It was a fresh new morning. Life in Appleloosa had awakened. Ponies were going to work, some on the fields, others on the tables in the local tavern. The aroma of baked apple pies was all over the town. The vendors were eagerly waiting their customers from the desert. The buffaloes adored their pies and in exchange they brought herbs that thrived on specific places in the wilderness.

Lucky turned on his back and yawned. He needed that good sleep after the yesterdays heroic acts. Never in his life did he feel so scared for somepony's life. The pegasus came to the realization that Foxy was more than a friend but also his answer to happiness and love. However the question begged to be addressed: was she having such strong feelings like his?

He stretched his hoof and noticed that the ninja was not in bed. Lucky stood in sitting position. The warm beams of the early sun shined on his face. His green mane was a mess. The brown eyes stared at nothing. His wings were bandaged. It'd take awhile before they were fully healed. Although he wanted to get up, his body had opposite intentions.

"Maybe five more minutes." he fell on the mild bed.

Half an hour later, Lucky went outside of the house. He was still very sleepy, at least his mane was brushed to an extend. He breathed deeply, the tasty smell of pie immediately excited his appetite.

"Good-morning, sleeping princess." Metal Eye greeted from the restaurant next to the hotel. It was in the opened. Almost every table was taken. Luckily for the master and junior spies, they managed to arrange something with the host. "How was the night? Has anything interesting happened then?"

The hints in his voice irritated Lucky a little, nevertheless the pegasus kept his cool.

"What do you think happened?"

"Well, I don't know. Last night you two disappeared from the humble party and made me thinking that something bad could have happened to you both. I would be very offended, if you did something you may regret in the future before talking with me about it."

"Nothing happened. We only went to bed early."

"Ha, that's what she said!" Metal smiled. "Isn't that right, my little partner?"

The purple unicorn nodded and then happily drank from his milkshake. Lucky was not in a mood for jokes.

"Speaking of whom, where is she?"

"On the roof."

"Why would she be on the roof?" Lucky asked himself.

"Hey, are you going to stand there all day or will you join us for breakfast? We have some delicious white flower sandwiches, your favorite ones." Metal Eye flew over the wooden fence and approached him. He helped him to get to their table and then together enjoyed the tasty food.

Foxy was trying to meditate at the roof of their hotel. Her mind was troubled with one thing: her connection with the ninja world. Despite that she didn't want to have anything in common with the rest of the warriors, her past still haunted her and reminded her why Tail left it for good. The machines that the inventors created were tools for evil and it was a good thing thing that they destroyed the leader's plan. However, how many other schemes did the pony, who she used to bow to, have? Was Tail obliged to stop them every time, when she just wanted to have peace? Foxy didn't want to return to her homeland and experience the cruel reality of the ninja world. The answer to her salvation was three floors below. He was the one, who could bring her out of the cold water and warm her heart with friendship and love.

She looked at the horizon, the small line where yellow and blue met. The sun was smiling. There weren't any clouds to block the magnificent view.

"How I despise such scenery." she said to herself. "It would be better, if there was a storm. Hm, that's old me. The new me actually enjoys this."

She looked down at the restaurant. The sheriff approached her friends and gave a letter.

"This just came from Her Majesty. She orders you to bring the unicorns in Canterlot and there's more."

Metal took the letter and started reading.

"Princess Celestia wants you to meet her. Your ninja friend is invited too. If we take off in fifteen minutes, I think will get back to Canterlot before the sunset." Metal stood up and spread his wings. "Mr Sheriff, bring the convicts at the airship. I'll inform her about..."

Suddenly a pony fell on the ground with a bang. Foxy landed on her four legs, keeping a perfect balance. She brushed the dust from herself and then turned to the surprised company.

"You didn't just jump off the roof, right?" Lucky asked.

"That's exactly what I did." she snatched the letter and gave it a quick look.

The sheriff took off his cowboy hat and nodded. When the brow earth pony made it to the other side of the street, Foxy crumpled the letter and threw it behind her.

"So, we are going to the capital?"

"Yep." Lucky answered.

"By the way, you know that you just threw away a royal order? Such documents are not to be treated like trash." Metal schooled her.

"I do not care." she gave him the carefree look. "I'm ready to travel. Just need to get my apples from our room."

Then she went to the hotel.

Metal turned to Lucky, who was about to take a bite from his sandwich.

"A very strange girl you've chosen, my friend."

"I didn't. I was forced to be her partner, nevertheless I do not regret it. She is kind of like that."

Meanwhile in the concrete jungle...

Ponies in golden armors approached the door. A very strong earth Guardian turned his back on it and then kicked powerfully with his rear legs. The hinges broke. The door slammed into the ground. Immediately five Royal Guards stormed the building. They spread out. There was no pony in the living room. Then one of the unicorns waved ahead, two pegasi quickly went to the hallway, that led to the kitchen and the staircase.

The rest followed. They were cautious and were prepared for any surprises. The Guards checked the entire first floor, then they proceeded to the second. They moved fairly quick. Nothing escaped their sight. Soon they found the door for the laboratory, it was locked. The same earth pony attempted to break it but instead he hurt his hooves. It was armored, so the unicorns took their turn. The horned ponies aimed at it and fired purple beams. In just ten seconds flat they melted this obstacle.

The pegasi entered inside. While the operation was at its peak, Quarter Key and Diamond Rod entered the house of the inventors.

"I can only hope that they are untouched." the old horn said.

"The Princess won't like that we burst in the home of her subjects like this. She'll probably retire Nose because of this."

"It is the right thing to do! Four lives are on the line." Quarter seemed very worried and Diamond understood him perfectly.

The commander of the strike team approached them. He was not looking happy. Key feared the worst.

"No pony was found in the entire building. They probably left under the cover of night. The equipment you asked us to search for is also missing."

When he heard the news, the older unicorn felt very uneasy.  

"What now?"

"Diamond, I do not know..." he sadly shook head.

Outside of the building, a quite large crowd was forming. They were interested to know why the Royal Guards stormed the home of two inventors. They passionately speculated. The most popular rumor was that Phoenix and Volts had an accident in the lab.

Three guards blocked the entrance. They stood like marble statues. Countless questions were fired at them only to be ricocheted back.

"It's Royal Guard's matter, no other information is available." the mighty guard said in a monotone voice.

"The public has the right to know what happening inside!" the elegant pink unicorn demanded: "At least let the journalists inside!"

"No can do, mam." this mountain in front of her wouldn't move, even if all of her publicist friends tried to push him away.

"Could you at least tell us, if there was an accident in the laboratory? Is the city safe?"

"I can not answer, mam. Please go back to your own duties. The news of what happened will be released soon."

"Back to my duties? I am doing them!" she shouted and angrily waved her hoof. "Expect an official complaint to your captain!"

The guard ignored her. She stamped and turned around. Then her deep purple eyes caught the distant figure of a pegasus Guardian, who was holding a scroll in his mouth. She decided to stay and see what would happen.

The messenger landed in front of the three guards, whispered something in the ear of his colleague and then he was granted a passage. The flier seemed very exhausted.

"Here... letter... Her Majesty!" he dropped it in Quarter's hoof, the latter unroll the scroll and started reading.

Diamond was surprised to see the rock falling from Key's back and the small smile on his grey face.

"What is it?"

"Lucky and the others are safe. They've managed to neutralize them and are currently in Appleloosa. They'll travel back to Canterlot." he sounded a little excited.

"I think I know where this is headed." the white unicorn smirked. "We are going to meet them there, am I right?"

"Only if we take the early train. Prepare our stuff in the hotel and then come to the station. I'll buy us tickets and try to delay the train as much as possible."

"What if the Princess wants us to stay here?"

"We've completed our assignment, so I do not think we'll be much of help for the Guards here. Also we can defend Nose better, if we are there and not via mails. He had his orders not to take any action against the inventors and only because of us, he decided to neglect them. We owe him, so let's return the favor."

Diamond nodded. Then the two unicorns turned to the commander and saluted. Afterwards they quickly left the building. Frozen Flash followed them with sight. Judging on their gaits, she learned that they were in a hurry for something important. They were going to lead her to the truth.

"Well my luck finally smiles." she thought and then went after them.

Fifteen minutes later everypony was on board. The two inventors were hoofcuffed and tied to the nose of the ship. The engined roared, the propellers started turning and soon they were airborne. The Equestrian Flag gloriously waved from one of the ropes. The small town stayed behind. In front of them was the vast wilderness. The green color appeared on the horizon. Below them was the railway, which Metal used as a pointer. He knowingly flied the airship and with the help of the winds, they were going to arrive in Canterlot a lot sooner than he thought.

Foxy leaned against the red railing of the starboard. Her orange eyes were staring at the distance. Behind the land and ocean, there was a isle of misery. It was very far away but it's presence could be felt even here. Why it wouldn't let her alone?

Lucky sat next to her and stared with his unseeing eyes. He smiled at the world in front of him, unlike her. After a few minutes of silence, she asked him:

"Am I so obvious that even the blind can see that I need to talk to somepony?"

He raised his left eyebrow.

"You wanted to talk? I didn't know. What is on your mind?"

"My home. Those idiots back on the island will kill each other sooner or later but why should I care?"

"Cause it's the place where you were born, where you were raised and lived most of your life."

"But it is literally hell in there!" she raised her voice to levels, which the others took notice of. "It is the worst place on the surface of this world! Then why I'm troubled with thoughts about its future?"

"I understand you." he looked down and continued with quieter voice: "Maybe you haven't left everything behind. You are ninja, who was created for that reality. What purpose your skills have in Equestria rather than to be a really good acrobat?"

She shook head.

"It's not about purpose in life. I abandoned everything I knew to search for a better life but my connection with my homeland is still strong. Even when I run away, it keeps showing its dirty face again and again." she glimpsed at the two unicorns, who were sitting silently. They were guarded by the Spy Filly, who did not lose sight of even the slightest movement.

"Though I do not believe in predetermined paths, maybe it calls for you to return? Could it be that you are destined to bring peace to those, who seek destruction?"

"Me, as an agitator of peace?" Foxy chuckled. "I'll be giving justice with the ends of my claws. Are you out of your mind?"

"At least I made you a little happy." Lucky turned to her with a big smile.

"So, what would you advise me, Mr Merry Stallion?"

"Do what ever your heart tells you... Nha, your heart is frozen. Probably should go with your hoof."

Tail suddenly pushed him hard. Lucky wasn't prepared for that and fell on his right side. His wing hurt but it was not such a big deal.

"Yep, definitely trust your hoof!"

Foxy smiled on him and then looked at the big world.

"There's one last thing."

"Shoot!"

"I had a weird dream last night." she said very quietly, so that the others couldn't hear her. "I saw my mother and a stallion climbing a mountain, on top of which there was a hidden temple."

"Do you know who the stallion is?" Lucky asked with a concerned voice.

"He felt familiar but whenever I looked at him, I'd lose focus. For some reason his face was shrouded by a fog."

"And what happened?"

"They found the secret shrine and my mother began meditating. She tried to contact The Jester of Flame but without a success."

"Wait, what do you mean contact him? Wasn't he dead?"

She looked around to make sure that the others weren't eavesdropping.

"It is said in some ancient text that the dead go to another realm. My ancestors had a method of contacting the dead, though the techniques were lost and only a few secret temples had enough spiritual energy to be used as connectors between the both worlds."

"Could it be that my parents are in this afterlife?"

She felt uneasy to answer the question 'cause Tail knew how much his dead folks meant to him. Foxy didn't want to disappoint him.

"Maybe or maybe not. The only way to be sure is to actually see it by yourself, though I do not think you'd like to die."

He looked a little gloomy. That changed, when she placed her hoof on his shoulder and said in a friendlier voice:

"I'm sure that they are in the lands of dreams, watching over you from the sky. They are probably smiling at us at this very moment."

"Thank you, my lo... Foxy. " he looked away, embarrassed by what his mouth was about to spill out. "Would you continue?"

Tail's cheeks blushed. Thankfully she had her mask and no one saw it.

"What were you going to say to me?" she whispered in his ear.

"Oh-uhm... he-he... what I said: Foxy." a long drop of sweat fell down from his forehead. He continued with a higher voice. "It was just a slip of tongue. Like there were times were after hard work I'd say "Of course, mom" instead of "Of course, Metal". Do you remember that, bro?"

Metal Eye was concentrated on the flying and barely heard what the blind pegasus said. He noticed that Lucky was grinning at him. The pink-eyed pony understood the sign and smilingly waved at them.

"Very unconvincing." she criticized. Tail looked at the dusty land below and continued. "So, while my mother was trying to connect with the dead dragon, her friend guarded the temple. Then something bad happened. Shadow Sun appeared in front of him."

"The. Worst. Possible. Thing!" Lucky exclaimed.

"Hey, I'm serious! It's a well know fact that in my family the dreams are gates to the past. For example, my mother saw in one of her dreams how grandma fought the dragon and she was able to describe the battle to the smallest detail."

Lucky looked on disbelief.

"Are you saying that you saw your past?"

"I think so, though it was vague and the dream seemed to be fractured. I know for a fact that Snake Tail and the current leader used to travel around together. So, maybe the stallion is him. However, I don't recognize the mountain. On my island there isn't such a high mount and I've never read about this particular adventure in her dairies."

"Your mother must have kept it in a secret. If I were to find a source of such power, then I would not brag about it. Did you see anything else?"

"Shadow Sun gave him a red medallion."

Lucky now understood her first problem. If this was true, then their adventure was not over again.

"Are you sure that it wasn't just a bad dream?"

Foxy looked in him and saw her concerns on his face.

"I would love to believe that it was just a nightmare. However, It could be a warning from the past."

"What are we going to do now?" Lucky asked honestly.

It was a tough decision. She didn't really want to return in the pit again but if they were to follow the prophecy, they had to. That place was dangerous and she might not be able to protect him all the time. No, she really didn't want to see him hurt and was done with those murderers back on the island. Now it was time to look into the blue unknown and live her life as fully as possible before the curse decided that it was her time.

"Nothing. Probably it's just my fears that clouded my vision of the past." Foxy looked at the clean sky and quoted: "Now I want to experience peace and maybe some love."

Lucky remembered, when he said that. It was just after his battle against the she-dragon, who wanted to eat him but was also his friend. It seemed so long ago, though it happened just a week ago. This was the sign he was hoping to hear. Now Lucky knew what he had to do, once they got to Canterlot. Suddenly his dreamy state was forcefully pushed by the the yellow unicorn's voice.

"Mr Lucky, would you come over here?" he asked timidly.

The pegasus was surprised by the request. He stood up and by using the railing as a pointer, he got to the nose of the ship.

"What is that you want?" there were still anger in his voice, when he addressed him. Lucky couldn't forgive Phoenix for what he almost did to his love.

The unicorn had lost his gentle look and now seemed like an outcast without a future. The sparks of life were gone in his blue eyes. His red mane had seen better days. Phoenix was just a shadow of the pony he used to be.

"I had a dream..."

"Oh, boy! Here we go again..." Lucky thought.

"... in which I saw you. The white pegasus with the cyan feathers saved me from the nightmares."

Although he wasn't in a mood to listen to him, Lucky didn't want to be rude and didn't want to show the worst possible way of dealing with the prisoner.

"After that night I felt better for the first time in months. Then you stopped us from making the biggest mistake of our lives." the unicorn was little shaking. He looked him directly in his brown eyes. "After I got shot, I realized that the world I've been living in was false. I-I do not understand how I was able to do the many things, which I regret now."

"You were under the influence of the medallion. However, that doesn't excuse you!"

The unicorn looked down, he had a troubled look.

"I ask for forgiveness. Please, will you help me?"

"Help you how?" the pegasus started to not like the direction of the conversation.

"Like you did in my dream. You gave me a hoof and pulled me into heaven. Will you do the same thing in the realm of the living?"

Lucky wasn't sure what to say. He barely knew this pony and now Phoenix was asking to be friends with him. After what he did, Lucky wouldn't never think of being close with this evildoer.

"Well?" the unicorn asked after a minute of silence.

"Please, Mr Lucky!" Volts begged. "I don't think that I alone can be much of help to him. He is confused and weak. He'd need a lot of support to bring himself to who he really is: a genius inventor and a good friend. That damned locket changed him for worse but I believe he can redeem himself and become a better pony. Please, help him."

Lucky thought for a moment, which seemed like eternity to the unicorn.

"When I graduated from the academy, I received the worst news in my life. My parents died in the line of duty in a place far away from here. No friend of mine could help me with the pain, though some tried really hard." he turned his head to the captain of the vessel then back at them. "This was something I had to endure alone. Have you heard of the phrase:'What doesn't kill you makes you stronger?' I still carry the loss of my parents in my heart but I draw strength from it. It's like an experience, which stays for life. Thank the Princess that you are alive and start moving forward!"

The unicorn nodded.

"Thank you!" Phoenix was sincere.

After this conversation, the trip was plagued by silence. The yellow landscape changed to green. Tall mountains stood in the distance like pillars. Below them orchards were stretching for miles. Hills with delicious red apples were the first signs that they were approaching the little town called Ponyville. From their altitude, the houses seemed like yellow adorable rectangles. There were many interesting buildings like the round town hall with the brown conical roof or the the huge tree that was the home of the Princess's personal assistant.

Canterlot was far, behind the blue walleye. The Royal Castle was the most visible thing. Its white towers showed greatness and authority.

The sun was falling from the thrown, when they arrived at the busy airport. Two pegasi in uniforms grabbed the ropes and moored the ship. Then the ramp was lowered. The first who got off the ship were the two inventors, closely followed by Metal Eye and the young spy. Seven Royal Guards were waiting. When the prisoners touched the platform, four strong soldiers made a diamond formation around them.

"Woaw, I didn't expect such a warm welcome." Metal smiled. The Guardians didn't seem amused.

When the last of the passengers stepped on solid ground, the rest of the welcoming committee surrounded them.

"Princess Celestia is expecting all of you in the Castle." the unicorn addressed Lucky. "Without further ado, let's get moving!"

"What's up with the big escort? Are we prisoners or something?" Metal moved in front of the unicorn in full golden armor.

"This is for your protection, sir. A lot of Guardians have mysteriously disappeared in the past week and the Princess doesn't want to take any chances."

"It's okay!" Lucky said. "Lead on, please."

The Guardian turned around clockwise and started marching forward. The rest followed.

Celestia was reading some papers at her magnificent throne. Scrolls were lying next to the tall white pony, waiting to be read by Her Majesty. The throne was made out of gold and almost reached the high ceiling. The upholster was made out of red soft fabric. It was standing at the bottom of the vast throne room. The tall windows on both sides were representations of various events and heroes. They were colored in almost every known hues. Most recent were the ones, where her assistant Twilight Sparkle and her friends defeated Nightmare Moon, the Master of Chaos and the Changelins' Queen. The floor was made of crystal clean marble tiles. A red long carpet stretched from the throne to the big doors. Four guards were quietly standing at the two ends of the long room. Their only task was to protect the ruler of this land and they were doing a darn good job.

The sound of the opening of the big gorgeous doors broke the silence and took the attention of the mighty white alicorn. It was her dark blue sister, who was approaching.

"Working all day, I see. Why don't you take a break and leave them to me?"

Celestia put the papers down and sighed.

"With your old mindset from one thousand years ago, you'd probably cause big misunderstandings. You are still new to the changes in Equestria, so take your time and learn everything. Only then I'll let you deal with the problems of our subjects."

Luna sat beside Her and asked with a quieter voice.

"Are you worried about the pegasus and the prophecy?"

The white alicorn looked at her and tried to find strength in her dark eyes.

"Yes. I couldn't think of anything else. I'm trying to find some peace in reading these documents, though most are a little boring."

Luna smiled.

"Maybe we can read them together? Like in the old times?"

Celestia felt very warmed by the suggestion. She wanted to say yes, when the doors opened again. The main guests for the afternoon arrived. They moved inside and continued to the throne. Celestia and Luna stared at them with the eyes of Gods. Tail answered the greeting with her demonic gaze. The two inventors looked quite sad. Lucky was a little fidgety. Metal Eye was smiling and ready for the inevitable meeting with the two most powerful beings in the entire world.

"Your Highness, I present you Lucky Eight and his friends." the Guardian bowed.

"Excellent. Guards leave us for a moment." Celestia ordered. The armored ponies headed to the exit. When the door was closed, Celestia stood up and approached the guests. Her royal gait indicated of her splendor and power. He pink eyes were aimed directly at the blind pegasus, nevertheless she couldn't but noticed that the scary stare of his partner. Everypony bowed except the ninja.

"Welcome back home, Lucky Eight. I see that you are in great shape. Congratulations on the completion of the mission." She then turned to the ninja The foreigner was showing great disrespect but Celestia was going to forgive her. "Foxy Tail, I presume. Thank you for helping him fulfilling his destiny."

"How you know my name?"

"Princess's secret." She winked. "Please stand up. Have you brought the medallion with you?"

"Wait, what!?" Lucky felt uneasy. "We were supposed to bring it to you?"

"I didn't ordered you because it was obvious. What happened?"

"It was destroyed in the fight." he made a very unconvincing smile. Lucky knew that he was busted and now feared that he would be send to the Moon.

Celestia made a very disappointed grimace. Her rainbow mane began waving differently from a moment ago.

"I needed the locket to quickly find a cure for the inventors."

"Cure?" Lucky sounded very puzzled.

Celestia looked at him earnestly.

"The red medallion radiate dark energies. He..." she pointed at Phoenix, who trembled with fear. "... carried it for a long time. I needed them to be cured for the task I was going to give them but this changes everything."

"Is there a possibility that I'm irradiated as well?" Lucky couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"You are alright. When we received your locket from the survivors of the expedition, it didn't radiate anything. The same can not be said for the red one. Without it, their treatment may take years."

"Blooming Rose's friend!" Lucky remembered. "She also wore a red medallion. Is she in danger too?"

"Her locket is another beast of itself but Rain Paint will be alright."

"How do you know all of this stuff? Why didn't you prevent it?" Foxy asked.

"I can not tell you how I know it. There are things beyond the realm of 'normal' laws of physics and magic, which you won't understand. To answer why neither I, nor my sister did anything about it, was because of the prophecy, which Lucky Eight had to fulfill. However, there are some unexpected turns from what was said in it."

"The prophecy states that the doom of the world will be prevented by a white pegasus with cyan feathers." Luna approached. Unlike her sister, the Princess of the Night looked more warrior-like. "We are all grateful to you."

"Should I take this as a job finally done?" Lucky raised an eyebrow. "There aren't any other surprises, no more evil to fight against?"

"You could put it that way. Our future was protected and now you can get your deserving rest." Celestia nodded.

"Yeah!" Metal Eye shouted to the roof.

Lucky sighed with relief. Tail seemed unmoved by the good news.

"Now I can concentrate on the things I care." he thought. "Foxy, I'd like to share this happiness with you."

Celestia guessed what was going on his mind and was a little worried.

"I'll reward each of you for your contributions. Do not say a word to the others. This must remain a secret."

"Of course."

"Phoenix's Just and Blue Volts, you are going to the Royal Hospital to begin your treatment. Do not think that you've escaped from your punishment. You'll be free after you've been healed and finished the assignment that will be given to you by the captain."

"Yes, my Majesty!" the two unicorns bowed down.

"Then you are free to go, except Lucky Eight. We'd want to talk to him in privet."

"Can't my partner stay with me? She'll learned what went on in here anyway."

"No!" Celestia denied.

"It is okay, Lucky. I'll be waiting outside." Tail ensured and then she joined the rest, who were headed for the door.

When they left, Celestia went to the purple window, on which was illustrated Nightmare Moon and six ponies, who were wearing five necklaces and only one had a crown. Those tools of almost limitless magic were called the Elements of Harmony. Each of the heroines represented an element and were connected with each other. Together they were an unstoppable force that could change fates in the blink of an eye.

"Would you tell me what you think of your partner?" Celestia's tone changed, which made Lucky a little uncomfortable.

"She is strange, sometimes scary and a close friend. Why you ask?"

"Do you have special feelings towards her?"

"I do." Lucky answered straight away.

"I see." Celestia turned around and looked at him with her serious pink eyes. "I'd want you to stop having them."

"What?!"

"You heard me. I'd want you to stop caring for her."

"Excuse me, Princess, but I do not tell you to stop caring for your sister. What I do in my life is my business only."

"So, your feeling for her are deeper than I thought." Celestia approached him. "You love her, am I right?"

"What if I do?" he sounded really annoyed. "With due respect, your Highness, I do not understand what's the big deal?"

"It's for your own good, Lucky Eight."

"My own good? How is denying my happiness anything but good?" he raised his voice to unacceptable levels.

"I understand your anger. I'm not saying that you should stop being friends with her just do not make a mistake, which you'll regret afterwards."

"Then let me make the choice. I don't see how my well being is endangered by having a close relation with her. If that is all, I'd like to leave."

Celestia was let down again.

"Think about it. You may leave now!" she said quietly.

He turned around, when the guards entered inside. One of them helped him to get to the door. He felt kind of betrayed to hear such things from his ruler. This was something he'd not forget to his last moment. Before Lucky left, he said to her:

"One pony told me that the Princess is the perfect tyrant: loved by many, feared by many but never hated. Please remember that."  

Then he silently left. Celestia was annoyed by the claim. In her mind she was not a tyrant but a pony, who desperately fought for the future of her Kingdom. After a heavy sigh, her internal equilibrium returned to normal. Luna looked a little worried. What the pegasus said was very offending but it had some truth.

"Sis, why you want him not to pursue happiness?" she approached the white alicorn from the right side.

"Because the prophecy didn't come up as foretold. Foxy Tail was supposed to die."

Luna froze in one place. Did she heard this right?

"Her death may be coming soon and I do not want him to suffer. Sister, was I at fault here? Am I really controlling the lives of my subjects like an undisputed Goddess?" she sounded a bit confused.

Luna shook head.

"Nay, you tried to protect him. You gave him a warning, it's up to him, if he chooses to neglect it. You are not a tyrant like some kings. You only think of the welfare of everypony. Look in the brights side, maybe there wont be any incidents and they'll live happily together."

The honesty in her voice gave Celestia some hope that the future was not going to be stained with the black dye. The sun was setting and thus the light of throne room changed to orangish. Celestia and Luna sat together on the throne and started reading the next scroll.

"So what happened?" Foxy asked on their way to the exit from the Castle.

"She schooled me about not bring the locket and spoke of the future and such. Nothing interesting really."

He couldn't fool her, though Foxy didn't ask him further about it.

Somewhere far away from the peace loving kingdom of Equestria, on an isle of hatred and killing, eighteen ponies were hiding in the woods. They were in a good position to ambush any ninja, who'd dare to follow them. Everypony was wounded, some lightly, others were with the one hoof in the grave. The lack of medicine, food and water were going to be their downfall. The Guardians of the Portal took another big hit to their forces and moral. They were too tired to fight. Their only goal was to get back to the mainland via the portal and sealed it temporarily. However, their speed was hindered by the fact that they had to carry their wounded fighters.

Triple was always on high alert. He used his ability to sense other creatures all the time. He didn't want to be caught by surprise like back in the leader's palace. The old unicorn couldn't believe that so many ninjas could be cloaked like that. He underestimated Lupi and his brothers paid the price.

While they were having a few moments of rest, Blue Circle was laying a false trail, that would buy them time. Things weren't looking very good. The Guardians only hoped that they could make it safely on the other side.

The mare of the stars looked down from her black throne and enjoyed the pain and misery of the mortals below. Every lost soul in this little conflict went directly in her belly, well-nigh satisfying her hunger, her only bane. If She would not enter, then she was going to set the planet on fire with her only trump card. Next Chapter: Chapter 28: Angels Fall, Phoenixes Rise Estimated time remaining: 6 Hours, 13 Minutes