The Sides We Choose

by Frost Bear

Negotiations Breaking Through

“Oh my gosh! Hi I’m Pinkie Pie! Welcome to the Republic!”

Pinkie energetically zipped through ponies materializing out of thin air. Panic swept the streets. The manifesting ponies screamed in terror. Pink blurs dashed in front of their eyes. A momentary blindness gave them enough time to take in Pinkie’s smiling face and cotton candy hair. Each froze in fear as Pinkie spoke.

“I don’t know how you ponies are appearing out of nothing, I mean I’ve tried doing that before but I couldn’t do it. I think unicorns have a spell for that but it usually comes with a bright flash with sparkles and stuff. Oh! We should have a party! The whole town should be part of this party too! I’m going to get Luna and Applejack and Braeburn and anyone else I can think of!”

The ponies blinked a little confused, scared, and relieved. Relieved that they’re not in any immediate danger and as far away from cotton candy as possible. Scared of the pink pony that somehow talked to all of them at the same time. But mostly confused about where they were, how they got there, and what in the world was Discord thinking?

They eventually calmed down, thanks to Pinkie confusing them even more, and took in their surroundings. Pinkie ran down the streets gathering party supplies. She moved too fast and ran straight into Luna with a loud boom.

“PINKAMINA DIAN PIE!” Luna shouted with her royal voice, “WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?”

“A PARTY!!!” Pinkie matched Luna’s voice.

Luna looked around at the confused ponies, “I have received messages from all over the Republic saying pegasi are materializing out of thin air… Is this your doing?”

Pinkie shook her head, “I wish. I’ve been trying that trick ever since I was a filly.”

Luna blinked, “Very well… I take it you’re holding another party in the center of town?”

Pinkie enthusiastically nodded.

Luna sighed, “Of course… I shall attend as soon as I check the train for new ponies who decided to abandon the Empire.”

“Oooh, I’ll go with you! They’ll get a big welcome to the Republic party with the rest of the new magic ponies!”

Luna rubbed her head as the trotted to the train station. No new ponies for this day, much to Pinkie’s disappointment. However there were new large ponies that looked like Celestia without horns or wings.

“Delegates of Saddle Arabia?” Luna stepped back in shock, “It is an unexpected visit.”

The female delegate smirked, “Luna… We finally meet,” she held her hoof out for Luna to shake. Her warm smile eased Luna’s worries before Pinkie opened her mouth.

“WOW! I’ve never seen another pony as big as Celestia! Is it because your part alicorn or giraffe? Are you born that big or do you grow into it? How come you wear so much jewelry? Is the weather nice in Saddle Arabia? Where is Saddle Arabia? We never learned about it when I was a filly… I didn’t learn about zebras as a filly either… or griffins… or seaponies… huh, What did I learn as a filly? It’s like my education was blocked for just stories about Equestria!”

“That’s… interesting…” the delegate slowly stated, “Luna, we would like to discuss with you about possible trade.”

“O-Of course! We sha-“

“OH! You can talk to her at the party in the center of town! All new ponies are invited. We just had a bajillion ponies appear! They just suddenly found themselves here. I bet Discord did something to them cuz they were screaming and talking about cotton candy eating them. Discord has a sick sense of humor… but that’s ok… I guess. Anyway, the party starts at six! See you there!”

Pinkie dispersed in a puff of pink leaving the delegates dumbfounded.

“I… I believe we should take a tour of the Republic?” the male delegate suggested.

“Certainly,” Luna smiled, thankful the maddening pink pony was gone.

Luna took the delegates around town with a pair of guards. She pointed out the stores, houses, and bars of Appleloosa. Not specifically Republic related but it was good that they didn’t change because of the war. It was as though the war never started and the ponies were living their lives like normal. Well, except for the fact non-ponies walked along with the crowds of ponies.

The non-ponies were perfectly blended into Appleloosa. Buffalo and Changelings, once a hated enemy of ponies, were peacefully talking with ponies eating lunch. Zebras and Hippogriffs danced together in a square dance. Even Griffins and Minotaurs were among the common folks when they were once viewed as no better than monsters that would eat ponies for no reason. In the time it took for the war to start, non-ponies became a permanent part of Republic society. It was amazing how progressive these ponies were compared to their Empire counterparts.

“Unfortunately, some prejudices still remain,” Luna frowned upon seeing Applejack glaring at a changeling, “Hopefully it’ll pass soon. We’re all united with a common goal. The freedom of choice.”

“That is admirable, Luna,” the male delegate smiled, “Although, our government would feel different about that.”

“Ah, yes… How is your sultan?”

“Very well. He recently married his third wife.”

Luna tried not to scrunch her face at the thought. Polygamy was not common in Equestria. Homosexual and interspecies marriages were but polygamy seemed… too much. She wasn’t going to deny anyone their choice but she didn’t agree with it.

“Hmm, I suppose he’s happy with his rule,” Luna looked at the clock, “Oh my! I apologize but duties must be tended to.”

Luna’s horn glowed. The delegates watched in amazement while the common folk glanced at her with smiles. Several still looked up to watch the sky darken. Falling from orange to dark blue and purple. Everything was going well until Luna finished and the sun was still up.

Ponies muttered among themselves with worried looks. The sun and moon stood high in the sky. One side shone with golden radiance while the other was shrouded in a silvery grace. The delegates gasped at the sight. Ponies and non-ponies started getting wound up.

“Relax, everyone, I am certain my sister has just… forgotten the time,” Luna attempted to calm them down.

For what felt like hours, when it was ten minutes, the ponies and non-ponies stared at the sky. They waited for the sun to go down. Luna was tempted to cause an eclipse but knew how Celestia felt about those. Eventually, after a long time, the sun finally set. Luna glared at the clock. It had been half an hour before Celestia finally set the sun late. Everyone sighed with relief. The delegates sat up from their praying matts. Luna was grateful she didn’t have to do anything drastic.

“Are you well, Luna?” The female delegate asked.

“Yes, I am well enough. Let’s continue with our tour before heading to Pinkie’s party, shall we?”

“Actually… wasn’t the party at six?”

Luna’s eyes shrunk, “Oh dear,” she glanced at a near by clock, “We’re forty five minutes late! Pinkamina is going to be very cross with me.”

Luna galloped off to the party. The delegates followed her. Barrels were dodged and corners were cut. Luna thought it was a good idea to go through an alleyway to shorten her time. In reality, it took her back to where she started. The female delegate giggled. Luna went back to the original path she took once more. This time not using the deceptive alleyway. They all managed to arrive at the party at seven o’clock. Pinkie greeted them with a banana cream pie in Luna’s face.

“That’s for being late, Luna,” Pinkie said sternly.

Luna whipped the pie off her. She growled at Pinkie while the female delegate laughed hysterically.

“I apologize, Pinkamina, but next time could you refrain from using banana creme pie to assault me?”

“It wasn’t that bad.”

“Banana creme was my sister’s favorite pie,” Luna grumbled angrily, “She would often throw it at me on the first day of April. Her fascination with bananas always confused me more than anything… even you, Pinkamina.”

Pinkie slightly deflated, “I didn’t mean to bring up any bad memories, Luna… I’m sorry.”

“Bah, Just sisterly rivalry. You should have experience with that.”

“Oh,” Pinkie’s mane popped into a pink cloud, “So it wasn’t all bad? You just played around?”

“Sorry for interrupting but… Celestia and bananas?” the female delegate held back a chuckle or two.

“Yes…” Luna sighed, “Tia had… or has this obsession with the crescent shaped fruit. Doctors say she gained too much potassium because of it. She’d probably blow up Canterlot if she didn’t get her daily dose of banana treats.”

“Well now I know what to give Celestia when we win this war.”

“You assume you’re going to win this war of yours?” the male delegate questioned.

“Have you heard the news?” Pinkie raised her eyebrow, “Almost all artists moved to the Republic, Empire has been labeled xenophobic, you guys cut off trade with them, the Crystal Pony Massacre, and Cloudsdale’s been destroyed.”

“What was that about Cloudsdale?!” Luna reeled in shock.

Pinkie pulled over a random pegasus, “One of these new ponies told me all about it!”

“I’ve… actually been here for seven days,” the pegasus rubbed the back of his head, “I’m from Vanhoover.”

“Oops, sorry,” she let him go and grabbed another pegasus. This one screamed in terror as he was pulled towards Pinkie, “I’ve been getting that reaction from them a lot.”

Luna eyed the pony. He seemed to be deathly afraid of Pinkie’s… mane?

“Young colt,” Luna grabbed the pegasus’ attention, “Tell me what happened in Cloudsdale.”

The pegasus shifted away from Pinkie, “C-C-Cotton candy… Clouds turning into cotton candy. Discord appeared in radiant armor like the sun! We thought he came to help us take control of Cloudsdale not destroy it!” he started hyperventilating.

“Calm yourself, young one. May I hear your name?” Luna gently touched the stallion.

“H-Hot Streak, your majesty,” he bowed respectfully.

“There’s no need for that. We are all equal in the Republic.”

Hot Streak blinked, “I’m… not used to that… It’s been part of daily life so much. I don’t know what else to do.”

“Nothing!” Pinkie cheered, “Luna’s not your deity or commanding officer or queen. She’s your friend. Treat her like you would your best friend!”

Hot Streak stared at the pink pony. He looked at Luna and her motherly gaze. He decided to go against everything he was taught and hugged the ex-princess.

“I’ve been wanting to do that to Celestia but you feel nice and cool.”

“Thank you,” Luna patted his back, “You and the rest of the Cloudsdale pegasi are allowed to return to the Empire if you wish to.”

“Uh… I’d rather not go where that monster is,” Hot Streak shivered, “Most of us don’t have homes anymore anyhow.”

“We can make room in the Republic, right?” Pinkie innocently asked.

“Of course! We have plenty of open space and materials to build many homes for everypony and non-ponies.”

“We have noticed that is a grand advantage for your side,” the male delegate noted, “Our homeland consist of deserts with sand flowing over all life, burying those unfortunate to die of dehydration or starvation. But your lands consist of grassy fields and rocky deserts. Food grows exceptionally well here, the open space grants more farmlands and larger populations, plus it makes things easier for our trade route.”

Luna was taken back,“You wish to discuss that here?”

The female delegate smiled, “We are pleased with the Republic. The treatment we have been given is far better than what we experienced… in… the… Empire…” she eyed a group of ponies in blue and silver robes, “Who are those?”

Luna glanced back to them, “Oh… You are aware ponies think my sister to be a divine being, yes?”

The delegates nodded.

“Several ponies in the Republic started believing I’m a divine being because of that,” she rubbed her hooves together, “I tried convincing them I’m not but that just made them believe my divinity even more. So I did the next best thing and started teaching them NOT to force their beliefs on other. That religion is a choice all beings have a right to choose. I’ve told them to make peace with nature, civilized cultures, and themselves. They now focus on achieving enlightenment.”

The delegates unexpectedly grew large grins, “That is quite an accomplishment!”

“Oh, thank you?” Luna nervously glanced at the ponies. One of them waved at her to which she returned the gesture, “There number’s rather large in the Republic. They view me more as a mother and teacher than a divine being, though. That is mildly pleasant for me.”

“And what are these group of ponies called?” the male delegate wondered.

“They have referred to themselves as the Selene Monks,” she eyed the monks carrying shovels and forks. They frequently volunteered to help ponies around farmlands to help crops grow faster.

“They look like farmer…” Hot Streak noted, “But… only one of them is an earth pony.”

“Anypony or non-pony can help a farm,” Luna told him, “One simply needs the correct tools.”

Hot Streak listen to her words. He watched the monks tend to party guests and help other any way they could.

“I’m going to check them out,” he stated before leaving the others to their discussion.

“They make followers come to them… very effective,” the male delegate noted.

“It’s their choice, we have no right to tell them otherwise. Now… about that trade route…”

“Oh we promise all goods we had set for Equestria to be sent to the Republic. So long as you have something worth trading,” the female delegate confirmed.

“Aside from timber, metal and glass? Oh, we’ve been making things that will interest you.”

“Will? Oh, Luna, you know how to sink your claws into the market.”

“Yes but the sample is in my office. Let’s enjoy the party for now and we’ll finish off the night there.”

“The anticipation may cause my death,” the male delegate whined, ”But the party seems too good to pass up.”

“Of course it is, it’s a Pinkie Party!” Pinkie yelled while confetti cannons fired behind her.

The delegates and Luna jumped back in surprise. Pinkie giggled and skipped to the dance floor.

“This pony is far too energetic,” the female delegate whispered, “Where did those cannons go?” she searched for the missing cannons with a curious eye.

Pinkie happily danced the night away, pushing ponies off the ground and through the air. Luna and the delegates joined in the fun for a while but could not last as long as Pinkie. The ball of unstoppable pink jumped to the DJ booth to make a request. Vinyl Scratch laughed as she took out the requested song.

Luna’s ears perked up as the song played, “Pray tell, what is THIS song?”

“It’s called Starlight Waltz,” Pinkie pipped next to Luna, “I thought we should play a few songs that reflected how much you help the Republic and everyone that lives here.”

Luna patted Pinkie on the head, “That’s very kind of you, Pinkie, thank you.”

“Hmm, rather peaceful… serene,” the delegates listened intently to the music, “Your subjects must have high moral to create something like this.”

“We needed a couple slow dances anyhow,” Pinkie confessed, “I have to show you the party games I set up!”

“Games? How exhilarating!” the male delegate cheered.

Pinkie lead them to a series of booths. Most were simple carnival games with a strong night theme to them. A few Luna recognized from her trip to Ponyville on Nightmare Night, which is coming up soon. Pinkie stopped at a fairly large tent with a sign that read “Spider Web Maze” hanging from thin strings above them.

“Charming,” Luna sarcastically said.

“Come on! It’ll be super fun!” Pinkie shoved the three ponies into the tent.

Once inside, the group of four sat and stared at the tangle of threads. Silk ropes criss crossed on each other, blocking any gap, leaving little to no room to move. The three larger members in the room felt unusually large. Pinkie paid no attention to them and darted off to… somewhere in the spider silk.

Luna grumbled as she tried to tread on. The delegates followed closely behind her. The silk was surprisingly strong. Proving impossible to pass without cutting it. Thankfully Luna was able to move the ropes up and down to give her enough room to move on. The task was more tedious than anything else. No real threat other than getting lost in a maze of fab-

Luna shrieked at the sight of a giant spider head. The beast was staring down at her with bulging eyes. Its mandibles fidgeted hungrily as drool dripped from them. Luna’s horn glowed vibrantly before she noticed there was no rest of the giant spider. It was just a head on a metal pole. One of those golems unicorns made for decorations. Brought to life by crystals for one night. Luna laughed and moved around it. The delegates huffed around it. The rest of the maze consisted of jump scares like the spider head and bumping into others. The group was having fun with the silliness. They continued searching for Pinkie and found her in the center of the maze with a friend.

“You made it!” Pinkie chimed.

“Oh, good evening Luna,” Coco greeted, “I see you brought friends. Don’t worry there are plenty of goodie bags for everyone.”

On a small stand next to her was an assortment of colorful bags filled with sugary treats. Pinkie held a purple one. The delegates walked over and picked up a pair of green bags. Luna inspected the bags, seeking the perfect one to choose for her, she reached over and plucked out a yellow bag.

“The exit is just straight ahead, follow the pink spiders if you get lost,” Coco smiled and waved them off.

Pinkie skipped along her way followed by the delegates and Luna. The group slipped out of the maze without trouble. They opened their goodie bags to make note of the prizes they won. Candy and small plastic toys made up most of the bags. They decided to put their confections in their saddle bags for a much later time. Pinkie’s stomach growled, much to the amusement of the delegates.

“Anyone else hungry?”

“I could use a hot meal,” the male delegate admitted.

Luna scanned the streets for a nearby restaurant. She spotted one not too far from their position. It was a homely place decorated with apples of all kinds.

“That place looks good, let’s go,” Luna galloped to the diner.

All went quiet as she burst through the front door. Everyone stopped to look at the sudden noise then went back to their business. A host greeted her and the delegates. Pinkie exclaimed she wanted the booth by the shinny apple sign. The host couldn’t keep up with her and just decided to lead Luna and the delegates to that seat. Once they had sat down, they looked over the menu and ordered when they were ready.

“Interesting place you chose,” the female delegate complimented, “Shall we begin negotiations?”

“I was hoping to wait until I could show you our newest invention,” Luna stated.

“A new invention? My that sounds intriguing.”

Luna nodded, “Indeed, my student Applebloom and her friends created it.”

“Oh! You mean the Macintosh?” Pinkie perked up.

“Yes, Pinkamina, the Macintosh.”

“Sweet! I got one of those for the new bakery I opened up. I call it Sugarcane Corner. It’s a lot like Sugarcube Corner except…” Pinkie visibly deflated, “except the cakes don’t work there…”

Luna patted on her back, “There, there, I’m certain the Cakes are safe. Would you like to tell the delegates about the Macintosh?”

Pinkie gave a small smile, “Okie dokie loki,” she coughed twice, “The Macintosh is this metal box thing with a sheet of glass on it. It’s powered by this stuff zebras make, I don’t know what it is cuz I never asked. Anyway; you can do many things on it like write a book, paint pictures, you can even play games on it!”

“Games?” Luna quirked her eyebrow, “That one is new to me.”

“Oh yeah, Button Mash took interest in it and started helping Applebloom and her friends,” The food arrived in the middle of Pinkie’s rambling, “Me and Elaine, Button’s mom, have gotten along pretty well and I get to hear all the stuff he’s been doing. His mother is very proud of him!”

The male delegate munched on his meal, “What does the young one do that helps Applebloom?”

“Last I heard, he’s making something called the ‘Source Engine’ no idea what it is but it sounds nice.”

“Is that what allows you to play games on the Macintosh?” Luna pipped.

“Maybe,” Pinkie shrugged, “I didn’t ask.”

“I shall have a pleasant chat with this Button Mash once we’re done then.”

“Sounds like we’re getting a one time trade here,” the male delegate frowned, “Hope this Macintosh isn’t the only thing you have to offer.”

Luna pulled a scroll out of her saddle bag, “Yes, well, we do have many things but it should be noted that the Macintosh is constantly being improved. I was hoping we could agree to make an annual trade when the Macintosh has been advanced.”

“I can find that being beneficial for both of us IF we had a means of doing something with the old Macintoshes,” the female delegate eyed Luna.

“We can recycle the old ones to create new ones,” Luna smirked, “the materials for them are all within our borders but only we know how to turn them into Macintoshes.”

“So we will be giving you old Macintoshes and our homeland treasures for new Macintoshes?”

“Correct!”

“Seems we’d be wasting our resources there. Why would we need new Macintoshes if the old ones work well enough?”

“The old ones might not have things the new ones would,” Pinkie pointed out, “Luna didn’t know Button got games on the Macintosh. Who knows what will be on them next year. Maybe they can be used to talk to aliens deep in space!”

The three large equines blinked and stared at Pinkie.

“We… We would still like more than just Macintoshes,” the male delegate coughed.

“Of course,” Luna read her scroll, “We have a large surplus of farms in the Republic. Our produce is far above average consumption. We’d have to throw away a large amount of grains and fruits because we can’t eat that much. There is also a heavy amount of silver and copper your white smiths can use. Ah, and we shouldn’t forget about the turquoise the buffalo generously give us. Where they find it is unknown to me but they mean well.”

“Is that what the green gem on your neck is?” the female delegate pointed to Luna’s necklace.

Luna looked down to see her silver and turquoise collar. The stone was polished and cut into a five point star shape in the center. Two round stones set on each side of the star. All merged into a solid square of silver wrapped around her neck.

“Yes, yes it is,” Luna smiled, “Our own silver smiths got creative with the stones and made some fine jewelry such as the one you see here.”

“Hmmm….” the female delegate pondered, “It’s a deal then. Our silk and incense for your Macintoshes and turquoise.”

Luna shook hooves with them, closing the deal.

“This calls for a-“

“Pinkamina, no!”

“Daw… but-“

“We just finished a party. Surly we can rest before another one.”

“Okie doki loki!”

Pinkie hopped away. The delegates and Luna sighed with relief.

Pinkie joyfully hopped down the way back to her bakery when she bumped into some ponies in blue robes.

“Oops, sorry,” Pinkie giggled.

“No problem,” the stallion smiled, “No one was hurt so all is well.”

“You look familiar…”

“Well I was talking to you at the party earlier.”

“Hot Streak? Oh wow! I didn’t recognize you with that robe on… wait, why do you have a robe on?”

“I joined the Selene Monks,” Hot Streak declared proudly, “We’re heading down to the apple orchard to help out.”

“Gee, you monks are sure nice to everyone. It’s nice.”

“We’re trying to better ourselves through Luna’s teachings. One monk even wrote a book on it. Here, I have a copy to spare,” He gave Pinkie a tiny pocket book the size of a magazine, “It was nice seeing you again, Pinkie. I hope to see you at another party soon.”

Pinkie waved him goodbye, “Say hi to Applejack for me! She works at the orchard!”

Pinkie glanced at the book Hot Streak gave her. It depicted a crescent moon with a smiling Luna looking up to it with a small minotaur under her wing. The title of the tiny book was written under the moon. It read:

The Tao of Luna by Bwana Wa Zamani

She couldn’t help but laugh at the silly name.

Author's Note:

from google translate: Bwanan Wa Zamani means Old Master.

Based off of Laozi, founder of Taoism.

Comments

[Southern Moon]

The book kinda reminds me of Lao Tzu.