Shining Armor's Log Day 397 continued
I returned to camp in the worst way a commander could. I was furious. Princess Celestia had pulled me away from the town just before I could talk to Twilight. I could not think clearly and I needed to let out some anger.
I saw the courier was still waiting with the letter. A code 14 meant that it was an immediate danger, one that would require a large force to deal with. Upon noticing me, the courier saluted.
"Sir, a letter from Princess Celestia," she said. I took the letter from her and floated it over into my hooves.
"Thank you. Get some food and water, I might have a letter to send back," I told her curtly, before turning and walking over to a chair. I opened the letter and began to read.
Dear Shining Armor,
There have been reports of changelings near Manehattan. Your replacement has sent a small force of guards to investigate, and they have found that there is a changeling outpost in the vicinity of Manehattan. I know the search for Twilight is important, but I must also take care of the others under my protection. This letter is for the immediate return of 40 ponies to Manehattan to destroy the outpost. They will be returned after the outpost is dealt with.
Her Excellence, Ruler of the Realm, Raiser of the sun,
Princess Celestia
"Get me a pen and some paper," I commanded to anypony that was nearby. Within a minute I had everything I needed to send a response, but first I needed to follow my orders.
"Squads 1-14, you're to report to the Manehattan station," I ordered. "Apparently, the changelings have created an outpost near there. You'll get the rest of the briefing when you arrive." With a final salute, 42 ponies galloped off. How are they going to get the train to come back? I thought. No matter, they were good ponies, they could get to Manehattan with little issue. Shaking my head to clear my mind, I began to write the letter.
Dear Princess Celestia,
I have found Twilight, but something seems to be wrong. She lied to me when we spoke. She is in a small town at the moment, and the mayor seems to be in complete control. There is a major issue, though. Everypony has the same cutie marks in this town, even Twilight. I am worried greatly by this, and would appreciate your guidance in this matter. I will be meeting with Twilight tomorrow, and hopefully I will be able to get some answers. I have a bad feeling about this town. I need my force back as soon as the changelings are taken care of.
Captain of the Royal Guard, and you're faithful servant,
Shining Armor
P.S. Send Cadence my love. I can't waste paper to send her a letter, but tell her that I am alright and that I will return.
Twilight, I know something is wrong. Just hold on a little while longer, I will save you.
Starlight Glimmer's Diary Day 397 continued
"Twilight, we must speak," I said as soon as the army was out of earshot. "We have some matters to discuss still."
I walked towards my cottage with Twilight following. The situation went mostly according to plan. Shining Armor was not fooled by Twilight's act, however. That could prove problematic later on.
"What do we need to talk about?" Twilight asked.
"Nothing too much, just the fact that you weren't trying hard enough," I scolded her. Before she could speak, however, I said, "But like I've always said, the past is in the past. We can only right our mistakes."
"I'm not sure I understand."
"Well, Shining Armor will ask you to talk to him in private. I will be blunt, I can't allow that. You have not earned my trust yet. So, this is what you're going to do. You will tell him that we are your friends, and that you keep nothing from us. You will not betray me or the town."
"I already told you, I won't do that," she claimed.
"Good. So, if he asks you to speak in private, I expect you to not allow that. I don't believe I have to tell you what will happen if you don't...?"
"No," Twilight responded while looking at the floor. I thought I saw a tear fall.
"Good. Now the next order of business. You will always have a pony with you. It will be either me or one of the ponies from the town council."
"Why can't you just me and my friends go?! We did nothing to harm you, and you force us to stay?!" She asked again.
"I am not keeping your friends here, Twilight," I said bluntly. "They have chosen to stay. I have not posted guards on them for the past week. They are staying of their own free will. They know this is where they belong. They are okay without their cutie marks. They are all better off without their special talents. Rarity is happy, Pinkie is happy, every one of your friends are happy. You are the only one that is not, because you continue to hold onto the idea that your cutie mark is a good thing."
Twilight couldn't handle that idea. She began to cry and laid down on the floor. I can never stand seeing another pony crying, so I tried to comfort her. Despite my best attempts at consoling her, she cried for... a very long time. I was forced to allow her cries to run their course, until she, finally, stopped crying.
After Twilight that... talk, I took her to the back bedroom.
"I am sorry, Twilight, but I am going to have to lock you in here. It's for the safety of the town," I told her. She said nothing in reply and just laid in the bed. I looked around the room briefly, making sure there was no way she could harm herself, and then locked it. It was a door that locked from the outside, for the more... troublesome guests. The lock was also enchanted, meaning a lot of magic would be required for a unicorn to pick it withmagic.
With that taken care of, I went back outside where many ponies were waiting to welcome our new friend.
"I am sorry everypony, but our new friend needs to sleep," I said to all of them. "She has had a tough day, and is going to have a harder one tomorrow. She needs our support and her privacy." Most ponies were saddened by this fact, but most agreed with me and went about their business.
I looked over to see the three main council members looking at me. I motioned them over before walking back into my house. A few minutes later, we were all seating by my table with some muffins to snack on.
"What do we need to talk about?" Fire Hammer asked.
"Twilight Sparkle," I stated simply.
"What about Twilight?" Double Diamond questioned. "She's one of us now."
"That may be true, but she is the leader of these new friends, and an alicorn as well. We need to be careful around her."
"Careful, how?" Forest Embers wanted to know.
"One of us must always be with her. She has agreed to this condition."
"Is that really such a good idea?" Fire Hammer asked skeptically.
"She might think it means we don't trust her," Double Diamond worried.
"It's fine. She understands her... situation. It is just temporary. Don't worry," I assured them. They all nodded in agreement.
After a few more minutes of pleasantries and gossip, they all left. Myself, I felt weary. I decided to take a little me time, and get some more sleep than usual. Tomorrow should be more eventful than today would be, I just have a feeling.