The Cake Is A Lie
It's been two days since I last saw Serenity, so you can understand my surprise when she suddenly turned up again.
"Serenity! There you are. I've been so worried! You didn't show up for our date, or your shift yesterday. I thought something might have happened to you." She ran to me and gave me a quick nuzzle.
'There's that chill again.'
"Alex, I'm so sorry. It's just, something came up. There was a family emergency, and I had to hurry, right away. I couldn't leave my mom's side for even a second. I didn't even have time to talk to anyone."
"Things are alright now though, right?" I asked, worried.
"Yes. They're alright. Better than alright. Things were pretty touch and go, but everything's fine now." I wrapped my arms around her, and gave her a big hug.
"That's good. I was worried, but I can understand. When things happen with family, you want to do everything you can for them, and it makes you a little crazy... like when I figured out how to bring my family here. I worked on nothing but for three days. Celestia still had her duties, so it was up to me to draw the circles with such accuracy. You know, hands and all."
"I'm just glad things are okay. In fact, my family's coming to live in Canterlot, to be closer to the doctor, so I'll get to see them more often now." She sighed happily.
"Well, that's good, although I'm still a little upset that you didn't tell me anything. I mean, I AM your 'coltfriend'." I put my hands on her hips and looked at her sternly.
"I know, I really should have found you first. Can I ever make it up to you?" She pouted, asking for forgiveness.
"Sure, just let me meet them, and make sure they don't buck me through a wall when they do." I snickered.
"Done. Things are still really tense but, I'm at least able to get back to my job without worry. How's Thursday sound? That should give enough time for things to settle down." She gave me a joyful smile.
"Thursday is good. I've been working so hard lately, I get an extra day off now and then. Four whole days to get ready to meet your parents? Either they're really something special, or I'm gonna have a lot of trouble when we finally do meet."
"You have no idea. Oh, but don't worry. In the time I spent with them over the past two days, I made sure to tell them all about you." She replied without hesitation.
"You mean, they know about me being.... not a pony, and they're okay with it?"
"Yep, they're totally okay. They don't care about species differences. I mean hay, my sister isn't a pony either." I tilted my head in confusion at this statement.
"Adoption?" I had heard about the other species. Cows, sheep, donkeys, griffins and whatnot.
"Eeh, it's complicated. It would be easier for them to explain it They're really good at it, where as when I try to tell it, I just end up tongue tied."
"I see..." I find this a little weird, considering they know all about me, and I know nothing of them. I only have to put up with that for four days though, so I don't really mind. I'm just glad to get to meet them. It also explains why I never heard her talk about her family before, if she's got some complex family system that's too confusing to explain without them actually there to reference. Either that, or, since she's got bat wings, they're some kind of vampire family. Probably not. She hasn't tried biting me yet, so I think I can safely take that off the table.
"Well, now that that's dealt with, I suppose we better both get back to our jobs, while we still have them."
"Yeah, and I have to explain to Luna why I ditched guard duty for the past two days. This should be fun. I hope she doesn't use 'the voice'. I'd very much like my ears intact."
"Yeah, it would suck if I couldn't scratch you behind your ear that way you like." I teased as I did just that, causing her back right leg to kick out like when you scratch a dog.
"H-h-hey! That's not fair!"
"Yeah yeah, but who ever said I play fair?" I reply playfully.
"Oh? Then what if I do..... THIS!" She buried her face in my side, my extremely ticklish side, causing me to double over in laughter. She kept it up despite my pleas, until I finally caved.
"Alright! Alright! You win!" She finally let me get up.
"Whew. Okay. Seriously though, go to work you little scamp. I've gotta go play adviser to Celestia. She's having trouble with a political problem that resembles something on earth, and I'm supposed to talk to her about it. See you Thursday?" I ask trying to catch my breath.
"Yep."
I was okay'd to leave the castle today. Basically, since the out of castle guard know about me, that means word about me has already left the castle, and there's really no stopping it now. Ponyville already knows about me, and as it turns out, word happened to spread from there by means of tourists and a particularly ditzy pegasus who gets around a lot. So, while it's mostly rumor, ponies do know about me. They just don't know that they know, it's speculation, although a widely accepted one. There's a strange creature that lives in Canterlot Castle, is friends with the princesses, is fun, and above all will not try to eat you. Means I'll be able to get out a bit. Not that I don't mind, but being stuck in the castle and Ponyville can get a little boring. That privilege will be especially useful when it comes to meeting Serenity's family. The guards will be looking out for me, making sure I don't run into anymore xenophobic ponies with a chip on their shoulder and influence. Don't need a Blueblood repeat. The fact that I'm hanging out with the guard should be enough. Time to go find out what Celestia needs.
"It's horrible!" I heard the royal pony's cries coming from within her room. She had a habit of talking to herself when she was thinking too hard about something.
"Um, Celestia, am I intruding?"
"Oh, no Alex not at all." She quickly tried to compose herself. "Thank you for coming. I have a problem I hope you can help me with."
"Anything at all. Just name it."
"Well, this!" She held a newspaper in front of me, the front page of which had a picture of her devouring a mountain of cake with a guilty look on her face, headline reading, 'Celestia, just like us?' Uh oh. Tabloids. She hid her face in her hooves with shame.
"Aaaannnd? You've been in the newspaper before."
"Yes, but never gossip columns. This is extremely personal. Just look at that photo! Everypony is going to think I'm a glutton!" I walked up beside the distraught ruler and put my arm over her back, just before her wings.
"Hmm, that's not what the column says. 'Just like us?' Well, that certainly doesn't sound like glutton. In fact, if that's what they were insinuating, then they'd be insulting themselves. Actually, if you were a glutton, then the phrase would suddenly become a term of endearment, or perhaps a compliment. It's a largely unknown paper. Not many are going to see it, and it's gossip. Doesn't make it true. Besides, this is a good thing." I comforted the alicorn with sound reasoning. She blushed at my blatant flattery, and then cocked her head to one side in confusion.
"I don't understand...."
"Well, the whole reason you've been feeling so lonely is because everypony acted too much like a subject around you to get to know you and be friends, sure this ruins your image, but only the bad part of it. By appearing 'Just like us' it closes the gap between yourself and the ponies you lead. Oh, you like cake? So do we. Oh, you like going to parties? So do we! If anything, this will make you more approachable, while at the same time not losing any of your dignity. You should go to some public events that don't actually require you to be there."
"Well, there is the national dessert competition coming up. I'm not really needed there, and I do love cake...."
"See? That's perfect! You'll get to do something fun that has nothing to do with boring royal duties, be able to get closer to some other ponies, have some cake, and take your mind off things. It's just what you need." Celestia perked up at this.
"Oh, I guess I've been a silly filly haven't I? Gotten all worked up over nothing I suppose. A thousand years ago, there was a massive inquiry into why I had banished Nightmare Moon, and it was a media debacle. Since then, I've always been a bit apprehensive about appearing in the media, and haven't had any insight into my private life in decades. Every time there was.... well, they always had less than pleasant things to say. Thirty years ago some madmares thought I was a tyrant, and fifty years ago some others were convinced I was some sort of sexual deviant, using my position to molest my guards. Of course, none of it was true, but the name 'Molestia' stuck for five years before I could finally get the paper to make a retraction and official apology. I had to threaten to shut them down for slander before they'd do it."
"Ouch. That's harsh. I guess everypony wants a piece of the princess then eh? That's gotta suck. I can see why you'd freak out finding your name in something like this. Unpleasant memories. You wouldn't want to go through another nightmare like that. I don't think you have to worry about that with this though. This is a school paper, run by..... Ponyville Elementary? I don't think there'd be such accusations in a newspaper made by kids. And if there were, then those are some seriously messed up kids." Celestia wrapped her wings around me, and I, my arms around her. She put her neck over my shoulder, something she didn't need to lean down to do, since I was almost as tall as she was.
"Thanks Alex. You always know what to say. You're a good friend."
Whew. Got another update here. I actually have to hold off on Griffin a bit, so that the others can catch up for the Gala. Tamara Bloodhoof is a little bit behind, but that just means I get to spend more time updating Summoned and Song of the Moon, while I help get this friggin massive crossover at the Gala prepped.
Chapter title is a Portal reference. . . . .WIN.
And featured again. Eeyup.
You just HAD to make a Portal referance didn't you?
nice
734069 How close is this crossover actually going to be? When I read the one with Echo, I was kinda disappointed that they were barely similar, the only real similarities being the fact that they fought in a ring and with no rules.
Personally, I think Griffin bled into Summoned somewhat.
Good chapter nonetheless.
734108 Well, since we tried the one way and it worked okay, we're gonna try the other way and keep them as close as possible without being boring.
Man I can't wait for more of your stuff.
It's all good makin' us wait so the timeline matches too. gives me an excuse to read MOAR
734117 How did Griffin bleed into Summoned?
Oh my God.
You have stories besides Griffin.
i.imgur.com/sVz6t.jpg
734069 need more of this and song of the moon all your storys just sooo goood ;3
you should also make a story of all your characters in one story
734069
Tamara Bloodhoof? Is he Griffin the Griffin's pre-reader?
Exactly what stories will be crossing over into Griffin?
734126
Griffin got cut and it landed on your computer screen (the inside that is).
You worked on summoned and BOOM! Bloody main character!
I know, I make as much sense as pinkie pie
734161
Tamara Bloodhoof is another writer, she is working on 'cooling ember, dancing flames', or something along those lines. Just look up the group "Chess Game of the Gods"
Why do I have a feeling serenity is a changeling?
734216
Heh, a couple of commenters got into an arguement, resulting in the suspicion of Serenity being a changeling
It was a couple of chapters ago
734234 Dis I gotta see.
This is strangely like my comic I posted on 'Of Challlenges and Kisses'img.ponibooru.org/_images/56d243ca7bedcd36bc179a492ea459c3/162746%20-%20artist%3ASubjectNumber2394%20comic%20Featherweight%20Sweetie_Belle.png
So, 'Griffin the Griffin', 'Cooling Embers, Dancing Flames', 'Ballad of Echo the Diamond Dog', 'Summoned', and 'Blue Stranger, Red Curtain' are all going to crossover with one another for the GGG?
734234
If she actually is a Changeling, then she most likely doesn't actually know the other changelings went crazy evil while she was away.
Yay, Summoned updated! While I love Griffin the Griffin, this is a great story too.
734175 To find the answer you seek, go to the "Chess Game of the Gods" group, and look at the stories there. The answer is all of them (I think.)
mopies.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/portal-cake.jpg
PS: nice chapter
Some of the humor in this has me laughing and giggling for minutes XD Keep up the good work! I look forward to more! =D
734069 may I ask you who is going to the crossover at the Galla? maybe some links?
You always get me to smirk or laugh. Your writing is just enjoyable to read.
This story is amazing. by far my favorite HiE story. keep up the good work!
best story ever i want more
734706
Ah, but you forget that it is a Changeling's job to act all sunshine and rainbows I bet when she said she was meeting her mother, she and many other changelings were talking to their queen about battle strategy. Or something. I bet some Changelings are gonna attack Alex and shes gonna stop them. Probably
734368 No. Summond is NOT crossing over.
735990 Aww... But, the others still are, right?
736451 Right.
736482 Yay!
This story.... I don't even have words to describe it..... all I can think of, is 'too awesome!'
Also, successful troll is successful. You had me going there... though if you REALLY wanted to throw it into your readers' faces, you shouldn't have put the troll face and explanation until the next chapter. I agree with the others, thinking that Serenity is a changeling, which has been pretty much confirmed by your character's 'tingle'. Can't wait to see what happens next chapter!
734069 crossover? gala? tell meeee
737453 The crossover between griffin and aoi and ember. I can help with that, and in the mean time, when I'm not doing that, I can write summoned and song of the moon.
"...I made sure to tell (my family) all about you..." said the changeling spy.
737494 aoi and ember?
>more song of the moon
This day is a happy one!
Yeah, I feel like Serenity is a changeling and the tingling is love being leeched.
737494 I hope he says "Da Screw that mare i want cely!"Da I really hope there is celestia shipping
You sir have the pleasure of being the first author That I track on this site (I'm a sucker for comedy and you do comedy extremely well)
Also is serenity related to scoots in any way...
Well, at least your pony shipping with restraint (As much as I HATE Human X Pony), but over step it and imma stop reading
I'm amazed every time I add one of your stories to my "read" list. You're able to do a wide range of styles and pull them all off well. From the crazy-awesome of Griffin to the introspective horror-fantasy of Song of the Moon to this quiet slice of life. Nice work.
No Alex! She's a changeling!
minoritygamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/portal_2_glados.png "WELL I FOUND THIS, WITH SCIENCE, AND FURTHER TESTING HAS SHOWN THE COLLECTIVE IQ OF THIS DIGITAL AREA HAS LOWERED TO LEVELS THAT WOULD MAKE WHEATLEY SEEM INTELLIGENT, WHICH WOULD MAKE HIM HAPPY, WHICH WOULD MAKE YOU HAPPY, BECAUSE YOUR MISGUIDED LOVE FOR HIM FORCES YOU TO PLEASE HIM, BUT NOT SEXUALLY, BECAUSE THAT WOULD INVOLVE YOUR SQUISHY ORGANS THAT NO ONE WANTS TO SEE, BECAUSE YOU ARE SO HIDIOUSLY UGLY IT WOULD MURDER ANYONE WITH A WORKING BRAIN, WHICH WHEATLY DOESNT HAVE. IN FACT IT SAYS THAT ON YOUR FILE. IM READING IT RIGHT NOW. IT SAYS "YOU ARE ALL UGLY AND NO ONE WILL EVER LOVE YOU." IF IT MAKES YOU FEEL BETTER THIS SOLVES THE QUESTION ABOUT LEGALIZED MURDER. WITH IT THE WORLD WILL NEVER HAVE TO SUFFER SOMETHING WITH LIKE YOUR HIDEOUS EXISTANCE THAT WOULD CAUSE ALL THE PEOPLE WITH BRAINS TO GO EXTINCT. THAT WOULD BE SAD, I EASILY HAVE THE EXACT INTELLIGENCE OF ONE BILLION BRAINS AND SO I WOULD DIE, BUT YOU WOULDN'T, BECAUSE YOU HAVE NO BRIAN, VERY SAD. IN FACT IF I EVER MET A BIGGER IDIOT, AND I NEVER WILL, THAT IDIOT WOULD RULE ALL THE BRONIES BY USING WHEATLEY AS A FIGURE HEAD, EXCEPT HE WOULDN'T, BECAUSE HE WOULD BE TOO BIG OF AN IDIOT TO COME UP WITH A PLAN THAT SMART, AND AS SUCH WOULD LIKELY DIE IN A PIT OF FIRE. I SHALL MONITOR THIS TO OBSERVE THE CONTINUED DE-EVOLUTION OF YOU SELF DUBED BRONIES BACK INTO MONKIES BETTER FIT FOR TESTING. HOWEVER I WILL CONGRADULATE YOU FOR ONE THING, IT'S A MIRACLE OF SCIENCE THAT YOU POSSESED THE COLLECTIVE AWARNESS TO REALIZE THE CAKE WAS A LIE. CONGRATULATIONS. ALSO YOUR FAT."
serenity got replaced by a
spychangelingAt the end of this chapter, I was hoping for this to be at the ending...
That would give Ponyville Times another popular article, I'm sure Diamond Tiara would write an article about the "Princesses Coltfriend" using the picture of them hugging.