “Two birds with one stone as they say.The only worry I have is that they would want to talk to each other about it, before joining us. Our ruse may be discovered.”

“That is something we will have to watch for.” Twilight replied, nodding. “But, we will cross that bridge when we reach it, as they say.”

Blue Blood chuckled at Twilight’s idiom before continuing. “Now, I believe a one Ms. Philharmonica would be a good addition to our forces. She is very well known, and very respected. It won’t be easy to convince her though. She is a very independent, free thinking mare.”

“Ah yes, the cello player.” Twilight’s brow knitted as she thought. “While simply saying she is on our side will give us a great boost, it is not something we could lie our way through. We can only do that if she is on our side. And as you said, she is a free thinker. Though perhaps we can use that to our advantage.”

“How so?” Blue Blood inquired, curious.

“I’m not sure yet.” Twilight responded slowly, trying to work things out in her mind. “Though I do know we can’t make it seem like we are pushing our views onto her, or that she would be following the crowd. She needs to feel separate from the rest, and decide to join us for herself.”

“Indeed, and that will be hard. However, I think we can do it. We must watch for her wife though. That DJ is nothing but a common ruffian. How such a respectable mare such as Ms. Philharmonica could ever marry such a slob is beyond me.” Blue Blood spit in disgust, the phlegm vaporizing before it hit the floor.

“Perhaps. But, she is as influential as her wife.” Blue Blood raised an eyebrow, urging Twilight to continue. “She is the most famous DJ in Canterlot. If she’s on our side, then when she plays for her, audiences,” Twilight faked having issues with calling them an audience, knowing Blue Blood would react well to it. “she can spread our message. And if one of us is there to give a speech after her, performance, we can quickly bolster our ranks. And there are many more commoners in Canterlot than noble ponies. With her we would gain an immense number of followers.”

“True. Though I would worry that she can not be trusted.” Blue Blood commented after mulling over Twilight’s words. “She would easily be able to spread our message, but just as easily spread a message against us. It is something we should take into consideration.”

“Agreed. We will have to keep a close eye on her. Though from what I know, if Octavia is on our side, Vinyl will be as well. That unicorn would never disagree with her wife.” The pair chuckled before continuing. “Now, prince, who else should we make contact with?”

Blue Blood pondered awhile. “Sapphire Shores. For much the same reasons as Octavia or Vinyl.”

Twilight nodded, finishing her notes. “Ah yes, of course. And I shall speak with Pony Joe as well. His coffee shop would make a perfect meeting place for the heads of the revolution.”

“Except that it is just outside the castle. Should the guard or the Princesses look out-” Blue Blood began, wondering what Twilight’s plan was.

“And that’s exactly why.” Twilight interrupted. “The guard would have no reason to suspect us, we are simply a group of rich and famous ponies gathering. And if they ask, we tell them we are simply discussing what we intend to do in the following year. Nothing sinister about that.”

“And the princesses?”

“Why would they care? Again, we are nothing more than a group of ponies meeting. Though I must admit I wish to avoid Celestia’s gaze as long as possible. She has seriously wronged me.”

“Yes, you did mention something like that. What was it you said? That she no longer cares for us, and does not deserve the crown?” Blue Blood questioned, stroking his chin.

“Correct.” Twilight’s eyes narrowed, her shoulders drooping. “She dismissed me as her student.” Blue Blood’s eyes shot open, staring, slightly horrified. “I have been her most faithful student for years. Almost thirty years in fact. And then she just drops me. And she doesn’t come to Ponyville to explain it to me. She doesn’t call me to Canterlot. She sends me a letter, first thing in the morning, and written as heartless as possible.” Twilight levitated the scroll out of her bag, floating it over to Blue Blood.

The unicorn took it, unrolled it, and quickly read. “Wow. I’ve done heartless things myself, but nothing this bad. Nothing so much as a sorry. Just a ‘Enjoy where life takes you.’” Blue Blood rolled the scroll back up and drifted it back to Twilight, who promptly put it in her bag. “So is that why you are in Canterlot?”

“Yes. I had been blind to her lack of love for her subjects for so long, as so much of her love was going to me.” Twilight bitterly replied. “This took one of my greatest achievements of all time and destroyed it. So I started thinking. ‘If she doesn’t care enough to tell me this in person, how can she care at all about me?’ And I must admit, I started to ramble on. But I eventually realized that she doesn’t care for any of us. She is simply using her position to toy with our lives.” Blue Blood simply stared, taking in every word. “I realized she has long since lost the right to her crown.”

Blue Blood nodded slowly, believing Twilight. “Well then. I must agree. While I hate to admit it, you have always been her favorite. If she doesn’t care enough about you to tell you that in pony, she can’t exactly care about any of us, can she?”

“Exactly.” Twilight rose, smiling at Blue Blood. “Now, before I leave, do you have anything else we need to discuss?”

“Yes.” Blue Blood sighed, lounging in his chair. “What are the plans for Discord and Princess Luna? They, even after we have the ponies of Canterlot on our side, will be our biggest obstacle. And also, why are we allowing Luna to keep her crown? Surely she is just as bad as Celestia.”

“Ah yes. I do have plans for them. And Luna has earned her crown.” Twilight retorted, receiving a confused look from Blue Blood. “Celestia has lost touch with her citizens. She does not know what it is we want from her. Luna however, well, she once, many years ago, spent over a year as a common unicorn. She knows what it is we require of our rulers, and has since been making great strides to give us that.”

Blue Blood nodded, shrugging slightly. “Alright. And Discord? He is incredibly powerful. How do you propose we get past him?”

“Simple.” Twilight let out a small laugh. “That draconequus loves nothing more than chaos. And there would be nothing more chaotic than a full scale revolution in the streets. He would simply sit back and laugh.”

Blue Blood nodded, smiling. “Well then. I do have one last question. Do you know why Canterlot has been placed under lockdown?” He asked, motioning to the shield around the city. “It is quite annoying I must say. I’m not going to be getting anything fresh for weeks.”

“It is sadly something that must be dealt with. An attack has been made on the city. Surely you’ve heard of the destroyed factory?” Blue Blood nodded once more. “I was there. I had gone to gloat over it’s shut down, I never liked the place. And while there, a magical blast came in, trying to kill me. I reacted just in time. I’m not sure who is after me, but I can’t have them knowing where I am. You can tell nopony I was here.”

“Ah, I suppose that makes sense. And you have my word. Well, a good day to you Ms. Sparkle.” Blue Blood rose from his chair, giving a bow of his head. “I dare say we will meet again soon. From now on though, to discuss this, simply come around the back of my manor, and pull the middle lantern down. It will alert me of your presence, and give me a chance to clear any unwanted guests.”

Twilight bowed her head in response. “Thank you. I shall keep that in mind.” She stood, turning to leave. As she made her way out the door she turned back, one last thought on her lips. “Thank you Blue Blood. And, for now, I must ask that you are our front-pony.” Blue Blood stared back questioningly, somewhat confused. “As I said, I do not want the Princesses, or my attackers, knowing where I am, or what I’m planning. So for now, you will have to take the mantle. This revolution falls to you.”

Blue Blood nodded, understanding. “Well then. A good day to you Ms. Sparkle.”

And with that Twilight left.

=======================================================================

Celestia stood pacing in her throne room for the next few hours. Her mind poured over every place Twilight could be hiding, unable to come up with any reasons for one over the others. As she continued to pace, Shining Armor burst into the room, skidding to a halt in front of her. “Princess! Trouble!” he panted out, trying to catch his breath.

“What?” Celestia asked, turning to him, fear in her eyes. Shining levitated the letter he had received from his sister out of his armor, giving it to Celestia. The general still couldn’t believe that somepony would try to attack his sister. The princess read through quickly, her eyes narrowing with each line. “Are you sure this was written by her?”

“Yes, I checked it myself.” Shining panted. “It’s definitely her horn writing. And I checked at the site of the explosion. There were traces of her magic there. Enough to suggest she blocked some attack against her. It was chaotic and hard to figure out, but it was her. If I had to guess as to why the guards didn’t find it earlier, well they weren’t looking for Twilight’s magic. And with the amount of energy swirling around there, I was barely able to pick it up.”

Celestia took to pacing again, this time more urgently. Slowly having regained his breath, Shining stood at attention, awaiting further instructions. “Keep your shield up Captain. I can only hope that we can solve this quickly.”

The general nodded, rushing out of the room. Damn you’re good Twilight. There’s no way I can convince him to take the shield down now. Celestia stopped, staring out one of her many windows. What are you planning out there? And when am I going to get a chance to talk to you?

Author's Notes:

Sorry this took so long to post. I thought I had, and so hadn't checked up on it. Hope you all enjoy it. I hope it delivers, and I thank you in advance for the wait.

And thanks again go to Faoiltiama for being my proofreader.