//------------------------------// // Where the situation escalates // Story: Celestia takes a vacation // by Hydralisk //------------------------------// “It’s not fair Tabitha!” Kirche said while flailing around her arms. Tabitha offered her a long and complex answer in the form of a “Hm.” Without interrupting her reading. “I mean come on, she could get anything!” Kirche continued to complain. “ And she got one of the few things that actually prevents me from messing with her! “Hm?” Tabitha added questioningly. “Well, no, I haven’t tried that yet.” “Hm!” Tabitha said accusingly. “I could try that.” Kirche started thinking. “But look at what happened to Guiche!” “Hm.” Her short friend pointed out. “Well, yes, he did deserve that.” The redhead admitted. “You know what, you are right! I will try that today.” Kirche said full of determination. Or at least Kirche would have if Louise actually came to the wind magic lesson, Kirche tried to relieve her frustration on the challenge that the teacher gave them but that only blew up in her face. “Where is the Zero!?” A frustrated Kirche screamed out to the heavens, after searching the whole academy grounds. “It is not like her to just skip lessons and the teacher didn’t really seem to care about her absence at all.” “Hm.” Tabita said pointing to their left. And there was Tabitha's familiar sitting with Louise familiar drinking tea and ‘talking’ as far as one could tell with the noises they were making. “Tabitha, what is your dragon doing with Louise winged unicorn thingy?” Kiche asked. “...” this time Tabitha didn't even answer but this did explain where Sylphid spend the time where she couldn’t find her. Apparently because of tea partys with a pony was a valid explanation now. Still this was interesting and as such Tabitha walked up to the duo, with both of them holding tea cups, how they were not breaking she had no idea as one had hoof and the other gigantic claws. Kirche walked behind her carefully, keeping her eyes on Celestia who pretended to not have noticed them approaching. They found themselves in a similar situation like Louise when she walked onto this scene. “Ah, you must be Tabitha, the big sister that Sylphid talked about so much.” Celestia said turning to them, and summoning two tea cups for them, Kirche nearly dropped it from surprise. “And excuse me but I don’t think we have been introduced yet miss?” She said to Kirche. “Kirche.” the redhead answered. “You can call me Kirche.” “Nice to meet you Kirche and Tabitha.” “Eh, hi.” Kirche said lamely trying to hide behind Tabitha who just gave an unimpressed nod before pointing at Sylphid. Celestia picked up on the question.”Oh you're familiar? We are having this lovely outing every day, she is so nice to talk to.” Tabitha really didn’t know how Louise familiar got that impression because every time she tried to talk with Sylphid in her human form she would get a hyperactive child at best and a spoiled brat at worst.”Hmm...” “So, how is Louise?” Kirche asked carefully. “We haven’t seen her in class today.” “Oh it is nice to see that you are worried about your friend, but worry not she is in good hoofs.” Celestia explained. “I assume that you are aware with the problem she had with her magic?” “Oh. Oh, yes the poor Z-Louise.” Kirche quickly caught herself. “Well worry not.” Celestia said pretending to not notice the slip up. “We found the solution, she has a very unique kind of magic that I know how to train and the headmaster allowed us school time to do so and bring her up to standards.” “Realy? That is wonderful.” Kirche actually was kinda happy for Louise, the poor girl never got even one spell right. Although she was a bit sad that she had to think up something new instead of going with Zero. Although Kirche had a more important question.“Say you are a winged unicorn, right?” “The proper term is alicorn.” Celestia corrected.“But generally you are right.” “So, the thing with impure people...” Ah, so that was what the nervousness was about. “Kirche as long as you aren’t someone really evil I can assure you that you have nothing to worry about.” Celestia assured Kirche, who in return took a relieved breath. “I do have a good nose, though, so I suggest you maintain a good bathing schedule” “Hehe…” Kirche laughed nervously, scratching her nape. While Kirche and Celestia talked, Tabitha just stared at Sylphid with intensity. Sylphid not knowing what to do simply offered a cup of tea that Tabitha reluctantly accepted. Kaboom! The explosion that tore through the clearing was an especially vicious one. After Louise got the general grip on levitation Celestia started with the basics of something more advanced. That being liquid levitation, a very useful training exercise that she has never even considered until Twilight explained it to her. Now it was practically basic training in her school. The only flaw was that normally magic would just fizzle out and dispense into thin air. Louise magic had nowhere to go and the typical beginner mistake of using more magic instead of spreading it more evenly. The result has, explosive proportion to say the least. Celestia, now being somewhat used to magic blowing up, quickly produced a barrier between the explosion and Louise and and the observers, that being Henrietta, Agnes and another musketier named Beatrice. Louise who was blushing somewhat admitted.”Ok, I am not ready for more advanced spells yet.” Celestia knew that Louise would have trouble to concentrate on focusing on both the coating of the water bubble and her magic in general took a bit of pity on the girl. “Tell you what Louise, the day you can hold three of those water orbs for five minutes I start teaching you a new and exciting spell.” Louise immediately brightens up and started to levitate another water buble. “You can do it Louise.” Henrietta cheered. Kaboom! Buuuuuut then she tried another one. Celestia exhaled a breath. Henrietta's presence was really distracting. “I suggest that we take a short break for now.” she said. “Princess, while I don’t mind the company but can you really afford to stay away from the castle for so long? I mean you just came back from the diplomatic meeting with Germania.” “I am currently surveying the academy and inspecting its condition.” Henrietta answered briefly. “Speaking of witch, Louise do you know someone named Kirche?” The reaction was not something Celestia was expecting. Louise face became a mix of sauer and angry. “What of the Zerbst.” She practically spat out. “She is not a friend then I assume.” Celestia said. Now Louise just looked plain angry. “What did she do?” “She just wanted to know where you where during the lessons.”Celestia explained.”She also was scared of me because of the purity thing you humans have thought up.” Now Louise was smiling again. “Ha, yes that harlot has plenty to worry about if one considers the purity of unicorns myth. I mean I at this point honestly doubt that there are any second or third year male students, she hasn’t had in her room yet.” “Now Louise, that is no way to talk about your classmates.” Surprisingly that came from Henrietta.“After all in the future you can just insult people like that, it could cause political problems.” “Oh excuse me your highness, let me correct my mistake right away.” Louise said with the most fake smile Celestia has ever seen. “The von Zerbst is very outgoing and enjoy manyer company, especially her nightly activities pull a large audience of the male student body.” Louise said with as much grace as she could muster. “Good girl.” Henrietta said while patting Louise on the head.”I see the lessons are paying of.” “Do I want to know what kind of lessons you mean?” Celestia asked with a raised eyebrow. “Well, you see little Louise here.” Henrietta said poking Louise in the cheek that she puffed out. “Has the temper of a harpy a we just can’t have that in political surroundings, as such I have made it my personal quest to tame her and make her ready for the big life ahead of her and preventing her from creating a national disaster.” Henrietta who didn’t stop petting Louise asked.”Do you dislike her because of her habits or something else to?” “She is a bragging bi...” Henrietta pinched Louise check. “A woman who makes fun of others and has no honor or reservations about who she beds.” “Ah, so a high school bully.” Celestia said finally understanding. So that was the main reason for the nervousness. Also for some reason she could not explains there was a sudden cold sensation in the air. Anyway, Celestia was a teacher, and a bullying will not be tolerated! Now how to go about this? Normally it was easy as she had very many tools to deal with bullies at her school. If she found them that is, bully where so hard to find for the personal of the school that it was rather depressing. But now she was in a completely different dimension, with no real power over the student body at all. That put Celestia in a difficult position, still the most effective way to turn around bully is to turn them into friends. She was not dealing with ponies so had to be smart about this, despite how close the two seemed psychologically they aren't the same. Having them talk about their feeling may not even be an option here, a horrid thought for Celestia. She needed to approach this delicately, but first she was going to meet the bully. Despite her trusting Louise, she couldn’t just base the assumption on her words alone. So for now it was waiting and watching. Kaboom! And teaching. Lots of teaching. The time passed with uneventfully and before they know it the day was ending. “I miss you already!” Henrietta cried out as the two of them had their quiet goodby. “It’s ok, you are a big princess and we will see eachother again.” Louise said patting her back while the Princess was clinging onto her. “Besides you have a kingdom to lead.” “I don’t wana! Ruling sucks.” Celestia nodded in agreement in the background. “Now that is not how a proper princess behaves.” Agnes said as she walked up to the princess. “I don’t wanna be a pwincess.” Henrietta whines grabbing onto Louise for dear life. “Your familiar is smart, she can rule.” “Never in a thousand year, i’d rather date Tirek!“ Celestia screeched out, the ruling of one kingdom was bad enough as it is. “That was, a very... specific answer.” Henrietta said, as everyone looked at Celestia in surprise. Celestia was starting to sweat a bit before coming up with a answer.“I have thought children my whole life, I don’t need children that have actual political power and can destroy the whole country.” Henrietta broke out into laughing at that. “It’s ironic.” Louise said. “I have been listening a bit to the things the commoners talk about, wanting to be royalty is a common theme, meanwhile here you are throwing your crown at my familiar.” After all good bys were done and everyone returned to their rooms and the next day in the morning the princess officially left the academy, of course the whole school was there and all that. After that the daily routine continued, with her skipping most practical classes and instead learning with Celestia. Sadly that also meant the return of one particular habit that she never liked. “Good morning Zero!” And that was Kirche being annoying before breakfast even started. “I was just enjoying not having to deal with you, in fact I enjoyed it so much why don't you buzz of forever.” Louise snapped back. “Now aren’t you stingy today. Oh wait I nearly forgot you are no longer Louise the Zero.” Kirche said what surprised Louise immensely and completely knocked her steam away. “After the familiar summoning you are now Louise the one that managed ONE spell successfully!” And she was back to full rage. But she got a idea and with a smirk she ignited her magic hiding her hands behind herself. Celestia wouldn’t mind a little prank for sure. With that thought she focused on the cake that was a few seats away and slamming it into the back of Kirches head. The Germanian not expecting the impact lost her footing and fell forward with Louise calmly dodging the falling girl. “Who dares.” Kirche screamed out slowly standing up with fire burning in her eyes ready to burn the fool that dared. Louise simply couldn’t hold it back any long and broke out into laughter. “Zero!” Kirche screeched ready to vaporize Louise with just a look. “Why Zerbst, how would I ever have done something like that without a wand.” Louise said with her face read from laughing. “And even if as you just said I only ever cast one spell, didn’t I?” that was all she managed before nearly falling on the ground herself from laughter. Kirche had a twitch in her eyes fighting with what to say. When she realized that she had nothing. She simply screamed out in frustration and stomped out of the hall. Louise watched her for a while with a sense of victory that she haven’t felt in a while. Only as she decided to finally sit down and eat she noticed Tabitha who was staring at here with narrowed and calculating eyes. “What?” Louise asked her narrowing her eyes in the same manner. Tabitha said nothing but simply went after Kirche. After breakfast was done the first lesson of the day started, and because the subject was alchemy Louise wasn’t allowed to sit it out despite how much she wanted to. But one of the perks was that all familiars that could enter the class were encouraged to attend. So Celestia was next to Louise feeling like a foal attending class with Louise next to her. She was happy that she could see some of this world nativ magic, she wasn’t entirely happy that the headmaster allowed her to drop practical classes completely like that but she had to trust in her fellow teacher to do the right thing. That said alchemy class has begun and the work for this class was to create a headache cure. There were three different recipes to chose from and and each student had to present at least one of them at the end of the class. Louise had no problem with any of them, it was after all a simple step by step procedure. Problems started to occur when Kirche started looking for ways the get revenge for the morning. It started innocently with Kiche bumping into Louise making her drop a plant she was walking with. “What was that for Zerbst!” Louise shouted out in anger. “Oh I am terribly sorry Zero,” She said with a hand before her mouth and in a mocking voice. ”But you are so insignificant I just didn’t see you.” A vein popped on Louise forehead. ”More like your brain finally completely dissolving into your udders, Zerbst.” Now a vein popped on Kirches head. “Silence, or is there something you have to tell the class, miss Vallière and miss Zerbst?” The teacher interrupted them and both of them continued their work. Besides this little incident nothing happened, and as such Celestia's research was fruitless. The first break came and she excused herself explaining to Louise that she had to prepare for their later magic lesson. After a short walk she reached Professor Colberts room and knocked. “Yes?” “It’s Celestia, may I enter?” She asked. “Celestia? Of course, come in.” Came the replay and Celestia let herself in. The inside of the room reminded her of a laboratory with many gadgets and tools being spread across the room like the engine from the fire magic lesson. The man himself was hidden behind a mountain of papers and tools spread over his desk. ”What brings you to me? Is it something concerning Louise?” He asked. “Yes, it is.” Celestia affirmed.”To be exact it is concerning Louise and this other Girl named Kirche.” A tired sigh escaped the professor.“What is it this time?” Celestia raised a eyebrow at that. ”I assume then that you are aware of the conflict between the two of them?” “Aware? Celestia, these two are at each other's throats since they came to the academy. The feud between the Zerbst and Vallière is bad enough as it is, but the two of them just keep throwing fuel to the fire.” “How about you explain it fromt the beginning?” Celestia offered and seated herself in front of the professor. “Well, no one really knows who is at fault for it, or how it started, but the two families had been at odds for a very long time. You see, they both share a border and in past wars they were always the first to meet and fight. This already put them at very bad terms, but then this fiasko with a Vallière’s fiance running away with a Zerbst man happened. Since then, it is just cold and utter hatred, additionally with the situation in Albion developing the princess is probably negotiations for an alliance with the Germania which would basically force them to suddenly be friends.” Another sigh escaped the professor. “I think I get the gist of it now.” Celestia said. “Basicly a very old inherited family feud.” “Yes, but this goes a bit deeper than just that. You see, Kirche is very cross with her family. I think they tried to marry her off and she refused burning a few people in the process.” Colbert explained. “Don’t you mean bridges?” Celestia asked raising an eyebrow. “No.” “How unfortunate.” Colbert caught in his fist. ”In any case, as I was saying, this made her very angry at the nobility in general, and she made it a life goal to undermine every standard that exists about it. To be honest, I’m not sure if she realizes that herself. Louise, on the other hand, holds nobility and all its standards in very high regards witch, knowing her mother, is no surprise. This puts an additional conflict between the two of them.” “Oh dear.” Celestia said with a sour face. “I expected the conflict to be bad, but this sounds very serious.” “It is, the only thing that is holding it back is that Kirche would never go too far, and Louise is too prideful to lash back at her. Well, that and the fact that if she did, the whole school would instantly know considering her usual blast radius.” “How have you tried fixing it?” Celestia asked curiously. “Keeping them apart, forcing them together, talking to both of them, talking to them individually...” Colbert counted. “Honestly at this point, I’m simply happy that they are not actively trying to harm each other.” “Well, this can’t just go on like that.” Celestia's eyes widened a bit as something came to her mind. ”Professor, do you think that, if Louise had a way to lash out, she would?” “The chance would be very high.” He said without hesitation. ”This is nearly a year of tension we are speaking about, after all.” Celestia needed to get back to class immediately. There was a knocking heard on the door. “Yes?” The door was opened to reveal the alchemy teacher. “Excuse me for the intrusion on your free day, Professor Colbert, but you are an expert when dealing with the Zerbst and Vallière conflict. The two of them have been at echothers throats way more than usual.” Again, Colbert sighed before standing up.”I will take care of it.” The trio started to walk to the classroom. Just before reaching it, the door was blown off its hinges. They quickly rushed into the classroom to see both of the girls pointing their wands at each other and ready to fire. “Enough!” One shout came from Clobert, who was holding Kirche’s wand in levitation, and the other from Celestia, who was doing the same to Louise’s arms and had a barrier created between the two of them. That was the moment that both girls realized what they had almost done. “I am very disappointed at both of you!” Colbert said with a raised voice. Both Kirche and Louise were standing in front of his desk and with their eyes lowered. ”As punishment, the two of you will help the maids of this school for the next 2 weeks!” Both of them lifted their heads attempting to protest but were promptly cut off. ”This is not up for debate, and I will check both of your works! If I hear that you are not doing it properly, or show any unjust behaviour towards the castle staff, the punishment will be extended!” Their heads were lowered again. “Now, go down to the kitchen, I want the two of you to explain to Marteau why you’re been sent to him, and and if I find out that you gave him false information then you two will find yourself as maids for the rest of the year!” Harsh but reasonable. Celestia would have to ask Colbert if he had any military background. His tone and choice of punishment indicated something like that. It reminded her of Shining Armor. The military stallion had a strict way of raising his children, but the results couldn’t be argued with. Speaking of which, Celestia wondered how Equestria had been doing in her absence so far. Well, thinking about it would do her no good right now, maybe some fun with Illococoo would clear her mind a bit. Then she would start thinking about how to deal with the two student. “Spears, remind me, how are those two mares our rulers?” A guard asked his companion as they were watching the scene in the throne room. “My grandpa told me that they are actually quiet competent when fighting ancient evils and monsters of eldritch origins.” His companion answered. “Hey, doesn't your grandpa celebrate his 250 birthday soon?” “Yes he dose, I was thinking about...” while the guards were talking about birthday plans the scene with two tied-up princesses in the middle of the room continued unfolding. The scene being of a moon princess chained to a pillar, and a friendship princess to a chair “Release us this instant, you fiend!” the moon princess screamed out in royal canterlot voice. Her answer came with a pillow to the face. “Why are thou bombarding us with pillows?!” Luna complained. As answer, she got another one before Stern Eye started explaining. “Sadly, this is one of the only three objects that I am legally allowed to throw at you.” “And why are we tied to the building with magic-chains while Twilight is tied to a chair with a simple rope?!” Luna complained. “Because she won't try to escape, now be a good princess and hang tight while I explain what you did wrong over the last few days.” “But we didn’t do anything.” Now it was Twilight’s turn to complain. “And that is exactly the point!” Stern Eye screamed out. “Since Celestia started her vacation you two didn’t even lift a hoof towards the general direction of paperwork!” “But I did all of my work for the next week in advance.” Twilight said desperately. “And how do you know about Celestia's vacation?” “Every document you sign goes through me.” She reminded Twilight. “And yes your work is done, but tell me Twilight did you consider Luna's and Celestia's work?” Twilight’s eyes widened and wandered over to Luna who was starting to sweat and look around nervously. “Luna? What have we talked about a week before Celestia's vacations started?” Twilight asked sweetly. “I don’t know what you are talking about, Twilight.” Luna lied through her teeth. “Then let me help your old mind a bit.” Twilight said sweetly. Five minutes later, and with a lot of cursing, Luna was tied to the exact same spot as before with the only difference being that she was upside down this time. “You can’t do this to me!” Luna screamed out desperately. “But we just did.” A now rebellious Twilight said standing next to Stern Eye, who looked at Twilight’s work approvingly. “Traitor!” “You betrayed yourself.” Twilight said ominously. “Bwhahahahahaha, bravo bravo, better than any show I could ever watch.” Everyone turned their heads to a chair that was floating in mid-air, upside down, with Discord seated at bottom of it with his paw dug into some popcorn. “Discord, we offer you a trade, you are allowed chocolate rain for a week if you free us!” Luna said desperately. “A tempting offer but I have to pass.” He said stuffing his mouth with popcorn. ”Watching your sister being chased by an angry dragon is way more fun right now.” He said as a mirror appeared in front of him that absorbed all his attention. “Curse you Discord, you were our last ho… Wait, what was that?” Now Discord Really had all the attention in the room, not that he had a problem with that. “Oh yes Celestia, seems to really have fun with that dragon, you would assume that being ponynapt by a void summoner would be exciting enough for that mare.” There was a sound stones breaking and metal chain snapping and in a instant Luna and Twilight both right next to the chaos spirit and staring at the mirror that depicted Celestia flying at high speed while a blue dragon was chasing after her. Despite being a sunny and beautiful day outside, for a brief moment, every citizen of Canterlot only felt cold and darkness.