//------------------------------// // Breakfast // Story: Shining Dash // by Ianpiersonjdavis //------------------------------// Rainbow Dash’s eyes cracked open before slowly sitting up and letting out a colossal yawn as she slowly got out of bed and stretched her legs before standing up straight and take another look around the guest room Celestia had so graciously allowed her to stay in. She would have been willing to bet it was better than hotel the Wonderbolts had ever stayed at while they were on tour. The floor was covered in a chess-like tile pattern. The King sized bed was covered in a large pink canopy and the wooden foot had three pink hearts etched into it (probably to make the castle’s more important guests feel welcome) along with two large fluffy white pillows and a bed sheet with swirls of what were either meant to be clouds or wind-she couldn’t really tell-obviously they hadn’t spent too much time in weather management. There was a wall with eight large windows, two of which were double doors that lead onto a balcony which overlooked the garden. Dash headed towards bathroom and as she entered, she caught herself in the mirror’s reflection, her mane was a mess and there were dark circles under her eyes-stupid Shining Armor, if he hadn’t burst in last night and started freaking out-that was when she froze. Shining Armor. She remembered he was babbling about something the night before and she said something to shut him up and leave her alone so she could go back to sleep…but, what did she say? For the life of her she couldn’t remember. Stepping into the large porcelain shower, she turned the silver knob as hot water poured from the nozzle she thought back to him desperately trying to wake her. If the Captain of the Royal Guard wanted her for something it must have been pretty important. Despite the steaming water cascading over her body, she felt like cold ice water had filled her veins as her heart sped up. What if someone had been hurt? Or killed? ‘That’s right, Rainbow Dash…’ a voice whispered in the back of her head. She hated that voice-it was the one that always told her that she wasn’t good enough, that no matter what she did or how hard she tried, she would never be good enough to accomplish anything. ‘THIS is why you never would have made it to becoming a Wonderbolt, you NEVER even had a chance-you’re far too lazy and selfish.’ She wanted to tell the voice to shut up, that it was wrong-but; all she could do was lower her head in shame. For all she knew someone could have died because she refused to help. And what about Shining Armor? Did he hate her now? Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of heavy pounding coming from the door to her room. Turning off the shower head, she stepped out and grabbed a towel before haphazardly trying to dry her mane as the pounding became louder and more frequent. “Yeah, yeah, I’m comin’!” she called out before wrapping the towel around herself and heading towards the door. --- Shining Armor was waiting outside the door, despite knowing that Cadance, Flash, and Sunset Shimmer had survived the Changeling ambush relatively unscathed-the fact that he left Cadance unprotected, knowing that she was more than likely their prime target-only served to increase his guilt. How could he have been so stupid and negligent of his duties? The door swung open as Rainbow Dash appeared with a wet mane, wearing a towel. Shining felt his face burn with embarrassment, at this moment if he was in front of a mirror he could just imagine seeing his face turn a deep crimson through his white fur, he also didn’t fail to notice that even having her mane wet and disheveled did nothing to diminish her beauty. “’Sup?” Dash asked coolly upon seeing him. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt your…uh, private time.” The second the words left his mouth he mentally berated himself for his poor choice in vocabulary and the way in which his sentence could be misconstrued. ‘IDIOT!’ Now she’s probably going to think you’re some kind of pervert! Why didn’t you just say ‘shower’?’ “It’s cool.” Dash replied. “Actually, I was just thinking about you.” His jaw dropped upon hearing this-did she really just say what he thought she did? Then again, he probably misunderstood. “R-really?” “Yeah, I…well, I kind of screwed up last night-I shouldn’t have left you hanging like that, just because I wanted to go back to sleep-it was unquestionably, undeniably, uncool. And it won’t ever happen again.” “Um, about that…” Shining let out a deep sigh. “I…kind of screwed up too, I should have been there for Cadance-but, instead I got caught up in my own issues.” “But that wasn’t your fault!” Dash protested. “You had a lot of stuff going on; like talking to Celestia and Twilight-besides, even if you were there how do you know you wouldn’t have been too exhausted to help if you had stayed with Cadance instead of getting some rest?” Before he could reply she added; “And I might not be an egghead like Twilight, but I am an athlete-so, I know a thing or two about what happens you try pushing yourself too hard-physically or emotionally and just by talking to you yesterday I could tell you were reaching your limit.” She then took a step closer to examine him. “Did you even get any sleep last night?” “Not really…” he admitted. “Yeah, I can tell; you look kinda tired…look, I’ll finish drying off and we can talk more at breakfast, sound good?” “Okay, sounds good.” Shining agreed, before flashing he a smile that showed off his perfect teeth and began heading to the guest dining hall. Rainbow Dash closed the door to her room once more as she returned to the bathroom before discarding the towel into a clothes hamper by the door. She then caught her reflection in the mirror, despite being mostly dried off there were still a few water droplets that stubbornly clung to her fur and her mane was still disheveled-and NOT in the way she liked it. She returned to the windows next to her bed and opened the double doors leading onto the balcony. A gentle breeze blew, which felt nice in her mane and fur-but, it would feel even nicer when she was up in the air. Giving a few experimental flaps of her wings, she took off to begin her morning routine of giving a flyby through some clouds. It was a good workout exercise for any Pegasus and it always helped perfectly style her mane in just the way she preferred it. But as she flew, her mind kept returning to Shining Armor; his compassion, his loyalty, that perfect smile, those well-toned muscles, that perfect flank- She shook her head-trying to will the thoughts away, she reminded herself that she couldn’t be thinking that way about him-he was just a friend and Twilight’s brother, even if she made a move on him or the other way around, wasn’t he still hurting from his break-up with Cadance? And what would that do to her friendship with Twilight? Not to mention she was pretty close to Celestia-if she got really mad, it wouldn’t be hard for them to make her life difficult…though, granted that probably wouldn’t happen-Twilight was pretty sensible, right? Sighing, Dash continued her routine-wishing that she had just stayed in bed…how had things gotten so complicated? --- Flash stood outside of Sunset’s room, after last night they needed to talk. He gently began knocking on the door. “Sunset?” he called out. “It’s Flash, we need to talk.” No response. “Sunset, are you in there?” There was still no response. Letting out a defeated sigh, he began heading towards the guest dining hall-maybe she was already up and went to get some breakfast… Knowing what he did now, he couldn’t blame Sunset for being hostile whenever it came to the Changelings but, the intensity of her hatred still disturbed him. She didn’t just want to wipe their species out-she wanted to make them suffer. How could he convince her that this was wrong? Maybe if he pointed out- His thoughts were cut off as something collided with his chest; he looked down to see Twilight on the floor with a book lying askew. “Sorry!” she apologized. “It’s okay,” he replied, offering a hoof to help her back up. “Are you alright?” “Yeah, I’m sorry…I was just double-checking something in my book and I guess I got a little…distracted.” She apologized again. “Yeah, you weren’t the only one…so what are you reading?” he asked, picking up the book and giving it back to her. A glimpse of the cover art revealed a grey and white Griffon with black battle armor in a victorious pose, raising a sword in one of her talons in the center of a chess board surrounded by shattered black and white chess pieces of the same scale. “’The Legendary Tactics of Griffon Warfare’” she replied dutifully. “I’ve also been brushing up on my negotiating skills by reading various books on the subject-it’s good to be prepared for either scenario that may occur from the dealing with these Changelings-did you know there is a theory on alternate worlds that can branch off simply depending on one’s action or inaction in any given situation?” “Um, not really-but, have you seen a unicorn mare-probably wearing a black jacket around, today?” he asked. “No, but she might have gone to breakfast…” “Sorry, I just realized I haven’t introduced myself.” Flash apologized. “Flash Sentry of the Canterlot Royal Guard.” “I see.” Twilight replied, glancing at his armor. “My name is Twilight Sparkle.” “Yeah, you’re brother’s kinda my boss.” “Don’t you mean ‘Commanding Officer’?” Twilight asked. “I do, but most civilians I’ve talked to don’t really know what I’m talking about-so if I don’t simplify it for them, then the explanations can take hours.” “I know what you mean.” She replied. “So, who is this mare you’re looking for?” “Sunset Shimmer.” “I don’t think I’ve actually met her, yet…” Twilight replied thoughtfully. “But, if she’s not in her room-then maybe she’s at the guest dining hall?” --- As expected, the guest dining hall was filled with the clatter of golden plates and bowls presented by the castle staff. As the name implied, this dining area was specifically designated for personal guests of Princess Celestia. Unlike the twelve long tables in the guard’s dining hall, there was a single, round table proposed by Clover the Clever after conversation proved difficult for the princesses and their twelve Honored Royal Knights. At the table, the princesses sat next to each other with Celestia opposite of the entrance, Luna on her right and Cadance on her left. Shining Armor was sitting next to Luna and would occasionally exchange awkward glances with Cadance. Sunset was sitting next directly across from Celestia, leaving a wide berth between herself and the others. While the two sisters’ expressions remained relatively neutral, Sunset appeared quite irritated. “Is that her?” she whispered to Flash. “Yeah,” As they approached the table, a rainbow blur slid past them before skidding to a halt. “Whew! Sorry, about that!” Dash exclaimed. “I’m not late, am I?” “Quite the contrary-you’re right on time.” Celestia replied warmly. “Ah, good!” she continued, cantering to the seat next to Shining Armor. “I was working on my morning exercises-and I guess I got a little carried away…” “Is that why you didn’t fly in?” Twilight pressed; slightly miffed that Dash took the only remaining seat next to her brother-still, she supposed that she could use this opportunity to catch up with Cadance. “Yeah, trust me; if you’re a Pegasus, you don’t wanna strain your wings.” “Or an Alicorn for that matter.” Luna added. After sitting next to Cadance, Twilight looked over to Sunset. “So, Sunset Shimmer…I’ve been hearing a lot about you lately, my name is Twilight Sparkle.” She introduced herself. “I’m hoping that maybe someday we can become the best of friends.” “Don’t hold your breath.” Sunset muttered. “Um, I’m sorry?” “I noticed your Cutie Mark, do you know it represents?” she continued, coldly. “Yes, it represents my talent with magic.” “Uh-huh…is that all?” she challenged. “Let me ask you this; do you really believe that it’s merely a coincidence that it’s the exact same shape as your Element of Harmony? Or that yours just happens to be shaped like a crown in its physical form?” “Sunset…” Celestia began, uncertainly. “Or that out of every Unicorn that has worked their ass off in Celestia’s gifted school that you and only you were chosen to be her protégé?” Sunset continued, ignoring her. “Do you really believe you've actually earned everything you’ve accomplished? Or did it just fall into your lap like the spoiled teacher’s pet you are?” “Wait just a minute!” Twilight protested. “I did earn everything I’ve accomplished! My Cutie Mark-” she glanced awkwardly at Rainbow Dash before cutting herself off. “I studied tirelessly, night and day for years to reach where I am, but what really got me where I am today is from making the wonderful friends that I have today!” “Really?” Sunset pressed, glancing at Celestia-who was now glaring daggers at her. “It’s that easy, huh? That’s funny, because I’ve seen others far older than you or I with dozens of friends and they have achieved a modicum of what you have in your short, pathetic lifespan.” “What’s this really about?” “Nothing much, just a thought that popped into my head and I thought that as another intellectual you might be interested in a philosophical discussion.” Sunset replied innocently. “The question I’m trying to ask is; do we equines truly have free will or are we slaves to what our destinies tell us?” If Twilight was anywhere near as intelligent as she had been led to believe, then she would have no problem reading the subtext. Still, Sunset supposed she could have made her point less blatantly with Celestia sitting right across from them, but she wanted to make a point to her as well; she would not be her pawn again. As things stood, Twilight absolutely adored Celestia-which made her far more malleable to her suggestions and less likely to question her motives. And as much as she hated the precocious little bitch for doing nothing aside from literally being born into greatness, the temptation of getting revenge on Celestia for manipulating her emotions was too sweet to ignore. Given Celestia’s miffed expression, she took that as a small, but sweet victory. Despite her contempt, part of her also felt pity for Twilight…she was falling into the same trap Sunset herself had. She probably still idolized Starswirl, innocently oblivious to the monster her truly became later on in his life and the unspeakable atrocities he committed as his mind went…what would she think of him, then? Of course, that was under the influence of a dark artifact, but still…someone should probably take care of that book. The table was eerily quiet as the castle staff served breakfast. Too quiet. That’s when Dash decided to speak up. “So, Cadance…Shining Armor tells me that you used to be a babysitter for Twilight, huh?” “That’s right!” Cadance replied, relieved that the awkward tension had finally been removed. “Back when I was a teenager and her mother and father would go on dates and Shining Armor was busy training in the guard, I would take care of her.” “So that’s where you went…” Sunset commented, remembering that there was a certain filly that Cadance just loved to sit for. Of course, half of that probably had to do with her raging teenage hormones and that particular little filly’s rather attractive older brother. She never really knew his name-she had more important studies to get to-but, she did develop somewhat of a crush on Shining Armor herself and would pretend to be reading as she secretly watched him whenever he walked by. “So, do you have any fun stories about Twilight?” Dash pressed, trying-and failing to suppress a devilish grin forming at the corners of her mouth. “Weeeellll…” Cadance began thoughtfully. “Cadance, don’t!” Twilight pleaded. “I’m just kidding, Twilight!” Cadance laughed. “But, I will say there was never a dull moment with her-do you still have that doll I gave you?” “Smarty Pants? I well…uh, that’s kind of a long story…” Twilight replied, her ears lowering in embarrassment at the memory. “Yeah…” Dash added, rubbing the back of her neck. “Nobody came out of that looking good.” “Oh?” “Go ahead and tell her, Rainbow Dash.” Celestia encouraged. “Princess!” Twilight pleaded. “I’m sorry Twilight,” Celestia replied with an impish grin. “But, consider this punishment for your irresponsible use of dangerous magic. You should enjoy this Cadance-it was one of your spells.” Twilight buried her face in her hooves and Dash recounted the tale of a tardy Twilight Sparkle desperately enchanting a filly’s ragdoll with a spell to devolve three fillies and eventually the entire town into a knock-down, drag-out brawl in an attempt to create a friendship problem and a lesson to report to Princess Celestia on the importance of ‘sharing’. “Really?” Sunset asked, once the story was finished. “And how intelligent are you supposed to be? I mean, I would have just made something up.” “Or write a letter explaining the truth.” Luna added. “I still do not see why Equestria’s citizens cower in fear of disappointing my sister-it’s as if they believe she is some tyrant.” “Well, Twiley has a long history of over exaggerating when it comes to her academic work.” Shining explained. “For everyone else, it’s just that Celestia does so much from us-we’re kind of worried about disappointing her.” “I see.” Luna’s gaze then drifted over to Flash. “And who is this young stallion, I don’t believe we’ve been formally introduced…” “Flash Sentry, ma’am-I mean, your majesty.” He replied, nervously. “He’s relatively new to the guard, but Shining Armor has had nothing but good things to say about him in his reports.” Celestia cut in. “So you were the guard who helped defend Cadance last night…” “Wait! What happened last night?” Twilight asked, alarmed. “A group of Changelings attacked Cadance in the garden last night; while you slackers were sleeping-Flash and I took care of them.” Sunset replied. “Why didn’t anyone tell me about this?” “You were more than likely sleeping at that hour and I thought the whole reason we agreed to cut off your training early was so you and your magic could recover…alerting you would undoubtedly disrupt that process.” Luna explained. “Besides, while they were a threat- they were not the threat-it's the Queen is who you should be worried about.” Sunset added. “That’s right,” Celestia agreed. “While we could not find an alternative food source for the Changelings or even if they actually require feeding on love to survive, we have found some information that is quite…disturbing.” “While traveling through dreams, I could not enter any the Changeling’s-it appears that there is something about their innate magic that prevents me from doing so-it would also explain why they have been able to remain hidden from us for so long.” Luna continued. “However, there were a few who I faintly hear-but, their voices and their magic all seemed to be fading until I could no longer reach them. It appears that once their victims have been drained of all the love that can be fed upon, they are converted into one of the fold.” “Huh.” Everyone looked at Sunset. “When I confronted the Changelings at one of their hives, they ambushed me and I woke in a chrysalis filled with resin-at the time I assumed it was some kind of acid…but, what if something in that resin can alter an equine’s biological structure and brain chemistry?” “So how did you escape, then?” Dash asked, suspiciously. “Simple. I burned through it, injuring myself in the process-but, a small price to pay to wipe out the overgrown parasites. Unfortunately, I was too weak to finish the job-didn’t stop me from burning the entire hive to the ground.” “The point we are trying to make, is that contrary to what we earlier believed; these Changelings may not have control of their actions or if they do-then they do not, or cannot remember who they truly are…” Celestia’s voice trailed off. “Then the genocide you’ve been proposing would not only kill potentially innocent Changelings and wipe out an entire race-but, you’d be condemning innocent ponies to death, too Sunset.” Flash added. “If they massacred any of your friends-you wouldn’t be so soft on them.” Sunset replied coldly. “And what if your friend had survived?” Flash challenged, catching her off-guard. “What?” “What if your friend had survived, and instead of being mauled fighting to the death she was put into one of those things and woke up as a Changeling? Would you still want to kill all of them then?” “I….” “Sunset…” Cadance spoke softly. “We all understand that this issue is deeply personal for you, but this is something you have to look at for more than just yourself-we are trying to save lives on both sides-which is why we are pushing for diplomacy, instead of war.” “And genocide is never a justifiable solution.” Celestia finished. “Princess, Flash and I will be interrogating the Changelings we caught last night when we’re done here.” Shining informed her. “They might have some useful information for negotiating with the Queen…or maybe a way to change the ones that have been converted back.” “Very well, intimidate them if you must-but, do not harm them.” “Understood.” “The final issue that must be discussed is evacuation.” Celestia continued. “If negotiating with the Queen does not work, then all of Canterlot will be under siege and there will surely be significant collateral damage. Property can be replaced-citizens cannot. Therefore, the guard will be dispatched to begin the evacuation at noon.” “Spike and the girls should be here around then, too.” Twilight informed everyone. “That way can use the Elements of Harmony in case they’re needed. “Hopefully, that won’t be necessary.” --- Rainbow Dash followed Shining Armor out of the dining hall. “So, you’re going to go interrogate those things now, huh?” “Yeah…it’s not gonna fun.” “Can I come along?” “No.” “What!? Why not?” she demanded. “Because you’re a civilian, Flash and I have been trained to handle hostile prisoners in case they escape…and I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself if something happened to you because I screwed again.” “I handled Nightmare Moon and Discord just fine!” she protested. “Yes, because you had the Elements of Harmony along with Twiley and your other friends-neither of which are going to be with us.” “I also caught Rarity and three unconscious Wonderbolts-including Spitfire-and saved them from falling to their deaths while performing a Sonic Rainboom and winning Cloudsdale’s Best Young Flier’s competition.” She reminded him. “I-well, you still can’t come because…” he then let out a defeated sigh. “You’re really worried about me, aren’t you?” The look that Shining Armor gave her was reminiscent of a kicked puppy. “Alright, I guess I can find something else to do until my friends get here…” she sighed. “You just, try to be careful-okay?” “Deal. And I promise I’ll make it up it you, Dash.”