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The crowd was holding it's breath as Prestige gathered his courage. He was attempting a new spell that would allow him to be resistant to fire. He could already feel the heat of the inferno before him on the stage. This would work, it simply had to! He stood as straight as he could as he walked to the flames. It was difficult not to be afraid of the spell he was attempting, but as a sorcerer, he had been through much worse. His fear had been dulled to the point of non-existence in his school at Hoofington and the madness it had produced was all too clear to the onlookers.

They all gasped and some even screamed as he walked into the blaze. Prestige looked around himself for a moment to be sure he was in the flame and a smile spread across his face. He couldn't feel a thing. He decided he would stand there for a moment and let the crowd think he had perished before making a grand conclusion to his spell. Beyond the sound of the roaring flames he could hear confused murmurs and disarray, even a few yells asking if he was still alive.

After about a minute or so he could hear ponies trying to set out the blaze. He decided to end it as soon as they threw water onto his flame and set it out all at once, with a bit of an 'Oomph' so to speak. He prepared his magic as he heard them rushing onto the stage with full buckets and waited patiently for a splash. The Fireponies threw the water on the flames. With his horn flared the Flames exploded outwards. The flames licked the faces of the fireponies and the crowd, singeing the fur on their faces. Prestige stood upon the stage in a grand pose. He knew what would come next.

Applause exploded throughout the room after a short pause. Cheers resounded through the room as he took a bow and walked backstage. The Fireponies glared after him, clearly unamused by his recklessness.

Prestige stood before a vanity mirror in the prep room and looked himself over. His robes hadn't even been tattered by the flame. The spell had performed to expectation! He smiled to his reflection and it smiled back. He removed his hat and placed it on the counter as he sat back in a wooden chair. This was the first time in months he had gotten a job in a more reputable entertainment club. It was getting harder to come by work the more work he did. All the spells he performed on stage were merely experimental and unpredictable. He was a risk taker, never settling for the safe way to do things. He was often run out of town in multiple places and it seemed that occasionally his reputation preceded him. However, his luck turned around when the Organizer had an open slot in the middle of the show. Apparently his name hadn't come out this far yet. The Organizer was desperate for a filler and Prestige was happy to do it, for a hefty price of course, up front.

The Organizer pushed through the door with a beaming smile. "By Celestia's beard, that was genius!" he said excitedly.

Prestige let a grin spread on his lips. "I told you I was good." he replied.

The Organizer was a runt of a pony that had a small beard on his chin, his name was Augustus. "Well, I would have never guessed you could do something like that! I have ponies asking for a private audience to speak with you!" he exclaimed.

Prestige thought it over a moment. "Tell them I'll speak to them for a price. Five bits, five minutes, and I wouldn't mind some Red Wine. I don't suppose you have the good stuff?"

Augustus paused. "We do have some Aliander's, aged to ten and harder than rocks!" he said with a chuckle.

"That will do," Prestige said with a shrug. "gimme a couple minutes before you start sending them in."

Once he had a glass of the curiously hard Wine the fanatics began to pour in. Most of them just wanted to congratulate him on a fine performance, others gushed their new found love of magic and still others offered him small time jobs for parties and such. Prestige adored such attention, a couple 'special' mares were granted extra time with him. This was the way life was meant to be lived.

Prestige poured his seventh glass of wine clumsily and sipped at it as another pony walked from the room. He sighed deeply as his lecherous eyes watched her flank turn the corner.

"Such a waste." he whispered to himself. "I'll get that one later." His eyes turned back to the glass as it hovered before his mouth. "Now, where were we?" he asked to the glass as he began to drink.

Another pony walked into the room. Prestige looked to the cloaked pony with interest. The cloak was dark blue and encrusted with little points of bright light. Something about that seemed familiar. There were bands of silver around her forelegs, emblazoned with the Lunar seal. Prestige choked on his wine and the glass shattered over the floor. He attempted to jump out of his chair but his cloak caught to it and he fell unto his back with a sputtering cough. He cursed himself as he looked to the ceiling.

The unicorn mare stood over him with a cocked eyebrow. "Penumbra Prestige, I presume?" she guessed.

Prestige smiled weakly. "Yes." He gulped nervously and a cold sweat began to form on his brow.

"May I take a moment of your time?" she politely inquired.

Prestige bit his bottom lip and thought carefully. "Depends on how that time will be spent."

"With neither of us on our back." She said without jest. She magicked him back onto his feet and repositioned his chair.

"Well, that's no fun." Prestige said with a wicked smile.

The mare gave him a cold stare. "Please, sit." she said with a gesture to the chair.

"I would rather stand." he replied.

The mare sighed. "Do you not respect my authority?"

Prestige smiled innocently. "What authority? I do not believe we've been properly introduced." he pointed out.

She rolled her eyes and shook her head. "You know who I am."

He maintained his smile as he continued to feign ignorance. "I'm afraid I don't."

She sighed and held her head high. "I am Selena Constell, of the Lunar Guard and Commander thereof.

Prestige was amazed. The Commander of the Lunar guard? He looked around the room quickly, there weren't any other guards around. He looked at Selena quizzically. "Really?" She simply nodded. She definitely looked the part, but other than that there was no proof. There was really only one way to know for sure, without being killed. "Very well... How many crimes am I currently wanted for?"

"12 counts of Destruction of property, 5 counts of Assault, 2 counts of Failure to yield, 2 counts of Attempted murder, 62 counts of Sexual harassment and finally, 154 counts of Indecent exposure." She replied without pause. "Along with several other incidents that are currently being investigated."

Only he and someone very high up would bother knowing that information. "So... now what?" Prestige asked. "Going to book me? Flog me? Bury me up to my neck? Cut me into tiny pieces and hide me in the walls?"

Selena was stone-faced. She gestured to the chair, "Please, sit." she insisted.

Prestige thought better of the situation and sat in the chair quietly. He would have a trick or two up his sleeve if push came to shove. She got herself a chair and got two glasses from a nearby table. She filled them slowly with the Wine and sat delicately in her chair. She was silent for several moments, just staring at him. Prestige nonchalantly drank from his glass as she inspected him.

"I must admit that your performance was disappointing, from what I heard on the road I expected more." Selena stated. She sipped her drink and frowned. "Luna, this is awful..." she said as she placed her glass to the side with a disgusted frown.

"Well," Prestige said. "I'm working on a number of spells. That last one was relatively new, definitely needs refinement."

"Glorified parlor tricks." Selena said with a dismissive wave of her hoof.

He paused. "Excuse me?"

"There's no actual use for that 'magic' you use." she said derisively.

Prestige forced a smile. "I don't suppose you would know much about magic if you think mine isn't up to snuff, Ms. Constell."

"Mrs. Constell." Selena corrected.

"It makes no difference." Prestige reclined in his chair. Selena didn't seem to care much for him, he wondered what she was here for. "Is there a reason you came here or did you just come to insult me?"

Selena was quiet once again. She was holding something from him. "I'm trying to decide if you are worthy to help me."

Prestige shrugged off the insult. Something about this mare seemed so familiar to him. It was her face and in the way she spoke to him. Granted it wasn't what she said to him, it seemed most of the ponies he's run into would say the same, but it was how she said it that was familiar.

"Let me start by asking; are you still a follower of Luna?" Selena queried.

Prestige considered himself religious to an extent. He never regularly attended worship if he had a choice, but he did consider Luna to be a Mare of extraordinary power and majestic beauty. Also he preferred night over the day. "Yes." he answered honestly. "But I'm not orthodox or anything."

Selena was clearly unimpressed by this answer. "What does that mean?"

He rubbed the back of his head. It was always difficult to explain his religious tendencies to anypony. "I just mean that... well, it's complicated. You see, I don't attend New or Full ceremonies. I just practice on my own time."

"So you're telling me that you don't worship Luna." She said simply.

"No, that's not what I'm telling you. Were you even listening? I said 'I practice on my own time'. Which means I worship from wherever I happen to be staying, by myself or with company if the mood takes me." he said with a devious grin and a hoof to his chin. Selena eyed him with a hint of distaste. "But I suppose that mood doesn't take you... ever." he finished with a longing sigh.

Selena gave him a flat stare. "You seriously don't remember me... do you?" she asked.

Prestige took another drink from his glass before answering, "You look familiar." he stated.

"I guess I shouldn't be surprised." Selena replied. "I'm going to be honest, when I heard your name I barely remembered you either. It took quite a bit of effort to track you."

"Good, wouldn't want it to be too easy." Prestige said through a laugh. "Although I'm reasonably sure if we had met I would remember. I never forget a pretty face!"

"It's probably better that you don't remember me." Selena decided. He cocked an eyebrow, now it was going to kill him if he didn't remember who she was. "But anyway, onto business. You are actually my final choice."

"Choice for what?" Prestige asked. Selena's horn glowed as a little golden ball floated from her robe and hovered in between them. He looked it over closely as it spun around before him. There were magical markings carved over it's surface. Oddly the markings had no magic imbued in them. "What is the purpose of the carvings? There's no magic in them."

"It is why I'm here." Selena stated. "I made the markings by enchantment, it is a key. However, it won't work until I have a second enchantment. The object itself is nothing more than gold."

Prestige felt magic flowing through the object. Very powerful yet controlled magic. He knew better, "No it isn't." he stated. He looked Selena in the eye and she gave him a surprised look. "I've seen something like this before at the Hoofington Academy..." he could scarcely believe that the object was what he knew it was. "It's a piece of the sun..."

Selena was startled for a moment. "How could you know something like that?" She quickly pocketed the treasure.

Prestige downed the last of his glass and set it aside. "I'm a Unicorn who knows my magic. Not only do I know that, but I also know that only those with the blessing of Celestia carry them. So that begs the question, what are you doing with it?"

She bit her lip nervously for a moment. "I am not at liberty to say." she stated with little confidence.

"Well fine," Prestige sighed. "then I suppose I'm not at liberty to help you. Besides, your five minutes is up." he said tiredly.

"Wait... What?" Selena asked, confused.

"I said your five minutes is up." he repeated. "I would appreciate it if you would leave before I have to call security."

"You can't kick me out! I could arrest you right now and throw you into the dungeons of Canterlot!" Selena threatened.

He laughed in response to that. "What, are you gonna drag me all the way there by yourself?"

"Yes." she replied sternly.

He continued laughing, but her icy stare made him stop and clear his throat nervously. "Well, that's fine then... Sec-!" he was stopped short as something covered his mouth.

Selena's horn glowed darkly. "You will remain silent!" she hissed. Prestige felt his legs become bound to the chair. He looked to see he was held down by nothing more than darkness. He began to panic but focused himself quickly. His horn glowed brightly and spewed flame toward her. Selena rolled from her chair as the fire engulfed it. She cast a suppression spell over him. His horn was enveloped in darkness. He tried to cast another spell, to no avail. He could feel his magic bottled up inside him, unable to release. He cursed her with muffled words.

"If you're worried that I'll take you against your will then you are mistaken, Prestige. Because I know it's unnecessary." A dark hand brought a bag from her robe. The bag was stuffed full of something. The dark hand dropped it and Bits spilled out onto the floor. His eyes went wide with surprise. "If you will cooperate then all of it is yours. You have my word that you won't be harmed or arrested." she said as she released him from her magical hold.

Prestige thought for a moment before he jumped from his chair. "I don't take much weight in words, you know?" he scooped the bits back into the bag and tied it shut. "However, the weight of this is plenty." he said as he lifted the bag. "So, what exactly was it that you needed?"

"I need you to return with me to Canterlot," she replied simply. "tonight."

Celestial Intervention

"Tonight, eh?" Prestige repeated with a chuckle. "I'll need ample time to pack, of course. I've got some components I simply can't do without. I'll probably need to get appropriate clothes too. I'm a bit embarrassed to admit this, but it has been awhile since I've frequented the capitol." He went over to a chest and popped it open. All of his belongings could easily fit inside his saddlepacks. He sorted them carefully and placed them into his bags.

"All things considered, that's not too surprising." Selena noted. "You are a wanted pony."

Prestige paused a moment, suddenly reminded of something. "Ah, yes." he began. "Now that you mention it I want something in return for my services, besides the money... of course." He looked to Selena over his back with a mischievous smile.

"Name it." she replied.

He noticed her non-nonchalance at his demand for further payment. Apparently whatever she needed him for was very serious. "I want my record wiped clean." he stated simply.

She gave him a flat stare, seeming to deliberate his demand. "I have a counter offer."

Prestige cocked an eyebrow. "Oh? I'm listening."

"You want your record destroyed? Then you must succeed in enchanting the Piece."

He mulled it over in his thoughts. "I have a counter-counter offer. I'm going with you to Canterlot for the money correct?" Selena nodded in response. "Then how about this; I will succeed at the enchantment and you will strike my record. But as an added twist, we share the rest of the evening afterward with each other and plenty to drink!" he finished with a suggestive grin.

Suddenly her stare became very cold, but it did nothing to avert his lecherous grin. "Don't push your luck."

Prestige shrugged as he continued his packing. As soon as he turned his back a grin formed over her lips. He hadn't changed a bit from her memory of him.

Once he had finally finished his packing he pulled the straps tighter and turned to face her. "Well? If you plan on getting to Canterlot by tonight we had better start running. Don't you think?"

She smiled at his naivety. "I think not. My magic should suffice for such a long trip." Before he could even question her, her horn glowed darkly and he felt a huge magical burst from her as she closed her eyes. A strange dark hole grew on the wall until it seemed large enough for him to pass through. "That should do..." She managed to say after a bit of effort.

Prestige managed to keep himself from gawking, but he suddenly felt very meager. At least compared to the display. If she couldn't enchant something he had a hard time figuring why she thought he could. "Do I just... walk through?" he asked.

"Yes... would you mind making it quick?" she said through a clenched jaw.

"Uhm, yes. Sorry." he murmured as he walked into the darkness. He definitely couldn't see anything after he passed through what he could only describe as a 'portal', possibly. He hadn't met many ponies who had mastered any instantaneous travel spells, but he had seen them executed a few times. Just never by a Shadowmancer and he had never actually used one. There were no peculiar sensations except of course the feeling of a very powerful magic surrounding him. Other than that it was quite dull.

Before he knew it his hooves were beating against cobblestone. His sight returned and he was greeted by two very large and very well armed Celestial guards.

"Halt! Who goes?!" They said in unison, they quickly leveled swords at his throat.

Prestige froze immediately, too stunned to respond. The sound of hooves approached from behind and stood next to him. "Commander of the Lunar Guard!" Selena proclaimed. The Celestial guards appeared confused for a moment. "This here is an associate of mine. We are expected by Celestia." Selena brought forth a sealed scroll from her robes. One of the guards took it from the air and broke the seal. He read it over carefully for several moments.

He rolled the scroll back up and returned it to her. "Very well. Follow me." he stated with a no nonsense tone. He began walking down the corridor with his head held high. His comrade sheathed his sword and resumed his motionless vigil.

"Come on." Selena said as she took off after the guard. Prestige obliged and walked beside her.

"Well," he began. "that was impressive."

She ignored the comment and kept her attention focused ahead of her.

Prestige didn't relent. "How long did it take you to learn that one? I myself haven't been able to master the logic of it but sometimes I think I've been able to open smaller ones, you know? Ones that a fly or a pair of scissors could fit through. Although I don't know where those things go when they pass through it." If Selena didn't know how to get him talking before, she did now. Magic seemed his one true interest, besides money, drinking and mares that is. "There was a couple of times I've woken up in the middle of the night while casting a spell. My old teacher called it 'Flint' because I usually caught things on fire when I did it, but sometimes I would wake up to find a sock missing from my drawer. Which gave me a theory, what if I had a huge pile of socks just lying on the floor? If I fall asleep in that pile would I wake up in a different place? Of course with my habit of catching things on fire as well there was a fifty fifty chance that I would simply wake up on fire. Which was actually my inspiration to make a spell that makes me inflammable. That in itself took nearly a couple weeks to even put it into practice, let alone performed. It almost was like the time I had to practice a spell called 'Toad Thwart' which was honestly one of the more difficult spells I had ever attempted. Not to mention that being in a pit full of toads was one of the most interesting days of my life. Let me tell you, I had toads in places I would have never thought I'd ever have toads. The day that spell finally worked was one of the best days of my life. But even all of that was nothing compared to this spell I had tried in Phillydelphia. You see, I have this thing that's kind of like a half spoon and half fork. What it does is it takes a-"

"Oh, for Celestia's sake be quiet!" The guard yelled as he continued through the halls. There were a couple ponies walking through the halls that jumped at his sudden eruption. Stunned out of their proper postures.

Prestige smiled inwardly and looked back to Selena. "So, this is the Canterlot Castle?" he asked. Obviously it was, but right now he was willing to do anything to spice up this dull tour of cobbled halls and the guard had showed he was willing to be his entertainment.

Selena was at this point maintaining one of the most painful poker faces she had ever attempted. She wanted so desperately to laugh that she was near her breaking point. She had been watching the guard as Prestige rambled and witnessed his breaking point. Such a thing was rarely seen and was a welcome sight in an otherwise boring place with boring ponies. She took a deep breath before answering. "Yes. We're on our way to an audience with Celestia." her voice cracked as she uttered the final word. She bit her lip to hold back a smile.

"Oh, I don't suppose there's a chance I could meet with Luna?" he asked.

Selena looked to him for a moment to gauge his expression. He did seem genuinely interested, for a reason she supposed. "I'm afraid not." she replied. "Luna will be working, you know. She needs full concentration." That was a half truth, she knew Luna was capable of multitasking. But Selena was reasonably sure his distractions might be a bit too much. Besides, it was her duty to make sure Luna was kept safe. Especially from ponies like Prestige.

He nodded sourly. "I understand."

Selena noted the dejected look on his face. Maybe next time... she thought. Something about him was charming. Though she would never dare to admit it to him.

There was a well guarded door farther up the hallway. The door itself was encrusted with gold and jewels worthy of a Dragon's feast. The Celestial guards were very large, to say the least. Their armor was impressively decorated and quite colorful. Mostly gold and white, colors that Celestia had adopted as her favorites. The Guards exchanged hushed words as they approached. One of the Decorated officers approached Selena and bowed slightly. "Hail, the sisters." he greeted promptly

"Hail!" Selena replied, "We have business with Celestia."

"I am aware, Commander. It occurs to me however that your associate may posses weapons, for intended magic. I cannot have him approach the Princess as such. He will relinquish his property or he will be dismissed." His stone face revealed no emotion with his words.

"Agreeable." Selena acquiesced. "Prestige, kindly turn over your things to them. You won't need them for this."

Prestige frowned worriedly. "Will I get it all back?"

"You will." The guard stated simply. Clearly not giving him any other choice.

Prestige turned over all his gear save for his hat and robe. He had to clearly state that his clothes weren't magical several times before they double checked with the castle mage. "Simply dust rags." was all he said to them. The Guards finally opened the door for them.

As Prestige entered he was surprised to see that these were Celestia's private quarters. Her bed was draped in golden veil's and rugs of silk flowed over the floor. Everything she owned seemed soft. Even the edges of her wardrobe flowed smoothly at the corners. There was a small table near a giant window that had teacups and a steaming pot of tea. The drapes in the window flowed gently outwards to allow all the light in. Golden lamps lined the walls and flowed gently in the lines of a mural depicting Celestia running across the clear midday sky. Small trinkets were scattered across her end tables and wardrobe. Most were gold and looked priceless to his eyes. There were bookshelves lining the wall on the left, most of the books looked old and tattered. Everything was grandly crafted by the most proficient ponies in Equestria.

Celestia was out on the terrace watching the sun delicately float down to the horizon. Her mane and tail floated as gently as the finest silk in the breeze. Her posture was prideful and the glass door framed her majesty perfectly. It was as if she were trapped in a painting, as such beauty should surely not exist.

Prestige was awestruck at the sight as he bumped into Selena from behind. She gave him an accusing look. "It was an accident." he said with a whisper and a sly smile.

She shook her head and motioned for him to shut up. He complied, begrudgingly. "Princess Celestia." Selena greeted with a deep bow, Prestige bowed with her. "I come with the sorcerer, Penumbra Prestige. Upon your order."

The Princess was silent a moment. "Yes, I am almost done here. Would you mind waiting until Sunset?"

"Of course not majesty." Selena replied as she stood back up. "Take your time."

Prestige gave her a sideways glance to see if she was being sarcastic. If she was, she hid it very well.

Celestia stood completely still as the sun began to disappear over the horizon. Her horn glowed magically and sparkled in the twilight. It appeared her terrace had a grand view of the Everfree forest. The stars began to spark to life in the dying sunlight, the clouds glowed bright pink and began to fade into a dark purple.

She took a deep breath of relief as the sun disappeared completely. Her horn ceased to glow and all the lamps in the room sprang to life. She turned and walked back inside, leaving the door open to refresh the air. "You are Penumbra?" Celestia asked with her musical voice.

Prestige practically melted. "Why yes, yes I am." he said with a firm nod and a cheesy smile.

Selena rolled her eyes. "Come, sit with me." Celestia said with a nod to her table. She led them there and took a seat. they followed obediently and sat across from her. At first it seemed pretty normal, but the longer Prestige sat there the more uncomfortable he felt. Celestia sat silently and observed his presence more than necessary. Selena watched him quietly also, seeming to pick at him with her eyes. He bit his lip nervously and fiddled with a fork.

"Would you care for some tea, Prestige?" Celestia asked as she magicked the teapot over to his cup.

"I- um... Please." he decided. Why were they being so quiet? She poured into his cup delicately and continued to watch him closely. She finished and poured some into Selena's cup without moving her gaze. Prestige slowly magicked two sugar cubes and tossed them in his cup. He stirred it absently and lifted it to his lips. The steamy aroma of mint complimented the taste of fresh spring cherries. A very relaxing blend to be sure. But not enough to throw off his sense of uneasiness.

"Is there a reason I'm here?" Prestige finally asked. "Or am I just eye candy?"

Selena looked surprised at the question. Did he really just ask the Princess that? Celestia simply smiled. "Forgive me, it's rude to not address all my guests."

Prestige tilted his head curiously. All her guests?

"I am told you know what the artifact is. How is that? I rarely use such magic and certainly not in your lifetime." Celestia stated

Prestige was confused for a moment. How could she know he knew? "I- uh... Read it in a book back in Hoofington. Somepony made note of it in an encyclopedia. 'Shining gold and small, the magic flows through it. There always seem to be carvings in the surface but they seem nothing more than a byproduct of the magic used to obtain it. Only Celestia understands their powers and as such are useless to anypony else.'" he recited.

"Do you practice magic consistently?" Celestia asked. "Or do you prefer the study?"

"I'm a hands on learner, practice." he boasted. "I even have a few signature spells I designed myself. At significant expense and profit to myself."

The Princess nodded approvingly as she filled her cup. "Commendable, have you published any work?"

Prestige smiled at the question. "I have no plans on selling my work secrets, so no. I'm a performer, I sell my work in a different way."

Celestia frowned at his statement and sipped her tea quietly. "A performer? How so, do you perform tricks?"

He was offended at the mere thought of that. "I don't do tricks, I do magic." he stated matter-of-factly.

Celestia seemed relieved at this news. "Oh, that is good then." she said. "Selena here has told me a lot about you. And it seems our records on you are quite extensive. You graduated from the Hoofington Academy for the Source?"

Prestige nodded. "Well, that really depends on who you ask. I feel like I did." he said simply. "But not technically, no.

Celestia was intrigued at his answer. Selena listened intently and remained quiet. "So what would you consider yourself?"

"A self starter." he replied with a smile. "I guess others would say I'm more like a Horn for hire. Either way, I enjoy magic more than anything."

Celestia saw the spark in his eyes as he spoke of magic. As if the very word carried a sizable history to him. "Would you mind me asking you a personal question?" she asked.

"By all means, Princess." he encouraged.

"Do you prefer the night or day?"

'Figures.' He thought to himself. He smiled weakly before he answered. "Don't get me wrong, your Majesty, I love the day. But I live the night life."

She smiled sweetly. "Glad to hear it. My sister could use more ponies like you!" Prestige felt a wave of relief wash over him. He was glad to hear she hadn't taken offense to his choice. "She is part of the reason you are here tonight actually."

Suddenly Prestige found himself curious. Luna was why he was here? Then why wasn't she here? He sipped at the tea and calmly collected his thoughts. "How is that?"

Celestia seemed distracted a moment and nodded absently. "I'm going to explain my plan to you very carefully. But I need a promise from you first. I will tell you things that will be surprising to say the least. Things that can affect the world. Promise me that you will not reveal anything you learn here to anypony. On pain of immediate execution."

He was taken off guard at that last part for a moment. "I... promise." Prestige complied carefully, bewildered by his suddenly threatened existence.

She nodded in approval. "Good. I have no desire to see anyone killed."

Prestige looked to Selena with wary eyes. What had she gotten him into? Was there really so much at stake that Celestia would remove him if necessary? Selena met his gaze and gave him a warm smile. "It's alright Prestige. As long as we keep this between us it won't become a problem."

"I find myself becoming significantly less inclined to know this information." he admitted. "Wouldn't it be easier to just let me do whatever it is you need me for, without telling me anything?"

Celestia smiled weakly. "I'm afraid not. You see, for this enchantment to work you must have a full understanding of the situation we face. This magic is complicated. It requires your desire to help my sister." she explained. "My sister has fallen pray to dark desires. Desires that threaten everypony in Equestria and beyond. Her emotions are beginning to cloud her mind and make her lose sight of her duties. She aches for a love she lost a long time ago and seeks to replace it. If she continues to pursue this course she could send us all into eternal night. I will do everything in my power to prevent this. But if she refuses to relent, I will be forced to subdue her. In this event I must have a contingency plan. Which is where you come in."

Prestige furrowed his brow. "Are you telling me that Luna is planning to rebel against you?" he asked. "What reason would she possibly have for that?"

"She has been convinced that she is the rightful master of Equestria by those closest to her. She see's me as somepony that holds her back and continually denies her the attention she is owed. I believe that she'll try and overthrow me in the months to come."

Prestige shook his head absently. "And you want me to help you stop her? By doing what exactly?" he seemed unhappy to hear this news to say the least. His eyes showed a clear intention to decline his assistance. "If this is some kind of joke, it isn't funny."

"I assure you that this is no joke." Her horn sparked magically as the piece of the sun floated out from Selena's pocket and hovered over to him. "What I need you to do is enchant this piece with your desire to help her."

He eyed the golden ball as it hovered in front of him. Questions filled his mind. His gut told him that something terrible was going to happen. He gathered his nerves and looked Celestia straight in the eye. "Why is it that you are unable to do this?"

"Because as she is my sister, my love for her is conditional. Selena is paid to protect my sister and as such her love is also tainted by conditions. The love that is used to enchant this Piece must be pure." The Princess placed it in front of him on the table. "And everything I know about you indicates that you love my sister in a way nopony else does. I believe you possess the love required to help my sister become free of the desires that imprison her."

Her eyes showed no sign that she was deceiving him, but something about this seemed off to him. "You think my love comes without condition?" he asked. "How could you know that?"

"Your love is clear." she replied. "I can see it." Celestia said it like it was the most obvious thing in the world. "Tainted love is easy to spot, Prestige. You have no stake in your devotion to her. May I ask why that is?"

Prestige kept his lips pursed. There was nothing in the world that would get him to part with that information.

"It is for that reason I'm sure you're the right one." The Princess declared.

He looked confused to her for a moment. "I didn't say anything."

"Exactly my point."

He looked nervously over to Selena. She offered nothing but a reassuring smile. "I don't know what this is, but I will have no part in it." he decided.

"What? But the princess is..."

"Doing what exactly?" Prestige said as he stood from his chair. "All I know is what you've told me. I'm no fool! For all I know this could be a plot against Luna!" he accused. "You say that she wants more attention? Why not let her have some?"

Celestia maintained herself fairly well even as he accused her of conspiracy. "It's not that simple anymore." she said, setting the piece down next to Selena. "My sister's condition is worsening, it's only a matter of time before she loses control of herself."

Prestige shook his head, refusing to believe it. "No." he said adamantly. "I refuse." His reasons were his own. All he knew for sure is that he would never betray Luna under any circumstances. Even to her own sister whom accused her of treachery. He removed the bag of money from his robe and threw it to the floor. "Consider that you may be the one in the wrong side here, Selena." he fumed before turning to the door. He pushed open the doors and slammed them shut behind him. Leaving Selena and Celestia in hollow silence.

Selena watched the doors with disbelief. Prestige had just refused the Princess. Celestia sat quietly and seemed to smile to herself. "Very good." she whispered.

Selena looked to the Princess questioningly. "What?"

"He's the right one." Celestia stated simply. "He refused to cooperate with us. Meaning that he gives my sister the benefit of doubt. He is a very firm believer indeed. I've seen Priests with less devotion."

"Well, what good does that do us? He won't cast the spell." Selena pointed out. "He even left the money!"

The Princess shook her head. "Because it isn't a matter of money, Selena. It's a matter of the heart. Ponies such as Prestige hold ideas higher than matter. To him, my sister is a pony that means more to him than anything else. Even the promise of untold riches wouldn't be enough to sway his opinion of Luna." Celestia seemed touched by the display. "We need him to cast this spell. He's the only one that can."

Prestige had his items returned to him and the guards were leading him to the front gate. He would keep his promise to not tell anypony of Celestia's plan, but he refused to be part of it. The very idea disgusted him. The guards showed no interest in what had been discussed in Celestia's quarters. Once at the gate the guards stopped and waved him through. As though nothing had occurred.

The Only Way

Prestige was happy to finally be free from the palace. The Ponies in there were far to uptight and refined for his taste. The streets of Canterlot were still busy even as the moon began to rise over the horizon. Seeing the night crowd out and about cheered him up a bit. The street was lined with all sorts of merchandise carts and performers. Music flowed through the bustling air, keeping the spirits of everypony high. Prestige blended in with no effort at all and decided to try a performance of his own. With any luck he would get enough bits for a decent drink.

After a couple spells he had drawn a crowd all his own. They seemed pleased to see the quality of spells he performed for them. Bits were landing in his hat throughout the whole show. He let himself cheer up a little at the sight. He didn't have to perform long. The ponies of Canterlot were surprisingly generous. He packed up his things and made way to the nearest tavern, eager to get a few drinks in before the party died down.

He parked himself in a stool at the counter. "How about an Apple Biter." he said to the barkeep. She was surprisingly cute earthpony, far to cute to be working in a rundown old tavern as this.

She smiled sweetly. "Sure thing." she ducked under the counter and brought up a brown bottle. "Enjoying the Festival?" she poured him a glass and slid it down to him effortlessly.

Prestige smiled. "Not quite yet, but I'll catch up!" he promised.

The barkeep smiled back and moved on to another customer. He watched her flank as she walked away from him. "Very nice." he whispered to himself and took a drink.

"Acting like that will get you into trouble, you know."

Prestige turned to meet the gaze of Selena, she sat in the seat next to him. He smiled wickedly, "You just couldn't stay away from me could you?" he asked suggestively. "Or was it that other thing?"

Selena rolled her eyes. "I'm sure you know."

He turned from her and looked back to the barkeep. "I already said no." he said with a dismissive wave of his hoof.

"Prestige..." Selena said with a pleading tone. "I know it's hard to believe it, but it's all true."

"Is it now?" he took a swig from his glass.

"Yes." she replied. "I'm her personal guard and let's just say, I have a connection to the group trying to control Luna."

Prestige chuckled. "Oh, well now I believe you." he said sarcastically.

"What will it take for you to help us?" Selena asked. "We've already told you everything we know and you still doubt us."

Prestige furrowed his brow. "Well, you don't know much now do you? Instead of taking the time to talk to Luna about this treachery, you plot with her sister."

Selena shook her head. "That isn't what this is about, Prestige. The conspirators are some of her most trusted guards in the palace. They poison her thoughts with their words and seek her power. The worst part about it is that she allows it."

Prestige froze. "What?"

Selena sighed deeply. "Celestia doesn't know yet, but Luna has recently embraced the Nightmare cult. This has been a long time coming, honestly. I've tried to talk her out of it but she refuses to be stifled by Celestia any longer. They are already making moves against Equestria, even as we speak." she confessed. "Things are far worse than they seem."

"What are you talking about?" Prestige managed to ask.

"I'm asking you as a brother in faith, to help me save Luna. This might be the only way." The golden piece of the sun again floated out from her robe and hovered before him. "I will do anything it takes to prevent her from coming to harm, but this is something I can't do."

He sat and stared at her, bewildered at her plea for help. "Look... It's not that I don't want to help Luna, but all I have is your word that she's compromised. I mean, try looking at it from my perspective. If all this information was just given to you and you're told you have to enchant one of the most powerful items in existence to prevent it." he paused and let her mull over her thoughts. "But the catch is you won't know what said item will do or what it's intended purpose is. All you know for sure that somepony you love will be affected by it. So now tell me, would you do it?"

Selena gave him a flat stare. "Yes, I would. Because Celestia is somepony I deeply trust."

Prestige frowned. "Well, I hate to break it to you but it's more complicated to me." he drank heavily from his glass until it was empty. "Another!" he called to the barkeep. She was on it in an instant. She filled the glass winked at him as she walked off, deliberately swinging her backside slowly from side to side. He couldn't take his eyes off her.

"Then why don't you tell me exactly why you won't do this?" she asked the question softly.

Prestige ignored the question and looked into his glass. "Let it go, Selena. Just leave."

She looked shot down by those words. "Sorry to waste your time then." she said as she stood from her seat. She walked out the door without so much as a farewell. Prestige looked after her in contemplation. He still didn't understand why she pressed him so hard. But she was finally over and done with it.

So there he sat at the bar with his drinks. Coming to him so easily at his order, he was drunk within the hour. The barkeep seemed genuinely interested in him, but she didn't respond well to his advances. Eventually she had him thrown out by a rather large stallion. Prestige was a little too drunk to put up much of a fight. He skidded to a stop along the cobbled street and lay there a moment to regain his bearings. He placed his hat back on his head and stood slowly. There had to be another place where he could get more drinks.

The rest of his night passed in a jazzy blur. He couldn't make any sense of what he was doing. So many ponies were around, so many mares! He threw down his bits like they were going out of style. Soon he found his pockets empty. He didn't know what time it was, or where exactly he was. Another bouncer tossed him onto the street and slammed the door shut.

Prestige regained himself again and wandered into the nearest alley clumsily. There were a few transients napping along the walls. Prestige sat with his back against a cool brick wall. He pulled his robe closed around himself and let it warm him up a bit. He looked to the night sky and beheld thousands of shining stars, along with the full moon. The sight brought a genuine smile to his face. It was so peaceful and pristine. Much unlike everything he had ever known, the night sky had always been his one escape to tranquility. He watched the moon float silently across the sky. His eyes grew heavy and slowly closed to the sight, allowing him to fall into peaceful rest.

One of the transient ponies walked through the alley with a bottle hovering lazily next to him. He hummed a merry tone as he stumbled along. One of the ponies resting against the wall had on some fancy robes. He stopped for a moment to admire them. Suddenly the Unicorn's horn sparked unexpectedly. The pony jumped back in surprise, expecting something to happen. But the Unicorn continued to sleep soundly. The transient chuckled to himself and took a swig from his bottle. The Unicorn's horn sparked again, this time with a snap of magical charge. The transient furrowed his brow, seeming to expect something else.

The Unicorn didn't move an inch, seeming undisturbed by the occurrence. Suddenly his horn shined brightly, blinding the bystander. The light kept shining for a long while. Once it subsided the transient rubbed his eyes with a frustrated grumble. Slowly his sight returned to him. The Unicorn was still sleeping away. He looked around himself, seeing that no one else was lucid enough to be disturbed. The transient shrugged and drank from his bottle again. He gulped down plenty of the harsh liquid before he stopped and looked back to the unicorn curiously.

Suddenly there were two unicorns! The newcomer was robed in blue with magical stitching. She opened the robe of the first unicorn and magicked a brightly shining object from his pocket. "It worked!?" she whispered in surprise.

The transient watched with wide eyes as she pocketed the object in her own robes. The Unicorn turned from the other and walked into a shadow, where she promptly disappeared.

He turned to the bottle that hovered near him and eyed it suspiciously. He tossed it into a dumpster and walked away hurriedly. Eager to leave the strange alleyway.

Prestige peeled his eyes open slowly. His head was pounding in his skull violently. He groaned sourly and brought his hat down to block the sun's light. The streets were once again lined with music and hundreds of chattering ponies. He felt like he could hear every single thing within a five mile radius. "Luna's grace..." he cursed to himself.

He brought himself to his hooves and walked slowly from the peace of the alley. As he walked into the street he was instantly bombarded by unbearable noise. He was instantly filled with regret from the night before. Why did he drink so much? Prestige walked down the street to his left. Trying desperately to cover his ears with the rim of his hat. It wasn't doing much to help. He felt like he was in his own personal hell. The giggling of the fillies that ran in circles around him were as piercing as daggers digging their way into his brain. He looked around himself to see if there was anywhere he could shield his hangover.

As if a gift from the heavens a sunbeam fell on a building, he was standing right in front of the Canterlot Royal Library. He immediately made his way inside. He pushed a pegasus out of his way in his haste.

"Hey! Watch it jerk!" The pegasus yelled to him.

He ignored the comment and moved to find a quiet place to relax. Already he felt infinitely better, the silence was the most welcome sound in the world. Only the sound of rustling papers haunted this scholar's mausoleum. He let out a deep sigh and sat in one of the plush chairs that littered the common area.

He looked about the room, nothing was bright enough to aggravate his sensitive eyes. Everything in here was smooth and dimly lit. He could honestly say he had never been so happy to be in a library. It was so dreadfully dull that were barely any ponies here at all. There were probably just two actually looking for books. But there was a small desk sitting in the far corner, covered in stacks of paper with a sign that read, 'Now Hiring' in bold red letters. There was a runt of an earthpony sitting at the desk. He appeared to be writing with an improvised device strapped to his hoof. Prestige watched him work with it, curious as to it's effectiveness.

He was mildly impressed with the speed he appeared to be writing. Prestige sat back in his chair and decided to absorb the silence for awhile.

"Excuse me." A voice said near the front counter. "I'm here about the job notice, I guess a pony by the name of Vellum is here."

"Oh, yes of course." a seasoned voice replied. "That's him in the corner there."

Prestige turned his gaze to the conversation. The Pegasus from before was heading over to the desk. Now that Prestige got a better look at the Pegasus he could see that he wore a black cloak. His saddlebags made a slight racket as he walked with them. Indicating he was probably armed, a possible mercenary or the sort. A rainbow mane flowed down his neck. What an interesting color, or colors.

"You're Vellum?" The Pegasus asked as he approached the runt.

The pony looked up from his work in surprise and swiftly removed a piece of paper from the desk. He crammed it hastily into one of his pockets. "Y-y-yes. I am." Vellum stuttered nervously. He cleared his throat and regained his composure. "Are you here about the job?"

The Pegasus nodded with a smile. "Yessir!" he replied.

"Good, very good." Vellum grabbed one of the many stacks of papers and dropped them in front of him. "Now, before we begin with your credentials. I'm going to give you the job description, or at least the summary of it. We have been commissioned by Princess Celestia to retrieve valuable belongings from the heart of the Everfree, and return them safely to her care." he explained. "Simple as that."

He seemed puzzled by the explanation. "What exactly will we be recovering?"

"If you want to know more." Vellum gestured to the stack of papers. "You must sign up."

It seemed the Pegasus was rethinking his options.

"But before all that. I must ask, do you have any prior combat experience?"

A large grin formed over his face. "Plenty, I'm proficient with a crossbow and I know a fair bit of swordplay. I've taken some work that requires unfortunate loss."

Vellum nodded. "Good. Then this should be nothing new to you then. Do you have a name?

"Raindrop." The Pegasus announced.

"Then, Raindrop. If you would sign this line right here, you will officially be a part of this endeavor." Vellum seemed eager to get him to sign. Prestige watched his expressions carefully. It seemed like he was desperate for help. Trying to push the Pegasus into signing the contract.

"Before that, I just have one little question. How much are we getting paid for this?"

Now Prestige found himself listening intently to their conversation. If the price was right, he would be tempted to join up himself. "100 bits up front. Afterward though it's hard to say. It mostly depends on our success, but Celestia guarantee's a hefty reward upon our success. Which will be split evenly among the participants."

Raindrop picked up a quill with his teeth and signed without hesitation. Prestige smiled to himself, this had indeed been quite a favorable stroke of luck! Just when he finds himself in the heat of poverty. Chance intervenes and shows him the way to riches. He stood from the chair and made his way over to Vellum. He would be performing on a different kind of stage it seemed.

Last Resort

Selena approached Celestia on her throne and knelt before her respectfully. "The enchantment was a success, Majesty." she reported. She brought the piece before her and let it hover.

Celestia smiled. "I'm glad to hear it." The Piece of the sun shined brightly with magic. Nearly making the light from the windows seem nonexistent in comparison. She brought the piece closer to her and inspected it carefully. "It seems you made the right choice, Selena. His love is most pure for my sister."

Selena stood up straight and met her gaze. "Will it do as you intend?"

The sun Princess nodded gently. "Only one thing left to be done. Then they will be ready to perform their task." her horn glowed with her words. The one piece shimmered for a moment and split into four separate pieces. They danced before their master playfully before falling into line. Celestia whispered to them quietly. They burned brightly and vanished into thin air, leaving nothing but faint wisps of light in their stead. A single tear streaked down Celestias face. "Should it come down to it. They will see that she serves her full sentence..."

Selena felt sorry for her. Having to do such a thing to her own sister would be devastating. "It must be done, Princess. For her sake as well as everypony else."

Celestia nodded. "I only fear one thousand years won't be enough. Should our fear come to pass."