//------------------------------//
// Chapter IV: A Brief Memoir 
// Story: The Clockwork Consequence 
// by Michy 
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Chapter IV: A Brief Memoir


Chapter 3 Recap: Princess Nightmare Moon is away, leaving her loyal followers in her stead to carry out her will as she attends to more distant matters. But even among her followers, bitter partnerships are ever present, as seen through a heated encounter between Captain Dash and the ever graceful yet just as mysterious Lady Rarity. As the princess' design comes slowly into fruition, entering into its first phase, even Captain Jack, a more caring lighthearted individual, has made her presence known. While more players in the princess' plans have begun to show themselves such as the ominous Diane and even the renown Trixie. The pieces are set in place and the story begins. The strange happening known as the Lockdown has made its presence known to Equestria.





Sometime before the sirens rang, Moondancer and Twilight were still busy with their own private affairs.

Twilight Sparkle and Moondancer currently sat, hunched over their rear hooves in Twilight's room which consisted of a small single bed, some glow in the dark stickies plastered on the walls, and a dresser with a couple of turned down photo frames. Moondancer tried to appear interested while she listened to Twilight go on and on about various different topics, mainly revolving around the many schools of magic. She readjusted her rear position as she sat on the carpet, trying to get comfortable. She also absently glanced around the room, taking in all the unfamiliar details, feeling it'd become a habit at this point. She raised a brow at some of the glow in the dark stickies, frowning a bit in question, and wondering why a mare who was considered a young adult had such childish things still. But as she sat there in Twilight's home, she felt reminded as to why she probably shouldn't be too surprised. Seeing as Twilight was still lost in the sound of her own voice, while she went on and on about magic. She turned back to pay attention to Twilight, and frowned further in contemplation, and silence. Moondancer's biggest wonder was, why Twilight's room in particular seemed so cleanly compared to the rest of her home.

Twilight raised a hoof to the air in an explanatory gesture, and held a comic book in the other. Upon the comic book there was a well done drawing of the renowned duelist mare Trixie, while she stood at the edge of castle ruins. She was facing off against what appeared to be a pegasus holding a lance, which was ignited with lightning. "That's why the gravitational school is so useful against pegasus because—"

Moondancer couldn't help but interrupt her. "Uh, Twilight. Can I ask you something?"

Twilight paused mid sentence immediately, like a trained dog she reacted to Moondancer's words.  Worriedly she looked to her in concern. "Y-Yes Moondancer? Is something wrong? I'm sorry, I talked too much again didn't I? I didn't mean to, I was just-"

Moondancer raised her hoof in a halting gesture, as she closed her eyes and sighed. "It's okay, Twilight..."

Twilight's eyes widened as she sat attentively then, both her forehooves over her thighs in a respective manner.

Moondancer's brows furrowed in concern and slight pity for Twilight, frustration even. She rubbed her forehead with a heavy sigh. What's with this mare? I'm not her master or anything. Moondancer took a second to look back at Twilight again, deep in thought. Twilight sat like a trained animal, respecting her in any way she could. They'd barely known each other yet Twilight was doing everything in her power to ensure Moondancer wasn't upset. M-Maybe she isn't cut out for this, I'm too eager... Moondancer sighed yet again before looking seriously at Twilight. "Twilight, you're obviously a magic eccentric. But I'm wondering how much you truly know."

Twilight tilted her head to the right in a curious manner. "Magic Eccentric?" 

Moondancer rose to all fours, and began trotting absently around the mare. "Meaning you have an abnormally broad range of study. You're far more dedicated than most ponies I've seen. Like me, I assume your curiosity in magic motivates you to look into all forms of it constantly. But still, unlike me, you just take in what you can get." She paused behind Twilight, leaning her head down beside her's and giving her a curious look. "Though, that's not what my primary concern is. I have no doubt your cutie mark must have something to do with magic, but the fact you haven't discovered it yet is what astonishes me. I want to help you figure out your destiny." She rose her head again and just looked down at Twilight seriously. "But I need you to do something for me as well. As well as to test your limits."

Twilight raised a brow as she remained in that seated position, and she tried to turn her head closer to Moondancer. "Something for you?" She rose to all fours and turned around, facing Moondancer with a blank stare as there was a long pause of silence.

Moondancer stared seriously at Twilight, believing she was actually becoming quite serious herself. "If you need time, I und-"

Twilight immediately leaned closer in Moondancer's face in absolute excitement. "LIKE A PRICE!? Oh my gosh! This is like one of those adventures in all those stories! Tests even!? Wow! This is so exciting!" She began hopping around Moondancer. "I read so many books about this sort of stuff! This is the coolest thing I've heard in my life!" She paused, sitting down again as she tapped her two forehooves together. "I mean sure there are many other types of scenarios that could result in this type of situation but we must consider all the factors." She tilted her head to the right and raised a hoof to her muzzle. "I mean I'm not much of an interesting pony, why would-"

Moondancer stomped a hoof as she snapped at Twilight. "Twilight! Not again!"

Twilight was legitimately confused as she leaned her head back and her nose scrunched up. "Huh?"

Moondancer sighed, as she made her way over to one of Twilight's dressers. From her position the window could be seen on a nearby wall, giving a good overlook of the mystical city in which they lived. The room was currently graced by gorgeous moonlight, and Moondancer thought back to wondering why it was so clean in this particular room. Perhaps it was ritualistic for Twilight, as if she felt she needed the room to be tidy, but the other parts of her home didn't matter. Regardless, Moondancer didn't dwell on it, nor found the room itself suspicious. She was currently busy with her own thoughts regarding more important matters that involved Twilight. She lifted a photo frame with half closed eyes, as she stood casually in front of the dresser. Her eyes widened however, as she saw that upon the photo was a shy young teenage Twilight, who scratched at the back of her mane, while a pale pink alicorn held her protectively. Moondancer glanced back at Twilight immediately. "How well did you know Cadence!? Did she know you just as well as your brother!?"

Twilight shrugged as she turned a bit red, smiling, yet still appearing embarrassed. "Oh, Cadence? She was my foalsitter for years. I'm uh, eheh—" She scratched at the back of her mane again, nervously chuckling. "Well um, Cadence always made me nervous. She was very pretty, and smart, and just, very talented. I always felt insecure around her. I mean, w-wouldn't be surprising right? She's an alicorn afterall, niece of the princess, super cool. It would make sense, but, it's not like I was jealous or anything! Okay, maybe a little." Twilight started to go off into her own little recalling as she tapped her forehooves together as she spoke. "Cadence was really protective of me. I didn't like to go outside, um, well since failing to get into Princess Celestia's school at least. She always tried to cheer me up about it." Twilight's eyes saddened as she looked lost in some memories. "I liked her a lot, even if we don't talk much anymore. She always seemed so guilty too for some reason." Twilight's face lit up with intrigue then as she leaned in a bit towards Moondancer. "W-What about you? Did you know her Moondancer!? I bet she was very different around you! Like super professional! Did you guys practice magic together!?"

Moondancer cut Twilight off as she looked absently at the picture still. "We had a falling out. We used to be close friends, but, ever since Nightmare Moon's rule began, we became distant. I'd rather not talk about it, but, I thank you much for sharing your story Twilight."

Twilight wore a curious expression still, but leaned back again, as she just watched Moondancer. "Oh yeah, sure!" 

Moondancer sighed and then made her way over to the window, looking over the city with concern, and drifting back yet again to her own memories. It was years ago, only recently after Nightmare Moon's sudden rule over Equestria had begun.





Moondancer trotted back and forth down one of Canterlot's numerous halls. The lighting was bright white, and the castle itself possessed far more color, and was far more vibrant than it was in current times. It still had life. Despite this, Moondancer was still upset, while standing not far from her with concern, was Princess Cadence herself. Moondancer stopped, and gave her a sharp glare. "Why aren't you fighting Cadence!? Just because Princess Celestia is gone, doesn't mean we can't fight for her! Together we can do something! Are you just going to stand there and let Nightmare Moon take over!? You're an alicorn to aren't you!? You can stop her if you tried!"

Princess Cadence frowned, her mane was now much shorter than many were accustomed to. She wore a serious expression, and looked upon Moondancer in sadness. "Trust me Moondancer, if there's anypony who understands how you feel, it's me. Auntie Celestia took me in when I had nowhere else to go, she taught me so much, and loved me like her own. The fact that she's been banished by her own sister troubles me greatly. But if there's one thing that Auntie Celestia ensured I always understand, it's that love and compassion must be considered first and foremost. Perhaps, Nightmare Moon can be convinced of her wrongdoings, even taught how to love again."

Moondancer gritted her teeth as she stomped a hoof at the alicorn. "Don't be so ridiculous! Are you that delusional!? She does love something! HERSELF! That's all she'll ever love! Everything she does is for her own selfish reasons! She'll never understand!"

Princess Cadence flinched, raising a hoof in front of herself in a defensive manner and backing away somewhat.

Moondancer noticed the change in demeanor as she immediately took a trot back herself and looked down towards the red carpet in a guilty manner. Her eyes were wide with realization as she muttered in a softer, more sincere tone. "I'm sorry Cadence, I..."

Princess Cadence frowned further at the unicorn in understanding. "Moondancer, you have nothing to apologize for. But, please don't forget what Auntie Celestia taught you. Your magic studies are important, they always have been. But do not let your passion for revenge cloud your judgement, Auntie Celestia wouldn't have wanted that. There has to be another solution to this, a peaceful resolution. Fighting is not the answer." She paused and closed her eyes momentarily, before giving Moondancer a serious look once again. "Shining Armor and I are leaving. We've been called to help instill Nightmare's new order around the various regions of Equestria. We both agree that, perhaps if we're to represent the princess ourselves, then maybe we can earn some leniency with our citizens. Maybe we can still preserve some of the love Auntie Celestia has garnished over the years as a kind and gentle ruler. We hope to represent that aspect of the kingdom."

As she heard those words, Moondancer looked at Cadence in distraught. Her eyes started to brim with tears as she shook her head, her voice trembled as she spoke. It was apparent that she was still trying to keep that tough demeanor she had, but Cadence's words were sharp and slit like a knife, she felt betrayed. "So that's it then? You're just, going to up and leave like that? You guys are all buddy buddy now is that it? Let's just forget Princess Celestia and make the best of this new princess! Is that how it works Cadence?"

Princess Cadence's brows furrowed in annoyance. "Don't misinterpret my words Moondancer, you know that's not what I meant." She sighed, and looked back at the unicorn still in understanding. "I know you're hurting, and I'm sorry it has to be this way. But, I cannot risk all of this on some duel, especially one I more than likely won't win if not even Auntie Celestia could. Nightmare Moon is our ruler now, whether we like it or not, and for the time being the best thing we can do is try to convince her of her wrongdoings, get her to understand that banishing Auntie is not the way to go about things." She turned around slowly, "Maybe someday, we can find a way to bring her back through peaceful resolutions, despite my doubts." As she faced the opposing direction from Moondancer, she glanced back with a nostalgic smile. "I'm not sure when I'll see you again Moondancer but, please take care of yourself while I'm away. I promise, I'll try my best to preserve what Auntie Celestia worked so hard to protect." She chuckled and closed her eyes. "Also, if you can, please take care of my sweet baby sister if you see her? She's adorable but quite the shut in. She likes her privacy and she can be a bit hard to get used to."

Moondancer rubbed at her eyes as she gave Cadence a raised brow in skepticism. "You have a little sister?"

Princess Cadence exhaled a bit and looked up towards the ceiling, humored. "Yes, I do. Although I haven't had a chance to visit her in quite some time, I ensure to keep tabs on her while I'm here in the city. She seems to be doing well for herself, but you know how I can be." She looked back at Moondancer again, now with a devious snicker and half-closed eyes. "I can be quite clingy sometimes haha."

And although Moondancer still seemed fairly upset, she realized that Cadence didn't mean any harm by her words. She was just choosing to interpret them in that way. She chose to focus on this other, less important topic. "Well, what's her name then?"

Princess Cadence chuckled gleefully and covered her muzzle with a hoof, in thought. "I'll let you figure it out."

Moondancer's eyes widened as she scowled a little, filled with impatience. "What!? Well then I just won't see her then!"

Princess Cadence couldn't help but regard Moondancer with a look of affection. "You know, you both are like my sisters. In your own way, you're shockingly alike. Moondancer, I have no doubt you'll meet her someday, there's this charm about her despite her misgivings, that I'm sure you two will find a way to relate to one another. I was hoping to introduce you two, because I'm sure it's something she would love. But sadly due to time constraints, I must do what I have to, to ensure she can continue living her peaceful life, along with all the other citizens I care so much about." Her face became one apparent of displeasure, as it was obvious she wasn't happy with the idea of departing. "Please understand Moondancer, if I felt there was any other way, I would do it. I hope one day you can understand my reasons."

Moondancer swiped her hoof in an angered manner as her face twisted up into a pained and distraught scowl. Her nose wrinkled up as her eyes swelled with tears still. She looked of utter desperation. "There is! You just have to be willing to do it Cadence! PLEASE!"

Princess Cadence graced the unicorn with one last smile, before trotting off further down the hall. "Do take care of yourself."

And Moondancer watched her depart, with bitter hateful eyes. Yet still she knew she was wrong for feeling as such, for taking Cadence's decision so personally. But still she did, and she couldn't seem to forget, nor forgive her as of yet for not acting differently.





As Moondancer drifted back to the present, she glanced back at the photo frame of Twilight and Cadence with a bitter expression. She focused particularly on Cadence. You could've gave me a bigger hint about her you know. She turned back towards Twilight, before trotting casually up to her, looking down at her silently for a moment as Twilight peered back up at her curiously. "Twilight Sparkle...."

Twilight continued to sit before Moondancer, looking up at her with wide curious eyes as she said nothing.

Moondancer continued, "What do you think about Nightmare Moon's current rule?"

Twilight blinked a bit, as she glanced down to her lower left in question. "Um, I don't think much of it."

Moondancer's eyes widened a bit as she looked legitimately curious. "Don't think much of it?"

Twilight looked back up at her as she closed her eyes with a soft smile and chuckle. "Well, sure! Why would I?"

Moondancer looked absently back towards the photo again, focusing particularly on Cadence. But sorry Cadence... She looked back down towards Twilight with a serious gaze. I think I'll be taking your little sister for awhile. "That makes sense coming from you."

Twilight scratched at the back of her mane with a snicker. "Uh, does it? Well I guess so, haha. I think? Um..."

Smarty Pants didn't say anything, sitting against the door and remaining silent as usual. 

Moondancer held out a hoof towards Twilight, smirking. "That's cause you're special, Twilight Sparkle." She's different from you.