Princess Celestia
“Your highness! Your highness! Pardon my interruption in your busy duties, but I have important news!” One of my guards galloped to me with haste. They always do their best.
“Worry not Private Silver, I was only prepping for my next task. However what has arose?”
“Well your highness, the Changeling Queen has returned however she strongly emphasized that...she came in peace.”
He seemed to cringe at the last part, as if he had his doubts. I started to worry, as the treaty we were working on was incomplete and I never admitted her welcome here beforehoof.
“I see, please find Prince Shining Armor and ask him to escort her to my throne room.” He nodded in acknowledgment. “Where is she now?”
“She awaits outside of the castle front with two of her guards. About four or five of us are outside with her as well, keeping a watchful eye.”
I nodded my head and he nodded back and left to follow his duties.
Heading to my throne room I can’t think of why she was here earlier than our meeting day. Tomorrow was, hopefully, the day we would finalize things. “Now I'll have to push my duties to tomorrow in place of our meeting” I muttered under my breath.
I arrived at my throne room which was still empty. Looking upon the window mosaics I admired how far Twilight and her friends have achieved in their mortal lifetimes.
Converting my sister back to Luna and defeating Discord, putting an end to his charades. Even Twilight's assistant, Spike, retrieved the crystal ponies' heart and put an end to King Sombra. I also admired the mosaic of Shining Armor and Cadence defeating Chrysalis not too long before that. I hope that the Queen does not take offense because of one stained window and cancel everything.
The doors flung open and beside Prince Shining Armor, in all his glory, stood the ebony changeling who held a smirk about her face. Her eyes, however, looked to have sincerity deep within them.
I hope I am doing the right thing.
Twilight Sparkle
Well here I am, trotting through town scanning back and forth to see if Trixie was still around.
It’s very unlikely but I’m trying to keep my hopes up that maybe she needed to stop and buy something in the market.
Arriving at the marketplace, I can see that my hopes were just a false illusion, like one of Trixie’s spells, as she was nowhere to be found. Should I actually ask somepony if they saw her? I asked myself. After her bad reputation, ponies might not want to tell me where she went so she could just fade away. But if I want to talk to her I need to try.
Looking amongst the crowd to find somepony to ask, I instantly pick out a particular stallion that stuck out like a sore hoof.
He was a white earth pony with a blonde mane and tail. He wore a gold colored saddle and black shoes upon his hooves, similar to Luna's silver ones. The unusual thing about him was that he held an executioner's axe in a loop on his saddle. I only read about such a weapon but never saw one in person before.
Many of the other ponies noticed it as well, in a vain attempt not to stare. His cutie mark is a bit strange as well. It was a gold libra scale with an axe, similar to the one on the saddle, as a center piece of the scale.
What is this stallion's talent? Is he a pony of malice? That axe is quite...intimidating. He may know where Trixie is but I have to be careful. I don't know him at all or what his intentions are. However, I could say the same about that manticore that crossed my friends and I, but Fluttershy figured him out...with kindness. Maybe, I'll have to do the same. I cleared my throat and made my way towards him, hesitantly.
“Excuse me sir, could a mighty stallion such as yourself answer a question of mine?” He turned towards me with eyes that were unimpressed. He also had bags under them from perhaps age and restlessness. Come to think of it, this stallion could be as old as my dad, if not older.
“I may be able to answer it if I knew what it was. Unless that was the question in which I'd answer, 'Maybe'.”
“Uh no sir, I do apologize sir. That wasn't the question I meant to ask. I wanted to ask if you saw a mare run by. She has an azure coat with a silver mane. She may have been...crying. She also wears a purple hat and cape with stars however she did not wear it last time I saw her.”
“So I take it you were the one to make her upset?” he asked in a harsher tone while squinting his eyes. I think he is judging me.
“Wha-what makes you say that?” I looked to him in surprise but with some irritation from accusing me...even though he was right.
“I read the natures of others like one may read a book. I can sense the good from the evil, the intentions of all and thus I strike judgment.”
Judgment...libra scale...is he a judge or something? But why the axe then? I questioned in my mind. “Well sir, you are indeed correct that I upset her but I didn't mean it. I just, got a little fired up at what she said so I lashed out.”
“Emotions are what make life so special, so powerful and so beautiful. That is what my wife back home taught me however they are nothing, if not bad, if they are not controlled” he emphasized the word ‘not’ with a bit of anger.
“Well I know I raged but what she said was out of line. She insulted Princess Celestia…” blushing lightly and awkwardly I looked away “and I'm kind of close to her, let alone Princess Celestia is royalty.”
“Princess Celestia is the ruler of this land correct?”
“Uh, yea along with her sister, Princess Luna. Are you saying you don't come from Equestria?”
“No I don't. I come from off shores on business. My wife is back home and I wish to get my duties accomplished soon.”
“Wow! So what is it like where you come from?! I mean, I'm a librarian that loves to learn and I haven't studied much off of Equestria! Does everypony carry around such a weapon and if so why? What does your cutie mark mean?” I ranted on like I was Pinkie Pie on a daily basis without realizing my rudeness. He made a face that told me he was annoyed. “I-I'm sorry sir.”
“Well I am the only one with this axe for it is a family heirloom passed down from father to son. It has seen many things such as poverty, injustice and even war throughout the times it spent with my forefathers.
I use it to execute the guilty as I have been an executioner for 5 years now. I was a judge for 20 years before that.
I knew he must have been a judge! Well he was at least. I cheered to myself. “Wow, so your rules there must be stricter?”
“Yes, order is of highest priority and examples must be made out of people no matter the species. No one is above the law and evil has no right to exist” he had fire in his eyes as he spoke with a powerful voice and held a sturdy pose that would not give in to anything but what he just said.
“Wow those are some strong words.”
“Yes, well I do not tolerate injustice.”
“I see...oh I forgot to introduce myself to you sir. Please excuse my rudeness but I am Twilight Sparkle. May I ask your name?”
“Yes, my name is Serious Justice.”
“Very fascinating name. I'd like to ask you much more but I've kept enough of your time.”
“Yes I do have important business here so I must be going. However, I'll tell you that I did see the mare you spoke of running out of the town entrance. I believe she's heading towards the forest near here.”
“Oh no the Everfree forest? Why is it always there?”
“I take it trouble finds its way to that location?”
“Yea, only for more trouble to erupt.”
“I regret not being able to help you in this matter but duty calls.”
“Thanks, Mr. Justice, I'll be fine. I got friends that can help me.”
“At least there's that. Good day Ms. Twilight Sparkle.”
“Farewell Serious Justice. Thanks for your help.” He nodded his head and left the marketplace. He was different than most but I guess that is expected from somepony not from Equestria. Shoot, I forgot to ask where he was from exactly. Oh well, maybe I'll see him again someday but as for now, I should go see if Rarity will help me rally up the girls.
I spent way too much time not looking for Trixie.
Princess Celestia
“Greetings Princess” she said smirking at me as she approached.
“Hello Queen Chrysalis.” I simply nod. “Thank you Prince Shining Armor but I can manage from here.”
“As you wish your highness” the brave stallion bowed to me and then took his leave, closing the doors behind him.
“So Queen Chrysalis, what brings you to my kingdom earlier than expected?” I ask my guest in an agitating tone.
Still wearing her smirk she chuckled lightly, “Well to be honest, I'd hope it would make a good impression on you at how much I would like this to happen. You know, to show it’s not some trap, illusion or evil plan and that I am in this one hundred percent. Oh and so you are aware, the guards that were with me are outside of the room with yours. In case if you were...worried or anything.” Taking a shallow right turn, she started making her way slowly towards me, careful to not act in any abrupt way.
Her eyes disengaged me for a moment, as they went up at the mosaics that I was just looking at moments ago.
“Who is this?” She asked as she gazed up to the mosaic of Discord's rising. “An old friend hmm...?”
“Hardly, the monster you are looking at is the entity of Chaos only known as Discord. He is always a nuisance.” I made my way to stand next to her, keeping somewhat of a distance however.
Sitting down she continued “Ah, so this is the infamous Discord whose name has been whispered throughout my kingdom.”
“So you do know of him” I said dryly.
“Well I believe his name has been heard throughout all of Equestria and even the lands beyond” her voice began to sound less playful and more conversational.
“That's right, you aren't from Equestria thus your journey must have been long.”
“Yes I actually arrived only a few hours ago but I blended in with your rich ponies of Canterlot only to not cause any panic.” Subtle confusion forming on her face she asks, “Does your kingdom allow media?”
“Indeed and I'm sure that rumors of your presence has spread.” Frowning I met her eyes. There was no reason to beat around the bush any longer.
“Enough small talk, there is business to attend to.” Heading over to my center table within the room, Chrysalis stood and followed, sitting across from me.
Looking sternly in her eyes and said, “So Queen Chrysalis of the changelings, why do you seek peace after your attack many moons ago?” I am shuffling through some of the papers with some parts of the treaty, checking for corrections. Losing her smirk, she gained a serious face with a grim tone,
“Well, Princess Celestia, my people are starving. We ran into a famine the past year. Our annual feast of love was not enough as many of us died of starvation.
I did what I did in the past because I cared for my people much like you do yours and if conquering another kingdom was to do it then so be it. I made my decision in desperation. My people were starving and it seemed like I had exhausted all my other options.” I stopped shuffling the papers, finding interest and need of attention in her words.
“My people grew weak as the deaths rose. My loyalist of subjects even reported to me of revolution. Some had the audacity to have my head on a pike.” Some anger grew in the Queen but I also took notice that her eyes were getting moist.
“I sorrowed at seeing my people suffer, I hated feeling weak and eventually, I began to fear my own army. I had to find another way, so I had no other choice but to seek alliances.” She turned her head away with a minor blush from humility. “I went to the griffins but they refused. They are too proud of a culture that does not rely on outside help. A bit barbaric but, who was I to make such claims.”
“So then why us?” I finally asked my question that I pondered since we had written the treaty. “Why would you think it to be a good idea to seek out the ponies of Equestria after your invasion?”
Looking back at me she gave me a face that the answer was obvious. “Well that is precisely the point. In order to get help I needed to seek forgiveness in order to understand other feelings besides gluttony. In order to change I needed someone to believe we could change. In order to make a new friend I would need to seek pardon from an old enemy. If I could do that, there is hope for my people.”
“I think I understand what you’re getting at however, I must remain protective of my little ponies and so I must still be on guard.” I stood resilient as a sign that I will stand by what I say.
“I suppose it can't be helped…” She leaned forward with pleading eyes, “…but time heals all wounds right?”
“I believe that is how the saying goes.”
“I really hope it’s true, Princess.”
Twilight Sparkle
The streets of Ponyville were crowded as usual as I headed over to Rarity's boutique. Nearing her fine establishment I noticed she had the “Sorry, we're closed” sign. That peeked my curious, Why is she closed in the middle of the day?”
“Oh I hope she's okay.” I whispered to myself. I walked up to her door and knocked a few times,
“Rarity, are you there? Are you alright?” The door creaked open slowly until a confused Rarity was revealed to me whose face quickly shined.
“Twilight darling, how are you dear?!” she said with a bright smile filled with excitement.
“I'm well but how are you? Are you okay?”
“Well certainly, why ever do you ask?” she raised an eyebrow.
“Well I saw your sign said you were closed and it’s the middle of the day.”
“Oh I'm terribly sorry I haven't told you. I thought I informed you of the good news!” Rarity squealed with delight.
“I have been invited to Canterlot by the fashionista, Photo Finish! She wants to make reviews for some of my work that would be read by ponies from all over Equestria! Maybe the world! Many will come far and wide to see and buy my art! This could be my big break!”
“Oh Rarity, that is wonderful! I'm so excited for you! So you’re leaving today?”
“Indeed I do, my train is in two hours.”
“How long will you be gone for?”
“For about a week darling, but we must get together when I come back. I don't want your trip here to be completely pointless, if that makes sense.”
“Yea that sounds great, um, do you know if the other girls are at their houses?”
“Oh my dear, we are terrible friends to not have informed you. I feel awfully dreadful. This is the worst possible thing!” she exclaimed in her typical drama tone however, it was not so dramatic this time.
“What do you mean?”
“Well just about everypony is going on some trip. Applejack has left to assist her cousin Braeburn in Apploosa, Rainbow Dash went to follow the Wonderbolts on a tour of shows across Equestria and Pinkie has gone to a bakery competition in Dodge City, taking Fluttershy with her.”
“Woah, everypony is busy.”
“Is something the matter dear?”
“Oh no, it’s...uh...everything is fine.” I suppose I'm on my own. I thought to myself.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes Rarity, everything is well. I better let you finish packing. I hope you have a fun and successful trip!.” I wrapped a hoof around her, bringing her close. She hugged me back.
“Thank you darling.” We released our grips after about a minute, “We'll get together as soon as I come back and I'll let you know how it all went.”
“Heh, I'd like that. See ya Rarity.”
“Take care dear.” Turning around I made my trek towards the Everfree Forest in search of Trixie, alone.
I hope she’s ok.
Princess Celestia
“So Queen Chrysalis, if I help you find food for your changelings can I count on your army's support if ever needed in the future?”
“Why certainly but whatever for? Are you planning on attacking off Equestrian shores? My, my that is very unlike you.” She put on a grin that reminded me of Discord's wicked mind at work. Anger grew within me.
“I would never do such a thing! The lives of my subjects are precious to me and never will they be thrown away to pointless slaughter!”
“Do settle dear Princess, I am only surprised that you would worry about such a thing” her smirk faded.
I took a deep breath and calmed myself before I spoke again, “I apologize however these things are serious matters and I cannot fool around with big decisions like a child. I only ask that you come to Equestria's aid if ever attacked and we shall do the same for your kingdom. There are nations still very aggressive even today.”
“I understand, and I do apologize for my...absurd comments. Taunting enemies...even former ones...has always been a bad forte' that I seek to overcome.” Soon after the Queen spoke, the doors creaked open with my sister making her way in, closing the door behind her.
“Hello little sister, allow me to officially introduce you to Queen Chrysalis, ruler of the Changelings. Queen Chrysalis this is my sister, Princess Luna, Goddess of the Moon.”
“Charmed to meet another being that seeks...redemption.” My sister said with a smile.
“Yes I have heard of your other personality...Nightmare Moon was it?”
“Indeed however we have been cleansed by the elements and I seek to rule Equestria once more by my sister's side. But have we met an agreement?”
“I believe the Queen and I can come to terms on an alliance. Queen Chrysalis I ask that you stay in Canterlot castle as our guest so that we can get more familiar with each other and build more of a comfort zone between us.” I said in a pleasing tone in hopes that she would accept my most sincere invitation.
“I would actually be grateful to receive this opportunity and I thank you for the invitation.”
Chrysalis’ eyes widened, no doubt taken aback from my sudden hospitality. “I would actually be grateful to receive this opportunity and I thank you for the invitation.”
My sister swiftly spoke with glee, “Excellent then, we will escort you and your guards to the royal guest room. The royal guest room has a guest room across the hall for your guards. You should all fit quite comfortably. Then I must proceed with my moon duties.”
Luna headed out the door with Chrysalis following her, and me to the left of her. Once we three were heading down the hall, both changeling and pony guards followed us side by side.
I wonder if Twilight has been placed in any of these tough trusting situations.
Twilight Sparkle
I entered the edges of the deep, dark and damp forest. The three adjectives that start with 'd' and describe every dangerous forest.
Oh look, I found another one that starts with a 'd'. I really hope I find Trixie quick before it gets dark or else I will be in a serious predicament.
Fighting my way through thick bushes that blocked my path, I passed through the last one but my back hoof got stuck in one of its' branches. I looked back on it, struggling to get free.
Yanking it loose, I started moving forward, turning my head forward straight into a spider web. I complained out loud as I tried to remove it. I think I got most of it off but I have that feeling that it is still on me.
Suddenly I heard growling in the distance. A timber wolf...or maybe a manticore...? My heart began to beat fast as I started galloping in fear.
Finally, I found my way to an open area, away from the potential dangers of the Everfree. It looks to be a lake and the lack of canopy revealed a sky that was soon turning dark.
Heading over to the water which looked quite clean, I washed my face and coat in the shallow parts to clean myself from the webbing. The lake reminded me of the small pond that Zecora had me train on in preparation against Trixie. I feel all my problems wrap around Trixie. At least lately they have. Now I'm risking my life to save her. Why? What the hell am I thinking? Why am I st...
My thoughts were interrupted by the sight of the very mare I was looking for. Trixie.
She laid on an area that was surrounded by rock walls except for the lake's shore line to it. As night had finally come with the moon rising, it appears she is trying to go to sleep but is shivering from the cold wind. She tries to use her cape as a blanket but to no avail it is clearly too cold out.
I moved slowly towards her through the water, being careful not to startle her. Eventually making it out of the water without her noticing, I shook myself off, careful not to get any water on her.
As I get closer towards her she shuffled. I froze, stressing that she would wake up, see me and run off again. She only faced her head the opposite direction from me, making it easier on me.
Standing next to her I could see it in her face that she had been crying and was suffering in these terrible conditions. I feel like a pompous know-it-all bully picking on her fellow classmates in school. This is my fault.
Laying down beside her, getting as close as possible, I placed my right forehoof, and hawk around her, placing my chest to her back. My tail should be extra warmth, so I’ll use that as another blanket for her.
I can see that she has stopped shivering, and her face relaxed some. Hopefully now we can get some sleep.