Celestia struggled to her on her hooves. "I think Silver Crescent is correct. I'll call for some chariots to take us back to Canterlot..." Her horn lit with golden energy as she likely sent a telepathic message to her sister at the castle. A few minutes later, several white pegasus stallions arrived, drawing four golden chariots. The leader bowed respectfully to Crescent and the Princess. "Just as was ordered." He then set to helping the Princess into one of the chariots. After he finished, her motioned to the others. "They're strong enough to carry all of you. Get on." When 02F4 stepped onto the chariot, it sunk a good four inches into the muddy ground. She glanced downward and commented, "It appears that I am too much for this transport..." She glanced around, then quickly scanned one of the guards, a pegasus. She smiled as a pair of wing-like appendages extended from her back. After some internal buzzing and whirring, she flapped her wings and left the ground rather easily. ----- Luna greeted the group when they arrived at the castle. "I'm glad you are safe, Sister!" As Celestia stumbled from the chariot, she remarked, "Don't get excited yet, sis. I still feel...ugh...not so good." 02F4 alighted nearby and chimed, "I offered to douse you in white phosphorous and you refused. It will alleviate your symptoms." The elder princess shot a glance at the cyber-mare. "It will also alleviate me of my life, which I and many others hold dear..." Luna stepped forward and glowered at 02F4. "Is this the beast responsible for your condition? Say the word, and I will have her banished."
"This one is not the cause of your sister's illness, Night Princess. As far as I can tell, she is, at worst, a minor threat." Silver looked 02F4 directly in the eye, and continued. "A minor threat that I will not hesitate to end, should you step one hoof out of line."
Holly suddenly ran off, returning several minutes later carrying a small slate and some chalk in her mouth. Walking over to Aqua, she dropped the items at the mute Unicorn's hooves and barked triumphantly.
Silver Shield watched his nomenduplicate disapprovingly. He wasn't quite sure what it was yet, but this pony put him on edge. He felt much more at home in Celestia's palace, though he still had not really found the cause of the town's destruction...he was still to follow The Stranger, so he was still on task. He observed and examined The Stranger's every action, a calculating look on his face.
While Holly was busy making friends with Aqua, Silver Crescent could feel the eyes of the other Silver on him. Is was clear that the young Unicorn didn't like him. Grinning sardonically, he turned to Silver Shield. "You have a lot to learn about subtlety, boy. If you're going to watch somepony, try to make it less obvious."
