//------------------------------// // 6. The Old Switcharoo // Story: Chrysalis' Revenge // by RickyB //------------------------------// CHAPTER SIX: The Old Switcharoo An hour after Celestia entered her chambers the dark azure form of Princess Luna lingered outside her sister’s door. She knew her elder sister was exhausted from the day’s ordeals. She was about to leave, but then she heard it. That heart wrenching sound of her sister crying. Luna’s heart sank in her chest, she went to open the door and found it was unlocked. When she entered she saw her sister, Princess Celestia, who many of equestrian looked to as a pillar of strength, was crying like a foal. “Sister?” Luna asked. “Art thou well?” “Leave.” Celestia said between sobs. “Sister there is little you can do. Little any pony can do.” Celestia looked up her face streaked with tears. “I will not leave thee like this!” Luna declared as she trotted over to her older sister and hugged her. “Dost thou remember what you asked the night I returned from banishment?” “I fail to see how this has any bearing on the current situation.” Celestia observed rather curtly. “Answer the question.” Luna insisted. “I asked you to share my bed with me.” Celestia replied. “It had been a thousand years and I knew you were still troubled. I though a night under my wing, would sooth you.” “Then allow me to return the favor.” Luna said with a smile. “This is no joke sister!” Celestia scolded her voice angry. “I don’t even know what I am anymore! When I look in the mirror I see that face, that horrible face.” Luna hugged Celestia tighter, not letting go for several minutes. She remembered when she was younger and she had bad days. Celestia was always there for her. Now she returned the favor her horn glowed bright blue. “Tis a harmless spell.” Luna explained. “To allow you to sleep, without trouble.” Celestia smiled at her sister kindness before her eyes grew heavy and she found herself in a peaceful sleep. Luna smiled as she left her sisters chambers but that smile faded. “Please Shooting Star, Twilight Sparkle, I beg of thee both, find a solution to this before it does more damage to my sister.” XXXXX The morning was late and Celestia woke up when Clean Sweep opened her curtains. The regal mare bolted up in her bed. “The sun!” she cried. “Please Princess.” Clean Sweep said. “Princess Luna rose the sun this morning, she said you be allowed to rest. After the day you had yesterday none of the staff dared argue with her.” “I take it she’s resting now.” Celestia said as she used her magic to dress herself in her royal vestment as Clean Sweep brushed her hair. “She is.” Clean Sweep replied. “What of Twilight Sparkle and her friend Rarity?” Celestia asked. “Twilight was released and is in the Library in the archive section along with her assistant Spike and Shooting Star.” Clean Sweep reported. “Rarities leg was healed by one of the Unicorn doctors. So she’s back in your audience chamber overseeing the cosmetic reconstruction.” “I see.” Celestia replied. “Any sightings of Queen Chrysalis?” “No my liege.” Clean Sweep replied. “I must apologize for what happened, she attacked me from behind.” “Chrysalis is a sneaky underhanded one.” Celestia replied. “Please assure the morning court I will be along shortly.” “Of course Princess.” Clean Sweep said as she dipped into a bow before leaving. The Sun Princess looked at the sun now in the sky. She hoped that this day would be better than the previous. XXXXX In the Canterlot Library, the archive section was normally sealed off. With only nobles and scholars allowed access there. However with word from Princess Luna, Twilight Sparkle and her friends along with Shooting Star where given access. “So why are we here again?” Spike asked. “Information Spike.” Twilight replied. “I should have done this months ago! It’s imperative to know everything about the Changelings.” Twilight used her magic to quickly sort through another pile of books. “I’m not finding anything.” Shooting Star stated. “Before the wedding no one heard of Changelings. Now people are scared of them, when they used to be children’s stories.” “Wait!” Twilight said then she looked at the black coated mare. “Star! You’re a genius!” Using her magic she levitated a fat looking book to Shooting Star. “One hundred and one spooks, monsters and beasts.” Shooting star said her face etched in confusion. “Twilight, I was read this book as a filly. I think we all were.” “I think they have a Cyclops in there.” Spike said. “Twilight, what does this have to do with Changelings?” “Look up Changelings.” Twilight suggested. Still skeptical Shooting Star turned to Changelings. She saw a very accurate picture of a changeling. “A Changeling.” Shooting Star read. “An emotion feeding creature, said to be able to take any shape in Equestria. While it’s able to feed on any emotion it prefers love due to how powerful the emotion in.” She looked at Twilight again. “I guess I still don’t get it, this only tells us what we already know.” “They feed off of emotions.” Twilight stressed. “Think of what happened yesterday; Queen Chrysalis incited the Princess to that rage state she was in.” “Was that the buzzing sound?” Spike questioned. “Buzzing?” Shooting Star questioned as she looked curiously at the dragon. “Spike said he heard a buzzing when Celestia… well you know.” Twilight ended sadly. “I should have tried more, done something to try to help her.” “There was nothing you could have done.” Shooting star comforted. “All we can do is keep it from happening again. How does a buzzing sound link to Queen Chrysalis to what happened though?” “Well she does have those funky wings.” Spike pointed out. “Maybe she did something with those?” Shooting Star gave the small dragon a doubtful look. She knew it was doubtful, but in the end the mare just smiled. She levitated more books down to look through them. She heard her stomach growl in protest to not having eaten yet that day. “I think I’m going to get some lunch.” Shooting Star stated. “Want to come with?” “Thanks, but..” Twilight started but looked at Spike after the dragon poked her. He made hand motions towards Shooting Star. “You know, I would love to Star. Spike can you clean up here?” “Sure.” Spike replied. “I’ve gotten used to picking up after you, Twilight.” With a small smile Twilight walked away with Shooting star next to her. Star left but before she did she looked back at Spike, who smiled and gave her a scaly thumbs up. XXXXX Celestia walked through the Stone Garden using her magic to check the statues. Despite what every pony though, all the statues in the garden where alive. At one point during Equestria’s history every one of these statues caused trouble, major trouble. Celestia sealed them in stone, now she checked to make sure none of them would be able to escape, a habit she picked up after Discord got free. She passed by a statue of a griffon he was large in stature and had on some sort of armor. The plaque on his pedestal read, GENERAL BLACKFEATHER LEADER OF THE GRIFFON REVOLUTION. Celestia frowned, the Griffon revolution set Pony/Griffon relations back years. With Gilda and Gustav the exceptions griffons where rare in Equestria, though Celestia was trying her hardest to change that. She then passed by Discord’s statue and noticed a seal was cracked. She frowned knowing Discord would engage her in conversation as she would fix the seal. She also knew what would happen if Discord broke free. Her horn glowed yellow as she set about fixing the seal, almost instantly she heard his voice. ‘I would like to commend you.’ Discord said his voice was only in Celestia’s head. ‘I’ve no time for this.’ Celestia thought back. ‘I’m going to make sure you cause no trouble, I’ve enough to deal with.’ ‘Oh yes.’ Discord returned. ‘The almighty Swiss cheese Queen. Really Tia, why couldn’t you go crazy like that with me? It would have been so much fun.’ ‘Keep this up and next time I let Luna reseal you.’ Celestia threatened. ‘Spoilsport.’ Discord grumped before his voice faded and he was again sealed with no chance to escape. “Princess?” A voice called. Celestia saw Shining Armor coming towards her. “Are you ok?” “I just had to check the seals.” Celestia said. “Discord of course decided to taunt me as I fixed his. How can I help you Captain?” “Well, the Griffon ambassadors heard of what happened yesterday.” Shining Armor reported as the two returned to the Castle. “The news isn’t good, they want to put a vote of No Confidence out on you. Until you prove what happened yesterday won’t happen again.” “I see.” Celestia said. “Has the rest of Equestria found out?” “Yes.” Shining Armor replied. “Most of the towns and cities forgave you. Of course there of some nobles who want you to step down.” “Is Prince Blueblood one?” Celestia asked fully knowing the answer. “I’m afraid so.” Shining Armor replied. “He only wants you to serve as a figure head raising and lower the sun, while he runs the kingdom. Of course Cadence and I where against it. Princess Luna will be briefed when she wakes up.” When Shining Armor finished they were at the Castle gates and saw Cadence who looked like she was scolding Applejack. “You can’t tell a Prince of all people to take long walk off a short cliff.” Cadence scolded though she was struggling to hide her smile. “Well from what Rarity told me.” Applejack retorted. “The guy is the rotten apple of the royal bushel. Ah’m sorry Princess, Ah shoulda jus kept my mouth shut.” “Blueblood?” Celestia asked, then when Cadence nodded. “Where did my nephew go to now.” “Kitchen.” Cadence said then her face lost all color. “Oh no!” “Pinkie is….aw shoot.” Applejack said. Pinkie Pie was in the kitchen, and if Blueblood went there, trouble was sure to follow. The four quickly galloped towards the kitchen where Blueblood was trying to escape, though he was covered in cake. “Pinkie Please!” Mr. Cake begged. “He’s royalty!” “He’s a royal JERK!” Pinkie Pie screamed as she tossed several plates at the Prince. “Aunt Celly.” Blueblood pleaded. “Please make this atrocity stop!” “You wanted to rule Equestria.” Celestia stated. “Yet you are unable to quell a simple matter like this.” “Please.” Blueblood blubbered as he bowed deeply. “This is horrible! I’m sorry for what I said! Please forgive me!” “Excuse me every pony.” Celestia announced. “On behalf of my impetuous nephew I would like to apologize for his rash and boorish behavior. Rest assured he will face repercussions for his actions.” She snapped a glare at her nephew who simply sulked away. “If only all my problems where as minor as Blueblood.” “He tried to take away yer kingdom.” Applejack pointed out not seeing that as a minor issue. “Oh Blueblood is always trying something to gain more power.” Celestia pointed out. “I would happily grant it to him, if I was certain he wouldn’t ruin it and need my help within the first hour. Until then Cadence handles his part of the duties, something that irks him to no end.” Pinkie Pie had shifted duties to cleaning with sponges on all four of her hooves and one strapped to her head and tail. She happily slid in the kitchen cleaning up the mess she made. “Thank you Pinkie.” Mrs. Cake said when she was done. “We’ll see you back at Ponyville.” “Thank you for offering your services.” Celestia said. “I’m sure my staff picked up some tips about cakes from you.” “We just wish it ended on a better note.” Mr. Cake said. He and his family all bowed to the Princess before leaving. Celestia noticed two unicorns trotting towards the kitchen. It was Twilight and Shooting Star, the two mares talked. Celestia smiled, as did Shining Armor and Cadence. “Hello Twilight.” Celestia greeted. “Decided to take a break from the library? I do hope you didn’t leave too much of a mess.” “Spike is cleaning up.” Twilight replied. “Our progress really hasn’t been that good. All we found is a children’s book.” “Are there other areas of the library that could have more ready access to the information?” Shooting Star asked. “I could locate the historian.” Celestia mused. “He’s rather cranky if we wake him though. I could take you to him, after lunch of course.” The group entered the kitchen where Twilight and Shooting Star got Celery Soup. Pinkie Pie decided to try to get more cake, which she was denied causing the pink pony to zoom off with Applejack on her heels to keep her from being crazy. Shining Armor left saying they he duties to attend to also to. Cadence also left saying she needed to check on something and said she would be back in a few minutes. Leaving the Princess and her two protégées. The lunch was awkward, not only for both unicorns but for the Princess who kept them company. The dining area was empty except for those three. “Are you sure you don’t want anything Princess?” Shooting star asked. “Alicorns need less food than Unicorns.” Celestia explained. “Are Alicorns born?” Twilight asked. “Alicorns start as Unicorns.” Celestia stated. “These Unicorns have substantial magical abilities, some like Cadence became an Alicorn as she became a teenager. Others have to wait far longer.” “Could we..” Twilight started. “It’s impossible for me to tell before it happens my little pony.” Celestia replied. “While you do have the potential to someday ascend, who knows when and if that day will ever.” The two unicorns finished their lunch saying little else. Both digesting not only their lunch but also what they were told by the princess. Twilight got the shivers, she knew Celestia had lived for at least a thousand years maybe much longer. What would happen to her if she became an alicorn? Would she be able to sit by and watch as all her friend would eventually die? Would she become a recluse not wanting to deal with that pain? “Twilight?” Shooting star asked. Twilight looked at the black coated mare that was looking at her with concern. “Are you ok? You started shivering, do you need to lie down?” “I’m fine.” Twilight lied. “I just let my mind wander.” “So what are we doing?” Cadence asked as she trotted back in. Thus breaking the tension. “Cadence.” Celestia said. “Could you take Shooting Star to see Canterlot’s leader in beast lore? Perhaps he can help. Meanwhile I’ll take Twilight to see the historian. Hopefully this will yield the answers we seek.” Celestia left with Twilight following her, their walk was uncomfortably silent. Twilight couldn’t help but suspect her mentor was hiding something. As she was about to approach the subject she noticed Applejack looking troubled. “Umm, ya gals seen Pinkie around?” The farm pony asked. “Not since she left the kitchen.” Twilight said then is hit her. “She’s bored isn’t she?” “Well, she decided it would be a good idea to go where the guards don’t want ya.” She pointed a hoof down the hall. “Make matters worse I think Surprise is with her.” “Twilight, Applejack stay close.” Celestia said. “I’ll teleport us to where I think they might be.” In a flash of yellow magic they were gone and reappeared at the now open doors of a study. Once there they saw both happy ponies in magic bubbles giggling. Celestia noticed a very tired looking stallion with a long beard and what looked to be a night cap on. “These yours?” He asked his voice raspy and did little to hide how cranky he was. “My apologies Knowledge Seeker.” Celestia said. “These two are Pinkie…” “I know who they are!” Knowledge Seeker barked. He pointed a hoof at Pinkie. “Pinkie Pie element of laughter.” He pointed at Applejack. “Honesty.” Pointed at Twilight. “Magic.” He pointed at Surprise. “Annoyance!” “Ah’m mighty sorry.” Applejack apologized. “Ya see our friend gets bored easily an..” “Bored eh?” Knowledge Seeker said with a grin. “They can clean my study! After the mess they made!” “Seems fairs.” Applejack agreed ignoring the sad looks from the troublemakers. “Get to it!” The two trudged in and got to cleaning. With Applejack making sure they didn’t slack off. Knowledge Seeker glared at Celestia before going into his study motioning for Twilight and Celestia to follow. “You really know how to get the castle talking.” He said looking right at Celestia. “You think if I found anything out that I wouldn’t go to you?” “I was unaware you knew.” Celestia admitted. “Course I know.” Seeker replied seeming insulted. “I keep up with matters, I know three months ago the Queen embarrassed you, she’s back now. I know that a thousand years ago you accused her of a crime she didn’t commit.” Celestia exhaled sharply and narrowed her gaze at the old stallion. “She was not my pupil.” Celestia said evenly. “Because you say so?” Seeker replied. “Any filly knows that Changelings can absorb a pony they get too close to, it almost happened to her brother.” He pointed a hoof at Twilight. “She was your student as much as this one is.” “I have a name.” Twilight protested. “He knows Twilight.” Celestia assured her. “He’s baiting you, like he bates every pony. Knowledge Seeker I need to know what you know about Changelings.” “You already do.” Seeker replied. “Do you think Beast Master will be able to help? You know everything just to proud to admit your own mistakes.” Celestia bristled her wings ready to unfurl. “You even tell her yet? You tell either of them?” “Princess?” Twilight asked. “Lets’ be off, this was a wasted effort.” Celestia said curtly as she turned and left. Pinkie and Surprise where quick to follow. “A.J.” Twilight said. “Tell Celestia I’ll catch up.” “Ah don’t think she notices.” Applejack replied. “Ah’ll make sure she gets the message though.” Twilight glared at the old stallion. “Why do you hate her?” “I don’t.” Seeker replied. “I hate what she’s become, she’s scared you see it as well as I do. Every pony see’s her fear. You know her for as long as I have and the image she bestows on you as a regal ruler gives way to the truth.” “I know the truth.” Twilight replied. “Do you?” Seeker asked. “Would someone kind like her banish her own sister? You’ve seen the stone garden, all of those once where living, she encased them in stone.” “She did that for the good of Equestria.” Twilight choked out the tears starting to fall. “Yes, for the good of Celestia.” Seeker corrected. “Just stop.” Twilight begged. “Then stop lying to yourself.” Seeker told her. Before he could continue Applejack came running up. “Come on Twi.” Applejack urged. “The Princess was getting worried.” Twilight ran off still fighting back tears from the horrible words about her mentor. “Ain’t you a charmer.” Applejack remarked before she galloped off. She saw Twilight not too far away crying. “Aww come on Sugarcube, don’t let that cranky pony get ta ya.” “Leave me alone Applejack.” Twilight said before teleporting away in a flash of violet. Applejack joined Celestia, Pinkie Pie and Surprise already leaving to find something else to do. Celestia noticed Twilight wasn’t with her. “Applejack? Where is Twilight?” “Don’t right know.” Applejack replied. “What that guy said shook her plenty. Didn’t even wanna talk ta me, jus flashed away.” “I was afraid of that.” Celestia said. “Knowledge Seeker is known for his cruelty and he’s known for his dislike towards me. I should have come down here alone.” “Ah’m sure Twilight wouldn’t let that happen.” Applejack responded. “May Ah should try to look for her.” “I’m afraid Twilight will hide herself away.” Celestia sighed. “I’m sure some pony will be there for her.” “Well.” Applejack conceded. “Let’s get ya back ta a not so creepy portion of the castle.” Celestia nodded as she walked the farm pony following. “Worry not Applejack.” Celestia assured her. “Twilight will make it through this.” “Ah sure hope so.” Applejack sighed. XXXXX “Come on Twilight!” Spike begged as he pounded on the door to what used to be Twilights room, when she studied in Canterlot. The dragon sighed he had just finished cleaning when Twilight ran past him and went into her room slamming the door. “What’s going on?” Fluttershy asked. “Is Twilight alright?” “Oh dear.” Rarity said as she came up. “What happened Spike?” “I don’t know.” Spike answered. “Twilight locked herself in here.” “Twilight.” Rarity began. “Dear, what’s wrong? You can talk to us.” “We only want to help.” Fluttershy added. “You know, if that’s ok with you.” “Oh! Can I yell at the door too?” Pinkie asked as she bounced up. “Twilight’s in there Pinkie.” Spike said. “What happened?” “Well..” Pinkie began then started telling all about her day. Frustrated Spike used his clawed hands to hold Pinkies mouth shut. “With Twilight.” Spike said slowly. “Recently.” He then let go. “Oh that’s easy creasy!” Pinkie exclaimed. “You see Twilight saw some old grumpy guy who said that Celestia is a jerk and all sorts of mean stuff….HEY! That jerk! He upset Twilight! This means war! Pinkie Pie Style!” “That hardly seems needed.” Rarity said, then to the door. “Twilight, can you please talk to us? It’s pretty hard going by what Pinkie is saying.” The door opened and Twilight looked at them her eyes red from crying. “What happened Twilight?” Fluttershy asked as she hugged the purple mare. Twilight explained what happened. “Oh…my.” “How dreadful!” Rarity exclaimed. “Twilight, sweetie, you can’t listen to a stuffy old coot like him. I’ve heard about him and he’s absolutely dreadful. How Celestia tolerates him is beyond me.” “Luna, the stone garden.” Twilight began. “Is every pony alright?” A melodic voice asked. The ponies looked up and saw Princess Luna who obviously just woke up due to the appearance of her flowing mane. “Princess Luna.” Fluttershy said. “I hope we didn’t wake you.” “Twas time for me to waken anyway.” Luna said. “Now, what is wrong?” Twilight recalled again her meeting with Knowledge Seeker. After hearing it, Luna asked to be alone with Twilight and entered the room Twilight was in and closed the door behind her. “It’s true isn’t it?” Twilight asked starting to cry again. “Tia has been around for thousands of years.” Luna began sitting down. “Equestria has had several enemies that both Tia and I have dealt with. The stone garden are the ones Tia dealt with. Deeming them too dangerous to be free, yet unable to finish it.” “You mean?” Twilight asked. “Yes.” Luna said as she looked down. “My hooves are not clean, though I never doubted what I had to do. Tis deeds I am less than proud of.” “Princess Luna.” Twilight started. “I never knew. I’m so sorry.” “Come with me Twilight Sparkle.” Luna bade as she left, Twilight followed. The duo made their way to the stone garden. “Thou knows the tale of Discord, what of General Blackfeather?” “General Blackfeather.” Twilight repeated. “A Griffon rebel leader about eleven hundred years back. Launched an attack on Equestria, he was never heard of after that.” “Tia froze him in stone.” Luna said. “His second in command Steelwing was not so lucky. He fought me, he lost. I don’t relish in taking lives, I avoid it when I can. Hast thou heard of King Sombra?” “No. Is he in the garden?” Twilight asked. “Tia and I disposed of him some time ago. A cruel, cruel leader.” Luna said shaking her head. “I understand you do what you must.” Twilight said. “Still it hurt hearing it from that horrible pony.” Luna simply hugged Twilight who in return hugged the Mistress of the night. XXXXX Applejack and Celestia made their way back to the main part of the castle. There they saw Rarity, Pinkie and Fluttershy. “Hey gals!” Applejack called. “Ya seen Twilight?” “Yes she’s in the Stone Garden with Princess Luna.” Rarity replied. “Dist someone call me?” A voice asked. “That was quick!” Pinkie observed. “Is Twilight ok?” Fluttershy asked. “I’m sorry.” Luna said. “Thou must have me confused. I only woke up five minutes ago.” “We saw you.” Rarity protested. “You where in the Stone Garden.” “Yeah!” Pinkie Pie said pointing out the window. “Your out there hugging Twilight right now!” The group moved towards the window. Celestia felt her heart sink, true to what Pinkie said Twilight was there being embraced by Luna. Or at least a pony that looked like Luna. “Alert the guards!” Celestia ordered. “Get Shining Armor!” With that the Sun Princess raced out followed closely by her sister. XXXXX Twilight was in the embraced of a mare she thought she could trust. Then the embraced grew crushing. “Princess Luna!” Twilight protested. “Your hurting me!” Twilight looked up and saw Luna’s eyes where green. “No. Why?” Luna’s features melted from Queen Chrysalis replacing them with her own. Her horn glowed green and Twilight collapsed to the ground. Two changelings appeared dropping the invisibility spell that kept them concealed. Around them a half dozen more came into sight. Chrysalis stomped her hoof and a hole opened in the ground. “CHRYSALIS!” Celestia screamed. “Take our sleeping guest through the chambers our new dog friends made.” Chrysalis instructed the two who now had Twilight in a green levitation field. “The rest of you, keep them busy.” Four more changelings came into sight and the ten changelings rushed to attack the royal sisters. “Summon your dogs.” Chrysalis told Rover who just tunneled up. The cowering diamond dog leader nodded and used his whistle. A baying sound was heard as a dozen diamond dog solders burrowed up to intercept the racing ground ponies that now consisted of Twilight’s friends and Shining Armor. XXXXX Applejack raced through one Diamond Dog pausing long enough to kick him in the legs. She couldn’t see Twilight, from above she saw Rainbow Dash and the princesses in battle with airborne changelings. “HELP!” Fluttershy cried. “Let go! Let go!” she tried to wriggle free from the diamond dog that had a grip on her. Applejack raced over and kicked the Diamond Dog, take him out. “Girls!” a voice cried. “Princess! Help!” Applejack saw Twilight being surrounded by a group of Chagelings. From high above Celestia it. “Rainbow Dash, Sister. Keep them off me while I rescue my student.” Celestia dived in the Sun Princess hit the group sending changelings scattering like bowling pins. Diamond Dogs tried to stop the princess but the mare sent them flying with powerful kicks. She reached her student. “Twilight!” Twilight raced to Celestia. The two embraced, Celestia smiled, her student was safe. She then felt something, pain, she looked down and a black lagged horn was in her midsection, blood oozed from the wound. Celestia saw the face of her student in an evil grin before it was replaced, by Chrysalis. “Long live the Princess.” Chrysalis chuckled. As Celestia collapsed to the ground. “Sister!” Luna cried as she raced down, but Chrysalis was gone, her Changelings following through the hole. The changelings forgot about their diamond dog allies. “Wait! Wait!” Rover cried frantically. He turned to flee but was caught in a magic field. The carnage was over, but the price had been payed. Celestia lay on the ground. Nurse Redheart was being fetched from the castle to tend to her. The others were confused, Pinkie cried twin streams of tears like a pink fountain. “So they just hit and run?” Rainbow asked. “They got what they wanted.” Applejack replied grimly. “They got Twilight, good fer us that we got a hostage.” “Do what you will.” Rover said. “I won’t talk, I’m not afraid of you ponies.” “Oh really.” Rarity said as she walked up. “No!” Rover cried suddenly terrified. “She forced us to do it really! We didn’t want to but she’s really scary! I’ll even tell you where the tunnel goes! It’s goes to the Badlands!” “That’s where we’re goin then.” Applejack declared. XXXXX Twilight Sparkle awoke some time later. She saw her mentor before her. “Twilight Sparkle.’ Celestia said her voice devoid of emotion. “You always where a constant disappointment.”