//------------------------------// // Pound Cake II // Story: Perspectives // by StunningSwan //------------------------------// It has been two years since I left the Estate and went to the Ordo Equestris Academy. I am fourteen now. One would usually need to be the academy for four years to graduate, but I did in two. I am a genius after all. I have decided that I was going to go home after I graduate. It turned out differently then I had hoped for. One of my teachers, Flash Magnus, signed me up to be part of a program that trains ponies to become knights. Apparently, he sees me a knight in me. He said I did not have to do it but he requested me to at least go to the orientation. Out of courtesy, I went. I was shown around the palace and surprisingly, the tour was actually fun. It made me consider training to become a knight but still, my mind is already set on going home. Skyla is waiting for me after all. That was until I met her. After the tour was finished, we were able to go to the arena and practice using wooden swords. Unlike the other colts, who all got training with a sword, I had no experience and was getting beat up. “Got you, Pound”, an older colt said as he pushed me against the wall. “Yeah yeah, I get it”, I said as I got up. “Three in a row! Nice one Hoops”, a friend of the colt said. “What do you expect? It’s not like this commoner was ever going to beat me?” I roll my eyes to his comment. Though I am popular for being a young scholar, some still look down at me for being a commoner that was adopted by a Marquis. It still bother me til this day. “At least this commoner can read. I heard you are still struggling to read words with more than four letters”, I fired back. “Why you!”, the older colt said as he tried to land a punch on me. I quickly ducked as his friends started to surround me. “You need to learn your place you filthy commoner” That’s the last straw. I have been patience with them throughout this whole tour while they have been bullying me. I can not stand it any longer. I gave the colt a right hook to the jaw and he suddenly fell to the ground. I flew away while his friends were distracted by the knockout. I flew out of the arena and before I knew it, I was in a garden. I flew down and landed near a tree. I still felt angry, so I started to punch the tree. I hate it. I hate it when they lower me to something that I am not. The worst part is when I actually start believing them. I don’t deserve to live a noble’s life. It was never meant to be that way. All these weights on my shoulders are killing me. Maintaining a good status for the Shy House, tolerating Father’s schemes, taking care of Skyla. Why me? “Uh, excuse me?” I look up toward the voice. I see a filly sitting on a branch looking down on me. “Can you please stop that?”, the filly asks. I didn’t respond. I was distracted by her teal crystal eyes. She’s royalty. The filly flew down as I realized she is an alicorn. “You’re the princess”, I accidentally blurted out. The princess looks flustered after my comment. This filly is Princess Flurry Heart. The daughter of Emperor Shining Armor and the late Empress Cadance. Father says that the princess isn’t particularly favored by the Emperor, more like the opposite. The princess reminds me of Skyla. Well, they are sisters after all. Like I said before, she has crystal eyes just like Skyla however, they're different. I don't know how you would describe it, but compared to Skyla, who's eyes give off a bright aura, for some reason, this filly's aura gives off more of a dark tone. Maybe it is just me. I shake my head as I regain my focus. “Sorry. I didn’t know this was your tree” “W-well, this isn’t particularly my tree. I was just hid- I mean resting here”, the princess said. “Right . . .”, I say. It was quiet for a moment. I did not know what to say. Should I address the problem or should I just fly away? “May I ask you something”, the princess shyly says. I nodded. “Why were you punching my tree?” I sighed and looked away. “I-I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to o-offend you. I’m sorry about my question” Her tone is just like Skyla’s. A worrywart with many hints of insecurity. I turn back at her and smile, “Don’t worry, you didn’t offend me at all”. She slowly calms downs. After taking care of Skyla, I have learned that a smile will always soothe anyone. I continue, “I did it because I was mad. Some ponies made me feel worthless”. I sit down and look up at the sky. “Um, may I sit next to you?” I turn to her and gave her a nod. She goes next to me and sits down, looking at the sky with me. “My nanny Starlight told me that I shouldn’t lower myself to something that I am not” “Does it work?”, I ask. “I wish, but I don’t think I can never do that.” I look at her. Though I don’t fully understand her troubles, I feel bad. “Others may see you’re worthless in their own eyes but I don’t. You shouldn’t too” My eyes widen. I felt touched. “You only just met me. How could you say something like that?”, I asked. She suddenly becomes flustered again and says, “I-I’m sorry. T-that was too forward. Forget I said anything” I chuckle and shook my head. “You made me feel better. Thank you princess” The princess looked surprised. “Please call me Flurry”, she quietly said. I nod to her request. “My name is Pound Cake”, I said as I give her a smile. “Flurry Heart!” I turn toward the voice. She looks like she is a maid at the palace. “So this was where you have been hiding all this time” “I’m s-sorry Miss”, Flurry said. “You will be once we get back.”, the maid said as she pulled her by the ear. Flurry looked terrified, something bad was going to happen. I wanted to help Flurry so I said, “Wait! You can’t treat her like that, she’s royalty”. The maid scoffed, “I don’t get paid enough to look after this little bug. Unless you work here, you need to keep your mind in your own business”. I didn’t know what to say. I spaced out as the maid dragged Flurry with her while Flurry begged for me to help. I couldn’t do anything, I felt worthless again. I don’t get it. Why does Flurry have to be treated that way? Why doesn’t the Emperor like her? Why can’t I protect her? I want to protect Flurry so badly for some reason. But I can’t if I don’t have the power to unless . . . I think back to Skyla. I know she’s waiting for me, but things are different now. When I think about it, Flurry has it worst than Skyla. All the servants love Skyla, she has a great home, and Father and Mother are somewhat kind to her. While it seems like the servants here disrespect Flurry, The Emperor hates her, and most of all, she’s alone with no place to call home. Should I choose a pony I just met today over family? How would the outcome be? It was at this point that I have made my decision. I’m sorry Skyla. It’s been three years since I’ve decided to become a knight. I have worked my flank off ever since and after these three years, I have become the youngest pony to become captain in Equestrian History. Of course I’m happy to make history, but I’m more happier that now, I have the power to protect the one I care for. Skyla was finally introduced to the Emperor and surprisingly, she was accepted. By now, most would know her as the ‘Lovely Princess’. I’m happy for Skyla. She finally found her family, a home she actually belongs to. And now, I don’t have to worry about her as much like before. It felt like a weight was being lifted off my shoulder. Not to mention, Flurry confessed to me. And I confessed back. We even kissed. It felt like everything is finally going my way. I can finally focus on what I want. That was what I thought until Father told me the news. “Congratulations son!” “You’ve already congratulated me enough Father. I get it. I’m proud of myself too”, I said, thinking that he was referring to me becoming the Captain. Father shakes his head. “I think you misunderstood” I raise a brow, “Then what is it?”. “You are getting engaged to Skyla!”, he said with cheer. Wait what? He’s got to be joking. “Is this another one of your jokes? If it is, it’s not funny Father”, I question. “I’m being serious” “Father, you’re being crazy. I’ve known Skyla since she was a filly. She’s my cousin for Celestia’s sake. I can’t be engaged to her!” “Well, there is no law stating you’re not allowed to marry your cousin. Besides, you guys are not really blood related” I groaned, “This is nonsense Father! I never agreed to this. Surely, Skyla won’t too.” “What do you mean, Son? Skyla is in love with you. She confessed to the Emperor about it” It felt like my heart was going to stop. Skyla is in love with me? The thought of that makes me want to puke. “I refuse. I love Skyla, but you know I don’t love her in that way” “Son just think about it for a moment. If you do marry Skyla, imagine all the power we’ll have. You’ll become Emperor and-“ I interrupted him, “I like the position I have right now, thank you very much.” “Son please, do it for your family. For Skyla. For me”, Father begged. ”It’s always about power for you, isn’t it Father?” Father scoffs, “You’re one to talk.” I roll my eyes. He continues, “How do you think you became Captain? Because of your valiant effort? Please.” “What are you going on about now?”, I ask. “You became Captain because of me and Skyla.” “What?” “My money and power is the reason that you are where you are now. Not to mention, ever since Skyla was welcomed here, all she can talk to the Emperor about is you. Her praises have convinced the Emperor to actually make you the Captain. Otherwise, that position would have been given to another stallion” It can’t be. All my hard work has been for nothing. I always wanted to prove them wrong, that you did not need money and power to get what you want, but I’ve been doing that the whole time. I’m speechless. “Just imagine, what would happen if you rejected Skyla. Not only would you make Skyla sad, but the Emperor furious. I wonder what punishment he will inflict on you. You’ll probably lose everything” He brought out a ring box. “If you do not want that to happen, I’ll advise you to make it official with her” I grab the box and started to walk out of my office. As I did, Mother walks in and says, “Pound dear, are you alright?”. I ignored her and continue to walk away. My head hurts, I just need to take a walk in the garden. ”How did you convince him dear?” “By making him think he’s worthless.” “Don’t you think you were being too harsh on him?” “Hmph. He owes us for taking him in. If he couldn’t pay his debt, he would have suffered the same ending as his father” It’s been about two weeks and it’s been hectic. I was forced to propose to Skyla and the news of our engagement spread. Then Skyla got poisoned and Flurry is accused of poisoning her. I don’t know who poisoned Skyla, but I know for certain Flurry did not. For the past five days, since Skyla fell into her coma. I have been busy taking care of Skyla while trying to find the real criminal behind this. I have found nothing. Nothing to prove Flurry innocent. Flurry has been locked in the dungeons for the past five days. I haven’t gotten the chance to visit her. I’m in a turmoil. I feel stuck in between Flurry and Skyla. Skyla, my dear cousin who I have been taking care of since we were foals. We are engaged, but she doesn’t know that I actually have feelings for another. Even worse, someone poisoned her and she’s in a coma now. But Flurry, I fell in with her since we first met and I decided to become the Captain to protect her. She has been framed for poisoning Skyla and there is no evidence to free her. She must be suffering in that cell, feeling more alone than ever. Maybe I should finally visit Flurry. I started heading to the dungeon until I passed by Mother. “Pound? Where are you going? Aren’t you suppose to be with Skyla?”, she asks. I couldn’t tell Mother I was visiting Flurry, she would get furious. “Uhh, I have some business to attend to”. “I thought you are off duty at this time”, she said as she lifted a brow. I couldn’t come up with anything. I can never lie in front of this mare. “Son?” I sighed, “I’m going to the dungeon”. “For what? To see the Lowly Princess?”, she said with a chuckle. I kept quiet. My reaction made her suspicious. “You’re kidding? You are actually going to visit her?” I look away from Mother so she wouldn’t stare me down. “She poisoned Skyla! Why would she want to talk to her?” “Maybe if I talk to her, I can find out some information to figure out who really put Skyla in a coma”, I explained. “You still don’t believe she didn’t poison Skyla?! She directly gave Skyla the poison. What other evidence is more clearer than that?!” ”I just know Flurry would never do such a thing!” Mother was in shock for a moment. Once she regained her focus, she said, “I didn’t want to believe it”. “What does that mean?”, I question. “There are rumors in the palace that you and that Lowly Princess kissed” I froze. My reaction told her everything. “So it is true!” “Mother please! I can explain” “How can you do this to us? To Skyla? Why? With her?” “You should know that I was never in love with Skyla. I-” Mother interrupted me, “You are in love with that bug”. I sighed. I looked at her and nod. She puts her hoof on her forehead and says, “She must have bewitched you somehow! Why else-” I stopped her immediately saying, “Flurry would never do that! And she would never poison her own sister! I love her!”. Mother slaps me. She never struck me before. “Don’t you ever yell at your Mother!” I rub my cheek. She sighed, “Don’t look at me like I’m the bad guy. Flurry is the one that poisoned Skyla for Celestia’s sake. Look at her that way.” She turns her back at me and starts to walk away. “If you really want to visit her, go. But just know, you are making a big mistake” I turn back and started to walk toward the dungeon again, but a guard stops me. “Captain! I have urgent news”, the guard says. “What is it?” “Princess Skyla woke up” My eyes widen. I shake my head. No, I have to see Flurry. “I’ll visit Princess Skyla later. I have to talk to Princess Flurry first”. “But Princess Flurry Heart has been ordered to be brought to the Emperor” My heart skipped a beat, “Wait what? Are you sure?!”. The guard nodded. Only one thing came up at my mind. Flurry is in danger. I need to save her. “I’ll report to Princess Skyla immediately then”, I said as the guard saluted me. I need to get to Skyla before something bad happens to Flurry. I bolted to the Amethyst Suite. Once I got there, I see Skyla up on her bed, “Pound!”. I ran to her and gave her a hug, “You’re actually awake! Are you okay?”. “Y-yes. But did something happen? The maids won’t tell me anything. The last thing I remember doing was having tea with Flurry” I looked at the maids and signaled them to leave. Once they did, I told her everything. “You were poisoned and fell into a coma for five days” She gasped, “How could have this happen?! Who would do this?!” I comfort her. “I don’t know who actually did, but everyone is pointing at Flurry” “But sister would never do such a thing to me!” I nodded. “That’s exactly what I said, but she was there when you collapsed, so that’s the only evidence they have. And Flurry is now with the Emperor, I fear he is going to hurt her”. Skyla started to get off from her bed, “No! I’ll talk to him! I can stop this.” “Be careful Skyla”, I said as I helped her get off. “Let’s go to my Father” I quickly guided her to the throne room. “Do you have any last words?” “Father please! I’ve been framed! Please listen to your daughter” “You were never my daughter”. Skyla suddenly barges in shouting, “Father wait!” The Emperor looks shocked. He started to walk to Skyla, “You’re awake?” I ran to Flurry who was laid down on the floor. I bent down to her and asked, “Are you alright?!” Flurry nodded. “I’m so sorry I didn’t visit you? You must have felt so alone.”. Flurry quietly says, “It’s alright. I’m fine now.” We turn our heads back to the Emperor and Skyla. “Father please! Flurry didn’t do it. Please don’t hurt her” “Why are you defending that bug? She poisoned you!”, the Emperor turns his head toward Flurry as his horn started to glow bright again. I got up and stood in front of Flurry to protect her. “I can’t stand how you treat my sister like this any longer. For Celestia’s sake she is your daughter! Your beloved wife’s daughter! Why do you hate her so much?!” I was shocked. I’ve never seen Skyla this mad before. “I’m the one that you should be hating. I am your illegitimate daughter after all.”, Skyla says as she starts to cry. The Emperor turns back to Skyla and puts a hoof on her cheek. “I can never hate you”. “Then why do you hate Flurry so much?” “Skyla . . . you are mines and Cadance’s daughter”. “I don’t understand. What are you talking about?” “I was going to wait a little longer until I tell you the truth but . . .”, the Emperor says. He continues, “I guess now is the best time”.