Illegal Heritage

by ZhaoZoharEX

Debriefing

All agents across Equestria, and indeed the globe, rejoiced with the news that the most infamous traitor in their organization was not only captured, but dead. Some cleanup was necessary before leaving the abandoned manor, but Pandora was satisfied with the success of the operation. Many agents who worked with her applauded her for her patience and coordination, saying she deserved to be rewarded for her part in the mission. While she was flattered, Pandora wasn’t sure she cared as much as they did. At the moment, she had several things on her mind, but one thing stood out to her. Something she wanted to do before she went back home.

During the trip back to Vanhoover where their train was waiting, she paid a quick detour to the cemetery, purchasing a bouquet of flowers on the way. In no time at all, she found herself at the grave of a close family member that she’d missed for quite some time.

“Hey dad,” said to the grave. “I know I haven’t visited in a long time, but so much has been going on in the past thirty-something years. I’ve gotten married to a wonderful stallion who does nothing but love me and he even gave me beautiful children, whom I just adore and they’ve gone on to do amazing things. If only you were still alive so you could see them all, you’d love my husband. It’s been painful since you left us, but he’s so caring and nice. And you were right. I did make him very happy. I miss you, really I do. I’m sorry I can’t stay long but… I can’t thank you enough for everything you did for me, Mentor. I love you.”

Pandora placed the bouquet gently on her Mentor’s grave and sluggishly walked away, wiping tears from her eyes before boarding the train to Canterlot.

The next week, Pandora was called into the clan manor for an important meeting by Secretary-General Mandragora herself. Once she walked inside, she was amazed to see the Headmasters of the other clans had traveled so far to see her. Mandragora smiled as all agents present saluted.

“I see you are here Pandora. How does it feel knowing you organized the most important successful mission in our modern history?” Mandragora asked.

“Not that different than usual to be honest. Though I am relieved to be done with it.”

The current Headmaster of the changeling Torrent Clan, Neptune, stepped forward. “No need to be so modest. We have deported Khamsin back to our nation to be tried for his actions. Since he accepted the plea bargain, he will avoid death, but he will likely receive a minimum of twenty years for treason and conspiracy.”

“That’s good to hear.”

“Indeed,” Mandragora interjected. “Today, I have an offer I would like to make you. You have proved yourself time and again to be a capable leader and organized enough to lead a nation. Now, I’ve been observing you since you came into the position of Headmistress. I have talked it over with the other heads and I would like to offer you a much higher position.”

“What? You mean…”

“Yes. Headmistress Pandora, I am offering you the position of Grandmaster of the Order of the Four Clans. This is a heavy responsibility, but I do believe you will not disappoint. What do you say?”

Pandora’s jaw dropped. What would she say? She didn’t know what to say exactly. It was a prestigious opportunity that very few were offered. However, it came with some drawbacks that didn’t quite sit well with her.

“I appreciate the offer, but I may need some time to think it over before I make my decision.”

“I understand. Take your time, but I will need an answer by the end of the month.”

The rest of the morning, Pandora’s mind was a jumbled mess as she thought about the kind of things she would have to do in her new position. Her husband noticed her distressed state that night in bed. When asked, Pandora told him everything that happened, seeking his advice.

“The thing about this new promotion, I can’t just quit if I accept. Grandmaster is a title that I will have to carry until I die. It’s not like Headmistress where I can retire if I get to that age.”

“Well, how do you feel about the opportunity?”

“I feel amazed that I’m offered it. Not to brag or anything, but I see why I was offered the title. Part of me wants to accept it, but at the same time I’m worried about us. About our children.”

“Do you want to take it?”

“Kinda.”

“Then I say go for it. I understand your worries about the family, but our kids are all grown up and living lives of their own. I want what’s best for you, sweetheart. If you feel this opportunity is worth it, then don’t let it pass by.”

“You really think I should?”

“If you feel strong about it, you have the support of me and everypony else. I married a strong, capable mare and I know you will be a strong, capable leader. You wouldn’t be offered the job if you weren’t.”

Pandora kissed him passionately. “Thanks for the advice, dear. And thank you for helping me get this far.”

In the ceremony hall in the manor, agents from around Equestria and major agents from the other nations gathered in anticipation for what was to come. Mandragora, dressed in her formal robes, stood in the center with Pandora knelt down in front of her.

“We are gathered here today to fill the emptiness of the passing of our beloved Mentor left in our Order, appointing a new Grandmaster. She may not be typical of such a title, but nonetheless she has more than earned it. Headmistress Pandora of the Cardinal Clan, I hereby dub thee Grandmaster Grimoire. May future generations benefit from you.”

Of all things to be concerned about, it was the new name that she was going to have a hard time adjusting to. All well and good however, she raised her head up high, proud in her accomplishments. Everyone applauded as she stood at the podium. She cleared her throat before speaking what she had to say.

“I’ve applied my life to know purpose, and to expose madness and folly. I have perceived this is but a chasing of the wind, for in much wisdom is much grief. And he who increaseth knowledge, increaseth sorrow. These are the words my mentor taught me throughout my time with him. I stand before you today to say that I would not be standing here without such grief or wisdom, for to deprive us of one would rob us of the other. The passing of Mentor filled us all with grief, but in the process it opened way to new wisdom. I guess what I’m saying is without grief, we cannot define what wisdom is. I believe you truly appreciate a reward much more if you earn it. Throughout my life, I have done many things, many of which I care not about and many more I wish I could do over. But it’s the ability to learn from mistakes and adjust to them, that makes a life experience. Many of us are born with a purpose. My purpose is to lead, yet how can I lead something I know nothing about? I have to learn from experience what makes a good leader, for information learned is more valuable than information given. And the information I’ve learned in the past years, is that I would be nowhere without my friends and family. They made me who I am, and today I don’t hesitate to say that if it weren’t for them, I would not be standing here giving this speech. Thank you, and I will do my best to lead us forward.”

That evening, Grimoire was in her new office on the top floor of the manor. She was furnishing it with her belongings as she awaited a certain visitor that she’d called. A knock at the double doors indicated his arrival.

"Come in. Ah, there you are Ordinance. I trust you had a good rest?"

"Yes ma'am."

"You did a good job, better than I was expecting. I must apologize though. Had I known Howitzer was your father, I would have asked somepony else to execute him."

"It's... no problem ma'am. To tell you the truth, I never saw him as a father. He took away husbands, wives, siblings, and offspring from others. How could I call somepony like him father? Besides, he was a full grown adult. He knew perfectly well what the consequences of his actions would be and he still proceeded to do them."

"Oh? Do you still show him sympathy then?"

"No ma'am. Those who make a fetish out of murder deserve no sympathy."

"Good. That's exactly what I wanted to hear. Now about your file. I have heard that you are a promising fighter and a loyal recruit. I believe that you have proved your loyalty to the Order by killing one of the most notorious traitors in our midst, despite knowing your relation to him. As for your skill, I've have seen you in action. You have potential, but you lack experience. You are sloppy in your strikes and slow with your defense. However, you are intriguing enough that I would like to take you on as a protege of my own."

"Uh, really?" Ordinance said confused. “Not that I’m questioning your judgment, but why me? I’m a terrible candidate for that kind of thing.”

"I am not going to lie. You are fairly low on the list of agents that I could choose from. I do not mean to dishearten you, but you are lucky I came to you at all. Your father has caused so much trouble that I am amazed you had the courage to stay in the Order. No doubt other agents hardly give you the time to prove yourself."

"That is correct, ma'am. Ever since I was just a colt, I was pushed aside and disregarded no matter what I did. My accomplishments all ignored, my mistakes got more punishment than called for, no matter how small, and I have thought countless times about just running away or just ending my life. All because I was Howitzer's son."

"Ah but you see, that is why I have interest in you."

"What?"

"Did you know that I too come from a similar background of taboo? I was born from incest. My biological mother was also guilty of adultery with her brother, my biological father. I was kept away from any possible opportunity just because of that. I wasn't even allowed to see my birth parents. But then my Mentor came to me. The previous Grandmaster saw potential in me and did not want to see it go to waste. And now look at me. Taking the helm myself. I was drawn to you because you remind me a lot of myself as a youth. My Mentor saw the negative consequences of alienating a child because of their parents’ actions. Now, I want to do something similar myself. So you see? Cut from the same cloth, you and I."

"You are seriously considering this? Thank you Grandmaster."

"It’s going to take some time to get used to that new title. Oh and, you can just call me Mentor. By the way, what is your real name?"

“I, uh… Why?”

“Well, your name will make it easier for me to find you should I need you again.”

“Err, my name….”

“Out with it boy, I don’t have all day.”

"....Flash Sentry, ma'am. I'm... not really fond of it. My father gave it to me as a joke."

"I see. Well Flash Sentry, I hope you can prove to me that you are not your father. I'm hoping that you have your mother's talent instead and the manners of somepony else entirely. I certainly hope you have the will to survive my training. I will not go easy."

"I wouldn't want you to ma'am. Considering what I’ve gone through, I am not afraid of hard work."

"We'll see how things turn out. I will talk to you tomorrow on your first assignment. If you will excuse me though, I have to attend the upcoming coronation. The Princesses are expecting me with the others." Grimoire looked in the large mirror in her office while holding a photo of the new princess-to-be. She looked at the frame and smiled as tears started to well up in her eyes.

"Um, ma'am. Are you... crying?"

"Hm? No, no. Of course not. It's just.... Well, I don’t normally get so emotional about these kind of events but this case is special. I guess you could call it… Liquid Pride."