//------------------------------// // Chapter 4 // Story: Long Live the Queen // by Balancer //------------------------------// Her world slowed as she walked over to her little brother. “Would you mind coming for a walk Spike, I need to talk with you about something.” Twilight said as she gestured that she wanted him to follow her. Spike looked up at Twilight with an uneasy feeling. “What’s going on Twilight?” He said as he followed her. Twilight didn’t say anything as she led him away from the patio and out into the estate's garden, Spike followed along quietly. When they were out of sight from the house Twilight sighed and walked over to a nearby bench of crafted marble. “Spike, could you please sit with me for a moment?” she asked him. “You've accepted her offer." Spike asked as he sat down, though he already knew the answer. “Yeah.” She said as she looked out across her families' garden. “This is about you staying in Canterlot isn’t it?” He said. "Yeah, it is.” Twilight said as she nodded in reply. “You’re concerned about telling me we’re moving back to Canterlot right?” Spike asked, leaning back on the bench as he looked up at the sky. "Something like that.” Twilight said, a look of mild surprise on her face. Spike smirked as he watched a pair of birds dancing in the air. “Don’t look so shocked, I know you better than anypony.” “I guess you do.” Twilight said, a trace of pride in her tone. “So why are we here Twilight?” “I want…I want to offer you something.” Twilight said hesitantly. "Go on.” Spike said as he slowly raised an eye scale. “I’ve been doing some thinking Spike, and though I’m moving up here that’s doesn’t necessarily mean you have to as well.” “What are you saying?” Spike's smirk faded as he replied. “I know you’ve made friends in Ponyville Spike.” “Twilight….” “Which is why I think it would be better for you to stay there instead of moving with me.” "I, I…wow.” He sat in silence for a moment. "That's...wow, really...really taken me by surprise there." “Is that something you’d like Spike?” Twilight asked cautiously as she turned her head to look at him. “I…I don’t know, I mean staying with my friends would be great but I just can’t leave you.” Spike looked up at Twilight confused. Twilight wrapped a foreleg around the small dragonling in a hug. “Oh I know Spike I really do.” “Why?” He asked as he furrowed his brow. "I could help you a lot up here." “I know you could Spike, but this time it isn’t about what’s best for me.” Twilight said. “Remember what happened after me and the girls defeated Nightmare Moon?” “Yeah Celestia said you were going to return to Canterlot….oh.” "Now you get it.” Twilight smiled as Spike followed her train of thought. "You didn’t want to go so Celestia let you stay.” Spike frowned. “The Princess knew how much I loved my friends even though we had only just met, I know you love your friends as well Spike. I know you don’t want to go.” Twilight smiled as she looked down at him. "This is pretty heavy Twilight." Spike said as he pushed himself away from Twilight. "Yeah I know." "There has got to be more to this than what you're telling me." Spike looked over at Twilight who retained her normal posture, the only thing betraying that the words had any effect was a slight narrowing of her eyes. There was a subtle difference in the air as the two locked gazes. "Of course," Twilight said as she looked away, for all intents and purposes seeming like she was admiring the scenery of the garden's statues and hedges. "But do you really want to know?" She said without looking his way. Spike looked away from her as a silence descended between them. The summer birds tweeted from perches atop the stone figures, their cheerful song at odds with the tense atmosphere. "I don't know if I do Twilight." Spike said suddenly. "You have to believe me Spike, this is best, for the both of us." She said as she looked back at him, a sincere expression on her face. "And what makes you think that?" Spike said, snapping at her. "I just do Spike, you'll just have to trust me." "You’re not exactly giving me much to work with here." He said tersely. "I know, but do you trust me Spike?" She asked. "Yeah, I do. But that doesn't mean I like it." He said. "I'll go, if that's what you think is best." "Thanks." She says as she smiles at him. "You're taking this better than I thought you would." "Oh I'm crying inside don't you worry." Spike replies as he rolls his eyes. "Twilight, I'm trusting you big time here." "I know." Twilight nods solemnly. "Besides, I'll visit when I can and I'll send you a letter every week." "I’ll hold you to that that." Spike replies with a smile. The pair were silent for a short time while the tense atmosphere evaporated as fast as it appeared. “You know you should talk to them before they leave.” Spike said as he folded his claws across his lap. “I already spent last night saying good bye to them.” Twilight said as she returned her gaze to the garden. “You know what I mean Twilight.” A frown momentarily appeared on Twilight’s face. “Where do I begin though?” Spike shrugs. “From the beginning is usually a good idea.” The pair of them share a smile at his joke. “We should go back.” Twilight says as she stands, stretching her legs. “I suppose so.” Spike agrees as he takes his regular place on her back. The walk back to the house was mostly silent with only singing of the birds floating through the air. Twilight looked around the garden, remembering snippets from her childhood, preparing herself to talk to her friends. She had never had much free time as a filly, her mother had always pushed her, taking her to classes and private tutors in an effort to drill what it meant to be a noble into her. Twilight didn’t hold it against her, it was normal for noble born children to be drilled in the ways of court, her mother had simply raised her the way she herself had been raised. The only reason she had gotten as much free time as a filly was because of her father, Twilight smiled as she recalled her cherished memories of playing out here in gardens with her father and brother. As she walked Twilight couldn’t help as her thoughts strayed to the less than pleasurable moments of her childhood, which sadly she noted formed the majority. She guessed that if she had the fortune to have been raised in a ‘normal’ setting like her friends then she would probably have ended up with severe mental issues not that it would have probably done much. Princess knows that sociopathic tendencies are the norm among the nobility, Twilight knew that she herself had the capacity to exhibit similar tendencies. Twilight smiled as she rounded a corner coming into view of her family house, I suppose that went better than expected, she thought to herself. Spike really is more mature than I give him credit for, he’s certainly smarter, though that’s not surprising. Blueblood and Rarity wave to them from their place on the patio as they walk towards them. “So how did it go Twilight?” Blueblood calls out to them as they walk up the step onto the polished wood of patio. “Perfectly fine, nothing we couldn’t talk over. Right Twilight?” Spike said as he released his grip from Twilight’s neck. Twilight smiled as Spike dismounted. “How about you go and help yourself to my jewel stash, I need to talk Rarity and Blueblood for a bit.” Rarity looked at the scene in a state of a slight confusion as Spike said goodbye to her and Blueblood, making sure to give her a bow before he left. “Umm Twilight, what was that?” She asked. “It seems that I under estimated him.” Twilight said as she took her seat back at the table. “Indeed, and what did you discuss? If you don’t mind my asking.” Blueblood says as he sits back down. “Well we talked about my new position, and about what that means for him.” Twilight looked over to Rarity. “We’ve decided that he’s going to be leaving with you when you go back to Ponyville, I was hoping that you would be the one to take him in.” Rarity leaned back in her chair shocked. “Oh…This is rather sudden, I mean I would be honored darling of course. But…are you sure Twilight?” Twilight nodded her head. “Of course, we decided that it would be best for everypony, and I will be writing and visiting when I have the chance.” “I suppose if you both think it is for the best, I can honestly say though that I thought this would be more…” “Angsty?” Blueblood offered as he tipped his glass back. Rarity shot him a glare. “Well for lack of better term yes, especially from the way you were reacting earlier.” Twilight shrugged. “You know me Rarity, I always get myself worked up over nothing.” She gave a small chuckle as Blueblood rolled his eyes. “I guess so…” Rarity replied, sounding slightly unsure. Blueblood cleared his throat with a cough as he spied a trio of maids approaching with meal dishes. “I do hate to interrupt but perhaps we have enough of business for now, lunch appears to have arrived.” Twilight and Rarity looked up in time to see the maids place the dishes before them then with a small bow departed. “Blueblood is right Rarity, let’s just enjoy a nice meal on a sunny day. After all there’s plenty of time to talk later when the girls get back.” Twilight gave her a smile before turning her attention to her own meal. Let’s hope things go smoothly. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight watched from the balcony overlooking the front door as her friends walked through the door from their shopping spree, she smiled as the sounds of their conversation wafted up to her ears. “…wdy! That sure did take longer than I thought.” The sound of Applejack’s distinctive accent easily identified her voice. “Hey! Blocks are hard to get over.” And the nonsensical topic identified Pinkie Pie. Twilight chuckled to herself as she walked down the stairs. “How was your trip?” She called out. Her friends waved and smiled back at her. “All good sugar cube.” Applejack called back. “We picked you up a little somethimmmggh.” “No, she’s not supposed to know yet!” Pinkie said as put one of her hooves in Applejack’s mouth. Applejack rolled her eyes as she spit out the hoof. “Yeah, we also picked up some trinkets for the folks back in Ponyville.” Rainbow hovered in the slightly as she looked around. “Where’s Rare? Thought she’d be with you?” “Hmm? Oh she’s just upstairs with Spike talking over the housing arrangements, she’ll be along shortly.” Twilight replied as she finished walking down the stairs. Her friends looked at each other slightly confused. “Huh?” Rainbow said as she scratch the side of her head. “Housing arrangements?” “Yeah, Spike will be going back to Ponyville with Rarity.” Twilight replied, holding up a hoof to silence her friends. “I know, shocking, but if you’ll follow me into the sitting room I’ll answer your questions.” As she led the group into the well-furnished room her friends looked back at each other with concerned expressions on their faces. “Okay?” Rainbow replied as she hovered after her. “I know it might be a bit shocking that I’ve decide to let Spike return to Ponyville girls…” Twilight started as she ushered everypony into their seats. “Um why?” Rainbow asked as she sat down. Twilight looked around the room. “Maybe should wait till Rarity gets here. I’d like to only have to explain this once.” The rest of the ponies looked at each other and shrugged. “Alright Twilight.” Applejack said as she relaxed into her chair. The room went quiet as everyone sat in the chairs, Pinkie nervously fidgeting as she tried to sit still. *Tick* *Tick* *Tick* “I can’t take it!” Pinkie cries as she flips her chair. “Um weren’t you siting in that?” Fluttershy asks as she leans over. Ignoring her Pinkie rears up and places her hooves on either side of her face. “I can’t live like this I need to be busy!” “It’s only been three seconds sugar cube.” Applejack said. “We need to be patient, I’m sure Rarity will be finishing right about now.” Twilight says as she watches Pinkie rush around the room. “Patience is for wimps!” Pinkie declares as she zips past the door just as it opens, letting Rarity walk through as butler shows her in. “Sorry to be late dears,” She said as she took a seat. “Spike’s upstairs still, we won’t have to worry about him walking in on us.” “Thanks Rarity.” Twilight replies. “Pinkie you might want to sit down.” Pinkie abruptly stops in her tracks next to Fluttershy, sitting on a conveniently placed chair as she does so. “Umm where did you get that chair?” Fluttershy asks. “It was always here, duh.” Pinkie states as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. “Shhh Twilight’s about to start talking.” “I…Really Pinkie?” Twilight asks, momentarily perplexed before shaking it off. “Now that we are all here I can answer your question Rainbow.” “Go right ahead.” Rainbow says as she leans forward in her chair. All right here goes nothing. “Girls I hope you don’t take this the wrong way when I say this but…It is about politics.” Twilight states. “With Spike out of the picture here in Canterlot it gives me room to operate freely while still keeping him close enough that I don’t have to go out my way to contact him.” “Twilight I won’t pretend that I understand what kind of business your lot get up too, but isn’t Spike being sent back with us a bit...you know…drastic?” Applejack says. “I too must confess that it seems slightly over the top as well dear.” Rarity pipes in. “I can see how you would think that, but there are things that I’ll have to do in the coming weeks to build up my position that I’d rather he were not exposed to.” “Like what?” Fluttershy asked. “Do you mean sex?” Twilight coughed a little, startled at the forwardness her normally quite friend was showing. “Well yes for one, but that’s not the only concern. Blackmail will probably be a big part of it, and frankly some of the Ponies I’m going to be forced to associate with I’d prefer Spike not to meet.” “That don’t sound too good Twilight. Surely no pony could be that bad.” Pinkie tilts her head to the side as she speaks. “Trust me Pinkie they can be.” Twilight replies. “You’ve been saying that an awful lot Twilight, I’m not saying we don’t trust you but I can’t say I’m comfortable with it.” Applejack speaks up. Twilight sighs. “I can understand that AJ. Let me ask you something, how many members of your family you trust to help you at the drop of a hat?” Applejack raises an eyebrow. “Well all of them, Apples stick together through and through.” She says with a touch of pride in her voice. “I know, now guess how many of mine I trust.” Twilight asks. “Ah don’t know,” Applejack rubs the back of her head. “I’d have to say family’s family right so you’d help them no matter what right?” “Wrong, out of my entire family, uncles, aunts and cousins included I only trust two of them to help me no matter the cost. My brother and my father.” “Wait what about your mother.” Rainbow interjects. “Don’t get me wrong Rainbow, we love each other and by Noblesse standards we have a very close relationship. But her priority is the reputation of the house and if I did something that damaged our reputation she wouldn’t hesitate in dropping me faster than Rarity switches fashions.” Twilight shrugs, watching her friends’ reactions. “Dropping…you mean disowning? To her own daughter?” Applejack asked, astounded.” “That’s not all, while she’s not as ruthless as other mothers there no real getting around the fact that I’m now competition for her as the court face of the house.” Twilight adds. “Hold up, explain that please Twilight.” Applejack replies. “Certainly, the court face is the most popular member of a house in the courts. Such a pony holds high standing not only in the courts but also within the house, this is because their popularity allows them to influence the attitude of other Nobles in relation to members of their own house and vice versa. My mother and I have never clashed over this since I never liked to involve myself in the courts directly, but since a big part of my new position will require me to be Luna’s representative amongst the Nobles chances are I will become the new court face of my house.” Twilight explains in a scholarly fashion. “So what, your mum’s going to get mad because you’re more popular?” Rainbow asks, Twilight’s ear twitching slightly at the causal term her friend used to describe her mother. “Not quite, it’s more about her losing power and influence. I fully expect her to try to hold onto it for as long as she can, it can be a rather complicated process, but it’s only a matter of time until it slips away from her and she knows it." Applejack leaned back in her chair with a shocked expression on her face. "Wow Twi I didn't know that things were so complicated up here, and just in your own family." "Indeed darling, if you can't trust your own mother completely then I have to agree that this is no place for a young dragon like Spike." Pinkie jumped out of her seat, a look of excitement on her face. "This means we need a hooray-Spike's-coming-home-not-that-he-ever-left party!" "I suppose you will need to through little Spike one of those." A voice from the doorway sounded. The ponies in the room turned to see Twilight Velvet walk into the room, followed by some of the house staff. "Sorry for the intrusion Daughter but Lord Wool Shear is paying us a visit and I require the room." Velvet said as she began directing the help. Twilight rose, gesturing to her friends to do the same. "Of course Mother, girls I believe the cigar room my father uses is free so if you'll follow me." "Actually Daughter I believe Lord Wool Shear requested that he take tea with your Father in there, Sebastian in cleaning it as we speak." Velvet gave Twilight a smile as she spoke. "I believe the patio is free though." Twilight smiles back and gave a small bow as she lead her friends out of the room. As they went out of earshot of Twilights mother Pinkie grumbled something under breath. "What's that Pinks?" Rainbow asked. "Her smile, it wasn't real." Pinkie replied. "It wasn't real." "So?" Fluttershy muttered quietly. "Maybe she was just being polite." "Uh uh Flutters, I know smiles and that was not a nice smile." "That's how things operate up here girls, poison hidden by charming smiles and fancy words." Twilight said flatly, her voice expertly neutral. "You can see why I don't want Spike up here." "I can see that Twilight, I'm just starting to worry about you." Applejack said as she walked beside her. Turning briefly to glance at the orange mare Twilight smiled. "Don't worry about me AJ, I'll be fine. As long as Princess Luna supports me there's nothing to be afraid of." "I suppose so, just promise us you'll take care." Applejack said as the turned a corner and opened a set of doors that lead outside. "I promise, cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." Twilight said, performing the actions as she did. Pinkie nodded sagely. "A wise choice." She said as she stroked a fake white beard that trailed along the ground, her eyebrows covered by two equally fake bushy white eyebrows. The group giggled for a moment, ignoring the question of where she got the disguise. The mod evaporating in a cloud of laughter. That went better than expected, seems to be the theme of the day. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3 Days after Celestia’s departure A sharp whistle blew through the warm afternoon air, signaling that the train to Ponyville was making its final checks. Twilight, Spike, Rarity and her parents we gathered at the station to see the rest of their friends off. “Are you sure you have to leave so soon?” Twilight Velvet asked as she hugged Fluttershy. "Oh um well yes." The timid Pegasus mumbled. “Hopefully we will have the honor of having you some time in the near future for a visit. You are welcome at any time.” Nightlight said as he shook Applejack’s hoof. “Well you’re always welcome at the farm your lordship.” Applejack replied. Nightlight smirked. “I may just take you up on that.” “Oooohhhhhhhh Twilight~” Everypony turned to look over to Pinkie who was holding a small box. “Surprise!” Twilight chuckled. “What’s this?” She said with a smile. "A gift, how unexpected." “Surprise going away present, so you won’t forget us.” Pinkie said as Twilight took the box out of her hooves. “As if Twilight would forget us aye egghead.” Rainbow said as she gave the unicorn smile. “We all chipped in.” Fluttershy smiled as hovered over to Twilight’s side. Twilight looked around before opening the box…to reveal another-much smaller-box. “Pinkie’s idea?” She asked as everypony chuckled and nodded. “Alright,” She said as she levitated the small box into the air as she discarded the large one “let’s see what we have got here.” Twilight removed the lid slowly to reveal a bracelet nestled in red silk, as she picked it up she could see the outer side was inlayed in color coordinated crystal with each of her friends cutie marks. On the inner layer a message was inscribed. Always with you, no matter what. It was the single most beautiful piece of jewelry she had ever seen. Twilight gasped, speechless as she slipped it in place. “Do you like it Twilight?” Fluttershy asked. “Girls this is… I don’t even have words to describe how wonderful this is.” She said as she wrapped as many of her friends as she could reach in a hug. “Awww you don’t have to say anything sugar cube.” Applejack said as she gave Twilight a pat on the shoulder. “Final call for Ponyville, final call for Ponyville!” A shout rang out over the station. “Looks we’ve got to be going Twi, sorry we couldn’t stay longer. But don’t worry we’ll all find the time to come up sometime.” Rainbow said as she floated up into the air before banking in the direction of the train. “Bye Twilight.” Fluttershy said before following Rainbow. “Cya Twilight, don’t do anything the readers wouldn’t like.” Pinkie said as she cheerily bounced away leaving a slightly confused Twilight. “Looks like this is it, be seeing you round partner.” Applejack said as she shook Twilight’s hoof. “Rarity, Spike, be see you soon.” The farm pony tilted her hat at Twilight’s parents one last time before joining the others on the train. Twilight, Spike and Rarity stood on the platform waved good bye to their friends as the train began to pull away, the four mares hanging out of the window as Applejack shouted something back at them. “You make us proud, you hear Twilight?” Applejack bellowed as the train pulled away. Twilight smiled. I will, wait and see. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4 Days after Celestia’s departure Twilight sat in her private study as the nighttime wind blew softly through the double doors she had left open to vent the day’s heat. I know Princess Luna's been having some trouble with the sun bit this is ridiculous! The unicorn was reading an old book, one from Princesses Luna’s private collection, which she was taking notes from. “What’s that there?” A voice from the door way said. Twilight looked up to see her father walking towards her, two cold glasses of ice tea in his magical grasp. “Brought you an Ice tea, I thought you might be awake, heavens know I can't sleep in this humidity.” Nightlight said as he handed the cup over, pulling up a chair as he did so. “Thanks Dad, how is Mother doing with Spike?” Twilight asked, a smile on her face as she gratefully accepted the cool glass. “Very good, she’s reading the little tike a bedtime story as we speak.” Nightlight smiled. “I’m going to miss him, having the little guy around these past couple of days has been fun." “Yeah,” Twilight said, a sigh in her voice. “I’m going to miss him too.” Nightlight sat for a moment. “Twilight-“He started to say before being cut off. “Dad if this is about Spike, please, don’t.” Twilight snapped with a shake of her head. “I’m sorry but I’ve already had a talk with Rarity and the girls about this, you know just as well as I do why I'm sending him back.” Nightlight sighed. “Twilight, I love you but I know what you told your friends. I know also what you told them was two parts truth one part lie of omission.” The family patriarch shook his head for a moment. “You know I sometimes have trouble understanding you Twilly, I don’t know if it’s because you’re so much smarter than I am or if it’s because I let your mother have a bigger say in your development. But I don’t understand.” “I have to do this Dad.” “That’s what your Mother said, is this to do with the Peers?” Nightlight gave his daughter a stern look. “Yes, no, sort of, you wouldn’t understand.” Twilight said rapidly. Nightlight rubbed the bridged of his nose. “I know I might not be the best at court, Princess knows I’ve worked hard all these years to at least look presentable for your mother. I know that with me being common born I’m not privy to all those subtle mannerisms that you and your mother have to deal with every day. I just don’t understand why you’re throwing away everything that matters to fit in with a group of ponies you don’t even like just because it would possibly increase the chances of them helping you, I thought I raised you better.” Twilight winced at the comment before reaching out and placing a hoof over her father’s. “Dad, you are wonderful and amazing and there is no way I would even be half as grounded as I am today is it weren’t for you. But I need you to believe me when I say I’m not throwing them away.” Nightlight exhaled a breath. “Then help me understand Twilly, help your poor, dirt tracking, son of a,” Nightlight quickly stopped and looked around comically for any other signs of life before continuing “whore father understand what’s going through that amazing brain of yours.” Twilight smiled at her father’s antics. “Dad if Mother heard you talking like that...”She whispered. “I know, why do think I looked around first?” He whispered back. Removing her hoof from her father's Twilight shook her head. "You're right dad, it is more than just protecting Spike." "What is it about Twilight, I promise I won't be mad whatever it is. I'm married to your harpy mother if you recall." Twilight looked up at the roof, studying the wood carvings engraved there as she thought. "I suppose so...Spike is going because his presence here would be seen as a stain on me." "I thought so." Nightlight exhaled as he ran a hoof through his mane before rising from his seat, taking his glass of tea with him. "Twilly, no matter what you have to do I want you me to promise me something." "What's that dad?" "Don't become like her." Nightlight said as he walked out the door. "I would've thought Celestia taught you better." Twilight watched as her father walked away before wordlessly turning back to her work. You and me both dad, you and me both ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Come in!" Rarity called as a knock sounded from her door. "Oh! Blueblood, I thought you would have left by now." "I think not Miss Rarity, it has been some time since I last had the pleasure of Twilight's company." Blueblood says as he saunters into the room. "I don't plan to waste what time I have." "And yet here you are, Prince. Not getting scandalous ideas are we?" Blueblood frowned slightly. "Sleep with one of Twilight's friends? No my dear not even I am so base, my visit is purely friendly." "Go on, you still haven't explained what you are doing in my room at this time of night, staff might talk." Rarity said with a smile, sitting by a large mirror as she arranged curlers to hold her hair in place. Blueblood smiled right back. "And I recall you letting me in, a stallion could get the wrong idea, looking as ravishing as you do." "My my, are you flirting with me Prince? Not helping your case." Rarity smirked at him. "Take it as far as you will Miss Rarity, it will be all you receive from me." "See that it is, so what brings you to my door." "Twilight is busy with some paperwork, so I decided now is a good as a time as any to reveal my condition for our little business arrangement." Blueblood smirked playfully. Rarity raised an eyebrow. "Careful, those words could easily be taken out of context." Blueblood chuckled. "My apologies Miss Rarity, what I mean is that if you are serious about making a name among the peers then I am here to offer my services as a...coach of sorts." "Coach? Whatever for?" Rarity asked as she turned slightly to face her guest. "Mannerisms my dear, your farm friend would be familiar with the saying, you can’t teach a pig to square dance but you can make it look pretty." “I beg your pardon.” Rarity asked in a cold voice as she rose slightly from her chair. Blueblood responded with a shrug, ignoring the icy glare. “Sit down Miss Rarity, before you do something embarrassing.” Halting slightly before gracefully sliding back into her seat, her hooves clutching the edges of the table tightly, Rarity pursed her lips as she bit back a remark. “Please elaborate, Prince.” She said, putting a cold emphasis on the final word. If he noticed her demeanor Blueblood didn’t give any outward expression. “Certainly Miss Rarity, you seem to be somewhat perturbed so I’ll make this blunt. For all your training and elocution lessons you are nothing more than a well behaved commoner.” Grinding her teeth together Rarity straightened in her chair. “Be careful Prince, you’re push them limits of how behaved this commoner can be.” “And that’s why you, at this moment, are unfit for the nobility.” Blueblood smiled. “But don’t worry, I can change that. All you need is a slight adjustment in outlook, that’s all.” "I...am not sure whether to be outraged or confused." "Neither would be best, you are a remarkable and well-spoken young lady, it is easy to see however that you are of common blood. I wish to change that." Stopping her preparations to give the Prince an impromptu colonoscopy, Rarity gingerly put down her hair brush. "You have my interest, and my ire, but may I ask why?" "Well I won't deny that it is in part for Twilight, but truthfully my motives are somewhat selfish. I will not deny you have impressed me in this short time, I wish to see how far you may go. Call it morbid curiosity if nothing else." Blueblood shrugged as he gave Rarity a grin. “What exactly is so wrong with my manners that just screams my lowly status hmm?” “On the surface not much, mostly small things like your deference to higher status.” “Isn’t deference expected?” Rarity asked. “Only of commoners and sycophants.” Blueblood said casually. “If you want to be the pony everypony knows you have to act like they already do. Also your emotions are too volatile, if you want to make it you’ll have to learn to ignore shots at your birth status.” “Thank you for the advice Prince, I’ll be sure to sleep on it.” Rarity said making a gesture for Blueblood to show himself out. “A pity, Twilight thinks highly of you Miss Rarity. I simply want to see her happy, your success would please her immensely.” “I am going to make it Blueblood, all I need is for you to open the door, and I can take it from there.” Rarity smiled coldly at him. “After all you won’t do anything to sabotage me that would make Twilight sad.” Blueblood sighed. “Miss Rarity what I do matters little, I can assure you that unless you conduct yourself in a satisfactory manner you will waste this opportunity as well.” “As well? What are you on about?” “Twilight’s birthday, specifically one when you managed to destroy Lord Fancy Pants’ charity ball.” “Pardon me but how was that an opportunity?” Rarity asked as she raised an eyebrow. “Any attention is good attention Miss Rarity, you had the attention of the Nobility, the connections through Lady Twilight Sparkle and Lord Fancy Pants and the privilege of a royal presence if need it.” Blueblood inspected his hoof, acting as if the conversation was boring him. “B-but I didn’t know that Twilight was Nobility at the time and the Princess would have been far too busy.” Rarity spluttered. “Twilight is a very important pony Miss Rarity, all Nobility know her and as such react to her presence, any Noble would spot it. And you are forgetting Equestria has two Princesses, Aunty Luna would’ve loved to spend time with her subjects given that she had nothing but spare time, and it’s not like with Aunty Celestia around she had much to do officially.” “Oh I forgot about Princess Luna…” Rarity mumbled. “Don’t be too hard on yourself, you’re not the only one.” Blueblood shrugs. “But I fail to see what this has to do with the way I conduct myself.” “This is why you need my help. Being a Noble…it’s not just about how you act, it’s about how you think it’s a state of mind. The only thing separating a sycophant from a commoner is who his ancestors were, the only thing separating a commoner from Nobility is a lack of ambition.” “I, I think I understand-” Rarity began. “No you don’t.” Blueblood coughing into his hoof. “Sorry, Miss Rarity being a noble is more than just a confidence trick, it involves being able to plot and scheme. Being able to do whatever it takes to see your ambitions succeed no matter who you have to burn to get there.” “Oh, I…I’m not sure what to say to that Prince.” Rarity looked away from Blueblood. “I know what you think about Nobility Rarity,” Blueblood said softly “it’s the ideal of Nobility, the mask we put on for the world to see. The truth…the truth is ugly Rarity, we are bad ponies all of us. If you give us the chance we will manipulate you, make you commit yourself full to your dream then rip it out from under your hooves.” Rarity leaned away from Blueblood slightly, his smile gone from his face. “You’re starting to scare me.” “Good, I don’t know what kind of fairy dream you live in down their but if you want to continue with this it’s time you woke up. First rule, trust no one, you have no friends up here.” Blueblood looked her in the eye as he walked towards her. “Don’t count on her help Rarity, Twilight has her own priorities, I can open the door for you but once you cross that threshold...” Rarity swallowed only to mind her mouth had gone dry. “I can do it.” She said as she returned the gaze. “Not yet, but you’ve got the drive. I’ll make a lady out of you yet, how does a weekly session sound, Fridays good?” Blueblood said, his grin back. Rarity nodded as he pulled back and walked out of the room, clutching as her chest as she released a breath she hadn’t realized she had been holding Rarity couldn’t help but think what she gotten herself into. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight looks up from her study as the door creaks open for a second time that night. "I did as you asked." Blueblood says, a swagger in his step as he walks into the room. "You didn’t go too hard on her?" Twilight says as she scan the page in front of her. "Pardon?" "I know you like to ham it up when you get the chance." "Well I wouldn't say I went easy on her. And for you information I went for the serious angle." Blueblood grinned as he walked over to her. "Your friend has ambition though I’ll give you that, I still think you’re setting her up for a fall." “I would prefer that she doesn’t come near Canterlot in the first place.” The page she was holding rips as her eyebrow twitches. “But she it’s her dream and I won’t stand in her way.” “But you won’t help her either.” Blueblood says as he places a hoof on her shoulder. “You know why it’s a bad move, if I make her famous every favor I ask for makes me weaker, every use of my influence for personal means away from the House will damage me, every use of my royal connection dilutes its meaning, sets precedence and I can’t waste it on something as trivial as a dream.” “I know Twilly, but it’s her dream you know how much it means to her.” “Her dream is to be important Blue, the talk of the upper class. We both know that it takes more than moxie to make it here, it takes cold thinking and an almost sociopathic disregard for others.” Grinning slightly as she turned a page Twilight placed a hoof over Blueblood’s. “However Rarity isn’t the yapping lapdog I first thought she was, she’s strong enough Blue. If I didn’t think she was ready I wouldn’t let her do this.” Blueblood was silent for a moment. “Your friend isn’t like us Twilly, I can tell her how to act, I can show her what it means to be a Peer and I can even help her from the sidelines but your friend is exactly the wrong type of pony to make it up here without serious support.” "She may not be as ruthless as the rest of you, I agree she’ll have trouble with that. But she has the rest of the girls behind her, and it’s not like I won’t be there for support and advice. I just can’t guide her dice like you want me to.” “She’s going to be used Twilight, they will suck her dry if you don’t do something.” Blueblood says softly only to raise an eyebrow as Twilight chuckles. “You say that like you think I’m going to through my friend to the wolves Blue. I said I can’t guide her dice, I never said anything about guiding who she plays against, there’s a difference between opening doors for her and breaking other’s windows as a warning. Besides I think you are going to be pleasantly surprised with what a little generosity accomplishes." Twilight smiles as she flips a page. "Well I trust your word for it, I know what a little generosity could do for me right now." Blueblood says as he leans over and nibbles on Twilight's ear. "He he, as much as I would love to Blue." Twilight giggles as he moves down to her neck. "I do need to get through these notes before bed." Blueblood flicked his eyes up. "The compliance and regulatory policy act of primary income bracket tax corporate entities, very light reading" Twilight giggled as he moved under her chin. "Stop stop! Ha ha ha, you bastard!” Blueblood grinned as he wrapped his hooves around her waist, and with a flash of light appeared on the bed in her room. "You need a study break." Twilight turned as he positioned her on her back. "I see you remember where my room is." Blueblood grinned as he kissed her neck again. "How could I forget, I learned teleportation just so I could sneak you away from Captain Buzz kill." Twilight grinned back at him, gasping and arching her back as he moved lower over her barrel. "Sweet Celestia, I forgot how good you were." "Well I-"Blueblood was cut off as Twilight pulled him up and kissed him. "Shut up." She said, a fire in her eyes. Blueblood grinned back at her, giving her a fierce kiss as he pushes her onto her back before moving lower, Twilight groaned in ecstasy as a smile spread across her face. Oh Princess yes! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5 Days after Celestia’s departure The sky was overcast and grey as the Ponyville train whistle split the air with a shriek. The wind whipped throughout the terminal as a small group of ponies walked along it "So I've made arrangements with Prince Blueblood, he'll be coming down weekly." Rarity said as her scarf whipped behind her, a slightly troubled look briefly flickering across her face. "Good, I'll give him some treats for Sweetie belle and the girls." Twilight gave her friend a smile. "Tell Sweetie to keep practicing with those books I gave her, she'll be casting in no time." "Will do Twilight, I’m sure she’ll love them.” "And Spike." Twilight turned to the dragon that had been walking beside her. "I promise I'll write you every week, no every day." "Weekly will be enough Twilight, just promise me you'll take care of yourself and take a break every once in a while." Spike gave Twilight's leg a quick hug. "I think I can manage that." Twilight smiled briefly. Rarity leaned over and gave Twilight a squeeze. "I'm going to miss you Twilight. Take care of yourself." "I will Rare." Twilight said, smiling sadly as her friend boarded the train. "Spike, take care of them for me." "You can count on me Twi." Spike said as he returned her smile. "Before I go, promise me something?" "Anything." "Don't become something you’re not Twilight." Spike tapped the bracelet she wore on her hoof. "Don't let them make you forget what you are." A tear rolled down Twilight's cheek as she nodded. "I'll miss you, all of you." The train whistle screeched as the cold wind ripped through the station. "Last call for Ponyville!" A hoarse voice called out. "Last call for Ponyville!" Wordless Twilight watched as Spike boarded the train, she waved as he turned to look at her one last time before the trains' whistle split the air for the last time and it began it's slow but purposeful journey. The cold wind burned her cheeks as Twilight turned and walked away. Her tears at odds with the determined expression that rested on her face. Time to get to work. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2 months after Celestia’s departure Twilight watched lazily as ponies twirled across the dance floor from her position on the balcony, a mask held in front of her face by magic restricting her view to two small slits. “An enchanting sight don’t you think?” She said to her companion. “A rather pretty one yes, I hear the choreographer is from Zebrica. Spent ten years among the natives learning their war dances for inspiration.” A black and gold mask next to her hummed. Twilight smiled beneath her mask. “The Zebra’s culture is a fascinating one indeed.” She said as she looked over to her companion. The owner of the mask was a rather tall and slightly overweight stallion, curls of jade mane rolling down his neck. “I think so too Lady Sparkle, what fascinate me more is why you would want to speak to a simple business holder like me.” A small giggle shook her shoulders as Twilight watched the dancers sail across the floor. “I think simple might be an understatement Lord Thread. Owning the largest supplier of water to the frontier lands as well as monopoly on fresh produce coming out of them is hardly a small feat.” “Well Celestia did always say modesty was a virtue.” “Indeed she did, what is your take on the current bills passing their way through the house.” “Which ones do mean, so many come through I hardly keep track.” “The ones you have a stake of course, namely Lord Fancy’s bill for open land access that’s about to go before a vote and your bill for a tighter taxation laws on produce that is about to pass.” Twilight said. “Oh? What of them? I suppose you want me to back Lord Fancy’s latest bleeding heart crusade.” “I would like that yes.” “And what about my bill, what do want there?” The large stallion said as turned to regard Twilight. “I want you to remove the penalty for non-affiliated producers.” “And what would you do for me if I were to do these things?” Thread asked, the idea of having a favor from Lady Sparkle being a very tempting one. “At first I was open to backing your other push for a hostile merge with one of your rivals, StonePure.” Thread’s eyebrows raised under his mask, StonePure controlled a large market of the grain industry on the frontier. If he controlled that his company would sextuple in worth over night. “That sounds very agreeable for both of us.” “I believe you misheard me.” Twilight looked over to the far end of the theater and brushed a curl of her mane behind her ear. “I said at first, I since have come up with a better deal that I think reflects what somepony of your worth deserves.” Thread smiled. “Well it is humbling that you think so highly of me….what is this?” He asks as Twilight produces a sheet of papers from the air with magic. “The first is your bill with the changes I think it needs, the other is a legal document that transfers full ownership and authority of your companies to me.” Twilight says without looking him. “What the hell! Who do you think you are?” Thread roars as he stands bolt upright in his seat before a purple aura forces him back into his seat roughly. “You will sit and you will listen Lord Thread because when I am about to tell you something important. You see I know you and your cronies have been spreading rumors about my friend Rarity, that she was very ‘generous’ with some marketing executives tonight night. Yes I know about it already, and no that’s not my main point.” Twilight stops looking at the play to look over to where she had pinned the fat stallion to his chair. “I went digging to find some dirt on you Thread, something to fight back with. So I talked to some old friends of Shinning’s in the guard who pointed me in the direction of some very interesting case files. I did some talking, cut some deals and it turns out one of us a taste for young colts hmmm.” Thread’s eye bug out of his skull as he realizes what she’s talking about. “You-you can’t have…not in a night…” Smiling coldly beneath her mask Twilight chuckles as she produces a stack of photographs. “I’m a clever pony Thread, but it doesn’t take a clever pony to realize you shouldn’t leave photographs. You are going to sign these documents, or else the Guards are going to get some interesting mail in the morning.” “I-I…fine, give me those papers.” Thread grunts. Releasing the stallion Twilight floats the papers and hands him a quill and ink. “You co-operation is appreciated.” Giving her a black look Thread finishes printing his signature. “There it’s done.” He says as a rises to leave. “Oh one more thing before you go.” Twilight says as looks over the signatures. “What.” The stallion grunts, the distaste dripping from his voice. Twilight’s smile stretches across her face beneath her mask. “These are copies.” As his eyebrows shoot up his face Thread turn to open the door and flee only to find a pair of stern faced Royal Guards waiting for him on the other side. “Gentle stallions, I believe this pony here has some free accommodation he would like to move into.” Spinning around to face her as he is pinned to the ground by the guards Thread yells at Twilight. “You bitch, do you know who you are messing with. My friends will have you for this!” “I could have asked you the same thing.” She says with a shrugging of her shoulders before turning to face the door as a Guard with stripes across his pauldrons walks through the door. “Fancy seeing you here Sergeant Flint, how are the wife and colt, Button was it?” The Guard sergeant smiles. “Very good Twilight, surprised you remembered me at the station, we only met once at the Captain’s weeding. Take this scum away lads.” He barks to the two ponies keeping the struggling former noble on the ground. “And mind those stairs, they can be quit slippery and I’m sure your colts wouldn’t want their dads to break any legs.” The two guards look at each other as they nod, and lift the stallion off the ground, Twilight watches as he’s shoved out the door. “I trust they aren’t going to do anything to him.” Sergeant Flint shrugs his shoulders as he follows them. “As far as I’m aware he fell down those stairs, four or five times.” Twilight chuckles as she turns back to watch the ballet move into its second act. I think I’ll leave that last part out my letter to Spike tonight. The sound of hoof steps draws her attention causing Twilight to turn to look over her shoulder. Standing the doorway was the masked figure of her mother, her mane visible behind her. “Hello Mother.” Twilight says as she turn back to the show. “Daughter.” Velvet says as she takes the empty seat next to her. “Everything went to plan then?” “Of course…and thanks.” Twilight smiles beneath her mask. “Whatever for Daughter.” A chuckle fills the air as Twilight’s shoulders shake. “You know exactly what for. If you hadn’t pointed me towards Thread’s misdoings Rarity would’ve had to deal with a scandal she didn’t commit.” “Haven’t you heard Daughter? No pony commits scandal, it is all just slander.” Velvet jokes as she watches the ponies below spin. “And you don’t need to thank me dear, I’m just glad you made an old mare feel useful.” “Thank you anyway, I know selling out Thread will earn you enemies.” This time it was Velvet’s turn to chuckle. “Those fools? Don’t worry about me Daughter, it’s not like they can do anymore to me than what you have already done.” Twilight’s ears dropped slightly. “I guess, it’s not like you’ve got many supporters left.” Velvet leaned over and placed a hoof on her daughters shoulder. “I am not sour about it…okay I might be slightly frustrated by my decline but I want you to know I do not hold it against you. After all how can I be mad when it was me that trained you? If anything I’m proud of you, you are finally becoming who you were born to be.” “Thanks Mother.” Reaching up to remove her mask in order to wipe away her tears Twilight sniffed slightly. “We don’t tell each other this enough but…I love you.” Removing her mask as well Velvet leans over and kisses Twilight on the forehead. “I love you too Twilly.” As they replaced their masks to continue watching the show Twilight smiled. “Nice to see you are caving in so easily.” “Ha-ha, don’t think I’m out of the game just yet Daughter.” Velvet said with laugh. As the dancer spun their circles beneath them both mother and daughter were pictures of grace and poise, and even though their faces were obscured by masks each knew the other was smiling.