//------------------------------// // Chapter 1 "Summit" // Story: Equestria Noir Season 2 Case 9 "The Princess and I" // by Jacoboby1 //------------------------------// Equestria Noir 2 Case 9 “The Princess and I” By: Jacoboby1 Chapter 1 “Summit” Perspective: Celestia After all the preparation, the craziness with Sunset Shimmer, discovering our draconic neighbors, and Private helping save the Cloud Kingdom; we could finally proceed with the event we came here to experience. Here we were, in the Crystal Empire, ready for the Princess Summit. Well. We were almost ready. Voidera was still resisting wearing the suit I had custom tailored for him. What is it with stallions, and their resistance to wearing formal clothes? “I still say that modern fashions look ridiculous,” Voidera complained as I helped him into the outfit I had made for him. “The flowing robes of our time have long since passed my love,” I said, trying not to sound exasperated. “The ponies of today adopt a more, minimalistic approach.” “Do they not understand the concept of articulation?” Voidera said, stretching the suit I gave him. “I swear, I can barely move my legs in this thing.” “I will not have my love showing up to this summit, au naturale,” I said with a huff. “Honestly you’re acting more stubborn than ever.” “I’m the one who’s stubborn?” Voidera said, giving me a grin. “Need I remind you of a certain Princess who insisted that we go into danger and you practically sat on me until I agreed.” “That was one time!” I yelled, trying to suppress rather embarrassing teenaged memories. Voidera laughed at my expression and said, “Alright, I’ll try to be, civilized.” “Please do,” I said firmly. I turned to get myself ready, lifting a small mirror to aid in the process, when Voidera said, “Actually, I wanted to tell you earlier but I got so caught up. Turns out there’s a last minute addition to the Royal Summit guest list.” Hmm. Couldn’t be Snowflake, I did invite her. Maybe Thor? No, he’s busy repairing his kingdom. Oberon and Titania? No, they were seeing marriage counseling. “Who could it be?” I asked. “Apparently,” Voidera’s voice sounded grave. “It’s...Soleil” I stiffened and the mirror cracked in my magic… Oh dear….not her… ______________________________________________________ Perspective: Private Eye We were back in our room, getting ready for the initial meeting of the Princess Summit, and naturally Twilight was in a tizzy. She was rushing about, trying to make sure she had everything, quills, paper, a portable writing desk. I had to remind her that it was just the initial meeting, and it was supposed to be a formal event. That got her to change tack, and then we spent what time we had left getting her into her gown, making sure her ornate hoof-covers did not have smudges, and getting me into that torture device known as a tuxedo. Or at least that was the initial plan, until I opened Baldur’s gift. I looked at the box and saw it contained what looked like a black and white variation of Shining’s suit. I’ve...seen this uniform before… Twilight was sitting next to me, staring at it. Before she finally said, “Put it on.” “What?” I said, looking over at her. “I already have a suit.” Twilight levitated the suit, the box containing it and me into the bathroom of our guest chambers. She locked the door and shouted, “Do it!” I think she’s a little too excited to see me dressed up like her brother. I looked at the suit...I know I’ve seen this before… Wait! Back in the vision with Twinkle, when I was fighting that alternate future Twilight. She showed me wearing this in the future! That picture was real! I wonder though...what else that picture told me that I hadn’t realized yet… Hey, this material is actually pretty soft. I guess it won’t be so bad wearing it… I slipped it on and looked at myself in the mirror. Well, it didn’t look half bad, honestly. Silver collar, and cuffs, with blued steel epaulets on the collar, and blued steel cufflinks on the cuffs. The body of the suit was black, with a dark brown belt, with silver buckle, and blued steel fasteners. Where Shining’s sash was a light blue, mine was a dark purple, sort of matching Twilight’s hair color. Thankfully I didn’t have that harness thing that Shining wore during the wedding. Wow, I look good. Like I wasn’t a detective, but a full on prince. Oooh, I was going to have soo much fun with this. I pushed open the door to find Twilight all princessed up, she turned and stared at me. I could see her cheeks turning a little pink, “Wow, Private you look, great.” she said. I smiled and strode up to her, lifting her hoof in mine and kissing it. “Milady, my sword and heart belong to you always.” Twilight giggled, “Private, come on, really?” “Oh I don’t jest,” I said, keeping the prince sounding voice. “For my love for you is as boundless as the sea. I would scale a thousand locks of mane to reach your tower bedroom. Fight the greatest dragon, and save you from every…” I got close to her face and whispered, kind of sexily, “danger….” Twilight put her hoof to her chest, and seemed to swoon a bit, then she seemed to get into it, since she knew I was hamming it up for her. “Oh, my prince, how could I have ever lived without you?” she gasped dramatically. “How could I possibly resist your… charms?” I grabbed her in my forelegs and pulled her into a dip, “Seems we were meant to be, oh one with the most beauty in all of Equestria.” I said, giving her a kiss on the nose. “Oh, my handsome prince, what have I done to win your favor? True, I’m a beauty, but you’re so brave, and heroic. How could I possibly compete?” Twilight uttered, batting her eyelashes. “For it is more than your beauty that won me milady,” I said, moving some of her mane out of her eyes. “It was your mind, and kind soul that won me over. Many can be beautiful, many can be smart. But few, can be both...and you are most definitely one of those few.” “Oh, my handsome prince, you make me blush when you say such wonderful things,” Twilight said playfully booping me on the nose. “KISS!” Twilight and I were pulled out of our fantasy to see our niece sitting there in the doorway. Little baby Skyla was sitting there, smiling wide in her diaper. Her big blue eyes showed absolute joy when she exclaimed, “Pwincy kiss Pwincessy!” Twilight giggled and said, “Oh alright,” She then proceeded to kiss me on the cheek. Skyla giggled and said in her broken Ponish, “Unca Pwivy turn wed!” I did blush a little at my niece insisting on directing her own fairy tale. I came over to Skyla and picked her up in my hooves. “Shouldn’t you be with Ran’sea by now?” “Dwaggy comin!” Skyla said, giggling. “I fast!” “Yes you are, sweetie,” Twilight said, tickling Skyla on the wings. Skyla giggled in turn. Just then, Spike’s sister Ran’sea came in, looking very out of breath. “My goodness she knows how to run off.” “Dwaggy!” Skyla exclaimed. Ran’sea took Skyla into her own claws and frowned at the filly, “You know better than to run off like that.” Skyla’s ears drooped and her blue eyes got even bigger and she gave the most adorable apology ever “I sowy…” Ran’sea sighed, “I don’t know how your mother puts up with you.” She said, holding Skyla gently. “I’ll be seeing you both after the party, I have to keep this one entertained while her parents are attending.” “Thanks Ran, sorry Cadence stuck you with her.” Twilight said. “Skyla can be a hooffull.” “I just like to think it’s practice for when I have hatchlings of my own.” Ran’sea said, walking away. Twilight giggled, “Spike is not going to like hearing that.” “He’s totally into the big brother ideal isn’t he?” I asked. “Well, he had a good mentor in Shining,” Twilight said, rolling her eyes. “Now come on, let’s get things ready,” Private said. “Care to escort me? My prince.” Twilight said with a wink. I smiled and kissed Twilight on the lips, I then said, “It would be the highest honor.” _________________________________________________________ The Crystal Palace’s ballroom was a magnificent sight. Tapestries depicting Sombra’s defeat, and the crest of the Crystal Empire itself, decorated the walls. At the head of the ballroom was a dias where the visiting princesses were gathered, thrones depicting their domains where they, their escorts, and their staff could watch the festivities. Along the side was a buffet of small, portable bite-sized foods, and several varieties of drinks both alcoholic and non. The lighting was bright enough to see by, but subdued enough that one wasn’t blinded by it reflecting off the crystal walls. Thankfully there weren’t many facets to catch the light and blind a pony. I spied Fluttershy and Rainbow working on fixing the last few banners. Aj was working with the castle’s kitchen staff on the refreshments. Rarity was giving the last few touches on everypony’s outfits. Pinkie was zooming around the place also adjusting decorations where she saw fit. You have no idea how long it took us to convince her to lay off balloons and streamers. Leave it to Pinkie Pie to try and turn everything into a party. The decorations she was working with, though, were looking good. Even if this is supposed to be a somewhat serious event they still lent a festive air to the whole place. In essence, it was a chance for the Princesses to get together, and that hasn’t happened in ages, according to Twilight. Hopefully they’ll keep the girl talk to after the big ceremonies, and other proceedings. Shining and I were watching the proceedings, the alabaster stallion said, “Haven’t seen everypony in this much activity since Harshwhinney showed up.” “Let’s just hope we don’t mistake a princess for a farmer or something,” I said, putting a hoof to my horn at the memory of Twilight’s story with the mix up. “Where’s Cadence by the way?” “She’s over there with Luna and Celestia,” Shining said, gesturing with his head towards the three alicorn princesses. I looked over and they appeared to be in a heated discussion about something. Celestia looked like she was about to be attacked by something. Luna looked about ready to chuck the nearest object at the wall. Cadence looked like she was trying to reassure them both, with mild success. “What’s going on?” I asked. Shining shrugged, “Beats me, but whatever it is it can’t be good.” I saw the guards beginning to move to their positions and said, “We’d better get ready, I think the carriages are about to arrive.” Shining and I moved towards the Dais and I took my place beside Twilight. Shining in turn took his place next to Cadence. I saw Voidera, Celestia, and Luna stand in between us. Was Celestia...cringing? I got back to attention when the guards blew on horns, sounding that it was time for everypony to enter. Several nobles, crystal ponies and servants entered the ballroom. Spike went about making sure everypony who was supposed to get in got in. The guests all began mingling with one another. I couldn’t spy Fancy or Fleur, but then again Fleur is due pretty soon so I don’t expect them to travel too far. Would be nice, they are some of the few nobles that I could count as friends. After the guests spent some time mingling, they parted for the red carpet, which was rolled out by Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. This was when we’d get to see the VIPs. After a horn blew, a pony with the rather more thick coat of the Snowlands came forward and read a scroll. The herald shouted, “Her Royal Highness Princess Snowflake and her most cherished friend, Red Sickle!” Out came Princess Snowflake herself. It had been a while since I saw her last, the alicorn’s white coat shone in the light as she walked forward. She was still the same size as Luna and Cadence, alicorns grow slowly apparently. But her snow blue mane was braided along the top but also ran long along her back. Beside her was...no way! Red Sickle, now thirteen years old and already looking bigger. The scarlet, black maned stallion smiled as he wore a uniform similar to his father’s. It was good to see him and Snowflake still getting along. It meant that the Snowlands would still be at peace. She came up to the dais, her and each of the other princesses bowed their heads at one another, and she took her place on the dais, along with Red Sickle. The fanfare began anew and, wow. A single, armored figure came flying in. His armor was black, with purple lining’s on it and it almost completely covered him, with the exception of his face. He had yellow, slitted eyes and a grey coat. Bat like wings lifted him as he came to the dais. He bowed and said, “I have a message from Lord Tenebros, he has apologized and said he will not be attending this summit due to...personal reasons, and wishes to convey his sorrow at having no princess to send in his stead.” Luna gave a death glare at the mention of Tenebros. Who was this guy? I’ve never heard of him before… Could he be some kind of Bat Pony leader? Celestia spoke up, “Tell your king we accept his apology and are sorry he cannot attend.” The bat pony nodded, and turned to leave. Luna looked like she was about ready to throw something again. Do her and this Tenebros guy have a history? I refocused as the fanfare went up again and...oh dear Faust…. The stallion that came forth looked like he came straight out of a fairy tale like the one Twilight and I were pretending to be. He was tall, and his armor from helmet to saddle to hoof guards was all done in gold with some kind of fire motif, and he was quite handsome. This guy was obviously chosen for his looks, rather than his combat prowess. The stallion made a complete show of unfurling his scroll, and said in an agonizingly regal tone. “Now presenting the most illustrious, most beautiful, most powerful, and most loving ruler of Calvaria! The one, and only, Princess Soleil!!” Sounds like Trixie would feel right at home in Calvaria… Calvaria was a country that was on the other side of the planet. It had it’s own princess of the sun. This was the place where the sun would go, when the moon was up. I don’t know if they had a princess of the moon, there, or not, however. Calvaria is also pretty isolationist, they haven’t traded with Equestria or even contacted the country in centuries. Apparently they believed in being self sufficient. That or they just did not like Equestria. I also heard rumors that the country was suffering from poverty and poor living conditions. The poorer ponies, there, being virtual slaves to the nobles and the rich industry owners. None of the safety laws, and other things that try to keep Equestria a relatively nice place to live. True, there were ponies that tried to take advantage of the poor, and other such bad apples. Some ponies would rather exploit than help. Princess Celestia, however, seemed fairly determined to try and make these ponies the exceptions, rather than the rule. You would not have been able to guess that by what followed. To this day, I still have trouble believing it myself. Apparently Princess Soleil felt the need to show off her might, because first came the guards, all dressed in gold, and all marching in step. The double-row of guards, split, forming parallel lines alongside the red carpet, going on one knee. Next came young, teenaged fillies, prancing in, scattering rose petals along the carpet. They danced in an obviously well-rehearsed figure, before they too knelt by the carpet. Next came the trumpeteers, blowing a fanfare, as they proceeded a huge paliquin, covered in gold leaf and upholstered with rich gold cushions being carried by a quartet of really strong-looking Earth stallions. Sitting atop the cushions was a very arrogant looking alicorn, who obviously felt she had to out-do Celestia in regal appearance and opulence. She was gold, too. That explains the theme. Her coat gleamed like pure gold, and her mane flowed like Celestia’s, but where Celestia’s mane three stripes of pastel shades, Soleil’s was red closest to her neck, chevroning to an orange in the middle, and yellow at the very end. Her regalia showed a sun-in-glory, with the same colors as her mane, and her hoof guards looked like flame. Standing beside her was a mare. She was a unicorn with a rather pretty green coat and long blond curls on her head. I saw a star as her cutie mark, like Twilight’s almost. Honestly she was rather cute, but she seemed rather...distracted. I could probably guess what. For standing next to her was one of the guards, but he looked different. His armor was way less regal and more functional. His mane was short and blond that showed brightly on his dark coat. I noticed he had a pair of axes as a cutie mark. He too seemed distracted as he kept casting glances at the mare every now and again. The fanfare stopped as the alicorn flew gracefully down before the dais. She kept her head up as her flame colored eyes gazed upon Celestia. “It has been a long time.” Celestia narrowed her eyes. “Soleil, what a surprise,” she said, although I could tell she was holding back bitterness. “Oh don’t be so drab, dear Celesti,” She said, in that fake friendly tone you use when you’re actually insulting somepony. “It’s always an absolute pleasure to see my cousin after all.” COUSWHATNOW!?