~Jewel Empire Stories - Book 1~ Posting not welcome

[Kodabomb]

This is written from Golden Bolt's point of view. Solar and Lunar belong to Eeveeprincess01

I twitched my muzzle as I felt something tickly on it. It didn’t get of. I wiggled it harder. Nothing. It was… fluffy.
Suddenly I jumped to my hooves and the mouse bounded off. It landed on the hard stone floor and scuttled away. Mice? Really? I lay back down. The stone was hard. But I couldn’t lie on the hay, it was all rotten.
Yes, I was sleeping in the dungeons. In the part of the dungeons where the spell didn’t manage to get itself broken by the King. I was so miserable. And even if it was broken, I had no unicorns to teleport me out.
My poor Aqua. She was probably worried sick about me. How was I going to get to her to tell her everything was OK? She was probably living all alone in our cottage, without a clue as to what to do.
I sighed. I couldn’t do anything. I was just a Pegasus. The only powers I had were being a high-ranked knight, but that was very useful as I was being guarded by fireballs…
I got up and walked over to the bars of the cell and looked out. Just lots and lots of passages and cells and suffering ponies. Most of them had in-mates. Why didn’t I have somepony to talk to? It was so damn boring in here.
Suddenly I saw an orange glow from up the passage. Ugh, guards. I didn’t bother drawing my head back in, I just felt like watching somepony do something for once. A Fireball guard came traipsing down the passage, past the cells.
But there was something slightly odd about him. His head was rather lop-sided, and his legs seemed to move in jerky movements.
I stared at him. He didn’t seem to notice anything around him, like he was in a trance.
But then there was another shape behind him. A female pony, with magic around her horn. I couldn’t make our who she was, probably just another harmless citizen Wildfire decided to imprison.
“Bolt?” the pony suddenly said, stopping. The Fireball stopped too. “Golden Bolt?” The voice was so familiar. But it couldn’t be…
“A… Aqua?” I said, with a very confused tone.
“Bolt! Omigosh!” she yelped, galloping over. Her horn’s glow suddenly faded and the guard behind her just flopped over onto the ground.
“Aqua? How did you..?” I spluttered. How could she just traipse in here? “What’s with the guard?”
“Him? Oh, he was under a controlling spell.” She replied.
“But I thought you couldn’t use magic.” I said.
“Well…. Actually, I’m not sure why that worked! Maybe it’s just an anti-teleporting spell or something?” she said, trailing off.
I began to wonder that if ponies were able to use that spell, couldn’t the prisoners just control the guards to let them out..? Or maybe it was just powerful magic, I for one knew Aqua was a personal student of Sparkle Flame. But I didn’t know a thing about magic in itself.
“How will you get me out?” I asked.
“Ok, this is so, so stupid that other unicorns who wanted to escape didn’t do this, but I’ll just levitate a stick and pick at the lock!” she said.
“Of course.” I said in a flat tone. Aqua giggled. Her horn lit up again and her focused her magic on a small stick from my pile of rotten hay. It came over to her and she stuck it into the lock of my door.
She started twisting it, turning it, poking it, pushing it, until her stick snapped and she got a new one. She tried again, and this one was a little larger. She twisted it a little to the left, a little bit to the right, before suddenly giving it a pushed and a yank. All of a sudden, I heard a click. Aqua dropped the stick like a little foal getting bored of a toy, and swung the door open.
I stood there, dumbfounded. I couldn’t believe she’d done it. It was so…. Simple! I stared at the lock, then at Aqua. She gave me a cute smile and tipped her head. It was way too adorable. I leapt at her and gave her a massive hug, wrapping my hooves around her neck.
“Thank you Aqua! Thank you thank you thank you!” I said.
“It’s OK!” she said.
“Now we need to escape.” I replied, stepping back down on all four hooves. She gave me a kiss on the cheek, making me blush.
“OK.” She said. Her horn lit up and she turned around, as she lifted the dopey Fireball to his hooves. He began walking in his strange fashion, as we trotted up the hall.
Soon we came out of the dungeons entrance, which was guarded by two Fireballs. I sure hoped Aqua knew how to control their speech.
“What do you think you’re doing?” asked a guard. Aqua eyes closed and she looked focused.
“I’m taking these prisoners for questioning.” Said the guard Aqua was controlling.
“Very well.” Replied the soldier who had spoken first, and we walked away. She walked up the corridor and started making out way through the endless halls and staircases.

* * *
At last we reached the drawbridge leading out of the palace. We tried to walk out but the guards stopped us.
“And what do you suppose you’re doing?” he said. Aqua suddenly got a fright and her magic disappeared, causing the guard to collapse. We were toast.
“Explain!” roared a guard.
Aqua gasped and swiftly touched my shoulder. Before I could breathe we had teleported. I didn’t know far. How far could ponies teleport? We were spewed out onto the grass and I looked around. Not recognisable.
“Where are we?” I mumbled.
“Somewhere in Equestria.” Replied Aqua, looking around.
“WHAT?” I yelped. “I mean, what? Why are we in Equestria?”
“We can’t stay at home! It’s way too dangerous! We’d have to be on the run for the rest of our lives…” she said. That made sense.
“But we need help. Somepony needed to find us.” I said.
“Already got it.” Said my marefriend. I glanced over at her to see her horn lighting up and her eyes tight shut. She winced and suddenly let go.
“I hope they got the message.” Muttered Aqua.
“Who?” I asked.
“Two ponies bound to help us no matter what.” She said with a smile.
I was about to ask what in Equestria she was talking about, when suddenly two shadows appeared about us. Wings flapping, two small Alicorns landed beside us.
“Solar! Lunar! You came!” Aqua yelped, galloping forward and hugging the both of them.
“Of course! But, why was it so urgent?” asked Lunar Eclipse.
“I just busted Bolt here out of the dungeons and we were nearly caught sooo…. I won’t be staying there much longer.” Solar Eclipse yelped.
“Bolt was in the dungeons?” she cried. It wasn’t hard to tell she had a tiny crush on me. “You poor thing!” she me a hug around the neck and I grinned.
“What? How in Equestria did that happen?” asked Lunar.
“Wow. You haven’t… heard?” said Aqua.
Solar broke away from me. “Heard what?” she and her sister said together.
“Princess Wildfire’s come to power. She’s taken over the Empire. She turned all the guards and soldiers into Fireballs and has been locking away random and innocent ponies. Including the other alicorns.” I said.
“If we don’t stop her, the Kingdom may fall.” Aqua agreed.
“Wait, can’t Luna and Celestia help? Aren’t they like, the most powerful alicorns in existence?” I asked.
Lunar and Solar exchanged glances. “We’re sorry, but the Princesses are away. They won’t be back for ages.” Said Lunar. My heart sank. Now what?
“Well, I think the only ones powerful enough are the other princesses and the queen. They’re our only hope.” Said Aqua.

[Kodabomb]

This is written from Prince Storm Cloud's point of view. I don't mention him much, but he's one of my favs.

I stomped my hooves very hard as I nervously trotted around in circles. It had been a whole day since we had defeated the Fireball army and the others had gone to the palace. I was extremely worried. What if they didn’t come back? If my horrid sister had got them. I tried to think she wasn’t my sister, that she was just an enemy in need defeat.
All of a sudden I heard galloping hooves and an Earth pony soldier came charging through the forest, leaping into the clearing that I was keeping to myself.
“So sorry, your highness for intruding,” Puffed the soldier. “But I bring good news!” My ears pricked up and I stopped pacing.
“Yes?” I said.
“They have returned!” he said. I gasped. My worries were over!
“Lead the way!” I cried. The soldier saluted me and galloped back the way he came, with me following.
We went through the trees and over rocks, coming to the top of a hill. We charged down and reached the bottom, where there was an enormous, grassy clearing surrounded by this trees.
On the other side was a huge group of soldiers, all gathered around to look at something. I looked at the soldier and we rushed over.
“Make way!” I called, and the group of armoured stallions parted to let me through.
“Father!” I yelped, rushing forward to hug him. “Fighter!” I turned and wrapped my forelegs around my younger sister’s neck. “I can’t believe you’re safe!”
“Yes. But a lot of the army isn’t. They’re on their way, but half of them were caught by Wildfire and many are severely injured.” Said Whirlwind gravely.
“Call the medic!” I yelled behind me, sending several Pegasi soldiers flying to get the doctor. “Don’t worry Father, I’ll get everything under control. You and Fighter get yourselves safe. There’s a place over the hill that’s perfectly secluded.” Whirlwind seemed reluctant to take advice from me, but he nodded and a soldier led the way across the clearing.
We all waited a moment, before there was a suddenly a loud pop and some thuds and a few metres away the rest of the army started appearing. I galloped over with a couple of other soldiers, mainly unicorns, who immediately began looking at the injuries and magically fixing them.
Some looked terrible, with gashes and wounds, some had horrible burns from magic and some Pegasi had broken wings. I watched as they healed them up, and I listened to the painful cries and yells.
Over by the forest, I suddenly saw another burst of light and an Earth pony stumbled onto the ground. I glanced back to see that all of the others were occupied, so I approached this pony myself. Surely alicorn magic was far more powerful…
He was lying in the grass in an awkward position, and seemed to be gasping desperately for air. It got worse before I could react, and I began to panic. I looked closer and saw there was something around his neck. It was long and thin like rope, but it was alive, curling tighter around his throat.
It was definitely dark magic. I lit up my horn and tried to blast the coiling rope, but it gave the stallion pain and he yelled out, before getting gagged. The rope seemed to slowly, very slowly, curl tighter, but the tighter it went, the less life remained in this pony.
I tried another spell, carefully aiming it, but I was panicking so bad I yelled out “Help!” Some other ponies noticed my cry and ran to help. I broke my spell of, having only disintegrated part of the murderous rope. The professional soldier ran to my aid and used a completely different spell, making it shrivel up and coil back, curling into a ball. He then blasted it with a jet of light and it vanished.
He put his head down and panted, before returning to his other duties. How did he do that? The soldier began to cough and splutter, sitting up. I sighed in relief to see he was OK.

* * *
I lifted my head and my eyes darted around the area. All the injured soldiers lay around me, some groaning in pain. I got to my hooves and quietly walked away.
I crept into the forest as it sloped up. The midnight breeze blew through my mane as I climbed up the hill. I reached the top, on a grassy ledge over-looking the forest. I got down on my knees and lay down, the grass brushing the underside of my belly. I stared up at the stars.
Thoughts of the past events zoomed through my mind, making me sick and worried. I couldn’t believe that Wildfire could do such a thing; when I left for the training camp she looked fine. She was the happy, fiery princess that I adored so much. My sister.
I inhaled a large lungful of clear air. I suddenly felt something sliding down my face, and became embarrassed that I was… crying.
In a few moments I heard hoof-steps beside me, making me jump.
“Father?” I said. But it wasn’t Whirlwind. It was Fire-Fighter.
“Yes, I look just like a stallion.” Said Fighter sarcastically. I snorted. She came up and stood at the very edge of the cliff. Her mane blew around. It wasn’t tied up anymore, and seemed a lot shorter.
“You don’t look like a stallion, but what’s with your mane?” I asked. She threw me and strange look that I didn’t understand.
“Wildfire. She said it was too long, to cut it off.” Fighter sighed. “She did.” I cocked my head. Mares were odd. She sighed again, a very large one, and stared hard at the stars. At the moon.
I got to my hooves and approached her. She didn’t look at me. But I looked at her, and noticed her eyes began to get wet. A small, glittering tear spilled over and slid down her cheek. My heart cracked.
I put my large, blue wing over her back and she came closer to me. She looked really upset. And it wasn’t because her hair had been chopped off, obviously.
We both lay down on the grass. I used my magic to lift off my silver helmet I had foolishly left on, and placed in on my sister’s head. She giggled through her tears.
“Thanks.” She muttered, giving me a friendly nudge. I smiled. She had always been my favourite sister, such and tomboy and similar to me. She put her chin down on the ground and closed her eyes, my head going over her. It would be alright.

[Kodabomb]

This is written from Midnight Swooper's point of view. After all these goody-goody stories, you need one from a had guy's point of view, right? And this is basically just a filler, it's not helping the story.

My hooves trotted happily over the marble floor as I pranced along behind a guard down a lovely corridor. Gorgeous crystal chandeliers hung over my head, and portraits of many different noble ponies hung on the walls.
We reached a staircase and went up. It was more marble, with silver rails and a violet carpet going up the spiral steps. I was very excited to reach the destination. When we got to the top, the guard opened a wooden door with gold features and gems in the handle.
I stalked past him, and felt jaw drop. It was absolutely gorgeous. My suite featured a curtained king-size bed, stained glass windows, a luxury dressing table with an enormous mirror, and a large circular rug in the middle of the floor.
“Good day.” The guard said flatly, shutting the door behind me.
I squealed in delight and galloped towards the bed, throwing my blue hood off on the way. I flapped my wings and flew into the air, then plummeted down onto the mattress. The covers were made of velvet, with designs stitched into it in silk. The pillows were large and poofy, and the red curtains draped all around the whole bed.
I burrowed into the covers and sighed. Life and just gotten 99% better. It was only 1% alright in the first place. Being a murder’s apprentice, constantly on the run from palace soldiers wasn’t the best life a Pegasus could ask for. I always dreamed of running away to Equestria, to hide away in the Everfree Forest or something. I would totally fit in there.
But I needed to serve Rose, help her. If I didn’t I’d become a Rose victim myself, and I didn’t want that to happen. She’d hunt me down quicker than a cat hunting a mouse.
But since Wildfire came to the throne, Rose and I had been living the good life of a noble. Banquets, parties and of course, my new suite at the top of a private tower. Perfect.
I walked over to the stained window. The designs featured some gorgeous medieval-style pictures of Wildfire and her sisters. Obviously they hadn’t been changed like every other window in the castle. But I didn’t care.
I got up and pushed the window open. It was very large. I let the breeze flow in. I trotted over to some red curtains, drew them open, to reveal another normal glass window. It had silver handles that I turned and opened, which led to a balcony. Was everything in the palace silver, shiny and gem-studded? The rails were just the same!
I ran to the edge. It would be perfect to go on a midnight fly. Where do you think I got my name from? Right now it was late evening, the skyline was orange and early stars twinkled overhead.
I decided to look at my wardrobe. Maybe there was a nightgown. I barely ever slept at night, but I didn’t need to worry now that I was in the palace.
I went to the wardrobe and opened it. My wings flopped down, feather-tips touching the floor. I had… dresses? There were many different kinds of gowns, all made especially for me. I wondered if Rose had such luxuries. She probably did, being Wildfire’s favourite. I giggled and ran to a nice-looking nightgown.
It was light blue with a golden ribbon at the front. It had long sleeves and the hem draped halfway down my legs. I squealed and put it on, looking at myself in the mirror. The last time I wore a dress was… well, I had never worn anything other than my cloak. It was custom-made for me, the colours matched me in perfection.
I went to the door and flicked off the lights. Only the chandelier was left lit and I hopped into bed for my first good sleep in years.

* * *
I awoke the next morning to nothing at all. Not a single sound reached my ears as my golden eyes fluttered open. Every morning, my entire life, I had been woken by something. Whether it be pursuers, wild beasts or a frustrated Rose, I had always been woken before I wanted to.
I stretched my front hooves and wings as I rolled onto my back. My head had moulded into the fluffy feather pillows my mane was ruffled, but I had an awesome sleep. I lifted myself out of bed and stood on the floor, staring at the opposite wall. What would I being doing today?
Suddenly my question was answered. I heard a loud rapping on the door. Being cheeky, I answered it with “Enter!” like somepony important. The door opened. It was a messenger. She looked worn, with her grey mane tied in a bun and she levitated a clipboard and pen.
“Forgive me,” she said nervously. “But your presence is requested down in the dining hall.”
“Um, OK, but do I need anything?” I asked.
The mare glanced at her papers. “Please wear something.” She said. “It doesn’t say anything here but I would advise it.” She added, with a nervous smile. I nodded and she left the room.
Wondering what on earth she was talking about, I went to my wardrobe and drew out a small dress. It had a nice neckpiece made from navy blue feathers, a moon broach at the front, and a very short blue skirt. It would have to do. It wasn’t anything important, right?
I turned to my mirror and looked in. My long blue mane really needed something. I grabbed a ribbon in my hoof. I had never bothered putting my mane up, the only times I’d done that was with a unicorn’s help.
Somehow I managed to tie it up in a messy, yet fancy bun, with bits falling down on either side of my face. I attached a moon clip with ribbon beneath it to the bun and it looked satisfactory.
I trotted to the door and left, beginning to trot down the stairs. I suddenly spread my wings and swooped down, landing in the corridor. I made my way to the breakfast hall… wherever that was.
It was a while before I finally found it. A long, decorated table was in the centre, a fireplace was on the other side of the room and some sculptures lay around. I didn’t bother looking at everything, so I looked who was at the table.
I saw a few posh-looking ponies, and nothing much else. Except a black pony with blond mane.
“Rose!” I exclaimed. She looked up at me with the same, flat, dark-looking expression. Did she ever change it? She wore a nice little green skirt, that still managed to show off her dark side. Her hair was done up too.
“Hello Swooper.” She said. I sat down next to her. “Why are you here? I’ve got some stupid dances to go to.”
“Oh, well… I don’t know.” I said awkwardly. She raised on eyebrow, before turning to her rose-petal tea. I gave her a strange look, then glanced at the food.
I was impressed. There were many sweets, cakes, breads, and teas. So many varieties…
I eyed a decorated little cake. It looked sweet and delicious. But I couldn’t just reach out and grab it, there were important ponies all around.
Rose looked at me suspiciously, then levitated the cake over to me, poured some tea and gave me a plate a saucer. I opened my mouth to thank her, but she flashed her blue eyes. I stayed quiet, before digging in.
Breakfast was great. I was about to belch, but held it in. Suddenly I heard clopping behind me and a hoof tapping my shoulder. With a fright, I jumped around and showed my teeth in a hiss. For some reason I always did that, just like a cat or something.
The jet-black unicorn stallion that stood before me looked taken aback. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to frighten you.” He said in a gentle, handsome voice. I looked at him suspiciously, the same way Rose looked at everything. “But I requested your presence here.” His mane was flowing and blue, dotted with star-like patterns. He wore a dark vest with a badge, had lovely green eyes and his cutie mark was a bright white sword surrounded by misty blue stars.
I got off my chair and faced him. “Who are you?” I asked suspiciously.
“I, madam, am Star Blade.” He said smoothly, picking up my hoof and giving it a small kiss. I felt myself blush for the first time in my life. “And you are Midnight Swooper.” I opened my eyes wide.
“How do you know me..?” I asked.
“Because I have come to ask if you would like to come for a picnic in the gardens with my friends and I.” he requested. Was he asking me… out? Like, to dinner? I’d only heard the term from Rose, who killed every coltfriend she ever had. I had never, ever been asked that question before. I had just got here, I was a murderer! Why in the name of Wildfire would he want me? But I grasped the opportunity in both hooves and drew in a deep breath.
“OK.” I said in a small voice. A kind smile crept across his face.
“Then I will meet you at sundown tonight. I sense that you, like me, have a thing for the night.” With that, he bowed politely and left me.
I just stood there for a moment. I just couldn’t believe it! And neither could somepony behind me.
“Wow! Looks like Swooper’s got a… coltfriend.” Purred Rose walking up to my side levitating her tea in front of her.
I nodded stupidly and immediately dashed away to my room to squeal.

* * *
My unicorn maid clipped a nice pin to my tied-up mane and looked at me.
“You look a star, Miss Swooper.” She said with a small smile.
“Thank you.” I replied. “And thank you for doing this for me. It was so nice.” I said. I had never been so nice myself.
“I’m your servant, thanking me is above myself and below yourself.” She chuckled, collecting up her things. “I recommend you get going.”
I nodded and went to the door. I opened it and made my way down, to go to the gardens.
Soon I was at the grand doors leading out. The guards let me pass and I walked onto the path. The moon shone down of my silky gown and made the sapphires on it glitter. I was wondering whether I was too overdressed…
Suddenly, out of the dark I saw who I was looking for. He looked very handsome. His black coat shone in the dim light.
“Oh my stars Swooper,” he said in awe. I panicked. Was I overdressed? “You look… sparkling! That dress is lovely. Come, I’ll show you to my friends.” I followed him through the gardens, past the hedge sculptures and alicorn statues. The garden was lit lightly by the orange glow of the castle windows.
Soon we came to a tree. Beneath it gathered some stallions, each with a marefriend of their own. There were some lanterns around, and drinks on a little table.
“Meet Midnight Swooper.” Said Blade, gesturing to me. I gave a nervous smile and waved my hoof. “She is living in the castle too.” I received some satisfied nodded and mumbles. Then a Pegasus stallion piped up.
“And what, my I ask, is your profession?” he said curiously.
“Well, um…” I mumbled.
“Go on, Swooper.” Said Blade. “I already know.” I gasped a little. He knew? And he didn’t mind?
“I’m an... assassin.” I muttered. Silence.
“Well, that fabulous!” said the Pegasus that asked. “Such an important, wicked job.” I was very, very surprised. Wildfire’s new court was extremely different.
“Drink, dear?” asked a unicorn mare around my age.
“Yes, thank you.” I said. She smiled and floated over a little glass of wine. I held it delicately in my hoof and took a sip. I’d had this stuff once in my entire life, when I was a teen filly. It was bitter, bubbly and…. Satisfying? I took another. I was going to enjoy myself.


* * *
Blade took me up my stairs and we reached the door. I felt dizzy and stupid, but I did have a nice night. He opened it with his magic and let me in.
“I hope you had a nice evening.” He said curtly.
“It was lovely!” I said. I smiled and reached in, giving me a kiss on the cheek. I giggled as he walked out and shut the door.
Wow, life in Laheb City was going perfectly for me. Stopping the thing I do best with a knife would just have to wait, as I had a palace pony life now.

[Kodabomb]

This is written from Moon Glitter's point of view. Remember her? One of Wildfire's old maids. Just a filler story.

I levitated a small piece of broccoli up to my lips. It smelled rotten and it looked brown. It was the only thing safe to eat in here, that probably didn’t give me food poisoning.
I put it in my mouth. It was like rubbery, rotten grossness.
I swallowed with a shudder and looked at the door to my cell. I saw a light. I jumped up and ran over, peering through the bars. Two guards came walking down, horns alight. Suddenly they stopped at my door.
“What do you want?” I demanded. They completely ignored me, opening the cell. I backed up. “Get out! Get away from me!”
The guards went up behind me and I moved forward. They forced me out the door and up the hall.
“Where are you taking me?” I squealed. I will admit I was rather scared. What if they were going to do something to me? I couldn’t think of a reason why, but they were leading me away. They ignored my frightened cries and squeaks.
It was a long walk, and after miles of stair-climbing, we reached a large door with a flaming sun carved into it. I turned and looked at the guards questioningly, but they absently opened the door and pushed me forward. They shut it and left.
I seemed to be in Wildfire’s room. It was familiar, but very changed. The furniture was bigger and more luxurious, the stained windows had the pictures changed, and there were many other different items.
Why was I here? Was I to work here again?
Then I heard a noise. From in her walk-in wardrobe appeared the ‘Queen’ herself. Wildfire.
“Your highness.” I gasped, collapsing in a bow. I hadn’t seen her since she transformed into her current self, and she was very intimidating. I was more fond of her previous form; nice, kind, fiery Wildfire.
“Rise.” She said. I timidly stood. “I have decided to forgive you for trying to side with Aka. I would like to take you back, Moon Glitter, and have you serve me as a maid.”
I opened my mouth to say something. Nothing came out.
“It’s either that or the dungeons. You will be given 100% edible food, and you will sleep in your old room. Is it a deal, Glitter?” hissed the Queen.
“Um, yes, your highness.” Muttered, bowing again. Thoughts rushed through my mind. What would my old friends think of me? Everypony will think I’ve suddenly sided with evil. Maybe I could stay out of the way of anypony who used to be my friends.
“Now, you can stay here whilst I attend a court meeting. Tidy this place up; it looks a mess.” She then swished her head up and stalked out the door.
I’d have to get started. I went to the bed and began straightening the covers. I fluffed the pillows, drew the four-post curtains back and tucked everything in. I picked up the multiple night-gowns lying on the floor and bed, and folded them. I placed them neatly at the end of the bed. I didn’t think the Queen actually used night-gowns, but she probably just had them there anyway.
I went to the windows and opened the curtains, letting the sunlight flow in. The stained windows made rainbow colours dance upon the floor and furniture in the room. I began going around and levitating up books, papers, clothes and other things, and putting them away in their rightful spots.
It wasn’t long before the room looked lovely, thanks to my work. She was lucky she had me. I decided to sit down and wait for the Queen to return.
* * *
“Get up! Moon Glitter! Up!” I heard a heated voice shout. I sprang back and leapt up, spotting Wildfire standing over me. I must’ve fallen asleep.
“Sorry, Wildfire. Er, Queen Wildfire. I fell asleep after cleaning the room.” I muttered, bowing.
“It’s fine. I would like the room to myself now.” Said Wildfire, levitating off her shoes, tiara and necklace. “I will require breakfast in my room at eight o’clock sharp though, along with my bed made. I recommend you set an alarm.”
“Thank you, Princess. Queen. Your majesty.” I stammered, before galloping to the door and leaving her bedroom.
What an absolute snoot she had become. If calling her a princess wasn’t enough, Which it most certainly wasn’t, I’d call her a Queen. Not that she deserved the role, however.
I trotted down the corridor, made a right turn and went down. A chamber of rooms for maids. I used to have a room with a couple of my friends, and wondered if they were still there…
I finally found the right room at the end of the dimly-lit hall, and opened the door. I walked in.
“Hello? Anypony in here?” I whispered. The light was on, but I turned the little knob to make it lighter.
“Who goes there?” squeaked a distressed-sounding voice. Very recognisable.
“Rose Flame?” I asked. “You’re safe?”
“Omigosh Glitter!” she squealed, leaping out from under her messy covers and hugging me around the neck. “I thought you were still locked up!”
“I was just let out. Wildfire didn’t admit it, but she needed the help of another unicorn.” I said, rolling my eyes. “Do you know what happened to Petal?”
Flame looked at the ground, then around to the old bed that the Earth pony Petal used to sleep in. “I heard she escaped when part of the dungeons’ spell was lifted. I’m happy for her, but I’ll miss that filly.” She said sadly.
“Don’t worry. She’s probably somewhere safe, in a little house in a village. You know Petal. I bet she’d have already set up a florist shop or something.” I replied, putting my hoof on the Pegasus’s shoulder. She smiled weakly.
“Yeah.” She muttered.
“Now, we need to tidy this room!” I said enthusiastically.

* * *
Ring, ring, ring, ring. The sound of the alarm clock blasted through my ears. I groaned and rolled over, pushing the pillow over my face.
Then it hit me. Wildfire! I jumped out of bed, sending the covers flying, and shut off the alarm. But it didn’t stop Rose Flame waking with a mumble.
“Don’t make the cookie cutter eat me….” She moaned, rolling over. Suddenly she tumbled off the bed and hit the floor with a thump. “Huh?”
“Sssh. It’s OK. I need to get breakfast for the Queen.” I whispered. The clock showed 7:30. I needed to get moving. I quickly packed a saddlebag full of necessary cleaning equipment, and bolted out.
I charged down the hall, my hooves taking me as fast as they could go. I ran down a few flights of stairs, then up, then to the right, then found myself going down again. I arrived at some big white doors and opened them.
The room was a large kitchen, full of bustling, early-rising ponies, trying to get a hurried breakfast ready for everypony living in the castle.
I went over to a bench where some ponies worked, grabbing together a fancy breakfast for the Queen. They filled a plate with little cakes, tea, milk, sugar, bread and butter. They added a couple more things and pushed it towards me. I tried thanking the chefs but they went to work with other things. I levitated the tray before me and went towards the door.
Suddenly, as I was about to open it, I felt a large bump on my side. I gasped and tripped over, my magic failing. The tray fell, clattering to the floor. The teapot spilled, causing the brown liquid to spill everywhere, and the cakes, bread, and everything else came down. There was a massive puddle of royal breakfast before me, as I lay in a sore heap.
I got up and shook, suddenly noticing lots of ponies were staring at me in shocked silence. My blue face suddenly become red and I opened my mouth to speak.
“Get more breakfast! Stat!” I heard the head chef shout. “Keep the clumsy unicorn away from everything until it’s time for her to leave.” I heard some chuckles. I was so embarrassed. My eyes welled up and I hid in the corner.
Soon the breakfast was ready, and a Pegasus brought it over on his head. I grabbed it in my magic and hurriedly left the room. How humiliating. And I’d have to do it every day onward.
Within ten minutes I reached the Queen’s door. I hoped I wasn’t late. I knocked and she called for me to enter. I went in and brought to breakfast over to her large desk. Wildfire sat upon a chair, books surrounding. I placed the tray down before her and bowed.
“Good morning Princess.” I said sweetly, glancing at the huge clock on the wall, bearing a picture of Wildfire’s face. 8:10.
“You’re ten minutes late, Glitter.” Hissed the Queen. I winced.
“So sorry. But I was disrupted. My first tray fell on the ground. But I assure you, the chefs down there would never cease to make you the best breakfast possible.” I said. She looked at me suspiciously.
Wildfire then looked back at her tray and lifted the tea to her lips, continuing to read. I was safe. I went to her bed and carefully made it. I drew back the curtains. I lifted open my saddle bag and drew out a duster, beginning to dust her things.
Being the new Wildfire’s maid was going to be very different than before.

[Kodabomb]

This is written from Dawn's point of view. It's more relevent to the story.

“There, there.” I soothed, gently stroking the smooth, metallic orange scales. “I know it hurts, but you’ll be all right.”
The sea dragon made a low, rumbling noise deep down in his throat, causing me to vibrate. I giggled. I loved the dragon. He had become our protector, our guardian against evil. In turn for constant guard, we tended to him when he got injured. And that was a lot. He was often out catching food, and came across many creatures; including Fireball guards.
He told us his name was Samudra, and he was a very sweet creature. Dusk was, however, wary of him, where I had become his best friend.
We needed protection. If we were to somehow get killed or taken away, the sun and moon would not rise and fall. That would destroy the Empire. We explained this to Samudra, and he said he was honoured to take us in. He does speak, like all dragons, just not often.
If fact, he was actually a fairly young dragon. Sea dragons could grow nearly twice as big as the average mountain dragon, and Sam was a tiny bit smaller than one of them.
“Now, Dusk will be back in a moment with the plants for the potion. Stay here while I start the brew.” I said, getting to my hooves. That night when Sam had been hunting, he’d come across a small pride of manticores. They were very ticked off, and although he tried to fend them off, they’d given him a very nasty wound across his shoulder.
I walked down the enormous cave tunnel, to a little living area specially made for us. Sam did most of his sleeping in the day, in a deep tunnel. My sister Dusk also slept in the day. I was pretty lonely at that time. Then at night Sam would guard the entrance of the cave and hunt.
In the middle of the floor was a pit, full of stones. Sam had used his fire to make them hot, and sea dragon fire is magic. These stones would stay hot all the time, perfect for cooking whenever. We couldn’t start a fire; the smoke would clog the cave.
I picked up a large cauldron in my mouth and placed it over the stones. I then picked up the large wooden pail of water and poured it in, making it hiss. In the cave wall was a small carved-out shelf, full of various food items from the forest. I knew the right brew, I learned it from a teacher when I was young.
I picked up some spices, flowers, leaves and liquids, pouring them in different amounts into the bubbling water. It turned a shade of orange, with swirling bits of green, but I still needed a few more ingredients from Dusk.
In a moment I heard a voice from up the tunnel. “Hey Sam!” said Dusk, and he trotting hoof-steps came closer to me.
In a moment she came around the corner, her leather saddlebag bulging. “Got them Dawn!” she said happily. She slipped off her bag and it fell on the floor, and the flaps came open.
“Ooh! Perfect.” I said, examining the contents. There were some exotic looking flowers, curling leaves, bits of sparkling wood and a few vials of strange liquid.
“I hope I got everything. Ugh, the forest in the night is a little creepy.” She muttered.
“That’s ironic, coming from the moon princess herself.” I scoffed, picking up some flowers and throwing them in the water.
Dusk rolled her eyes and went to sit upon her bed. They were just large leaves, folded together and stuffed with bits of cloud. The blankets were cleverly woven strands of something weird from the forest, and the pillows were leaves.
She stretched out as she watched me brew the potion. I opened the vials and tipped in droplets, shredded leaves and snapped wood.
Within five minutes, the sparkling purple potion was at a boil, and I lifted the cauldron away from the stones. I grabbed a large bottle off the shelf, scooped up some of it, and carried it out of the chamber.
I found Samudra and he looked at me.
“I’ve got the medicine.” I cooed. I found the enormous wound on his shoulder. It was about as long as me. It looked painful and covered in blood. I brought the bottle closed and he winced. “It won’t hurt for long.” I promised.
I tipped the bottle, and the potion spilled all over his cut. It sank in and fizzed, causing Sam to fret. He stretched out and grumbled in pain, and I moved out of the way. I watched cut become smaller, smaller, and vanish.
I smiled. “You were so brave! And your cut’s gone.” I said to the sea dragon, stroking his scales. He made a grumbling, purring sound deep down and I giggled. “Good dragon. Maybe now you can hunt. Just don’t do that again!” I called, as the happy Sam stood and ran out the cave, before swooping off into the stars.
I sighed and went back into out room. I needed sleep. But Dusk was wide awake. “Hey Dawn, will you be OK by yourself while I go for a short fly?” she asked, approaching me.
“Sure. I’ll have a sleep.” I replied. Dusk smiled happily and galloped away. I got on my bed and drew the blanket over me. Being up all night nursing a dragon certainly wasn’t restful.
I soon found myself sinking into sleep.

* * *
I was sure it had only been an hour when I was suddenly woken by a crackling of flame. I opened my eyes to see a swirl of purple fire erupt before my eyes, spewing up a piece of paper.
A letter delivered via dragon breath. I’d never got one, but I’d seen Aka receive them many times. The letter floated down and landed on my bed. Who would it be from?
I shuffled over to it and started to read the messy writing.
Dear Dusk and Dawn,
We received news of your escape. We are so happy for you! But we are slightly worried too. We know that the solar and lunar balance is being carefully maintained, meaning you’re alive, but where are you?
All over the Empire there are wanted posters of you two. We don’t know if you are aware, but we urge you to stay away from every town in the kingdom, OK?
We also need you. Come and join us; we’re ready to fight Wildfire and we need you on our side
Meet our soldiers near the Emerald Valley. Bring every weapon you may have.
Signed,
Whirlwind, Fire-Fighter and Storm Cloud.
Whirlwind? Fire-Fighter? Storm Cloud? They were OK? And they sent us a letter?
I leapt from my bed and spread my wings, bounding around in pure delight.
And as for weapons? Samudra! He’d be the ultimate killing machine. If he weren’t so clumsy.
I couldn’t wait to tell the other two. I continued flying in circles, until suddenly I heard them arrive.
I landed and bolted down towards the cave entrance. I spotted Sam and Dusk arriving together. Dusk saw me charging towards her and froze as I leapt up and came rocketing down on Dusk, pinning her to the ground.
“Dusk! Dusk! Guess what?!” I squealed.
“I’ll guess when you get off me!” grunted my sister.
“Sorry.” I said, getting up.
“What’s so urgent?”
“I got a letter from the king! And the prince! And Fire-Fighter!” I said. “They want to meet us near the Emerald Valley. And we’re bringing Sam!” Sam snorted, blowing warm air over us.
“What? Really?” she exclaimed. I nodded. “Then what are we waiting for? We’ll ride Samudra!”
“OK! Sam, we need you to take us to the Emerald Valley.” I turned to the dragon.
“Where’s that?” asked Sam. He so rarely talked. His voice was deep and gruff.
“I’ll show you.” Said Dusk. “And we’ll stay in the clouds so we won’t be seen.”
I ran to Sam and fluttered up, coming down onto his back. I sat between two of his huge yellow spikes. Dusk climbed on and sat behind me.
The dragon suddenly moved, turning around towards the entrance. He plodded out, and the night air blew my mane around. During the ride Dusk and I would probably have to make it morning.
Suddenly we lurched, and Sam spread his enormous wings. I pushed my little hooves into his neck as he suddenly took off.
It was very bumpy as he flapped his wings hard to get into the clouds. He went upwards vertically, when suddenly we couldn’t see the stars. The only things around we thick, dark clouds.
We soared over the forest, the wind whipping our faces. Dragons could fly incredibly fast. We slightly bumped every time he flapped his wings.
But it was wonderful. The way Samudra flew was so elegant, and so peaceful. We could barely hear his wings beat as we soared quickly and quietly to our destination.

* * *
It was about an hour since Dusk and I had raised the sun. It made it easier for us to spot the valley, and a lot warmer.
All of a sudden Dusk yelled out. “Down there! I see the soldiers on that cliff!” I gasped and looked where she pointed her hoof, and sure enough I saw three small white dots against a green cliff.
Sam swooped sharply down. I screamed, not from fear but from excitement. Riding a dragon was something I could do for a living. If I wasn’t responsible for making the sun come up every day and making sure the Empire had daylight and everything…
Sam swooped upwards and suddenly lowered himself down. The soldiers watching pointed their spears in fear. I sprang off his back.
“Lower your spears.” I ordered. “He’s with us.” The stallions reluctantly lowered them.
“He’ll be our weapon.” Agreed Dusk, coming up beside me.
“Lady Dusk, Lady Dawn.” Said a soldier. “You are required down in the valley. Please come.”
My sister looked at me, and both smiled. This was going to be exciting.

[Kodabomb]

This is written from Princess Sparkle Flame's point of view. "She's already done one!" you say? Yes, but her point of view worked best. Solar and Lunar belong to Eeveeprincess01.

I was cold. I was hungry. It was dark.
I plodded through the deep forest, shivering like a leaf. The moon shone down upon my faded pink back. I folded my wings tight to my body, trying to keep warm.
I felt like I was in exile.
Every now and then I heard a rustle, or a chirp, or a roar. Every sound scared the wits out of me, even though most of my wits were gone.
Soon I found a log fallen on a hillside. A ditch was beneath it, and it looked cosy enough to sleep in. I crept towards it and made my way inside, curling up. I glanced up at the entrance and saw some ferns surrounding, so I used my magic to make them fold in. Now I was protected in my little den.
When the spell on the dungeons had been broken, I busted out of the place. I teleported, finding myself on the edge of a village.
A village where Fireballs patrolled.
So I fled to the forest. I had been staying here for ages, feeding of wild plants and sleeping in random places. Only for a few nights. But it felt like forever.
Would I be rescued? I hoped so. But I seriously doubted that anypony knew where I was, or had the guts to look for me. I couldn’t go anywhere, because an alicorn princess would be so easily recognised...
I curled into a tighter ball, my chin resting on the dirt floor. I needed sleep.

* * *
Chirp, chirp. I stirred. Squeak, squeak. My eyes opened.
Rustle, rustle I lifted my head in surprise and saw a bird, a mouse, two rabbits, a snake and a chicken in my face.
I screeched and tried to jump up, hitting my head on the dirt ceiling. The animals stepped back, frightened of me.
“Sparkle Flame?” I suddenly heard a voice call.
“What?” I wriggled to the entrance, the animals parting around me. The sky was dim, and it was probably dawn. But who was that?
“Sparkle Flame? Princess? Is it you?” I heard the voice again. So familiar…
“Aqua? It… it can’t be you,” I climbed from the hole and looked around. Sure enough, it was. “Oh my! Aqua! How did you find me?”
“My animals did! They knew they’d seen you.” I looked around at the little critters scurrying towards the blue unicorn. I noticed another few shapes in the forest behind her.
“I can’t believe it!” I ran forward and gave my student a hug. She was a life-saver.
“I know! But we need to get out of here fast. The soldiers are onto us, we need to get going. Follow us.” She said. Aqua walked over to the group behind. I saw the knight Golden Bolt, and a couple of small alicorns I’d never seen before.
“Solar, Lunar, meet Princess Sparkle Flame.” Said Bolt. The white one, with fiery orange mane came forward and bowed at my feet.
“It’s an honour, your highness. My name is Solar.” She said. The other one, jet black with flowing grey-blue mane shyly greeted me too.
“Um, hello, my name is Lunar, your highness.” She said quietly.
I smiled at both of them. “Hello Solar and Lunar! I’m happy to meet some of Aqua’s friends. But you’re both Alicorns. What does that mean?”
“They’re from Equestria.” Said Aqua. “They live in the palace with Celestia and Luna.”
“C…Celestia?” I squeaked. Celestia was one of my idols. Even though I was also royalty, Celestia was… the royal. She brought up the sun over the world, she was the ruler of Equestria…she was so very famous, so very wise. Of course, my family would probably all live as long as her too, being alicorns. We’d grow that wisdom, but Celestia was older and had been ruling the kingdom for far longer. Most of my ancestors were unicorns, or if they were alicorns they’d been killed or something.
“Yeah.” Said Solar.
“Ok, come on! We need to go.” Said Aqua.
“Where are we going?” I asked.
“I was thinking we could go to…” suddenly the unicorn trailed off. She glanced to the side and I looked too.
A wisp of purple flame appeared, spewing up a letter. It fluttered to the forest floor like a leaf, but Aqua grabbed it in her magic and held it before her face. Bolt came to her side and us three alicorns listened to her reading.
“Dear Princess Sparkle Flame,
“Please, where are you? We have been looked far and wide, and we only hope this letter reaches you. We have written to let you know our army lies in the Emerald Valley. We are planning an attack on the palace, and we need you and your amazing magic to join us in the army. Get here before you are found, and bring anything you have. We need allies.
“Signed, Whirlwind, Storm Cloud, and Fire-Fighter.”
Aqua finished the letter and stared at it. I had been listening. Was it true? Were they going to fight back?
After a moment of silence Solar spoke. “Let’s go!” she said enthusiastically, flying up into the air.
“Oh, Solar… but… do we need to? We’re not even from the Jewel Empire…” muttered Lunar.
“Oh, come on sis! This is so important to all our friends here! We need to help.” Replied Solar, landing before her sister.
“Come on Lunar!” said Aqua.
“Um…” the black alicorn stood straight and spread her wings. “OK.”
“Then let’s go to the Emerald Valley!” I said. “I know where it is, everypony grab onto me!” The others rushed forward and each put a hoof on me.
“Teleporting? Really?” moaned Bolt. I thought about the valley… suddenly we vanished, and were sucked through a tube. The air left me, then suddenly the whole lot of us tumbled out, landing on soft grass.
“Everypony OK?” I asked. They all stood firmly on their hooves. Just as we were about to get moving there was a sound of galloping in the forest.
“Get behind!” I hissed.
All of a sudden four Earth pony soldiers leapt out before us. “Sparkle Flame, your highness. We are so glad you came.” One said.
“You need to follow us to the King.” Said another. I nodded to the others and we galloped after the soldiers through the trees.
I was just getting tired when we suddenly burst into a clearing. There were ponies everywhere, preparing for the siege. At our arrival they glanced over. The crown parted and a large black alicorn stallion moved towards us.
“Sparkle Flame!” he whinnied suddenly charging to me. My father wrapped his hooves around me.
“Father! You’re OK!” I said, as we parted. He smiled.
“Fighter! Somepony’s here to see you!” he called over his shoulder.
A fully armoured alicorn mare came through the crowd. She looked very important now.
“Omigosh! Sparkle!” she said, she too hugging me. I embraced her. It had been way too long without my family.
“Hi Fighter!” I said to my younger sister. Her armour wasn’t the same green chain-mail and helmet with brown shoes, but shining silver. And her shoes looked less like shoes and more like armour too, going almost all the way up her legs. And her hair was still shorter. I witnessed the encounter with Wildfire.
“What’s everypony looking at?” suddenly a male voice called. Storm Cloud burst out of the crowd and spotted me and my group.
“Oh stars Sparkle Flame!” he said, coming up and hugging me as well.
“Sparkle, who may I ask have you brought with you?” asked my father.
“You know Sir Bolt,” I started. Bolt came forward and bowed to his King.
“Ah, the mighty Golden Bolt.” Smiled Whirlwind.
“Here’s my student and Bolt’s marefriend, Aqua. And these two are Solar and Lunar, apprentices of Luna and Celestia in Equestria.” The three mares bowed too.
“Equestrians? Welcome, my dear friends.” Said Whirlwind kindly to Solar and Lunar. Solar beamed and Lunar just sank back and blushed.
“Well, now you’re here, we must get prepared.” Announced Storm Cloud, and everypony agreed.

[Kodabomb]

This is written from Solar's point of view. She and Lunar belong to Eeveeprincess01. Art of Solar done by Eeveeprincess01 as well. <3


“Aw yeah!” I said, looking at my sparkling armour in a puddle reflection. “I should wear armour all the time, don’t you think Lunar?” my sister glanced up from her book she levitated before her.
“Hm? Oh, of course Solar. You look… stunning.” She said, looking back down.
“Hey, why aren’t you dressing up?” I asked, standing over her as her eyes moved across the page. Suddenly they stopped and looked at me.
“Because I’m helping Princess Sparkle Flame. We’re doing all the important magic and everything together.” She replied, pursing her lips.
“Armour is way better than books.” I sniffed, looking at my reflection again. I couldn't believe I was helping to fight in the Jewel Empire’s army. The Jewel Empire! I was so excited. And even better, I’d get to fight alongside Golden Bolt…
Suddenly I heard a book slam as Lunar got to her hooves. “Well, I'd better go. I’ll see you later, OK sis?” she said. I nodded slowly as the black alicorn moved away. 
I was beginning to love it here. We’d stayed two nights, and we’d been training hard. Our army was powerful; we even had a dragon. I was really fond of him. His name was Samudra, and he was awesome. We were so going to defeat the Fireball army.
But I was yet to discover exactly what a Fireball was. 
“Solar!” I heard a voice call. I jumped and looked around, seeing the head soldier coming towards me. I didn’t actually know his name, but I saluted the unicorn stallion anyway.
“Sir!” I said.
“I need you and a few others to go and collect supplies in the forest.” He said in a gruff tone.
“Oh, come on!” I whined. Supplies? I wanted to train right now! 
“Now.” Growled the soldier. “They’re waiting over in the forest, please join them.” I snarled and turned away, trudging over to where he directed.
I found Aqua, Dusk, a few soldiers and Bolt waiting. Bolt? I felt myself squeal inside. Then wondered why he was here. He was head knight.
“Why you guys?” I asked. Aqua replied.
“Dusk and I have finished our magic training for now, these soldiers were ordered to, and Bolt wanted to come with me. So… let’s go get some supplies!” she said. I laughed.
“OK.” I replied.
We went into the trees, the soldiers going ahead. “We’ll get the logs and heavier supplies.” One of them said. 
“Oh, wait for me!” said Bolt, rushing to join them. Bolt was quite a large stallion, very lean and extremely handsome. He was slightly taller than the other soldiers. Aqua was so lucky. And I was happy for her... But I just couldn't bring myself to get my mind off him.
“Well, it’s just the girls then!” said Aqua happily. “And you’re still wearing your armour, silly.” She giggled to me.
“Oh, yeah.” I look down at myself. But I looked pretty cool in armour. “I think I’ll leave it on.”
“OK!” We continued to walk.
“So, what are we getting?” asked Dusk.
“I think the soldiers need food.” Replied Aqua, searching around.
“Just ask your little animal friends.” I joked. But it turns out it wasn’t a joke. Aqua stopped and turned her head up, whistling into the trees. A few birds landed on a branch above us, and a squirrel leapt onto her back and climbed onto her head.
“Hi guys!” she cooed to them. “Do you know where to find food?” I watched in amazement as the squirrel started squeaking and chirping directions. And she could understand…?
“Oh my! All that? Take us!” replied Aqua to the chatting rodent. It leapt off her back and scurried into the bushes. “Come on!” she said to us and we started galloping into the shrubs.
It felt amazing, running through the gorgeous woods. The wind whipped me, and I suddenly felt alive. But we were getting direction from a tree-rat.
The birds flew over our heads, chasing the speedy blue unicorn. She suddenly skidded to a halt.
“Wow!” she said. Amazingly, the squirrel had led us to a huge bunch of bushes, all containing different types of berries. My mouth started to water and I bent over a bush full of purple and yellow sparkling berries. 
Wait, sparkling?
“Aqua, how do you know these things are safe to eat? I’ve never seen them before.” I said, examining one as I levitated it before my face. But abruptly the little brown fuzz-ball ran up onto the bush, sat on a stick and stuffed three berries into his cheeks. He downed them in one gulp, proving them safe.
“Never mind.” I chuckled, tossing the fruit into my mouth. Oh. Yes. That was the most delicious thing I’d ever tasted. It was like a ball of juicy, fizzing sugar was exploding in my mouth. What kind of berries were these?
I stuffed more into my mouth, before Dusk interrupted.
“Solar, save some for the soldiers.” She laughed. I swallowed.
“Right.” I said. Aqua then conjured up two large baskets, giving one to me. I levitated it and began to stuff it with fruit. But we would need more baskets than this.
“Aqua, how,” I started.
“I got it.” Said Dusk. “I’ll fly the baskets back when they’re full.”
“Then I’ll make an extra basket each to use when you’re gone!” sang Aqua happily, creating two more baskets from thin air. She placed them on the ground.
Soon my load was full of sparkling fruit and so was Aqua’s. Dusk grabbed both, one in her fore-hooves and one in her mouth, and took off out of the forest and away to the camp.
I moved from one bush to another, finding one full of larger, pink and blue berries. I put this one in my mouth and felt a very cold chill go down my body, before it warmed up went back down to normal. Best sensation ever! I filled my extra basket very quickly, just as the night Pegasus arrived, panting, with the empty baskets. I gave her my full one and started filling up again.
“So Solar.” I heard Aqua say. “How are you enjoying the Empire?” I glanced up with my mouth stuffed with fruit.
“Um,” I swallowed. “It’s great! Beautiful scenery. I haven’t seen the towns yet though, but I’m sure they’re wonderful.”
“I would have to say they are.” Replied the unicorn, popping something in her mouth a chipmunk had given her. “I live on the edge Naracolt, but you know that. It’s not very far from Laheb city.”
“Oh, Lunar’s been talking about going to Laheb city ever since she met you and Bolt.” I said with an eye-roll. “She heard the education is amazing there, and there’s a massive library.”
“There sure is! I love it there. Maybe Lunar and I could go there one day. If you visit again after Wildfire’s defeat.” She trailed off. “We will defeat her!” I smiled.
“Yeah.” I said.
“Oh, Solar, this mouse says these berries have instant filling powers! These will be perfect for our journey and to keep at camp.” She said. She began filling her basket with them. Dusk suddenly came back, we swapped the baskets, and I started picking more berries. This would take a while.

* * *
We traipsed back down through the forest with our baskets. The sky began to darken, and the stars came out. Then I realised Dusk was with us.
“Um, Dusk, how is night falling?” I asked, looking up. Aqua looked up curiously too.
“Oh, I gave your sister permission to help Dawn with nightfall.” Replied the Pegasus. Now I was even more confused. Aqua was thinking the same.
“But how does Lunar’s magic work on the Empire’s sky? What if something bad happens?” she asked.
“Oh, don’t worry. Dawn said that Lunar said that Celestia once said that it’s OK. As long as Dawn is with her. If just you and Lunar did it, it would cause problems...” Said Dusk. My mind went blank and I stared ahead. Right.
We kept walking in silence, the crickets beginning to chirp happily, when all of sudden, Aqua stopped. Her pupils shrunk and she looked frantically around.
“Guys, stop.” She whispered. I froze. Panic struck me. What was wrong?
“What,” I started.
“Sssssshhh!” hissed Aqua, pressing her hoof to my mouth.
Suddenly I heard a bang, and all too quick I saw an enormous old oak tree collapsing down upon us. I choked with horror.
“Look out!” I screamed, leaping forward and shoving Aqua and Dusk out of the way. Aqua screamed too, and we all fell down. The tree crashed to the the earth near us, smashing a few other trees on the way.
“What in Equestria was that?” I said, standing. The stump that used to be the tree was smoking. Something had shot it with dark magic.
“We need to get out of here…” hissed Dusk fearfully. 
“What is it? Who killed the tree? What’s going on?!” wailed Aqua. Dusk shoved a hoof into her mouth and flew up. She hovered above the trees and we watched as she looked around for danger. Then her eyes widened.
“Oh shoot. Not again!” she yelled. I froze as Dusk shot down, watching the sky. Then a jet of magic was thrown at us. “FIREBALLS!" she screamed. Dusk reared and began to run. She shot down the hill, and Aqua and I followed. What was going on?
We charged down, my hooves burning up. We leapt from the forest and into the camp clearing. I looked behind me to see ten burning balls of light above us. Fireballs. Wait, Pegasi Fireballs? How were they shooting at us? I looked closer.
Their eyes.
I screamed and ran, avoiding magic that was shot at me. Soldiers started yelling and looking up, seeing the attack. We’d been discovered! Aqua yelled to me and we ran to the flimsy log cabin we resided in. We sprang inside to find Sparkle Flame, Dawn and Lunar inside, looking around in horror.
“Come with us!” yelled Aqua. "Get out of here now!" Our big group ran outside, seeing the soldiers trying to fend off Fireballs. They were turning other ponies into their kind too. We had to avoid their blasts.
“Where’s Bolt?” I yelled. Aqua looked at me in shock and we looked around for him. We suddenly spotted the Pegasus, ordering around other soldiers. I was about to run to him, but Aqua grabbed my tail in her magic.
“No, he’s busy. We need to move!” I nodded hesitantly and we ran away, around the cabin and into the forest. We darted up, trying to avoid getting spotted. We came to the top of the small slope, then ran down.
How would we go on with our castle attack plan now? It was being blown apart! Literally! We ran down into a dark, secluded place in the forest. Lunar collapsed, so did Dawn. 
We were toast! I paced the grass floor, listening to the faint yells, bangs and roars over the hill. Obviously Samudra had got into it. Dawn heard.
“Sam! Sam!” she yelled.
“Dawn, it’s OK!” said her sister, as she began to cry.
This wasn’t ending just as well as we hoped.

[Kodabomb]

This story is written from Aqua's point of view. Yes, she's already done one as well. It's getting interesting...
But I feel bad cause I haven't seen my friend all holidays, she's been in Iraq, so most of this series had been written by me alone....

“Come on, we have to go back!” I said. It was two days since we were attacked by the Fireballs, and I was getting frustrated. And worried. It was getting completely out of it.
“No! I’m too scared!” whined Dawn.
“I don’t want to go either!” pouted Lunar.
Solar came up beside me and glared at them.
“Toughen up! Fireballs can’t stay there that long!” she said to them sternly. Dusk and Sparkle Flame looked at each other, both completely unsure what to agree with. I threw Dusk a look, and she stared at the floor of our small, ditch-like clearing.
“Dawn, Samudra’s out there. What if he needs help?” I offered, trying to say something that would trigger the distressed Pegasus. She bit her lip and looked around for something to reply with, just sort of drifting to Lunar. And that pony didn’t know what to say either.
“Don’t look at me like that.” She said to Dawn. “I don’t know what you’re thinking.”
“Ugh! Lunar! Why can’t you be brave? You’ve been so quiet and reserved since we came here! You’re always full of energy back home!” Solar threw at her sister. Lunar glared at the fiery alicorn, and after a few moments, suddenly gave it.
She sighed. “Fine. But Dawn has to come too.” She mumbled.
“OK.” Dawn finally agreed. “But Dusk, you need to come.”
“Oh, I’ll be coming. I’m not staying here alone.” She said.
“And I guess I need to come, my family’s there.” Said Sparkle Flame nervously, rubbing her forehooves against each other.
I sighed. It was settled. Now we needed to get over the hill to the campsite. I led the others out of the hole and we crossed the rest of the clearing, starting up the hill.
I sort of had an idea where the camp was. I climbed up, through the trees and rough rocks. The others silently followed.
Suddenly I heard fluttering, chirping, rustling and squealing. Many different animals starting running and flying over to us, hiding around.
“Guys, what’s wrong?” I asked with a nervous chuckle. Then I knew. I looked up to where a small blue bird flew, and saw a shadow on the clouds. I shrank back. What was it?
“Sam! Samudra!” Dawn started suddenly calling. She flew up, flying in circles over the canopy.
“Dawn get down!” I cried. “It might not be Sam!” But I seemed to be wrong.
The enormous orange reptile swooped down out of the clouds. He landed with an immense, earth-shaking thud near us, bending over small trees.
“Oh wow.” I muttered.
“Quickly! You need to come!” boomed the dragon in his low but loud voice.
“Everypony hop on!” whinnied Dawn, and we ran over. I quickly teleported myself onto his back and the others fluttered aboard. Abruptly the beast spread his enormous, bat-like wings, and began to fly up. He soared into the clouds, then started flying very fast towards the camp.
Dawn began quietly speaking to her friend. She nodded and turned to us, the wind blowing her curled mane around. “He says they’ve been looking for us! Bolt is worried sick about you Aqua!” she yelled across.
I felt myself blush. We went down, speeding towards the ground. I screamed, when suddenly Samudra swished up, then landed. We were back at camp.
We heard some yells and a few soldiers came running to greet us. I sprang off the scaly back and looked around.
“Aqua!” I heard a familiar voice cry. I turned and saw Bolt.
“Hi!” I said. He came and hugged me tight.
“Where were you?” he asked.
“Just over a couple of hills. I didn’t know you needed us.” I replied, stunned.
“The King was stressing out about Sparkle Flame. And of course we needed Dawn and Dusk.” Said Bolt.
“So, what are we doing now?” I asked.
“We managed to turn every Fireball back into ponies, before they could get back to the castle to tell our whereabouts.” Bolt informed me. “But we’re ready to go.” He looked at me. I was surprised.
“Really?” I cried. “Oh my gosh I’m so excited! And worried. Oh, what if Wildfire has too many soldiers? You’ll all get thrown in the dungeons, or killed, or worse; turned into Fireballs!” I started to panic. But Golden Bolt put a hoof on my lips.
“It’s OK! Calm down, Aqua.” He drew the hoof away and gave me a small kiss. “We’ll do it. On the journey I’ll tell Storm Cloud to teach you how to do the spell that changes the Fireballs back. We’ll be able to defeat them.”
“OK.” I said.
“We need to get going. You and a few other unicorns and Earth ponies can ride Samudra. I’ll fly with the alicorns and Pegasi.” He told me, beginning to walk away.
“But we’re in a rush! The King hasn’t given any directions yet, we can’t go!” I called. I trotted up to him and walked alongside him.
“Look, Sam has got direct orders from the King himself. He knows exactly what’s happening. I need you and the others to board him.” Pushed my coltfriend. I sighed.
“Alright.” I said, and he kissed me once again as I trotted over to the dragon. He grumbled low in his throat and lifted his head. I got up and sat between his spines. I heard some sounds and looked behind to see Lunar, Sparkle Flame, and Dawn get on.
“Wha,” I was about to say.
“Don’t ask.” Said Sparkle. A few more ponies got on, before it seemed there were too many.
“No more rides.” Said Sam, throwing his head up. He opened his wings and I held on tight. I was so scared of the next events…

* * *
The journey across the Empire to Laheb city was a long one, it seemed. I had fallen asleep upon the dragon’s back. But I’d put a shield around me in case I fell off.
I awoke with a start as Sam suddenly stopped. I lurched forward, and Lunar bumped into my back. We were in the clouds, but the dragon lowered himself down. I peered past his neck, looked over at where we were.
Below were some fields and cottages, and just ahead was the city. It was so big and beautiful. Especially from above. I got to shop and spend time with friends there when Bolt took me to stay. He was often in the city, and we were considering moving to the outskirts.
“Sam, what happening?” I asked the dragon. He growled, then suddenly swooped sharply downwards.
I screamed, I screamed so loud it hurt. We went down, soaring over the meadows. I watched as terrified ponies ran into their cottages. We came to the edge of the city and Sam went up, avoiding the high torrents of the large mansions.
The streets, packed full of fancy, snobby, posh ponies, were covered by a huge shadow. The citizens ran away, seeking shelter. They definitely thought this dragon would set their homes alight.
The city was vast. I looked around for the castle.
There it was. The beautiful, marble palace, that towered high above the rest of the buildings. But surrounding it was an enormous force-field. It looked exactly like a huge ball of translucent flames, creating a bubble around the castle. It looked like it was on fire. I began to get scared. We approached it very quickly.
Suddenly Sam swooped up, down and landed. The streets weren’t made to hold such weight, and cracks formed beneath the beast’s feet. We were about 200 metres away from the palace.
Ponies around scattered, screaming and hollering. Samudra lowered his head and hissed and growled, definitely having fun terrifying locals.
“Sam…” warned Dawn.
All of a sudden I heard shouts from the ponies hiding undercover, and I looked around. I then spotted the rest of the army, and there were a lot. They flew downwards, landing on the large cobblestone road. They began to gallop, Whirlwind at the front. On either side were Fire-Fighter and Storm Cloud. They charged down, some mares and stallions parting.
“Look! It’s King Whirlwind!” I heard somepony call. There were gasps and mutters around as the group of onlookers got bigger.
“It’s the old King! We have a new Queen now, why do you celebrate?” I heard some snooty pony say. I located him, just as another stallion came up and kicked him in the face with his back hooves. I giggled.
Samudra turned around, his huge, muscly tail lashing around. It hit a couple of buildings and narrowly missed some ponies standing about.
The army came closer and suddenly Whirlwind, Fighter and Storm skidded to a stop. The others gathered around, folding their wings. I saw a grey Pegasus in blue and silver armour come forward, and I waved to Golden Bolt.
Whirlwind stepped toward the gathering spectators.
“Citizens of the Jewel Empire! We have returned! And we will now overthrow the wicked Queen who so terribly took over the kingdom. We will release you from her grasp and bring harmony in the Jewel Empire back!” He reared along with multiple soldiers at the front. The crowd cheered, whilst multiple followers of Wildfire backed away into the shadows. I felt excitement charge through me…
Whirlwind turned to his army. “We need to get past this force-field. I need all you unicorns to combine your magic to create the most powerful spell you can to destroy it. And nopony touch it. This is very dark, evil magic. It could probably kill you the moment you try to break it… Not the same sort of shield normally used...”
I drew in a big breath. I gracefully leapt off the dragon’s back, where I was joined by the others. I gave Solar and Lunar a weak smile, which both returned.
“On, to the palace!” cheered Storm Cloud. He took off down the street, galloping at top speed. He was quickly followed by every horned soldier in the army, and we went towards the giant orange bubble.
I was ready to fight it. My head started filling with magic before we’d even got there. I charged up my horn, so motivated…
We soon reached it. It was massive. Immense. It covered the entire palace, with was huge by itself. But the field was bigger, covering the castle gates, gardens and all. And completely untouchable to any normal pony. A shield like that hadn't been placed before.
Immediately the others around began spreading, trying to get in from different angles. But it was too big to go all the way around, we were running out of time. It would be a matter of minutes before the lethal palace guards would spot us.
“On the count of three!” yelled Whirlwind. Some of the Laheb City citizens began watching from their windows and streets. “One!” I held my breath. “Two!” I pointed my horn. “Three!” I felt the surge rush through my body, into my horn. It blew out, and it was overwhelming. Even at my level in my magic studies, I’d never tried so hard to perform such a spell. I glanced up and saw what look like green glowing lightning exploding from my horn and hitting the force-field.
Soon I felt the energy drain from my body. I looked at the others, going very strong, so I quickly released. I examined the place where I’d hit the flaming ball, but it had only the tiniest crack. I pulled in more power into my body, then began breaking away at the force-field again.
I looked to the side and saw Solar and Lunar next to me, blasting at it with all their might. Solar was going strong. But Lunar looked as faded as me. Sweat dripped down her forehead, but she kept trying.
On the other side of me was Sparkle Flame. Her powerful alicorn magic seemed to be working better, and I saw a crack explode upon the barrier. Her blue magic poured from her horn, and she kept going.
I focused hard. I imagined the cracks forming, the barrier breaking…
Suddenly I heard a large crack. My spell had penetrated it! It had created a hole! Right at the same time as the few ponies surrounding me. I heard some more bangs, and the cracks all around began joining up.
“Everypony get away from the force-field!” bellowed Whirlwind. “Get away! It’s going to break!” I broke my spell off and jumped away. I watched the cracks speed up, going towards the top. I backed away.
I heard galloping behind me, and saw the rest of the soldiers had come to watch. I saw a tiny shard of flaming glass fall down onto the cobblestone.
Then suddenly there was the most enormous cracking sound I’d even heard, and enormous bits of magic fell. It shattered like glass, covering the streets and houses around. I heard a yell and something near me, as Bolt threw himself over me to protect me.
And then it stopped.
We waited a moment, then looked. All around us were bits of translucent, fiery glass, lying on the cobblestone smouldering. I panted, looking around to see if all my friends were OK. I saw Lunar just staring into space, while her sister was much more impressed.
“YES!” She cried. “We did it! Aqua! We did it!”
I smiled and bounced around with her. Then Bolt spoke.
“It’s not over yet.” He said. "We've got a while to go."

[Kodabomb]

This is written from Princess/General Fire-Fighter's point of view. 

My hooves burned up the stone path as I charged through the gardens to the castle.
I was so excited. We’d done it! We’d destroyed the force-field, and now we were closing into the castle. We whole body was buzzing with adrenaline. I was going to take over a castle for the first time.
OK, so it didn’t really count. It was our castle already, but it was still so much fun. I wanted to crush my sister, destroy her, burn her for killing our lives like this…
Careful, Fire-Fighter. She’s your sister. I told myself, seething.
I growled and ran faster. My surroundings were full of aggressive shouts and hollers. The sounds of
battle filled me and pushed me, and my mind was entirely focused on my task. Storm Cloud ran along next to me, Whirlwind on the other side. 
We reached the enormous doors. I looked up and around, and saw Fireballs closing in. No, I wasn’t scared. I was full of energy and utter power.
I knew the spell immediately. I began spinning around, shooting the Fireballs with all I had. Normal pony soldiers began appearing before our eyes, stunned at what had happened. 
I spotted Storm Cloud. “Come on! Let’s get in!” I yelled. He turned and shot a final jet of light before following me. There were no guards, so I threw the doors open with my magic and ran inside. We were noticed and quickly joined by more soldiers who joined us at our sides.
We stood in the huge entrance hall. I breathed quickly and ran to a door. Peeking through, I saw more Fireballs. I looked at Storm Cloud, and we suddenly lit up our horns. We combined our magic, forming a big translucent swirling wall that swept through the room. It changed every guard in sight into ponies, and we took off.
We had to find Aka. My mother. I didn’t know where she was, and I expected her cell to be protected with all kinds of enchantments. But if we got her out, we’d need the Empire’s Jewel to fuel her magic.
But Wildfire had the Jewel. Taking it off her wouldn’t just magically turn her back, it was only there so she had the power to rule the Empire. But if Aka had it, it would work…
I charged across the room, found a flight of stairs, and galloped up. Wildfire was way too smart to just stay in her room or the throne room while she was getting attacked, so we needed another way…
“Storm, can you think of where Mother could be?” I asked him quietly, trying not to grasp attention from the rooms around.
“I don’t know…” he looked down at his galloping hooves in concentration.
“What about Wildfire?” 
“Oh…” he groaned, trying to think. “Well, she could’ve already fled the castle.” He said warily.
“Good point. We can’t help Mother until we have the Empire’s Jewel,” I replied. We came to a large hall with no rooms and stopped. I panted and looked around. What were we going to do?
After a few moments I heard hoof-steps. Coming up the stairs.
“Storm!” I hissed. We pointed our horns at the stairs and began backing up. But the ponies who appeared were no threat.
Sparkle Flame, Solar, Lunar and Aqua came to the top, and looked relieved when they saw us.
“We followed you.” Said Sparkle.
“What are you guys looking for?” asked Solar. “Shouldn’t you be fighting Fireballs?” I heard a bang, crash and a yell from somewhere in the castle and winced.
“Yes, but we’re looking for Wildfire and Aka.” Replied Storm Cloud.
“Why do you need Wildfire?” asked Lunar.
“Y’know, to get back the Empire’s Jewel.” 
“OK…” muttered Lunar. “She would’ve definitely fled. Quickly.”
“How do you know?” I asked suspiciously.
“I know, OK?” snapped the small black alicorn. “You guys need to find her.”
“How come she’s ordering us around?” muttered Storm.
“Because I’m pretty sure I know best at the moment.” Replied Lunar, as though she’d heard him. She suddenly closed her eyes and her horn lit up, and she concentrated hard.
“What are you…” I started.
“Sssh!” whipped Aqua, looking at her friend.
“Oooooh, it’s so hard….” Strained Lunar.
“She’s trying to read Wildfire’s mind.” Whispered Aqua. "It's a spell that's only given to certain ponies." Suddenly Lunar let go and panted.
“I can’t pinpoint it very well, but she out of the castle flying into the mountains. I saw mountains. You need to get her!” she said.
“Um, OK.” I replied, surprised. Even I didn’t know how to read minds. That was very, very complicated magic. It was only given to the especially gifted. “Wait, Lunar, where did you learn that?”
“Celestia.” She muttered in reply.
“Sparkle Flame taught me how to do it! I barely know though.” said Aqua proudly, but fading off. My sister blushed. Even she knew? Wow.
“Fire-Fighter!” cried Storm. “We need to get going!” 
“Wait!” cried Sparkle. “I’m coming too!” 
“OK. You need something.” I replied. In my mind, I pictured a set of armour. I used all my might to conjure it up out of thin air. Gosh, that is hard. It landed in a clattered heap in front of the princess, and she quickly threw it together on her body with her magic.
“Let’s go!” she cried.
We began galloping down the hall. At the end was a huge stained window of Wildfire. Her vicious red eyes bore into me, sparking floods of hatred.  I pushed myself to go faster, and suddenly leapt up, smashing the window into a million pieces. I soared through the glass, eyes shut.
I swooped from the tower, Storm and Sparkle following me.
“Wow!” shouted Storm.
“I know.” I muttered. “Ouch!” I felt a sharp pain in my shoulder. I looked down and saw a piece of glass had cut me through a small gap in my armour.
“Come on!” said Sparkle, flying off. Wow, she was fast for a pony who sat around studying all day. Storm followed and I went after him. We went quickly over the palace, and down in the courtyard and gardens I saw battles taking place. Our army was expanding, the Fireballs were getting turned back. I made a sharp turn and dodged a large tower. I kept going, looking for the right place.
Lunar said the mountains. Not far from Laheb City, in fact right behind, were huge ranges of tall hills. I knew there were many dragons there.
I beat my wings harder. The others were next to me, flying as fast and hard as me.
I was scared, though. And fear was something I very rarely experienced. I felt it when Wildfire went insane in the hall of thrones, and when I lunged, screaming she wasn’t my sister, fear was shooting through me light a jet of dark magic.
But it was worse. Not because we may be attacked by Fireballs. Not because we could be fried alive by disgruntled dragon, but for Wildfire.
Rage was overwhelming, but fear seemed to slide back and forth. Of course I wanted to rip Wildfire apart, make her pay for her sins, set her alight; but what if we attacked, and she was gone forever? My favourite sister, even more than Sparkle, gone for eternity, never to share my immortal years as an alicorn princess…
A tear slipped from my eye and I flew faster.
“Something wrong, sis?” asked Storm Cloud, slowing to some up beside me.
I gave him a glare. “No, nothing. Come on!”
“Remind me why we’re going with no army, weapons or help?” asked Sparkle, swooping down in front of us. She looking magnificently stunning in armour.
“Well… Don’t know.” Replied my brother. 
“I feel like we should defeat her ourselves.” I said. Storm and Sparkle nodded in agreement. I smiled.
“It may be a while before we find her, but we will. We will get here and find a way to bring the real Wildfire back.” Said Storm. I smiled again and nuzzled him.

[Kodabomb]

This is written from Lunar Eclispe's point of view. She belongs to Eeveeprincess01.

“Come on, come on!” I whisper-yelled, beckoning for the others to come. They galloped across the hall, being careful not to be sighted by Fireballs lurking within the castle.
Solar, Aqua, Golden Bolt, Crimson Star and Grey Quartz followed me along a small hallway lined with portraits of Wildfire.
Crimson and Quartz were a couple of Bolt’s close friends, and knights. They decided to come with Bolt who chose to help Aqua in our mission to find Aka.
I had completely ruled out the idea of her being in the dungeons; there was no way. Otherwise somepony would’ve already discovered her. My mind worked overtime to try and guess where she would be.
But, being from Canterlot Castle and not from Laheb City Palace, I had no clue as to where everything was in here. But I knew Aqua was working as hard as me.
We’d already both tried to read the Queen’s mind, but Wildfire had put a charm on her to stop anypony doing that, despite barely anypony actually knowing how to perform such a spell.
But, what if there were secret tunnels underneath the dungeons cells? No… could there? It was certainly a possibility. The Jewel Empire was just as old as Equestria, and the Palace being the same. There could’ve been all kinds of things going on in here thousands of years ago, with absolutely nopony knowing. 
Nopony wrote anything about these things in history books, because they didn’t know! Maybe there were things down here for the royals and their indestructible enemies…
“Library.” I said, stopping. Wait, did I saw that aloud?
“Sorry, Lunar?” asked Bolt. My eyes flicked over to him.
“We need the Laheb Palace library.” I said, glaring at him deeply. I wasn't really glaring at him... Just the possibilities now. He looked at me strangely.
“Ummmm…. Why?” asked Solar with a nervous chuckle.
“Royals! Tunnels! Enemies! History Books!” I yelled. I knew what to do! But Solar and the knights weren’t going to like it.
I grabbed Solar with my hoof.
“Get the others to the library too.” I said to Aqua, before disappearing. I choked, gasping for air in my tiny teleporting tube, before leaping out and thumping down on the floor. I felt a bad pain in my back and found I was lying on top of my sister.
“Sorry. But when the others arrive I’ll tell you my plan.” I said as she grumpily stood and cracked her back.
Suddenly there was a bang, and Aqua arrived with Bolt. Another bang, and Quartz teleported with Crimson, a Pegasus. He hit the floor with a thud and Quartz shook her head, coming over to listen to me.
“OK, well, when we were walking, I guessed that she definitely wouldn’t be in the dungeons. No chance. But what if there were more tunnels?” I said to them. Lots of cocked heads. Solar looked at me suspiciously, but Aqua had her eyes sparkling already. “Has anypony thought of underground tunnels? Like, even further down than the dungeons? Somewhere… where nopony in thousands of years has ever been down. Until now… surely Wildfire would want something like that, right?” I looked at the others, who remained silent.
“I do get where you’re going with this, Lunar, but why the library?” Aqua asked.
“Well, we can’t risk getting caught snooping around the dungeons. We could be down there for hours, maybe even unaware that the battle was over!” I heard an enormous bang outside. “So we need to prove my suspicions correct before snooping.”
There were a few moments of silence before Aqua suddenly spoke. “Come on, everypony! Find the oldest book you can! Something to do with history.” She ordered. Everypony parted, scurrying to the shelves. So. Many. Shelves. It was just heaven here. 
I walked to the majestic open doors, stuck my head out to peek around, and then shut and locked them. On either side of the doors were large, medieval-style statues of Wildfire. My horn flashed suddenly in anger, shooting the statue. I screamed as the burst of light hit it with a bang, slicing Wildfire’s head off. The others gasped and I winced.
“Ha! Look at that everypony!” cried the tomboyish Quartz. “She cut the queen’s head off!” I blushed, tip-toeing away to look for books. 
Oldest books… oldest books… where? I went past a few shelves that stretched to the ceiling, finding myself at the back of the room. I found a small door with a sign upon the front; ‘Outdated’. I smiled and opened it with my magic, stepping into the darkness. 
The steps stretched down, into the black. Ugh, so creepy for a library. I lit up my horn and alighted the torches along the wall. I knew a lot of libraries had an outdated books section, but this room was outdated in itself!
I looked around. ‘A short history of Laheb City.’ ‘The Jewel Empire! A guide to the kings and queens.’ ‘Cabbage Farming; a complete guide to crowing your own vegetables.’ What…?
Soon I found the back of the gloomy room. I glanced at the shelves. Abruptly I heard echoing hooves behind me and I saw Bolt join me by the shelves.
“What in the hay is this place?” he said, his voice echoing around the shelves and ceiling.
“You didn’t read the door sign… did you?” I smirked.
“No.” he muttered. “Outdated books?”
“Mm.” I replied, scanning my eyes along the rows and rows of old, tattered books.

* * *
Though it had been less that half an hour, it felt like eternity searching through all this. My eyes hurt from the dark, and I was bored of looking through books that dated back to even the settling of the Empire. I found books on Equestria too.
“Look, I’ve got nothing.” Bolt said, joining me in my book aisle. 
“Neither.” I muttered. Awkward silence.
Bolt leaned and threw his head back, swishing his hair. His foot shifted and I suddenly heard something.
“Hey, move your foot again.” I said. He looked at me strangely, then did it. Stone scraping.
I squealed and flopped onto my belly, shoving Bolt’s big hoof out of the way. He turned and watched me. I pushed the big cobblestone away, just where his foot was.
“Oh my gosh!” I yelped, shoving my hoof down an unexpected hole.
“What? What is it?” yelped the Pegasus standing over me. I felt my hoof brush against something rough and leathery, then levitated the item out.
It was definitely a book. Covered in a thick layer of dust. I blew it away and looked at it.
Pinned on the front cover was a little note. The writing was extremely faded and very messy, but I was able to read it. I received lessons from Princess Luna on reading old, faded notes, which a Princess may need in time. I wasn’t a princess, but yeah. Alicorn, princess, I was treated like royalty either way.
I read it aloud to Bolt.
“Dear reader,
I am sure that whoever is reading this right now is far in the future. Nopony can find the book’s location without digging up the palace!
I am Princess Wildfire. I am nine years old, and I have discovered this book. And I love this book. It is full of things that are very important, and I don’t want anypony finding out. This book is my book, and the information inside will help in the future when I become the great, kind Queen!
So, I press you do not read on. This is my book, my information.”
I stared at the note. Not very old, if it was written by a filly Wildfire. But she was very strange and foggy in her wording.
I looked at Bolt and he shrugged, flicking the cover open with his hoof. 
I shot to the contents, looking down. I mumbled them. “Jewel Empire – the first settlements. Farming the Land. Creatures of the Forests. Founding Laheb City.” Ugh, nothi… Wait… what? On one option, halfway down, was a large circle in the same messy font as Wildfire’s writing. Page 315. I flipped through and found it. “The Tunnels.” I said. Golden Bolt pricked his ears. My heart flipped. The.. tunnels?
“Ahem.” I coughed. “In the years when Laheb City Palace was first getting inhabited by the powerful alicorn rulers, ponies in Laheb City, which was then a small town, began getting jealous. They were angry at the royals, who lived the good life of a noble whilst they shivered and rotted down in the snow. It was definitely not long before they wanted to make a stand.
“Soon ponies from all around began getting outraged, forming large groups to take down the royals. It did not work well for them. It soon began to become perfectly clear how powerful the alicorns actually were, who started locking up everypony who tried to attack.” I stopped reading, looking further down the page.
“And?” said Bolt.
“Pfft, it’s not about tunnels!” I said in frustration.
“Turn the page! Look at the pictures to give you a guide.” He suggested. I gave him a ‘You’re insane’ look, and did as he said.
On the next page were many old drawings of silhouetted ponies in flames, behind bars, or getting killed. Gosh, old drawings were always so vicious. I winced at some of them.
Then I suddenly came across a drawing of tunnels going down, creating rooms. It was a cross-section, and there were tiny shapes of ponies down there. I read the paragraph out loud.
“It was not long before that unicorn became an evil, indestructible beast. He began wiping out villages across the Empire, coming closer and closer to the City. 
“Soon he reached it, and King Matelli and Queen Naraka were so foolish to not prepare themselves. They began digging deep tunnels beneath the dungeons, protecting their foolish flanks whilst the city was getting destroyed. The King of the Shadows, as the Jewel Empire citizens began calling him, took the throne.
“Matelli and Naraka stayed beneath the palace for two months, while the King of the Shadows took the kingdom into his hooves and destroyed it. But he wanted to find the King and Queen, soon discovering their hideaway. 
“Matelli and Naraka fled, escaping from their hole. As the Shadow and his stallion army tried to attack them, they quickly sealed the hole. It is said that to this day, the tunnels are still there, preserving the dead bodies of the Shadows.” I finished reading, glancing at the notes, then I looked up at Bolt.
“Oh my stars.” He said.
“Oh sweet Celestia.” I muttered.
“Your predictions were correct!” he neighed. “The tunnels are there! Aka’s probably down there!” He playfully picked me up and spun me once.
“Oh my gosh! But that story was creepy at the end.” I replied.
“Who cares, if Wildfire’s been down there, she probably already burned the skeletons.” He paused, then looked evilly at me. “Or maybe the bodies are down there, deeeeeeep beneath.” He laughed like some evil thing, and I rolled my eyes. 
“Come on, we’ll tell the others!” I whinnied, galloping past the shelves to the steps. Bolt followed, and we dashed up, throwing open the door.
“Everypony come quick!” I yelled, charging to the centre of the room where I was quickly joined by all the others. 
“Did you find something?” asked Aqua excitedly.
“Yes!” exclaimed Bolt. They all gathered before me and I levitated the book, open at the page where we found the vital information.
It had been a few minutes before they had all finished reading, and I slammed the book shut. 
“Well?” I said to Aqua.
“Oh my goodness!” she squealed, hugging both Bolt and I. “You did! Thank you, thank you, thank you Lunar!” I smiled and blushed.
Suddenly Quartz yelled out. “Let’s find these tunnels!” It earned an echoed cheer from everypony else.