One Mask Among Many.

by Golden Paw

Chapter Fourteen

Quiz couldn’t stop shaking, the images of what she’d seen in her ‘dream’ just wouldn’t leave her be. She had felt the pain, seen the horrible creatures and most of all she didn’t understand what it all meant. Her throat hurt as she struggled to let the sobs out, they came with such force that Quiz was hiccupping air.

“Quiz it’s okay, don’t worry it wasn’t real,” Twilight was gently patting her on the back and rocked Quiz back and forth as she cried. The little sprite was cradled in Twilight’s hooves and looked up to the princess with pained eyes.

Despite Twilight’s assurances Quiz didn’t believe her, the feelings were so strong. She’d been there in that dark cave, seen the horrible things ‘she’ had been forced to do and it tore up Quiz’s heart. “I didn’t want to! Why did she have to be so mean?” Quiz buried her head in Twilight’s soft coat.

It didn’t matter that Quiz was a machine; that she couldn’t truly cry tears or gasp for air. It felt real enough and Quiz responded as any pony would.

“How strange, it seems that Quiz picked up on the magical memory I was projecting. I didn’t know you’d built that into the sprites?” Luna’s tone was not unkindly, but she was certainly more detached than Twilight.

“I didn’t!” Twilight replied, “I had no idea that could happen; maybe it’s something to do with her 'etheric absorption core’?”

Quiz let the technical speak flow over her as Twilight and Luna discussed why she’d experienced the terrible dream. It was far too complicated and so she simply kept on sobbing and wished it would all go away.

“Well Quiz has seen what I showed you, so now she knows what Celestia was forced to do,” The tone in Luna’s voice made Quiz glance around to see Luna’s stony expression. Oh no, now Luna's angry with me.

Fresh waves of fear and despair welled up within Quiz and she wailed anew, hugging Twilight as if her maker was a lifeline, “Please don’t turn me off! I didn’t mean to!”

Luna’s eyes became pained, “Of course we won’t little one, certainly not for having a bad dream.” Luna shared a meaningful glance with Twilight, “That’s all it was, wasn’t it Twilight, just dream right?”

Quiz looked up at Twilight who was still stroking her with a hoof, “What? Yes of course, just a bad dream Quiz, nothing to worry about.”

“But it felt so real. There was that big bug, the nasty one and I had to hurt it!” Quiz felt Twilight stiffen and knew she’d said something wrong.

Twilight stopped comforting Quiz and lifted her to eye level, “It was just a dream Quiz, trust me you’ve done nothing wrong.”

“But Luna’s angry....” Quiz replied, her trembling returning in force.

“Luna’s just worried for you, she’s responsible for keeping pony’s dreams safe so she’s just sad you had a nightmare,” Twilight smiled weakly and Quiz wanted that to be true, but deep down she knew it wasn’t.

“It’s no use Twilight: Quiz knows more than she can fully express,” Luna announced sadly and Quiz felt terror grip her once more. “I promised that I wouldn’t reveal the events of that day to anyone Twilight. You already knew and I know I can trust you to keep it, but Quiz..”

The yawning maw of despair began to close around Quiz as she felt Twilight tense again, “No Luna she doesn’t truly understand so it’s alright.”

“I wish that were so, but Quiz has already confided in me about her fellow sprite’s plans. She clearly can’t keep a secret,” Luna’s sad voice explained and Quiz pressed herself closer to Twilight. “Plus think of your research too, Quiz knows of your experiment and if she tells the other sprites it will ruin everything.”

Twilight’s reply was angry now, “Only because you convinced her to ask me! You were all for Quiz knowing about my work, but when she finds out one of your’s and Celestia's secrets that’s a different story is it?”

There was a pause and Quiz dared to glance at Luna with a tiny flicker of hope who spoke with a heavy heart, “I did do that Twilight and now I truly regret my actions. I’m sorry.”

Quiz couldn’t hold the question in any longer, “What is Luna going to do Twilight?”

There was a tense moment where no one said anything and Quiz’s mind filled with every terrible scenario she could think of. Maybe they will lock me up so I can’t tell anypony? Or deactivate me and then say it was an accident.

She clung to Twilight hoping against hope that she would say or do something to change the situation, but her creator simply stared at Luna with grim eyes. I could run away? Or maybe...

“No Luna, I won’t let you do anything to Quiz. None of this was her fault,” Twilight’s voice was calm and Quiz felt overwhelming gratitude fill her soul. Twilight was defending her! Twilight looked down sadly at Quiz, “It’s my fault more than anypony’s. I made her and so I’ll deal with it.”

The world froze as Quiz suddenly understood what Twilight was saying and the horror flowed back tenfold. She stared up into Twilight’s eyes and saw only grim determination within, “No Princess! I’ll be good! I won’t tell anypony about any of this!”

Twilight winced, “I know you won’t Quiz.”

Twilight’s horn glowed and its radiance seemed to fill Quiz’s world, she felt the first touches of the spell then began to feel her own memories begin to dull. Her talks with Luna, her understanding of why she was created and the nightmare she’d had; all began to evaporate like smoke in a morning breeze. Quiz felt at peace for the first time in months and....

“Enough both of you!” A haggard voice called out and Quiz felt the enchantment smothering her mind fade away. Blinking as the magic dissolved Quiz looked to the sound and saw another pony approaching out of the darkness.

Quiz took in the wild mane and bedraggled appearance and her mind refused to believe what she was seeing. Celestia was standing at the foot of the gazebo, the normally pale glow that suffused her was muted. Her eyes, normally filled with calm assurance were bloodshot and puffy around the edges.

Celestia looked old and tired, as if her great age had finally caught up with her and Quiz was shocked at the state of her ruler. The memories of her dream that wasn’t a dream came rushing back and Quiz took off in terror. She wanted to be as far away from that creature as she could.

Her frantic wing beats only carried Quiz a few meters before she felt magic reach out and snatch her, holding her fast like a bug trapped in amber, “I cannot allow you to flee little one,” Quiz looked back and saw Celestia’s horn glowing softly, a sad smile on her muzzle.

“Sister, I....it’s my fault I shouldn’t have,” Luna’s pained voice called out only to be quickly drowned out by Twilight’s own.

“Celestia don’t she’s....” Twilight’s fearful tone was silenced as Celestia’s smile warmed.

“I have let this all go on for far too long, I have buried my hurt and now it’s causing my fellow princesses to do wrong, all be it with good intentions, on my behalf. Enough is enough,” Celestia drew Quiz in and gently kissed the sprite on the forehead. “I’m so sorry little one, it’s time I took responsibility for my choices.”

Quiz shook, she didn’t understand what was happening, but they didn’t seem about to harm her so and the guttering light of hope flared. Celestia released her and smiled sadly at her fellows, “Thank you both for respecting my wishes for secrecy. It means more to me that I can express, but I cannot let you do so anymore.”

She looked at Twilight with grateful eyes, “My faithful student, now my fellow princess and teacher. I should have trusted you more. In all the time I had you learning friendship lessons I should have been doing them myself.”

Celestia bowed to Twilight, “Please forgive my outbursts earlier; I was wrong and have been for far too long.” She smiled grimly, “Thank you for standing up to me and setting me straight, I saw you both ready to unfairly punish an innocent just to keep my secret safe and I couldn’t let you do that.”

Twilight shared a knowing glance with Luna before speaking, “It’s okay Celestia none of us are perfect. As I said to you before, it’s not the changeling’s fault that they are what they are.”

Celestia shook, but afterwards it looked as if a massive weight had been lifted from her shoulders, “Everything that happened with Sift, what I was forced to do that day, it’s been with me all this time. I have never had the courage to face it.”

Luna grinned this time, “Being made to look a fool in front of the entire kingdom during Cadance’s wedding didn’t help either.”

Celestia’s eyes flashed with fire for a moment before she nodded in acceptance, “True Luna, very true.”

The story of how Chrysalis had nearly destroyed Canterlot and left Celestia hanging in a cocoon of slime was well known. Quiz had given little thought to how that must have made Celestia feel, but clearly it cut her deep.

Quiz listened in awe, hearing things that would make Zip explode with excitement as Celestia conversed with her fellows, “The power of harmony, the world’s own love for us let me save you Luna and I think that same force could help us now in our plight.” Celestia smiled at Twilight, “True you have returned the Elements of Harmony to their rightful place, but that doesn’t mean that the world is beyond helping us again.”

The mood of the gathering lifted and Quiz felt real hope for the first time in many days. Luna smiled as she spoke, “You’re ready to help the children of Sift then? Ready to put your hurts aside and see what we can do to help them rather than simply wipe them out?”

Celestia winced, “To say that I’m happy about that idea would be a lie Lulu. I don’t think I’ll ever like them, certainly doubt I’ll ever consider them friends.....” She took a deep breath, “But I will do my part to restore what harmony we can.”

Twilight grinned, “So what’s the plan?”

For the first time since she’d appeared Celestia smiled wholeheartedly, “I have already been in contact with Cadance and she was surprisingly eager to help. We’ve come up with something that may just work.”

---

Zip shook with anticipation, the whole city resonated with excitement and he was right there in the middle of things. The city’s centre had been completely given over to the upcoming visit from Princess Cadance and her entourage. Banners and streamers filled the air and every citizen was talking about this ‘special announcement.’

Zip had a commanding view from one of the banner poles situated above the central stage. The platform had been erected just for this occasion and he found himself enjoying things immensely. Zip cast his eyes about the thronging crowds and saw creatures from every corner of Equestria, a veritable melting pot of races and colours.

This felt important, he felt important and that thrill sent a shudder through his tiny body. Ever since he’d come online Zip had longed to be needed, to make a difference and now he could. Carrying messages and simply being a ‘useful helper’ was all well and good for his fellow sprites but Zip wanted more.

A horn sounded and Zip’s attention was instantly drawn to the glittering procession making its way down the wide road of the city. Citizens waved from windows either side and large numbers of guards stood resolutely flanking of the advancing crystal ponies.

In the centre of the group was Princess Cadance sitting in a ceremonial open carriage pulled by hefty crystal stallions, their armour and coats glinting in the warm sunlight. She smiled and waved as the crowds cheered, the very picture of a composed ruler and Zip felt his heart soar at the sight.

Princess Cadance, one of the rulers of Equestria and defender of the Crystal Fiefdom smiled with an easy going manner, the crowds exploding in appreciation as she gave them her attention. Sitting next to her was a wizened looking unicorn stallion with white coat, greying blue mane and Zip realised that he must be ‘Shining Armour’.

Despite his age, Shining held himself with poise and confidence, happy to take a lesser role in proceedings it seemed. Every so often Cadance would whisper something to him and he’d chuckle gently, the sound of his mirth lost among the roaring crowds.

Shining beamed proudly as close by, marching among the other soldiers were other ponies that were not glittering like their fellows. The mundane coats of two unicorn stallions and a pegasus mare were only partially covered by their ornate armour and Zip instantly recognised the family resemblance.

‘Platinum Shield’, ‘Silver Tongue’ and ‘Heart Strong’ all smiled warmly at the thronging Equestrians as they passed and Zip felt his own heart swell with pride. The royal couple’s foals had grown up to be just as wonderful as their parents, carrying themselves with an assured gait that easily kept pace with the crystal pony soldiers either side.

The crowds surged as the procession made its steady way to the awaiting stage. This caused the guards lining the walkway to gently but firmly hold them back, such was the excitement of the day.

Finally the group reached the stage and Shining Armour dismounted first, offering a hoof to Cadance who took it gracefully and stepped lightly down. The crowds roared their approval as Shining kissed her on the cheek and Cadance blushed brightly. Even from his place high above them Zip could easily tell the pair loved each other deeply.

Their children formed an honour guard that lined the final length to the stage while Cadance and Shining advanced slowly. Zip couldn’t be certain but it seemed that Cadance was subtly keeping level with her husband, letting him set the stately pace.

If Shining looked old, then Cadance didn’t look much over middle-aged. Zip recalled Cadance and Twilight having a deep discussion about such differences in lifespan and how to cope with such matters. Zip was happy to see that the Princess of the Crystal Fiefdom and her prince were holding up well under these pressures.

How long will their children live for? Zip couldn’t help but wonder, being no expert in such things he quickly dismissed the thought from his mind and focused on the stage. Shining Armour had taken position behind a microphone before gently waving a hoof for silence.

The crowd’s roaring died down as he slowly cleared his throat, “Greetings citizens of Equestria, it’s a great privilege to be here today on this momentous occasion.” Despite his aged body Shining sounded confident and strong. “It is my great pleasure to stand before you today with my lovely wife and children.”

The throng shouted their approval and Shining Armour was forced to wave a quieting hoof once again. Once the cheers subsided he pressed on, “Cadance has asked me to address you on an important matter of state, one that affects us all and I hope to be able to live up to that trust.”

Zip listened intently as did the crowds, their expectant faces all smiling up at Shining Armour who coughed again, “As you know the land of Equestria has long been a realm of equality between different races. I am happy to see many zebra, bat ponies and buffalo along with other fine examples of this harmony before me today. You’re acceptance and community spirit is a wonder to behold.”

The masses cheered again and Zip suddenly felt a pang of apprehension, he’d been around Twilight enough to know when a speaker was softening a crowd and Shining Armour was laying it on pretty thickly today.

The stomping of hooves died back as Shining was forced to wait for the crowd to quiet down a third time. There was a pause as he glanced at Cadance for approval before turning back and smiled warmly at the watchers, “As such I am here today to announce that another race will be making its first forays into joining our great community.”

All present held their breath, no doubt eager to know who Shining spoke of. Zip’s little army of spies had uncovered many rumours of such speculation. It was a widely held view that the Dragon Empires might finally be willing to formally join Equestria, but what Shining Armour announced next shocked them all to silence.

He cleared his throat a third time before a trickle of sweat ran down Shining’s cheek, “As such I want to inform you all that in a few days time Ponyville, or more accurately within the bounds of the Everfree Forest we will be receiving ambassadors from the changeling hives.”

The silence was total, only the sounds of the gentle wind ruffling the banners and decorations adorning the city swayed in the wind. Zip felt his jaw drop open and he stared at the stage as if Shining had just exploded and Cadance had turned into a timber wolf.

It started as a low mutter, but soon grew to a confused roar as the crowds let what they’d just heard sink in. Zip saw that Shining Armour was sweating heavily now and a brittle smile had formed on his muzzle.

Several angry shouts rose above the murmur, with cries of “Madness!” and “Monsters!” being bellowed at the now shaking Shining Armour.

As the crowds mood turned ugly the soldiers (only now did Zip truly realise just how many there were) formed up and stood firm, their faces grim. It began as a slight spattering at first but quickly grew into a torrent of thrown fruit and vegetables along with other items such as cups and boxes. These missiles clattered off the guards and off the magical barrier that Shining now caused to envelope the stage.

Zip heard the crowd’s roar muted as the shield closed in over his head and felt his fear rise. Looking down he saw Cadance arise from her seat, making her determined way over to the podium as thrown detritus splattered off the barrier.

She raised her hooves for calm, but too little effect, “Please, please let us explain this big decision.” Her voice was magnified by the microphone before her, but Cadance didn’t rely solely on that. Her horn glowed and Cadance’s voice became a booming sound that bounced off the buildings either side of them and caused Zip to shake on his perch.

“Listen Equestria: I, more than most of you have suffered at the hooves of changelings, I know this is a hard decision for you all to hear,” Cadance called out and finally the crowds quietened down. “We do not make this choice lightly and be assured that we are taking every measure to guard ourselves against expected treachery, but this matter must be addressed.”

The masses murmured again and Zip could sense their displeasure as Cadance pressed on, “If one such as I who nearly lost a husband to these creatures,” Cadance glanced at Shining Armour who nodded in encouragement, “Can set aside my own reservations then I hope that you all can too.”

Zip was astonished at such a frank plea but Cadance wasn’t finished, “I know that this is hard, that many of you have suffered from the despicable acts of changelings in the past.” Her face grew determined, “But if we are to ever live in peace then we need to do our part. I beg of you all to give us time, time to see if they can be redeemed and this threat to us all can be turned into something positive.”

The crowd’s murmurs were still there, but they at least had stopped throwing things. The temperature on the stage seemed to drop as Cadance gave her concluding remarks, “I do not know if such an outcome is truly possible, but we are duty bound to try.” There was a brief flicker of fire in her eyes. “I will make you this promise however, one way or another. This threat to our lands will be ended.”

Several of the soldiers watching trembled and Zip didn’t blame them, the final words of Cadance sent a shiver down his spine with their cold certainty. Her piece spoken Cadance sat down again and her eldest came forward.

Platinum Shield, all muscle and strength barely contained within a white coat watched the crowds with a grim expression, “This is why we are to hold these negotiations within the Everfree Forest, partly for your protection and so that we can talk before the example of unity for us all, the ‘Tree of Harmony’.”

Zip saw the unsure eyes of the watchers as they listened, “You have said that Equestria wants no formal negotiations with the changelings and Celestia respects your wishes. The Crystal Fiefdom shall therefore handle these talks; we are your ally and as such we are not bound by this decree.”

Platinum gestured to his brother and smiled widely, "Silver is our best ambassador and shall make you all proud with his skills in negotiation." Sadly the thronging crowd didn't seem at all impressed with his brother, a handsome looking blue stallion with intense grey eyes.

There was further unrest before Platinum spoke again, several shouts and angry calls threatened to drown him out but he pressed on regardless, “Know that my mother and father will only agree to any terms when they themselves are completely satisfied that the changelings are no longer a threat to us. You have my word and theirs that this will be so.”

Both Shining Armour and Cadance arose and saluted along with the soldiers on the stage. Zip felt their sincerity and their honesty enveloping the crowds below. If anypony could convince Equestria that they were taking the changeling situation seriously then it was Cadance and Shining Armour.

The crowd stood in utter silence and the barrier dissipated. Zip heard the muted sounds of the outside world rush back in and realised his own mouth was still hanging open. Of all the things he’d been expecting the Crystal Royal family to announce, this hadn’t even come close.

He felt his own efforts suddenly seem small and insignificant against such a bold showing of strength. Did Twilight know about this? Surely she did. But where is she now? Zip cast a glance over to the city of Canterlot, its gleaming spires shining off in the distance. This was the sort of announcement that he’d expected all the princesses to be involved in, but the other royals were absent.

Their speech concluded, Shining lead the way back to the awaiting carriage, crystal pony soldiers closing in around them. Several Equestrians called out to the couple, pressing against the wall of guards but were politely moved aside.

Soon only Heart Strong remained on the stage, her pale pink wings spread as she approached the microphone, “If you have any questions or relevant points to make then we will be receiving you at the city hall in one hour. That is all for now, please go with our thanks and return to your lives as normal. We will inform about any important developments.”

Several photographers were greedily snapping photos of the departing royals and Zip had no doubt that this would be headline news across all of Equestria before the day was out. He felt utterly defeated. He was hoping to find out any massive news before anypony else, but this announcement had taken everyone totally by surprise it seemed, “We’re not really cut out for the spy gig are we.”

He hung his head low and drifted off the flagpole despondently, the effort of even fluttering his wings seemed more than it was worth. He was just about to turn and head for the science centre when a shadow eclipsed him.

Looking up Zip saw the grinning face of Heart Strong peering down at him before she spoke in a conspiratorial manner, “And you must be Zip correct? The Royal Pony Sisters send their regards.” Before he could flit aside the pegasus grabbed hold of him and dived down towards the retreating procession making its way towards the city hall.

As they came closer Zip saw that Cadance was watching their approach with a conspiratorial smile of her own. He was neatly deposited in front of both Shining Armour and herself before another barrier spell sprang into being.

“Sorry about the sudden summons their Zip, but Twilight wanted me to personally talk to you about a few matters,” Cadance explained and Zip felt his knees tremble at the sound.